The transcriptional landscape of polyploid wheat.

The coordinated expression of highly related homoeologous genes in polyploid species underlies the phenotypes of many of the world's major crops. Here we combine extensive gene expression datasets to produce a comprehensive, genome-wide analysis of homoeolog expression patterns in hexaploid bread wheat. Bias in homoeolog expression varies between tissues, with ~30% of wheat homoeologs showing nonbalanced expression. We found expression asymmetries along wheat chromosomes, with homoeologs showing the largest inter-tissue, inter-cultivar, and coding sequence variation, most often located in high-recombination distal ends of chromosomes. These transcriptionally dynamic genes potentially represent the first steps toward neo- or subfunctionalization of wheat homoeologs. Coexpression networks reveal extensive coordination of homoeologs throughout development and, alongside a detailed expression atlas, provide a framework to target candidate genes underpinning agronomic traits in wheat.

Mapping a Type 1 FHB resistance on chromosome 4AS of Triticum macha and deployment in combination with two Type 2 resistances.

Markers closely flanking a Type 1 FHB resistance have been produced and the potential of combining this with Type 2 resistances to improve control of FHB has been demonstrated. Two categories of resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat are generally recognised: resistance to initial infection (Type 1) and resistance to spread within the head (Type 2). While numerous sources of Type 2 resistance have been reported, relatively fewer Type 1 resistances have been characterised. Previous study identified a Type 1 FHB resistance (QFhs.jic-4AS) on chromosome 4A in Triticum macha. Little is known about the effect of combining Type 1 and Type 2 resistances on overall FHB symptoms or accumulation of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). QFhs.jic-4AS was combined independently with two Type 2 FHB resistances (Fhb1 and one associated with the 1BL/1RS translocation). While combining Type 1 and Type 2 resistances generally reduced visual symptom development, the effect on DON accumulation was marginal. A lack of polymorphic markers and a limited number of recombinants had originally prevented accurate mapping of the QFhs.jic-4AS resistance. Using an array of recently produced markers in combination with new populations, the position of QFhs.jic-4AS has been determined to allow this resistance to be followed in breeding programmes.

Results of living-related kidney transplantation in Puerto Rico.

A total of 103 kidney transplantations from living-related donors were performed in the Puerto Rico Kidney Transplant Program between January 1977 and June 1984. The majority of these patients were male, 76% were between 21 and 50 years of age, 33% were indigent, and 38% were either black or of mixed race. Rigid exclusion criteria were established in the selection of kidney donors. All donor operations were at least 2-antigen-compatible. Surgical technique and posttransplant management were standard, except that in 1980 the immunosuppressive policy was changed as follows: posttransplant prednisone was very rapidly tapered to 20 mg/day at two weeks after transplantation and antilymphocyte globulin was used to treat all rejections. The overall 3-year patient survival for the 7 1/2 years is 91.6%, but after 1980 it increased to 98% perhaps a reflection of the changes in immunosuppressive policy. Eight of ten deaths were due to sepsis, most of them related to rejection treatment. The 3-year kidney survival was 77%. All kidney losses were due to rejection. A low incidence of urological complications is reported. There were no technical losses. A relatively low incidence of cancer is reported. Cutaneous mycosis is highly prevalent in our patients, but systemic fungi are virtually absent.

Altered anion handling by choroid plexus in renal insufficiency.

Abnormal localization of 99mTc pertechnetate was detected in the choroid plexus of patients with renal insufficiency despite the administration of potassium perchlorate. This was found in 8 of 21 studies on patients on conservative medical treatment, in 35 of 41 studies in patients on hemodialysis, in 12 of 22 studies in renal transplant recipients, and in 1 of 5 with acute renal insufficiency, but not in any of 33 persons free of renal disease. Abnormal retention of pertechnetate was also observed in the salivary glands of 21 renal patients. The increased localization of 99mTc pertechnetate could not be related to high blood levels of radioactivity, altered protein binding, increased erythrocyte labeling or to impaired gastrointestinal absorption of potassium perchlorate. It is proposed that this finding represents a manifestation of choroid plexus dysfunction resulting in altered handling of anions by this organ. A possible relation to neurological disease in chronic renal insufficiency is suggested.

Acute hypercalcemia in hemodialysis patients: distinction from 'dialysis dementia'.

The clinical, laboratory and EEG findings of 4 uremic patients on hemodialysis who accidently developed acute hypercalcemia were reviewed. An acute central nervous system syndrome developed, associated with the clinical changes of disorientation, dysarthria, seizures, myoclonic jerks, hallucinations, irritability, confusion, memory and judgment defects plus bizarre behavior. The EEG findings demonstrated diffusely severe slow background activity in all tracings. In addition, the EEG abnormalities as well as the clinical findings disappeared when serum calcium returned to normal. Hypercalcemia, a reversible condition, seems to have been the cause of this clinical syndrome which should be differentiated from dialysis dementia, a condition known to be irreversible and fatal.

Normal renin uremic hypertension. Study of cardiac hemodynamics, plasma volume, extracellular fluid volume, and the renin angiotensin system.

Studies were undertaken in 33 uremic patients with or without hypertension, 11 normal subjects, and 15 essential hypertensive patients to assess cardiac hemodynamics, plasma volume, extracellular fluid volume, and peripheral renin levels. Cardiac output and intraarterial blood pressure were measured and peripheral vascular resistance index calculated. These studies suggest that uremic hypertension with normal renin values and hypervolemia is hemodynamically sustained by an increase in peripheral resistance rather than by an increased cardiac output. The renin angiotensin system plays a secondary role as compared to overexpansion in the genesis of hypertension in normoreninemic uremic hypertension.