The Ashbya gossypii genome as a tool for mapping the ancient Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome

We have sequenced and annotated the genome of the filamentous ascomycete Ashbya gossypii. With a size of only 9.2 megabases, encoding 4718 protein-coding genes, it is the smallest genome of a free-living eukaryote yet characterized. More than 90% of A. gossypii genes show both homology and a particular pattern of synteny with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Analysis of this pattern revealed 300 inversions and translocations that have occurred since divergence of these two species. It also provided compelling evidence that the evolution of S. cerevisiae included a whole genome duplication or fusion of two related species and showed, through inferred ancient gene orders, which of the duplicated genes lost one copy and which retained both copies.     

Comparison of quantitative immunoturbidimetric and semiquantitative latex‐agglutination assays for D‐dimer measurement in canine plasma

Background: D‐dimer measurement in dogs is considered the most reliable test for detecting disseminated intravascular coagulation or thromboembolism. Objectives: The purposes of this study were to compare 2 D‐dimer assays, a quantitative immunoturbidimetric and a semiquantitative latex agglutination assay, and to assess the effect of hemolysis and storage conditions on D‐dimer concentration using the quantitative assay. Methods: The immunoturbidimetric assay was validated using canine citrated plasma samples containing different concentrations of D‐dimer. The effect of storage at various temperatures and times was assessed. Hemolysis was produced by adding lysed RBCs to the samples for a final hemoglobin concentration of 0.35 g/dL. Results: For clinically relevant values (>250 μg/L), intra‐assay and interassay coefficients of variation were 6.8% and 7.2%. The assay was linear (r²=1.00), and the tests had good agreement (κ=0.685, P<.001). Storage at 4 °C and ?20 °C and hemolysis had no significant effect on D‐dimer concentrations. In hemolyzed samples stored at room temperature for ≥48 hours, fine clots were noted and often resulted in falsely increased D‐dimer concentrations. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the immunoturbidimetric assay validated in this study is reliable and accurate for the measurement of D‐dimer in canine plasma. Samples can be stored for up to 1 month at ?20 °C and moderate hemolysis does not significantly affect the D‐dimer concentration in frozen or refrigerated samples.     

Chromosomal regions associated with barley yellow dwarf virus resistance in oat

Immature embryos of the spring barley variety GoldenPromise, were bombarded with three different particledelivery systems and both transient and stabletransformation examined. In addition, a range oftechniques for the preparation of the DNA coated goldparticles was examined. Fertile transgenic barleyplants were obtained using three particle preparationtechniques which differed in the amount of gold andDNA used for each bombardment. However, only one ofthe particle delivery systems, the PDS 1000/He device,appeared to be effective in yielding transformedbarley plants.     

A field evaluation of an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test developed to diagnose plasmacytoid leukemia in chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha).

An immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) developed for the diagnosis for plasmacytoid leukemia was evaluated against histology under field conditions. Previously published results from a laboratory evaluation indicated that the IFAT had a much higher sensitivity than did histology. One hundred seventy-seven moribund chinook salmon from 3 farms located in British Columbia were sampled. Sensitivity, specificity and their respective quality indices were estimated for the IFAT relative to histology. The IFAT was shown to be unreliable, particularly with respect to sensitivity. Cohen's kappa was also calculated and revealed that the agreement between the 2 tests was no better than random. In contrast to previously published results the IFAT did not perform better than histology in the presence of bacterial kidney disease. The results emphasize the importance of evaluating tests in the field conditions in which they are to be used. The possible reasons for the shortcomings of the IFAT are discussed.     

Induced resistance in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), to gill disease associated with the microsporidian gill parasite Loma salmonae

Branchial xenomas were detected by week 5 and disappeared by week 10 after naive juvenile rainbow trout, held at 14.5 °C, were fed or intubated with Loma salmonae ‐infected gill tissue preparations. Upon re‐challenge with L. salmonae , these fish were protected from disease and branchial xenomas did not develop. Branchial xenomas were never detected in naive fish held at 10 °C and exposed to L. salmonae . When these fish were re‐challenged with L. salmonae at 14.5 °C, they were also protected from the disease. Branchial xenomas also developed after naive fish, held at 14.5 °C, were injected intraperitoneally with a semipurified preparation of fresh spores, but generally did not develop after intraperitoneal injection with a preparation of spores subjected to freezing and thawing before use. Fish that had received fresh spores intraperitoneally were completely resistant to disease when re‐challenged via oral delivery of spores, whereas those that had received frozen spores were incompletely, but significantly, protected from disease compared with naive fish. We conclude that infection with L. salmonae induces strong protection towards the disease upon re‐exposure to spores, and that the protection does not depend on the completion of the parasite's life cycle, thus establishing the basis for further research on vaccine development for this disease.