An integrated metagenomic, metabolomic and transcriptomic survey of Populus across genotypes and environments

Bridging molecular information to ecosystem-level processes would provide the capacity to understand system vulnerability and, potentially, a means for assessing ecosystem health. Here, we present an integrated dataset containing environmental and metagenomic information from plant-associated microbial communities, plant transcriptomics, plant and soil metabolomics, and soil chemistry and activity characterization measurements derived from the model tree species Populus trichocarpa. Soil, rhizosphere, root endosphere, and leaf samples were collected from 27 different P. trichocarpa genotypes grown in two different environments leading to an integrated dataset of 318 metagenomes, 98 plant transcriptomes, and 314 metabolomic profiles that are supported by diverse soil measurements. This expansive dataset will provide insights into causal linkages that relate genomic features and molecular level events to system-level properties and their environmental influences.

The use of tetragnathid spiders as bioindicators of metal exposure at a coal ash spill site

On 22 December 2008, a dike containing coal fly ash from the Tennessee Valley Authority Kingston Fossil Fuel Plant (TN, USA) failed, resulting in the largest coal ash spill in US history. The present study was designed to determine sediment metal concentrations at multiple site locations and to determine whether site-specific bioaccumulation of metals existed in tetragnathid spiders. Selenium and nickel were the only 2 metals to exceed the US Environmental Protection Agency sediment screening levels. Selenium concentrations in spiders were significantly higher at ash-affected sites than in those from reference sites. The ratio of methylmercury to total mercury in spiders was found to be similar to that in other organisms (65-75%), which highlights the potential use of tetragnathid spiders as an indicator species for tracing contaminant transfer between the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Dedicated coil for carotid MR angiography

A magnetic resonance imaging coil was developed to improve contrast in direct coronal and sagittal time-of-flight carotid angiograms. The sensitive volume of the coil extends from the carotid origins to the siphons. Angiographic contrast can be optimized for an arterial segment of interest by repositioning the coil to minimize presaturation of blood before it enters the segment.

Advantage of indium-111 leukocytes over ultrasound in imaging an infected renal cyst

Indium-111-labeled leukocyte scanning is a highly sensitive and specific method of detecting abscesses. This report describes a patient with polycystic kidneys and a single infected cyst. Ultrasound could not determine which cyst was infected, but the infected cyst could be localized by [111In]leukocyte imaging in conjunction with a [99mTc]DMSA renal scan. The two radionuclide studies were used to identify an infected renal cyst and direct ultrasound guided aspiration.

Uptake of 111In-labeled leukocytes by tumor

The 111In-labeled leukocyte scan is a sensitive and specific technique for the detection and localization of abscesses. However, in reviewing an unselected series of 249 scans, six (2.3%) were false-positive cases in which leukocyte uptake by tumor mimicked an abscess. This represented 12% (6/51) with known tumor at the time of imaging. Five of the cases were primary or metastatic tumors to the soft tissues; the sixth was a skeletal metastasis. The intensity of tumor activity has been characterized as mild in the few cases of leukocyte uptake reported in the literature, suggesting that the degree of uptake is helpful in distinguishing tumor from abscess. In this study, however, variable degrees of tumor-associated activity were seen ranging from mild to very intense. These findings indicate that tumor accumulates labeled leukocytes more frequently than has been previously appreciated, that primary and metastatic neoplasms involving both the soft tissues and skeleton are involved, and that the intensity of uptake is not a reliable criterion to distinguish tumor from abscess.

Effect of sulfur-containing dietary supplements on gizzard lining erosions

Three experiments were conducted with crystalline amino acid basal diets containing 5% isolated soy protein to ascertain the supplementary effect of sulfur-containing compounds on blood constituents and gizzard lining erosion. At the 0.40% methionine dietary level, the plasma albumin protein values were improved by supplements of sulfate and fishery products, whereas, the globulin values were variable. At the methionine content of 0.55%, the hematocrit value was also increased. Taurine, cysteic acid or fish meal ash did not improve the growth of chicks fed 0.45% methionine. Gizzard lining erosions were quite prevalent and severe when chicks were fed inadequate methionine and were improved considerably but not totally prevented by the 0.70 to 1.25% levels of sulfur amino acids.