Microsatellite markers linked to the locus of the watermelon fruit stripe pattern.

Agronomic performance and external and internal appearance of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) fruit are important traits that should be taken into consideration during the development of a new cultivar, as well as being the principal identification elements used by the consumer, which are based on the external appearance and quality of the fruit. Externally, the fruit can be characterized in terms of the shape, the color of the lower rind, and the presence of grooves and stripes, the stripes can be classified as clearly defined or diffuse. The objective of this study was to identify microsatellite markers linked to the stripe pattern of watermelon fruit to support watermelon improvement programs, with the selection of this characteristic in the plantlet stage. F1 and F2 populations, result of a cross between the cultivars BRS Opara (clearly defined stripes) and Pérola (diffuse stripes), were phenotyped for their fruit stripe pattern. The CTAB 2X protocol was used for DNA extraction and 116 microsatellite markers were examined in a group of F2 plants that had fruit with well-defined stripes and fruit with diffuse stripes. The microsatellite loci MCPI_05 and MCPI_16 exhibited a linkage to the stripe pattern at a distance of 1.5 and 1.8 cM, respectively, with LOD scores of 39.28 and 38.11, respectively, which were located on chromosome six of the watermelon genome. These markers can be used in marker-assisted selection in watermelon improvement programs, by various research institutions.

Longitudinal surveillance for meningitis by Acinetobacter in a large urban setting in Brazil.

The study aim was to describe the emergence of carbapenem resistance and clonal complexes (CC), defined by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), in Acinetobacter baumannii in a surveillance system for meningitis. Starting in 1996 in an urban setting of Brazil, surveillance detected meningitis by Acinetobacter sp for the first time in 2002. Up to 2008, 35 isolates were saved. Carbapenem resistance emerged in 2006, reaching 70% of A. baumannii isolates in 2008, including one that was colistin resistant. A. baumannii belonged to CC113/79 (University of Oxford/Institute Pasteur schemes), CC235/162 and CC103/15. Dissemination of infections resistant to all antimicrobial agents may occur in the future.

Severe infection in a lung transplant recipient caused by donor-transmitted carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

We describe a case of proven donor transmission of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, which resulted in severe infectious complications after lung transplantation. A single bla(OXA-23) positive strain, belonging to a new multilocus sequence type (ST231), was isolated from donor and recipient, who died 65 days after transplantation. This report highlights the current challenges associated with the potential transmission of multidrug-resistant infections through organ transplantation.