A pleiotropic recurrent dominant ITPR3 variant causes a complex multisystemic disease.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor type 1 (ITPR1), 2 (ITPR2), and 3 (ITPR3) encode the IP3 receptor (IP3R), a key player in intracellular calcium release. In four unrelated patients, we report that an identical ITPR3 de novo variant-NM_002224.3:c.7570C>T, p.Arg2524Cys-causes, through a dominant-negative effect, a complex multisystemic disorder with immunodeficiency. This leads to defective calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial malfunction, CD4+ lymphopenia, a quasi-absence of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ cells, an increase in memory cells, and a distinct TCR repertoire. The calcium defect was recapitulated in Jurkat knock-in. Site-directed mutagenesis displayed the exquisite sensitivity of Arg2524 to any amino acid change. Despite the fact that all patients had severe immunodeficiency, they also displayed variable multisystemic involvements, including ectodermal dysplasia, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, short stature, and bone marrow failure. In conclusion, unlike previously reported ITPR1-3 deficiencies leading to narrow, mainly neurological phenotypes, a recurrent dominant ITPR3 variant leads to a multisystemic disease, defining a unique role for IP3R3 in the tetrameric IP3R complex.

Endophytic Fungi for Crops Adaptation to Abiotic Stresses.

Endophytic fungi (EFs) have emerged as promising modulators of plant growth and stress tolerance in agricultural ecosystems. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the role of EFs in enhancing the adaptation of crops to abiotic stress. Abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures, pose significant challenges to crop productivity worldwide. EFs have shown remarkable potential in alleviating the adverse effects of these stresses. Through various mechanisms, including the synthesis of osmolytes, the production of stress-related enzymes, and the induction of plant defense mechanisms, EFs enhance plant resilience to abiotic stressors. Moreover, EFs promote nutrient uptake and modulate the hormonal balance in plants, further enhancing the stress tolerance of the plants. Recent advancements in molecular techniques have facilitated the identification and characterization of stress-tolerant EF strains, paving the way for their utilization in agricultural practices. Furthermore, the symbiotic relationship between EFs and plants offers ecological benefits, such as improved soil health and a reduced dependence on chemical inputs. However, challenges remain in understanding the complex interactions between EFs and host plants, as well as in scaling up their application in diverse agricultural systems. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying endophytic-fungal-mediated stress tolerance and developing sustainable strategies for harnessing their potential in crop production.

Low-cost, local production of a safe and effective disinfectant for resource-constrained communities.

Improved hygiene depends on the accessibility and availability of effective disinfectant solutions. These disinfectant solutions are unavailable to many communities worldwide due to resource limitations, among other constraints. Safe and effective chlorine-based disinfectants can be produced via simple electrolysis of salt water, providing a low-cost and reliable option for on-site, local production of disinfectant solutions to improve sanitation and hygiene. This study reports on a system (herein called "Electro-Clean") that can produce concentrated solutions of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) using readily available, low-cost materials. With just table salt, water, graphite welding rods, and a DC power supply, the Electro-Clean system can safely produce HOCl solutions (~1.5 liters) of up to 0.1% free chlorine (i.e.,1000 ppm) in less than two hours at low potential (5 V DC) and modest current (~5 A). Rigorous testing of free chlorine production and durability of the Electro-Clean system components, described here, has been verified to work in multiple locations around the world, including microbiological tests conducted in India and Mexico to confirm the biocidal efficacy of the Electro-Clean solution as a surface disinfectant. Cost estimates are provided for making HOCl locally with this method in the USA, India, and Mexico. Findings indicate that Electro-Clean is an affordable alternative to off-the-shelf commercial chlorinator systems in terms of first costs (or capital costs), and cost-competitive relative to the unit cost of the disinfectant produced. By minimizing dependence on supply chains and allowing for local production, the Electro-Clean system has the potential to improve public health by addressing the need for disinfectant solutions in resource-constrained communities.

Design of a video game for assessment of executive functions in deaf and hearing children.

This study investigates the effectiveness of a computerized cognitive test battery embedded within a video game to assess executive functions (EF) in deaf and hearing children. We evaluated a diverse cohort of 290 elementary school students aged 5 to 13 years (mean age = 8.86, SD = 1.96), comprising 74 sign language users, 14 Spanish-speaking deaf participants, 23 children with mixed communication methods, and 179 typically hearing individuals. Our statistical analysis focused on item discrimination, reliability, and criterion validation of the game-based assessments. The results indicated high reliability and effective discrimination of EF across the game's three primary stages. External validation was conducted using the Matrices Test, educational attainment, and age as variables. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.377, p < 0.001) was observed between the Matrices Test scores and game-based achievement scores. Furthermore, linear regression analysis revealed education (Standardized Beta = 0.339) and age (Standardized Beta = 0.179) as significant predictors of performance in these scores. This study underscores the value of integrating computerized cognitive assessments within a video game environment for comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, highlighting its potential in diverse child populations.

Immune Tolerance Induction (ITI) with a pdFVIII/VWF Concentrate (octanate) in 100 Patients in the Observational ITI (ObsITI) Study.

Background Immune tolerance induction (ITI) with repeated factor VIII (FVIII) administration is the only strategy proven to eradicate inhibitors. The observational ITI study is evaluating ITI with a range of FVIII products. Methods This subgroup analysis reports prospective interim data for patients treated with a plasma-derived, von Willebrand factor-stabilized FVIII concentrate (pdFVIII/VWF, octanate). Complete success (CS) of ITI required achievement of three criteria: inhibitor titer < 0.6 BU/mL; FVIII recovery ≥ 66%; FVIII half-life ≥6 hours. Partial success (PS) required achievement of two criteria and partial response (PR) one. ITI success was defined as CS or PS. Data were analyzed for patients who achieved CS, had 36 months' observation, or failed ITI. Results One-hundred prospectively enrolled patients were included in the analysis; 91 had poor prognosis factors for ITI success. The mean (standard deviation) daily ITI dose was 116.4 (61.1) IU FVIII/kg in 14 low responders (< 5 BU/mL) and 173.7 (112.0) IU FVIII/kg in 86 high responders (≥ 5 BU/mL). Inhibitor titers < 0.6 BU/mL were achieved in 71% of patients in a median of 4.01 months, accompanied by a 93% reduction in bleeding rate. ITI success was achieved by 70% of patients and 56 of 72 (78%) primary (first-line) ITI patients. PR was achieved by 5 patients; ITI failed in 25 patients. PS and CS were achieved in a median of 5.55 and 11.25 months, respectively. Conclusions ITI with pdFVIII/VWF led to rapid eradication of FVIII inhibitors, normalization of FVIII pharmacokinetics in the majority of patients, and a significant reduction in bleeding rates.

Fishing during the "new normality": social and economic changes in Galapagos small-scale fisheries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The crisis caused by COVID-19 has profoundly affected human activities around the globe, and the Galapagos Islands are no exception. The impacts on this archipelago include the impairment of tourism and the loss of linkages with the Ecuadorian mainland, which has greatly impacted the local economy. The collapse of the local economy jeopardized livelihoods and food security, given that many impacts affected the food supply chain. During the crisis, the artisanal fishers of the Galapagos showed a high capacity to adapt to the diminishing demand for fish caused by the drastic drop in tourism. We observed that fishers developed strategies and initiatives by shifting roles, from being mainly tourism-oriented providers to becoming local-household food suppliers. This new role of fishers has triggered an important shift in the perception of fishers and fisheries in Galapagos by the local community. The community shifted from perceiving fisheries as a sector opposed to conservation and in conflict with the tourism sector to perceiving fisheries as the protagonist sector, which was securing fresh, high-quality protein for the human community. This study explores the socio-economic impacts and adaptations of COVID-19 on Galapagos' artisanal fisheries based on a mixed methods approach, including the analysis of fisheries datasets, interviews, surveys, and participant observation conducted during and after the lockdown. We illustrate the adaptive mechanisms developed by the sector and explore the changes, including societal perceptions regarding small-scale fisheries in the Galapagos. The research proposes strategies to enhance the Galapagos' economic recovery based on behaviors and traits shown by fishers which are considered potential assets to build-up resilience. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40152-022-00268-z.

Real-World Data on the Effectiveness and Safety of wilate for the Treatment of von Willebrand Disease.

Background The efficacy and safety of wilate (human von Willebrand factor/coagulation factor VIII) in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) has been demonstrated in clinical trials. Here, we present real-world data on the use of wilate for the routine care of patients with VWD. Objectives The objectives of this observational, prospective, phase 4 study were to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of wilate in on-demand treatment of bleeding episodes (BEs), long-term prophylaxis, and surgical prophylaxis among patients with any type of VWD. Methods Patients were enrolled at 31 study centers in 11 countries and followed for up to 2 years. Safety endpoints included adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and drug tolerability. Effectiveness was assessed using annualized bleeding rates (ABRs) during prophylaxis and predefined criteria for the treatment of BEs and surgical prophylaxis. Results A total of 111 patients (76 [68%] female) including 41 (37%) children were treated with wilate. Twenty-five patients received prophylaxis, 29 on-demand treatment, and 62 surgical prophylaxis. Tolerability was rated by patients as "excellent" for 96.2% of 6,497 infusions. No unexpected ADRs or thrombotic events were reported. Median ABR during prophylaxis was 1.9. Effectiveness was assessed as "excellent" or "good" by patients and investigators for 100% of BEs treated on-demand, 98% (patient rating) and 99% (investigator rating) of breakthrough BEs, and 99% of surgical procedures (investigator rating). Conclusion wilate was safe, well tolerated, and effective for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in pediatric and adult VWD patients in a real-world setting.

COVID-19 y protocolo MAIZ como tratamiento profiláctico en Honduras, 2020: artículo de revisión / COVID-19 and MAIZ protocol as prophylactic treatment in Honduras, 2020: Literature Review

Honduras se encuentra en el puesto 56 a nivel mundial con 4,151 muertes reportadas y 170,304 casos confirmados de COVID-19 hasta el 1 de marzo del 2021. Esta revisión bibliográfica se llevó a cabo con el propósito de brindar una perspectiva científica sobre el uso del protocolo MAIZ (Microdacyn, Azitromicina, Ivermectina y Zinc) propuesto para uso terapéutico y profiláctico durante la fase de infección precoz/respuesta viral y contactos asintomáticos de COVID-19. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura sobre los lineamientos de instituciones gubernamentales y organismos internacionales, artículos y estudios científicos en PubMed, The Lancet, SciELO. La búsqueda se limitó a los artículos en español e inglés publicados entre el año 2010 y el 1 de marzo del 2021 concluyendo que el protocolo MAIZ carece de evidencia científica que respalde su efectividad contra el COVID-19 y es necesario realizar ensayos clínicos para respaldar su uso de manera responsable...(AU)

Development of Barrett's esophagus after a total gastrectomy.

Bile reflux is a complication that could develop in patients with total gastrectomy. The role of biliary reflux in Barrett's esophagus after a total gastrectomy continues to be controversial. Therefore, we report a series of three cases that describe the development of BE after total gastrectomy and provides additional support on the role that bile reflux plays in patients with BE.

Prognostic Value of MMP-9 -1562 C/T Gene Polymorphism in Patients With Sepsis.

INTRODUCTION: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of sepsis. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position -1562 (C/T) in the MMP-9 gene has been associated with differential MMP-9 expression, being higher when the -1562 T allele is present. We evaluated the association of the SNP MMP9 -1562 C/T with severity and mortality in patients with sepsis to establish whether the prognosis of the disease is affected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study exploratory was carried out in a cohort of infected patients. 540 individuals were selected in total, 270 patients with sepsis and 270 controls (infected but non-septic), classified according to the 2016 consensus (Sepsis-3). The presence of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; allele T and/or allele C) was determined through analyses of restriction fragment length polymorphism and plasma levels of MMP-9 were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay immunoassay. RESULTS: SNP MMP-9 -1562 has two known alleles (T and C), with predominance of the C over the T allele; in the group of patients with sepsis, T allele was found in 7.2% of cases, while C allele in the rest (92.8%); in comparison, in the group of infected but non-septic patients, frequencies were 9.4% for T allele and 90.6% for the C allele (P = .33). Also, the presence of the polymorphic T allele was not related to the levels of MMP-9 in patients with sepsis in comparison with infected but non-septic patients 780 (397-1375) ng/mL vs 646 (172-1249) ng/mL (P = .64). There was also no association between the SNP and sepsis mortality (P = .78). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that there was no association between the SNP MMP9 -1562 C/T and sepsis or between the SNP MMP9 -1562 C/T and sepsis mortality in the Northeastern Colombian septic patient cohort. Further research is needed to clarify the correlation among sepsis, genetic factors with allele T and MMP-9 plasma concentration.

The California Linkages Program: Doorway to Housing Support for Child Welfare-Involved Parents.

Housing instability can complicate parents' efforts to provide for their children. Child welfare service agencies have had difficulty adequately serving parents' housing needs due to limited and constrained funding streams. This article integrates the voices of four important stakeholders to illuminate how an innovative model of service system coordination called Linkages addresses housing needs for child welfare-involved parents eligible for public assistance. Facilitated by Linkages, these parents can receive supportive housing services through programs affiliated with the California public assistance program CalWORKs. Personal narratives reflecting the diverse perspectives of stakeholders in the Linkages collaboration-the statewide program director, a child welfare services coordinator, a CalWORKs caseworker, and a parent program participant-shed light on how the collaboration assists parents in attaining case plan goals, and highlights some of the factors facilitating and hindering effective collaboration between the agencies involved. Stakeholders emphasized the value of flexible service approaches, the intensity of the efforts required, the role of advocacy, and the importance of a shared vision between agencies working together to provide housing supports.

Characterization of the hrpZ gene from Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola M2.

Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola is a natural pathogen of members of the Brassicaceae plant family. Using a transposon-based mutagenesis strategy in Pseudomonas syringaepv. maculicola M2 (PsmM2), we conducted a genetic screen to identify mutants that were capable of growing in M9 medium supplemented with a crude extract from the leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana. A mutant containing a transposon insertion in the hrpZ gene (PsmMut8) was unable to infect adult plants from Arabidopsis thaliana or Brassica oleracea, suggesting a loss of pathogenicity. The promotorless cat reporter present in the gene trap was expressed if PsmMut8 was grown in minimal medium (M9) supplemented with the leaf extract but not if grown in normal rich medium (KB). We conducted phylogenetic analysis using hrpAZB genes, showing the classical 5-clade distribution, and nucleotide diversity analysis, showing the putative position for selective pressure in this operon. Our results indicate that the hrpAZB operon from Pseudomonas syringaepv. maculicola M2 is necessary for its pathogenicity and that its diversity would be under host-mediated diversifying selection.

Characterization of the hrpZ gene from Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicolaM2

Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola is a natural pathogen of members of the Brassicaceae plant family. Using a transposon-based mutagenesis strategy in Pseudomonas syringaepv. maculicola M2 (PsmM2), we conducted a genetic screen to identify mutants that were capable of growing in M9 medium supplemented with a crude extract from the leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana. A mutant containing a transposon insertion in the hrpZ gene (PsmMut8) was unable to infect adult plants from Arabidopsis thaliana or Brassica oleracea, suggesting a loss of pathogenicity. The promotorless cat reporter present in the gene trap was expressed if PsmMut8 was grown in minimal medium (M9) supplemented with the leaf extract but not if grown in normal rich medium (KB). We conducted phylogenetic analysis using hrpAZB genes, showing the classical 5-clade distribution, and nucleotide diversity analysis, showing the putative position for selective pressure in this operon. Our results indicate that the hrpAZB operon from Pseudomonas syringaepv. maculicola M2 is necessary for its pathogenicity and that its diversity would be under host-mediated diversifying selection.

Characterization of the hrpZ gene from Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicolaM2

Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola is a natural pathogen of members of the Brassicaceae plant family. Using a transposon-based mutagenesis strategy in Pseudomonas syringaepv. maculicola M2 (PsmM2), we conducted a genetic screen to identify mutants that were capable of growing in M9 medium supplemented with a crude extract from the leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana. A mutant containing a transposon insertion in the hrpZ gene (PsmMut8) was unable to infect adult plants from Arabidopsis thaliana or Brassica oleracea, suggesting a loss of pathogenicity. The promotorless cat reporter present in the gene trap was expressed if PsmMut8 was grown in minimal medium (M9) supplemented with the leaf extract but not if grown in normal rich medium (KB). We conducted phylogenetic analysis using hrpAZB genes, showing the classical 5-clade distribution, and nucleotide diversity analysis, showing the putative position for selective pressure in this operon. Our results indicate that the hrpAZB operon from Pseudomonas syringaepv. maculicola M2 is necessary for its pathogenicity and that its diversity would be under host-mediated diversifying selection.

Transcriptional analysis of the Arabidopsis ovule by massively parallel signature sequencing.

The life cycle of flowering plants alternates between a predominant sporophytic (diploid) and an ephemeral gametophytic (haploid) generation that only occurs in reproductive organs. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the female gametophyte is deeply embedded within the ovule, complicating the study of the genetic and molecular interactions involved in the sporophytic to gametophytic transition. Massively parallel signature sequencing (MPSS) was used to conduct a quantitative large-scale transcriptional analysis of the fully differentiated Arabidopsis ovule prior to fertilization. The expression of 9775 genes was quantified in wild-type ovules, additionally detecting >2200 new transcripts mapping to antisense or intergenic regions. A quantitative comparison of global expression in wild-type and sporocyteless (spl) individuals resulted in 1301 genes showing 25-fold reduced or null activity in ovules lacking a female gametophyte, including those encoding 92 signalling proteins, 75 transcription factors, and 72 RNA-binding proteins not reported in previous studies based on microarray profiling. A combination of independent genetic and molecular strategies confirmed the differential expression of 28 of them, showing that they are either preferentially active in the female gametophyte, or dependent on the presence of a female gametophyte to be expressed in sporophytic cells of the ovule. Among 18 genes encoding pentatricopeptide-repeat proteins (PPRs) that show transcriptional activity in wild-type but not spl ovules, CIHUATEOTL (At4g38150) is specifically expressed in the female gametophyte and necessary for female gametogenesis. These results expand the nature of the transcriptional universe present in the ovule of Arabidopsis, and offer a large-scale quantitative reference of global expression for future genomic and developmental studies.

["Candy cane" Roux syndrome in laparoscopic gastric by-pass]. / Síndrome del "bastón de caramelo" en derivación gástrica por laparoscopia.

BACKGROUND: With the worldwide epidemic of obesity, there has been an increase in the numbers of procedures of bariatric surgery such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Nevertheless, this type of surgery is not exempt from complications such as those described as "candy cane" Roux syndrome. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 34-year-old female with previous diagnosis of morbid obesity (BMI 38.5 kg/m(2)) who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass 2 years previously. Six months ago the patient presented intermittent epigastric pain of moderate intensity radiating towards the left hypochondrium. The patient reported no limitations of activities of daily living. Pain was associated with ingestion of carbonated beverages and ventral decubitus position. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) series was done, observing a blind, dilated jejunal loop adjacent to the gastrojejunal anastomosis. Suspicion of "candy cane" Roux syndrome was established. Exploratory laparoscopy and resection of the blind jejunal loop with stapler was done. Nine months later the patient is asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of these patients are nonspecific, and a high level of suspicion is required. The best study to evaluate this clinical entity is the upper GI series. The recommendation for bariatric surgeons is to minimize the length of the blind loop in the gastrojejunal anastomosis and to place it towards the right side to favor its drainage by gravity and eliminate problems in the jejuno-jejuno anastomosis that cause a retrograde expansion of the Roux-en-Y limb. Therefore, laparoscopic resection is the best method for the treatment of this syndrome.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is an epithelial tumor of low malignancy that primarily affects young women and represents approximately 1-2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. We present a case of this type of tumor treated in the General Hospital of Tijuana, Mexico, as well as a review of the literature. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 37-year-old female with symptomatology of early satiety and abdominal distension. During open cholecystectomy we found a tumor in the body of the pancreas. Biopsy was done, establishing the diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. The patient was treated successfully with distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. DISCUSSION: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare neoplasm. It is more frequent in young women and has an unknown etiology. Clinical manifestations include abdominal pain, sensation of plenitude or early satiety, abdominal mass, nausea and vomiting. Laboratory tests are usually normal. Computerized axial tomography may show a large encapsulated heterogeneous mass. Diagnosis is established through biopsy and surgery is the best treatment for this pathological entity. CONCLUSIONS: One may conclude that the solid pseudopapillary tumor is a differential diagnosis in the presence of pancreatic tumors, although due to its rarity it is not the first option to discard. Surgery represents the best treatment for this pathological entity and should be attempted in all cases, independent of the size of the pancreatic injury.

Tumor sólido pseudopapilar de páncreas: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: case report and literature review

Introducción: El tumor sólido pseudopapilar del páncreas es un tumor epitelial de baja malignidad que afecta a mujeres jóvenes y corresponde de 1 a 2 % de todas las neoplasias del páncreas. Presentamos un caso tratado en el Hospital General de Tijuana, y revisión de la literatura. Caso clínico: Mujer de 37 años de edad, con síntomas de saciedad temprana y distensión abdominal. Durante una colecistectomía abierta se identificó un tumor en el cuerpo del páncreas, se tomó biopsia y estableció el diagnóstico de tumor sólido pseudopapilar páncreas. Fue tratada con pancreatectomía distal y esplenectomía. Conclusiones: El tumor sólido pseudopapilar del páncreas es la neoplasia de etiología desconocida más frecuente en mujeres jóvenes, de diagnóstico diferencial ante tumor en páncreas, aunque por su rareza no debe ser la primera opción a descartar. Las manifestaciones clínicas incluyen dolor abdominal, sensación de plenitud o saciedad temprana, masa abdominal, náusea y vómito, entre otras. Los exámenes de laboratorio por lo general son normales. La tomografía axial computarizada puede revelar masa heterogénea grande con una cápsula. El diagnóstico se realiza mediante biopsia y la cirugía por sí sola tiene un nivel de curación excelente y se debe intentar en todos los casos.

BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is an epithelial tumor of low malignancy that primarily affects young women and represents approximately 1-2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. We present a case of this type of tumor treated in the General Hospital of Tijuana, Mexico, as well as a review of the literature. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 37-year-old female with symptomatology of early satiety and abdominal distension. During open cholecystectomy we found a tumor in the body of the pancreas. Biopsy was done, establishing the diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. The patient was treated successfully with distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. DISCUSSION: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare neoplasm. It is more frequent in young women and has an unknown etiology. Clinical manifestations include abdominal pain, sensation of plenitude or early satiety, abdominal mass, nausea and vomiting. Laboratory tests are usually normal. Computerized axial tomography may show a large encapsulated heterogeneous mass. Diagnosis is established through biopsy and surgery is the best treatment for this pathological entity. CONCLUSIONS: One may conclude that the solid pseudopapillary tumor is a differential diagnosis in the presence of pancreatic tumors, although due to its rarity it is not the first option to discard. Surgery represents the best treatment for this pathological entity and should be attempted in all cases, independent of the size of the pancreatic injury.

The Palomero genome suggests metal effects on domestication.

Maize domestication (Zea mays ssp. mays L.) resulted in a wide diversity of native landraces that represent an invaluable source of genetic information for exploring natural variation and genome evolution. We sequenced de novo the approximately 2-gigabase genome of the Mexican landrace Palomero Toluqueño (Palomero) and compared its features to those of the modern inbred line B73. We revealed differences concordant with its ancient origin and identified chromosomal regions of low nucleotide variability that contain domestication genes involved in heavy-metal detoxification. Our results indicate that environmental changes were important selective forces acting on maize domestication.

Maternal control of male-gamete delivery in Arabidopsis involves a putative GPI-anchored protein encoded by the LORELEI gene.

In Angiosperms, the male gametes are delivered to the female gametes through the maternal reproductive tissue by the pollen tube. Upon arrival, the pollen tube releases the two sperm cells, permitting double fertilization to take place. Although the critical role of the female gametophyte in pollen tube reception has been demonstrated, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we describe lorelei, an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant impaired in sperm cell release, reminiscent of the feronia/sirène mutant. Pollen tubes reaching lorelei embryo sacs frequently do not rupture but continue to grow in the embryo sac. Furthermore, lorelei embryo sacs continue to attract additional pollen tubes after arrival of the initial pollen tube. The LORELEI gene is expressed in the synergid cells prior to fertilization and encodes a small plant-specific putative glucosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein (GAP). These results provide support for the concept of signaling mechanisms at the synergid cell membrane by which the female gametophyte recognizes the arrival of a compatible pollen tube and promotes sperm release. Although GAPs have previously been shown to play critical roles in initiation of fertilization in mammals, flowering plants appear to have independently evolved reproductive mechanisms that use the unique features of these proteins within a similar biological context.