Ecological and evolutionary drivers of phenotypic and genetic variation in the European crabapple [Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill.], a wild relative of the cultivated apple.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Studying the relationship between phenotypic and genetic variation in populations distributed across environmental gradients can help us to understand the ecological and evolutionary processes involved in population divergence. We investigated the patterns of genetic and phenotypic diversity in the European crabapple, Malus sylvestris, a wild relative of the cultivated apple (Malus domestica) that occurs naturally across Europe in areas subjected to different climatic conditions, to test for divergence among populations. METHODS: Growth rates and traits related to carbon uptake in seedlings collected across Europe were measured in controlled conditions and associated with the genetic status of the seedlings, which was assessed using 13 microsatellite loci and the Bayesian clustering method. Isolation-by-distance, isolation-by-climate and isolation-by-adaptation patterns, which can explain genetic and phenotypic differentiation among M. sylvestris populations, were also tested. KEY RESULTS: A total of 11.6 % of seedlings were introgressed by M. domestica, indicating that crop-wild gene flow is ongoing in Europe. The remaining seedlings (88.4 %) belonged to seven M. sylvestris populations. Significant phenotypic trait variation among M. sylvestris populations was observed. We did not observe significant isolation by adaptation; however, the significant association between genetic variation and the climate during the Last Glacial Maximum suggests that there has been local adaptation of M. sylvestris to past climates. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insight into the phenotypic and genetic differentiation among populations of a wild relative of the cultivated apple. This might help us to make better use of its diversity and provide options for mitigating the impact of climate change on the cultivated apple through breeding.

An unusual case of eyelid metastasis from a rectal primary.

A 26-year-old, human immunodeficiency virus. (HIV).negative male, a diagnosed case of locally advanced adenocarcinoma rectum underwent diversion colostomy and received preoperative radiotherapy with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy. (3DCRT) to a dose of 25 Gy/5 Fx/8. days to 95% planning target volume. (PTV) with 3-field technique. (right and left lateral and posterior) by 6 and 15 MV photons. Postradiotherapy contrast-enhanced computed tomography. (CECT) chest and abdomen showed progressive disease. He was reviewed by oncosurgeon and considered inoperable. He presented with a swelling over upper eyelid, which on biopsy was proven as metastatic adenocarcinoma. He received three cycles of weekly chemotherapy and was planned for excision and reconstruction of eyelid. He finally succumbed due to small bowel obstruction, acute renal failure, and septicemia after an overall duration of survival of seven months. Eyelid metastases occur in less than one percent of malignant eye lesions in adults. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported with a primary in rectum.