Poor Limb Prognosis of Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia on Hemodialysis: A Retrospective Observational Study Based on the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System.

BACKGROUND: The Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) has been widely used to evaluate patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). As end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is a well-known CLTI risk factor, we aimed to determine whether patients on hemodialysis (HD) have a worse limb prognosis than those without ESKD, considering the same GLASS background. METHODS: The data of 445 patients who underwent surgical and/or endovascular revascularization procedures for lower extremity ischemia were retrospectively collected in our division between 2005 and 2018. The major amputation rate and amputation-free survival (AFS) were compared between HD and non-HD patients. RESULTS: Among the 215 (48%) patients receiving HD, 58 limbs required major amputation (27% limb loss rate). Among the non-HD group, the limb loss rate was 13% (P < 0.0001). The overall AFS was significantly worse in patients receiving HD than those not (P < 0.0001). The AFS was significantly worse in HD patients when comparing GLASS-standardized subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CLTI who were receiving HD had a worse limb prognosis than those not receiving, even when considering the same GLASS classification. Furthermore, there is a need for an ideal guideline focused on ESKD-directed peripheral artery disease.

[A Case of Fournier's Gangrene during Second-Line IRIS plus Bevacizumab Chemotherapy for Rectal and Anal Canal Cancer].

A 52-year-old man diagnosed with Stage ⅢA rectal and anal canal cancer underwent abdominal perineal resection using Miles's method. Two years later, local recurrence and lung metastases were detected using contrasted CT imaging. First-line chemotherapy of XELOX was administered for 4 months until the disease progressed and lung metastases developed. After 4 courses of second-line IRIS plus bevacizumab chemotherapy, fever and swelling of the right buttock appeared; he visited and was admitted to our hospital. A CT scan revealed a pelvic abscess which resulted in septic shock. Swelling and pain extended to the right scrotum, and acute necrotizing fasciitis was suspected, and emergency surgery was performed. An incision was made from the right buttock to the right scrotum, bloody purulent drainage with a foul odor was observed, and a diagnosis of Fournier's gangrene was made. Although typical CT findings such as emphysema due to gas-producing bacteria were not observed in this case, early diagnosis and intervention of systemic management including early surgical drainage and operation were effective. For pelvic infections occurring during bevacizumab chemotherapy, Fournier's gangrene should considered for differential diagnosis, even if CT findings are atypical.

Ferroelectric BaTaO2N Crystals Grown in a BaCN2 Flux.

Perovskite-type oxynitride BaTaO2N has been attracting attention for its large dielectric constant, which is almost independent of the temperature by measurements on its ceramics. Its dielectric characteristics are attributed to polar nanoregions (PNRs) in the average cubic crystal structure. Polarization saturation to produce a butterfly-like piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) signal was observed on BaTaO2N crystals in the present study. Reddish crystallites of BaTaO2N of up to 3.1 µm in size were grown using a BaCN2 flux. Grain growth proceeded through the formation of a Ruddlesden-Popper-type oxynitride from the reaction between BaTaO2N powder and molten BaCN2. Their electrical property was studied using PFM with special care because of the small size of the crystals. They were found to be much more highly insulating than its ceramics. Ferroelectricity with complete phase inversion was observed on an oxynitride perovskite crystal for the first time. A large coercivity of 50-60 V was observed in the measurement. Such ferroelectricity is ascribed to the PNRs induced by the polar linkages between cis-type TaO4N2 octahedra.

Transcriptome reprogramming due to the introduction of a barley telosome into bread wheat affects more barley genes than wheat.

Despite a long history, the production of useful alien introgression lines in wheat remains difficult mainly due to linkage drag and incomplete genetic compensation. In addition, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of foreign chromatin on plant phenotype. Here, a comparison of the transcriptomes of barley, wheat and a wheat-barley 7HL addition line allowed the transcriptional impact both on 7HL genes of a non-native genetic background and on the wheat gene complement as a result of the presence of 7HL to be assessed. Some 42% (389/923) of the 7HL genes assayed were differentially transcribed, which was the case for only 3% (960/35 301) of the wheat gene complement. The absence of any transcript in the addition line of a suite of chromosome 7A genes implied the presence of a 36 Mbp deletion at the distal end of the 7AL arm; this deletion was found to be in common across the full set of Chinese Spring/Betzes barley addition lines. The remaining differentially transcribed wheat genes were distributed across the whole genome. The up-regulated barley genes were mostly located in the proximal part of the 7HL arm, while the down-regulated ones were concentrated in the distal part; as a result, genes encoding basal cellular functions tended to be transcribed, while those encoding specific functions were suppressed. An insight has been gained into gene transcription in an alien introgression line, thereby providing a basis for understanding the interactions between wheat and exotic genes in introgression materials.

Three-dimensional ultrastructure of osteocytes assessed by focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM).

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the application of focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy, FIB-SEM for revealing the three-dimensional features of osteocytic cytoplasmic processes in metaphyseal (immature) and diaphyseal (mature) trabeculae. Tibiae of eight-week-old male mice were fixed with aldehyde solution, and treated with block staining prior to FIB-SEM observation. While two-dimensional backscattered SEM images showed osteocytes' cytoplasmic processes in a fragmented fashion, three-dimensional reconstructions of FIB-SEM images demonstrated that osteocytes in primary metaphyseal trabeculae extended their cytoplasmic processes randomly, thus maintaining contact with neighboring osteocytes and osteoblasts. In contrast, diaphyseal osteocytes extended thin cytoplasmic processes from their cell bodies, which ran perpendicular to the bone surface. In addition, these osteocytes featured thick processes that branched into thinner, transverse cytoplasmic processes; at some point, however, these transverse processes bend at a right angle to run perpendicular to the bone surface. Osteoblasts also possessed thicker cytoplasmic processes that branched off as thinner processes, which then connected with cytoplasmic processes of neighboring osteocytes. Thus, FIB-SEM is a useful technology for visualizing the three-dimensional structures of osteocytes and their cytoplasmic processes.

1.5µm, mode-hop-free full C-band wavelength tunable laser diode with a linewidth of 8 kHz and a RIN of -130 dB/Hz and its extension to the L-band.

We demonstrate a narrow-linewidth, low-intensity noise, widely wavelength-tunable LD for which we adopted a long external cavity configuration (ECLD) with a tunable optical filter. By employing a simultaneous tuning circuit between the optical filter and the Fabry-Perot mode caused by the external cavity, the oscillation wavelength was successfully tuned over the full C-band without mode hopping. The tunable optical filter bandwidth was 0.55 nm (1530~1570 nm). We achieved a linewidth of less than 8 kHz obtained with a delayed self-heterodyne method. On the other hand, the linewidth estimated from the white noise level of the optical frequency modulation noise power spectrum of the laser output was as narrow as 314 Hz. A relative intensity noise (RIN) below -130 dB/Hz was simultaneously achieved over the C-band range. With the same configuration except for an optical filter with a filter bandwidth of 0.6 nm for L-band operation (1570~1610 nm), we also realized a full L-band wavelength tunable ECLD with a linewidth of less than 7.7 kHz and a RIN of below -126 dB/Hz.

Magnetic Properties of the Melilite-Type Oxysulfide Sr2MnGe2S6O: Magnetic Interactions Enhanced by Anion Substitution.

The synthesis, crystal structures, photoluminescence, and magnetic properties of the melilite-type oxysulfide Sr2MnGe2S6O were investigated. This compound crystallizes in the melilite structure with space group P4̅21m, in which two kinds of anions, S2- and O2-, occupy different crystallographic sites in an ordered manner. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility of Sr2MnGe2S6O shows a broad peak due to a two-dimensional magnetic interaction between Mn ions in the ab plane. The specific heat data show that this compound has an antiferromagnetic transition temperature (TN = 15.5 K) that is much higher than that of the oxide analogue Sr2MnGe2O7 (TN = 4.4 K). DFT calculations showed that the magnetic interaction is enhanced by covalency in the Mn-S bonding.

Skene's gland adenocarcinoma with intestinal differentiation: A case report and literature review.

Adenocarcinoma of Skene's gland (the female homolog to the male prostate) is extremely rare, with only a few cases reported. We present a case of Skene's gland adenocarcinoma with intestinal differentiation. The patient was a 69-year-old Japanese woman who was operated on for a recurrent tumor of the external ostium of the urethra. Histopathologically, the tumor showed glandular and cribriform patterns with a signet-ring cell component in a mucus lake. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for prostate specific acid phosphatase (PSAP), and AMACR, and negative for Nkx3.1 or prostate specific antigen (PSA). Although in situ lesion could not be discovered, positive immunostainings for Nkx3.1, PSAP, and androgen receptor in the remaining paraurethral glands around the tumor indirectly but strongly suggest that the tumor had originated from Skene's gland. This tumor also showed intestinal differentiation as suggested histologically and by positive immunostainings for CDX2, MUC2, and CK20, along with negative immunostaining for CK7. It is often very difficult to identify the origin of a female urethral carcinoma. In such cases, immunohistochemical features can be an essential clue to the origin. We therefore present this instructive case with a literature review.

Randomized phase II trial of TEGAFIRI (tegafur/uracil, oral leucovorin, irinotecan) compared with FOLFIRI (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan) in patients with unresectable/recurrent colorectal cancer.

Irinotecan-based chemotherapy with bevacizumab is one of the first-line standard therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). TEGAFIRI (UFT/LV + irinotecan) is an irinotecan-based chemotherapy regimen. Currently, few clinical data regarding TEGAFIRI are available. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of TEGAFIRI in Japanese patients with mCRC. This is a multicenter, randomized, phase II study. The major inclusion criteria were previously untreated patients with mCRC (age: 20-75 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status: 0-1). Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either FOLFIRI ± bevacizumab or TEGAFIRI ± bevacizumab. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints were response rate, overall survival, dose intensity and toxicity. From November 2007 to October 2011, 36 and 35 patients assigned to the FOLFIRI and TEGAFIRI groups were included in the primary analysis. No significant difference in PFS was observed between the groups {median PFS: TEGAFIRI 9.9 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.5-14.7], FOLFIRI 10.6 months [95% CI, 7.7-16.5]; Hazard ratio, 0.98, 95% CI, 0.57-1.66, p = 0.930}. The response rates in the FOLFIRI and TEGAFIRI groups were 56% and 66%, respectively. Relative dose intensity was similar between the groups. The most common Grade 3/4 adverse event was diarrhea (26%) in TEGAFIRI group and neutropenia (39%) in the FOLFIRI group. The results of the present study indicate that TEGAFIRI ± bevacizumab is an effective and tolerable first-line treatment regimen for mCRC.

Detection of QTLs for cold tolerance of rice cultivar 'Kuchum' and effect of QTL pyramiding.

KEY MESSAGE: A QTL for cold tolerance at the booting stage of rice cultivar 'Kuchum' was detected and delimited into a 1.36 Mb region, and a cold-tolerant line was developed by QTL pyramiding. Low temperature in summer causes pollen sterility in rice, resulting in a serious loss of yield. The second most widely grown rice cultivar in Japan, 'Hitomebore', has been developed as a cultivar highly tolerant to low temperature at the booting stage. However, even 'Hitomebore' exhibits sterility at a temperature lower than 18.5 °C. Further improvement of cold tolerance of rice is required. In the present study, QTLs for cold tolerance in a Bhutanese rice variety, 'Kuchum', were analyzed using backcrossed progenies and a major QTL, named qCT-4, was detected on chromosome 4. Evaluating cold tolerance of seven types of near isogenic lines having 'Kuchum' alleles around qCT-4 with a 'Hitomebore' genetic background, qCT-4 was delimited to a region of ca. 1.36 Mb between DNA markers 9_1 and 10_13. Homozygous 'Kuchum' alleles at qCT-4 showed an effect of increasing seed fertility by ca. 10 % under cold-water treatment. Near isogenic lines of 'Hitomebore' having 'Silewah' alleles of Ctb1 and Ctb2 and a 'Hokkai PL9' allele of qCTB8 did not exhibit higher cold tolerance than that of 'Hitomebore'. On the other hand, a qLTB3 allele derived from a Chinese cultivar 'Lijiangxintuanheigu' increased cold tolerance of 'Hitomebore', and pyramiding of the qCT-4 allele and the qLTB3 allele further increased seed fertility under cold-water treatment. Since NILs of 'Hitomebore' with the 'Kuchum' allele of qCT-4 were highly similar to 'Hitomebore' in other agronomic traits, the qCT-4 allele is considered to be useful for developing a cold-tolerant cultivar.

Evaluation of the effect of hot-compressed water treatment on enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic nanofibrils with different lignin content using a quartz crystal microbalance.

Hot-compressed water (HCW) treatment is known to not only improve enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass but to also generate insoluble lignin droplets, which retard enzymatic hydrolysis. In this study, the inhibitory effect of the lignin droplets was evaluated by monitoring the initial enzyme adsorption and degradation of lignocellulosic nanofibrils (LCNFs) using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). Lignin content was adjusted by the sodium chlorite-acetic acid method and divided into samples with high (24.9 wt%) and low (5.6 wt%) lignin content, which were then subjected to HCW treatment at various temperatures. The changes in lignin content were small with increasing HCW temperature, whereas hemicellulose content decreased, regardless of the initial lignin content. The formation of lignin droplets and pseudo-lignin-like products was confirmed in both LCNFs by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and was predominant in LCNFs with high lignin content treated at 200°C. QCM data showed that the enzyme adsorption amount in both LCNFs after HCW treatment was increased and was greater in LCNFs with low lignin content. Initial enzymatic degradation was substantially slowed in LCNFs with high lignin content, particularly after HCW treatment at temperatures higher than 180°C. These QCM results suggest that the steric hindrance of the deposited lignin is the primary mechanism by which the initial enzymatic hydrolysis is delayed. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1441-1447. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Combining mapping of physiological quantitative trait loci and transcriptome for cold tolerance for counteracting male sterility induced by low temperatures during reproductive stage in rice.

Male sterility induced by low temperatures (LTs) during the reproductive stage is a major constraint for temperate zone rice. To detect physiological quantitative trait loci (QTLs), we modeled genotypic variation in the physiological processes involved in low temperature spikelet sterility on the basis of anther length (AL), a proxy for microspore and pollen grain number per anther. The model accounted for 83% of the genotypic variation in potential AL at normal temperature and the ability to maintain AL at LT. We tested the model on 208 recombinant inbred lines of cold-tolerant 'Tohoku-PL3' (PL3) × cold-sensitive 'Akihikari' (AH) for 2 years. QTLs for spikelet fertility (FRT) at LT were detected on chromosomes 5 (QTL for Cold Tolerance at Reproductive stage, qCTR5) and 12 (qCTR12). qCTR12 was annotated with the ability to maintain AL under LTs. qCTR5 was in a region shared with QTLs for culm length and heading date. Genome-wide expression analysis showed 798 genes differentially expressed in the spikelets between the parents at LTs. Of these, 12 were near qCTR5 and 23 were near qCTR12. Gene expression analysis confirmed two candidate genes for qCTR5 (O-methyltransferase ZRP4, Os05g0515600; beta-1,3-glucanase-like protein, Os05g0535100) and one for qCTR12 (conserved hypothetical protein, Os12g0550600). Nucleotide polymorphisms (21 deletions, 2 insertions and 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms) in PL3 were found near the candidate conserved hypothetical protein (Os12g0550600) and upstream in PL3, but not in AH. Haplotype analysis revealed that this gene came from 'Kuchum'. The combination of mapping physiological QTLs with gene expression analysis can be extended to identify other genes for abiotic stress response in cereals.

Fast and Robust Nanocellulose Width Estimation Using Turbidimetry.

The dimensions of nanocelluloses are important factors in controlling their material properties. The present study reports a fast and robust method for estimating the widths of individual nanocellulose particles based on the turbidities of their water dispersions. Seven types of nanocellulose, including short and rigid cellulose nanocrystals and long and flexible cellulose nanofibers, are prepared via different processes. Their widths are calculated from the respective turbidity plots of their water dispersions, based on the theory of light scattering by thin and long particles. The turbidity-derived widths of the seven nanocelluloses range from 2 to 10 nm, and show good correlations with the thicknesses of nanocellulose particles spread on flat mica surfaces determined using atomic force microscopy.

Characterization of a hypoallergenic wheat line lacking ω-5 gliadin.

BACKGROUND: There is no curative treatment for wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA). ω-5 Gliadin is one of the dominant allergens affecting WDEIA patients. The use of ω-5 gliadin-free wheat flour in the regular diet is considered one of the prophylactic approaches against the elicitation of allergic symptoms and sensitization to ω-5 gliadin. We sought to find hypoallergenic bread wheat (or common wheat) that lacked the genes encoding ω-5 gliadin and to evaluate its in vitro allergenicity. We also aimed to evaluate the sensitization ability of one of the selected hypoallergenic wheat lines by using a possible animal model of wheat allergy. METHODS: We screened the deletion lines of bread wheat by western blotting to ascertain common wheat lines lacking the ω-5 gliadin locus. The deletion lines we used have partial deficiency of chromosome 1B (Endo and Gill, 1996). To assess sensitization ability of gluten from the selected deletion line, guinea pigs were fed with either the gluten from the selected deletion line or commercially available gluten, and allergic score was evaluated after challenging the same gluten preparations. RESULTS: We found that a deletion line 1BS-18 had the least deficiency of chromosome 1B among the deletion stocks lacking the ω-5 gliadin locus. The challenge test using the guinea pigs revealed that the symptoms induced by application of the 1BS-18 gluten were much less than that of commercially available gluten. CONCLUSIONS: The deletion line 1BS-18, which lacked the ω-5 gliadin locus, is likely to have a low sensitization capacity in the guinea pig. The use of the wheat products of the 1BS-18 line in daily life may provide a feasible solution for the onset of wheat allergy.

[Physical Activity in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer Undergoing Outpatient Chemotherapy].

PURPOSE: To determine factors affecting physical activity in outpatients with gastrointestinal cancer. METHODS: This observational study applied the International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ)to identify factors affecting physical activity in outpatients(male, n=51; female, n=24; mean age, 64.2±10.2 years)with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Relationships between the main outcome measures, total weekly physical activity score(TPA)and total weekly energy expenditure(TEE), and patient background factors were analyzed. RESULTS: The median duration of induction chemotherapy in the 75 outpatients who completed the IPAQ was 242.5(range 7-2,294)days. The TPA and TEE tended to decrease in older patients and were lower in all patients compared with age-specific standard values for healthy persons. Both values tended to increase to a greater extent among patients who worked than among those who did not, and being employed was significantly associated with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status(ECOG-PS). The TEE tended to be lower among patients with adverse events(AE)such as pain. CONCLUSION: Progressive cachexia, changes in lifestyle, and AE affected physical activity among outpatients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Comprehensive support by an oncology team would probably play an important role in encouraging elderly patients to participate in physical activity.

A high-resolution physical map integrating an anchored chromosome with the BAC physical maps of wheat chromosome 6B.

BACKGROUND: A complete genome sequence is an essential tool for the genetic improvement of wheat. Because the wheat genome is large, highly repetitive and complex due to its allohexaploid nature, the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC) chose a strategy that involves constructing bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-based physical maps of individual chromosomes and performing BAC-by-BAC sequencing. Here, we report the construction of a physical map of chromosome 6B with the goal of revealing the structural features of the third largest chromosome in wheat. RESULTS: We assembled 689 informative BAC contigs (hereafter reffered to as contigs) representing 91% of the entire physical length of wheat chromosome 6B. The contigs were integrated into a radiation hybrid (RH) map of chromosome 6B, with one linkage group consisting of 448 loci with 653 markers. The order and direction of 480 contigs, corresponding to 87% of the total length of 6B, were determined. We also characterized the contigs that contained a part of the nucleolus organizer region or centromere based on their positions on the RH map and the assembled BAC clone sequences. Analysis of the virtual gene order along 6B using the information collected for the integrated map revealed the presence of several chromosomal rearrangements, indicating evolutionary events that occurred on chromosome 6B. CONCLUSIONS: We constructed a reliable physical map of chromosome 6B, enabling us to analyze its genomic structure and evolutionary progression. More importantly, the physical map should provide a high-quality and map-based reference sequence that will serve as a resource for wheat chromosome 6B.

Reduction of gibberellin by low temperature disrupts pollen development in rice.

Microsporogenesis in rice (Oryza sativa) plants is susceptible to moderate low temperature (LT; approximately 19°C) that disrupts pollen development and causes severe reductions in grain yields. Although considerable research has been invested in the study of cool-temperature injury, a full understanding of the molecular mechanism has not been achieved. Here, we show that endogenous levels of the bioactive gibberellins (GAs) GA4 and GA7, and expression levels of the GA biosynthesis genes GA20ox3 and GA3ox1, decrease in the developing anthers by exposure to LT. By contrast, the levels of precursor GA12 were higher in response to LT. In addition, the expression of the dehydration-responsive element-binding protein DREB2B and SLENDER RICE1 (SLR1)/DELLA was up-regulated in response to LT. Mutants involved in GA biosynthetic and response pathways were hypersensitive to LT stress, including the semidwarf mutants sd1 and d35, the gain-of-function mutant slr1-d, and gibberellin insensitive dwarf1. The reduction in the number of sporogenous cells and the abnormal enlargement of tapetal cells occurred most severely in the GA-insensitive mutant. Application of exogenous GA significantly reversed the male sterility caused by LT, and simultaneous application of exogenous GA with sucrose substantially improved the extent of normal pollen development. Modern rice varieties carrying the sd1 mutation are widely cultivated, and the sd1 mutation is considered one of the greatest achievements of the Green Revolution. The protective strategy achieved by our work may help sustain steady yields of rice under global climate change.

Homoeologous relationship of rye chromosome arms as detected with wheat PLUG markers.

Based on the similarity in gene structure between rice and wheat, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based landmark unique gene (PLUG) system enabled us to design primer sets that amplify wheat genic sequences including introns. From the previously reported wheat PLUG markers, we chose 144 markers that are distributed on different chromosomes and in known chromosomal regions (bins) to obtain rye-specific PCR-based markers. We conducted PCR with the 144 primer sets and the template of the Imperial rye genomic DNA and found that 131 (91.0%) primer sets successfully amplified PCR products. Of the 131 PLUG markers, 110 (76.4%) markers showed rye-specific PCR amplification with or without restriction enzyme digestion. We assigned 79 of the 110 markers to seven rye chromosomes (1R to 7R) using seven wheat-rye (cv. Imperial) chromosome addition and substitution lines: 12 to 1R, 8 to 2R, 11 to 3R, 8 to 4R, 16 to 5R, 12 to 6R, and 12 to 7R. Furthermore, we located their positions on the short or long (L) chromosome arm, using 13 Imperial rye telosomic lines of common wheat (except for 3RL). Referring to the chromosome bin locations of the 79 PLUG markers in wheat, we deduced the syntenic relationships between rye and wheat chromosomes. We also discussed chromosomal rearrangements in the rye genome with reference to the cytologically visible chromosomal gaps.

Unlocking the barley genome by chromosomal and comparative genomics.

We used a novel approach that incorporated chromosome sorting, next-generation sequencing, array hybridization, and systematic exploitation of conserved synteny with model grasses to assign ~86% of the estimated ~32,000 barley (Hordeum vulgare) genes to individual chromosome arms. Using a series of bioinformatically constructed genome zippers that integrate gene indices of rice (Oryza sativa), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and Brachypodium distachyon in a conserved synteny model, we were able to assemble 21,766 barley genes in a putative linear order. We show that the barley (H) genome displays a mosaic of structural similarity to hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) A, B, and D subgenomes and that orthologous genes in different grasses exhibit signatures of positive selection in different lineages. We present an ordered, information-rich scaffold of the barley genome that provides a valuable and robust framework for the development of novel strategies in cereal breeding.

Difference in the recurrence rate between right- and left-sided colon cancer: a 17-year experience at a single institution.

PURPOSE: The prognostic differences between right- and left-sided colon cancer are controversial. This study aimed to clarify the clinical difference between right- and left-sided colon cancer. METHODS: We enrolled 820 patients with stage I/II/III colon cancer who underwent radical surgery with curative intent. We explored the impact of the tumor location on the postoperative disease-free survival (DFS) rate using the univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Right-sided disease occurred in 399 of the 820 patients. The mean follow-up period was 55.8 ± 34.9 months. The pathological stage distribution was as follows: stage I 261 patients; stage II 283; and stage III 251. There were no significant differences in the five-year DFS of the overall populations (right 88.6%; left 89.4%; P = 0.231). The subgroup analyses demonstrated that patients with stage I right-sided colon cancer had a significantly better 5-year DFS rate than did those with left-sided disease (100 vs. 95.2%, P = 0.034). There were no significant differences in the distributions of the first recurrent sites (P = 0.559). CONCLUSIONS: The tumor location may contribute to postoperative tumor recurrence. However, these effects were inconsistent across tumor stages. Our results provide a better understanding of the prognostic disparity between tumor locations; this may improve patient consent and postoperative surveillance.