Cultivated beets (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris) are unable to form reproductive shoots during the first year of their life cycle. Flowering only occurs if plants get vernalized, that is, pass through ...the winter, and are subsequently exposed to an increasing day length (photoperiod) in spring. Here, we show that the regulation of flowering time in beets is controlled by the interplay of two paralogs of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene in Arabidopsis that have evolved antagonistic functions. BvFT2 is functionally conserved with FT and essential for flowering. In contrast, BvFT1 represses flowering and its down-regulation is crucial for the vernalization response in beets. These data suggest that the beet has evolved a different strategy relative to Arabidopsis and cereals to regulate vernalization.
Life cycle adaptation to latitudinal and seasonal variation in photoperiod and temperature is a major determinant of evolutionary success in flowering plants. Whereas the life cycle of the ...dicotyledonous model species Arabidopsis thaliana is controlled by two epistatic genes, FLOWERING LOCUS C and FRIGIDA 1–3, three unrelated loci (VERNALIZATION 1–3) determine the spring and winter habits of monocotyledonous plants such as temperate cereals 4–6. In the core eudicot species Beta vulgaris, whose lineage diverged from that leading to Arabidopsis shortly after the monocot-dicot split 140 million years ago 7, 8, the bolting locus B 9 is a master switch distinguishing annuals from biennials. Here, we isolated B and show that the pseudo-response regulator gene BOLTING TIME CONTROL 1 (BvBTC1), through regulation of the FLOWERING LOCUS T genes 10, is absolutely necessary for flowering and mediates the response to both long days and vernalization. Our results suggest that domestication of beets involved the selection of a rare partial loss-of-function BvBTC1 allele that imparts reduced sensitivity to photoperiod that is restored by vernalization, thus conferring bienniality, and illustrate how evolutionary plasticity at a key regulatory point can enable new life cycle strategies.
► Map-based cloning of B in beet led to isolation of the PRR gene BvBTC1 ► BvBTC1 controls life cycle through differential regulation of the BvFT1/BvFT2 module ► BvBTC1 mediates floral transition in response to both long days and vernalization ► Beet domestication involved selection of a rare Bvbtc1 allele conferring bienniality
Objective
To determine the frequency of anterolateral ligament (ALL) injury in patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and to analyse its associated injury patterns.
Methods
...Ninety patients with acute ACL rupture for which MRI was obtained within 8 weeks after the initial trauma were retrospectively identified. Two radiologists assessed the status of the ALL on MRI by consensus. The presence or absence of an ALL abnormality was compared with the existence of medial and lateral meniscal tears diagnosed during arthroscopy. Associated collateral ligament and osseous injuries were documented with MRI.
Results
Forty-one of 90 knees (46 %) demonstrated ALL abnormalities on MRI. Of 49 knees with intact ALL, 15 (31 %) had a torn lateral meniscus as compared to 25 torn lateral menisci in 41 knees (61 %) with abnormal ALL (
p
= 0.008). Collateral ligament (
p
≤ 0.05) and osseous injuries (
p
= 0.0037) were more frequent and severe in ALL-injured as compared with ALL-intact knees.
Conclusion
ALL injuries are fairly common in patients with acute ACL rupture and are statistically significantly associated with lateral meniscal, collateral ligament and osseous injuries.
Key Points
•
ALL injuries are fairly common in patients with acute ACL rupture.
•
ALL injuries are highly associated with lateral meniscal and osseous injuries.
•
MRI assessment of ACL-injured knees should include evaluation of the ALL.
Objectives
To update the 2012 European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) clinical consensus guidelines for musculoskeletal ultrasound referral in Europe.
Methods
Twenty-one musculoskeletal ...imaging experts from the ESSR participated in a consensus study based on a Delphic process. Two independent (non-voting) authors facilitated the procedure and resolved doubtful issues. Updated musculoskeletal ultrasound literature up to July 2017 was scored for shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, hip, knee, and ankle/foot. Scoring of ultrasound elastography was included. The strength of the recommendation and level of evidence was scored by consensus greater than 67% or considered uncertain when the consensus was consensus less than 67%.
Results
A total of 123 new papers were reviewed. No evidence change was found regarding the shoulder. There were no new relevant articles for the shoulder, 10 new articles for the elbow, 28 for the hand/wrist, 3 for the hip, 7 for the knee, and 4 for the ankle/foot. Four new evidence levels of A were determined, one for the hip (gluteal tendons tears), one for the knee (meniscal cysts), one for the ankle (ankle joint instability), and one for the foot (plantar plate tear). There was no level A evidence for elastography, although for Achilles tendinopathy and lateral epicondylitis evidence level was B with grade 3 indication.
Conclusions
Four new areas of level A evidence were included in the guidelines. Elastography did not reach level A evidence. Whilst ultrasound is of increasing importance in musculoskeletal medical practice, the evidence for elastography remains moderate.
Key Points
• Evidence and expert consensus shows an increase of musculoskeletal ultrasound indications.
• Four new A evidence levels were found for the hip, knee, ankle, and foot.
• There was no level A evidence for elastography.
Objectives
Early, accurate diagnosis is crucial for the prognosis of patients with soft tissue sarcomas. To this end, standardization of imaging algorithms, technical requirements, and reporting is ...therefore a prerequisite. Since the first European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) consensus in 2015, technical achievements, further insights into specific entities, and the revised WHO-classification (2020) and AJCC staging system (2017) made an update necessary. The guidelines are intended to support radiologists in their decision-making and contribute to interdisciplinary tumor board discussions.
Materials and methods
A validated Delphi method based on peer-reviewed literature was used to derive consensus among a panel of 46 specialized musculoskeletal radiologists from 12 European countries. Statements were scored online by level of agreement (0 to 10) during two iterative rounds. Either “group consensus,” “group agreement,” or “lack of agreement” was achieved.
Results
Eight sections were defined that finally contained 145 statements with comments. Overall, group consensus was reached in 95.9%, and group agreement in 4.1%. This communication contains the first part consisting of the imaging algorithm for suspected soft tissue tumors, methods for local imaging, and the role of tumor centers.
Conclusion
Ultrasound represents the initial triage imaging modality for accessible and small tumors. MRI is the modality of choice for the characterization and local staging of most soft tissue tumors. CT is indicated in special situations. In suspicious or likely malignant tumors, a specialist tumor center should be contacted for referral or teleradiologic second opinion. This should be done before performing a biopsy, without exception.
Clinical relevance
The updated ESSR soft tissue tumor imaging guidelines aim to provide best practice expert consensus for standardized imaging, to support radiologists in their decision-making, and to improve examination comparability both in individual patients and in future studies on individualized strategies.
Key Points
• Ultrasound remains the best initial triage imaging modality for accessible and small suspected soft tissue tumors.
• MRI is the modality of choice for the characterization and local staging of soft tissue tumors in most cases; CT is indicated in special situations. Suspicious or likely malignant tumors should undergo biopsy.
• In patients with large, indeterminate or suspicious tumors, a tumor reference center should be contacted for referral or teleradiologic second opinion; this must be done before a biopsy.
Hybridization technology has proven valuable in enhancing yields in many crops, but was only recently adopted in the small grain cereals. Hybrid varieties in barley (
Hordeum vulgare
) rely on the ...cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) system
msm1
derived from
Hordeum vulgare
ssp.
spontaneum
. The major restorer gene described for the
msm1
system is known as
Rfm1
and maps to the top of chromosome 6H. To gain further insight into mechanisms underlying male fertility restoration in barley, we used a map-based cloning approach to identify the nuclear gene involved in the restoration mechanism of this hybridization system. Taking advantage of the available genomic resources in barley in combination with a custom-made non-gridded BAC library developed from a restorer line, we cloned and sequenced the
Rfm1
restorer locus. The characterization and annotation of the nucleotide sequence for the
Rfm1
restorer allele allowed for the identification of the candidate gene for
Rfm1
. The
Rfm1
locus carries a tandem repeat of a gene encoding a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein. Surprisingly,
Rfm1
belongs to the PLS-DYW subfamily of PPR genes known for their involvement in RNA editing in plants organelles, but that to date have not been identified as restorer genes.
Imaging of the Diabetic Foot Gielen, Jan; Vael, Leo
Journal of the Belgian Society of Radiology,
11/2021, Letnik:
105, Številka:
1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Osteomyelitis in the diabetic foot is located in continuity with skin ulcers. The exact location of skin ulcers is essential to discriminate osteomyelitis per continuitatem from active Charcot ...osteoarthropathy.
To determine the role of imaging in the diagnosis and monitoring of the Achilles tendon rupture (ATR).
Systematic review.
PubMed and EMBASE in November 2016.
Clinical studies providing information on ...the methods and role of imaging in the diagnosis and monitoring of the ATR were included.
Fifty-six studies were included, most concerning the use of ultrasound (n=37) or MRI (n=18). Seven studies provided data on the diagnostic accuracy of imaging. Most ultrasound studies used a 7.5MHz probe (19/32 studies) and scanned the patient bilaterally in prone position, with recent studies tending to use higher frequency probes (r=0.42). Sensitivity for detecting a rupture ranged from 79.6 to 100%; the spread in specificity was large but two studies showed perfect (100%) data. Negative and positive likelihood ratios ranged from 0 to 0.23 and 1.0 to 10 respectively.
MRI examination was generally performed with 1.5Tesla (T) MRI (6/12 studies) with a strong trend for higher T strength in more recent studies (r=0.71). One study reported a sensitivity of 90.9% and one a specificity of 100%.
Although imaging can visualize structure and healing, these results were generally not related to the clinical picture. Overall, ultrasound was recommended over MRI for diagnosis and monitoring. Results of other imaging modalities remain inconclusive.
The adjunct role of imaging, especially of ultrasound and MRI, in the diagnosis and monitoring of ATRs was established. It is therefore recommended to rely primarily on the clinical examination and evaluation and to use imaging for ruling out other injuries and providing additional clinical information. More high-quality research is warranted into the diagnostic accuracy of imaging as well as less conventional imaging modalities’ diagnostic and monitoring capabilities.
Two previous studies showed kinematic differences between novice and experienced performers during unchoreographed movements executed in standing position. However, no study explores if these ...kinematic differences holds during unchoreographed movements executed in quadrupedal position. The aim of this study is to compare the movement behaviour of experienced and novice performers during an exercise wherein they are challenged to use dynamic and largely unchoreographed movement patterns executed in quadrupedal position. The exercise studied was the Cat exercise, in which participants were asked to behave like a feline for 10 minutes. An inventory of the chosen movements and the assessment of their average and coefficient of variation of the ground contact temporal parameters, computed by analysing the tri-dimensional whole-body kinematics of 25 performers (n = 13 novices and n = 12 experienced), was compared according to their experience level. No significant difference was found between the groups for the number of chosen movements, and median or coefficient of variation of ground contact temporal parameters, except for a greater foot/ knee swing coefficient of variation in experienced performers. This suggests that biomechanical constraints induced by quadrupedal position "prevent" a different selection of motor strategies by experienced performers, although the latter can be more variable in their movements.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
BACKGROUND:MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is widely used to diagnose meniscal pathology and ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears. Because of the enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and improved image ...quality at higher field strength, knee MRI equipment is shifting from 1.5 to 3.0 T. To date, objective evidence of improved diagnostic ability at 3.0 T is lacking. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the accuracy of 1.5 and 3.0-T MRI of the knee, in the same individuals, for diagnosing meniscal pathology and ACL tears, utilizing arthroscopy as the reference standard.
METHODS:Two hundred patients underwent MRI of the knee at 1.5 and 3.0 T. All MRI examinations consisted of multiplanar turbo spin-echo sequences. One hundred patients underwent subsequent knee arthroscopy. Two blinded independent radiologists assessed all MRI studies to identify meniscal pathology and ACL tears. In patients with MRI results indicating the need for surgical treatment, the sensitivity and specificity of the 1.5 and 3.0-T protocols for detecting these lesions were determined, utilizing arthroscopy as the reference standard, and compared with use of the McNemar test. The kappa statistic for inter-reader agreement in the 200 patients was calculated.
RESULTS:For medial meniscal tears, the mean sensitivity and specificity for the two readers were 93% and 90%, respectively, at 1.5 T and 96% and 88%, respectively, at 3.0 T. For lateral meniscal tears, the mean sensitivity and specificity were 77% and 99%, respectively, at 1.5 T and 82% and 98%, respectively, at 3.0 T. For ACL tears, the mean sensitivity and specificity were 78% and 100%, respectively, at 1.5 T and 80% and 100%, respectively, at 3.0 T. None of the values for either reader differed significantly between the 1.5 and 3.0-T MRI protocols. Inter-reader agreement was almost perfect to perfect (kappa = 0.82 to 1.00).
CONCLUSIONS:Routine use of a 3.0-T MRI protocol did not significantly improve accuracy for evaluating the knee menisci and ACL compared with a similar 1.5-T protocol.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Diagnostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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