Whole genome sequencing is being rapidly applied to the study of helminth genomes, including de novo genome assembly, population genetics, and diagnostic applications. Although late-stage juvenile and adult parasites typically produce sufficient DNA for molecular analyses, these parasitic stages are almost always inaccessible in the live host; immature life stages found in the environment for which samples can be collected non-invasively offer a potential alternative, however, these samples are typically yield very low quantities of DNA, can be environmentally resistant, and are susceptible to contamination, often from bacterial or host DNA. Here, we have tested five low-input DNA extraction protocols together with a low-input sequencing library protocol to assess the feasibility of whole genome sequencing of individual immature helminth samples. These approaches do not use whole genome amplification, a common but costly approach to increase the yield of low input samples. We first tested individual parasites from two species spotted onto FTA cards - egg and L1 stages of Haemonchus contortus and miracidia of Schistosoma mansoni - before further testing on an additional six species - Ancylostoma caninum, Ascaridia dissimilis, Dirofilaria immitis, Dracunculus medinensis, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Trichuris muris - with an optimal protocol. Whole genome sequencing followed by analyses to determine the proportion of on- and off-target mapping revealed successful sample preparations for six of the eight species tested with variation between species, and within species but between life stages, described. These results demonstrate the feasibility of whole genome sequencing of individual parasites, and highlight a new avenue towards generating sensitive, specific, and information-rich data for the diagnosis and surveillance of helminths.
IN SEARCH OF EXPO 67
Curated by Lesley Johnstone and Monika Kin Gagnon, Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, Montreal, 26 June – 1 November 2017
SARA BERMAN’S CLOSET
The Met Fifth Avenue, New York, 6 March – 26 November 2017
OFFSHORE: ARTISTS EXPLORE THE SEA
Ferens Art Gallery and Hull Maritime Museum, Hull, United Kingdom, 1 April – 28 August 2017
56 ARTILLERY LANE
Curated by Amy Budd and Naomi Pearce, Raven Row, London, 21 April – 11 June 2017
LEARNING FROM ATHENS
Documenta 14, curated by Adam Szymczyk (along with Pierre Bal-Blanc, Hendrik Folkerts, Candice Hopkins, Hila Peleg, Paul B. Preciado, Dieter Roelstaete, Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung and Monika Szewczyk), Athens, 8 April – 16 July 2017
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD: GET A LIFE!
Curated by Alex Krenn, chi K11 art space, K11 Art Mall, Shanghai, 20 December 2016 – 28 February 2017
Background
The complications associated with obstetric cholestasis (OC) are unclear. This means that the appropriate management of OC is also unclear and often not evidence based.
Aims and objectives
To audit current practices in the management OC across Leeds, adherence to current guidelines and complications in the OC population.
Methods
The notes of 100 women who were prescribed ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) from May 2009 to December 2010 were obtained. 60 of the patients' notes were retrieved and retrospectively audited.
Results
95% of patients were monitored by fetal ultrasound scans (USS) and 47% by CTG antenatally. Labour was induced in 72% of patients. 22% of deliveries were preterm. In 30% of cases there were signs of fetal distress during labour but there were no cases of fetal death. There was only one significant case of post-partum haemorrhage. A relationship between bile acid levels, bilirubin levels and complications in OC is possible but the figures are not significant.
Conclusion
There was an increased incidence of fetal distress and preterm delivery compared to national statistics but this could be attributed to the increased rate of labour induction and known co-morbidities in these patients. Most women were monitored fortnightly by USS; this was not evidence based, did not affect management decisions and could be a waste of resources. The appropriate treatment of OC needs to be clarified as currently the benefit of management such as inducing labour early are unclear and may cause further complications such as fetal distress during labour.
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