Virulence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella enterica isolated from foods, humans, and the environment in Mexico.

Salmonella enterica genotypic and phenotypic characteristics play an important role in its pathogenesis, which could be influenced by its origin. This study evaluated the association among the antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and origin of circulating S. enterica strains in Mexico, isolated from foods, humans, and the environment. The antimicrobial susceptibility to fourteen antibiotics by the Kirby-Bauer method (n = 117), and the presence of thirteen virulence genes by multiplex PCR (n = 153) and by sequence alignments (n = 2963) were evaluated. In addition, a set of S. enterica isolates from Mexico (n = 344) previously characterized according to their genotypic and phenotypic print was included to increase the coverage of the association analysis. Strains with the presence of sopE and strains with the absence of sspH1 were significantly associated with multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes (p < 0.05). The origin of the strains had significant associations with the antimicrobial profiles and some virulence genes (hilA, orgA, sifA, ssaQ, sseL, sspH1, pefA, and spvC) (p < 0.05). Animal-origin food isolates showed the highest frequency of MDR (57.2 %), followed by human isolates (30.0 %). Also, sspH1, pefA, and spvC were found in major frequency in human (32.4 %, 31.0 %, 31.7 %) and animal-origin foods (41.6 %, 10.6 %, 10.6 %) isolates. The findings highlighted that antimicrobial profiles and specific virulence genes of S. enterica strains are related to their origin. Similar genotypic and phenotypic characteristics between human and animal-origin foods isolates were found, suggesting that animal-origin foods isolates are the most responsible for human cases. The revealed associations can be used to improve risk estimation assessments in national food safety surveillance programs.

A new bipartite begomovirus naturally infecting Pyrenacantha sp. in Mozambique.

A begomovirus was isolated from a Pyrenacantha sp. plant with yellow mosaic symptoms collected in a maize production field in Mozambique. The complete DNA-A and DNA-B components have a genomic organization typical of Old World, bipartite begomoviruses. Based on the current ICTV species demarcation criteria for the genus Begomovirus, the virus isolate, named Pyrenacantha yellow mosaic virus (PyYMV), is a member of a new species, for which the name "Begomovirus pyrenacanthae" is proposed. Alignment of their common regions (CR) indicated a 35-nt insertion in the DNA-A CR. The nt sequence identity between the CRs is only 83% but increases to 96% when the 35-nt insertion is removed from the alignment. This is the first report of a begomovirus naturally infecting Pyrenacantha spp.

FoodSimplex - a public health tool to improve restaurants cleaning and sanitation status / FoodSimplex - una herramienta de salud pública para mejorar el estado de sanitario de los restaurantes

Foodborne diseases have a negative impact on health, and little consideration has been given to such because the symptoms are often moderate and self-limiting. The microbiological contamination of meals by catering systems is one of the main issues, and it must be assessed to ensure safer meals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hygienic quality in portuguese micro, small and medium restaurants through audit data and microbial sampling through the application of new food safety methodology - FoodSimplex. This four-year longitudinal study revealed maintenance or an improvement in the compliance with hygiene requirements according to the FoodSimplex checklist, and with statistical significance evolution in food handlers hands microbial analyses (p=0,003), which confirms that FoodSimplex contributed for a general food safety status uplift

Las enfermedades transmitidas por los alimentos tienen un impacto negativo en la salud y se les ha prestado poca atención porque los síntomas suelen ser moderados y autolimitados. La contaminación microbiológica de las comidas por los sistemas de restauración es uno de los principales problemas, y debe evaluarse para garantizar comidas más seguras. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la calidad higiénica en micro, pequeños y medianos restaurantes portugueses a través de datos de auditoría y muestreo microbiano mediante la aplicación de una nueva metodología de seguridad alimentaria: FoodSimplex. Este estudio longitudinal de cuatro años reveló un mantenimiento o una mejora en el cumplimiento de los requisitos de higiene de acuerdo con la lista de verificación de FoodSimplex, y con una evolución estadísticamente significativa en los análisis microbianos (p = 0,003), que confirma que FoodSimplex contribuyó para aumentar la seguridad general de los alimentos

Supplementation with sunflower seeds in beef cattle did not impact on oocyte and in vitro embryo production.

Supplementation with compounds rich in linoleic acid, including sunflower seed supplementation, promotes increase in conception rates in cows. We aimed to evaluate whether the sunflower seed (linoleic acid source) supplementation in beef donor females alters the plasma concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL, increases the number and quality of oocytes, increases the cleavage rates and determines an improvement in number and quality of in vitro produced blastocysts. Thus, Nelore females were divided into two groups of 15 animals to receive supplementation with or without sunflower seed for 57 days. Females underwent follicular aspiration and the oocytes were subjected to in vitro embryo production. There was no difference (p > .1) between control group and group supplemented with sunflower seed on the number of displayed follicles; number of aspired oocytes; recovery rate; cleavage rate; number of embryos; number of blastocysts; embryos number of grades I and II; plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides; HDL and LDL. Therefore, sunflower seed supplementation in oocyte donors did not increase the number and quality of oocytes, cleavage rates and the number and quality of blastocysts produced in vitro.

Human subthalamic nucleus activity during non-motor decision making.

Recent studies have implicated the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in decisions that involve inhibiting movements. Many of the decisions that we make in our daily lives, however, do not involve any motor actions. We studied non-motor decision making by recording intraoperative STN and prefrontal cortex (PFC) electrophysiology as participants perform a novel task that required them to decide whether to encode items into working memory. During all encoding trials, beta band (15-30 Hz) activity decreased in the STN and PFC, and this decrease was progressively enhanced as more items were stored into working memory. Crucially, the STN and lateral PFC beta decrease was significantly attenuated during the trials in which participants were instructed not to encode the presented stimulus. These changes were associated with increase lateral PFC-STN coherence and altered STN neuronal spiking. Our results shed light on why states of altered basal ganglia activity disrupt both motor function and cognition.

Neural Correlates of Decision Thresholds in the Human Subthalamic Nucleus.

If humans are faced with difficult choices when making decisions, the ability to slow down responses becomes critical in order to avoid suboptimal choices. Current models of decision making assume that the subthalamic nucleus (STN) mediates this function by elevating decision thresholds, thereby requiring more evidence to be accumulated before responding [1-9]. However, direct electrophysiological evidence for the exact role of STN during adjustment of decision thresholds is lacking. Here, we show that trial-by-trial variations in STN low-frequency oscillatory activity predict adjustments of decision thresholds before subjects make a response. The relationship between STN activity and decision thresholds critically depends on the subjects' level of cautiousness. While increased oscillatory activity of the STN predicts elevated decision thresholds during high levels of cautiousness, it predicts decreased decision thresholds during low levels of cautiousness. This context-dependent relationship may be mediated by increased influence of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-STN pathway on decision thresholds during high cautiousness. Subjects who exhibit a stronger increase in phase alignment of low-frequency oscillatory activity in mPFC and STN before making a response have higher decision thresholds and commit fewer erroneous responses. Together, our results demonstrate that STN low-frequency oscillatory activity and corresponding mPFC-STN coupling are involved in determining how much evidence subjects accumulate before making a decision. This finding might explain why deep-brain stimulation of the STN can impair subjects' ability to slow down responses and can induce impulsive suboptimal decisions.

Paracoccidioidomicosis: presentación inusual / Paracoccidioidomicosis: presentación inusual

Se presenta un paciente masculino, de 63 años de edad, con antecedentes de enfermedad de Leriche y colocación de prótesis vascular. Es internado en terapia intensiva por infarto intestinal e isquemia aguda de miembro inferior derecho por lo cual es intervenido quirúrgicamente. Mediante el hallazgo de Paracoccidioides sp en prótesis vascular y otros órganos internos, asociados a lesiones cutáneas y compromiso pulmonar, se realiza el diagnóstico de paracoccidioidomicosis crónica multifocal. Destacamos el compromiso de la prótesis como parte de la diseminación fúngica (AU)

A 63-year-old male patient with a history of Leriche disease and vascular prosthesis placement is reported. He is admitted to intensive care unit with intestinal infarct and acute ischemia of his right lower limb for which he underwent surgery. Paracoccidioides sp findings in vascular prostheses and other internal organs, associated with skin lesions and pulmonary involvement, allowed the diagnosis of chronic multifocal paracoccidioidomycosis. We emphasize the commitment of the prosthesis as part of fungal dissemination on this case (AU)

Errores en el procedimiento del bloqueo epidural / Epidural block procedure pitfalls

Presentar en una serie de casos los posibles errores técnicos durante el bloqueo epidural, ya que se pueden prevenir y corregir durante el procedimiento. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron retrospectivamente, entre enero de 2013 y abril de 2014, 118 pacientes con dolor lumbar y/o radicular tratados con antiinflamatorio/analgésico mínimamente invasivo mediante una inyección selectiva guiada por tomografía computada (TC) en el espacio epidural. En todos los casos se utilizó una aguja espinal 21 G, y se inyectó esteroide de depósito (betametasona 3 mg) y anestésicos (lidocaína 1 ml al 2% + bupivacaína 0,5 ml al0,5%) o solo esteroide en los pacientes con sospecha de duramadre perforada. Se seleccionaron únicamente aquellos casos en los que hubo errores de técnica durante el procedimiento. Resultados: Cinco pacientes (4,23%) tuvieron complicaciones técnicas durante el bloqueo epidural. Estas se observaron luego de una inadecuada posición del extremo de la aguja (perforación de la duramadre y falta de acceso al espacio epidural) y se objetivaron por la aspiración directa del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) o por la disposición del aire, utilizado como trazador antes de la inyección del medicamento. Los errores se detectaron y corrigieron con rapidez, sin mayores inconvenientes ni necesidad de tratamientos complementarios. Conclusión: El bloqueo epidural es una práctica frecuentemente usada en el manejo del dolor lumbar crónico. Los errores técnicos y las complicaciones del procedimiento son poco comunes, pero para su manejo y posterior corrección es importante conocerlos y contar con un médico experimentado...

Lepra visceral: presentación de un caso / Visceral leprosy: a case report

La lepra es una enfermedad infectocontagiosa crónica que puede presentarse con afectación cutánea, nerviosa y/o visceral según el perfil inmunológico del paciente. El Mycobacterium leprae puede producir afectación visceral de forma directa y/o indirecta. El compromiso hepático es más frecuente en los casos multibacilares. Presentamos un paciente de sexo masculino de 52 años con lepra lepromatosa y compromiso hepático

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that may present with skin, nervous and /or visceral involvement, according to immune profiles of patients. Mycobacterium leprae may cause visceral affection in a direct or indirect way. Liver involvement is more common in multibacillary cases. A case of lepromatous leprosy with liver compromise in a 52-year-old male patient is presented.

Asociación entre diferentes factores y artritis psoriásica en pacientes del centro dermatológico “Dr. Manuel M. Giménez” en resistencia, Chaco (Argentina) / The association of different factors with psoriatic arthritis in patients at dermatology center “Dr. Manuel M. Giménez” in resistencia, Chaco (Argentina)

Introducción: La artritis psoriásica (AP) comprende una serie de alteraciones osteoarticulares que pueden asociarse a psoriasis cutánea (Ps). Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre diferentes factores y la presencia de AP en pacientes con Ps que se atienden en nuestro servicio. Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron 236 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico y/o histopatológico de Ps, con y sin afectación articular, que habían sido evaluados en los consultorios externos del Centro Dermatológico "Dr. Manuel M. Giménez" de la ciudad de Resistencia, provincia del Chaco (Argentina), desde el 1 de junio del 2005 hasta el 31 de mayo del 2014. Se realizó análisis bivariado y regresión logística no condicional para evaluar asociaciones entre diferentes variables y la presencia de AP. Se consideraron significativos valores de p menores a 0,05. Resultados: De 236 pacientes consultantes por Ps cutánea, 87 (36,7%) presentaron AP. La edad promedio de los afectados de Ps con AP fue de 47,2 años y en los pacientes sin AP fue de 44,4. Con respecto al sexo, 51,7% de los pacientes con AP fueron de sexo femenino, mientras que en los pacientes sin AP la proporción de sexo femenino fue de 28,8%. De los pacientes con AP, el 79,3% presentó onicopatía y de los pacientes sin AP tuvo el 38,9%. La superficie cutánea evaluada por PASI tuvo un promedio de 11,2 en pacientes con AP y 10,1 en aquellos sin AP. En relación a los años de evolución de la Ps se observó una de 10,1 años en personas con AP y de 5,8 años en personas sin AP. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio evidenció una diferencia estadísticamente significativa de padecer AP en presencia de psoriasis ungueal y el sexo femenino con mayor asociación.

Introduction: The Psoriatic arthritis (PA) is associated with a seriesof osteoarticular alterations that can be related to cutaneous Psoriasis(Ps). Objective: to evaluate the association of different factors with the presence of PA in patients with Ps who are treated in our service. Materials and methods: 236 patients with a clinical and/or histopathology diagnosis of Ps, with or without articular involvement, who were assessed in the consulting rooms at the Dermatology Centre "Dr. Manuel M. Giménez", Resistencia city, province of Chaco (Argentina), since June 1st. 2005 to May 31st. 2014, were included in the study. A bivariate and non-conditional logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of different variables and the presence of PA. Significant values of pless than 0.05 were considered. Results: 87 (36.7%) out of 236 patients with cutaneous Ps had PA. The average age of patients who developed Ps with PA was of 47.2 and the average age in patients without PA was of 44.4. As regards sex, 51.7% of the patients with PA were females. Whereas in patients without PA, the amount of females was of 28.8%. Onicopathy was observed in 79.3% of the patients with PA and in 38.9% of the patients without PA. The cutaneous surface evaluated by PASI score showed an average of 11.2 in patients with PA and 10.1 in the ones without PA. As regards, the years of evolution with Ps, 10.1 years was observed in one of the subjects with PA and 5.8 years insubjects without PA. Conclusions: Our study has shown a statistically significant difference of having PA with the presence of nail psoriasis and a higher association with females.

Midline frontal cortex low-frequency activity drives subthalamic nucleus oscillations during conflict.

Making the right decision from conflicting information takes time. Recent computational, electrophysiological, and clinical studies have implicated two brain areas as being crucial in assuring sufficient time is taken for decision-making under conditions of conflict: the medial prefrontal cortex and the subthalamic nucleus (STN). Both structures exhibit an elevation of activity at low frequencies (<10 Hz) during conflict that correlates with the amount of time taken to respond. This suggests that the two sites could become functionally coupled during conflict. To establish the nature of this interaction we recorded from deep-brain stimulation electrodes implanted bilaterally in the STN of 13 Parkinson's disease patients while they performed a sensory integration task involving randomly moving dots. By gradually increasing the number of dots moving coherently in one direction, we were able to determine changes in the STN associated with response execution. Furthermore, by occasionally having 10% of the dots move in the opposite direction as the majority, we were able to identify an independent increase in STN theta-delta activity triggered by conflict. Crucially, simultaneous midline frontal electroencephalographic recordings revealed an increase in the theta-delta band coherence between the two structures that was specific to high-conflict trials. Activity over the midline frontal cortex was Granger causal to that in STN. These results establish the cortico-subcortical circuit enabling successful choices to be made under conditions of conflict and provide support for the hypothesis that the brain uses frequency-specific channels of communication to convey behaviorally relevant information.

Paracoccidioidomicosis, TBC y SIDA / Paracoccidioidomycosis, TB and AIDS

Presentamos un paciente de sexo masculino de 54 años con una asociación poco frecuente de tres entidades: paracoccidioidomicosis, SIDA y tuberculosis...

Identification of transcription factors involved in rice secondary cell wall formation.

Using co-expression network analysis, we identified 123 transcription factors (TFs) as candidate secondary cell wall regulators in rice. To validate whether these TFs are associated with secondary cell wall formation, six TF genes belonging to the MYB, NAC or homeodomain-containing TF families were overexpressed or downregulated in rice. With the exception of OsMYB58/63-RNAi plants, all transgenic plants showed phenotypes possibly related to secondary cell wall alteration, such as dwarfism, narrow and dark green leaves, and also altered rice cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase 2 (OsCAD2) gene expression and lignin content. These results suggest that many of the 123 candidate secondary cell wall-regulating TFs are likely to function in secondary cell wall formation in rice. Further analyses were performed for the OsMYB55/61 and OsBLH6 TFs, the former being a TF in which the Arabidopsis ortholog is known to participate in lignin biosynthesis (AtMYB61) and the latter being one for which no previous involvement in cell wall formation has been reported even in Arabidopsis (BLH6). OsMYB55/61 and OsBLH6-GFP fusion proteins localized to the nucleus of onion epidermal cells. Moreover, expression of a reporter gene driven by the OsCAD2 promoter was enhanced in rice calli when OsMYB55/61 or OsBLH6 was transiently expressed, demonstrating that they function in secondary cell wall formation. These results show the validity of identifying potential secondary cell wall TFs in rice by the use of rice co-expression network analysis.

Survey of genes involved in rice secondary cell wall formation through a co-expression network.

The plant secondary cell wall is the major source of lignocellulosic biomass, a renewable energy resource that can be used for bioethanol production. To comprehensively identify transcription factors (TFs), glycosyltransferase (GT) and glycosyl hydrolase (GH) involved in secondary cell wall formation in rice (Oryza sativa), co-expression network analysis was performed using 68 microarray data points for different rice tissues and stages. In addition to rice genes encoding orthologs of Arabidopsis thaliana TFs known to regulate secondary cell wall formation, the network analysis suggested many novel TF genes likely to be involved in cell wall formation. In the accompanying paper (Hirano et al.), several of these TFs are shown to be involved in rice secondary cell wall formation. Based on a comparison of the rice and Arabidopsis networks, TFs were classified as common to both species or specific to each plant species, suggesting that in addition to a common transcriptional regulatory mechanism of cell wall formation, the two plants may also use species-specific groups of TFs during secondary wall formation. Similarly, genes encoding GT and GH were also classified as genes showing species-common or species-specific expression patterns. In addition, genes for primary or secondary cell wall formation were also suggested. The list of rice TF, GT and GH genes provides an opportunity to unveil the regulation of secondary cell wall formation in grasses, leading to optimization of the cell wall for biofuel production.

Global transcriptome profile of rice root in response to essential macronutrient deficiency.

Deficiency of the three essential macronutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, leads to large reduction in crop growth and yield. To characterize the molecular genetic basis of adaptation to macronutrient deprivation, we performed microarray analysis of rice root at 6 and 24 h after nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium deficiency treatments. The transcriptome response to nitrogen depletion occurred more rapidly than corresponding responses to phosphorus and potassium deprivation. We identified several genes important for response and adaptation to each nutrient deficiency. Furthermore, we found that signaling via reactive oxygen species is a common feature in response to macronutrient deficiency and signaling via jasmonic acid is associated with potassium depletion response. These results will facilitate deeper understanding of nutrient utilization of plants.

RiceXPro version 3.0: expanding the informatics resource for rice transcriptome.

A wide range of resources on gene expression profiling enhance various strategies in plant molecular biology particularly in characterization of gene function. We have updated our gene expression profile database, RiceXPro (http://ricexpro.dna.affrc.go.jp/), to provide more comprehensive information on the transcriptome of rice encompassing the entire growth cycle and various experimental conditions. The gene expression profiles are currently grouped into three categories, namely, 'field/development' with 572 data corresponding to 12 data sets, 'plant hormone' with 143 data corresponding to 13 data sets and 'cell- and tissue-type' comprising of 38 microarray data. In addition to the interface for retrieving expression information of a gene/genes in each data set, we have incorporated an interface for a global approach in searching an overall view of the gene expression profiles from multiple data sets within each category. Furthermore, we have also added a BLAST search function that enables users to explore expression profile of a gene/genes with similarity to a query sequence. Therefore, the updated version of RiceXPro can be used more efficiently to survey the gene expression signature of rice in sufficient depth and may also provide clues on gene function of other cereal crops.

RiceFREND: a platform for retrieving coexpressed gene networks in rice.

Similarity of gene expression across a wide range of biological conditions can be efficiently used in characterization of gene function. We have constructed a rice gene coexpression database, RiceFREND (http://ricefrend.dna.affrc.go.jp/), to identify gene modules with similar expression profiles and provide a platform for more accurate prediction of gene functions. Coexpression analysis of 27 201 genes was performed against 815 microarray data derived from expression profiling of various organs and tissues at different developmental stages, mature organs throughout the growth from transplanting until harvesting in the field and plant hormone treatment conditions, using a single microarray platform. The database is provided with two search options, namely, 'single guide gene search' and 'multiple guide gene search' to efficiently retrieve information on coexpressed genes. A user-friendly web interface facilitates visualization and interpretation of gene coexpression networks in HyperTree, Cytoscape Web and Graphviz formats. In addition, analysis tools for identification of enriched Gene Ontology terms and cis-elements provide clue for better prediction of biological functions associated with the coexpressed genes. These features allow users to clarify gene functions and gene regulatory networks that could lead to a more thorough understanding of many complex agronomic traits.

Deciphering and prediction of transcriptome dynamics under fluctuating field conditions.

Determining the drivers of gene expression patterns is more straightforward in laboratory conditions than in the complex fluctuating environments where organisms typically live. We gathered transcriptome data from the leaves of rice plants in a paddy field along with the corresponding meteorological data and used them to develop statistical models for the endogenous and external influences on gene expression. Our results indicate that the transcriptome dynamics are predominantly governed by endogenous diurnal rhythms, ambient temperature, plant age, and solar radiation. The data revealed diurnal gates for environmental stimuli to influence transcription and pointed to relative influences exerted by circadian and environmental factors on different metabolic genes. The model also generated predictions for the influence of changing temperatures on transcriptome dynamics. We anticipate that our models will help translate the knowledge amassed in laboratories to problems in agriculture and that our approach to deciphering the transcriptome fluctuations in complex environments will be applicable to other organisms.

Genome-wide transcriptome dissection of the rice root system: implications for developmental and physiological functions.

The root system is a crucial determinant of plant growth potential because of its important functions, e.g. uptake of water and nutrients, structural support and interaction with symbiotic organisms. Elucidating the molecular mechanism of root development and functions is therefore necessary for improving plant productivity, particularly for crop plants, including rice (Oryza sativa). As an initial step towards developing a comprehensive understanding of the root system, we performed a large-scale transcriptome analysis of the rice root via a combined laser microdissection and microarray approach. The crown root was divided into eight developmental stages along the longitudinal axis and three radial tissue types at two different developmental stages, namely: epidermis, exodermis and sclerenchyma; cortex; and endodermis, pericycle and stele. We analyzed a total of 38 microarray data and identified 22,297 genes corresponding to 17,010 loci that showed sufficient signal intensity as well as developmental- and tissue type-specific transcriptome signatures. Moreover, we clarified gene networks associated with root cap function and lateral root formation, and further revealed antagonistic and synergistic interactions of phytohormones such as auxin, cytokinin, brassinosteroids and ethylene, based on the expression pattern of genes related to phytohormone biosynthesis and signaling. Expression profiling of transporter genes defined not only major sites for uptake and transport of water and nutrients, but also distinct signatures of the radial transport system from the rhizosphere to the xylem vessel for each nutrient. All data can be accessed from our gene expression profile database, RiceXPro (http://ricexpro.dna.affrc.go.jp), thereby providing useful information for understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in root system development of crop plants.

Rice TOGO Browser: A platform to retrieve integrated information on rice functional and applied genomics.

The Rice TOGO Browser is an online public resource designed to facilitate integration and visualization of mapping data of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)/P1-derived artificial chromosome (PAC) clones, genes, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)/simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and phenotype data represented as quantitative trait loci (QTLs) onto the genome sequence, and to provide a platform for more efficient utilization of genome information from the point of view of applied genomics as well as functional genomics. Three search options, namely keyword search, region search and trait search, generate various types of data in a user-friendly interface with three distinct viewers, a chromosome viewer, an integrated map viewer and a sequence viewer, thereby providing the opportunity to view the position of genes and/or QTLs at the chromosomal level and to retrieve any sequence information in a user-defined genome region. Furthermore, the gene list, marker list and genome sequence in a specified region delineated by RFLP/SSR markers and any sequences designed as primers can be viewed and downloaded to support forward genetics approaches. An additional feature of this database is the graphical viewer for BLAST search to reveal information not only for regions with significant sequence similarity but also for regions adjacent to those with similarity but with no hits between sequences. An easy to use and intuitive user interface can help a wide range of users in retrieving integrated mapping information including agronomically important traits on the rice genome sequence. The database can be accessed at http://agri-trait.dna.affrc.go.jp/.