A simple method for estimating recombination percentages and linkage intensities from F2 data: examples from Triticum monococcum and other self-fertilizing diploid plant species

Summary We offer an alternative approach to the extensively used maximum likelihood and product methods for calculating recombination values and linkage intensities from F₂ data. This new method which we designate as the square root approach is simpler than the ones in current use in that it obviates the need for formulae and tables. It can be applied to autosomal F₂ data from F₁'s heterozygous in both the coupling and repulsion phases. It has greater applicability than the product method in that it can be used in all cases involving 2-, 3-, 4-, 6- and 9-class segregations regardless whether gene interaction occurs or not, provided the double recessive and other specific phenotypes are each determined by one particular genotype. The proposed method is based on the same well established genetic facts as the other two approaches. Percent recombinant gametes and therefore percent recombination are calculated by deriving the square root of the proportion of the F₂ population that expresses the double recessive or equivalent phenotype. The recombination values obtained by our method are compared with those derived by product method for 17 crosses in 7 different species and were found to be insignificantly different from the latter. The advantages and disadvantages of the square root method compared with the two most used ones are discussed.     

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the mitogen-activated protein kinase gene family from banana suggest involvement of specific members in different stages of fruit ripening

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are important components of the tripartite mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascade and play an important role in plant growth and development. Although members of the MAPK gene family have been identified in model plants, little information is available regarding this gene family in fruit crops. In this study, we carried out a computational analysis using the Musa Genome database to identify members of the MAPK gene family in banana, an economically important crop and the most popular fruit worldwide. Our analysis identified 25 members of the MAP kinase (MAPK or MPK) gene family. Phylogenetic analyses of MPKs in Arabidopsis, Oryza, and Populus have classified these MPKs into four subgroups. The presence of conserved domains in the deduced amino acid sequences, phylogeny, and genomic organization strongly support their identity as members of the MPK gene family. Expression analysis during ethylene-induced banana fruit ripening suggests the involvement of several MPKs in the ethylene signal transduction pathway that are necessary for banana fruit ripening. Analysis of the cis-regulatory elements in the promoter regions and the involvement of the identified MPKs in various cellular processes, as analyzed using Pathway Studio, suggest a role for the banana MPK gene family in diverse functions related to growth, development, and the stress response. This report is the first concerning the identification of members of a gene family and the elucidation of their role in various processes using the Musa Genome database.     

Fine needle aspiration cytology of supernumerary breasts. Report of three cases

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed on small lumps in three female patients in the reproductive age group. One lump in the axilla and one on the chest wall were clinically suspected of being a lipoma or an angioma while another axillary lump was thought to be an enlarged lymph node. Cytologically, the aspirates revealed the presence of ectopic breast tissue. These cases show yet another instance in which FNA cytology can make the diagnosis of lumps of unknown origin, avoiding the need for open biopsy.