Whole genomes from bacteria collected at diagnostic units around the world 2020

The Two Weeks in the World research project has resulted in a dataset of 3087 clinically relevant bacterial genomes with pertaining metadata, collected from 59 diagnostic units in 35 countries around the world during 2020. A relational database is available with metadata and summary data from selected bioinformatic analysis, such as species prediction and identification of acquired resistance genes.

Abstract P3-01-07: Comparison of the prognostic value of lymph node ratio versus residual lymph node status in triple negative breast cancer

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients with residual disease are characterized for a bad outcome. In these patients nodal involvement after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is one of the most important prognostic determinants. In this study we compare two prognostic variables based on nodal status, the lymph node ratio (LNR=#positive nodes/#resected nodes) and residual lymph node status (ypN) in TNBC who received NAC.

Methods: We evaluated a retrospective cohort of TNBC patients with residual disease in the lymph nodes (at least 4 resected nodes) and treated with NAC between 2000-2014 at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas (Lima-Peru). Patients were grouped in three LNR groups (≤0.20, 0.20-0.69 and ≥0.70). Survival differences were calculated by the log rank test. Prognostic factors for progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed by the Cox regression analysis.

Results: Overall, 189 were evaluated. Mean age was 48y (range: 26-73) where 53.5% were premenopausal and 16.5% had breast/ovary cancer familial background. A total of 175 pts (92.6%) had clinical T3-T4 tumors and 85.2% had nodal involvement at diagnosis. Indeed, the majority of patients had III CS (94.2%). Regarding to the LNR, 48.2% (n=91), 29.6% (n=56) and 22.2% (n=42) (22.2) had LNR ≤0.20, 0.21-0.69 and ≥0.70, respectively. Distribution of clinical differences was similar between groups, except for the clinical N stage (N2-N3: 15.4%, 46.4%, 52,3%, respectively; p<0.001). The median follow-up was 7 years. Progression risk was higher in patients with LNR ≤0.20 than 0.20-0.69 and ≥0.70 (HR=1.77, 95%CI:1.21-2.59, p=0.003 and HR=2.22, 95%CI:1.47-3.35, respectively, p<0.001). It was similar for the risk of death (HR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.17-2.70, p=0.007 and HR=2.95, 95%CI:1.91-4.56, respectively, p<0.001). LNR groups were associated to progression events (P=0.02) in contrast to ypN groups (P=0.07). In the multivariate analysis, pre-menopausal status, a higher LNR and ypT with non-complete response were prognostic factors of worse DFS. Only a higher LNR has a negative impact on OS (table 1).

Conclusion: LNR was an independent prognostic factor for TNBC in patients with residual disease with better capability than ypN to predict progression events. LNR should be considered in the risk stratification after NAC among these patients.

Table 1. Multivariate Cox Regression AnalysisCharacteristicsDFS  OS   HR95%CIp valueHR95%CIp valuePremenopausal status1.931.37-2.73<0.001nsnsnsLNR 0.20 vs 0.21-0.692.011.36-2.970.0011.781.17-2.700.007LNR 0.20 vs 0.701.751.57-3.74<0.0012.921.88-4.55<0.001ypT complete vs partial1.751.13-2.710.012nsnsnsypT complete vs non-response2.041.20-3.480.009nsnsnsns=not significant

Citation Format: De la Cruz-Ku G, Morante Z, Pinto J, Enriquez D, Eyzaguirre E, Saavedra A, Luján M, Luque R, Ramírez M, Araujo J, Fuentes H, Flores C, Moller M, Yakoub D, Neciosup S, Gomez H. Comparison of the prognostic value of lymph node ratio versus residual lymph node status in triple negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-01-07.

Pharmacokinetics of disappearance of cocaine from hair after discontinuation of drug use

Methods that employ detection of drugs of abuse in hair are important for monitoring compliance with drug abstinence. Understanding the mechanisms and timeline of drug disappearance from hair is critical for clinical and forensic application of hair testing. We aimed to evaluate the kinetics of disappearance of cocaine and its metabolite, benzoylecgonine (BE), from hair after discontinuation of drug use.

METHODS

The Motherisk laboratory at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto routinely receives hair samples for toxicology analysis. Cocaine and BE hair results were obtained from the Motherisk Database for calculation of half-life of these compounds in hair. Subjects were included in the study if they had gradually decreasing concentrations of cocaine and/or BE in sequential hair samples, with higher levels in the 1-3 cm distal segments (i.e. earlier in time) and low or non-measurable levels in the segment closest to the scalp (i.e. closer to the date of sampling). Elimination half-life of cocaine and BE in hair was calculated using standard kinetics calculations. The study was anonymous, and received ethics approval by the Ethics Review Board of our institution.

RESULTS

137 subjects met the inclusion criteria for the study. The median half-life of cocaine in hair was 1.5 months (95% CI 1.2-1.8) in females and 1.5 months (95% CI 1.1-1.8) in males. The median half-life of BE was 1.5 months (95% CI 1.1-2) in females and 1.5 months (95% CI 0.8-1.8) in males. Half lives of cocaine or BE were not statistically different between males and females (Mann-Whitney U-test; P=0.93 for cocaine, P=0.99 for BE). Half lives of cocaine and BE were strongly correlated (Spearman rank rho=0.73; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Cocaine and BE could be detected in hair of former drug users for several months after abstinence. The calculated half-life of over 1 month for cocaine implies that, assuming first order elimination, approximately 3-4 months have to pass for hair testing to become negative in the segment proximal to the scalp. This finding should be incorporated in interpreting compliance with abstinence of former drug users, and suggests that caution has to be exerted when evaluating potential breaches of abstinence.

PTPRC (CD45) variation and disease association studied using single nucleotide polymorphism tagging

CD45 is a haemopoietic tyrosine phosphatase, crucial for lymphocyte signalling. Two polymorphisms (C77G and A138G), which alter CD45 isoform expression, are associated with autoimmune and infectious diseases. Using HapMap data, we show that there is substantial linkage disequilibrium across the CD45 gene (PTPRC), with similar patterns in different populations. Employing a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms, correlated with a substantial proportion of variation across this gene, we tested for association with type 1 diabetes, Graves' disease in a Japanese population, hepatitis C in UK population and tuberculin response in a Chinese population. A limited number of common haplotypes was found. Most 138G alleles are present on only one haplotype, which is associated with Graves' disease, supporting previous data that A138G is a functionally important CD45 polymorphism.

In-vivo tissue optical properties derived by linear perturbation theory for edge-corrected time-domain mammograms

A valuable method is described to analyze time-domain optical mammograms measured in the slab-like geometry of the slightly compressed female breast with a method based on linear perturbation theory including edge correction. Perturbations in scattering and absorption coefficients were mapped applying a computationally efficient point model.

A frameshift mutation in MC1R and a high frequency of somatic reversions cause black spotting in pigs

Black spotting on a red or white background in pigs is determined by the E(P) allele at the MC1R/Extension locus. A previous comparison of partial MC1R sequences revealed that E(P) shares a missense mutation (D121N) with the E(D2) allele for dominant black color. Sequence analysis of the entire coding region now reveals a second mutation in the form of a 2-bp insertion at codon 23 (nt67insCC). This mutation expands a tract of six C nucleotides to eight and introduces a premature stop codon at position 56. This frameshift mutation is expected to cause a recessive red color, which was in fact observed in some breeds with the E(P) allele present (Tamworth and Hereford). RT-PCR analyses were conducted using skin samples taken from both spotted and background areas of spotted pigs. The background red area had transcript only from the mutant nt67insCC MC1R allele, whereas the black spot also contained a transcript without the 2-bp insertion. This indicates that black spots are due to somatic reversion events that restore the frame and MC1R function. The phenotypic expression of the E(P) allele is highly variable and the associated coat color ranges from red, red with black spots, white with black spots, to almost completely solid black. In several breeds of pigs the phenotypic manifestation of this allele has been modified by selection for or against black spots.

Synthesis and characterization of tris-methacrylated 3,4,5-tris

The synthesis of liquid crystalline 3,4,5-tris(11-methacryloylundecyl-1-oxybenzyloxy)benzoic acid, 2-methyl-(1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxacyclopentadecane)-3,4,5-tris[4-(11-methacryloylundecyl-1-oxy)benzyloxy] benzoate and its 1:1 complex with sodium triflate is described. The observed mesophases were identified, by polarized optical microscopy and contact preparation techniques, to be of hexagonal columnar disordered structure. The amphiphiles form lyotropic columnar phases in concentrated methacrylate solvents, while at low solute contents supramolecular organogels emerge.

Expression of different phenotypes in cell lines from canine mammary spindle-cell tumours and osteosarcomas indicating a pluripotent mammary stem cell origin

Mammary spindle-cell tumours and sarcomas seem to be restricted to dogs and humans. Two cell lines from spontaneous primary canine mammary spindle-cell tumours (CMT-U304 and CMT-U309) and two cell lines from spontaneous primary canine mammary osteosarcomas (CMT-U334 and CMT-U335) were established to study the mesenchymal phenotypes of mammary tumours in the female dog. The cells from the spindle-cell tumours expressed cytokeratin, vimentin and smooth muscle actin filaments. When these cells were inoculated subcutaneously into female and male nude mice they formed different types of mesenchymal tumours such as spindle-cell tumours, fibroma and rhabdomyoid tumours (n = 6/8). The cells from the osteosarcomas expressed vimentin filaments and also formed different types of mesenchymal tumours such as chondroid, rhabdomyoid, smooth muscle-like and spindle-cell tumours (n = 6/10). The cell lines CMT-U304, CMT-U309 and CMT-U335 had receptors for progesterone but none of the four cell lines had receptors for estrogen. All four cell lines and their corresponding primary tumours showed identical allelic patterns in microsatellite analysis. By in situ hybridization with genomic DNA we could verify that all formed tumours but one were of canine origin. Our results support the hypothesis that canine mammary tumours are derived from pluripotent stem cells.

A combined study of tumor-related brain lesions by using magnetoencephalography and 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. Technical note

The purpose of this study was to localize pathological magnetic brain activities and to analyze metabolic alterations in functionally abnormal lesions by using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and (1)H magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy in patients with brain tumors. The authors studied 10 healthy volunteers and seven patients who harbored common brain tumors, namely astrocytic tumors and meningioma. In spontaneous MEG the pathological brain activities (slow waves, fast waves, and spikes) were localized using a single equivalent dipole model. After the results of MEG and (1)H MR spectroscopy were superimposed onto the corresponding MR images, the signal intensities of spectroscopically visible metabolites were analyzed in the regions in which the dipoles of the pathological activities were concentrated. Increased slow-wave activity was observed in four cases, and fast-wave or spike activity was significantly increased in one case each, respectively. These pathological activities were localized at almost the same cortical areas adjacent to the bulk of tumors, where mild reduction of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and slight accumulation of lactate consistently existed. Preserved and metabolically active cortical areas, which are indicated by residual NAA, might be able to generate pathological magnetic activities under lactic acidosis. Such an area could be understood as a border zone between normal brain tissue and brain tissue that has been seriously damaged by tumors or associated edema, which should be intensively treated. This combination of imaging techniques gives insight into functional as well as metabolic aspects of pathological brain conditions.

Functional neuronavigation with magnetoencephalography: outcome in 50 patients with lesions around the motor cortex

The authors conducted a study to evaluate the clinical outcome in 50 patients with lesions around the motor cortex who underwent surgery in which functional neuronavigation was performed.

The sensorimotor cortex was identified in all patients with the use of magnetoencephalography (MEG). The MEG-source localizations were superimposed onto a three-dimensional magnetic resonance image, and the image data set was then implemented into a neuronavigation system. Based on this setup, the surgeon chose the best surgical strategy. During surgery, the pre- and postcentral gyrus were identified by neuronavigation, and in addition, the central sulcus was localized using intraoperative recording of somatosensory evoked potentials. In all cases MEG localizations of the sensory or motor cortex were correct. In 30% of the patients preoperative paresis improved, in 66% no additional deficits occurred, and in only 4% (two patients) deterioration of neurological function occurred. In one of these patients the deterioration was not related to the method.

The method of incorporating functional data into neuronavigation systems is a promising tool that can be used in more radical surgery to cause less morbidity around eloquent brain areas.

Close association between sequence polymorphism in the KIT gene and the roan coat color in horses

The roan coat color in horses is controlled by a dominant allele that is lethal in the homozygous condition. Phenotypic similarities to some pigmentation disorders in human and mouse, combined with comparative mapping data, identified KIT, encoding the mast cell growth factor receptor, as a major candidate gene for the roan locus (Rn). Rn has previously been mapped to equine linkage group (LG) II. In this study, LGII was expanded with KIT and PDGFRA (platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha) by use of RFLP and linkage analysis. Moreover, highly significant linkage disequilibrium between Rn and a KIT TaqI RFLP, representing a synonymous substitution in exon 19, was revealed. There was a strong KIT-Rn association in most breeds. Almost the complete KIT-encoding sequence was determined by sequence analysis of RT-PCR products. Comparison of horse KIT cDNA sequences, representing three different alleles (two different rn and one Rn), revealed five sequence polymorphisms and several mRNA splice variants, but none of these proved to be specifically associated with Rn. An insertion of a partial (79 bp) LINE1-element between exons 1 and 2, leading to a frameshift, represented about 30% of KIT transcripts in the Belgian roan horse used for the sequence analysis. However, an association between this L1 splice insertion and the roan phenotype was not verified when testing additional unrelated roan and non-roan horses from different breeds. The study strengthens the hypothesis that the roan coat color is controlled by KIT, but further analyses are needed to reveal the causative mutation(s).

Arginine vasotocin mRNA revealed by in situ hybridization in bovine pineal gland cells

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is the main antidiuretic hormone in mammals and arginine vasotocin (AVT) in submammalian vertebrates. The possibility that the genetic material encoding AVT is maintained in mammals is controversial. In this study, we investigated by radioactive in situ hybridization the possible presence of the mRNA encoding AVP and AVT, and using immunocytochemistry the presence of structures immunoreactive for AVP and AVT in the bovine pineal gland. In situ hybridization was performed by use of 35S-labelled oligoprobes. Immunocytochemistry was performed using specific polyclonal rabbit antibodies and the avidin-biotin-complex method. In situ hybridization revealed positive signals for both AVP mRNA and AVT mRNA in a few cells scattered throughout the pineal body. Immunocytochemistry revealed thin AVP-immunoreactive fibres in the pineal stalk and the pineal gland. It also revealed staining of several AVT-immunoreactive nerve fibres in both the pineal stalk and the gland. In addition, polyhedral, neuron-like cell bodies from which two to three processes emerged were also AVT-immunoreactive. Thus, our investigation shows the presence of AVP/AVT-immunoreactive cellular structures in the bovine pineal gland. Our data further show the presence of mRNAs encoding both AVT and AVP. We therefore suggest that AVT mRNA is translated into an AVT-like peptide in the bovine pineal.

Photoperiodic dependent changes in the number of neurons containing mRNA encoding neuropeptide Y in the intergeniculate leaflet of the Syrian hamster

The intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) is a distinct division of the lateral geniculate complex that participates in the regulation of the circadian rhythm through its projections to the circadian pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus. A high number of neuropeptide Y (NPY) cell bodies has been described in the IGL by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The present study investigated whether NPY in the IGL is influenced by the length of the daily photoperiod. By using in situ hybridization we show a significant increase of the number of NPY mRNA containing neurons in the mid-part of the IGL of Syrian hamsters maintained in a short photoperiod compared to those kept in a long photoperiod. On the other hand, NPY mRNA expression per cell in the IGL is similar in both photoperiods tested.

Melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R) mutations and coat color in pigs

The melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R) plays a central role in regulation of eumelanin (black/brown) and phaeomelanin (red/yellow) synthesis within the mammalian melanocyte and is encoded by the classical Extension (E) coat color locus. Sequence analysis of MC1R from seven porcine breeds revealed a total of four allelic variants corresponding to five different E alleles. The European wild boar possessed a unique MC1R allele that we believe is required for the expression of a wild-type coat color. Two different MC1R alleles were associated with the dominant black color in pigs. MC1R*2 was found in European Large Black and Chinese Meishan pigs and exhibited two missense mutations compared with the wild-type sequence. Comparative data strongly suggest that one of these, L99P, may form a constitutively active receptor. MC1R*3 was associated with the black color in the Hampshire breed and involved a single missense mutation D121N. This same MC1R variant was also associated with EP, which results in black spots on a white or red background. Two different missense mutations were identified in recessive red (e/e) animals. One of these, A240T, occurs at a highly conserved position, making it a strong candidate for disruption of receptor function.

Molecular basis for the dominant white phenotype in the domestic pig

The change of phenotypic traits in domestic animals and crops as a response to selective breeding mimics the much slower evolutionary change in natural populations. Here, we describe that the dominant white phenotype in domestic pigs is caused by two mutations in the KIT gene encoding the mast/stem cell growth factor receptor (MGF), one gene duplication associated with a partially dominant phenotype and a splice mutation in one of the copies leading to the fully dominant allele. The splice mutation is a G to A substitution in the first nucleotide of intron 17 and leads to skipping of exon 17. The duplication is most likely a regulatory mutation affecting KIT expression, whereas the splice mutation is expected to cause a receptor with impaired or absent tyrosine kinase activity. Immunocytochemistry showed that this variant form is expressed in 17- to 19-day-old pig embryos. Hundreds of millions of white pigs around the world are assumed to be heterozygous or homozygous for the two mutations. [The EMBL accession numbers for porcine KIT1*0101, KIT1*0202, KIT2*0202, and KIT2*0101 are AJ223228-AJ223231, respectively.]

Mapping quantitative trait loci for immune capacity in the pig

Immune capacity traits show considerable genetic variation in outbred populations. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for immune capacity in the pig, various measures of immune function (total and differential leukocyte counts, neutrophil phagocytosis, mitogen-induced proliferation, IL-2 production, and virus induced IFN-alpha production in whole blood cultures, and Ab responses to two Escherichia coli antigens) were determined in 200 F2 animals from a wild pig-Swedish Yorkshire intercross. The pedigree has been typed for 236 genetic markers covering all autosomes, the X chromosome and the X/Y pseudoautosomal region. Through interval mapping using a least-squares method, four QTLs with significant effects were identified; one for total leukocyte counts, one for mitogen-induced proliferation, one for prevaccination levels of Abs to E. coli Ag K88, and one for Ab response to the O149 Ag. In addition, several putative QTLs were indicated. The results from the present study conclusively show that it is possible to identify QTLs for immune capacity traits in outbred pig populations by genome analysis.

An immunohistochemical study on the postnatal changes in the C-terminal flanking peptide of neuropeptide Y (CPON)--positive nerve fibers in pineal gland of the pig

Postnatal development of innervation of the porcine pineal gland by C-terminal flanking peptide of neuropeptide Y (CPON)-immunoreactive nerve fibers was examined using the immunohistochemical technique. CPON-positive nerve fibers appeared in the pineal gland of the new-born piglets and formed plexus in the capsula and connective tissue septa of the gland. The nerve terminals branched off from the plexus and penetrated into adjacent parenchyma. The number of nerve fibers immunoreactive to CPON in parenchyma is very low in new-born and 20-day-old piglets. In 7-month-old pigs they created a dense network.

Immunohistochemical and cytochemical localization of the somatostatin receptor subtype sst1 in the somatostatinergic parvocellular neuronal system of the rat hypothalamus

Somatostatin is known to mediate its actions through five G-protein-coupled receptors (sst1-sst5). We have studied the expression of the sst1 receptor in the rat hypothalamus by using a subtype-specific antiserum. In Western blotting, the antiserum reacted specifically with a band with an apparent molecular weight of 80,000 in membranes prepared from hypothalamic tissue. The localization of the sst1 receptor was investigated by immunohistochemistry in hypothalamus sections. Additionally, an immunofluorescent double-labeling was performed for the sst1 receptor and somatostatin. Light microscopy revealed that the sst1 receptor is located in perikarya and nerve fibers in the rostral periventricular area surrounding the third ventricle as well as in nerve fibers projecting from the perikarya to the external layer of the median eminence. In these neuronal structures, sst1 immunoreactivity was found to be colocalized with somatostatin. Furthermore, the location of sst1 receptors was studied by immunoelectron microscopy in the median eminence. In the external layer, receptor immunoreactivity was confined to nerve terminals. Immunoreactive nerve terminals were seen to make synapse-like junctions with other both stained and unstained nerve terminals. Thus, the sst1 receptor is present in the classic somatostatinergic hypothalamic parvocellular system inhibiting hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary gland. These findings indicate that the sst1 receptor may act as an autoreceptor and inhibit the release of somatostatin from periventricular neurons projecting to the median eminence.

Multiple marker mapping of quantitative trait loci in a cross between outbred wild boar and large white pigs

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of growth and fatness data from a three generation pig experiment is presented. The population of 199 F2 animals was derived from a cross between wild boar and Large White pigs. Animals were typed for 240 markers spanning 23 Morgans of 18 autosomes and the X chromosome. A series of analyses are presented within a least squares framework. First, these identify chromosomes containing loci controlling trait variation and subsequently attempt to map QTLs to locations within chromosomes. This population gives evidence for a large QTL affecting back fat and another for abdominal fat segregating on chromosome 4. The best locations for these QTLs are within 4 cM of each other and, hence, this is likely to be a single QTL affecting both traits. The allele inherited from the wild boar causes an increase in fat deposition. A QTL for intestinal length was also located in the same region on chromosome 4 and could be the same QTL with pleiotropic effects. Significant effects, owing to multiple QTLs, for intestinal length were identified on chromosomes 3 and 5. A single QTL affecting growth rate to 30 kg was located on chromosome 13 such that the Large White allele increased early growth rate, another QTL on chromosome 10 affected growth rate from 30 to 70 kg and another on chromosome 4 affected growth rate to 70 kg.

Annual variations of the NPYergic innervation of the pineal gland in the European hamster (Cricetus cricetus): a quantitative immunohistochemical study

A prominent innervation of the pineal gland of the European hamster with nerve fibres containing neuropeptide Y (NPY) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was demonstrated by means of immunohistochemistry. Nearly all the TH- and NPY-immunoreactive nerve fibres in the superficial pineal gland disappeared after bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy, showing that the majority of NPY- and TH-immunoreactive nerve fibres belonged to the sympathetic nervous system. Since, in the European hamster, preliminary studies of the NPY-fibre density in the pineal gland had indicated seasonal changes, the density of NPY-immunoreactive nerve fibre profiles was ascertained in the superficial pineal gland in a series of animals between the first part of November and late April. The highest density of NPY-immunoreactive nerve fibre profiles was observed during midwinter. On the other hand, during the same period of the year, the number of sympathetic TH-immunoreactive sympathetic nerve fibre profiles did not exhibit seasonal variation, nor did substitution of testosterone, during the sexually inactive period, affect the density of NPY-containing nerve fibres in the gland. Our results show the presence of a testosterone-independent annual variation in the content of NPY in the sympathetic nerve fibres innervating the pineal gland of the European hamster. This variation can be correlated with the changes in the daily pattern of melatonin production observed by others in the same species at this period of the year.

Mapping quantitative trait loci for carcass and meat quality traits in a wild boar x Large White intercross

An intercross between wild boar and a domestic Large White pig population was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for body proportions, weight of internal organs, carcass composition, and meat quality. The results concerning growth traits and fat deposition traits have been reported elsewhere. In the present study, all 200 F2 animals, their parents, and their grandparents were genotyped for 236 markers. The marker genotypes were used to calculate the additive and dominance coefficients at fixed positions in the genome of each F2 animal, and the trait values were regressed onto these coefficients in intervals of 1 cM. In addition, the effect of proportion of wild boar alleles was tested for each chromosome. Significant QTL effects were found for percentage lean meat and percentage lean meat plus bone in various cuts, proportion of bone in relation to lean meat in ham, muscle area, and carcass length. The significant QTL were located on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, and 8. Each QTL explained 9 to 16% of the residual variance of the traits. Gene action for most QTL was largely additive. For meat quality traits, there were no QTL that reached the significance threshold. However, the average proportion of wild boar alleles across the genome had highly significant effects on reflectance and drip loss. The results show that there are several chromosome regions with a considerable effect on carcass traits in pigs.

Origin and relationships of Saintpaulia (Gesneriaceae) based on ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences

Phylogenetic relationships of eight species of Saintpaulia H. Wendl., 19 species of Streptocarpus Lindl. (representing all major growth forms within the genus), and two outgroups (Haberlea rhodopensis Friv., Chirita spadiciformis W. T. Wang) were examined using comparative nucleotide sequences from the two internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA. The length of the ITS 1 region ranged from 228 to 249 base pairs (bp) and the ITS 2 region from 196 to 245 bp. Pairwise sequence divergence across both spacers for ingroup and outgroup species ranged from 0 to 29%. Streptocarpus is not monophyletic, and Saintpaulia is nested within Streptocarpus subgenus Streptocarpella. Streptocarpus subgenus Streptocarpus is monophyletic. The ITS sequence data demonstrate that the unifoliate Streptocarpus species form a clade, and are also characterized by a unique 47-bp deletion in ITS 2. The results strongly support the monophyly of (1) Saintpaulia, and (2) Saintpaulia plus the African members of the subgenus Streptocarpella of Streptocarpus. The data suggest the evolution of Saintpaulia from Streptocarpus subgenus Streptocarpella. The differences in flower and vegetative characters are probably due to ecological adaptation leading to a relatively rapid radiation of Saintpaulia.

Localization and diurnal expression of mRNA encoding the beta1-adrenoceptor in the rat pineal gland: an in situ hybridization study

The rat pinealocyte is stimulated by norepinephrine, which is released from sympathetic nerve fibers innervating the gland. Norepinephrine binds to beta1-adrenoceptors situated on the pinealocyte cell membrane. Ligand binding to these receptors exhibits a diurnal rhythm, with the largest number occurring in the late part of the light phase when the release of norepinephrine is minimal. By using in situ hybridization with a cDNA antisense oligonucleotide probe recognizing mRNA encoding the rat beta1-adrenoceptor, we have demonstrated a stronger hybridization signal in the rat pineal gland than in other brain regions. Cells containing beta1-mRNA are located in the superficial pineal gland, the deep pineal gland, and the pineal stalk. However, the number of receptors varies considerably between the individual pinealocytes. The beta1-mRNA in situ hybridization signal for mRNA encoding the beta1-adrenoceptor of the rat pineal has been quantified over a 24-h period; the strongest signal is found at mid-dark and the weakest signal at mid-light, indicating that the transcriptional regulation of beta1-mRNA synthesis in the rat pineal is diurnal. In addition, maximal receptor protein expression occurs late in the light phase in the rat pineal and is thus considerably delayed compared with its peak mRNA synthesis. This lag time indicates that the beta1-receptor is regulated at the translational or post-translational level. Removal of the sympathetic input to the pineal gland by superior cervical ganglionectomy decreases the beta1-mRNA signal in the gland.

[Effect of gene dosage on the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme (GAPD) in partial 12p13.3 pter trisomy]

A family with three brothers presenting 12p trisomy due to an adjacent-1 segregation of a paternal translocation (1;12) (q44;p12.2) is described. The patient's phenotype was compatible with the chromosomal imbalance including the gene dosage effect of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. The importance of the genetic counseling in these families is stressed.

Carbohydrate reactivation of thyroxine 5'-deiodinase (type II) in cultured mouse neuroblastoma cells is dependent upon new protein synthesis

The T3 concentration in brain predominantly reflects local production from T4 rather than T3 uptake from the circulating pool. We recently demonstrated that rat brain T3 content is increased by glucose feeding compared to chow feeding. One possible mechanism for this effect is an increase in brain T4 5'-deiodinase (5'-D) activity. Our recent preliminary studies of neuroblastoma (NB) cells demonstrate that renewal of RPMI-1640 medium stimulates T4 5'-D type II (NB T4 5'-D II) activity in these cells. The present studies were performed to determine the mechanism of this response. Studies were performed on NB cells supported in thyroid hormone-depleted (deficient) medium. This approach increased NB T4 5'-DII activity 4-fold compared to that in thyroid hormone-replete medium. Medium renewal further stimulated enzyme activity (7- to 9-fold; maximum at 6 h) in each group. The difference between the hypothyroid group and control was sustained over a 24-h period. Subsequent studies demonstrated that glucose (11 mM) was the specific medium ingredient mediating the medium renewal response. A progressive increase in NB T4 5'-DII activity was noted over 8 h during RPMI-1640 salt plus glucose (11 mM) incubation. This was equivalent to the effect of complete medium containing glucose (11 mM). Coincubation with insulin (10(-7)-10(-9) M) did not modify the enzyme response to glucose. In addition, fructose (10 mM) had a similar effect on enzyme activity. Glycerol and essential and nonessential amino acids also modestly increased NB T4 5'-DII activity compared to that in the control group (P less than 0.01). Actinomycin-D (1 microM), cycloheximide (100 microM), and puromycin (100 microM) significantly (P less than 0.001) decreased the glucose effect on T4 5'-DII by 5-, 9-, and 17-fold, respectively, after 6 h of incubation. In addition, puromycin (10-200 microM) inhibited both NB T4 5'-DII activity and [3H]amino acid incorporation during incubation in glucose. There was a significant correlation between these parameters (r = 0.8; P less than 0.001). The enzyme activity decay curves in the glucose-activated and control groups subsequent to puromycin (100 microM) addition at 8 h were parallel. The fractional turnover rate was 13%/h in the controls and 11%/h in the glucose groups. The calculated enzyme production rate was significantly higher (P less than 0.005) in the glucose group compared to that in the control group (17.4 vs. 6.8 fmol/mg protein.h).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

inv(5)(p13q13) in a four generation pedigree

A 4 1/2 years old boy was found to have hypoplasia of the pectoralis major right muscle and a karyotype 46,XY,inv(5)(p13q13)mat. This inversion, probably independent of the boy's malformation, was present in at least four generations and it seems neither to impair fertility nor to yield viable recombinants.

Autosomal dominant piebaldism and mental retardation syndrome associated with a t(1;2) (p22.1;q36)

A syndrome of piebaldism and mild to moderate mental retardation was present in 3 sibs and their father. Besides, the disorder was segregating concordantly with a t(1;2) (p22.1;q36). It is concluded that the syndrome is due, either by gene breakage or dysfunction, to the translocation.

Trisomy 6qter resulting from a familial (6;10) (q23;q26) translocation

An infant deceased at 2 months of age was found to have a 46,XY,-10, +der(10),t (6;10) (q23;q26) mat karyotype. Since the clinical findings were similar to those of the trisomy 6qter syndrome, the present observation agrees with the assignment of the 6q23----qter segment as the pathogenetic determiner of this entity.

De novo del(4) (p15.32) with incomplete expression of the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome

A 7 7/12-year-old girl with a de novo deletion 4p15.32----pter without the typical Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is presented. This observation and others from medical literature suggest that monosomy 4p15.31----4p15.32, rather than 4p16, is the cause of the typical WHS.

Monosomy 13q32.3----qter: report of two cases

Two unrelated patients with monosomy 13q32.3----qter are reported. Comparison with six similar cases previously published indicates that the craniofacial dysmorphism of the 13qter monosomy syndrome is related to band 13q34, the thumb hypoplasia to band 13q32, and an apparently different phenotype to band 13q33. Coagulation deficiency appears to be non-specific in monosomy 13qter.

Familial inv(2) (p2300q11.2)

A hitherto undescribed inv(2) (p2300q11.2) was found in 2 generations of a family ascertained through a holoprosencephalic liveborn boy with normal karyotype. This inversion, quite probably not related to the child malformations, does not seem neither impair reproductive fitness nor to yield viable recombination aneusomies.

Pure monosomy and trisomy 2q24.2----q3105 due to an inv ins(7;2)(q21.2;q3105q24.2) segregating in four generations

An inv ins(7;2)(q21.2;q3105q24.2) was found to segregate through four generations of a family. Adjacent-1 segregation aneusomies were ascertained in five patients: three monosomics and two trisomics; and the corresponding syndromes were delineated. The comparative analysis between these and other previously described 2q aneusomic individuals led to the conclusion that a large cleft between first and second toes is a constant feature in monosomy 2q24----q31. No other trait could plausibly be mapped. Risks of 7.9 to 31.6% for aneusomic children and of 26.3% for abortion were estimated in the present family.

Familial inv(1) (p3500q21.3) associated with azoospermia

An inv(1) (p3500q21.3) was found in an azoospermic man, his mother and two other maternal relatives. Although the mechanisms involved are still unclear, it is stressed that pericentric inversions of chromosome 1 in which the inverted chromosome becomes submetacentric (centromeric index less than or equal to 0.324) apparently impair spermatogenesis.

[Role of radiotherapy in the treatment of bladder cancer. Comments apropos of 178 cases]

In the light of their experience involving 178 patients suffering from carcinoma of the bladder and a study of the literature, the authors attempt to determine the role of radiotherapy in the treatment of carcinoma of the bladder. A number of points emerge: --the possibility of stopping the progression of a recurrent multifocal superficial malignant tumour by 2 flashes of 6.5 Gy; --the efficacy of curative doses of radiotherapy associated with transurethral resection of the tumour in 20% of cases. These figures rise to 50% in anaplastic carcinomas. 20% efficacy of radiotherapy alone without surgery is a high figure. It tends to restore the radiotherapy sensitivity test suggested by R. Couvelaire to its true value; --when combined with excision surgery (partial cystectomy or total prostato-cystectomy), high doses of radiation do not give a better result than limited radiation. In view of the gravity of radiotherapy complications which may occur in up to 20% of cases where high doses of radiation have been administered, the authors would be inclined to limit radiotherapy when treatment of the tumour must be mixed, with surgery. A preoperative flash of 6.5 Gy followed by postoperative radiotherapy up to a total of 45 Gy when partial cystectomy is used. When a decision is made to perform cutaneous implantation of the ureters, the technique should consist of concentrated radiotherapy of 20 Gy in one week followed by excision by total prostato-cystectomy the next week. When urinary bypass is to involve uretero-colonic implantation or bladder replacement, flash radiotherapy of 6.5 Gy once or twice. No additional postoperative radiotherapy. Sandwich radiotherapy is too dangerous.