Characterization and development of 56 EST-SSR markers derived from the transcriptome of Odontobutis potamophila.

Expressed sequence tags (ETSs) are the sources of microsatellite development. In this study, we isolated and characterized microsatellite markers for Odontobutis potamophila by using Illumina RNA-sequencing. We sequenced a large number of ESTs and screened 200 potential microsatellites. Consequently, a total of 56 novel polymorphic microsatellite repeat markers were identified in thirty-two individuals from a wild population area (Jiande, Zhejiang Province, China). The number of alleles per locus varied from two to eight, the observed heterozygosity (HO) ranged from 0.03571 to 0.9375, and the expected heterozygosity (HE) ranged from 0.14326 to 0.81549. The average number of alleles, HO, and HE were 5.0, 0.4467, and 0.5518, respectively. By the calculation, the range of polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0.1177-0.8492. Most of the loci showed moderate or high polymorphism. These newly developed EST-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers would serve as an efficient tool for analyzing population connectivity and provide sufficient information for genetic diversity research, parentage, and molecular breeding of O. potamophila and other fishes with similar genetic relationship.

High genetic variation among Aschersonia placenta (Clavicipitaceae) isolates from citrus orchards in China.

Aschersonia placenta had been recognized as an important fungal pathogen of whiteflies. In recent years, natural occurrence of Aschersonia in whitefly populations was observed in many citrus orchards in the southern regions of China. We analyzed 60 A. placenta isolates obtained from Chinese citrus orchards, using inter-simple sequence repeats to examine the genetic diversity and to determine whether intraspecific variation is correlated with geographic origin. One hundred and fourteen fragments were generated from these isolates; 97% were polymorphic. The Nei's gene diversity (H) was estimated to be 0.1748 within the populations (range 0.0974-0.2179) and 0.3057 at the species level. Analysis of molecular variance showed that the genetic variation was found mainly within populations (74.9%). The coefficient of gene differentiation (GST = 0.4315) indicated that 56.85% of the genetic diversity resided within populations. The Mantel test revealed no significant correlation between the genetic distance and the corresponding geographical distance (r = 0.142 and P = 0.887); the unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic average clustering gave similar results.

Isolation and identification of new pollen-specific SFB genes in Japanese apricot (Prunus mume).

SFB, a candidate gene for the pollen S gene, has been identified in several species of Prunus (Rosaceae). We isolated 5 new SFB alleles from 6 Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) lines using a specific Prunus SFB primer pair (SFB-C1F and Pm-Vb), which was designed from conserved regions of Prunus SFB. The nucleotide sequences of these SFB genes were submitted to the GenBank database. The 5 new SFB alleles share typical structural features with SFB alleles from other Prunus species and were found to be polymorphic, with 67.08 to 96.91% amino acid identity. These new SFB alleles were specifically expressed in the pollen. We conclude that the PmSFB alleles that we identified are the pollen S determinants of Japanese apricot; they have potential as a tool for studies of the mechanisms of pollen self-incompatibility.

Psychoeducational profile of the 22q11.2 microdeletion: A complex pattern.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the psychoeducational profile associated with the chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion (DiGeorge/velocardiofacial syndrome). STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-three patients (aged 6 to 27 years) with a 22q11.2 microdeletion underwent psychoeducational testing as part of a comprehensive evaluation. Nonparametric statistics were used to compare verbal and performance IQ, academic achievement scores, and receptive versus expressive language scores. Post hoc comparisons were made of IQ subtest scores and of language versus verbal IQ. RESULTS: Full-scale IQ ranged from the normal to the moderately retarded range. Mean verbal IQ was significantly higher than mean performance IQ. In a similar manner, mean reading and spelling scores were superior to the mean mathematics score, although achievement scores typically were in the range of verbal IQ. In addition, many children showed clinically significant language impairments, with mean language scores lower than mean verbal IQ. CONCLUSIONS: The IQ and academic profiles are reminiscent of a "nonverbal learning disability," although achievement was not discrepant from IQ. The coincidence of language impairment with a relative strength in reading belies a unique neuropsychologic profile. Educational programming for these children must address both verbal and nonverbal deficits.

Periodic limb movement in sleep in children with Williams syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Williams syndrome (WS) is associated with neurobehavioral abnormalities that include irritability and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Parents often report children having difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep because of restlessness and arousals. Therefore we evaluated a group of children with WS for the presence of a movement arousal sleep disorder. METHODS: Twenty-eight families of children with WS participated in a telephone survey aimed to screen for a movement arousal disorder. Of the 16 children identified as having such a disorder, 7 (mean age, 3.9 +/- 2.2 years) underwent polysomnography. Their studies were compared with those of 10 matched control subjects (mean age, 5.3 +/- 2.0 years). RESULTS: The 7 subjects with WS who were screened by the survey had sleep latency, total sleep time, arousals, and awakenings that were similar to those of control subjects. However, they presented with a disorder of periodic limb movement in sleep (PLMS). The PLMS index in the subjects with WS was 14.9 +/- 6.2 versus 2.8 +/- 1.9 in control subjects (P < .0001). In addition, arousal and awakening in subjects with WS were strongly associated with PLMS. Moreover, children with WS spend more time awake during sleep periods than control subjects (10.0% +/- 7.0% vs 4.4% +/- 4.7%; P < .05). Five children were treated with clonazepam, and in 4 a significant clinical response was noted. CONCLUSION: We report an association between WS and PLMS. Clonazepam may reduce the clinical symptoms of PLMS in some of these children.