Permanent genetic resources added to molecular ecology resources database 1 October 2012-30 November 2012.

This article documents the addition of 153 microsatellite marker loci to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Brassica oleracea, Brycon amazonicus, Dimorphandra wilsonii, Eupallasella percnurus, Helleborus foetidus, Ipomoea purpurea, Phrynops geoffroanus, Prochilodus argenteus, Pyura sp., Sylvia atricapilla, Teratosphaeria suttonii, Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Trypanosoma brucei. These loci were cross-tested on the following species: Dimorphandra coccicinea, Dimorphandra cuprea, Dimorphandra gardneriana, Dimorphandra jorgei, Dimorphandra macrostachya, Dimorphandra mollis, Dimorphandra parviflora and Dimorphandra pennigera.

Genetic diversity and structure of a worldwide collection of Phaseolus coccineus L.

Phaseolus coccineus L. is closely related to P. vulgaris and is the third most important cultivated Phaseolus species. Little is known about the patterns of its diversity. In this work, a representative collection of its worldwide diversity was initially developed. The collection includes 28 wild forms (WFs) and 52 landraces (LRs) from Mesoamerica (the crop domestication area), and 148 LRs from Europe (where the crop was introduced in the sixteenth century). The collection was studied by using 12 SSR molecular markers that were developed for the P. vulgaris genome. They were proved to be effective and reliable in P. coccineus in this work. Fourteen LRs of P. dumosus (previously identified as a subspecies of P. coccineus) were also studied. The genetic diversity, population structure and phylogenetic relationships were investigated. The results indicate that: (a) the European and Mesoamerican gene pools are clearly differentiated, (b) a certain reduction of diversity occurred with introduction into Europe, and (c) the Mesoamerican LRs (P. dumosus included) and WFs are closely related and are connected by a high gene flow. Inferences on the domestication process of P. coccineus are also presented. This study provides a picture of the genetic diversity distribution and outcomes with introduction into the Old World, which was not available before. It also underlines that the genetic diversity of both WFs and LRs is an important source for Phaseolus spp. breeding programs and deserves to be preserved in situ and ex situ.

Beans in Europe: origin and structure of the European landraces of Phaseolus vulgaris L.

This study focuses on the expansion of Phaseolus vulgaris in Europe. The pathways of distribution of beans into and across Europe were very complex, with several introductions from the New World that were combined with direct exchanges between European and other Mediterranean countries. We have analyzed here six chloroplast microsatellite (cpSSR) loci and two unlinked nuclear loci (for phaseolin types and Pv-shatterproof1). We have assessed the genetic structure and level of diversity of a large collection of European landraces of P. vulgaris (307) in comparison to 94 genotypes from the Americas that are representative of the Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools. First, we show that most of the European common bean landraces (67%) are of Andean origin, and that there are no strong differences across European regions for the proportions of the Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools. Moreover, cytoplasmic diversity is evenly distributed across European regions. Secondly, the cytoplasmic bottleneck that was due to the introduction of P. vulgaris into the Old World was very weak or nearly absent. This is in contrast to evidence from nuclear analyses that have suggested a bottleneck of greater intensity. Finally, we estimate that a relatively high proportion of the European bean germplasm (about 44%) was derived from hybridization between the Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools. Moreover, although hybrids are present everywhere in Europe, they show an uneven distribution, with high frequencies in central Europe, and low frequencies in Spain and Italy. On the basis of these data, we suggest that the entire European continent and not only some of the countries therein can be regarded as a secondary diversification center for P. vulgaris. Finally, we outline the relevance of these inter-gene pool hybrids for plant breeding.

Selective microenvironmental effects play a role in shaping genetic diversity and structure in a Phaseolus vulgaris L. landrace: implications for on-farm conservation.

Little is known about the organization of landrace diversity and about the forces that shape and maintain within- and among-landrace population diversity. However, this knowledge is essential for conservation and breeding activities. The first aim of this study was to obtain some insight into how variation has been sculptured within a cultivated environment and to identify the loci that potentially underlie selective effects by using a Phaseolus vulgaris L. landrace case study whose natural and human environment and morpho-physiological traits are known in detail. The second aim of this study was to define an appropriate on-farm conservation strategy which can serve as a model for other populations. The farmers' populations of this threatened landrace were examined with 28 single sequence repeat molecular markers. The landrace appears to be a genetically structured population in which substantial diversity is maintained at the subpopulation level (62% of the total variance). Evidence of locus-specific selective effects was obtained for five of the 13 loci-differentiating subpopulations. Their role is discussed. Our data suggest that a complex interaction of factors (differential microenvironmental selection pressures by farmers and by biotic and abiotic conditions, migration rate and drift) explains the observed pattern of diversity. Appropriate on-farm conservation of a structured landrace requires the maintenance of the entire population.

The Triticeae genetic resources of central Italy: collection, evaluation and conservation.

One hundred and six landraces belonging to 7 species of the Triticeae tribe were collected in central Italy by DBVBA (Perugia University), DIBIAGA (Ancona University) and ARSSA (Abruzzo Region Agricultural Development Agency) in different individual and joint missions. A few accessions were supplied by private and other public organisations. Triticum dicoccum Schubler is the most widespread species, followed by T. aestivum L., T. monococcum L., T. spelta L., T. turgidum var. durum Desf., Secale cereale L. and Hordeum vulgare L. Besides the presence of landraces reproduced by farmers over generations, information related to on-farm management and to qualitative/organoleptic traits as well as information related to their local names, uses, traditions and social context was gathered during the missions. The majority of the accessions was characterised by morphological and phenological traits and molecular markers. This work shows the presence of morpho-phenologic and genetic differences among landraces and the importance of some species in the agricultural systems and food customs of the investigated area. Particularly for emmer three well distinct landraces are present, "Farro Italia Centrale", "Farro della Garfagnana" and "Farro Italia Meridionale". Other interesting and traditional landraces are the "Solina" common wheat in Abruzzo and the "Orzo mondo" naked barley in Marche. Most of the populations are still cultivated in marginal lands and under low input or organic agronomic conditions; nevertheless, in many cases, they are found near modern varieties in conventional agriculture systems. Moreover, the in situ (on-farm) conservation of Triticeae landraces in central Italy is strictly linked to elderly farmers.

Right ventricular bypass for palliation of cardiac sarcoma.

A 33-year-old woman with a nonresectable right ventricular sarcoma and pulmonary outflow tract obstruction underwent a right ventricular bypass operation for symptomatic relief. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was asymptomatic on discharge, without jugular plethora or hepatomegaly. We consider this procedure to be an excellent palliative treatment of malignant right ventricular obstructive symptoms for improving the patient's quality of life.

Percutaneous nucleotomy according to Onik: indications and results in 76 cases.

The authors report their experience using the Onik technique for the treatment of disc herniation in 76 patients since 1990. Indications that are not always easy in relation to a correct application of the Onik protocol are discussed. It is believed that a reduction in intra-disc pressure is favorable also in the presence of partial expulsion of the nucleus, decreasing the tendency towards further alimentation of herniated material in the vertebral canal. The results allow us to affirm that it is possible to obtain benefits even in patients who are not held to be suited to use of the Onik protocol, with the exclusion of migrated hernias, with emphasis on the fact that the best results were obtained in protrusion-bulging in young patients with acute symptoms and clinical signs corresponding to the nerve root involved.

Evidence for the existence of 2n gametes in Lotus tenuis Wald. et Kit. (2n=2x=12): their relevance in evolution and breeding of Lotus corniculatus L. (2n=4x=24).

Crosses between male sterile L. corniculatus (2n=4x=24) and L. tenuis (2n=2x=12) plants were performed in order to verify the presence of 2n gametes in L. tenuis. All but one of the plants from these crosses had 2n=4x=24 and the L. corniculatus phenotype; this plant had 2n=2x=12 and the L. tenuis phenotype. The plants also showed good quantity of pollen at tripping, good pollen fertility and good percentage of seed setting in the backcross to L. corniculatus. On the whole, both cytological and morphological observations, showing that all but one of the plants from L. corniculatus x L. tenuis were normal tetraploids, suggest the existence of diploandrous gametes in L. tenuis. On the other hand, haploid parthenogenesis probably gave origin to the dihaploid plant 2n=2x=12.

Osteosynthesis with valgus osteotomy in the primary treatment of subcapital fractures of the neck of the femur.

The authors report 25 consecutive cases of subcapital fracture of the neck of the femur treated by osteosynthesis and valgus osteotomy. The results at 3 to 5 years showed bony union in all cases with only 2 cases of ischaemic necrosis (8%). Since this complication is due to vascular damage inflicted at the time of fracture the authors suggest that valgus osteotomy, which is usually only done in cases of pseudarthrosis, is also applicable to recent fractures which have a high risk of non-union.

"De Novo" trisomy 20p with macroorchidism in a prepuberal boy.

A 9-year-old prepuberal boy with trisomy 20p syndrome and previously undescribed macroorchidism is presented. This is the second report of trisomy 20p originated "de novo" supporting a frequency rate of about the 10% for this etiological mechanism. Reviewing the most common clinical findings of all 19 previous patients, a typical phenotype with a recognizable face can be carried out in several cases. If prepuberal macroorchidism is confirmed in further patients, trisomy 20p could be taken into account in the differential diagnosis with the sex-linked syndromes with mental retardation and abnormal testicular increase.

[Continuous closed aspiration lavage in the prevention and treatment of bone infections]. / Ii lavaggio aspirazione continua chiuso nella profilassi e nel trattamento delle infezioni ossee.

The Authors report their experience on bone infection treatment by means of closed circulation and suction. After a brief history of the informing and applying principles of the method, they expose the results obtained in 41 cases of septic lesions of the skeletal system. Since the patients were treated about 6 years ago, it is therefore possible state the reliability and effectiveness of this therapy. thirty-one (31) exposed fractures, six (6) osteomyelitis and four (4) infected pseudoarthrosis are considered, with a positive result respectively in 87%, 84% and 75% of cases. Considering the initial gravity and the reasons of failure, the Authors conclude that the method, always associated to other surgical acts, is efficacious and finds a precise and precious collocation in the therapeutic outfit.

[Juvenile kyphosis]. / Le cifosi giovanili.

The Authors discuss the juvenile kyphosis, a relatively frequent but neglected pathology. They consider the two significant clinical pictures: postural kyphosis and Scheuermann disease with their clinical, radiographic and therapeutic aspects. In the first entity repeated controls, a correct bearing, physical training and sport are necessary. In the second the treatment is based on physiokinesitherapy and a modified Milwaukee brace for an average time of 21 months. Are considered in this paper 64 cases of Scheuermann disease treated between 1977 and 1982 by the Orthopedic Clinic of the University of Parma, with relative results, classified as positive.

[A case of popliteal pseudoaneurysm caused by femoral exostoses]. / Su di un caso di pseudo-aneurisma popliteo da esostosi del femore.

A popliteal artery pseudo aneurysm secondary to compression by a bony exostosis is recorded to call attention to this unusual etiological mechanism in a 32 years old woman. Restoration of arterial continuity was achieved by resection of the pseudo aneurysm and end to end anastomosis of the artery. A review of the literature discloses 32 cases of popliteal aneurysms associated to bony exostosis.

[Collagen hemostatic felt for local application in the control of surgical bleeding]. / La falda di collageno come emostatico locale.

The authors have employed the collagen haemostatic felt in the control of capillary bleeding, parenchymatous haemorrhages and oozing wound haemorrhage in several surgicals cases. Collagen haemostatic felt, apart from its excellent haemostatic properties, is pliable, conforms readily to irregular contours, is soft, has excellent absorptive capacity and has good tissue compatibility.

[Incidence of scoliosis in adolescents of the schools of Parma]. / Incidenza della scoliosi negli adolescenti delle scuole di Parma.

The Author reports about a school screening which was taken during 1979-80 at Parma schools (2283 young people) with an average of 13 years. The inquiry has stated the reason for a request of a radiographic examination in 3,3 X 100 of these young people examined. It showed 14,87X1000 scoliosis over 10 degrees. The Clinical inquiry method (bending test) is used to point out the rotational prominence superior 5 mm, to asymmetry of size triangles, possible anomalies that may be found on the sagital plane (Kyphosis) or for excess of interior arts when superior 10 mm. The team was composed of two M.D. and six therapists; they were helped by the scolastic staff.

[Photographic moiré method for preliminary diagnosis of spine deformity (author's transl)]. / Il metodo fotografico moiré valido ausilio per la diagnosi precoce di deformità vertebrali.

Moiré topography is a biostereometric method which produces a three-dimensional image of the shape of the trunk. In structure scoliosis an asymmetry of the two halves of the back is seen. This method has been studied and the range of the asymmetry of the moiré pattern has been compared with clinical observations and X-ray findings in case with structural scoliosis. Because of the sensitivity of the moiré method an asymmetry of at least half fringe interval could be regarded as a positive result. All the observed asymmetries less than one fringe interval had a lateral deviation of the spine of less than 10 degrees according to Cobb when W-ray examined. The moiré method seems to be very suitable for the screening of structural scoliosis, owing to: 1) its ability to detect and document even small deformities by photography; 2) the simplicity of the technique; 3) the possibility of documenting the condition of the back for comparison with subsequent examinations; 4) non-invasive for the patient.

[Surgical treatment of fractures of the distal end of the femur]. / Il trattamento chirurgico delle fratture dell'estremo diastale del femore.

After considering the anatomoclinical aspects of fractures of the distal third of the femur, the Authors analyse the classification of these fractures. Different types of fractures were reviewed and they discussed the best orthopaedic or surgical treatment needed. Surgical methods were studied regarding sopracondylar and intracondylar fractures, which present difficult problems of reduction, contention and consolidation. The 23 cases operated on in the last 2 years were discussed by the Authors.