Identification of a polymorphism within the Rosa multiflora muRdr1A gene linked to resistance to multiple races of Diplocarpon rosae W. in tetraploid garden roses (Rosa × hybrida)

A QTL for resistance to several races of black spot co-located with the known Rrd1 locus in Rosa. A polymorphism in muRdr1A linked to black spot resistance was identified and molecular markers were designed. Black spot, caused by Diplocarpon rosae, is one of the most serious foliar diseases of landscape roses that reduces the marketability and weakens the plants against winter survival. Genetic resistance to black spot (BS) exists and race-specific resistance is a good target to implement marker-assisted selection. High-density single nucleotide polymorphism-based genetic maps were created for the female parent of a tetraploid cross between 'CA60' and 'Singing in the Rain' using genotyping-by-sequencing following a two-way pseudo-testcross strategy. The female linkage map was generated based on 227 individuals and included 31 linkage groups, 1055 markers, with a length of 1980 cM. Race-specific resistance to four D. rosae races (5, 7, 10, 14) was evaluated using a detached leaf assay. BS resistance was also evaluated under natural infection in the field. Resistance to races 5, 10 and 14 of D. rosae and field resistance co-located on chromosome 1. A unique sequence of 32 bp in exon 4 of the muRdr1A gene was identified in 'CA60' that co-segregates with D. rosae resistance. Two diagnostic markers, a presence/absence marker and an INDEL marker, specific to this sequence were designed and validated in the mapping population and a backcross population derived from 'CA60.' Resistance to D. rosae race 7 mapped to a different location on chromosome 1.

Refining the Genomic Region Containing a Major Locus Controlling Fruit Maturity in Peach

Maturity date (MD), defined as the duration between the first calendar day of the year and maturity, and fruit development period (FDP), defined as the duration between full bloom and maturity, are highly variable in peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch]. There is a need to discover molecular markers associated with these traits in order to enhance the efficiency and reliability of breeding for extending the harvest season in peach. An association mapping population consisting of 132 peach accessions was phenotypically evaluated for MD and FDP, and genotypically characterized using the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach. The phenotypic and genotypic data collected were used to conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The GWAS identified three SNPs on chromosome 4 that are significantly associated with both FDP and MD. These three SNPs covered a region of 43,067 bp; we referred to this region as the MD/FDP locus. Seven genes were identified in the MD/FDP locus. One or more of these genes is believed to regulate some aspect of maturity in peach. The data reported here is expected to aid in marker-assisted seedling selection (MASS) targeted towards widening peach germplasm for maturity, particularly early maturity.

Mapping the sensory perception of apple using descriptive sensory evaluation in a genome wide association study

Breeding apples is a long-term endeavour and it is imperative that new cultivars are selected to have outstanding consumer appeal. This study has taken the approach of merging sensory science with genome wide association analyses in order to map the human perception of apple flavour and texture onto the apple genome. The goal was to identify genomic associations that could be used in breeding apples for improved fruit quality. A collection of 85 apple cultivars was examined over two years through descriptive sensory evaluation by a trained sensory panel. The trained sensory panel scored randomized sliced samples of each apple cultivar for seventeen taste, flavour and texture attributes using controlled sensory evaluation practices. In addition, the apple collection was subjected to genotyping by sequencing for marker discovery. A genome wide association analysis suggested significant genomic associations for several sensory traits including juiciness, crispness, mealiness and fresh green apple flavour. The findings include previously unreported genomic regions that could be used in apple breeding and suggest that similar sensory association mapping methods could be applied in other plants.

Unmasking immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome: a report of tuberculous epididymo-orchitis mimicking a testicular tumour in a Caucasian AIDS patient

Worldwide, it is estimated that 14.8% of all new tuberculosis cases in adults are attributable to HIV infection. Genitourinary tuberculosis is a known complication and is considered to be a severe form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Isolated tuberculous epididymo-orchitis is rare. We report a Caucasian HIV-positive heterosexual male with a clinical diagnosis of testicular tumour for which he underwent a right orchidectomy. Tuberculous epididymo-orchitis was confirmed by histology. In this case, all Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS) criteria were met. We want to convey the message that in HIV-positive patients presenting with testicular swelling, an infective aetiology should be considered. This will increase the possibility of early diagnosis and proper management.

To speak, or not to speak? The feasibility of imaging overt speech in children with epilepsy

We systematically compared fMRI results for covert (silent) and overt (spoken) versions of a language task in a representative sample of children with lesional focal epilepsy being considered for neurosurgical treatment (N=38, aged 6-17 years). The overt task was advantageous for presurgical fMRI assessments of language; it produced higher quality scans, was more sensitive for identifying activation in core language regions on an individual basis, and provided an online measure of performance crucial for improving the yield of presurgical fMRI.

Gene discovery in EST sequences from the wheat leaf rust fungus Puccinia triticina sexual spores, asexual spores and haustoria, compared to other rust and corn smut fungi

Background

Rust fungi are biotrophic basidiomycete plant pathogens that cause major diseases on plants and trees world-wide, affecting agriculture and forestry. Their biotrophic nature precludes many established molecular genetic manipulations and lines of research. The generation of genomic resources for these microbes is leading to novel insights into biology such as interactions with the hosts and guiding directions for breakthrough research in plant pathology.

Results

To support gene discovery and gene model verification in the genome of the wheat leaf rust fungus, Puccinia triticina (Pt), we have generated Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) by sampling several life cycle stages. We focused on several spore stages and isolated haustorial structures from infected wheat, generating 17,684 ESTs. We produced sequences from both the sexual (pycniospores, aeciospores and teliospores) and asexual (germinated urediniospores) stages of the life cycle. From pycniospores and aeciospores, produced by infecting the alternate host, meadow rue (Thalictrum speciosissimum), 4,869 and 1,292 reads were generated, respectively. We generated 3,703 ESTs from teliospores produced on the senescent primary wheat host. Finally, we generated 6,817 reads from haustoria isolated from infected wheat as well as 1,003 sequences from germinated urediniospores. Along with 25,558 previously generated ESTs, we compiled a database of 13,328 non-redundant sequences (4,506 singlets and 8,822 contigs). Fungal genes were predicted using the EST version of the self-training GeneMarkS algorithm. To refine the EST database, we compared EST sequences by BLASTN to a set of 454 pyrosequencing-generated contigs and Sanger BAC-end sequences derived both from the Pt genome, and to ESTs and genome reads from wheat. A collection of 6,308 fungal genes was identified and compared to sequences of the cereal rusts, Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) and stripe rust, P. striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), and poplar leaf rust Melampsora species, and the corn smut fungus, Ustilago maydis (Um). While extensive homologies were found, many genes appeared novel and species-specific; over 40% of genes did not match any known sequence in existing databases. Focusing on spore stages, direct comparison to Um identified potential functional homologs, possibly allowing heterologous functional analysis in that model fungus. Many potentially secreted protein genes were identified by similarity searches against genes and proteins of Pgt and Melampsora spp., revealing apparent orthologs.

Conclusions

The current set of Pt unigenes contributes to gene discovery in this major cereal pathogen and will be invaluable for gene model verification in the genome sequence.

Proteome analysis of wheat leaf rust fungus, Puccinia triticina, infection structures enriched for haustoria

Puccinia triticina (Pt) is a representative of several cereal-infecting rust fungal pathogens of major economic importance world wide. Upon entry through leaf stomata, these fungi establish intracellular haustoria, crucial feeding structures. We report the first proteome of infection structures from parasitized wheat leaves, enriched for haustoria through filtration and sucrose density centrifugation. 2-D PAGE MS/MS and gel-based LC-MS (GeLC-MS) were used to separate proteins. Generated spectra were compared with a partial proteome predicted from a preliminary Pt genome and generated ESTs, to a comprehensive genome-predicted protein complement from the related wheat stem rust fungus, Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) and to various plant resources. We identified over 260 fungal proteins, 16 of which matched peptides from Pgt. Based on bioinformatic analyses and/or the presence of a signal peptide, at least 50 proteins were predicted to be secreted. Among those, six have effector protein signatures, some are related and the respective genes of several seem to belong to clusters. Many ribosomal structural proteins, proteins involved in energy, general metabolism and transport were detected. Measuring gene expression over several life cycle stages of ten representative candidates using quantitative RT-PCR, all were shown to be strongly upregulated and four expressed solely upon infection.

Genome-wide linkage disequilibrium analysis in bread wheat and durum wheat

Bread wheat and durum wheat were examined for linkage disequilibrium (LD) using microsatellite markers distributed across the genome. The allele database consisted of 189 bread wheat accessions genotyped at 370 loci and 93 durum wheat accessions genotyped at 245 loci. A significance level of p < 0.001 was set for all comparisons. The bread and durum wheat collections showed that 47.9% and 14.0% of all locus pairs were in LD, respectively. LD was more prevalent between loci on the same chromosome compared with loci on independent chromosomes and was highest between adjacent loci. Only a small fraction (bread wheat, 0.9%; durum wheat, 3.2%) of the locus pairs in LD showed R2 values > 0.2. The LD between adjacent locus pairs extended (R2 > 0.2) approximately 2-3 cM, on average, but some regions of the bread and durum wheat genomes showed high levels of LD (R2 = 0.7 and 1.0, respectively) extending 41.2 and 25.5 cM, respectively. The wheat collections were clustered by similarity into subpopulations using unlinked microsatellite data and the software Structure. Analysis within subpopulations showed 14- to 16-fold fewer locus pairs in LD, higher R2 values for those pairs in LD, and LD extending further along the chromosome. The data suggest that LD mapping of wheat can be performed with simple sequence repeats to a resolution of <5 cM.

Generation of a wheat leaf rust, Puccinia triticina, EST database from stage-specific cDNA libraries

Thirteen cDNA libraries constructed from small amounts of leaf rust mRNA using optimized methods served as the source for the generation of 25 558 high-quality DNA sequence reads. Five life-cycle stages were sampled: resting urediniospores, urediniospores germinated over water or plant extract, compatible, interactive stages during appressorium or haustorium formation just before sporulation, and an incompatible interaction. mRNA populations were subjected to treatments such as full-length cDNA production, subtractive and normalizing hybridizations, and size selection methods combined with PCR amplification. Pathogen and host sequences from interactive libraries were differentiated in silico using cereal and fungal sequences, codon usage analyses, and by means of a partial prototype cDNA microarray hybridized with genomic DNAs. This yielded a non-redundant unigene set of 9760 putative fungal sequences consisting of 6616 singlets and 3144 contigs, representing 4.7 Mbp. At an E-value 10(-5), 3670 unigenes (38%) matched sequences in various databases and collections but only 694 unigenes (7%) were similar to genes with known functions. In total, 296 unigenes were identified as most probably wheat and ten as rRNA sequences. Annotation rates were low for germinated urediniospores (4%) and appressoria (2%). Gene sets obtained from the various life-cycle stages appear to be remarkably different, suggesting drastic reprogramming of the transcriptome during these major differentiation processes. Redundancy within contigs yielded information about possible expression levels of certain genes among stages. Many sequences were similar to genes from other rusts such as Uromyces and Melampsora species; some of these genes have been implicated in pathogenicity and virulence.

Coronary care physician 1994-2000 adherence to 1993 National Cholesterol Education Program diet and lipid recommendations

The 1993 NCEP recommended phase 2 diets and < or = 100 mg/dL LDL goals for all atherosclerotic patients. We reviewed Washington, DC physician 1994-2000 use of these recommendations for coronary care unit (CCU) patients. Questionnaires, chart reviews and interviews of cardiologists, residents and dietitians showed > 80% of CCU physicians ignored NCEP dietary recommendations. NCEP 1 diets were ordered for approximately 80% of patients. NCEP 2, AHA 3 or vegetarian diets were used for < 20%. Statins were reported for approximately 25% of patients in 1994-95 but were on < 20% of charts in 1996-7. This increased to approximately 58% by 2000. NCEP 2 diets lower cholesterol approximately 5%, rarely reaching LDL goals, and < 20% of CHD patients on anti-lipid therapy were at NCEP LDL goals by 1999. With 1-year post-myocardial infarction 34% mortality and 53% readmission rates, we need early and much more aggressive anti-lipid diets and drugs in treating these patients.

Identification of an SCF ubiquitin-ligase complex required for auxin response in Arabidopsis thaliana

The plant hormone auxin regulates diverse aspects of plant growth and development. We report that in Arabidopsis, auxin response is dependent on a ubiquitin-ligase (E3) complex called SCFTIR1. The complex consists of proteins related to yeast Skp1p and Cdc53p called ASK and AtCUL1, respectively, as well as the F-box protein TIR1. Mutations in either ASK1 or TIR1 result in decreased auxin response. Further, overexpression of TIR1 promotes auxin response suggesting that SCFTIR1 is limiting for the response. These results provide new support for a model in which auxin action depends on the regulated proteolysis of repressor proteins.

Ambulance services: could the UK learn from the French?

Ambulance services, as part of Accident and Emergency provision, are once again under scrutiny. This article reflects on a recent visit to a SAMU (Service d'Aide Medicale Urgente) unit in France, and considers those issues that could be explored in terms of effective UK provision. Recommendations will be proposed for future provision.

The French way: emergency health care provision

This paper intends to add to the debate about the efficient use of Accident & Emergency (A & E) services by providing an outline of a recent regional initiative, and then exploring the emergency health care system in France. The latter is explored as a system for consideration in relation to emergency provision within the UK. A glossary of terms is provided in Table I.

Routine myocardial revascularization with the radial artery: a multicenter experience

BACKGROUND

Current literature documents use of the radial artery (RA) for myocardial revascularization only as an alternative conduit in cases where the saphenous veins have been previously harvested or are unsuitable for use. Large-scale routine clinical use of the RA as the conduit of choice has not been reported.

METHODS

This prospective study evaluated the harvest of the RA from 933 patients and the subsequent use of the conduit as a preferred coronary artery bypass graft second only to the left internal thoracic artery in 930 of these patients.

RESULTS

Unilateral RA harvest was performed in 786 patients and 147 patients had bilateral RA harvest. A total of 1080 RAs were harvested; 214 (19.8%) originated from the dominant forearm. There was a mean of 3.30+/-0.93 grafts per patient of which 2.43+/-0.83 were arterial grafts. The mean number of RA grafts was 1.43+/-0.53. Operative mortality was 2.3% with none due to the RA graft(s). There was no ischemia nor motor dysfunction in the operated hands. Thirty-two (3.4%) patients experienced transient thenar dysesthesia that resolved in 1 day to 6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that routine total or near total arterial myocardial revascularization may be achieved safely and effectively with the use of one or both RAs in conjunction with the internal thoracic artery.

Characterization of humoral and CD4+ cellular responses after genetic immunization with retroviral vectors expressing different forms of the hepatitis B virus core and e antigens

The humoral and CD4+ cellular immune responses in mice following genetic immunization with three retroviral vectors encoding different forms of hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBcAg) and e antigen (HBeAg) were analyzed. The retroviral vectors induced expression of intracellular HBcAg (HBc[3A4]), secreted HBeAg (HBe[5A2]), or an intracellular HBcAg-neomycin phosphoryltransferase fusion protein (HBc-NEO[6A3]). Specific antibody levels and immunoglobulin G isotype restriction were highly dependent on both the host major histocompatibility complex and the transferred gene. Humoral and CD4+ cellular HBcAg and/or HBeAg (HBc/eAg)-specific immune responses following retroviral vector immunization were of a lower magnitude but followed the same characteristics compared with those after immunization with HBc/eAg in adjuvant. Two factors influenced the humoral responses. First, in vivo depletion of CD8+ cells in HBc-NEO[6A3]-immunized H-2k mice abrogated both HBcAg-specific antibodies and in vitro-detectable cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Second, priming of H-2b mice with an HBc/eAg-derived T-helper (Th) peptide in adjuvant prior to retroviral vector immunization greatly enhanced the HBc/eAg-specific humoral responses to all three vectors, suggesting that insufficient HBc/eAg-specific CD4+ Th-cell priming limits the humoral responses. In conclusion, direct injection of retroviral vectors seems to be effective in priming HBc/eAg-specific CD8+ but comparatively inefficient in priming CD4+ Th cells and subsequently specific antibodies. However, the limited HBc/eAg-specific CD4+ cell priming can effectively be circumvented by prior administration of a recombinant or synthetic form of HBc/eAg in adjuvant.

Identification of new autolytic sites of recombinant truncated mature human fibroblast stromelysin by mass spectrometry

Stromelysin has been proposed to play a major role in the pathologic degradation of diseased cartilage of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients. A truncated, recombinant form of this enzyme, with the sequence Phe83 to Thr260 (mSL-t), has been expressed and purified from E. coli to investigate its biochemical and biophysical properties, and to develop inhibitors for arthritis treatment. LC/ESI-MS technique was utilized for the characterization of mSL-t. The mass spectra of mSL-t showed the presence of a number of different protein components in addition to the full-length mSL-t form. We have demonstrated that protein degradation arose from autolysis. Molecular weights determined by LC/ESI-MS of these autolysis products allowed for the identification of new autolytic sites in mSL-t. Furthermore, two strategies were undertaken to prepare mSL-t free of degradation products. These include preparation of a mutant form of the enzyme in which Arg163 was substituted for Leu163 and purification of mSL-t using affinity chromatography. The LC/ESI-MS data of the mutant protein confirmed the Leu to Arg mutation. The affinity-purified material showed only one LC peak in the LC/MS chromatograms, and the mass spectrum of the peak identified only the intact protein, demonstrating that the full-length protein has been successfully separated from the autodegradation products and further autolysis of the enzyme has been prevented.

Characterization of CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses after genetic immunization with retrovirus vectors expressing different forms of the hepatitis B virus core and e antigens

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity appears to play an important role in resolving hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and the ability to induce such responses remains an important goal for developing effective immunotherapeutics. A panel of recombinant retrovirus vectors expressing different forms of the HBV core antigen (HBcAg) or e antigen (eAg) were found to induce antigen-specific major histocompatibility complex-restricted CTL responses in both mice and macaques. In addition, a novel retrovirus vector expressing an HBcAg-neomycin phosphotransferase II (HBc-Neo) fusion protein [LHBc-NEO(6A3)], which allows the measurement of the anti-Neo antibody response as a means of directly tracking biological activity of the vector, was generated. Doses greater than 10(7) CFU were necessary to induce CTL responses in H-2(k) mice. Intramuscular injections with 10(8) CFU of the LHBc-NEO(6A3) retrovirus vector into rhesus monkeys induced HBc/eAg-specific antibody production and CD8+ CTLs. The CTL response from one of the two responder rhesus monkeys was directed against a 9-residue peptide, GELMTLATW, at positions 63 to 71 of the HBc/eAg sequence. The CTL response is long lived, being detectable as late as 16 weeks after immunization, and can be boosted upon reimmunization. The potent ability of recombinant retrovirus vectors to induce HBcAg- and eAg-specific CTL responses may prove beneficial as a therapeutic treatment for chronic hepatitis B infection.

Salivary testosterone and cortisol in a delinquent and violent urban subculture

Salivary testosterone and cortisol levels were measured in 36 U.S. college students and 29 delinquent participants of a similar age. Both groups of participants were made up of White men and women. The delinquent group, which was characterized by flamboyant dress, drug use, and violence, had significantly higher testosterone levels than the college students did, but the two groups did not differ regarding cortisol levels. Testosterone and cortisol were positively correlated in the women.

Examination of recombinant truncated mature human fibroblast collagenase by mass spectrometry: identification of differences with the published sequence and determination of stable isotope incorporation

Human fibroblast collagenase belongs to a family of matrix metalloproteinases which have been implicated in a number of connective tissue disorders ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to tumor invasion. To examine the active site of this enzyme by biophysical studies, a 19 kDa recombinant truncated mature collagenase (mCL-t) was prepared. Electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry have been utilized for the characterization of mCL-t. The molecular weights measured by these techniques identified the presence of two closely related protein components separated by approximately 100 Da. Edman sequence analysis demonstrated that the two protein components differ from each other by an amino terminal valine, consistent with the mass spectrometric data. In addition, the molecular weight of mCL-t determined by mass spectrometry did not agree with that calculated from the reported sequence. To identify the origin of this discrepancy, the DNA sequence of the mCL-t clone was examined. Several differences were noted between the DNA sequence of mCL-t and the published collagenase gene sequence. When these differences were taken into account, the measured molecular weights were found to be in good agreement with that calculated for the modified sequence. In separate experiments, both ESI and MALDI mass spectrometry have been used to determine molecular weights of mCL-t samples enriched with stable isotopes 15N and (15N + 13C). The measured molecular weights demonstrated a 97% (15N) and 99% (15N + 13C) incorporation of labeled isotopes in the two samples.

Dental surgery assistants' roles in cross-infection control in general dental practice: their knowledge and use of autoclaves

This study investigated dental surgery assistants' (DSAs) role in providing cross-infection control in general dental practice. DSAs' knowledge about using autoclaves and their compliance with the recommended procedures were used as measures. Eighty-nine practices in three districts of the North Western Region of England were approached. Fifty-six agreed to permit the study and DSAs in these practices were observed at work and questioned, a response rate of 63%. Eighteen tasks relating to use of autoclaves (eg correct loading of instruments and correct storage) were observed and knowledge about them was assessed by questioning. Each was scored positively if correctly undertaken and answered. Scores for compliance varied between 2 and 12 and between 3 and 15 in the case of knowledge. In all instances certificated DSAs scored more highly than uncertificated DSAs. The study illustrated the value of certification, background education and membership of a vocational organisation. It supports the belief that all DSAs should be educated to the level of certification and that this improved education and training would improve cross-infection control in general dental practice.

Gene transfer to freshly isolated human respiratory epithelial cells in vitro using a replication-deficient adenovirus containing the human cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator cDNA

Cystic fibrosis (CF) results from mutations of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene and subsequent defective regulation of cAMP-stimulated chloride (Cl-) permeability across the apical membrane of epithelial cells. In vitro transfer of normal CFTR cDNA corrects this defect, and studies in experimental animals have shown successful gene transfer to airway epithelium in vivo using a recombinant adenoviral vector containing the human CFTR cDNA (AdCFTR), supporting the feasibility of in vivo AdCFTR-mediated gene therapy for the respiratory manifestations of CF. One step in applying this therapy to CF patients is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AdCFTR-mediated gene transfer in the actual target for human gene therapy, human airway epithelium. The present study demonstrates that AdCFTR restores cAMP-stimulated Cl- permeability in human CF bronchial epithelial cells. In addition, the study utilizes freshly isolated human airway epithelial cells from the nose and/or bronchi of normal individuals and/or individuals with CF to demonstrate that after in vitro AdCFTR-mediated gene transfer: (i) AdCFTR DNA does not replicate as a function of dose and time; (ii) CF epithelial cells express AdCFTR-mediated normal human CFTR mRNA; and (iii) CF epithelial cells, including terminally differentiated ciliated cells (the most common airway epithelial cell type), express the normal human CFTR protein. Together, these data support the use of AdCFTR in human gene therapy trials and suggest that biologic efficacy should be achievable in vivo.

A difficult combination

The case of a 34 year old man with chronic severe asthma and schizophrenia has been described. Attempts at treating his conditions have not met with success. Optimal management of one problem is precluded by the other. There is a possibility that aggressive management will do more harm than good.