The rpg4-mediated resistance to wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis) in barley (Hordeum vulgare) requires Rpg5, a second NBS-LRR gene, and an actin depolymerization factor

The rpg4 gene confers recessive resistance to several races of wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) and Rpg5 provides dominant resistance against isolates of the rye stem rust (P. graminis f. sp. secalis) in barley. The rpg4 and Rpg5 genes are tightly linked on chromosome 5H, and positional cloning using high-resolution populations clearly separated the genes, unambiguously identifying Rpg5; however, the identity of rpg4 remained unclear. High-resolution genotyping of critical recombinants at the rpg4/Rpg5 locus, designated here as rpg4-mediated resistance locus (RMRL) delimited two distinct yet tightly linked loci required for resistance, designated as RMRL1 and RMRL2. Utilizing virus-induced gene silencing, each gene at RMRL1, i.e., HvRga1 (a nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat [NBS-LRR] domain gene), Rpg5 (an NBS-LRR-protein kinase domain gene), and HvAdf3 (an actin depolymerizing factor-like gene), was individually silenced followed by inoculation with P. graminis f. sp. tritici race QCCJ. Silencing each gene changed the reaction type from incompatible to compatible, indicating that all three genes are required for rpg4-mediated resistance. This stem rust resistance mechanism in barley follows the emerging theme of unrelated pairs of genetically linked NBS-LRR genes required for specific pathogen recognition and resistance. It also appears that actin cytoskeleton dynamics may play an important role in determining resistance against several races of stem rust in barley.

Effect of acetyl choline on ion transport in sheep tracheal epithelium

The action of acetylcholine (ACh) on sheep tracheal epithelium has been investigated. ACh increases transiently the short-circuit current (ISC). The same response is obtained in tissues in which the apical membrane has been permeabilized with amphotericin B in the presence of a potassium gradient. Microelectrode studies show that the majority of tracheal epithelial cells depolarize as the apical fractional resistance decreases on application of ACh. These results, together with the finding that bumetanide decreases the initial ACh-induced ISC increase, are consistent with an initial activation by ACh of apical Cl- channels and basolateral K+ channels. Following the initial increase, ISC declines to values lower than in control conditions both in untreated and in amphotericin-permeabilized tissues, suggesting that the basolateral K+ conductance falls during this phase. The late decrease in ISC induced by ACh is significantly reduced in tissues pretreated with amiloride, suggesting that the apical Na+ channels are also involved in this response. ACh abolishes the net Na+ absorption by decreasing the mucosal to serosal Na+ flux. This effect is possibly a result of a down-regulation of apical Na+ channels and basolateral K+ channels.

Rapid improvement of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with vincristine and plasmapheresis

Many patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) fail to respond to daily plasmapheresis and the results of alternative treatments have been inconsistent. Vincristine was given weekly with continued plasmapheresis to eight patients who were refractory to plasmapheresis, antiplatelet agents, and/or corticosteroids. A rapid response to the vincristine occurred in all eight patients in 5 days with a marked rise in the platelet count and resolution of symptoms. The results in these patients suggest that early initiation of vincristine therapy in conjunction with plasmapheresis is useful in TTP.

Mapping resistance to the Ug99 race group of the stem rust pathogen in a spring wheat landrace

A new gene for Ug99 resistance from wheat landrace PI 374670 was detected on the long arm of chromosome 7A. Wheat landrace PI 374670 has seedling and field resistance to stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp tritici Eriks. & E. Henn (Pgt) race TTKSK. To elucidate the inheritance of resistance, 216 BC1F2 families, 192 double haploid (DH) lines, and 185 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were developed by crossing PI 374670 and the susceptible line LMPG-6. The parents and progeny were evaluated for seedling resistance to Pgt races TTKSK, MCCFC, and TPMKC. The DH lines were tested in field stem rust nurseries in Kenya and Ethiopia. The DH lines were genotyped with the 90K wheat iSelect SNP genotyping platform. Goodness-of-fit tests indicated that a single dominant gene in PI 374670 conditioned seedling resistance to the three Pgt races. The seedling resistance locus mapped to the long arm of chromosome 7A and this result was verified in the RIL population screened with the flanking SNP markers using KASP assays. In the same region, a major QTL for field resistance was detected in a 7.7 cM interval and explained 34-54 and 29-36% of the variation in Kenya and Ethiopia, respectively. Results from tests with specific Pgt races and the csIH81 marker showed that the resistance was not due to Sr22. Thus, a new stem rust resistance gene or allele, either closely linked or allelic to Sr15, is responsible for the seedling and field resistance of PI 374670 to Ug99.

Association of noninvasive markers of coronary artery reperfusion to assess microvascular obstruction in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with primary angioplasty

Early restoration of coronary artery patency through primary angioplasty limits infarct size and improves survival. Increasing evidence, however, suggests that microvascular obstruction is often present despite coronary artery recanalization. This may limit the benefits of reperfusion therapy. We studied the use of noninvasive markers of coronary artery reperfusion as indicators of microvascular obstruction and determinants of prognosis in 98 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who were successfully treated with primary angioplasty (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grade 3 flow and residual stenosis <30%). Plasma creatine kinase (CK) levels and 12-lead electrocardiograms were performed on admission, at 90 minutes, and at 6, 12, and 24 hours after treatment. We defined: (1) reperfusion as resolution of ST-segment elevation >50% at 90 minutes, with peak CK levels within 12 hours, and T-wave inversion within 24 hours; and (2) failed reperfusion, as the absence of these parameters. Of the 98 patients studied, 87 (88.8%) had reperfusion and 11 (11.2%) had failed reperfusion. Infarct location was anterior (versus inferior) in 9 patients in the failed reperfusion group (81.8%) compared with 41 patients in the reperfusion group (47.1%) (p <0.01). Congestive heart failure >24 hours after presentation or in-hospital death occurred in 11 patients (12.6%) in the reperfusion group versus 5 (45.5%) in the failed reperfusion group (p <0.01). One-year survival was 96.1% for the reperfusion group and 60.6% for the failed reperfusion group (p <0.0001). We conclude that the association of noninvasive markers of reperfusion better identifies patients with microvascular obstruction among those who had a "successful" primary angioplasty. Evidence of impaired microvascular reperfusion is associated with a poor in-hospital and 1-year outcome.

Enalapril restores depressed circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 in patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by increased activity of the renin-angiotensin system. Recent experimental studies have shown that infusion of angiotensin II results in depressed plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and weight loss. We have previously reported that stable patients with CHF have decreased activity of the growth hormone (GH)-IGF1 axis. We have hypothesized, therefore, that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition therapy should restore GH-IGF1 activity in CHF patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nine patients with stable CHF who were taking digitalis and diuretics, New York Heart Association functional class III were studied before and after 8 weeks of therapy with Enalapril (10 mg twice daily). We measured IGF1 levels, radionuclide left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and peak oxygen consumption (PVO2). We found that 7 of 9 patients had abnormally low levels of IGF1 (0.2-0.5 mU/ml). IGF1 levels reverted to normal after Enalapril therapy (0.36 +/- 0.03 to 0.8 +/- 0.14 mU/ml, P = .004). This was associated with a significant increase in EF (27.4 +/- 1.1 to 31.4 +/- 0.9%) and PVO2 (14.8 +/- 1.2 to 18.6 +/- 1.5 ml/kg/min) values (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Chronic ACE inhibition therapy restored previously reduced IGF1 plasma levels in patients with CHF, most likely by reducing angiotensin II activity.

Stress distribution of faceted particles in a silo after its partial discharge

We present experimental and numerical results of the effect that a partial discharge has on the morphological and micro-mechanical properties of non-spherical, convex particles in a silo. The comparison of the particle orientation after filling the silo and its subsequent partial discharge reveals important shear-induced orientation, which affects stress propagation. For elongated particles, the flow induces an increase in the packing disorder which leads to a reduction of the vertical stress propagation developed during the deposit generated prior to the partial discharge. For square particles, the flow favors particle alignment with the lateral walls promoting a behavior opposite to the one of the elongated particles: vertical force transmission, parallel to gravity, is induced. Hence, for elongated particles the flow developed during the partial discharge of the silo leads to force saturation with depth whereas for squares the flow induces hindering of the force saturation observed during the silo filling.

Selective increase in cardiac IGF-1 in a rat model of ventricular hypertrophy

There is evidence that insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays a role in the development of left ventricular hypertrophy, but it is uncertain whether cardiac IGF-1 changes before or after hypertension is established, and whether circulating IGF-1 are involved in cardiac hypertrophy. We have investigated changes in circulating and left ventricular IGF-1 and in the expression of the IGF-1 gene in the left ventricles of rats during the development of hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (Goldblatt model; 2 kidney-1 clamped). Our results show that the left ventricular contents of IGF-1 and its mRNA were increased at one and four weeks of hypertension and hypertrophy, and that both returned to control values after nine weeks. These changes were unrelated to the seric concentration of IGF-1 in the blood. These results show that local rather than circulating IGF-1 levels contributed to the development of renovascular hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy.

Field Resistance to the Ug99 Race Group of the Stem Rust Pathogen in Spring Wheat Landraces

Wheat landraces provide a source of genetic variability for breeding. The emergence and spread of highly virulent races of the stem rust pathogen (Ug99 race group of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) threaten wheat production globally. Spring wheat landraces were screened for resistance in eight field seasons at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Njoro, where the Ug99 race group has become endemic. Accessions showing resistance in one season were retested and screened with molecular markers associated with resistance genes Sr2, Sr24, Sr36, and Lr34/Yr18; two height-reducing genes; and a photoperiod insensitivity allele. Of 2,509 accessions tested, 278 were categorized as resistant based on results from at least two seasons. Of these resistant accessions, 32 were positive for one or more markers for Sr2, Sr36, Rht-B1b, or Rht-D1b, indicating that they do not fit the definition of "landrace" because these genes were likely introduced via modern breeding practices. Thus, 246 resistant "landrace" accessions were identified. Of countries with more than five tested accessions, Afghanistan, Iran, Portugal, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, Greece, Tajikistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia had at least 10% of tested accessions that were resistant to the Ug99 race group. Future research will characterize the resistance to determine its novelty and incorporate novel genes into improved lines.

Double-barreled K+-selective microelectrodes based on dibenzo-18-crown-6

Liquid ion-exchanger microelectrodes based on Corning code 477317 K+ exchanger are known to be much more sensitive to quaternary ammonium ions than to K+. In the presence of such cations, the capability of measuring K+ activities with Corning microelectrodes may be seriously impaired. We have developed a neutral carrier K+-selective microelectrode based on the crown ether dibenzo-18-crown-6. The crown ether cocktail contained (wt/wt) 2.3% dibenzo-18-crown-6, 0.8% Na-tetraphenylborate, 30.1% 2-nitrophenylocylether, and 66.8% O-nitrotoluene. Double-barreled crown ether and Corning microelectrodes were calibrated in KCl solutions with or without choline, acetylcholine, tetramethylammonium, imidazole, Na+, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris), and N-methyl-D-glucamine. Both kinds of microelectrodes showed similar K+ over Na+, Tris, and N-methyl-D-glucamine selectivities. However, crown ether microelectrodes had immensely greater selectivities of K+ over quaternary ammonium ions and imidazole than Corning microelectrodes. Selectivity factors, defined as log K(ij)K, of crown ether microelectrodes with respect to K+ for tetramethylammonium, choline, acetylcholine, and imidazole were -1.92 +/- 0.13, -2.97 +/- 0.03, -1.75 +/- 0.15, and -1.30 +/- 0.20, respectively. Intracellular K+ activities measured in the same Necturus gallbladders with both kinds of microelectrodes did not differ significantly.

Na(+)-H+ exchanger in isolated epithelial tracheal cells from sheep. Involvement in tracheal proton secretion

The presence of a Na(+)-H+ exchanger in isolated tracheal epithelial cells has been tested. Sodium uptake in tracheocytes was found to increase when the intracellular medium was made acidic. Micromolar 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride (EIPA) concentrations reduced the sodium uptake in acidified cells. Intracellular pH was studied using the fluorescent indicator, 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). The rate of recovery from an acidifying pulse was partially dependent on the presence of extracellular sodium. EIPA decreased the initial rate of pH recovery from acidification in the presence but not in the absence of external sodium. These results suggest the existence of a Na(+)-H+ exchanger in sheep tracheocytes, and of some other Na(+)-independent proton extruding mechanism(s). Proton secretion into the tracheal lumen was studied in whole tracheae bathed in bicarbonate-free solutions by a 'pH stat' technique. The rate of proton secretion was significantly decreased by the addition of EIPA to the luminal solution, suggesting the involvement of an apically located Na(+)-H+ exchanger in proton secretion in sheep trachea.

Identification of novel genomic regions associated with resistance to Pyrenophora tritici-repentis races 1 and 5 in spring wheat landraces using association analysis

Tan spot, caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, is a major foliar disease of wheat worldwide. Host plant resistance is the best strategy to manage this disease. Traditionally, bi-parental mapping populations have been used to identify and map quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting tan spot resistance in wheat. The association mapping (AM) could be an alternative approach to identify QTL based on linkage disequilibrium (LD) within a diverse germplasm set. In this study, we assessed resistance to P. tritici-repentis races 1 and 5 in 567 spring wheat landraces from the USDA-ARS National Small Grains Collection (NSGC). Using 832 diversity array technology (DArT) markers, QTL for resistance to P. tritici-repentis races 1 and 5 were identified. A linear model with principal components suggests that at least seven and three DArT markers were significantly associated with resistance to P. tritici-repentis races 1 and 5, respectively. The DArT markers associated with resistance to race 1 were detected on chromosomes 1D, 2A, 2B, 2D, 4A, 5B, and 7D and explained 1.3-3.1% of the phenotypic variance, while markers associated with resistance to race 5 were distributed on 2D, 6A and 7D, and explained 2.2-5.9% of the phenotypic variance. Some of the genomic regions identified in this study correspond to previously identified loci responsible for resistance to P. tritici-repentis, offering validation for our AM approach. Other regions identified were novel and could possess genes useful for resistance breeding. Some DArT markers associated with resistance to race 1 also were localized in the same regions of wheat chromosomes where QTL for resistance to yellow rust, leaf rust and powdery mildew, have been mapped previously. This study demonstrates that AM can be a useful approach to identify and map novel genomic regions involved in resistance to P. tritici-repentis.

Tacrolimus as Basic Immunosuppression in Pregnancy After Renal Transplantation. A Single-Center Experience

Renal transplantation restores fertility within an average of 6 months, so women of childbearing age are able to consider pregnancy. Successful pregnancies have been reported in recent years under different immunosuppressive regimens, but the optimal treatment to achieve the maximum safety for both the mother and fetus remains unclear. Tacrolimus has been demonstrated to provide long-term immunosuppression and prevent rejection in most renal transplants. It seems safe, but experience is limited compared with cyclosporine. We report our experience highlighting the high rate of successful pregnancies attained in women treated with tacrolimus as the basic immunosuppressant and advised of recommendations to achieve a healthy newborn. Renal function was preserved during the pregnancy. The puerperal period and the rate of gestation-related difficulties appeared similar to that of the general population.

Experimental Study of Ordering of Hard Cubes by Shearing

We experimentally analyze the compaction dynamics of an ensemble of cubic particles submitted to a novel type of excitation. Instead of the standard tapping procedure used in granular materials we apply alternative twists to the cylindrical container. Under this agitation, the development of shear forces among the different layers of cubes leads to particle alignment. As a result, the packing fraction grows monotonically with the number of twists. If the intensity of the excitations is sufficiently large, an ordered final state is reached where the volume fraction is the densest possible compatible with the boundary condition. This ordered final state resembles the tetratic or cubatic phases observed in colloids.

Perceptions of trait typicality in gender stereotypes: examining the role of attribution and categorization processes

Gender stereotypes are understood as the ascription of different personality traits to men and women. Data from American and Italian samples showed that consistent with the attribution hypothesis, the estimated prevalence of a trait in a target group predicted perceptions of trait typicality well. In contrast, there was no support for the categorization hypothesis, according to which perceived differences in trait prevalence between groups should independently predict trait typicality. Nevertheless, participants overestimated gender differences in personality as predicted by the principle of intercategory accentuation. The implications of these findings for the rationality and accuracy of gender stereotyping are discussed.

Molecular Mapping of Stem Rust Resistance Loci Effective Against the Ug99 Race Group of the Stem Rust Pathogen and Validation of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Marker Linked to Stem Rust Resistance Gene Sr28

Wheat landrace PI 177906 has seedling resistance to stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici races TTKSK, TTKST, and BCCBC and field resistance to the Ug99 race group. Parents, 140 recombinant inbred lines, and 138 double haploid (DH) lines were evaluated for seedling resistance to races TTKSK and BCCBC. Parents and the DH population were evaluated for field resistance to Ug99 in Kenya. The 90K wheat single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping platform was used to genotype the parents and populations. Goodness-of-fit tests indicated that two dominant genes in PI 177906 conditioned seedling resistance to TTKSK. Two major loci for seedling resistance were consistently mapped to the chromosome arms 2BL and 6DS. The BCCBC resistance was mapped to the same location on 2BL as the TTKSK resistance. Using field data from the three seasons, two major QTL were consistently detected at the same regions on 2BL and 6DS. Based on the mapping result, race specificity, and the infection type observed in PI 177906, the TTKSK resistance on 2BL is likely due to Sr28. One SNP marker (KASP_IWB1208) was found to be predictive for the presence of the TTKSK resistance locus on 2BL and Sr28.

Multilocus Genotypes of the Wheat Leaf Rust Fungus Puccinia triticina in Worldwide Regions Indicate Past and Current Long-Distance Migration

Many plant pathogenic fungi have a global distribution across diverse ecological zones and agricultural production systems. Puccinia triticina, the wheat leaf rust fungus, is a major pathogen in many wheat production areas of the world. The objective of this research was to determine the genetic relatedness of P. triticina in different worldwide regions. A total of 831 single-uredinial isolates collected from 11 regions were characterized for multilocus genotype at 23 simple sequence repeat loci and for virulence to 20 lines of wheat with single genes for leaf rust resistance. A total of 424 multilocus genotypes and 497 virulence phenotypes were found. All populations had high heterozygosity and significant correlation between virulence and molecular variation, which indicated clonal reproduction. The populations from North America and South America, Central Asia and Russia, and the Middle East and Europe were closely related for multilocus genotypes and many individual isolates from other continental regions were closely related. Twenty-seven multilocus genotypes were found in more than one continental region, and 13 of these had isolates with identical virulence phenotypes. The wide geographic distribution of identical and highly related multilocus genotypes of P. triticina indicated past and more recent migration events facilitated by the spread of clonally produced urediniospores.

Environmental factors influencing the spatio-temporal distribution of Carybdea marsupialis (Lineo, 1978, Cubozoa) in South-Western Mediterranean coasts

Jellyfish blooms cause important ecological and socio-economic problems. Among jellyfish, cubozoans are infamous for their painful, sometimes deadly, stings and are a major public concern in tropical to subtropical areas; however, there is little information about the possible causes of their outbreaks. After a bloom of the cubomedusa Carybdea marsupialis (Carybdeidae) along the coast of Denia (SW Mediterranean, Spain) in 2008 with negative consequences for local tourism, the necessity to understand the ecological restrictions on medusae abundance was evident. Here we use different models (GAM and zero-inflated models) to understand the environmental and human related factors influencing the abundance and distribution of C. marsupialis along the coast of Denia. Selected variables differed among medusae size classes, showing different environmental restriction associated to the developmental stages of the species. Variables implicated with dispersion (e.g. wind and current) affected mostly small and medium size classes. Sea surface temperature, salinity and proxies of primary production (chl a, phosphates, nitrates) were related to the abundances of small and large size classes, highlighting the roles of springtime salinity changes and increased primary production that may promote and maintain high densities of this species. The increased primary (and secondary) production due to anthropogenic impact is implicated as the factor enabling high numbers of C. marsupialis to thrive. Recommendations for monitoring blooms of this species along the study area and applicable to Mediterranean Sea include focus effort in coastal waters where productivity have been enriched by anthropogenic activities.

Gouty arthritis in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. An unusual but aggressive case

Patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are characteristically hypouricemic. Therefore, the occurrence of gouty arthritis in association with AIDS would be expected to be a rare phenomenon. We describe a patient with AIDS in whom gouty arthritis developed. Features of both diseases in relation to their coexistence in this patient are discussed.

Scintigraphic findings in a Brodie's abscess

A 9-year-old girl had a 6-month history of left hip pain. Radiographs of the left hip showed a metaphyseal osteolytic lesion with sclerotic borders in the femoral neck. Tc-99m MDP bone imaging and a Ga-67 scan showed focal areas of increased activity in the left femoral neck. These areas of increased uptake corresponded to a lytic area on x-rays, which was due to a Brodie's abscess. The combination of Tc-99m MDP bone and Ga-67 imaging has been widely used in the confirmation of bone infection, increasing the accuracy in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis. However, nuclear scintigraphy has not been previously reported in the confirmation of a Brodie's abscess.

Influence of the feeding mechanism on deposits of square particles

In a previous paper [Hidalgo et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 118001 (2009)] it was shown that square particles deposited in a silo tend to align with a diagonal parallel to the gravity, giving rise to a deposit with very particular properties. Here we explore, both experimentally and numerically, the effect on these properties of the filling mechanism. In particular, we modify the volume fraction of the initial configuration from which the grains are deposited. Starting from a very dilute case, increasing the volume fraction results in an enhancement of the disorder in the final deposit characterized by a decrease of the final packing fraction and a reduction of the number of particles oriented with their diagonal in the direction of gravity. However, for very high initial volume fractions, the final packing fraction increases again. This result implies that two deposits with the same final packing fraction can be obtained from very different initial conditions. The structural properties of such deposits are analyzed, revealing that, although the final volume fraction is the same, their micromechanical properties notably differ.

Ionic permeabilities of the cell membranes of sheep tracheal epithelium

1. The ionic permeabilities of the apical and basolateral membranes of sheep tracheal epithelial cells have been evaluated by studying the effect of ion replacements on the apical (Va) and basolateral (Vb) membrane potentials and apical voltage divider ratio (fa). 2. The results provide evidence for the existence of conductances for Cl-, Na+ and K+ at the apical membrane, and of an important K+ conductance at the basolateral membrane. These characteristics agree with the model for Cl- secretion and Na+ absorption proposed for tracheal epithelium of other species. 3. The short-circuit current (Isc) across this tissue was found to increase significantly when HCO3- and CO2 were added to the bathing solutions. The addition of 0.5 mM-SITS (4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid) to the serosal bathing solution decreased Isc only if HCO3- and CO2 were present in the bathing solutions. These results suggest the existence of a HCO3- secretion in sheep tracheal epithelium under short-circuit conditions. 4. The results obtained in HCO3- replacement studies are compatible with an electrically silent HCO3- entry across the basolateral membrane and an electrogenic exit at the apical membrane of the cells.