Chromosome structural variation of two cultivated tetraploid cottons and their ancestral diploid species based on a new high-density genetic map.

A high-resolution genetic map is a useful tool for assaying genomic structural variation and clarifying the evolution of polyploid cotton. A total of 36956 SSRs, including 11289 released in previous studies and 25567 which were newly developed based on the genome sequences of G. arboreum and G. raimondii, were utilized to construct a new genetic map. The new high-density genetic map includes 6009 loci and spanned 3863.97 cM with an average distance of 0.64 cM between consecutive markers. Four inversions (one between Chr08 and Chr24, one between Chr09 and Chr23 and two between Chr10 and Chr20) were identified by homology analysis. Comparative genomic analysis between genetic map and two diploid cottons showed that structural variations between the A genome and At subgenome are more extensive than between D genome and Dt subgenome. A total of 17 inversions, seven simple translocations and two reciprocal translocations were identified between genetic map and G. raimondii. Good colinearity was revealed between the corresponding chromosomes of tetraploid G. hirsutum and G. barbadense genomes, but a total of 16 inversions were detected between them. These results will accelerate the process of evolution analysis of Gossipium genus.

Nursing home research in Jinan, China: a focus group approach.

This qualitative research using the focus group approach has gathered pertinent perceptions from the stakeholders in Chinese elderly care environment, including community-based and institutionalised elderly, medical providers, administrators and governmental officials. The study found that the elderly are willing to live in nursing homes when they are not in good physical condition and are dependent on others for their activities of daily living. The utilisation of nursing home care has gained acceptance in the community as more elders recognise its advantages. The elderly study subjects expressed interest in the service environment, as well as the cultural and recreational activities in nursing homes. Most participants were satisfied with the quality of nursing care. Administrators and providers in the nursing homes agreed that skilled nursing facilities appear to be more competitive because they require more licensed providers and other professional staff members. A majority of nursing homes face serious financial difficulties.