Integrating genomic alterations in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma identifies new relevant pathways and potential therapeutic targets

Genome studies of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have revealed a large number of somatic mutations and structural alterations. However, the clinical significance of these alterations is still not well defined. In this study, we have integrated the analysis of targeted next-generation sequencing of 106 genes and genomic copy number alterations (CNA) in 150 DLBCL. The clinically significant findings were validated in an independent cohort of 111 patients. Germinal center B-cell and activated B-cell DLBCL had a differential profile of mutations, altered pathogenic pathways and CNA. Mutations in genes of the NOTCH pathway and tumor suppressor genes (TP53/CDKN2A), but not individual genes, conferred an unfavorable prognosis, confirmed in the independent validation cohort. A gene expression profiling analysis showed that tumors with NOTCH pathway mutations had a significant modulation of downstream target genes, emphasizing the relevance of this pathway in DLBCL. An in silico drug discovery analysis recognized 69 (46%) cases carrying at least one genomic alteration considered a potential target of drug response according to early clinical trials or preclinical assays in DLBCL or other lymphomas. In conclusion, this study identifies relevant pathways and mutated genes in DLBCL and recognizes potential targets for new intervention strategies.

A single primer pair gives a specific ortholog amplicon in a wide range of Cyanobacteria and plastid-bearing organisms: applicability in inventory of reference material from collections and phylogenetic analysis

The scarcity of universally applied molecular markers for algae has resulted in the development of multiple, independent and not easily comparable systems. The goal of this work is to increase the number of available molecular markers and to generate easily comparable systems. Thereby, we have designed a primer pair capable of amplifying a broad range of organisms: Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, Chlorarachniophyta, Cryptophyta, Euglenida, Glaucophyta, Rhodophyta, Stramenopiles and Streptophyta including plants. This primer pair can amplify a portion of the 23S rRNA gene with sufficient variability to identify reference material form collections across a broad range of taxa and perform phylogenetic studies alongside other available markers.

[Hemodynamic variability caused by pressure-volume plotting and alveolar recruitment maneuvers in patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome]

OBJECTIVES

The plotting of pressure-volume curves and the performance of alveolar recruitment maneuvers are common practices in the care of patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), even though potentially harmful hemodynamic effects are associated with sustaining a high intrathoracic pressure. Our aim was to analyze hemodynamic and ventilatory changes related to these 2 maneuvers and to assess the short-term effectiveness of recruitment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The patients had ARDS and were being monitored with a catheter connected to a PiCCO system. All measurements were taken in sinus rhythm and with adequate vascular filling. Values recorded during plotting of the quasistatic pressure-volume curve and the recruitment maneuver (sustained airway pressure of 40 cm H2O) were the cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, systolic volume index, and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Blood gas measurements were recorded before the maneuvers and 15 minutes afterwards.

RESULTS

All parameters decreased significantly in the 14 patients studied. The mean (SD) maximum decreases, from which all patients recovered within 2 minutes, were as follows: cardiac index, 26% (16%); mean arterial pressure, 6% (6%); heart rate, 4% (5%), systolic volume index, 21% (15%); and SpO2, 3% (3%). Significant increases in PaO2 (7% [6%]) and the ratio of PaO2 to the fraction of inspired oxygen were recorded after the recruitment maneuver (P=.016 and P=.014, respectively), but the changes were not clinically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The hemodynamic disturbances associated with the alveolar recruitment maneuver based on sustaining a high end-expiratory pressure and the minor improvement in oxygenation achieved as a result suggest that the routine use of that maneuver in ARDS patients is of questionable value.

Monitoring sedation in critically ill patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Sedation is commonly required by critically ill patients and inadequate sedation may be hazardous. Traditionally, subjective scales have been used for monitoring sedation. Bispectral index has been proposed, although its utility in the intensive care unit is debated. Our aim was to evaluate the depth of sedation in intubated surgical critically ill patients by means of two sedation scales (Ramsay and Observer's Assessment of Alertness and Sedation) and bispectral index.

METHODS

Sedation was assessed prospectively in 50 postoperative intubated patients requiring at least 24 h of sedation (35 propofol, 15 midazolam/fentanyl), every 8 h for a 24 -h period. The bispectral index value recorded was the mean value obtained during a 10-min observation period, whenever the quality signal index was above 75% and the electromyographic signal was below 25%.

RESULTS

Most of the patients (78%) were oversedated (bispectral index < 60). The three sedation scores (global data) correlated significantly (P < 0.001). This correlation was lost in the midazolam group in which the patients were also significantly more sedated than the propofol group (P = 0.001). The correlation between the bispectral index and the scales in the midazolam group reappeared when the measurements with a Ramsay = 6 or an Observer's Assessment of Alertness and Sedation = 1 were excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

Sedation should be monitored routinely in intensive care units. The Ramsay and the Observer's Assessment of Alertness and Sedation scales showed equal efficacy. Bispectral index might prove useful for discriminating between deeper levels of sedation.

Pressure-volume curve variations after a recruitment manoeuvre in acute lung injury/ARDS patients: implications for the understanding of the inflection points of the curve

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Although the pressure-volume (P-V) curve has been proposed in the management of mechanically ventilated patients, its interpretation remains unclear. Our aim has been to study the variations of the P-V curve after a recruitment manoeuvre (RM). Our hypothesis was that the lower inflection point (LIP) represents the presence of compressive atelectases, so it should not change after lung recruitment, while the upper inflection point (UIP) reflects reabsorptive atelectases, and an effective recruitment should result in changes at this level.

METHODS

Two P-V curves (quasi-static method) separated by an RM (40 cmH2O, two consecutive manoeuvres) were plotted in 35 postoperative patients with criteria of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). LIP, UIP and expiratory inflection point (EIP) were defined as the first point where the curve consistently starts to separate from the line.

RESULTS

One to six measurements were obtained per patient (73 procedures). Neither the lower nor the EIPs varied significantly after the RM (P = 0.11 and 0.35, respectively). An UIP was observed in 18 curves (25%) before the RM and disappeared on nine occasions after the recruitment. Similar results were obtained when first measurements only were analysed, and when the cause (pulmonary vs. extrapulmonary), severity of lung injury or duration of mechanical ventilation at first measurement were studied.

CONCLUSIONS

An RM does not modify the LIP significantly, but induces the disappearance of the UIP in 50% of the cases in which this point is found.

Development of a citrus genome-wide EST collection and cDNA microarray as resources for genomic studies

A functional genomics project has been initiated to approach the molecular characterization of the main biological and agronomical traits of citrus. As a key part of this project, a citrus EST collection has been generated from 25 cDNA libraries covering different tissues, developmental stages and stress conditions. The collection includes a total of 22,635 high-quality ESTs, grouped in 11,836 putative unigenes, which represent at least one third of the estimated number of genes in the citrus genome. Functional annotation of unigenes which have Arabidopsis orthologues (68% of all unigenes) revealed gene representation in every major functional category, suggesting that a genome-wide EST collection was obtained. A Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan. cv. Clemenules genomic library, that will contribute to further characterization of relevant genes, has also been constructed. To initiate the analysis of citrus transcriptome, we have developed a cDNA microarray containing 12,672 probes corresponding to 6875 putative unigenes of the collection. Technical characterization of the microarray showed high intra- and inter-array reproducibility, as well as a good range of sensitivity. We have also validated gene expression data achieved with this microarray through an independent technique such as RNA gel blot analysis.

Adjusting positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume in acute respiratory distress syndrome according to the pressure-volume curve

BACKGROUND

Management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients implies the selection of the adequate ventilatory parameters, essentially PEEP and tidal volume (Vt), to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury. These parameters should be reset as the lung injury evolves. Among the different methods proposed for the adjustment of the ventilator, the measurement of the P-V curve has emerged as a useful, although debated, tool. Our aim has been to study the relationship between the different inflection points of the P-V curve in ARDS patients, and to assess the changes in the empiric PEEP and Vt (PEEP(emp), V(temp) following its use.

METHODS

P-V curves were measured in 27 patients (lung injury score [LIS] >or= 2, 69 measurements) by means of the low-flow continuous inflation method.

RESULTS

A lower inflection point (LIP) was found in all patients and, although it correlated with the PEEP(emp), there was only a fair concordance, so the PEEP was modified in 80% of the cases. The expiratory inflection point (EIP) was significantly lower than the LIP (6.3 +/- 1.7 vs. 8.1 +/- 3.2, P = 0.008). An upper inflection point was observed in 16 measurements (23%) and the Vt was reset in 20% of the cases. Both PEEP and Vt were readjusted on 10 occasions (14%). Only the EIP was significantly higher on the first 3 days of mechanical ventilation. The LIS was correlated with all the inflection points. There were no differences for any parameter independent of the cause of the ARDS (pulmonary/extrapulmonary).

CONCLUSIONS

The quasi-static measurement of the P-V curve is a simple method, easy to interpret, for objective adjustment of the ventilatory parameters in ARDS patients as the lung injury evolves. The implementation of this strategy may vary the empiric clinical practice. The role of the EIP for the evaluation of the severity of lung injury deserves further investigation.

Plant breeding and drought in C3 cereals: what should we breed for?

Drought is the main abiotic constraint on cereal yield. Analysing physiological determinants of yield responses to water may help in breeding for higher yield and stability under drought conditions. The traits to select (either for stress escape, avoidance or tolerance) and the framework where breeding for drought stress is addressed will depend on the level and timing of stress in the targeted area. If the stress is severe, breeding under stress-free conditions may be unsuccessful and traits that confer survival may become a priority. However, selecting for yield itself under stress-alleviated conditions appears to produce superior cultivars, not only for optimum environments, but also for those characterized by frequent mild and moderate stress conditions. This implies that broad avoidance/tolerance to mild-moderate stresses is given by constitutive traits also expressed under stress-free conditions. In this paper, we focus on physiological traits that contribute to improved productivity under mild-moderate drought. Increased crop performance may be achieved through improvements in water use, water-use efficiency and harvest index. The first factor is relevant when soil water remains available at maturity or when deep-rooted genotypes access water in the soil profile that is not normally available; the two latter conditions become more important when all available water is exhausted by the end of the crop cycle. Independent of the mechanism operating, a canopy able to use more water than another would have more open stomata and therefore higher canopy temperature depression, and 13C discrimination (delta13C) in plant matter. The same traits would also seem to be relevant when breeding for hot, irrigated environments. Where additional water is not available to the crop, higher water-use efficiency (WUE) appears to be an alternative strategy to improve crop performance. In this context delta13C constitutes a simple but reliable measure of WUE. However, in contrast to lines performing better because of increased access to water, lines producing greater biomass due to superior WUE will have lower delta13C values. WUE may be modified not only through a decrease in stomatal conductance, but also through an increase in photosynthetic capacity. Harvest index is strongly reduced by terminal drought (i.e. drought during grain filling). Thus, phenological traits increasing the relative amount of water used during grain filling, or adjusting the crop cycle to the seasonal pattern of rainfall may be useful. Augmenting the contribution of carbohydrate reserves accumulated during vegetative growth to grain filling may also be worthwhile in harsh environmcnts. Alternatively, extending the duration of stem elongation without changing the timing of anthesis would increase the number of grains per spike and the harvest index without changing the amount of water utilized by the crop.

Comparative performance of carbon isotope discrimination and canopy temperature depression as predictors of genotype differences in durum wheat yield in Spain

The relationships between carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) in mature kernels, canopy temperature depression (CTD) during anthesis and grain filling, 1000-kernel weight (TKW), total carbon content of mature kernels, and yield were studied in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) grown in Spain (western Mediterranean basin). Twenty-five durum wheat genotypes were grown in 2 regions (NE and SE Spain) and under 2 water regimes (rainfed v. support irrigation) from 1997 to 1999 (i.e. a total of 12 trials). Principal component analysis placed yield and Δ on the same axis. Pearson’s correlation and stepwise analysis confirmed that Δ was the trait that best assessed genotype differences in yield within trials, and was followed, at a considerable distance, by TKW. Our results also demonstrated the extremely poor performance of CTD throughout the wide range of growing conditions in this study.

[Patients with end-stage chronic renal insufficiency on programmed withdrawal from dialysis]

The voluntary discontinuation of dialysis by patients is a common mode of death in dialysis programmes. Unfortunately the Spanish experience has not been related in the nephrological literature. Initiation of, and withdrawal from, dialysis pose ethical questions for medicine in the 21st century. The dialysis population is aging and they have multiple medical problems. The choice may be between prolongation of quantity or quality of life. We evaluated a protocol for initiation of dialysis in patients with end stage renal failure and their subsequent withdrawal. We determined the factors predicting withdrawal of dialysis and revised the protocol to take account of these. We carried out an opinion poll of doctors and nurses about the effectiveness of the protocol. We studied prospectively the reasons for death of patients in the last seven years.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were withdrawn from dialysis out of 116 who died during treatment by hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in the last seven years. Vascular nephropathy is the principal disease predicting withdrawal from dialysis; the main precipitating cause is mental incapacity. The availability of a protocol for withdrawal of dialysis is well received by doctors and nurses and it engenders moral and legal calm when facing difficult decisions. Twenty-six per cent of deaths on regular dialysis are the result of withdrawal of treatment.

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy as a potential surrogate method for the analysis of D13C in mature kernels of durum wheat

Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) in grain is a potentially useful trait in breeding programs that aim to increase the yield of wheat and other cereals. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is used in routine assays to determine grain and flour quality. This study assesses the ability of NIRS to predict Δ13C in mature kernels of durum wheat. Plants were grown in north-west Syria as this location provided 3 distinct Mediterranean trials that covered a wide range for Δ13C values in grains (from about 12.9‰ to 17.6‰). We measured the spectral reflectance signature between 1100 and 2500 nm in samples from the same flour used in the conventional (i.e. mass spectrometry) determinations of Δ13C. By using principal components regression and partial least squares regression (PLSR), a model of the association between conventional laboratory analysis and these spectra was produced. Global regressions, which included samples from all 3 trials, and local models, which used samples from only one trial, were built and then validated with sample sets not included in calibration procedures. In global models, strong significant correlations (P < 0.001) were found between NIRS-predicted Δ13C and measured Δ13C values. PLSR gave r 2 values of 0.86 and 0.82 for calibration and validation sets, respectively. Although less strongly correlated, all local models selected for a subset of samples with significantly higher Δ13C values. Local models also performed well when selecting samples from the other 2 trials. The advantages and possible limitations of NIRS are further discussed.

Photosynthetic and developmental traits associated with genotypic differences in durum wheat yield across the Mediterranean basin

The relationships between various morphophysiological traits and yield were studied in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) grown in Mediterranean conditions. Two sets of 22 genotypes were used. One was developed for semi-humid environments (TA-genotypes) and was cultivated in 22 trials around the Mediterranean basin with a mean yield across genotypes and environments of 4925 kg/ha. The other set was developed for drier conditions (CA-genotypes) and was cultivated in 15 trials, with a mean yield of 3501 kg/ha. Morphophysiological traits for each set were evaluated in 2 trials with contrasting water regimes conducted in north-eastern Spain: Lleida-rainfed (LR) and Lleida-irrigation (LI). Two kinds of traits were evaluated: developmental traits, including early vigour, plant height, and phenology (days from planting to heading and to maturity); and traits related to photosynthetic performance such as canopy temperature and chlorophyll content of the flag leaf, both measured during grain filling, and carbon isotope discrimination of mature grains. All the traits, measured in both Lleida trials, were related to the mean yield of the same genotypes across all the sites where they were cultivated. Yield measured at either of the 2 environments at Lleida was a much poorer predictor of genotype differences in mean yield than most of the traits. Nevertheless, the kind of environment where the morphophysiological traits were evaluated affected the performance of these traits as yield predictors. The combination of significant traits measured in the better environment (LI) explained 71% and 55% of genotype variability in yield within TA- and CA-genotypes, respectively, but only 56% and 27% when they were evaluated at LR. On the other hand, growing conditions of the yield trials was the main factor determining the best combination of traits. For TA-genotypes, larger yields were associated with shorter plants and higher carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) of grains, and to a lesser extent with higher early vigour and lower canopy temperature, whereas phenological traits made no contribution to explaining genotype differences in yield. For the CA-genotypes, higher yields were related to an earlier heading date or alternatively to a higher chlorophyll content during grain filling. A higher Δ in mature kernels also seems to be a positive trait.

Effect of ranitidine on gastric intramucosal pH in critically ill patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether ranitidine a) increases the values of gastric intramucosal pH (pHi) in critically ill patients, as determined by tonometry; b) reduces the variability of these measurements.

DESIGN

Prospective, double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

SETTING

General Intensive Care Unit of a teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Twenty-five critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients requiring arterial catheter and nasogastric tube.

INTERVENTIONS

Tonometer placement; blind, random administration of intravenous ranitidine (50 mg) or placebo.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Tonometer saline PCO2 (PCO2i), arterial blood gases, gastric juice pH and pHi were determined immediately before, and 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after, ranitidine (12 patients) or placebo (13 patients). Ranitidine significantly increased gastric juice pH, but did not affect PCO2i or pHi; pHi was 7.34 +/- 0.14 before ranitidine, and 7.30 +/- 0.12, 7.31 +/- 0.11, 7.31 +/- 0.14 and 7.31 +/- 0.12-2, 4, 6 and 8 h, respectively, after ranitidine administration (p = 0.55). Ranitidine did not modify the coefficients of variation of PCO2i or pHi, either. No significant changes in gastric juice pH, PCO2i or pHi were observed in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

In critically ill patients, ranitidine has no effect on pHi values, and does not increase the reproducibility of pHi measurements.

Effect of sucralfate on gastric intramucosal pH in critically ill patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether sucralfate administration affects the tonometric measurement of gastric intramucosal pH (pHi).

DESIGN

Non-randomized observational study.

SETTING

General intensive care unit of a teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Twenty critically ill, mechanically ventilated, consecutively admitted patients requiring an arterial catheter and nasogastric tube.

INTERVENTIONS

Tonometer placement and sucralfate administration.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We simultaneously determined tonometer saline PCO2 (PCO2i), arterial blood gases, pH of gastric juice and pHi. These parameters were evaluated immediately before sucralfate administration, and 2 h and 4 h after. We did not detect any change in either PCO2i or pHi after sucralfate administration (PCO2i: basal 6.4 +/- 1.7, 2 h 6.3 +/- 1.7, 4 h 6.3 +/- 1.7; pHi: basal 7.35 +/- 0.13, 2 h 7.36 +/- 0.12, 4 h 7.36 +/- 0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

Sucralfate does not affect the tonometric measurement of PCO2i and pHi.

[Giving up the tobacco habit through the application of the Smoker's Aid Program in the Chantrea Health Centre]

INTRODUCTION

This is a prospective descriptive study of intervention without aleatory assignation, carried out in the Chantrea Health Centre. Its aim is to determine the characteristics of the smokers who are taking part in two interventions by the Smokers' Aid Program (Programa de Ayuda al Fumador-PAF), and to evaluate the factors that influence the latter's success.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The characteristics of 100 smokers were analyzed. They were offered one of the two PAF interventions: Minimal Intervention 1 (MN1): they are given a support brochure in the first consultations, contacted by telephone after one month and called to consultation after 6 months to measure CO. Minimal Intervention 2 (MN2): the smoker makes 5 consultations of support in giving up smoking (+ or - nicotine patches) with the doctor, nurse or social worker indiscriminately. The factors that were influential in abandoning the habit with 65 subjects were evaluated.

RESULTS

60% of the subjects were male with an average age of 41 (DE 29). 29% showed a pathology related to tobacco, with no relation found between this and the success of the interventions. Those who chose MN2 (38%) had started tobacco consumption at an earlier age and were more dependent on nicotine. Of the 65 smokers who completed the program, 37% continued not to smoke after 6 months. Those who managed to give up smoking were of a greater average age, had spent more years smoking and belonged above all to the MN1 intervention.

DISCUSSION

Notable successes are achieved if the actions are carried out by the First Aid Team. We find no significant differences between the characteristics of those who give up smoking and those who do not. Not even a serious pathology, related to tobacco, is predictive of success. The smoker's dependence on nicotine must be taken into account in the intervention.

Triticale and barley for grain and for dual-purpose (forage+grain) in a Mediterranean-type environment. II. Yield, yield components, and quality

Four field experiments were conducted over 2 years and at 2 sites under irrigation and with high soil fertility in north-eastern Spain. Two 6-rowed barley varieties, 3 spring triticales, and 2 winter triticales were evaluated for grain yield and for forage and grain production in the same cropping season. Forage was cut at the first node detectable stage and grain was harvested at ripening in both cut and uncut plots. Forage and grain yields did not differ significantly between species. Forage yield was positively and strongly related to the time between sowing and cutting. Forage quality and grain protein content were similar in barley, spring triticale, and winter triticale. Forage crude protein averaged 25·3%, digestible crude protein 19·4%, and acid detergent fibre 21·9%. Grain protein content averaged 15·4%. The reduction in grain yield caused by clipping ranged from 7 to 70% in barley, 10 to 21% in spring triticale, and 8 to 24% in winter triticale. Grain yield after cutting decreased drastically when the thermal time between cutting and physiological maturity was lower than 1000 growing degree-days (GDD), being independent of this duration for values >1100 GDD. Reductions in grain yield after forage removal were caused mainly by reductions in grain weight. A strong relationship appeared between grain yield in the uncut treatment and grain yield after forage removal, suggesting that breeding for dual purpose could take advantage of the efforts made to increase grain yield potential.

Triticale and barley for grain and for dual-purpose (forage+grain) in a Mediterranean-type environment. I. Growth analyses

Field experiments were conducted for 2 growing seasons (1992 and 1993) at 2 sites in north-eastern Spain under irrigated conditions and high soil fertility. Two 6-rowed barley varieties, 3 spring triticales, and 2 winter triticales were evaluated for grain yield and for forage and grain production in the same cropping season. Forage was cut when the first node was detectable, and grain was harvested at ripening in both cut and uncut plots. Barley, spring triticale, and winter triticale did not differ in biomass at cutting. The number of tillers per plant at the beginning of jointing was about 3·2 in both barley and winter triticale, and 0·7 in spring triticale. Almost all of the biomass components at cutting were positively and significantly correlated with forage yield. Changes in dry matter accumulation and leaf area index and its components in the uncut treatment fitted accurately to the same logistic curve. The maximum number of living leaves per plant was reached between the beginning of jointing and booting in barley and spring triticale, and around jointing in winter triticale. The number of living tillers per plant at anthesis was significantly higher in barley than in triticale. The number of spikes per plant at anthesis was significantly lower in spring triticale than in barley and winter triticale. The efficiency of the plant to accumulate dry matter was greater in triticale than in barley. In barley, grain filling in both cut and uncut harvesting treatments was mainly dependent on current photosynthesis after anthesis. In triticale, which was more affected by terminal abiotic stresses, both photosynthesis and translocation of assimilates contributed to grain filling, independent of the harvesting treatment.

Carbon isotope ratios in ear parts of triticale : influence of grain filling

Four triticale (xTriticosecale Wittmack) genotypes were grown under rainfed conditions with limited irrigation support in Lleida in northeast Spain. For each variety, samples consisting of 10 tillers with half-sterilized spikes were taken three times from anthesis to maturity. Carbon isotope ratios (delta(13)C) were then determined in water extracts from ear bracts (glumes, paleas, and lemmas), awns and flag leaves, and in powdered kernels. For the half-sterilized spikes, carbon isotope analysis was carried out separately in bracts and awns from fertile and nonfertile spikelets. The delta(13)C in the water-soluble fraction of awns, glumes, and glumells from fruitless spikelets was significantly higher than that from fertile spikelets sampled at mid-grain filling. Differences in delta(13)C among sterile and fertile spikelets were not significant in samples taken a few days after anthesis or at maturity. These results are in accordance with some degree of refixation by awns and ear bracts of the CO(2) respired by grains during grain filling. There was progressively higher delta(13)C from flag leaf blades to awns, glumes, and glumells. This variation in delta(13)C along plant parts may be caused by differences in the ratio of assimilation rate to CO(2)-diffusive conductance. Values of delta(13)C of mature kernels were between the values at anthesis and mid-grain filling for the water-soluble fraction of flag leaves and inner bracts and were fairly similar to those of glumes and awns.

The place of fetal liver transplantation in the treatment of inborn errors of metabolism

Over the last 16 years, 202 fetal tissue transplants have been performed in our department to treat 29 patients with severe inborn errors of metabolism without immunodeficiency, 26 patients with congenital and severe immunodeficiency diseases, and 2 patients with severe aplastic anaemia. The actuarial survival curve of patients with inborn errors of metabolism treated with fetal liver transplantation shows a 12-year survival of 77%. The condition of many of these patients has been improved by the treatment, but transplantation has had to be repeated in order to maintain clinical amelioration. Enzyme levels were not significantly and durably increased in peripheral blood but the quantities of substrates detected in sera and urines were significantly reduced and tissue deposits were stabilized.

Fast-germinating low β-glucan mutants induced in barley with improved malting quality and yield

Mutation breeding has been used to improve the speed of germination in the high-yielding spring barley variety Troubadour. Five mutants were selected which combined fast germination and good agronomic performance. Two of these mutants yielded significantly more than did Troubadour over eight environments, and showed a clear improvement in their malting quality through an increase in extract yield. The improvement in malting quality appeared to be due to a decrease in the β-glucan content, which seemed to enhance the germination speed and thus the starch degradation. The improvement in grain yield is postulated to be due to a better early growth caused by the enhanced germination speed. All the described changes could theoretically be explained by a single mutation event in each of the mutant genotypes, affecting the quantity of β-glucans present in the endosperm.

Survey of experimental data on fetal liver transplantation

Fetal liver transplantation has been shown to induce hematological and immunological reconstitution in irradiated rodents, dogs, horses, and sheep. Engraftment and reconstitution without GvHD has been readily obtained using histocompatible donors. When mismatched fetal donors were used, a comparatively larger number of donor cells was required, in addition to pre-treatment of host with higher doses of irradiation or irradiation plus chemotherapy. Stem cell suspensions devoid of any T lymphocyte can be transplanted across major histocompatibility barrier without inducing overt GvHD. The transplanted animals become tolerant to both donor and host grafts.

Ontogeny of T lymphocyte differentiation in the human fetus: acquisition of phenotype and functions

Phenotype and functions of cells of the T lymphocyte lineage from fetal liver, thymus, spleen and bone marrow were investigated at various ages. T lymphocyte differentiation was shown to be initiated in the thymus after the 7th week of gestation. In this organ, a large number of cells with a phenotype comparable to that of children thymocytes and with a high proliferative response to phytomitogens was observed at the 14th week. The fetal liver and bone marrow never contained many T-cells and the liver was shown to be virtually devoid of any of these cells before the 13th week. Fetal spleen contained appreciable amounts of T-cells after the 13th week. Helper and suppressor activities of fetal thymocytes and splenocytes were acquired between the 12th and the 16th week, but they were never as complete nor as potent as those of adult lymphocytes. HLA antigens were detected in very low amount in lymphocytes from the various organs at the beginning of the second trimester and their expression was significantly enhanced by in vitro incubation with alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN), a procedure that permits easier HLA typing of fetal cells.

Fetal tissue transplantation, bone marrow transplantation and prospective gene therapy in severe immunodeficiencies and enzyme deficiencies

The successful development of fetal tissue transplantation has resulted in therapeutical solutions for patients with a variety of diseases. Fetal liver transplants as well as bone marrow transplants, can completely cure patients with severe combined immunodeficiency disease. These transplants can also be applied to treat other types of immunodeficiency, hemopathies, and inborn errors of metabolism, in association with immunosuppressive therapy. Despite complete HLA incompatibility between transplanted stem cells and host cells, functional activities of donor-derived T-lymphocytes are not restricted. In severe forms of Di George syndrome, immunological reconstitution can be obtained by fetal thymus transplantation. It is expected that, in the near future, pure stem cell transplants and gene transplants will develop and will provide remarkable solutions for the therapy of a large number of diseases.

Lymphocyte homing in mice: lack of significant alteration when H-2 antigen expression is moderately modified

The part played by MHC antigens on lymphocyte homing has been investigated by inducing modifications of their expression on lymphoid cells. A significant, though moderate, enhancement of H-2 antigen expression has been observed following in vitro treatment of lymphocytes with alpha-IFN. A decrease has been obtained after in vivo treatment of mice with chloramphenicol. These rather moderate alterations of H-2 density (ca. 20-30%, as determined by cytofluorometry) did not induced changes of lymphocyte capacity to home into the different lymphoid organs.

"Moya-moya' disease caused by cranial trauma

A case of "moya-moya" disease of a 12-year-old boy is reported. The clinical history started at 3 years 2 months after cranial trauma. The patient developed mental retardation, hemiparesis and seizures.