A novel leaf rust resistance gene introgressed from Aegilops markgrafii maps on chromosome arm 2AS of wheat.

KEY MESSAGE: A novel leaf rust resistance gene, LrM, introgressed from Aegilops markgrafii and mapped on chromosome 2AS using SSR- and SNP-based PCR markers will aid in broadening the genetic base of rust resistance in wheat. A new leaf rust resistance gene tentatively named LrM was introgressed from the diploid non-progenitor species Ae. markgrafii (2n = 2x = 14, genome CC) into common wheat using the nulli-5B mechanism. The introgression line ER9-700 showed a high degree of resistance against a wide spectrum of Puccinia triticina pathotypes. Genetic analysis was performed using the F1, F2, F2:3 and BC1F1 generations derived from the cross ER9-700/Agra Local. The results showed a single dominant gene for leaf rust resistance. The resistance gene LrM was mapped on chromosome arm 2AS using SSR- and SNP-based PCR markers. Preliminary mapping with SSR markers in the F2:3 population from the cross ER9-700/Agra Local identified two SSR markers flanking the LrM. SNPs were identified in the genomic region flanked by SSR markers, and SNP-based PCR markers were developed to construct the final map. Three SNP-based PCR markers co-segregated and mapped closest to the resistance gene at a distance of 2 cM. The gene LrM was distinguished from all the other genes designated and mapped on chromosome arm 2AS by molecular markers and rust reaction. All five markers used in the mapping amplified identical alleles in the donor Ae. markgrafii accession and introgression line ER9-700. The chromosomal location and rust reaction suggest that LrM is a novel leaf rust resistance gene that may be useful in broadening the genetic base of leaf rust resistance in wheat.

Gametocidal genes of Aegilops: segregation distorters in wheat-Aegilops wide hybridization.

Aegilops is a genus belonging to the family Poaceace, which have played an indispensible role in the evolution of bread wheat and continues to do so by transferring genes by wide hybridization. Being the secondary gene pool of wheat, gene transfer from Aegilops poses difficulties and segregation distortion is common. Gametocidal genes are the most well characterized class of segregation distorters reported in interspecific crosses of wheat with Aegilops. These "selfish" genetic elements ensure their preferential transmission to progeny at the cost of gametes lacking them without providing any phenotypic benefits to the plant, thereby causing a proportional reduction in fertility. Gametocidal genes (Gc) have been reported in different species of Aegilops belonging to the sections Aegilops (Ae. geniculata and Ae. triuncialis), Cylindropyrum (Ae. caudata and Ae. cylindrica), and Sitopsis (Ae. longissima, Ae. sharonensis, and Ae. speltoides). Gametocidal activity is mostly confined to 2, 3, and 4 homeologous groups of C, S, S1, Ssh, and Mg genomes. Removal of such genes is necessary for successful alien gene introgression and can be achieved by mutagenesis or allosyndetic pairing. However, there are some instances where Gc genes are constructively utilized for development of deletion stocks in wheat, improving genetic variability and chromosome engineering.

Cytogenetic analysis and mapping of leaf rust resistance in Aegilops speltoides Tausch derived bread wheat line Selection2427 carrying putative gametocidal gene(s).

Leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) is a major biotic stress affecting wheat yields worldwide. Host-plant resistance is the best method for controlling leaf rust. Aegilops speltoides is a good source of resistance against wheat rusts. To date, five Lr genes, Lr28, Lr35, Lr36, Lr47, and Lr51, have been transferred from Ae. speltoides to bread wheat. In Selection2427, a bread wheat introgresed line with Ae. speltoides as the donor parent, a dominant gene for leaf rust resistance was mapped to the long arm of chromosome 3B (LrS2427). None of the Lr genes introgressed from Ae. speltoides have been mapped to chromosome 3B. Since none of the designated seedling leaf rust resistance genes have been located on chromosome 3B, LrS2427 seems to be a novel gene. Selection2427 showed a unique property typical of gametocidal genes, that when crossed to other bread wheat cultivars, the F1 showed partial pollen sterility and poor seed setting, whilst Selection2427 showed reasonable male and female fertility. Accidental co-transfer of gametocidal genes with LrS2427 may have occurred in Selection2427. Though LrS2427 did not show any segregation distortion and assorted independently of putative gametocidal gene(s), its utilization will be difficult due to the selfish behavior of gametocidal genes.

Leaf rolling in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is controlled by the upregulation of a pair of closely linked/duplicate zinc finger homeodomain class transcription factors during moisture stress conditions.

Zinc finger-homeodomain (ZF-HDs) class IV transcriptional factors (TFs) is a plant-specific transcription factor and play a key role in stress responses, plant growth, development, and hormonal signaling. In this study, two new leaf rolling TFs genes, namely TaZHD1 and TaZHD10, were identified in wheat using comparative genomic analysis of the target region that carried a major QTL for leaf rolling identified through multi-environment phenotyping and high throughput genotyping of a RIL population. Structural and functional annotation of the candidate ZHD genes with its closest rice orthologs reflects the species-specific evolution and, undoubtedly, validates the notions of remote-distance homology concept. Meanwhile, the morphological analysis resulted in contrasting difference for leaf rolling in extreme RILs between parental lines HD2012 and NI5439 at booting and heading stages. Transcriptome-wide expression profiling revealed that TaZHD10 transcripts showed significantly higher expression levels than TaZHD1 in all leaf tissues upon drought stress. The relative expression of these genes was further validated by qRT-PCR analysis, which also showed consistent results across the studied genotypes at the booting and anthesis stage. The contrasting modulation of these genes under drought conditions and the available evidenced for its epigenetic behavior that might involve the regulation of metabolic and gene regulatory networks. Prediction of miRNAs resulted in five Tae-miRs that could be associated with RNAi mediated control of TaZHD1 and TaZHD10 putatively involved in the metabolic pathway controlling rolled leaf phenotype. Gene interaction network analysis indicated that TaZHD1 and TaZHD10 showed pleiotropic effects and might also involve other functions in wheat in addition to leaf rolling. Overall, the results increase our understanding of TaZHD genes and provide valuable information as robust candidate genes for future functional genomics research aiming for the breeding of wheat varieties tolerant to leaf rolling.

QTL detection and putative candidate gene prediction for leaf rolling under moisture stress condition in wheat.

Leaf rolling is an important mechanism to mitigate the effects of moisture stress in several plant species. In the present study, a set of 92 wheat recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross between NI5439 × HD2012 were used to identify QTLs associated with leaf rolling under moisture stress condition. Linkage map was constructed using Axiom 35 K Breeder's SNP Array and microsatellite (SSR) markers. A linkage map with 3661 markers comprising 3589 SNP and 72 SSR markers spanning 22,275.01 cM in length across 21 wheat chromosomes was constructed. QTL analysis for leaf rolling trait under moisture stress condition revealed 12 QTLs on chromosomes 1B, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3A, 4A, 4B, 5D, and 6B. A stable QTL Qlr.nhv-5D.2 was identified on 5D chromosome flanked by SNP marker interval AX-94892575-AX-95124447 (5D:338665301-5D:410952987). Genetic and physical map integration in the confidence intervals of Qlr.nhv-5D.2 revealed 14 putative candidate genes for drought tolerance which was narrowed down to six genes based on in-silico analysis. Comparative study of leaf rolling genes in rice viz., NRL1, OsZHD1, Roc5, and OsHB3 on wheat genome revealed five genes on chromosome 5D. Out of the identified genes, TraesCS5D02G253100 falls exactly in the QTL Qlr.nhv-5D.2 interval and showed 96.9% identity with OsZHD1. Two genes similar to OsHB3 viz. TraesCS5D02G052300 and TraesCS5D02G385300 exhibiting 85.6% and 91.8% identity; one gene TraesCS5D02G320600 having 83.9% identity with Roc5 gene; and one gene TraesCS5D02G102600 showing 100% identity with NRL1 gene were also identified, however, these genes are located outside Qlr.nhv-5D.2 interval. Hence, TraesCS5D02G253100 could be the best potential candidate gene for leaf rolling and can be utilized for improving drought tolerance in wheat.

Molecular mapping of a new recessive wheat leaf rust resistance gene originating from Triticum spelta.

TSD276-2, a wheat genetic stock derived from the cross Agra Local/T. spelta 276 showed broad spectrum resistance against leaf rust pathogen. Genetic analysis was undertaken using F1, F2, F2:3 and BC1F1 generations derived from the cross TSD276-2/Agra Local. The results revealed a single recessive gene for leaf rust resistance, tentatively named as LrTs276-2, in TSD276-2. Molecular mapping of leaf rust resistance gene LrTs276-2 in TSD276-2 was done using SNP-based PCR and SSR markers. For Bulked Segregant Analysis (BSA), two bulks viz. resistant bulk and susceptible bulk, and the parents TSD276-2 and Agra Local were genotyped for SNPs using AFFYMETRIX 35K Wheat Breeders' AXIOM array. T. spelta 276 was also genotyped and used as a check. BSA indicated that the gene for leaf rust resistance in TSD276-2 is located on chromosome arm 1DS. Putatively linked SNPs on chromosome arm 1DS were converted into PCR-based markers. Polymorphic SSR markers on chromosome arm 1DS were also identified. Final linkage map was constructed using one SNP-based PCR and three SSR markers. The rust reaction and chromosomal location suggest that LrTs276-2 is a new leaf rust resistance gene which may be useful in broadening the genetic base of leaf rust resistance in wheat.

Enhancing Clinical Content and Race/Ethnicity Data in Statewide Hospital Administrative Databases: Obstacles Encountered, Strategies Adopted, and Lessons Learned.

OBJECTIVES: Eight grant teams used Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality infrastructure development research grants to enhance the clinical content of and improve race/ethnicity identifiers in statewide all-payer hospital administrative databases. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Grantees faced common challenges, including recruiting data partners and ensuring their continued effective participation, acquiring and validating the accuracy and utility of new data elements, and linking data from multiple sources to create internally consistent enhanced administrative databases. Successful strategies to overcome these challenges included aggressively engaging with providers of critical sources of data, emphasizing potential benefits to participants, revising requirements to lessen burdens associated with participation, maintaining continuous communication with participants, being flexible when responding to participants' difficulties in meeting program requirements, and paying scrupulous attention to preparing data specifications and creating and implementing protocols for data auditing, validation, cleaning, editing, and linking. In addition to common challenges, grantees also had to contend with unique challenges from local environmental factors that shaped the strategies they adopted. CONCLUSIONS: The creation of enhanced administrative databases to support comparative effectiveness research is difficult, particularly in the face of numerous challenges with recruiting data partners such as competing demands on information technology resources. Excellent communication, flexibility, and attention to detail are essential ingredients in accomplishing this task. Additional research is needed to develop strategies for maintaining these databases when initial funding is exhausted.

The Workforce wellness index: a method for valuing US workers' health.

OBJECTIVE: To devise a methodology to create a single health risk-cost score that can be applied to health risk assessment survey data and account for the medical costs associated with modifiable risks. METHODS: We linked person-level health risk assessment data with medical benefit eligibility and claims data for 341,650 workers for the period 2005 to 2010 and performed multivariate analyses to estimate costs associated with high risks. We used the estimated costs and risk prevalence rates to create a composite Workforce Wellness Index (WWI) score. RESULTS: Increasing obesity rates among employees was found to be the most important contributor to increased health care spending and the main reason the WWI score worsened over time. CONCLUSIONS: Employers that address employees' health risk factors may be able to reduce their medical spending and achieve an improvement in their WWI scores.

Six-year cost trends at PPG industries paralleling the introduction of health promotion programs directed at cardiovascular disease prevention.

OBJECTIVE: Over the past several years, PPG Industries (PPG) implemented worksite health promotion programs aimed at improving employees' health and reducing overall medical costs as well as those specific to cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Using medical claims data, we examined trends in these costs among PPG employees for a 6-year period, from 2005 to 2010. RESULTS: Overall medical costs remained relatively flat, increasing by 1.2% compounded annually, unadjusted for inflation, while inflation-adjusted costs declined by 2.9%. Comparing worksites rated "high-high" on both program implementation and leadership support with worksites scoring highly on one or none of those dimensions, the "high-high" group experienced a decreasing cost trend, whereas the "other" group showed an increase. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis suggests that PPG's efforts to reconfigure and intensify its wellness program offerings may have resulted lower health care cost trends.

The relationship between 11 health risks and medical and productivity costs for a large employer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between modifiable health risks, and health and productivity related expenditures and predict cost savings from improvements in the health risk profile of a large US employer. METHODS: Information was collected on 11 modifiable health risks for active employees who completed a health assessment and enrolled in a noncapitated health plan. These risks were related to employer medical care costs and employee productivity. Multivariate analyses were performed to estimate costs associated with high risk, as well as potential savings from reducing risk prevalence among employees. RESULTS: Health risks with the greatest impact on total medical care costs included obesity, high blood pressure, high blood glucose, high triglycerides, and inadequate exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Modifiable health risks are associated with higher employer costs. Targeted programs that address these risks are expected to yield substantial savings.

The influence of worksite health promotion program management and implementation structure variables on medical care costs at PPG Industries.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between critical factors for successful worksite health promotion programs such as management support and program implementation and health care costs at PPG Industries. METHODS: We analyzed survey data from 37 PPG worksites measuring management support and program implementation. We estimated the relationship between management and implementation scores in 2007 and subsequent health care costs in 2008 using ordinary least squares regression. RESULTS: High program implementation scores were associated with higher health care costs (P < 0.01) as were high management scores (P < 0.05). However, sites with a combination of high management and implementation scores had lower health care costs, while sites with low scores on these dimensions had higher cost trends. CONCLUSIONS: Employers should consider administering worksite health promotion structural assessments to identify gaps in management support and program implementation that may influence program effectiveness.

Measuring changes in lipid and blood glucose values in the health and wellness program of Prudential Financial, Inc.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of health promotion programs of Prudential Financial, Inc on biometric measures of blood lipids and glucose. METHODS: Using actual biometric and self-reported measures of blood lipids and glucose values for the employees of Prudential Financial, Inc, we examined 1) the extent to which self-reported lipid and blood glucose values correlate to laboratory data, 2) whether self-reported and measured lipid values differ for physically active and sedentary employees, and 3) whether participation in a disease management program affects employees' lipid measures. RESULTS: We found significant differences in self-reported and measured total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein values, although these differences and those for all lipid and blood glucose values were not clinically meaningful. Supporting previous clinical studies, high-density lipoprotein values were significantly higher for fitness center users compared with sedentary employees. Finally, disease management participants showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein during a 3-year period compared with nonparticipants. CONCLUSIONS: On average, the employees of Prudential Financial, Inc were aware of and accurately reported their lipid and blood glucose levels. Results from this study support the value of evaluating corporate health promotion programs, using measured biometric outcomes.