QTL discovery for agronomic and quality traits in diploid potato clones using PotatoMASH amplicon sequencing.

We genotyped a population of 618 diploid potato clones derived from six independent potato-breeding programmes from NW-Europe. The diploids were phenotyped for 23 traits, using standardized protocols and common check varieties, enabling us to derive whole population estimators for most traits. We subsequently performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for all traits with SNPs and short-read haplotypes derived from read-backed phasing.

Detection of Novel QTLs for Late Blight Resistance Derived from the Wild Potato Species and .

Wild potato species continue to be a rich source of genes for resistance to late blight in potato breeding. Whilst many dominant resistance genes from such sources have been characterised and used in breeding, quantitative resistance also offers potential for breeding when the loci underlying the resistance can be identified and tagged using molecular markers. In this study, F populations were created from crosses between blight susceptible parents and lines exhibiting strong partial resistance to late blight derived from the South American wild species and .

Surgical correction of tracheo-oesophageal fistula and oesophageal atresia in infants with VACTERL association: a retrospective case-control study.

Introduction: VACTERL is a rare, non-random association comprising at least three major component features defined by the acronym, and including Vertebral anomalies, Anorectal malformations, Cardiac defects, Tracheo-oEsophageal fistula with or without oesophageal atresia (TOF/OA), Renal abnormalities and Limb anomalies. The aim of this study was to compare the post-operative outcomes following surgical correction of TOF/OA in infants with VACTERL and isolated TOF/OA.

Methods: A retrospective case-control study comparing infants with VACTERL (case group) versus infants with isolated TOF/OA (control group) that underwent surgical correction of TOF/OA at our centre between January 2006 and December 2011.

Oesophageal perforation in extreme prematurity.

Management of oesophageal perforation in extremely premature babies is a challenge and carries a high morbidity. The authors report their experience of three separate cases of oesophageal perforation they encountered over the last 18 months in extremely premature neonates. In the first case, the diagnosis of oesophageal perforation was known in an otherwise stable baby who was treated conservatively with a good outcome.

Laparoscopic management and outcomes in non-functioning moieties of duplex kidneys in children.

Aims: Retroperitoneal laparoscopic hemi-nephrectomy (RLHN) is a well tolerated, minimally invasive, although technically demanding, procedure for children with a non-functioning moiety in a duplex kidney. There is very little published data on the long-term follow up of such patients. We collected data to assess outcomes from our experience.

Milk curd obstruction in premature infants receiving fortified expressed breast milk.

Aim: Milk curd obstruction is one of the less common causes of neonatal bowel obstruction. It has been described in premature infants who received high caloric formula feeds. We report presentation, management and outcome of premature neonates who developed milk curd obstruction while being fed fortified expressed breast milk.

Foregut atresias and bile duct anomalies: rare, infrequent or common?!

The association of foregut atresias and bile duct anomalies is reportedly rare. We encountered five referrals within 2 years where the secondary diagnosis was missed at operation. Four patients initially presented on antenatal scans as a foregut atresia whereas the fifth presented at nine years with abdominal pain due to a choledochal cyst.

Management of infants with Pierre Robin sequence.

Objective: Several methods of treating babies with Pierre Robin sequence have been described since the condition itself was first documented in 1923. The main aim of treatment has been to relieve upper airway obstruction. Treatment methods used range from positioning of the baby to invasive surgery.