Inheritance of downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and anthracnose (Sphaceloma ampelinum) resistance in grapevines.

Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and anthracnose (Sphaceloma ampelinum) are two of the major diseases of most grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars grown in Thailand. Therefore, breeding grapevines for improved downy mildew and anthracnose resistance is crucial. Factorial crosses were made between three downy mildew and/or anthracnose resistant lines ('NY88.0517.01', 'NY65.0550.04', and 'NY65.0551.05'; male parents) and two or three susceptible cultivars of V. vinifera ('Black Queen', 'Carolina Black Rose', and/or 'Italia'; female parents). F1 hybrid seedlings were evaluated for downy mildew and anthracnose resistance using a detached/excised leaf assay. For both diseases, the general combining ability (GCA) variance among male parents was significant, while the variance of GCA among females and the specific combining ability (SCA) variance were not significant, indicating the prevalence of additive over non-additive gene actions. The estimated narrow sense heritabilities of downy mildew and anthracnose resistance were 55.6 and 79.2%, respectively, suggesting that downy mildew/anthracnose resistance gene(s) were highly heritable. The 'Carolina Black Rose x NY65.0550.04' cross combination is recommended for future use.

Soluble endoglin versus sFlt-1/PlGF ratio: detection of preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and FGR in a high-risk cohort.

The angiogenic factors sFlt-1 and PlGF play an established role in the detection of preeclampsia (PE). Recent data suggest that sEng might contribute to the pathogenesis of PE. However, only a few studies so far have addressed its role.This monocentric cross-sectional study of high-risk pregnancies aims to compare the levels of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and sEng depending on different placental-related adverse pregnancy outcomes. The statistical analysis takes into account Pearson's correlation coefficient between angiogenic factors, the area under the curve estimates (AUCs) for detection, and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%-CIs). The analysis included 206 patients: 60 controls, 90 PE (59 EOPE, 35 LOPE), 94 FGR, and 35 HELLP cases. Some outcomes overlapped because FGR commonly complicated PE and HELLP syndrome. Serum levels of sFlt-1/PlGF and sEng correlated with each other. Higher levels were observed in HELLP syndrome and EOPE cases. AUCs for sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and sEng were, respectively, 0.915 (95%-Cl 0.87-0.96) and 0.872 (95%-Cl 0.81-0.93) in PE, 0.895 (95%-Cl 0.83-0.96) and 0.878 (95%-Cl 0.81-0.95) in HELLP syndrome, 0.891 (95%-Cl 0.84-0.94), and 0.856 (95%-Cl 0.79-0.92) in FGR.aORsfor sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and sEng were, respectively: 2.69 (95%-Cl 1.86-3.9) and 2.33 (95%-Cl 1.59-3.48) in PE, 2.38 (95%-Cl 1.64-3.44) and 2.28 (95%-Cl 1.55-3.4) in FGR, and 2.10 (95%-Cl 1.45-3.05) and 1.88 (95%-Cl 1.31-2.69) in HELLP syndrome. In addition, the aORs between sFlt-1/PlGF and sEng were very similar but higher for PE and FGR than HELLP syndrome.In conclusion,sEng performed similarly to sFlt-1/PlGF to detect placental dysfunctions.

[Surgical urinary diversion in children from war and crisis areas-20-year experience report]. / Operative Harnableitung bei Kindern aus Kriegs- und Krisengebieten ­ 20-jähriger Erfahrungsbericht.

BACKGROUND: Because sick and injured children from war and crisis areas can often only be helped to a limited extent in their countries of origin, those children with the most complex diseases often receive medical treatment in Europe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the postoperative outcome of reconstructive interventions in children from war and crisis areas, an evaluation of the clinic's internal database between 1997 and 2017 was carried out. The operative indication, the surgical procedure, any revisions or conversions and the overall mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: During the above-mentioned period a total of 44 (male: 32, female: 12) children aged 3-14 years from Afghanistan, Angola, Central Asia and the Caucasus were treated. Indications for the reconstructive procedures were bladder exstrophy (n = 23), neurogenic bladder dysfunction (n = 9), penile partial amputation (n = 1) and traumatic bladder dysfunction (n = 11). In 26 children, a conduit was created, 11 children received a sigma rectum pouch and 1 child an ileocecal pouch, while 5 other children received bladder augmentation and 1 child an oral mucosal urethroplasty. In total, 7 revisions or conversions due to ureteral implantation stenoses and recurrent acidosis had to be performed. Five children died in their home country due to acidosis, sepsis, end stage renal failure, accident and social exclusion. CONCLUSION: In the long term 39 of the 44 (88.6%) children live socially integrated in their home country and are regularly monitored by local aid organizations. When choosing the reconstructive intervention, the local conditions must be considered.

[Ureteral stricture as a late complication of radiotherapy : Possible treatment options]. / Radiogene Harnleiterstrikturen : Mögliche Therapieoptionen.

Ureteral strictures are uncommon complications of radiotherapy which are often recognized late. Their consequences range from harmless dilatation of the ureter to loss of renal function and potential life-threatening urosepsis.Therapy of radiogenic ureteral stricture is a challenging task for every urologist. Several surgical strategies including minimally invasive procedures, reconstruction and partial or complete replacement of the ureter are available.This article provides an overview of the various options in the treatment of radiogenic stricture of the ureter, focusing on the use of ileum and colon segments for ureteral substitution.

Towards an open grapevine information system.

Viticulture, like other fields of agriculture, is currently facing important challenges that will be addressed only through sustained, dedicated and coordinated research. Although the methods used in biology have evolved tremendously in recent years and now involve the routine production of large data sets of varied nature, in many domains of study, including grapevine research, there is a need to improve the findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability (FAIR-ness) of these data. Considering the heterogeneous nature of the data produced, the transnational nature of the scientific community and the experience gained elsewhere, we have formed an open working group, in the framework of the International Grapevine Genome Program (www.vitaceae.org), to construct a coordinated federation of information systems holding grapevine data distributed around the world, providing an integrated set of interfaces supporting advanced data modeling, rich semantic integration and the next generation of data mining tools. To achieve this goal, it will be critical to develop, implement and adopt appropriate standards for data annotation and formatting. The development of this system, the GrapeIS, linking genotypes to phenotypes, and scientific research to agronomical and oeneological data, should provide new insights into grape biology, and allow the development of new varieties to meet the challenges of biotic and abiotic stress, environmental change, and consumer demand.

[Radical prostatectomy in a certified prostate cancer center: medical treatment and outcome]. / Radikale Prostatektomie in einem zertifizierten Prostatakarzinom-Zentrum : Medizinische Behandlungs- und Ergebnisqualität.

INTRODUCTION: Open radical prostatectomy (RPE) is a standardized surgical technique with good oncologic/functional results. Nevertheless, the postoperative quality of life can be affected significantly by urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Consequently, data of postoperative health-related quality of life come increasingly into public interest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This paper aims to evaluate the quality of care after radical RPE at a certified prostate cancer center. The oncological outcome, rate of complications, reintervention and transfusions as well as the rate of continence and potency of a total collective of nearly 400 patients was obtained in a standardized manner between January 2008 and June 2012 using the clinic's internal tumor documentation system and commonly used, validated questionnaires. Due to consistent methodology, partial results can finally be compared with data prior to establishment of the prostate cancer center. RESULTS: This study is the first German report demonstrating an improvement of treatment results in a certified prostate cancer center. The rate of complications, reintervention, transfusions, and R1 status were significantly lower than in the precenter era. The evaluation of potency is sobering compared to current published literature, whereas satisfactory results were obtained for continency. DISCUSSION: Evaluation of the data contributes to the quality of treatment and outcome of certified prostate cancer centers and allows reliable decision-making and honest patient education in the future.

[Treatment of urethral meatus stenosis due to Balanitis xerotic obliterans. Long term results using the meatoplasty of Malone]. / Tratamiento de la estrechez del meato uretral por balanitis xerótica obliterante: resultados a largo plazo empleando meatoplastia de Malone.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience in the treatment of severe stenosis of the external urinary meatus in male children and adults with balanitis xerotic obliterans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients were operated on in a 5-year period, using the meatoplasty technique of Malone. Mean patient age was 41.7 years (range 7-75). Mean postoperative follow-up was 40.8 months (range 6-54). The surgical procedure consisted in making a small ventral incision of the urethral meatus with an extensive dorsal meatotomy, correcting the esthetic defect of the gland with an inverted V-shaped relieving incision. The postoperative evaluation was performed in every patient by written questionnaire informing about the functional and cosmetic results of the surgical technique. RESULTS: No post-surgical complications or recurrences of the urethral stenosis were recorded. A total of 18 patients (85.7%) replied to the post-surgical questionnaire. All were very satisfied with the functional result. Fifteen (83.3%) were also very satisfied with the cosmetic results of the technique. CONCLUSION: The meatoplasty of Malone is a good alternative for the treatment of urethral meatal stenosis. It is an easy and rapid-to-perform technique. It avoids creating a hypospadiac meatus and achieves good postoperative results.

[Lichen sclerosus in conjunction with meatal stenosis. Prospective 4-year report on meatotomy according to Malone]. / Lichen sclerosus mit Meatusstenose. Prospektiver 4-Jahres-Bericht über die plastische Meatotomie nach Malone.

A novel technique is reported to relieve stenosis of the external urinary meatus in men and boys with lichen sclerosus. A total of 21 patients underwent the new operation of Malone in a 4-year period. The mean patient age was 41.7 years (range: 7-75 years) and mean follow-up was 3.4 years (6 months to 4.1 years). The procedure combines a small ventral with an extensive dorsal meatotomy and ends with an inverted V-shaped relieving incision to correct puckering caused by dorsal meatotomy. Patients were mailed a questionnaire asking if they were pleased with the functional and cosmetic results There were no complications or recurrences. A total of 18 patients replied to the questionnaires. All patients were pleased with the functional and 15 were satisfied with the cosmetic results. The technique relieves stenosis of the external urinary meatus in the short term.It is rapid and easy to perform, avoids a hypospadiac meatus and provides good results.

[Ureteric reconstruction with reconfigured ileal segments according to Yang-Monti. A 4-year prospective report]. / Harnleiterrekonstruktion mit rekonfigurierten Ileumsegmenten nach Yang-Monti. Prospektiver 4-Jahres-Bericht.

BACKGROUND: We report on 4 years experience with ileal ureteric replacement using the Yang-Monti procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 2001 to January 2009 reconfigured ileal segments were used for total (in 16) or partial (in 2) substitution of the ureter in 18 patients (mean age 47.4 years) with functional ureteric loss secondary to radiogenic or iatrogenic conditions. An antireflux implantation into the native bladder was done in 16 patients. All patients were followed prospectively according to a standardized protocol. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 4.2 years (0.5-8 years). There were no perioperative deaths. Ultrasound controls showed an improvement of the upper tract dilatation in 11, a constant finding in 5 and a worsening in 2 cases. All of the treated renal units had evidence of improved renal function in ten and stabilization in eight patients. Neither a metabolic complication nor mucous obstruction was observed. Minor short-term complications, mainly febrile urinary tract infection and paralytic ileus, occurred in 50% and long-term complications, infections and hernia in 22%. CONCLUSIONS: The ileal ureteral substitute with reconfigured segments offers distinct advantages. A short bowel segment is used with the consequent absence of metabolic complications and excessive mucous production. It allows construction of an ileal ureter with a suitable cross-sectional diameter without any need for tailoring and makes it possible to use an antireflux technique. The intermediate results are encouraging.

Nuclear DNA content of Vitis species, cultivars, and other genera of the Vitaceae.

The nuclear DNA content was analyzed in Vitis species, hybrid cultivars, and genera of the Vitaceae using flow cytometry. Significant variation was found among Vitis species, hybrids, and other genera of the Vitaceae (Ampelopsis and Parthenocissus). DNA content was estimated to range from 0.98 to 1.05 pg/2C within V. labrusca (ns) and 0.86 to 1.00 pg/2C within V. vinifera (ns). Genotypes from Vitis and Parthenocissus were similar in nuclear DNA content (approximately 1.00 pg/2C) whereas they differed significantly from Ampelopsis (1.39 pg/2C). No correlation between DNA content and the center of origin of genotypes of the Vitaceae was noted. Based on the present study, the Vitis genome size is 475 Mbp, 96% of which is non-coding. Knowledge of DNA content is useful in order to understand the complexity of the Vitis genome and to establish a relationship between the genetic and physical map for map-based cloning.

Shoot regeneration from petioles and leaves of Vitis X labruscana 'Catawba'.

Shoot regeneration and normal plants were obtained from leaf and petiole explants derived from in vitro grown shoots of Vitis X labruscana 'Catawba'. Regeneration was induced in the presence of both 6-benzylaminopurine and indole-3-butyric acid; combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or 2-naphthoxyacetic acid with 6-benzylaminopurine did not permit regeneration from leaf explants. Up to 15% of leaf and 70% of petiole explants regenerated shoots on media with 5.0-10.0 µM BA and 0.1-0.5 µM IBA. Incubation in the dark was required to obtain regeneration. About 50% of shoots developed normally following transfer to light. An average of one shoot regenerated from leaf explants and 3.3 shoots regenerated per petiole explant. Regeneration from petioles and leaves was always from the basipetal end. The interaction of 6-benzylaminopurine with indole-3-butyric acid was also examined.

Selection and characterization of ethionine-resistant alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cell lines.

Diploid alfalfa (HG2), capable of plant regeneration from tissue culture, was used to select variant cell lines resistant to growth inhibition due to ethionine (an analog of methionine). Approximately 10(7) suspension-cultured cells were mutagenized with methane sulfonic acid ethylester and then plated in solid media containing ethionine. Callus colonies formed on media with 0.02 mM ethionine. Of the 124 cell lines recovered, 91 regenerated plants. After six months growth on media without ethionine, 15 of 110 cell lines of callus grew significantly better than HG2 on 1 mM ethionine. Several ethionine-resistant callus cultures were also resistant to growth inhibition due to the addition of lysine + threonine to the media. High concentrations, relative to unselected HG2 callus, of methionine, cysteine, cystathionine, and glutathione were found in some, but not all, ethionine-resistant callus cultures. Cell line R32, which had a ca. tenfold increase in soluble methionine, had a 43% increase in total free amino acids and a 40% increase in amino acids in protein as compared to unselected HG2 callus. Relative amounts of each amino acid in protein were the same in both.

Attempted pollen-mediated plant transformation employing genomic donor DNA.

Experiments were conducted to test the validity of previous reports of pollen-mediated plant transformation utilizing genomic donor DNA. Multiple Mendelian markers were employed in Zea mays L. and Lycopersicon esculentum Mill, to detect transformation events. Pollen from multiple recessive (recipient) lines was incubated with genomic DNA from multiple dominant (donor) lines, under various conditions. Treated pollen was subsequently used for pollinations on multiple recessive females, and resulting seeds were screened for transformation events. Over 200 crosses were made in tomato, and over 80 crosses were made in corn. Over 600 resulting seedlings were tested in tomato and over 800 seeds were screened in corn. Because multiple markers were used, 4,937 potential transformation events were screened. No clear-cut transformation events were observed. Therefore, using well-defined multiple markers, we have been unable to confirm the earlier claims of high efficiency pollen-mediated transformation employing genomic donor DNA.

Phosphinothricin stimulates somatic embryogenesis in grape (Vitis sp. L.).

The effect of phosphinothricin concentration on embryo production from an embryogenic callus of 'Chancellor' (Vitis L. complex interspecific hybrid) was tested. Embryogenic callus was cultured on medium supplemented with nine phosphinothricin concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, and 10 mg/l). The highest number of embryos per plate was observed at 0.5 mg/l phosphinothricin. The use of phosphinothricin to stimulate embryo production did not affect embryo germination and plantlet formation. Three germination techniques were compared. Embryo dehydration or growth on Transfergelsolidified medium gave higher germination rates than chilling treatments. Most germinated somatic embryos produced secondary embryos from the hypocotyl after a few weeks of culture. Regardless of the germination technique, the plantlet conversion rate was very low.

An attempt to induce "egg transformation" in Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. using irradiated pollen.

Experiments were designed and carried out to investigate the possibility of inducing "egg transformation" in tomato, as described by Pandey in Nicotiana L. Pollinations were made, which included the following treatments: irradiated donor pollen, irradiated donor pollen mixed with normal self pollen, irradiated donor pollen followed by delayed self-pollination, and a simple pollen mixture of non-irradiated donor and self pollen. No transformants were found after screening 5,620 seedlings representing 22,300 potential transformation events. If egg transformation occurs, it would appear to be limited to species outside of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.

Attempted "egg transformation" in Zea mays L., using irradiated pollen.

Experiments were conducted to determine if "egg transformation" could be achieved in Zea mays L. as described by Pandey in Nicotiana L. Multiple recessive and multiple dominant marker stocks were employed, as well as a tester and a donor line for the "En" transposable element. Recipient tester females were pollinated with dominant donor pollen, which was applied in several treatment combinations. The pollination treatments included: 1) pollen irradiated at 20, 30, 40, 80, and 100 Krad; 2) pollen irradiated with the same doses, mixed with non-irradiated recipient pollen; 3) pollen irradiated at 80 Krad, followed by self pollination delayed 18 h; 4) non-irradiated donor pollen mixed with non-irradiated recipient pollen. Zero seed were produced from 100 pollinations with irradiated pollen. There were 258 pollinations made with irradiated donor plus self pollen mixtures, producing over 21,300 seed. Of these seed, 3 were unexpected. One was clearly from pollen contamination, one was clearly derived from a pre-meiotic mutation, and the third occurred as a mutant sector in the seed's endosperm. There were 56 pollinations with non-irradiated pollen mixtures, producing over 5,000 seed. Among these seed, there were 7 unexpected seed. Three of these were clear-cut cases of heterofertilization. Four progeny were dominant for all seed and seedling markers except one endosperm marker. These cases appear to represent spontaneous recessive endosperm mutations. More than 59,000 potential transformation events were screened producing only 6 apparent mutations. It is concluded that if egg transformation occurs in Zea mays, it is a very rare event, and is not likely to be useful in corn improvement.

Further attempts to induce "egg transformation" using irradiated pollen.

Numerous pollination treatments involving heavily irradiated (40-100 krad) pollen of diverse plant species failed to produce any clear cut "egg transformants" of the type reported by Pandey in Nicotiana. Genetic stocks of pea, rapeseed, and apple, bearing multiple Mendelian markers, were employed to detect any possible transformation events. For each plant species, an optimal level of irradiation was determined which would allow normal pollen tube growth leading to fertilization, but which would prevent the formation of normal hybrids due to the "pulverized" condition of the chromosomes contributed by the irradiated pollen. Pollination treatments included selfing, pollination with donor pollen mixed with self pollen, pollination with irradiated donor pollen mixed with self pollen, pollination with irradiated pollen followed by a delayed self pollination, and pollination with irradiated pollen by itself. None of these treatments produced clearly transformed seedlings. The total number of potential transformation events screened was in excess of 6,046 including 2,268 for pea, 3,309 for rapeseed, and 469 for apple. It is concluded that if egg transformation occurs outside of Nicotiana it is a rare event, and its frequent occurrence in Nicotiana must be, at best, an isolated phenomenon.

Optimization of biolistic transformation of embryogenic grape cell suspensions.

Embryogenic suspensions of 'Chancellor' (Vitis L. complex interspecific hybrid) were bombarded with tungsten particles coated with plasmid pBI426 encoding ß-glucuronidase (GUS) and neomycin phosphotransferase (NPTII) which results in kanamycin resistance. Two d after bombardment, cultures were placed on semi-solid medium containing either 8.6 or 17.2 µM kanamycin. Factors that affect biolistic transformation rates were studied. Tungsten microprojectiles with a mean diameter of 1.07 µm (M10) resulted in more transient gene expression than 0.771 µm diameter particles. Using M10 particles, helium pressures of 1000 and 1200 psi yielded more GUS-expressing colonies per plate than did 800 psi 2 d following bombardment. The number of transformants present after 34 d was not affected by the helium pressure. The distance between the particle launch site and the target cells, and the number of days between the last cell subculture and bombardment, did not affect the numbers of transient and long term GUS expressing colonies. The addition of 3 g/l of activated charcoal to the post-bombardment medium increased long term GUS expression four fold. Wrapping the plates after bombardment with Parafilm increased long term GUS expression three fold compared with plates wrapped with a porous venting tape. With up to 850 transformed callus colonies per plate 23 d after bombardment, the biolistic device holds much promise as a method to achieve stable transformation of grapevines.