A genome-wide association screen identifies regions on chromosomes 1q25 and 7p21 as risk loci for sporadic prostate cancer

We conducted a genome-wide association study of 3090 sporadic prostate cancer patients and controls using the Affymetrix 10 000 SNP GeneChip. Initial screening of 40 prostate cancer cases and 40 non-cancer controls revealed 237 SNPs to be associated with prostate cancer (P<0.05). Among these SNPs, 33 were selected for further association analysis of 2069 men who had undergone a cancer-screening prostate biopsy. Results identified five loci as being significantly associated with increased prostate cancer risk in this larger sample (rs 1930293, OR=1.7, P=0.03; rs 717809-2p12, OR=1.3, P=0.03; rs 494770-4q34, OR=1.3, P=0.01; rs 2348763-7p21, OR=1.5, P=0.01; rs 1552895-9p22, OR=1.5, P=0.002). To validate these association data, 61 additional HapMap tagSNPs spanning the latter five loci were genotyped in this subject cohort and an additional 1021 men (total subject number=3090). This analysis revealed tag SNP rs 4568789 (chromosome 1q25) and tag SNP rs 13225697 (chromosome 7p21) to be significantly associated with prostate cancer (P-values 0.009 and 0.008, respectively). Haplotype analysis revealed significant associations of prostate cancer with two allele risk haplotypes on both chromosome 1q25 (adjusted OR of 2.7 for prostate cancer, P=0.0003) and chromosome 7p21 (adjusted OR of 1.3, P=0.0004). As linkage data have identified a putative prostate cancer gene on chromosome 1q25 (HPC1), and microarray data have revealed the ETV1 oncogene to be overexpressed in prostate cancer tissue, it appears that chromosome 1q25 and 7p21 may be sites of gene variants conferring risk for sporadic and inherited forms of prostate cancer.     

Inexpensive video-laryngoscopy guided intubation using a personal computer: initial experience of a novel technique

Video-laryngoscopy may provide an enhanced view of laryngeal structures compared to direct visualization. Commercial video-laryngoscopes are often expensive, limiting its adoption for routine use. We describe our initial experience using an inexpensive custom made device. Patients >15 years age, were randomly chosen, after informed consent, for video-laryngoscopy. A custom device easily assembled using an USB endoscopic camera, a conventional Macintosh laryngoscope blade size 3 or 4, and a personal computer was used. Patients with Mallampati class 1–3 were chosen. Video-laryngoscopy was recorded and reviewed. Twenty-four patients aged 16–68 years, of mean weight 58.46 ± 12.54 (40–86) kg were studied. The glottis could be visualized and intubation could be performed in all patients with 22/24 patients on first attempt. Mean duration of laryngoscopy was 22.17 ± 12.78 (7–59) s. Time taken for intubation, was mean of 28.58 ± 21.01 (9–89) s. Three patients with anticipated difficult airways could be intubated on the first attempt. Minor blood staining of the airway was seen in the video in two patients. Cormack–Lehane laryngoscopy grade visualized was 1 in 9/24, 2 in 15/24 patients. Percentage of glottic opening score was 62.29 ± 28.40 (20–100) %. Real-time video could be captured in all cases. The custom-made, inexpensive, video-laryngoscopy device is safe and reliable for clinical use. Real-time visualization and endotracheal intubation were successful in all patients, including those with anticipated difficult airway. Further, this device helps in archiving the video of intubation.     

Effect of patent ductus arteriosus on the heart in preterm infants

There continues to be controversy on the long‐term effects of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and its management. However, the hemodynamic effects of a large PDA in a preterm infant are well known. This article aims to provide insight into the adaptive changes and remodeling effects of a PDA on the myocardium in preterm infants.     

Important Contribution of the Novel Locus comEB to Extracellular DNA-Dependent Staphylococcus lugdunensis Biofilm Formation

The coagulase-negative species Staphylococcus lugdunensis is an emerging cause of serious and potentially life-threatening infections, such as infective endocarditis. The pathogenesis of these infections is characterized by the ability of S. lugdunensis to form biofilms on either biotic or abiotic surfaces. To elucidate the genetic basis of biofilm formation in S. lugdunensis, we performed transposon (Tn917) mutagenesis. One mutant had a significantly reduced biofilm-forming capacity and carried a Tn917 insertion within the competence gene comEB. Site-directed mutagenesis and subsequent complementation with a functional copy of comEB verified the importance of comEB in biofilm formation. In several bacterial species, natural competence stimulates DNA release via lysis-dependent or -independent mechanisms. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) has been demonstrated to be an important structural component of many bacterial biofilms. Therefore, we quantified the eDNA in the biofilms and found diminished eDNA amounts in the comEB mutant biofilm. High-resolution images and three-dimensional data obtained via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CSLM) visualized the impact of the comEB mutation on biofilm integrity. The comEB mutant did not show reduced expression of autolysin genes, decreased autolytic activities, or increased cell viability, suggesting a cell lysis-independent mechanism of DNA release. Furthermore, reduced amounts of eDNA in the comEB mutant biofilms did not result from elevated levels or activity of the S. lugdunensis thermonuclease NucI. In conclusion, we defined here, for the first time, a role for the competence gene comEB in staphylococcal biofilm formation. Our findings indicate that comEB stimulates biofilm formation via a lysis-independent mechanism of DNA release.     

Use of the national electronic maternal and child health registry (MCH eRegistry) in primary care clinics in occupied Palestinian territory: a pilot time-motion study

Background

In primary care maternal and child health clinics in occupied Palestinian territory, documentation and reporting consume considerable time for care providers. An electronic maternal and child health registry (MCH eRegistry), with point-of-care clinical decision support, is being implemented nationally in governmental clinics. We conducted a pilot study of time spent by care providers on important tasks, in preparation for a trial to compare eRegistry and non-eRegistry clinics.