ABSTRACT
We constructed a Brassica napus genetic map with 240 simple sequence repeats (SSR) primer pairs from private and public origins. SSR, or microsatellites, are highly polymorphic and efficient markers for the analysis of plant genomes. Our selection of primer pairs corresponded to 305 genetic loci that we were able to map. In addition, we also used 52 sequence-characterized amplified region primer pairs corresponding to 58 loci that were developed in our lab. Genotyping was performed on six F2 populations, corresponding to a total of 574 F2 individual plants, obtained according to an unbalanced diallel cross design involving six parental lines. The resulting consensus map presented 19 linkage groups ranging from 46.2 to 276.5 cM, which we were able to name after the B. napus map available at http://ukcrop.net/perl/ace/search/BrassicaDB , thus enabling the identification of the A genome linkage groups originating from the B. rapa ancestor and the C genome linkage groups originating from the B. oleracea ancestor in the amphidiploid genome of B. napus. Some homologous regions were identified between the A and the C genomes. This map could be used to identify more markers, which would eventually be linked to genes controlling important agronomic characters in rapeseed. Furthermore, considering the good genome coverage we obtained, together with an observed homogenous distribution of the loci across the genome, this map is a powerful tool to be used in marker-assisted breeding.
Subject(s)
Brassica napus/genetics , Chromosome Mapping , Microsatellite Repeats/genetics , Polymorphism, Genetic , Crosses, Genetic , Genotype , Synteny/geneticsABSTRACT
Ill-health has been reported by many soldiers and others deployed in the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War of 1991. Iraqi children have also been reported as suffering from an undiagnosed wasting disease. Little conclusive information has come to light; this paper reviews what is known at present, largely from anecdotal reports. Symptoms reported differ from post-traumatic stress syndrome as reported after previous conflicts; some are suggestive of a direct effect on the immune system. Various possible causes are examined, including post-traumatic stress disorder, infection, prophylactic medication, exposure to chemical and biological warfare agents, exposures resulting from oil spills and fires, and exposure to depleted uranium ammunition. The latter was used extensively for the first time in the Gulf War, and is manufactured and test-fired in Britain. The passive role of the British government in following up such reports is noted, in contrast with the more active official responses in the United States. It is suggested that Desert Storm Syndrome is one example of multiple assault upon the body's immune system.
Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive/adverse effects , Combat Disorders/etiology , Military Personnel , Uranium/adverse effects , Warfare , Adult , Biological Warfare , Chemical Warfare , Child , Environmental Exposure , Humans , Infant , Infant Mortality , Iraq , Middle East , Stress, Psychological/etiology , Syndrome , United StatesSubject(s)
Child Abuse/psychology , Psychoanalytic Theory , Warfare , Adolescent , Animals , Child , Female , Group Processes , Humans , Iraq , Male , Parent-Child Relations , United StatesABSTRACT
Epidemiological studies since 1979 have raised some medical and much public concern that low frequency electromagnetic fields, such as those of power-lines and in domestic and industrial electrical wiring, may have harmful biological effects. These studies are generally inconsistent, inconclusive, and difficult to replicate. Identifying biological mechanisms by which such harmful effects may occur has proved difficult, although there are several new and promising approaches. In epidemiological and laboratory studies much greater co-ordination and standardization is needed if greater scientific knowledge of these phenomena, as opposed to mere diverse speculation, is to be achieved.
