Autopolyploid inheritance and a heterozygous reciprocal translocation shape chromosome genetic behavior in tetraploid blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

Understanding chromosome recombination behavior in polyploidy species is key to advancing genetic discoveries. In blueberry, a tetraploid species, the line of evidences about its genetic behavior still remain poorly understood, owing to the inter-specific, and inter-ploidy admixture of its genome and lack of in depth genome-wide inheritance and comparative structural studies. Here we describe a new high-quality, phased, chromosome-scale genome of a diploid blueberry, clone W85. The genome was integrated with cytogenetics and high-density, genetic maps representing six tetraploid blueberry cultivars, harboring different levels of wild genome admixture, to uncover recombination behavior and structural genome divergence across tetraploid and wild diploid species. Analysis of chromosome inheritance and pairing demonstrated that tetraploid blueberry behaves as an autotetraploid with tetrasomic inheritance. Comparative analysis demonstrated the presence of a reciprocal, heterozygous, translocation spanning one homolog of chr-6 and one of chr-10 in the cultivar Draper. The translocation affects pairing and recombination of chromosomes 6 and 10. Besides the translocation detected in Draper, no other structural genomic divergences were detected across tetraploid cultivars and highly inter-crossable wild diploid species. These findings and resources will facilitate new genetic and comparative genomic studies in Vaccinium and the development of genomic assisted selection strategy for this crop.

Dissecting the genetic basis of bioactive metabolites and fruit quality traits in blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

Blueberry is well-recognized as a healthy fruit with functionality derived largely from anthocyanin and chlorogenic acid. Despite their importance, no study to date has evaluated the genetic basis of these bioactives in blueberries and their relationship with fruit quality traits. Hence, to fill this gap, a mapping population including 196 F₁ individuals was phenotyped for anthocyanin and chlorogenic acid concentration and fruit quality traits (titratable acidity, pH, and total soluble solids) over 3 years and data were used for QTL mapping and correlation analysis. Total soluble solids and chlorogenic acid were positively correlated with glycosylated anthocyanin and total anthocyanin, respectively, indicating that parallel selection for these traits is possible. Across all the traits, a total of 188 QTLs were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 11 and 12. Notably, four major regions with overlapping major-effect QTLs were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 4 and 8, and were responsible for acylation and glycosylation of anthocyanins in a substrate and sugar donor specific manner. Through comparative transcriptome analysis, multiple candidate genes were identified for these QTLs, including glucosyltransferases and acyltransferases. Overall, the study provides the first insights into the genetic basis controlling anthocyanins accumulation and composition, chlorogenic acid and fruit quality traits, and establishes a framework to advance genetic studies and molecular breeding for anthocyanins in blueberry.

Effect of Chairside CAD/CAM Restoration Type on Marginal Fit Accuracy: A Comparison of Crown, Inlay and Onlay Restorations

Chairside CAD/CAM is a convenient approach for fabricating dental restorations. However, the effect of CAD/CAM restoration type on marginal fit accuracy has not been fully investigated. This study evaluated of the marginal fit accuracy of 3 chairside CAD/ CAM restoration types (crown, inlay and onlay) using CEREC Bluecam (BC) and CEREC Omnicam (OC) scanners. Three artificial maxillary first molars received crown, inlay and onlay preparations. A total of 10 CAD/CAM ceramic restorations were produced for each tooth by each intraoral scanner. The marginal gap was measured along the preparation margin. For the BC, all the restorations had similar marginal gaps (crowns = 113.9 μm; inlays = 120.9 μm; onlays = 132.5 μm) (p = 0.20), while for the OC, the crowns (72.2 μm) and the inlays (74.9 μm) exhibited better marginal fit than the onlays (96.4 μm) (p = 0.003). For every restoration type, the OC provided a superior outcome compared with the BC. Therefore, the restoration type influenced the marginal gap, where the crowns tended to have the least marginal gap while the onlays had the greatest marginal gap. The newer scanner (OC) of the same manufacturer was more accurate than the older scanner (BC).

Child care work. Organizational culture and health and safety

A nonrandom sample of child care workers was surveyed to assess whether child care work represented an "at risk" health and safety culture and to measure the organizational dimensions contributing to the health and safety culture. The child care workers in Houston, Texas, were surveyed by mail, using an instrument developed by the research team. The sample population represented 34 child care centers (n = 240 respondents). The analysis yielded five factors related to determinants of health and safety culture. The participants had a favorable perception of the five health and safety determinants. The participants also reported high levels of injury and illness in their environments, suggesting a less than favorable situation. A culture, work, and health model was useful in examining the relationship between health and safety and organizational culture.

Cost analysis: a tool for measuring the value of nurse practitioner practice

The survival of nurse-managed centers and their ability to provide practice opportunities for advanced practice nurses depends on combining sound business practices and active financial management with clinical excellence. Using cost analysis methodologies, this study examined the operational costs of 2 academic-based nursing centers and analyzed the practices that resulted in profitability for 1 and questionable survival for the other.

Utilization of an academic nursing center

Academic nursing centers, or nurse-managed clinics, are relatively new health care delivery systems. Little information exists as to the demographic characteristics of individuals who use academic nursing centers for health care. Moreover, little is found in the literature about the types of conditions diagnosed and the procedures and tests performed at academic nursing centers. Based on one academic nursing center, this project showed that 3,263 persons received care during an 8-month period. The types of conditions diagnosed and the demographic characteristics of individuals cared for are described. The procedures and diagnostic tests performed are identified. These data have important implications for marketing, predicting resources, and meeting the educational component of the academic nursing center.

Primary care at the worksite: the use of health risk appraisal in a nursing center

1. The worksite is an emerging and appropriate setting for nurse practitioner provided primary care services. 2. Health risk appraisal has been identified in the literature and in employment settings as a valuable component of a worksite health program. 3. Nurse practitioners can use health risk appraisal, in combination with physical assessment, to target needs of those at high risk for certain health problems and to determine appropriate wellness oriented education and counseling. 4. Further research is needed to determine motivating factors for employees to make changes in high risk behaviors once they are identified through health risk appraisal.

NGF, bFGF and CNTF increase survival of major pelvic ganglion neurons cultured from the adult rat

The responsiveness of cultured major pelvic ganglion (MPG) neurons, isolated from adult rats, to nerve growth factor (NGF), basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) and ciliary neuronotrophic factor (CNTF) was tested using in vitro survival assay. MPG neurons respond to NGF with increased survival (+35 +/- 13.3%, mean +/- S.E.), a response completely blocked by antibodies specific to NGF. bFGF (+85 +/- 9.6%) and CNTF (+10.5 +/- 0.5%) also augment survival of MPG neurons in vitro. The effect of bFGF was partially blocked by bFGF antibody. Anti-NGF antibody reduced neuronal survival by 25 +/- 4.1% in conditioned medium from cultures of bladder smooth muscle, suggesting bladder produces NGF. Combining antibodies against NGF and bFGF reduced survival by 19 +/- 0.5% in medium supplemented with bladder extracts, suggesting the extracts contain neurotrophic activity in addition to NGF. These results support the hypothesis that neurons regulating bladder function respond to NGF and other growth factors. Therefore, previously documented changes in bladder neurotrophic factors following hypertrophy, inflammation and injury may elicit growth or change in the autonomic nervous system.

Identification of vancomycin-resistant lactic bacteria isolated from humans

By using cell morphology, arginine dihydrolase, and gas production in de Man, Sharp, Rogosa broth, 122 isolates of vancomycin-resistant lactic bacteria from humans were assigned to five profiles, allowing us to distinguish Pediococcus, homofermentative and heterofermentative Lactobacillus, and Leuconostoc species. The absence of L-(+)-lactic acid, as detected spectrophotometrically, was confirmatory for Leuconostoc species. API 50 CHL panels were useful for the identification of Lactobacillus species.

Evaluation of a new commercial Clostridium difficile toxin A enzyme immunoassay using diarrhoeal stools

A new, commercially available enzyme immunoassay for the detection of toxin A in stool specimens, the Premier Clostridium difficile Toxin A test (Meridian Diagnostics), was evaluated using 228 diarrhoeal stool specimens. Using a cytotoxin assay on HeLa cells as the reference method, this new test resulted in a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 95%. Using the presence or absence of a toxigenic strain in the stools as the reference method, the sensitivity was similar to that of the cytotoxin assay (71.7+ versus 70.5%) and the overall correlation was even better (89.4% versus 82%). The Premier Clostridium difficile Toxin A assay is rapid and easy to perform and is an excellent alternative to the usual toxin B assay.

Factors associated with long-term depressive symptoms of sexual assault victims

Of 63 sexual assault victims who were a mean 7.9 years postevent, almost two thirds (60%, n = 38) demonstrated some degree of depression. Over half (56%, n = 35) the sample also reported a history of childhood sexual abuse. Three factors had a significant positive association with higher levels of depression: nondisclosure of the assault to significant others due to concerns about stigma; the presence of children living with the victim; and a civil lawsuit pending. One factor, currently being sexually active, had a significant negative association with depression. Results are discussed from the perspective of depression, a common pathway by which unresolved sexual trauma is expressed.