Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Kenyan Common Bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Germplasm Using Peroxidase Gene Markers

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a vital legume used as human food, source of cash income, feed for livestock, and it increases the fertility of soil by its ability to fix nitrogen. The aim of this research was to determine the genetic diversity and population structure of 40 common bean germplasm cultivated in Kenya, using peroxidase gene (POX)-based molecular markers. The loci analyzed showed high diversity and amplified 624 alleles, ranging from 3 to 9 on every locus, with an average of 7.20. The PIC of the POX markers varied from 0.6204 to 0.9110, with an average of 0.7677. The range of the observed heterozygosity was from 0.6667 to 0.9150 with a mean of 0.7945, while the values of the mean genetic diversity ranged from 0.3072 to 0.4425 with a mean of 0.3972. The UPGMA phenogram separated the genotypes into two main genetic clusters, and the genotypes showed no grouping by geographical origins. The highest value of genetic variation was observed between the genotypes obtained from Western, Rift valley and Central regions of Kenya. Population structure analysis grouped the germplasm into 7 gene pools and showed that the genotypes have a common genetic lineage. AMOVA revealed higher genetic diversity (99%) within population than among population (1%), and this offers a reliable base for the design of genetic improvement schemes. Results of the present study can be used in future breeding programs and for the genetic improvement in common bean.     

The neutralization effect of montelukast on SARS-CoV-2 is shown by multiscale in silico simulations and combined in vitro studies

Small molecule inhibitors have previously been investigated in different studies as possible therapeutics in the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In the current drug repurposing study, we identified the leukotriene (D4) receptor antagonist montelukast as a novel agent that simultaneously targets two important drug targets of SARS-CoV-2. We initially demonstrated the dual inhibition profile of montelukast through multiscale molecular modeling studies. Next, we characterized its effect on both targets by different in vitro experiments including the enzyme (main protease) inhibition-based assay, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, pseudovirus neutralization on HEK293T/hACE2+TMPRSS2, and virus neutralization assay using xCELLigence MP real-time cell analyzer. Our integrated in silico and in vitro results confirmed the dual potential effect of montelukast both on the main protease enzyme inhibition and virus entry into the host cell (spike/ACE2). The virus neutralization assay results showed that SARS-CoV-2 virus activity was delayed with montelukast for 20 h on the infected cells. The rapid use of new small molecules in the pandemic is very important today. Montelukast, whose pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties are very well characterized and has been widely used in the treatment of asthma since 1998, should urgently be completed in clinical phase studies and, if its effect is proved in clinical phase studies, it should be used against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).     

Molecular Diagnosis of Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Presenting with Pancytopenia at an Early Age: The First Report from Turkey

A three-month-old boy presented with growth failure, skeletal abnormalities, otitis media and pancytopenia. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency was confirmed by low levels of fecal elastase. He was diagnosed as Shwachman-Diamond syndrome by clinical and laboratory findings. The diagnosis was confirmed by sequence analysis for SBDS gene on chromosome seven revealing compound heterozygous mutation, which are c.258+2T-C and c.183-184TA-CT. Matched unrelated donor screening for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was initiated. Unfortunately, he died of respiratory difficulty at 5 months of age. Our case is the youngest patient whose presumptive Shwachman-Diamond syndrome diagnosis was confirmed by molecular analysis.     

FcγRIIIa-V/F 158 polymorphism in Turkish children with asthma bronchiale and allergic rhinitis

Fc receptors (FcR) play an important role in immune regulation. This might be linked to the variability in immune response, therefore relating to the pathogenesis of atopic diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Fc γ RIIIa gene polymorphism in Turkish children with asthma and allergic rhinitis. The study included 364 atopic children (184 bronchial asthma, 180 allergic rhinitis) and 234 healthy subjects as the control group, aged between 5 to 16 years. Patients were recruited from outpatient clinics of allergy and general pediatric care. Plasma IgE concentrations were measured by immunoassays and skin prick test was done in children with atopic diseases. The Fc γ RIIIa gene polymorphism was determined using the polymerase chain reaction method. Distribution of V158V genotype was significantly different among patient groups compared to controls (for asthmatic children OR: 5.33, 95% CI: 2.80–10.23, p < 0.001; for allergic rhinitis OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.75–6.07, p = 0.001). Distribution of 158 V allele was significantly different among asthmatic children (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.65–2.92, p < 0.001) and allergic rhinitis patients (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.32–2.35, p < 0.001) compared to healthy controls. Our study shows that the V158V genotype in Fc γ RIIIa gene polymorphism may be a genetic risk factor for the development of atopic diseases.     

Surgical importance of highly located innominate artery in neck surgery

Massive hemorrhage is an unusual complication of tracheotomy, and the most common causes are injury to the anterior jugular veins and the thyroid isthmus, or unrecognized variations of the vascular structures, such as the arteria thyroidea ima. We present a case of high-running innominate artery that ascends until the third tracheal ring and courses horizontally anterior to the trachea in a patient with laryngeal carcinoma. If not noticed during tracheolaryngeal surgery, trauma to this vessel and subsequent hemorrhage may be fatal. In this report, the case is presented and the surgical significance of this anomaly is emphasized.     

Comparison of protein carbonyl and total plasma thiol concentrations in patients with complete hydatidiform mole with those in healthy pregnant women

BACKGROUND: Normal pregnant women are known to have increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation (which can be estimated by protein carbonyl concentration) but offsetting antioxidant protection (of which plasma thiols are an important component). AIM: This study set out to compare levels of these markers in normal pregnant women and patients with complete hydatidiform mole (CHM). METHODS: Blood was taken from 41 healthy pregnant women and 39 patients with CHM attending a university hospital, and protein carbonyl and thiol levels determined spectrophotometrically on plasma. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: Patients with CHM were found to have significantly higher levels of protein carbonyls and lower (but non-significant) levels of thiols. CONCLUSION: The results may indicate oxidative stress as a feature of CHM.     

Glandular hamartoma of the larynx

Glandular hamartoma of the larynx is an extremely rare lesion, and the number of well-documented and acceptable cases is limited. Presenting symptoms may include changes in voice, eating and activity levels, and respiratory complaints. We report on a 14-month-old infant with this rare clinical entity. Direct laryngoscopy revealed a well-mucosalized, encapsulated, firm, 0.5 cm wide and 2.5 cm long lesion that originated from the right aryepiglottic fold and reached into the nasopharynx. The mass was completely excised endoscopically. Histopathological examination revealed a hamartoma, which was composed of glandular elements, mixed with mesodermal tissues. After endoscopic removal of the hamartoma, the child was relieved of the obstruction.