The corona and upper transition region of epsilon Eridani

We present analyses of observations of epsilon Eridani (K2 V) made with the Low Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer on Chandra and the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer, supplemented by observations made with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph, the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer and the Reflection Grating Spectrometer on XMM-Newton. The observed emission lines are used to find relative element abundances, to place limits on the electron densities and pressures and to determine the mean apparent emission measure distribution. As in the previous paper by Sim & Jordan (2003a), the mean emitting area as a function of the electron temperature is derived by comparisons with a theoretical emission measure distribution found from energy balance arguments. The final model has a coronal temperature of 3.4 x 10^6 K, an electron pressure of 1.3 x 10^16 cm^-3 K at T_e = 2 x 10^5 K and an area filling factor of 0.14 at 3.2 x 10^5 K. We discuss a number of issues concerning the atomic data currently available. Our analyses are based mainly on the latest version of CHIANTI (v5.2). We conclude that the Ne/O relative abundance is 0.30, larger than that recommended from solar studies, and that there is no convincing evidence for enhanced coronal abundances of elements with low first ionization potentials.Comment: accepted by MNRAS; 19 pages, five figures, 10 table

The Genomic Signature of Crop-Wild Introgression in Maize

The evolutionary significance of hybridization and subsequent introgression has long been appreciated, but evaluation of the genome-wide effects of these phenomena has only recently become possible. Crop-wild study systems represent ideal opportunities to examine evolution through hybridization. For example, maize and the conspecific wild teosinte Zea mays ssp. mexicana, (hereafter, mexicana) are known to hybridize in the fields of highland Mexico. Despite widespread evidence of gene flow, maize and mexicana maintain distinct morphologies and have done so in sympatry for thousands of years. Neither the genomic extent nor the evolutionary importance of introgression between these taxa is understood. In this study we assessed patterns of genome-wide introgression based on 39,029 single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyped in 189 individuals from nine sympatric maize-mexicana populations and reference allopatric populations. While portions of the maize and mexicana genomes were particularly resistant to introgression (notably near known cross-incompatibility and domestication loci), we detected widespread evidence for introgression in both directions of gene flow. Through further characterization of these regions and preliminary growth chamber experiments, we found evidence suggestive of the incorporation of adaptive mexicana alleles into maize during its expansion to the highlands of central Mexico. In contrast, very little evidence was found for adaptive introgression from maize to mexicana. The methods we have applied here can be replicated widely, and such analyses have the potential to greatly informing our understanding of evolution through introgressive hybridization. Crop species, due to their exceptional genomic resources and frequent histories of spread into sympatry with relatives, should be particularly influential in these studies

Sequencing of diverse mandarin, pummelo and orange genomes reveals complex history of admixture during citrus domestication

Cultivated citrus are selections from, or hybrids of, wild progenitor species whose identities and contributions to citrus domestication remain controversial. Here we sequence and compare citrus genomes-a high-quality reference haploid clementine genome and mandarin, pummelo, sweet-orange and sour-orange genomes-and show that cultivated types derive from two progenitor species. Although cultivated pummelos represent selections from one progenitor species, Citrus maxima, cultivated mandarins are introgressions of C. maxima into the ancestral mandarin species Citrus reticulata. The most widely cultivated citrus, sweet orange, is the offspring of previously admixed individuals, but sour orange is an F1 hybrid of pure C. maxima and C. reticulata parents, thus implying that wild mandarins were part of the early breeding germplasm. A Chinese wild 'mandarin' diverges substantially from C. reticulata, thus suggesting the possibility of other unrecognized wild citrus species. Understanding citrus phylogeny through genome analysis clarifies taxonomic relationships and facilitates sequence-directed genetic improvement. (Résumé d'auteur

An extreme case of plant-insect co-diversification: figs and fig-pollinating wasps

It is thought that speciation in phytophagous insects is often due to colonization of novel host plants, because radiations of plant and insect lineages are typically asynchronous. Recent phylogenetic comparisons have supported this model of diversification for both insect herbivores and specialized pollinators. An exceptional case where contemporaneous plant insect diversification might be expected is the obligate mutualism between fig trees (Ficus species, Moraceae) and their pollinating wasps (Agaonidae, Hymenoptera). The ubiquity and ecological significance of this mutualism in tropical and subtropical ecosystems has long intrigued biologists, but the systematic challenge posed by >750 interacting species pairs has hindered progress toward understanding its evolutionary history. In particular, taxon sampling and analytical tools have been insufficient for large-scale co-phylogenetic analyses. Here, we sampled nearly 200 interacting pairs of fig and wasp species from across the globe. Two supermatrices were assembled: on average, wasps had sequences from 77% of six genes (5.6kb), figs had sequences from 60% of five genes (5.5 kb), and overall 850 new DNA sequences were generated for this study. We also developed a new analytical tool, Jane 2, for event-based phylogenetic reconciliation analysis of very large data sets. Separate Bayesian phylogenetic analyses for figs and fig wasps under relaxed molecular clock assumptions indicate Cretaceous diversification of crown groups and contemporaneous divergence for nearly half of all fig and pollinator lineages. Event-based co-phylogenetic analyses further support the co-diversification hypothesis. Biogeographic analyses indicate that the presentday distribution of fig and pollinator lineages is consistent with an Eurasian origin and subsequent dispersal, rather than with Gondwanan vicariance. Overall, our findings indicate that the fig-pollinator mutualism represents an extreme case among plant-insect interactions of coordinated dispersal and long-term co-diversification

Comparaison du renfort sous-vésical UGYTEX® par voie vaginale trans-obturatrice par rapport à la plicature sous-vésicale sans renfort dans le traitement chirurgical de la cystocèle (résultats d'une étude prospective randomisée multicentrique française)

Objectif: comparer l'efficacité de prothèses de polypropylène enduites de collagène (Ugytex) par rapport à l'utilisation des tissus natifs (plicature sous vésicale) dans la cure de cystocèle par voie basse (de stade 2 ou supérieur) à 1 an. Les objectifs secondaires étaient de comparer les résultats fonctionnels et d'étudier la morbidité liée à l'utilisation de prothèses. Matériel et méthodes: étude prospective randomisée, multicentrique, menée entre avril 2005 et décembre 2009. Résultats: 147 patientes ont été incluses, randomisées et analysées: 72 dans le groupe plicature et 75 dans le groupe prothèse. Deux plaies vésicales (1,4%) sont survenues lors de la dissection dans le groupe prothèse. A 1 an, le taux de succès anatomique était significativement plus élevé dans le groupe prothèse (89%) par rapport au groupe plicature (64%) (p=O,0006). L'absence de récidive anatomique et, fonctionnelle était aussi plus élevée dans le groupe prothèse (68,7% contre 47,8%,p=0,007). Il n'y a pas de différence significative concernant les complications mineures. Le taux d'érosion est de 9,5%. Une patiente sur 14 dans le groupe plicature et 3 patientes sur 13 dans le groupe prothèse souffrent de dyspareunie de novo. Les taux d'lUE de novo sont comparables (11 % et 12%,p=O,8). L'étude des questionnaires de qualité de vie montre une amélioration globale mais pas de différence significative entre les 2 gf(;)upes. Conclusion: l'utilisation d'une prothèse trans-obturatrice Vgytex par voie basse pour la cure de cystocèle révèle à 1 an des taux de succès significativement meilleurs que l'utilisation des tissus natifs, non seulement sur le plan anatomique mais également fonctionnel.MONTPELLIER-BU Médecine UPM (341722108) / SudocSudocFranceF

Long-term follow-up of patients treated by transvaginal mesh repair for anterior prolapse

International audienceOBJECTIVE:The aim of the study was to assess 5 years outcome of transvaginal single incision mesh surgery (SIMS) for anterior pelvic organ prolapse (POP).STUDY DESIGN:This was a prospective study including all patients from January 2009 to December 2012 who underwent SIMS for symptomatic anterior prolapse stage ≥2, according to POP Quantification (POP-Q). Symptoms and quality of life were assessed using validated questionnaires: Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), Pelvic Floor Impact questionnaire (PFIQ-7), and Prolapse/ Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12). Main outcome was subjective success (question 3 of PFDI-20 score = 0). Mesh-related complications, objective and functional outcomes were used as the secondary outcomes.RESULTS:270 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up was 5,7 years [4,5-8,2]. Subjective success rate was 86,6% at 5 years. Objective success rate was 53,1% at 5 years. At 5 years, composite failure (subjective + objective) occurred for 17 patients (12%), 7 patients with direct recurrence and 10 with indirect recurrence. Re-treatment was performed in six patients (2,8%; 3 hysterectomies for apical recurrence and 3 posterior repairs for posterior recurrence). One case (0,4%) of asymptomatic mesh exposure occurred. The reoperation rate for mesh-related complications was 3,4%. At 5 years, de novo dyspareunia rate was 11,7%, 3,9% considered as mesh-related. A significant improvement was noted for symptoms and quality of life.CONCLUSION:Five-year results demonstrate that vaginal mesh surgery provides a durable and safe repair of anterior compartment prolapse with a low rate of mesh-related complications and reoperations. Between the 2- and 5-year follow-up, patient satisfaction and associated improvements in prolapse-specific symptoms were sustained and minimal new morbidity occurred

Genetic structure of Malus sylvestris and potential link with preference/performance by the rosy apple aphid pest Dysaphis plantaginea

The European crabapple Malus sylvestris, a crop wild relative of Malus domestica, is a major contributor to the cultivated apple genome and represents a potential source of interesting alleles or genes, particularly pest resistance traits. An original approach was used to explore the trophic interaction between M. sylvestris populations and its pest, the rosy apple aphid (Dysaphis plantaginea). Using 13 microsatellite markers, population genetic structure and level of crop-to-wild introgressions were inferred between M. sylvestris seedlings from three sites in Europe (Denmark, France, Romania), and M. domestica seedlings. Genetically characterized plants were also used to analyze aphid feeding behavior and fitness parameters. First, aphids submitted to two genetically close M. sylvestris populations (the Danish and French) exhibited similar behavioral parameters, suggesting similar patterns of resistance in these host plants. Second, the Romanian M. sylvestris population was most closely genetically related to M. domestica. Although the two plant genetic backgrounds were significantly differentiated, they showed comparable levels of sensitivity to D. plantaginea infestation. Third, aphid fitness parameters were not significantly impacted by the host plant’s genetic background. Finally, crop-to-wild introgression seemed to significantly drive resistance to D. plantaginea independent of host plant population genetic structure, with hybrids being less suitable hosts

Utero-vaginal suspension using bilateral vaginal anterior sacrospinous fixation with mesh: intermediate results of a cohort study

International audienceINTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS:Pelvic organ prolapse is a major burden for the public health system, affecting up to 30 % of all women. One mesh kit has been introduced for pelvic organ prolapse surgery that can be inserted via a single anterior incision with the mesh arms driven through the sacrospinous ligament in a tension-free manner. The aim of this study was to describe the medium-term results of this vaginal mesh kit procedure for the combined treatment of the anterior vaginal wall and vault prolapse.METHODS:This is a longitudinal case series of patients undergoing an anterior mesh operation between 2009 and 2013. All patients presenting with symptomatic stage II prolapse or higher were included when a minimum follow-up of 12 months was achieved. A structured interview and clinical examination were performed pre- and postoperatively.RESULTS:One hundred and eighteen consecutive patients were operated with the Uphold® system during the study period. Three patients did not complete the 12-month follow-up and were excluded from the analysis, leaving 115 patients. Anatomical success at a mean follow-up of 23 months was 93 %, with a patient satisfaction rate of 95 %. Four patients (8 %) experienced de novo dyspareunia related to the mesh. The reoperation rate for mesh-related complications was 3.4 %; no patients were re-operated for POP recurrence.CONCLUSIONS:The subjective and objective cure rates were high and the mesh-related re-operation rate was 3 % in the medium term, suggesting that this surgical technique may be an option for women requiring anterior and apical prolapse repair

Long-term outcomes of a randomized controlled trial comparing trans-obturator vaginal mesh with native tissue repair in the treatment of anterior vaginal wall prolapse

International audienceIntroduction and hypothesis: The aim of this study was to report the long-term subjective and objective outcomes after transvaginal mesh (TVM) or native tissue repair.Methods: Prospective, randomized, multicenter study conducted between April 2005 and December 2009 comparing anterior colporrhaphy with trans-obturator vaginal mesh (Pelvitex/Ugytex®, Sofradim, Trevoux, France) for the treatment of anterior vaginal wall prolapse. The primary endpoint was functional recurrence rate 5-8 years after surgery. Secondary endpoints consisted of anatomical results, mesh-related morbidity and patient satisfaction measured through validated questionnaires.Results: Of the 147 women originally included, 75 (51%) were successfully re-contacted a median of 7 years after the initial surgery. The primary outcome, subjective recurrence of prolapse, was similar between the TVM and the anterior colporrhaphy groups (31 vs 34% respectively). Anatomical recurrence was less likely in the TVM group (67 vs 24%, p = 0.004). Mesh exposure occurred in 4 of the 39 patients (13%) during follow-up, 2 of which had a surgical reintervention. Reintervention for prolapse took place in 7 patients (9%).Conclusion: Seven-year follow-up showed similar functional outcomes for mesh and native tissue repair in anterior vaginal wall prolapse. TVM did not reduce repeat surgery in the long term; it did, however, reduce anatomical recurrence. Mesh exposure rates were relatively high, but no difference in outcome of pain or dyspareunia was noted