Aerial images and water quality dataset for fishpond's condition monitoring

This dataset is part of fundamental research to produce IoT monitoring in fishponds. The data consists of the results of measurements of pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and water temperature obtained through manual sensor devices in several locations at different times. Additionally, this data also includes images taken by drones at consistent heights. These images are linked to the sensor data that has been collected. In this research, data will be used to monitor the health of fishponds through visual data. This data can be used for correlation analysis between visual data and sensor data. The hypothesis is the visual appearance of the pond (the colour) is affected by the number of mixed solid (mud and other organic material) in the water, which reflected in the TDS level of the water. In addition, the data can also be used for initial investigations into the development of machine learning models for pool condition recognition through image analysis.

'We just need to find space for them to practice so that we can help to make a stronger society': Perceived barriers and facilitators to employing health psychologists in UK public health and clinical health settings

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, health psychology has received significant attention within the health sector, due to its application to understanding influences on health and well-being and translation of health psychology into interventions to support behaviour change. The number of health psychologists in public health and healthcare settings is growing but remains limited, and is it unclear why. This study aimed to explore the views of potential and current employers of health psychologists, to elucidate barriers and facilitators of employing health psychologists in healthcare settings.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were carried out to explore the experiences of working with and/or employing health psychologists. Opportunities and barriers were explored for increasing access to health psychology expertise in the NHS and public health. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen participants took part in interviews. Participants were mid-senior-level professionals working in varied healthcare settings and/or academic institutions. The majority had experience of health psychology/working with health psychologists, whilst others had limited experience but an interest in employing health psychologists. Three key themes were identified: (1) the organizational fit of health psychologists, (2) perception of competition for roles and (3) ideas for changing hearts, minds and processes.

CONCLUSION

Barriers exist to employing health psychologists in healthcare settings. These barriers include misunderstandings of the role of health psychologists and the need to preserve other disciplines due to perceived competition. Recommendations for change included showcasing the benefits and skills of health psychologists and having transparent conversations with employees and multi-disciplinary colleagues about roles.

Enhanced Peroxide Fluxes and Radiosensitization in Colorectal Tumors but Not Normal Enterocytes from the Combination of Superoxide Dismutase Mimetics and Pharmacological Ascorbate

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Selective superoxide dismutase mimetics (DMs), including GC4419 and GC4711, are radiation (RT) modulators which induce opposite effects in tumors and normal tissues and may be ideally suited for locally advanced rectal cancer. However, their tumor radiosensitization effect is limited at RT doses relevant to rectal cancer (2-5 Gy). Over this dose range, they protect normal mucosal tissues, but we and others have shown they do not reliably enhance tumor radiosensitization at doses < 8-15 Gy. We hypothesize that combining DMs and other therapies which also target redox metabolism may effectively sensitize tumors to clinically relevant RT doses for rectal cancer while maintaining their normal tissue sparing effects. Like DMs, pharmacological ascorbate (P-AscH) selectively increases lethal hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) fluxes in tumors, but it does so through distinct mechanisms which are potentially complimentary with DMs (particularly at low RT doses).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Human HCT116, SW480, and HT29 colorectal tumor models and non-malignant FHs74 intestinal epithelial cells were used. Clonogenic survival was assessed following single-fraction RT (2-5 Gy) +/- P-AscH (5 pmol/cell) +/- GC4711 (20 µM). Dependency on H202 fluxes was tested by adding bovine catalase with drug and RT treatments. Oxygen consumption in culture media was measured using a Clark electrode. Rectal toxicity was assessed in vivo using IHC in fixed rectal tissues following fractionated, image-guided rectal RT (5-9 Gy x 3). Tumor growth delay was assessed following RT (5 Gy x 3) +/- P-AscH (4 g/kg) +/- GC4419 (10 mg/kg) in animals with unilateral HCT116 flank tumors.

RESULTS

Combination therapy with P-AscH and GC4711 potently radiosensitized all tumor lines in vitro whereas neither agent significantly decreased clonogenic survival as a monotherapy. Neither drug nor combination treatment sensitized FHs74 epithelial cells. P-AscH increased oxygen consumption and H2O2 production in culture media and the addition of GC4711 significantly increased both more than P-AscH alone. Co-treatment with exogenous catalase inhibited cancer cell killing with combination therapy +/- RT. In vivo, combination therapy significantly enhanced tumor growth delay and survival. Both agents significantly decreased markers of acute rectal RT injury as monotherapies.

CONCLUSION

Co-treatment with DMs and P-AscH selectively enhanced tumor radiosensitization by increasing oxygen consumption and H202 fluxes even in tumor models which are known to be resistant to oxidative stressors (HT29). In contrast, each agent conferred a radioprotective effect in the rectum. Combination therapy with DMs and P-AscH may represent a novel, potent approach to target dysregulated redox metabolism in colorectal tumors.

Analysis of gene expression in red maple (Acer rubrum) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) populations from a mining region

The Greater Sudbury Region has been known as one of the most ecologically disturbed areas in Canada for the past century. Plant adaptation to environmental stressors often results in modifications in gene expression at the transcriptional level. The main objective of the present study was to compare the expression of genes associated with nickel resistance in Acer rubrum and Populus tremuloides growing in areas contaminated and uncontaminated with metals. Primers targeting Nramps4, Nas 3, At2G, MRP4 and alpha-tubulin genes were used to amplify cDNA of both species. The expression of the At2G gene, was 2× and 9× higher in P. tremuloides than in A. rubrum for St. Charles (uncontaminated site) and Kelly Lake (metal contaminated site), respectively. There was a much smaller difference between the two species for the Nramps 4 gene as its expression was 2.5× and 3× higher in P. tremuloides compared to A. rubrum from St. Charles and Kelly Lake, respectively. The same trend was observed for the MRP4 gene whose expression was 2× and 14× higher in P. tremuloides than in A. rubrum from St. Charles and Kelly Lake, respectively. For the Nas 3 gene, the expression was similar in both sites. This gene was upregulated 11× and 10× in P. tremuloides compared to A. rubrum in samples from St. Charles and Kelly Lake, respectively. In general, no significant difference was observed between the metal contaminated and uncontaminated sites for gene expression. In depth analysis revealed that AT2G and MRP4 genes were significantly down regulated in A. rubrum from the metal contaminated sites compared to those from uncontaminated areas, but environmental factors driving this differential gene expression couldn't be established.

Molecular analysis of red maple (Acer rubrum) populations from a reclaimed mining region in Northern Ontario (Canada): soil metal accumulation and translocation in plants

Red maple (Acer rubrum) species is one of the most widespread deciduous (hardwood) trees of eastern North America. It is among the dominant tree species in the Northern Ontario after land reclamation. To date, the effects of heavy metal contamination from the mining activities on terrestrial ecosystems are not well understood. The main objectives of the present study are (1) to determine the level of phytoavailable metal in soil and accumulation in A. rubrum, and (2) to compare the levels of genetic variation among and within A. rubrum populations from areas with different metal contents in a Northern Ontario region. The total heavy metal levels were found to be high but the availability of these metals were much lower. We found that red maple does not accumulate heavy metals in their leaves as other hardwood species. The translocation factors were 0.05, 0.21, 0.38, 0.90, and 2.8 for Cu, Ni, Fe, Zn, and Mg, respectively. The levels of genetic variation in red maple populations from reclaimed lands in Northern Ontario were moderate to high since the percentage of polymorphic loci varied between 51 and 67%. The mean values for observed number of alleles (Na), effective number of alleles (Ne), Nei's gene diversity (h), and Shannon's information index (I) were 1.60, 1.24, 0.15 and 0.24, respectively. The population differentiation (GST) among the fragmented populations was high (0.28) despite a high level of gene flow (Nm = 1.28). Nevertheless, all the populations within the targeted region were genetically closely related. A specific ISSR marker that was identified in all the samples from the reference sites was absent in most samples from metal contaminated. This specific band was cloned and sequenced. Overall, the present study confirms that red maple populations in Northern Ontario are genetically sustainable despite the high level of total metal content in soil.

Search for magnetic monopoles in polar volcanic rocks

For a broad range of values of magnetic monopole mass and charge, the abundance of monopoles trapped inside Earth would be expected to be enhanced in the mantle beneath the geomagnetic poles. A search for magnetic monopoles was conducted using the signature of an induced persistent current following the passage of igneous rock samples through a SQUID-based magnetometer. A total of 24.6 kg of rocks from various selected sites, among which 23.4 kg are mantle-derived rocks from the Arctic and Antarctic areas, was analyzed. No monopoles were found, and a 90% confidence level upper limit of 9.8 × 10(-5)/g is set on the monopole density in the search samples.

Seasonality and incidental sinus abnormality reporting on MRI in an Australian climate

BACKGROUND

Incidental sinus mucosal abnormalities on MRI are a common finding. This study aims to investigate seasonality and reporting of these findings.

METHODOLOGY

Prospective, cross-sectional study of adult patients presenting for neuro-radiological assessment using MRI. 173 patients were recruited over `winter` and `summer` collection periods (mean maximum temperature 14.5(deg)C and 24.3(deg)C, respectively). Patients were classified as symptomatic for rhinosinusitis according to the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2007 definition. A modified Lund Mackay score was used to assess sinus pathology. Mucosal thickening of > 3mm was considered pathological. Radiologist reports were reviewed for mention of incidental sinus abnormalities.

RESULTS

There was an incidental rate of 58.1% overall, with significantly more sinus abnormalities in winter. Sinus abnormalities were mentioned in 8.1% of radiologist reports, half of which were in asymptomatic patients. There were significantly more sinus abnormalities amongst symptomatic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidental sinus changes on MRI are a common finding and are often reported on by radiologists. However, they bear little association with symptoms. Their prevalence is influenced by season and thus their significance is greater during cooler months. Specialist referral should be reserved for symptomatic patients that have failed medical therapy.

Prevalence and distribution of odontogenic cyst in Indian population: a 10 year retrospective study

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of odontogenic cyst in an Indian population and compare it with various reports from the other geographic areas of the world. The files on odontogenic jaw cysts treated between 2001 and 2011 at the oral and maxillofacial surgery unit were retrieved retrospectively. Patient's demographic information mainly age, sex and location of the lesion was recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The diagnosis of odontogenic cyst accounted in 150 cases and accounted for 15.31 % of all lesions biopsied throughout the period. Mean age of the patient was 32.2 years, and 58 % were males. The overall male to female ratio was 1.38:1. Radicular cyst was most prevalent histological type (48.67 %) followed by dentigerous cyst, odontogenic keratocyst, lateral periodontal cyst, paradental cyst, residual cyst, adult gingival cyst, glandular odontogenic cyst, calcifying odontogenic cyst. The most common locations of the odontogenic cysts were the mandibular (49.33 %) and posterior region (33.33 %). The distribution pattern of odontogenic cyst in this study is relatively similar to that in other parts of the world but there are some geographic differences with regard to the relative frequency, sex, and anatomic distribution of the odontogenic cyst.

Preliminary results from the Alcator C-Mod polarimeter

A poloidally viewing far infrared polarimeter diagnostic is being developed for the Alcator C-Mod tokamak, and will be used to determine the q-profile and to study density and magnetic field fluctuations. A three-chord version of what will eventually be up to a ten-chord system has been designed and fabricated and will be installed on C-Mod before the end of the current run period. Bench tests of a single chord mock-up of this system show acceptable noise levels for the planned measurements. We will discuss the analysis and experimental techniques used to diagnose and reduce noise sources.

Molecular cytogenetic and agronomic characterization of advanced generations of wheat × triticale hybrids resistant toDiuraphis noxia(Mordvilko): application of GISH and microsatellite markers

The PI 386148 triticale from Russia is among the highest resistant line to the Russian wheat aphid (RWA) ( Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko)). This triticale line was used as the male parent in crosses with Lamar wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). The F1plants were backcrossed to Lamar wheat. The progenies were tested for RWA biotype 1 reaction for at least eight backcross and selfing generations. Five lines from these selections were identified for their resistance to the RWA and their seeds were increased for agronomic and other characterizations. Molecular and cytological analyses of these lines were performed using genomic in situ hybridization and rye chromosome-specific microsatellites markers. Three lines were cytologically stable and carried a pair of rye ( Secale strictum (C. Presl) C. Presl) chromosomes as disomic addition lines of 1R. One line was unstable and showed a moderate level of mixoploidy with monosomic additions of 1R. Duplication of rye chromosome 1R was also identified. No wheat–rye chromosome interchange was detected, suggesting little homology between S. strictum and T. aestivum chromosomes. Specific microsatellite primers were used to identify the rye chromosomes present in each line. One rye chromosome, 1R, from the donor species contains genes for RWA resistance. Grain yield and test weight of three of the lines were similar to some adapted released wheat varieties under stress conditions.

Echinochloa spp. in Australian rice fields—species distribution and resistance status

Six Echinochloa species, i.e. barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv.), awnless barnyard grass (E. colona (L.) Link), hairy millet (E. oryzoides (Ard.) Fritsch), prickly barnyard grass (E. microstachya (Wieg.) Rydb), Japanese millet (E. esculenta (A Br.) H Scholz), and channel millet (E. inundata Michael et Vickery), were detected in surveys of Australian rice fields in south-eastern Australia. Differences were detected in the rate of germination of species and this may affect the efficacy of herbicide treatments where mixes of species occur. Phenotypic variation within E. crus-galli, such as size of panicles, size of spikelets, and degree of awning, sometimes makes identification difficult and may have implications for seed growers. No instances of herbicide resistance were found in any Echinochloa species despite its widespread occurrence in other countries.

Characterization of the D18S535 STR locus in northern Ontario European and Aboriginal populations for forensic purposes

Genetic characterization of one European and three aboriginal populations from northern Ontario was undertaken to assess the utility of the D18S535 short tandem repeat locus (STR) as a genetic marker for forensic DNA typing in the region. The D18S535 locus was amplified using monoplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), separated by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), and visualized using the silver-stain detection method. The generated population data demonstrated that the D18S535 locus is highly polymorphic with a heterozygosity of > or = 0.75. The exact test showed violations of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in two of the aboriginal populations. Pairwise comparisons of allele-frequency distributions indicated that the four northern Ontario populations were significantly different from each other. This test also revealed that the northern Ontario populations differed significantly from ten European populations (from Germany, Spain, and Croatia) and one population from South America (from Argentina). Forensic parameters showed that the D18S535 locus is highly discriminating (power of discrimination > or = 0.85, chance of exclusion > or = 0.51); however, the lack of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in some of the populations must be taken into account in the application of these results to northern Ontario forensic casework.

Application of ISSR, RAPD, and cytological markers to the certification of Picea mariana, P. glauca, and P. engelmannii trees, and their putative hybrids

Picea glauca (white spruce) and P. engelmannii (Engelmann spruce) are so similar and integrated that it is impossible to distinguish between them and their hybrids using morphological characteristics. Although natural hybrids between P. glauca and P. mariana (black spruce) do not generally occur, even though the 2 species are sympatric in North America, a first-generation hybrid, called the Rosendahl spruce, has been reported in the literature. In this study, several inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were developed, as were randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, to certify spruce trees and their hybrids. ISSR fingerprinting was more efficient than RAPD assay; it detected 70% polymorphic DNA markers among the spruce species analyzed, whereas RAPD fingerprinting detected only 53%. Species-diagnostic ISSR and RAPD markers differentiating P. glauca from P. engelmannii and P. mariana were cloned and sequenced. Molecular certification of the spruce samples analyzed confirmed that all the seeds from interior spruce populations were true hybrids of P. glauca and P. engelmannii. But the analysis of seeds derived from the putative Rosendahl spruce indicated that this tree is likely a pure P. glauca genotype, rather than a hybrid of P. glauca and P. mariana. These data were confirmed by cytological analyses. Further analysis, using a more sensitive DNA amplification method with designed primers flanking the species-diagnostic ISSR and RAPD markers, revealed that such sequences are not generally species-specific because they are present in other spruce species.

Detection and physical mapping of the 18S-5.8S-26S rDNA and the pKFJ660 probe with microsatellite sequences derived from the rice blast fungus (Magnaporthe grisea) in conifer species

Sequences homologous to the pKFJ660 probe, a fragment of DNA derived from the rice blast fungus (Magnaporthe grisea) carrying TC/AG repeat microsatellite sequences and 30 bp direct repeats were identified in the genome of Picea (spruce) and Pinus (pine) species by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and slot blot analyses. Slot blot analysis using the pKFJ660 probe revealed hybridization signals with genomic DNAs from various pine and spruce species. Further analyses indicated that the copy number of the (AG)30 motif was higher than 5 x 10(4) per plant genome for all plant samples tested, but the copy number of the sequences homologous to the whole pKFJ660 probe varies considerably among the 25 plant species tested. In situ hybridization of metaphase chromosomes from Pinus resinosa, P. banksiana and P. strobus showed the presence of sequences homologous to this probe on several chromosomes in a dispersed pattern. Major signals were observed on a few chromosomes indicating that some of these sequences are clustered in specific genomic locations. The locations of these repeats were compared to those of 18S-5.8S-26S rDNA in pine species. Chromosomal distribution of 18S-5.8S-26S rDNA varied among the three pine species (P. resinosa, P. banksiana and P. strobus) studied. Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sites were identified on 14 to 20 chromosomes in these pine species.

Identification and characterization of RAPD markers inferring genetic relationships among Pine species

Total genomic DNAs were extracted from several populations of pine species and amplified using oligonucleotides of random sequences. Polymorphism in random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers was high and sufficient in distinguishing each of the species. Genetic relationships among eight pine species (Pinus sylvestris, Pinus strobus, Pinus rigida, Pinus resinosa, Pinus nigra, Pinus contorta, Pinus monticola, and Pinus banksiana) from different provenances were analyzed. The degree of band sharing was used to evaluate genetic distance between species and to construct a phylogenetic tree. In general, the dendrogram corroborated the description of relationships based on morphological characteristics and crossability, but also provided new insights into pine taxonomy. RAPD markers specific to some pine species were cloned and sequenced. PCR amplifications using pairs of designed specific primers revealed that all the cloned sequences were likely genus specific because they were not found in spruce or larch. True species-specific sequences were identified using designed primers flanking cloned RAPD fragments. The analysis of RAPD fragment sequences confirmed the genetic relationships among species. A 2281-bp RAPD band called PI-Mt-Stb-23 from P. strobus was used as a probe in restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and produced distinct banding patterns for each species examined, consistent with the highly polymorphic character of DNA-fingerprinting probes.

Molecular and cytological analyses of Deschampsia cespitosa populations from Northern Ontario (Canada)

Deschampsia cespitosa is widely dispersed around the globe, particularly in the northern hemisphere. A high tolerance to adverse environmental conditions allows D. cespitosa to colonize and dominate plots of land that are uninhabitable by other plants. The main objective of the present study was to determine the degree of genetic variation and relatedness among D. cespitosa populations from heavy metal contaminated sites and uncontaminated sites in Northern Ontario, using RAPD markers. Genomic DNA samples from individual plants were analyzed using 35 oligonucleotides of random sequence. Twenty-eight of these primers allowed amplification of random polymorphic DNA (RAPD) loci. Overall, 90% of RAPD bands were polymorphic. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that 72% of the variation could be attributed to individual differences within each of the populations. The within- and among-region variations accounted for 14 and 15% of the total molecular variance, respectively. Population-specific RAPD markers were identified. RAPD markers specific to D. cespitosa were isolated, cloned, and characterized. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a high level of aneuploidy in all the populations from Northern Ontario, with chromosome numbers varying from 2n = 18 to 2n = 26.

Psychiatric bed utilization: 1896 and 1996 compared

BACKGROUND

The 1896 and 1996 populations of North West Wales are similar in number, ethnic and social mix and rurality, enabling a study of the comparative incidence and prevalence of service utilization over the course of a century.

METHODS

We collected records on all psychiatric admissions from North-West Wales in 1894-1896 and 1996. These were assessed and diagnosed by the responsible sector area consultant.

RESULTS

The data reveal substantially more patients admitted for all diagnoses in 1996. even when comparisons are restricted to detained patients. The incidence of hospitalization by detention for schizophrenia is slightly lower 1996 than in 1896 but the incidence of hospitalization is higher now than in 1996. The incidence of hospitalization by detention for non-affective disorder psychoses is the same in both 1896 and 1996 but there is a doubling of incidence of hospitalization. The incidence of hospitalization for bipolar disorders is similar in the two periods. Modern mental health services admit large numbers of personality disordered patients, where none were admitted 100 years ago.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors general to changing health care and expectations and others specific to mental health would appear to have led to the increase in rates of admissions observed in the modern period.

Pyomyositis

A case of non-tropical pyomyositis (PM), in a 63-year-old female patient, affecting gluteus and intrapelvic muscles is presented. Delayed diagnosis and treatment led to long-standing morbidity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis provided valuable information on the nature and extent of the disease and helped to plan surgical management. MRI of the pelvis should be undertaken at an early-stage. Prompt examination of material obtained by aspiration or debridement would then permit an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Positive steps toward a multicultural association

Diversity is a common denominator in all three initiatives of ADA's 1996-1999 Strategic Framework, "Creating The Future." With a diversified membership and practice base, which can be achieved by incorporating diversity within the Association's member initiative, ADA will more effectively accomplish its policy and public education activities. Members of ADA's Diversity Committee believe increased communication with the Association's members is one of the best strategies to identify and promote diversity accomplishments and opportunities. "Creating the Future" for dietetics professionals can be accomplished for all members if we all work together on this important task.

Effects of dexamethasone on the incidence of acute mountain sickness at two intermediate altitudes

To test the value of dexamethasone acetate for ameliorating acute mountain sickness (AMS), we conducted a double-blind, randomized study that compared the effects of 4 mg of dexamethasone acetate or a placebo (given every six hours for six doses beginning at the time of exposure) at 2700 and 2050 m. Study subjects, who were recruited from health professionals who attended continuing medical education programs at ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains, were classified as having AMS when they reported three or more of the five usual symptoms (headache, insomnia, dyspnea, anorexia, and/or fatigue) on a single day. All symptoms with an intensity of at least grade 2 (moderate) out of 5 were analyzed. At 2700 m, there was a 50% decrease in the mean AMS symptom score in the dexamethasone group (0.94 +/- 1.11 vs 1.84 +/- 1.44 [mean +/- SD]) and the incidence of AMS was 20% of that in the control group (3/38 vs 14/35). At 2050 m, there was no difference between dexamethasone and a placebo in the mean AMS symptom score (1.52 +/- 1.50 vs 1.24 +/- 1.33) and the incidence of AMS (5/25 vs 4/25). Dexamethasone ameliorates the usual symptoms of AMS at 2700 m but not at 2050 m.

RCH-ACV: a lymphoblastic leukemia cell line with chromosome translocation 1;19 and trisomy 8

A cell line (RCH-ACV) was established from a bone marrow sample of a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The cell line lacked Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen and exhibited a recently described nonrandom chromosome translocation, 1;19, thought to be associated with pre-B-ALL and poor prognosis. Banding studies confirm that the breakpoint of chromosome #19 occurs at p13.3. Cell surface marker analysis using a panel of monoclonal antibodies revealed markers consistent with common ALL phenotype. Although the cells did not show cytoplasmic immunoglobulin, studies of the immunoglobulin gene rearrangement confirmed the pre-B phenotype. This cell line could be of great value to studies of the role of the specific translocation 1;19 in the etiology of pre-B-ALL.

Elevation of c-abl-mRNA in human leukemic B lymphoblasts

Analysis of v-abl-homologous transcripts in peripheral blood leukocytes from 20 leukemia patients revealed a 5-kb species as the major abl-mRNA present. Elevated levels of this 5-kb transcript, together with detectable levels of 2- and 10-kb abl-homologous species, were observed in mRNA samples from two patients, one with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph')-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in lymphoid blast crisis, and the other with childhood Burkitt-type B-lymphoblastic leukemia. These abl-homologous transcripts differed from the aberrant 8-kb abl-mRNA reported by others in Ph'-positive CML patients in both size and extent of v-abl-homology. No alteration in the organization of v-abl-homologous sequences was detected in the genomic DNA of the Ph'-positive CML patient. Karyotypic analysis of the Burkitt-type B-lymphoblastic leukemia patient revealed the presence of an 8,14 translocation together with a number of other chromosomal aberrations. However, no abnormality of chromosome 9 could be detected. Hence, the observed increase in c-abl transcription is not consistently associated with either gross gene rearrangement or presence of the Ph'. The high levels of c-abl mRNA may be a function of the cell type involved (early lymphoid blast), suggesting that failure to down-regulate c-abl may be a factor in the onset of pre- or early B-lymphoid leukemias.

Are the primordial germ cells (PGCs) in urodela formed by the inductive action of the vegetative yolk mass?

In the present study, when carefully demarcated areas of blastula animal cap were combined with the vegetative yolk mass, PGCs occurred only in those combinations which included the equatorial marginal zone of the animal cap. Furthermore, removal of the vegetative yolk mass as early as stage 6 1/2 did not affect the formation of PGCs. On the basis of these and other observations it is suggested that in urodeles, as in anurans, PGCs may develop from specific cells which nevertheless differentiate into PGCs only when suitable mesodermal elements are formed.