Molecular Hallmarks, Agronomic Performances and Seed Nutraceutical Properties to Exploit Neglected Genetic Resources of Common Beans Grown by Organic Farming in Two Contrasting Environments

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an essential source of food proteins and an important component of sustainable agriculture systems around the world. Thus, conserving and exploiting the genetic materials of this crop species play an important role in achieving global food safety and security through the preservation of functional and serependic opportunities afforded by plant species diversity. Our research aimed to collect and perform agronomic, morpho-phenological, molecular-genetic, and nutraceutical characterizations of common bean accessions, including lowland and mountain Venetian niche landraces (ancient farmer populations) and Italian elite lineages (old breeder selections). Molecular characterization with SSR and SNP markers grouped these accessions into two well-separated clusters that were linked to the original Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools, which was consistent with the outputs of ancestral analysis. Genetic diversity in the two main clusters was not distributed equally the Andean gene pool was found to be much more uniform than the Mesoamerican pool. Additional subdivision resulted in subclusters, supporting the existence of six varietal groups. Accessions were selected according to preliminary investigations and historical records and cultivated in two contrasting Venetian environments: sea-level and mountain territories. We found that the environment significantly affected some nutraceutical properties of the seeds, mainly protein and starch contents. The antioxidant capacity was found significantly greater at sea level for climbing accessions and in the mountains for dwarf accessions. The seed yield at sea level was halved than mountain due to a seeds reduction in weight, volume, size and density. At sea level, bean landraces tended to have extended flowering periods and shorter fresh pod periods. The seed yield was positively correlated with the length of the period during which plants had fresh pods and negatively correlated with the length of the flowering period. Thus, the agronomic performance of these genetic resources showed their strong connection and adaptation to mountainous environments. On the whole, the genetic-molecular information put together for these univocal bean entries was combined with overall results from plant and seed analyses to select and transform the best accessions into commercial varieties (i.e., pure lines) suitable for wider cultivation.

Methamphetamine and cardiac disease among people with HIV infection

OBJECTIVES

People living with HIV (PWH) are at elevated risk of cardiac disease compared to the general population. Methamphetamine use has been associated with structural heart disease and increased mortality from cardiovascular disease but has not been explored as a cause of cardiac disease among PWH. We sought to evaluate the association of methamphetamine use and cardiac disease among PWH.

METHODS

We performed a case-control study of participant data in the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program. Cases were defined as PWH with a history of myocardial infarction or a history of heart failure (systolic or diastolic). Covariates, including methamphetamine abuse/dependence, were assessed using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 3747 PWH, there was a history of myocardial infarction in 115 subjects (3.1%), and a history of heart failure in 41 (1.1%). Current or prior methamphetamine abuse/dependence was reported in 1036 (27.9%) and was not associated with myocardial infarction (P = 0.27) or heart failure (P = 0.84). In addition to traditional risk factors, variables associated with myocardial infarction included the presence of HIV infection (P = 0.01) and duration of HIV infection (P = 0.05). Variables associated with heart failure among PWH included older age, hypertension and myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

No association between methamphetamine abuse/dependence and a diagnosis of myocardial infarction or heart failure was found among PWH. Significant covariates for myocardial infarction and heart failure included traditional risk factors, the presence of HIV infection and the duration of HIV infection, emphasizing the need for optimal traditional cardiovascular risk factor management among PWH.

A-06 Current Norms May Overestimate Rates of Neurocognitive Impairment among American Indian and Alaskan Native Adults

Objective

Currently available normative data subsume American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) populations within the non-Latinx white (NLW) ethnoracial group. The classification accuracy of such norms among AI/AN remains unknown. This cross-sectional study aims to identify whether disparities exist in the rates of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) between AI/AN and NLW adults. < br><br > 

Method

Two hundred community-dwelling adults (50% NLW; 50% Male; M Age = 42 ± 14 years; M Education = 13 ± 3 years) completed comprehensive neurocognitive, quality of education (Wide Range Achievement Test- 4 [WRAT-4]), neuromedical, urine toxicology, and psychiatric/substance use evaluations. Average T-scores were calculated using widely used demographically corrected (age, gender, education) NLW norms to identify NCI (> 1 SD; e.g., Heaton et al., 2004; Heaton & Marcotte, 2000). A comorbid condition propensity score (CCPS) identified the probability to which comorbid conditions (e.g., Heaton et al., 2010) informed ethnoracial identity. <br><br > 

Results

After adjusting for WRAT-4 and CCPS, the results of a logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant ethnoracial disparity in risk for NCI (X2(3) = 13.88, p<.01, R2 = .07), such that the AI/AN group was at 2.52 times higher odds (32.3% vs. 16.0, CI: 1.15–5.46, p = .01, Cohen’s d = .51) for NCI in comparison to the NLW group. <br><br > 

Conclusions

Published norms for NLW adults may overestimate impairment in AI/AN adults. Thus, population-specific normative data are needed to clarify the classification accuracy of neurocognitive impairment and possible disparities in neurocognitive disorders (e.g., HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders) among AI/AN adults. Future work should replicate these findings among other diverse populations (e.g., Caribbean, Middle Eastern) lacking population-specific normative data.876199.

Demographically-Corrected Norms for the Grooved Pegboard Test and Finger Tapping Test in monolingual Spanish speakers from the U.S.-Mexico Border Region

Objective

We developed demographically-corrected norms for US-dwelling, Spanish-speaking Hispanics on two widely used tests of motor skills - the Grooved Pegboard Test (Pegs) and Finger Tapping Test (Tapping). We then examined the effects of applying established norms for non-Hispanic Caucasians (NH Whites) and non-Hispanic African Americans (NH Blacks) on motor test results from our Hispanic population.

Participants and Method

254 participants living in the US-Mexico border region of San Diego, CA and Tucson, AZ completed Pegs, and a subset (n = 183) completed Tapping. Age ranged from 19-60 and education from 0-20 years, with 59% women. Raw test scores were converted to demographically-corrected T-scores with a fractional polynomial procedure and compared to a fitted curve for the original data.

Results

Findings included significant main effects of education on both tests (p < .001), and of age for Pegs (p < .001). There was a significant interaction of sex and age on Tapping, such that older age was associated with lower scores in men only (p = .02). The resulting normative T-scores were confirmed to be free from demographic influences. Using a T < 40 cut point, rates of impairment in the Spanish speaking normative sample for dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) hands, respectively, were 17% and 14% for Pegs, and 12% and 10% for Tapping. Applying existing norms for NH Whites and NH Blacks to the raw scores of Spanish speakers generally yielded lower impairment rates on all measures, with one exception, Pegs ND, for which NH White norms overestimated impairment (23%).

Conclusions

Normative standards from other groups are not a good fit for interpreting motor test performance in this Hispanic population, which in the current instance would have generally underdiagnosed fine motor impairment. These findings underscore the importance of appropriate, population-specific normative data- even for tests of motor ability.

Comparison of Rates of Impairment Between Three Sets of Normative Data for Spanish-speakers of Mexican Origin in a Healthy Cohort

Objective

With over 37 million Spanish-speakers, the US is the second country in the world with the largest number of Spanish-speakers. Identification of neurological dysfunction via neuropsychological testing for this language group requires knowledgeable application of available tests and normative data. Accordingly, we investigated whether rates of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) varied based on the Spanish language normative method used.

Method

Participants included 254 healthy native Spanish-speakers (Age: M = 37.3, SD = 10.4; Education: M = 10.7, SD = 4.3; 59% Female; 78.7% of known Mexican origin/descent) living in the US-Mexico border region. Participants completed the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R), Trail Making Test (TMT) A&B, and Animal Naming in Spanish. Raw test scores were converted to demographically-adjusted T-scores based on normative adjustments developed for this population (Neuropsychological Norms for the US-Mexico Border Region in Spanish [NP-NUMBRS]) and norms developed based on samples in Mexico (Latin American Norms from Mexico [LAN-M] and NEUROPSI). Rates of NCI (T < 40) based on the different normative methods were compared via McNemar’s tests.

Results

Rates of NCI for NP-NUMBRS and NEUROPSI fell between the expected 15-17%. Compared to NP-NUMBRS, significantly lower rates were found when applying LAN-M for HVLT-R Total (4%) and Delayed Recall (8%), TMT-A (1%), and Animal Naming (10%; all ps < .0002). No significant differences were found for TMT-B (p > .05).

Conclusions

Present findings revealed that while the NP-NUMBRS and NEUROPSI norms yielded similar NCI rates, and LAN-M norms underestimated NCI on three tests. This highlights the importance of carefully considering available normative adjustments for Spanish-speakers when applying them to specific populations.

Controlling alcohol availability through local policy: an observational study to evaluate Cumulative Impact Zones in a London borough

Background

Cumulative impact zones (CIZs) are a discretionary policy lever available to local government, used to restrict the availability of alcohol in areas deemed already saturated. Despite little evidence of their effect, over 200 such zones have been introduced. This study explores the impact of three CIZs on the licensing of venues in the London Borough of Southwark.

Methods

Using 10 years of licensing data, we examined changes in the issuing of licences on the introduction of three CIZs within Southwark, relative to control areas. The number of licence applications made (N = 1110), the number issued, and the proportion objected to, were analysed using negative binomial regression.

Results

In one area tested, CIZ implementation was associated with 119% more licence applications than control areas (incidence rate ratios (IRR) = 2.19, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.29-3.73, P = 0.004) and 133% more licences granted (IRR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.31-4.16, P = 0.004). No significant effect was found for the other two areas. CIZs were found to have no discernible effect on the relative proportion of licence applications receiving objections.

Conclusions

CIZs are proposed as a key lever to limit alcohol availability in areas of high outlet density. We found no evidence that CIZ establishment reduced the number of successful applications in Southwark.

Ammonia Oxidizers in a Grazing Land with a History of Poultry Litter Application

Poultry litter (PL) is widely applied on grazing lands in Georgia. However, it is not clear how its long-term use affects soil microorganisms and their function. We examined changes in activity and community structure of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) in a grazing land with a history of PL application and compared it to treatment with urea ammonium nitrate (UAN). Soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected in 2009 (after 15 yr of PL application) and in 2013 (after 2 yr of no application). The abundance and community composition of ammonia oxidizers (AO) were determined with molecular techniques that targeted Nitrification potential (NP) was used for measuring their activity. Abundance of AO was significantly higher in PL (7.41 and 7.10 log copies g soil for AOB and AOA, respectively) than in UAN plots (6.82 and 6.50 log copies g soil for AOB and AOA, respectively) in 2009. This is consistent with NP, which was higher in PL (0.78 mg NO -N kg h) than in UAN (0.50 mg NO-N kg h) plots in 2009. The abundance of AO and NP decreased in 2013. There was no treatment effect on the composition of AO. Correlation analysis suggested that AOB were functionally more important than AOA, indicating the need to target AOB for efficient management of N in PL-receiving soils. Overall, the difference in nitrification between PL and UAN was mainly caused by the change in AO abundance rather than composition, and AO were not negatively affected by an increase in PL-derived trace metal concentrations.

Modifications in acute phase and complement systems predict shifts in cognitive status of HIV-infected patients

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) has not changed considerably in the last two decades. Potent antiretroviral therapy has shifted the severity of HAND to milder phenotypes, but excess morbidity and mortality continue to be associated with HAND. Changes in numerous markers of immune function, inflammation, and cellular stress have been repeatedly associated with HAND, but the underlying systems that drive these changes have not been identified.

METHOD

In this study, we used systems informatics to interrogate the cerebrospinal fluid proteomic content of longitudinal samples obtained from HIV-infected adults with stably unimpaired, stably impaired, worsening, or improving neurocognitive performance.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The patterns of change in cerebrospinal fluid protein content implicated the induction of acute phase and complement systems as important regulators of neurocognitive status. Worsening neurocognitive performance was preceded by induction of acute phase and complement systems, whereas improving neurocognitive performance was preceded by a downregulation of these systems.

The impact of ethnicity/race on the association between the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) Index and neurocognitive function among HIV-infected persons

The Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) Index was developed as a risk index for health outcomes in HIV, and it has been consistently associated with mortality. It shows a significant, yet relatively weak, association with neurocognitive impairment, and little is known about its utility among ethnic/racial minority groups. We examined whether the association between the VACS Index and neurocognition differed by ethnic/racial group. Participants included 674 HIV-infected individuals (369 non-Hispanic whites, 111 non-Hispanic blacks, and 194 Hispanics). Neurocognitive function was assessed via a comprehensive battery. Scaled scores for each neurocognitive test were averaged to calculate domain and global neurocognitive scores. Models adjusting for demographics and HIV disease characteristics not included in the VACS Index showed that higher VACS Index scores (indicating poorer health) were significantly associated with worse global neurocognition among non-Hispanic whites. This association was comparable in non-Hispanic blacks, but nonsignificant among Hispanics (with similar results for English and Spanish speaking). We obtained comparable findings in analyses adjusting for other covariates (psychiatric and medical comorbidities and lifestyle factors). Analyses of individual neurocognitive domains showed similar results in learning and delayed recall. For other domains, there was an effect of the VACS Index and no significant interactions with race/ethnicity. Different components of the VACS Index were associated with global neurocognition by race/ethnicity. In conclusion, the association between the VACS Index and neurocognitive function differs by ethnic/racial group. Identifying key indicators of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment by ethnic/racial group might play an important role in furthering our understanding of the biomarkers of neuroAIDS.

Alum and Rainfall Effects on Ionophores in Runoff from Surface-Applied Broiler Litter

Polyether ionophores, monensin, and salinomycin are commonly used as antiparasitic drugs in broiler production and may be present in broiler litter (bird excreta plus bedding material). Long-term application of broiler litter to pastures may lead to ionophore contamination of surface waters. Because polyether ionophores break down at low pH, we hypothesized that decreasing litter pH with an acidic material such as aluminum sulfate (alum) would reduce ionophore losses to runoff (i.e., monensin and salinomycin concentrations, loads, or amounts lost). We quantified ionophore loss to runoff in response to (i) addition of alum to broiler litter and (ii) length of time between litter application and the first simulated rainfall event. The factorial experiment consisted of unamended (∼pH 9) vs. alum-amended litters (∼pH 6), each combined with simulated rainfall at 0, 2, or 4 wk after litter application. Runoff from alum-amended broiler litter had 33% lower monensin concentration ( < 0.01), 57% lower monensin load ( < 0.01), 48% lower salinomycin concentration ( < 0.01), and 66% lower salinomycin load ( < 0.01) than runoff from unamended broiler litter when averaged across all events of rainfall. Ionophore losses to runoff were also less when rainfall was delayed for 2 or 4 wk after litter application relative to applying rainfall immediately after litter application. While the weather is difficult to predict, our data suggest that ionophore losses in runoff can be reduced if broiler litter applications are made to maximize dry time after application.

Macroscopic and microscopic changes in incinerated deciduous teeth

Teeth are amongst the most resilient elements of the human skeleton and are thus often utilized in routine forensic investigation involving the identification of unknown remains. Teeth exposed to thermal stress have the potential to not only aid in identification, but also in understanding the circumstances surrounding the fire. Children are twice as likely to become victims of house fire because of an inability to safely evacuate from areas of danger. The literature demonstrates, however, that research on the effects of incineration on teeth is mostly restricted to the permanent dentition. The apparent lack of knowledge on the effects of incineration on deciduous teeth thus necessitates further research in this area. To this end, this study aimed to relate colour changes that occur post heating with fragility to aid in proper handling of samples in a forensic scenario and to determine the possibility of identifying incineration temperature based on tooth condition. Teeth are amongst the most resilient elements of the human skeleton and are thus often utilized in routine forensic investigation involving the identification of unknown remains. Teeth exposed to thermal stress have the potential to not only aid in identification, but also in understanding the circumstances surrounding the fire. Children are twice as likely to become victims of house fire because of an inability to safely evacuate from areas of danger. The literature demonstrates, however, that research on the effects of incineration on teeth is mostly restricted to the permanent dentition. The apparent lack of knowledge on the effects of incineration on deciduous teeth thus necessitates further research in this area. To this end, this study aimed to relate colour changes that occur post heating with fragility to aid in proper handling of samples in a forensic scenario and to determine the possibility of identifying incineration temperature based on tooth condition. A total of 90 deciduous teeth, extracted as a part of routine clinical treatment, were exposed to temperatures ranging from 100°C to 1100°C for 30 minutes using a laboratory Gallenkamp oven. Unheated deciduous teeth were used as controls for the project. Post-incineration the teeth were analyzed under a stereomicroscope and SEM to assess the morphological changes. A colorimetric assessment was also undertaken to evaluate colour changes due to thermal stress. It was possible to identify incineration temperature based on tooth condition when the colour changes, stereomicroscopic findings and SEM images were utilized collectively. It was concluded that thermally induced changes in primary teeth occur at lower temperatures in comparison to the permanent teeth. It was also established that post-incineration deciduous teeth are fragile and show a tendency to fragment after minimal exposure to thermal stress.

Ghosts of the past I: some muscles and fasciae in the head domain

Humans alone among primates lack a superficial head of the temporalis muscle, although a complete superficial muscle is present in 1% of humans and an incomplete one in 8%. Yet the temporal fascia of normal humans contains all the fascial sheets associated with that head even though it is absent. The implication is that humans have lost the superficial temporal muscle, that this is evident from the retention of the fascial sheets, and that the muscular variations represent situations where the muscle has persisted to some degree. Molecular factors in the head domain that are responsible for the development of the muscles of mastication (myosin heavy chain 16) are likewise different in humans than in all non-human species and seem to be responsible for the reduction of those muscles in humans. Could the loss of the superficial portion of the temporalis muscle be a component of this reduction? Could the uncommon muscular variations result from some slight persistence of the prior molecular situation? Could the persistence of the fascial sheets, even when the muscle is absent, be because the molecular factors responsible for connective tissues are not the same as those responsible for muscles? How much of all this can be visualised in the fossil record? Skeletal dimensions of the temporal fossa, partly related to the temporal muscle size, imply that it may be possible to determine in which fossils temporal muscle reduction has occurred. Likewise, surface features of the bone in modern humans without a superficial muscular component but with a strong complex fibrous element suggest that it might be possible to determine, in any fossil in which the surface preservation is good enough, how far back this situation may have persisted. It is already known that myosin heavy chain molecular dating suggests that the muscle reduction may have occurred about 2.4 million years ago.

Ghosts of the past II: muscles and fasciae in the primate forelimb domain

Many forelimb muscles (e.g. coracobrachialis, rhomboids, serratus sheet) are much less complex and much smaller in humans than in other primates. Yet human muscular variations and persistent fascial sheets indicate that increased size and complexity were once the norm. These muscular reductions are associated with equivalent skeletal gracilisation. Is it possible that molecular phenomena, not unlike those producing reduction of the jaw muscles and associated with gracilisation of the skull in species with reduced need for powerful mastication, may also have reduced forelimb muscles with gracilisation of its skeleton in species no longer using a forelimb for powerful locomotion? Could such molecular and skeletal changes be dated (as for the masticatory muscles) thus giving the time of origination of prehuman forelimb reduction and true bipedalism?

Nitrogen and phosphorus runoff losses from variable and constant intensity rainfall simulations on loamy sand under conventional and strip tillage systems

Further studies on the quality of runoff from tillage and cropping systems in the southeastern USA are needed to refine current risk assessment tools for nutrient contamination. Our objective was to quantify and compare effects of constant (Ic) and variable (Iv) rainfall intensity patterns on inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses from a Tifton loamy sand (Plinthic Kandiudult) cropped to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and managed under conventional (CT) or strip-till (ST) systems. We simulated rainfall at a constant intensity and a variable intensity pattern (57 mm h(-1)) and collected runoff continuously at 5-min intervals for 70 min. For cumulative runoff at 50 min, the Iv pattern lost significantly greater amounts (p < 0.05) of total Kjeldahl N (TKN) and P (TKP) (849 g N ha(-1) and 266 g P ha(-1) for Iv; 623 g N ha(-1) and 192 g P ha(-1) for Ic) than did the Ic pattern. However, at 70 min, no significant differences in total losses were evident for TKN or TKP from either rainfall intensity pattern. In contrast, total cumulative losses of dissolved reactive P (DRP) and NO3-N were greatest for ST-Ic, followed by ST-Iv, CT-Ic, and CT-Iv in diminishing order (69 g DRP ha(-1) and 361 g NO3-N ha(-1); 37 g DRP ha(-1) and 133 g NO3-N ha(-1); 3 g DRP ha(-1) and 58 g NO3-N ha(-1); 1 g DRP ha(-1) and 49 g NO3-N ha(-1)). Results indicate that constant-rate rainfall simulations may overestimate the amount of dissolved nutrients lost to the environment in overland flow from cropping systems in loamy sand soils. We also found that CT treatments lost significantly greater amounts of TKN and TKP than ST treatments and in contrast, ST treatments lost significantly greater amounts of DRP and NO3-N than CT treatments. These results indicate that ST systems may be losing more soluble fractions than CT systems, but only a fraction the total N (33%) and total P (11%) lost through overland flow from CT systems.

Geometric morphometric study of population variation in indigenous southern African crania

Much of our understanding of population variation in southern Africa is derived from traditional morphometric research. In the search for new perspectives, this paper reports on new geometric morphometric data examining cranial variation in 12 modern human populations from southern Africa. In total, 298 male Bantu-speaking individuals were studied. In addition, a small Khoisan (Khoikhoi and San) series was also examined. The purpose of this study was to investigate Khoisan-Bantu morphological similarities and differences, and to examine variation within both the Bantu-speaking and Khoisan populations. The three-dimensional coordinates of 96 landmarks were analyzed, using the shape-analysis software morphologika. Interpopulation variation was examined by calculating Procrustes distances between groups; a cluster analysis was then used to summarize phenetic relationships. A principal components analysis explored the relationships between populations; shape differences were visualized and explored using three-dimensional rendered models, and further interpreted using thin-plate splines. Morphological differences are present within and between the crania of Bantu-speaking and Khoisan individuals. The Khoisan demonstrate features (e.g., a pentagonoid vault, more rounded forehead contour, and a small and less prognathic face) that clearly distinguish them from Bantu-speaking populations. Although southern African Bantu-speaking populations are clearly closely related, they show population-specific features (e.g., the crania of more southerly populations (Xhosa, Southern Sotho, and Zulu) are characteristically more brachycephalic and less prognathic). This study suggests that differential admixture with adjacent Khoisan peoples has contributed to diversity within southern African Bantu-speaking populations.

Sexual dimorphism and discriminant function sexing in indigenous South African crania

This study aimed to examine sexual dimorphism in, and to produce a practical discriminant function for determining the sex of indigenous, Bantu-speaking, South African crania. The types of data to be used were a small number of traditional, or mathematically transformed three-dimensional, linear measurements, comparable to those in use by most physical and forensic anthropologists. The samples to be examined, separately and pooled, were of the Cape Nguni, Natal Nguni and Sotho subgroups. In addition, three local populations ('tribes'--Zulu, Xhosa and Southern Sotho) within these subgroups were also studied. Univariate male/female ratios indicate significant sexual dimorphism in the pooled South African crania. Canonical variates analysis of the pooled sample showed that facial width is the strongest discriminating morphometric variable; cranial length and basi-bregmatic height are the next most significant features. Eight measurements derived from the three-dimensional data were used to produce a series of discriminant functions for sex determination in the pooled sample, for which an accuracy of 77-80% was attained. Analysis of the calvaria and face, separately, has shown that the sex of damaged material can be diagnosed with a reasonable degree of accuracy (75-76%). The new functions for the pooled indigenous South African sample provide improved sex discrimination accuracy compared to those obtained by employing the commonly utilised statistics of Giles & Elliot (1963), even when a modified sectioning point is used. Functions calculated for the separate local populations gave variable and fairly low improvements in sexing accuracy. As the subdivisions at all levels are at present quite rapidly disappearing in South Africa, for most purposes it is now best to simply apply the pooled data functions for sexing crania.

Functional analysis of the early chlorosis factor gene

Chlorosis is one of the symptoms of bacterial spot disease caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria, which induces chlorosis before any other symptoms appear on tomato. We report characterization of a 2.1-kb gene called early chlorosis factor (ecf). The gene ecf encodes a hydrophobic protein with similarity to four other proteins in plant pathogens, including HolPsyAE, and uncharacterized gene products from X. campestris pv. campestris and X. axonopodis pv. citri, and, at the tertiary structure level, to colicin Ia from Escherichia coli. We demonstrate that the associated phenotype is hrp dependent, and that the ecf gene product appears to be translocated to host cells. The gene ecf has no impact on electrolyte leakage or on bacterial growth in planta in response to infection. Concentrated culture filtrates do not produce chlorosis. Study of its role in Xanthomonas spp.-tomato interactions will forward our understanding of symptom production by plant pathogens and allows further investigation into the mechanisms of bacterial virulence and production of symptoms.

Three-dimensional technology for linear morphological studies: a re-examination of cranial variation in four southern African indigenous populations

In order to compare linear dimensions made by traditional anthropometric techniques, and those obtained from three-dimensional coordinates, samples of four indigenous southern African populations were analysed. Linear measurements were obtained using mathematically transformed, three-dimensional landmark data on 207 male crania of Cape Nguni, Natal Nguni, Sotho and Shangaan. Univariate comparisons for accuracy of the transformed linear data were made with those in a traditional linear study by de Villiers (The Skull of the South African Negro: A Biometrical and Morphological Study. Witwatersrand University Press, Johannesburg) on similar samples and equivalent landmarks. Comparisons were not made with her Penrose (Ann Eugenics 18 (1954) 337) analysis as an apparently anomalous 'shape'-'size' statistic was found. The univariate comparisons demonstrated that accurate linear measurements could be derived from three-dimensional data, showing that it is possible to simultaneously obtain data for three-dimensional geometric 'shape' and linear interlandmark analyses. Using Penrose and canonical variates analyses of the transformed three-dimensional interlandmark measurements, similar population distances were found for the four indigenous southern African populations. The inter-population distance relationships took the form of three separated pairs of distances, with the within-pair distances very similar in size. The cranial features of the four populations were found to be overall very similar morphometrically. However the populations were each shown by CVA to have population specific features, and using discriminant analyses 50% or more of the individual crania (with the exception of the Sotho) could be referred to their correct populations.

Variations in expression of oral-facial-digital syndrome (type I): report of two cases

Two case reports are presented, both clearly demonstrating the diagnosis of oral-facial-digital syndrome, type I, but widely different in the expression of the condition. The first patient showed only mild expression of the syndrome. On examination at the age of 4 years there were no obvious extra oral signs, intraoral findings included the presence of supernumeraries in the primary dentition, spacing in two areas and the presence of an extra frenum. The second can be considered as a more severe case. This patient had many of the typical manifestations, including frontal bossing, a degree of zygomatic hypoplasia and clinodactyly. Orally, the most striking finding was a bilateral cleft palate which had not been diagnosed prior to examination at the age of 6 years. Other findings included multiple frena and a bifid tongue.

Extracellular matrix mineralization and osteoblast gene expression by human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells

Human adipose tissue represents an abundant reservoir of stromal cells with potential utility for tissue engineering. The current study demonstrates the ability of human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells to display some of the hallmarks of osteoblast differentiation in vitro. Following treatment with ascorbate, beta-glycerophosphate, dexamethasone, and 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D(3), adipose tissue-derived stromal cells mineralize their extracellular matrix based on detection of calcium phosphate deposits using Alizarin Red and von Kossa histochemical stains. Fourier transform infrared analysis demonstrates the apatitic nature of these crystals. Mineralization is accompanied by increased expression or activity of the osteoblast-associated proteins osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase. These and other osteoblast-associated gene markers are detected based on polymerase chain reaction. In contrast, the adipocyte gene markers--leptin, lipoprotein lipase, and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma2--are reduced under mineralization conditions, consistent with the reciprocal relationship postulated to exist between adipocytes and osteoblasts. The current work supports the presence of a multipotent stromal cell population within human extramedullary adipose tissue. These findings have potential implications for human bone tissue bioengineering.