An open dataset of Plasmodium falciparum genome variation in 7,000 worldwide samples

MalariaGEN is a data-sharing network that enables groups around the world to work together on the genomic epidemiology of malaria. Here we describe a new release of curated genome variation data on 7,000 Plasmodium falciparum samples from MalariaGEN partner studies in 28 malaria-endemic countries. High-quality genotype calls on 3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short indels were produced using a standardised analysis pipeline. Copy number variants associated with drug resistance and structural variants that cause failure of rapid diagnostic tests were also analysed.  Almost all samples showed genetic evidence of resistance to at least one antimalarial drug, and some samples from Southeast Asia carried markers of resistance to six commonly-used drugs. Genes expressed during the mosquito stage of the parasite life-cycle are prominent among loci that show strong geographic differentiation. By continuing to enlarge this open data resource we aim to facilitate research into the evolutionary processes affecting malaria control and to accelerate development of the surveillance toolkit required for malaria elimination.

An open dataset of Plasmodium falciparum genome variation in 7,000 worldwide samples

MalariaGEN is a data-sharing network that enables groups around the world to work together on the genomic epidemiology of malaria. Here we describe a new release of curated genome variation data on 7,000 Plasmodium falciparum samples from MalariaGEN partner studies in 28 malaria-endemic countries. High-quality genotype calls on 3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short indels were produced using a standardised analysis pipeline. Copy number variants associated with drug resistance and structural variants that cause failure of rapid diagnostic tests were also analysed.  Almost all samples showed genetic evidence of resistance to at least one antimalarial drug, and some samples from Southeast Asia carried markers of resistance to six commonly-used drugs. Genes expressed during the mosquito stage of the parasite life-cycle are prominent among loci that show strong geographic differentiation. By continuing to enlarge this open data resource we aim to facilitate research into the evolutionary processes affecting malaria control and to accelerate development of the surveillance toolkit required for malaria elimination.

Pressure and contract-surface measurements within the femoropatellar joint and their variations following lateral release

The Pressure Measurement Foil (PMF), of Prescale, developed by the Fuji company permits the determination of the contact surfaces and of the pressure pattern within the femoropatellar joint. We measured contact surfaces and pressure distribution between patella and femoral condyles at different degrees of knee joint flexion before and after a lateral release. At a external load of 1000 N, only 12% of patellar surfaces established contact in extension, which was increased to 25% on flexion of 120 degrees. Superimposition of all function-related contacts showed that contact was established with the entire patellar surface. With increasing degree of flexion the mean pressures across the pressure zones showed only minor variations, owing to the flexion- dependent enlargement of the contact surfaces. Lateral release does not influence articular mechanics; it was at least not possible to change the retropatellar pressure to any measurement extent by releasing the lateral patellar connection.