Restriction Profiles Research Articles

Do the WHO-ICF personal factors “age” and “sex” impact limited activity and restricted participation category profiles differently between younger and older women and men in multimodal chronic back pain rehabilitation?

Purpose To investigate if the International Classification of Functioning and Health (ICF) context factors “age” and “sex” would impact the disablement and respective improvement with rehabilitation defined with the ICF core set for chronic low back pain (cLBP). Furthermore, associations between limitations/restrictions and measures of body function or quality of life were of interest. Materials and methods One thousand five hundred and twelve employed cLBP patients who completed 6 months of outpatient rehabilitation and for whom complete assessments were available before and after rehabilitation. Rehabilitation comprised of progressive resistance training, psychological counseling, and educational sessions. Main outcome measures were the ICF-activity/participation core categories automatically predicted from random forests and utilizing information from the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and Pain Disability Index. Results Generalized linear-mixed models revealed that upon completion of rehabilitation the presence of a limitation within the ICF activity “walking” significantly decreased with significant between-group differences. The category “doing housework” demonstrated gender-specific differences, and both gender- and age-specific differences were observed for work-related participation categories. There were no meaningful associations between ICF limitation/restriction categories and body function measures (point-biserial/Spearman’s correlations). Conclusions The personal factors “age” and “sex” impact some ICF limitation/restriction categories in cLBP; appropriately addressing these personal features could further improve phase III rehabilitation outcome. Implications for rehabilitation Consistent with calls to explore the age and sex/gender influence on health and disease, little is known how these factors affect the disablement of individuals with chronic back pain. The factors “age” and “sex” drive differences in some categories within the ICF activity/restriction categories. If age- and gender-specific features in activities and participation are not appropriately addressed through interventions, rehabilitation outcome may remain suboptimal in cLBP.

PCR-RFLP analysis of rbcL chloroplast gene

To identify intergeneric, interspecific, and intraspecific polymorphisms, PCR-RFLP studies of the chloroplast rbcL gene profiles were carried out using five restriction endonucleases (AluI, HpaII, BsuRI, BstHHI, BstMBI) in 14 species belonging to 6 different genera and 7 Thuja occidentalis cultivars. For all the genera studied (Pinus sp., Abies sp., Picea sp., Microbiota sp., Syringa sp., Thuja sp.), A genus-specific restriction profile characterized by a unique combination of restriction DNA fragments was revealed. The combination of enzymes used in the study did not reveal the interspecies and intraspecific variability of the rbcL gene. Species belonging to the same genus and all varieties of western thuja were characterized by identical PCR-RFLP profiles. It is assumed that further research, with the inclusion of a larger number of species and enzymes, will reveal polymorphism at the interspecies and intraspecific levels.

Genotypic correlation between Salmonella Enteritidis isolates from broiler breeders and hatchery flocks

Abstract In this study, Salmonella Enteritidis strains isolated from dust and environmental materials from different flocks located in Turkey’s Western Black Sea region were examined by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). A total of 59 S. Enteritidis strains isolated from broiler breeder and hatchery flocks, and one S. Enteritidis strain isolated from a stool sample of a farm worker were examined. PFGE analysis revealed two major PFGE groups and nine different macro restriction profiles. It was determined that 85% (51/60) of the strains were close to each other and comprised Group I. All S. Enteritidis strains had the same sequence type (ST): ST11. Isolation of strains with a single genotype suggests that there may be a cross transmission between the flocks.

Transitions between social network profiles and their relation with all-cause mortality among older adults

BackgroundThe importance of social network in mortality among older adults has been acknowledged. However, existing studies typically overlook the interplay among social network indicators, and seldom consider the change in social network over time. We take a person-centered approach to identify transitions between social network profiles, and examine the linkage of such transitions with subsequent mortality risk. MethodsData came from 2738 older Singaporeans enrolled in a longitudinal study. Latent transition analysis examined nine social network indicators assessed at two time points, two years apart to reveal the corresponding transitions between social network profiles. Adjusted Cox regression then associated the identified transitions with all-cause mortality risk in the subsequent four years. ResultsWe observed three diverse social network profiles (that featured diversified social interaction and involved both household and non-household members) and three relatively restricted social network profiles (that focused on household or non-household members). Compared to sustained diverse profiles over time, sustained restricted profiles or a transition from diverse to restricted profiles entailed increased mortality risk. The mortality risk following a restricted-to-diverse profile transition could be as low as that associated with sustained diverse profiles. ConclusionsDynamics of social network profiles have implications for mortality risk in later life. To promote longevity, initiatives are needed to help older people to maintain or shift to diverse social network profiles.

Coagulase gene and agr complex polymorphism-based genotyping of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> isolated from non-human primates

Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic microorganism causing a great number of diseases in humans and animals. Many researches on genotyping Staphylococcus aureus isolated from humans and mastitis affected cows are performed, but no foreign reports on typing of Staphylococcus aureus detected in monkeys have been found. Staphylococcus-induced infections are however widely spread in primates. The paper demonstrates results of molecular and genetic examination of Staphy-lococcus aureus isolated from non-human primates. The examination was based on typing of coagulase gene and polymorphic locus of arg gene that regulates expression of pathogenicity-associated genes. Structures of coagulase gene ( coa ) and polymorphic types of regulatory gene ( agr ) were studied in 145 Staphylococcus aureus isolates recovered from various monkey species. The studies resulted in singular coagulase gene fragments of four dimensions: 600, 750, 800 and 900 bps. Following AluI endonuclease restriction results Staphylococcus aureus was classified in seven different coa -types. Coagulase gene of genotype VII predominated (31.7%), genotype II was detected less frequently (9.7%). Each Staphylococcus aureus isolate is specified by a definite coagulase gene restriction profile; therefore, at least seven Staphylococcus aureus strains are currently circulating in the monkeys in the monkey facilities. Herewith, those staphylococci that bear genotype VII coagulase gene are invasive as they are isolated from various organs and pus as well as from feces and nasal cavities of the animals. Analysis of the study results demonstrated that bacteria of this species could be transmitted between different monkey species. Apart from human Staphylococcus aureus , in whose genome agrI prevails, agrIV prevailed in the isolates outlined in this paper (59.3%); agrII and agrIII were detected in 5.5 and 2.1% of the isolates, respectively.

Biological potential of Ascophyllum nodosum extract on rhizobial diversity in nodules of mothbean Vigna aconitifolia Jacq. via Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis

Aim: The aim of this study was to use Ascophyllum nodosum for potentially increasing the growth and rhizobial diversity in nodulating rhizobia in Vigna aconitifolia. Methodology: Different concentrations of Ascophyllum nodosum extracts (0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.50%) were applied via foliar spray and on roots of Vigna aconitifolia. Growth characteristics and Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis were conducted to detect the morphological and molecular changes in rhizobial diversity. The restriction profiles thus obtained were used to study the rhizobial communities via Cluster analysis and Dendrogram using NTSYS-PC program and UPGMA constructed. Results: Roots treated with 0.05% Ascophyllum nodosum extract showed best growth of plants. This concentration not only proved best for the aggregation of nodules but also for obtaining enormous rhizobial diversity. Interpretation: Ascophyllum nodosum is a modern, cheap, non-toxic natural biofertilizer and Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis represents a favorable alternative to culture dependent method for assessing rhizobial diversity in nodulating bacteria.

An Interim Report on a Phase 1/2 Study of HPN217, a Half-Life Extended Tri-Specific T Cell Activating Construct (TriTAC ®) Targeting B Cell Maturation Antigen for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

An Interim Report on a Phase 1/2 Study of HPN217, a Half-Life Extended Tri-Specific T Cell Activating Construct (TriTAC ®) Targeting B Cell Maturation Antigen for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Plasmablastic lymphomas show restricted EBV latency profile and MYC gene aberrations

The pathogenesis of plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) involves the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and MYC gene aberrations. We aimed to determine the EBV latent infection pattern and frequency of MYC gene aberrations in PBLs. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies for EBNA1, EBNA2, and LMP1 while fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed using a MYC probe. The patient cohort comprised 49 adult cases (44 were HIV-positive and three were HIV-negative). Forty-one cases were EBV-positive with 11 EBNA1-positive cases, all cases EBNA2-negative, and four LMP1-positive cases. Latency 0 was determined in 29 cases, latency I in eight cases, and latency II in four cases. The MYC gene was rearranged in eight cases, showed copy number alterations in 11 cases and, no rearrangement in 11 cases. This is the largest cohort of PBLs from South Africa to show a predominantly restricted EBV latency pattern with MYC gene aberrations as a common finding.

Characterization of Campylobacter spp. Strains Isolated From Wild Birds in Turkey.

Turkey is an important stopover site for many migrating birds between Europe, Asia and Africa. Campylobacter spp. are frequently found in wildlife, in particular waterfowl, and distinct strains are disseminated within this reservoir. In this study, 183 wild birds of hunting areas in Turkey were collected and thermophilic Campylobacter spp. from cloacal swabs were isolated at a prevalence of 5.2% from song thrushes (6/116) and 93% from Eurasian coots (41/44). After PCR species differentiation and flaA restriction profiles determination, C. jejuni and C. coli strains were further investigated by whole genome sequencing. PCR target amplification of the ceuE gene, commonly used for C. coli species-identification was inefficient and even hampered in one isolate. A close look on the ceuE sequence revealed that various mismatches in the ceuE oligo annealing sites caused less efficient diagnostic detection. All C. coli isolates belonged to the environmental clade II and clade III, for which thirty-six novel MLST types were identified. Further single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis showed a high genomic divergence between the C. coli isolates. High variability was also implicated for putative plasmid-located genes detected in 51% of the C. coli isolates. Distinct gene variants in clades II and III C. coli were identified by a k-mer analysis. After substracting k-mers in common with C. coli clade I database, 11 and 35 distinct genes were identified in clades II and III isolates, mainly involved in surface structures and modifications as well as signal transduction, suggesting niche adaptation of C. coli strains in wild birds. All strains were susceptible against (fluoro-)quinolones, erythromycin, tetracycline, gentamicin and only one isolate was resistant against streptomycin, suggesting that the sensitive phenotype was due to absence of selective pressure and niche separation in wild birds in Turkey. We conclude that Campylobacter spp. isolates from wildlife and environmental sources are still scarce in the databases and that there is a need for more studies on thermophilic Campylobacter spp. from different places all over the world in order to complement our understanding on dissemination and adaptation to distinct niches of this global food-borne pathogen.

Abstract 1531: Development of PBMC derived tumor effector cells with potent pan-cancer cytolytic activity for autologous cellular immunotherapy

Abstract Introduction: A unique autologous cellular therapeutic (SUPLEXA) has been developed from human PBMC. It is comprised of NK cells, γδ T cells and CD8+ T effector cells, capable of broadly lysing a variety of tumor cell lines in vitro. SUPLEXA cells are manufactured using an efficient 2 week xeno-free manufacturing procedure employing two proprietary engineered leukocyte stimulator cell lines (ENLIST) that express an array of immunomodulatory proteins. The SUPLEXA cell manufacturing process is highly reproducible and demonstrates low inter-subject variability in cellular composition. SUPLEXA cells are distinguished from many other cellular approaches in that they are derived from autologous PBMC that have only been stimulated with ENLIST cells through naturally occurring receptors without any genetic modification. Here, we report on the in vitro characterization of SUPLEXA cytolytic activity on a variety of target tumor cell lines. Results: We prepared SUPLEXA cells from the PBMC of a variety of solid tumor patients (5 melanoma and 5 prostate). Yields and cell characterization by mass cytometry (CyTOF) yielded similar profiles within the variability expected for all the major cell subtypes. SUPLEXA cells were comparatively assessed for cytolytic activity on 4 tumor cell lines; K562 (leukemia), PC3 (prostate), M14 (melanoma) and COLO205 (colorectal cancer). In all instances, cytotoxicity was observed in a quantitative flow cytometry and microscopic assay and was titratable with cell number. Dose-dependent cytolysis was observed for all tumor lines, even at low E:T ratios of 1:10 suggesting that SUPLEXA cells acquire efficient and broad tumor cell lysis activity. Supernatants from cytolysis assays were analyzed for cytokine levels by a 35-plex assay revealing a remarkably restricted cytokine profile with constitutively high levels of RANTES production by the SUPLEXA cells and titratable levels of induced IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-8 production. Conclusions: SUPLEXA cells represent an easy to manufacture autologous anti-tumor cell therapy that overcomes many of the limitations associated with previous autologous therapies. They possess a broad anti-tumor activity at exceedingly low E:T ratios with specific production of IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-8 during tumor cell killing. Ongoing efforts are underway to understand the relative contributions of NK cells, γδ T cells and CD8+ T cells to broad tumor cytolysis and the antigen-specificities seen with SUPLEXA cells from multiple donors. Planning for a first in human clinical trial is currently underway. Citation Format: Frank Borriello, Joshua W. Keegan, James A. Lederer. Development of PBMC derived tumor effector cells with potent pan-cancer cytolytic activity for autologous cellular immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1531.

Abstract 1513: A case study investigation into the role of CD4+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in a metastatic melanoma patient with a complete response to adoptive cell therapy

Abstract Immunotherapy for cancer has long been focused on the generation of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, independent of their dynamic CD4+ T cell counterpart. One promising approach, adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), has yielded response rates ranging from 28-55%. Although lasting and complete responses have been achieved, there is substantial opportunity for improvement. Investigation into the role of CD4+ TIL in this setting remains critically underexplored. CD4+ T cells recognize tumor antigen presented on MHC Class II either directly on tumor cells or indirectly through antigen presenting cells (APCs) and are able to elicit potent anti-tumor responses under the appropriate conditions. Here, we present a case study of a metastatic melanoma patient who received adoptive transfer of a predominantly (88%) CD4+ TIL product. This patient demonstrated a complete response (CR) to therapy despite a lack of detection of IFNg in the infusion product in vitro when these TIL were co-cultured with autologous tumor prior to ACT. Tumor recognition was also absent when CD8+ TIL were isolated and stimulated directly with HLA-matched tumor lines, indicating a lack of recognition of shared melanoma antigens presented on MHC Class I. Longitudinal analysis of the peripheral blood of this patient confirmed that the infused CD4+ TIL persisted after therapy for at least six weeks. Whole exome sequencing (WES) performed on the TIL surgical specimen discovered 88 non-synonymous single nucleotide variants (SNVs) as candidate neoantigens. Predicted binding of the resulting mutant peptides to autologous HLA molecules generated a predominantly MHC Class II restricted profile, with 81.8% of variants capable of MHC Class II presentation and greater than half exclusive to MHC Class II only. CD4+ TIL were screened for tumor antigen recognition by upregulation of OX40 and 41BB after stimulation with autologous APCs loaded with mutant peptides. Nearly half (49.2%) of CD4+ TIL responded to tumor-derived peptides. These CD4+ TIL were then sorted into tumor-reactive and non-reactive subsets for further clonal analysis of phenotype and transcriptional profile (scRNASeq) of these T cells in order to characterize the nature of the CD4+ TIL response to tumor antigen. Overall, thorough interrogation of this patient's case study demonstrated evidence of CD4+ TIL involvement in a complete clinical response after ACT. Ongoing studies will define the precise role of tumor-reactive CD4+ T cells in the anti-tumor immune response and provide the framework for future investigation into their function and therapeutic efficacy. Citation Format: MacLean Hall, Pat Innamarato, Amy Mackay, Holly Branthoover, Alex Alfaro, Carolyn Rich, Allison Richards, Jonathan Hensel, Matthew Beatty, John Mullinax, Amod A. Sarnaik, Shari Pilon-Thomas. A case study investigation into the role of CD4+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in a metastatic melanoma patient with a complete response to adoptive cell therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1513.

Collaboration strategy selection in BIM-enabled construction projects: a perspective through typical collaboration profiles

PurposeCollaboration is essential to BIM-enabled construction projects (BECPs). To facilitate collaboration, various strategies have been proposed. Usually, project team adopts single collaboration strategy for convenience. However, BIM-based collaboration is rather dynamic and exposed to a lot of barriers and risks, which easily changes collaboration conditions among partners. Therefore, better understanding of collaboration conditions in BECPs is crucial to develop flexible and suitable strategies. To fill in the gap, this study intends to identify typical collaboration profiles in BECPs and develop a profile-oriented strategy selection framework.Design/methodology/approachThis study establishes a six-dimensional collaborative behavior matric based on a comprehensive literature review to profile collaboration. Then a questionnaire survey is conducted to collect the collaboration data from 162 BECPs in China. Finally, latent profile analysis (LPA) is utilized to identify the typical collaboration profiles in BECPs.FindingsThrough LPA, four profiles are identified, including restricted collaboration profile, smarmy collaboration profile, intuitive collaboration profile, and modest collaboration profile. A profile-oriented strategy selection framework is also established to match strategies with collaboration profiles. Two major categories of strategies are proposed to promote these collaboration profiles including trust building and elevating strategies and collaborative behaviors facilitating strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThese identified profiles can provide an insightful understanding on the diversified collaboration conditions in BECPs.Practical implicationsThe profile-oriented strategy selection framework will help managers develop strategies flexibly to promote collaboration in BECPs.Originality/valueThis study validates four typical collaboration profiles in BECPs. Moreover, a profile-oriented strategy selection framework is also established for collaboration facilitation in BECPs.

Towards a Better Understanding of the Relationships between Galectin-7, p53 and MMP-9 during Cancer Progression.

It has been almost 25 years since the discovery of galectin-7. This member of the galectin family has attracted interest from many working in the cancer field given its highly restricted expression profile in epithelial cells and the fact that cancers of epithelial origin (carcinoma) are among the most frequent and deadly cancer subtypes. Initially described as a p53-induced gene and associated with apoptosis, galectin-7 is now recognized as having a protumorigenic role in many cancer types. Several studies have indeed shown that galectin-7 is associated with aggressive behavior of cancer cells and induces expression of MMP-9, a member of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) family known to confer invasive behavior to cancer cells. It is therefore not surprising that many studies have examined its relationships with p53 and MMP-9. However, the relationships between galectin-7 and p53 and MMP-9 are not always clear. This is largely because p53 is often mutated in cancer cells and such mutations drastically change its functions and, consequently, its association with galectin-7. In this review, we discuss the functional relationships between galectin-7, p53 and MMP-9 and reconcile some apparently contradictory observations. A better understanding of these relationships will help to develop a working hypothesis and model that will provide the basis for further research in the hope of establishing a new paradigm for tackling the role of galectin-7 in cancer.

Epigenetic and Transcriptional Control of the Opioid Prodynorphine Gene: In-Depth Analysis in the Human Brain.

Neuropeptides serve as neurohormones and local paracrine regulators that control neural networks regulating behavior, endocrine system and sensorimotor functions. Their expression is characterized by exceptionally restricted profiles. Circuit-specific and adaptive expression of neuropeptide genes may be defined by transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms controlled by cell type and subtype sequence-specific transcription factors, insulators and silencers. The opioid peptide dynorphins play a critical role in neurological and psychiatric disorders, pain processing and stress, while their mutations cause profound neurodegeneration in the human brain. In this review, we focus on the prodynorphin gene as a model for the in-depth epigenetic and transcriptional analysis of expression of the neuropeptide genes. Prodynorphin studies may provide a framework for analysis of mechanisms relevant for regulation of neuropeptide genes in normal and pathological human brain.

Profiling system of oral microbiota utilizing polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis

ObjectivesProfiling of oral microbiota has traditionally been performed using conventional methods. These methods are relatively time-consuming and labor-intensive. Metagenomic analysis of oral microbiota using high-speed next-generation sequencing is a highly promising technology. However, it is expensive. This study sought to develop a simple and cost-effective profiling method for oral microbiota using 16S rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of PCR-amplified 16S ribosomal RNA genes. MethodsOral isolates of 59 bacterial species from human saliva, including Streptococcus, Actinomyces, and Veillonella, were cultured anaerobically on CDC Anaerobe 5% sheep blood agar plates. Genomic DNA was extracted from single colonies and 16S rRNA genes were PCR-amplified using the 27F and 1492R universal primers. The PCR products were purified and characterized by single digestion with HpaII restriction endonuclease. 16S rRNA gene sequences were obtained from the GenBank database, and the expected restriction profiles were compared with the RFLP patterns obtained from agarose gel electrophoresis. ResultsSixty-five RFLP patterns were obtained from 27 genera and 59 species. The expected fragment sizes of these species were calculated based on GenBank 16S rRNA gene sequences. Fifty-nine patterns were obtained from the analysis of GenBank sequences. The RFLP patterns produced with HpaII distinguished many oral bacterial species. RFLP patterns enabling identification of oral bacteria were generated. The 16S rRNA gene PCR-RFLP analysis did not require expensive equipment and reagents and was cost-effective. ConclusionPCR-RFLP analysis based on 16S rRNA genes could be an alternative method for oral microbiota analysis in smaller laboratories.

Molecular characterization and biological activity of native Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus isolate

BackgroundSpodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliNPV) is considered a promising biocontrol agent that can be used for the effective control of the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which is an economic pest on many cultivated plants and crops in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The genome of the SpliNPV-AN1956 isolate has been fully sequenced, providing a reference strain for comparison of new isolates. In this study, identification, biological activity, and genetic characterization of a field collected SpliNPV isolate were carried out.ResultsThe examination of viral occlusion bodies (OBs) by TEM showed a typical baculovirus OBs of type nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) with polyhedral structures. The phylogenetic analysis of the late expression factor- 5 (lef-5) gene as well as the restriction profile analysis confirmed the identity of SpliNPV as a variant isolate. Digestion with ScaI endonuclease showed that 4 fragments of 50, 35, 27, and 13 kb were detected but 3.2 kb was absent in SpliNPV-Cab3 pattern compared to the reference strain. Meanwhile, upon digestion with PstI and HindIII endonucleases, no differences were observed in both isolates’ pattern. Moreover, the virulence evaluation against S. littoralis 1st instar larvae indicated that LC50 value of SpliMNPV-Cab3 was higher than that estimated for the reference strain. Also, ST50 of SpliNPV-Cab3 (120 h) was significantly different with that of the reference strain (132 h).ConclusionThe host specificity based on virulence parameters make SpliNPV-Cab3 isolate a potential candidate to be involved in the integrated pest management strategies for the control of S. littoralis population with a prospect to biopesticide development.

Pratylenchusvovlasi sp. Nov. (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae) on Raspberries in North Italy with a Morphometrical and Molecular Characterization.

Root-lesion nematode species rank third only to root-knot and cyst nematodes as having the greatest economic impact on crops worldwide. A survey of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with decaying raspberries (Rubus sp.) in northern Italy revealed that root-lesion nematodes were the most frequently occurring species among other phytonematodes. Several Pratylenchus species have been associated with Rubus sp. in Canada (Quebec, British Columbia) and USA (North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey) including P. penetrans and P. crenatus. In the roots and rhizosphere of symptomatic raspberries, nematodes of two Pratylenchus spp. were detected. Detailed morphometrics of the two root-lesion nematode isolates were consistent with Pratylenchus crenatus and with an undescribed Pratylenchus species. The extracted nematodes were observed and measured as live and fixed materials and subsequently identified by integrative taxonomy (morphometrically and molecularly). The latter species is described herein as Pratylenchus vovlasi sp. nov., resulting morphometrically closest to P. mediterraneus and phylogenetically to P. pratensis. The molecular identification of Pratylenchus vovlasi sp. nov. was carried out by sequencing the ITS region, D2-D3 expansion domains of the 28S rRNA gene and a partial region of the nuclear hsp90 gene. ITS-RFLP and sequence analyses revealed that Pratylenchus vovlasi sp. nov. had species-specific restriction profiles with no corresponding sequences present in the database. The phylogenetic relationships with ITS and D2-D3 sequences placed the Pratylenchus vovlasi sp. nov. in a clade with P. pratensis and P. pseudopratensis. This research confirms the occurrence of cryptic biodiversity within the genus Pratylenchus as well as the need for an integrative approach to the identification of Pratylenchus species.

English

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder precipitating micro vascular, macro vascular complications and peripheral vascular diseases. Pulmonary complications of diabetes mellitus have been poorly characterised. Glycaemic status has shown varied impact on lung functions. In type-2 diabetes there is resistance to insulin action and also inadequate insulin secretion. Diabetes mellitus is associated with morphological and functional abnormalities. Several studies have shown that diabetes is associated with impaired pulmonary function. Pulmonary complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) have been poorly characterised. Some authors have reported normal pulmonary functions and even concluded that spirometry is not at all necessary in diabetic patients. We wanted to highlight the evidence-based significance of spirometry. METHODS This cross-sectional study was done for a period of 1 year from September 2017 to July 2018. The study sample consisted of 50 type-2 diabetes patients and 50 controls. RESULTS A total of 100 subjects were included in the present study; 50 of them were diabetics and the other 50 were non-diabetic controls matched by age, sex and body mass index (BMI). The range of forced vital capacity (FVC) in diabetic group was from 1.36 litres, which is lesser than range in controls (2.06 litres). Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) / FVC ranged from 0.59 in diabetics compared to 0.84 in controls. Mean FVC value was higher in diabetics with a duration of diabetes of less than 5 years (2.72) as compared to those with diabetes of more than 5 years (2.03) with a P value of 0.0004 which is statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with restrictive pattern of respiratory abnormality. As the duration of diabetes increases the restrictive profile was more prominent. There was inverse relation between glycaemic status and spirometric indices FEV1 and FVC. Thus, an intensive glycaemic management may reduce the risk of death through an improved ventilator function which is independent of the other beneficial effects. KEY WORDS Pulmonary Function Test, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Glycaemic Status

Characterization of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’-related strain association with leaf yellowing of Wrightia antidysenterica (Arctic Snow) in Tripura, India

Wrightia antidysenterica is a small compact and evergreen ornamental shrub. Little leaf and yellowing symptoms were recorded on W. antidysenterica plants in June 2018 at College of Agriculture campus, Lembucherra, Tripura. The expected amplicons of ~1.25 kb and ~480 bp were obtained in symptomatic leaf samples with the phytoplasma specific universal 16S rRNA and secA gene primers. Sequence comparison analysis of 16S rRNA and secA gene confirmed the association of ‘Ca. P. asteris’-related strain. However, comparing the restriction profiles of 16S rRNA gene in virtual RFLP analysis revealed that the phytoplasma was a 16SrI group related strain. To our knowledge, this is the first report of phytoplasma association with W. antidysenterica little leaf and yellowing in world.

School motivation profiles of Dutch 9th graders

The aim of this study was to identify school motivation profiles of Dutch 9th grade students in a four-dimensional motivation space, including mastery, performance, social and extrinsic motivation. Multiple clustering methods (K-means, K-medoids, restricted latent profile analysis) and multiple indices for selecting the optimal number of clusters were applied. The statistical selection methods did not completely concur on the optimal number of clusters, but a clear common denominator was provided by the Calinski-Harabasz index and the minimum and mean Silhouette values. All three indices indicated two clusters as the optimal number, regardless of the clustering method used: one cluster of 9th graders with high average scores on all dimensions and one cluster with low mean scores on all dimensions. In addition, we explored the substantive interpretation of multiple cluster solutions. It was discovered that most students are in clusters that can be classified into one of three profile types that may differ in level: (1) approximately equal mean scores on all dimensions, (2) relative high mean scores on mastery and social motivation, and (3) a relatively low mean score on performance motivation. The latter profile type is believed to be a new discovery.