A high density genetic map of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) obtained from large scale microsatellite marker development

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is a species in the large family of the Solanaceae and is important as an agronomic crop and as a model system in plant biotechnology. Despite its importance, only limited molecular marker resources are available that can be used for genome analysis, genetic mapping and breeding. We report here on the development and characterization of 5,119 new and functional microsatellite markers and on the generation of a high-resolution genetic map for the tetraploid tobacco genome. The genetic map was generated using an F2 mapping population derived from the intervarietal cross of Hicks Broadleaf × Red Russian and merges the polymorphic markers from this new set with those from a smaller set previously used to produce a lower density map. The genetic map described here contains 2,317 microsatellite markers and 2,363 loci, resulting in an average distance between mapped microsatellite markers which is less than 2 million base pairs or 1.5 cM. With this new and expanded marker resource, a sufficient number of markers are now available for multiple applications ranging from tobacco breeding to comparative genome analysis. The genetic map of tobacco is now comparable in marker density and resolution with the best characterized genomes of the Solanaceae: tomato and potato

Profile of mood states and quality of life of Chinese postmastectomy women in Hong Kong: Integrating variable- and person-centered approaches.

Understanding the mood state and its relationship with quality of life (QOL) of mastectomy recipients can serve as baseline within which a sound rehabilitation program can be developed. This study therefore was conducted to facilitate a better understanding of participants' postmastectomy mood states, identify their potential predictors, identify clusters of mood profiles, and clarify between-cluster differences in terms of QOL. Hong Kong mastectomy patients completed the Profile of Mood States and Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index. We extended the complementary strengths of the application of both variable- and person-centered approaches to clarify relationships and to identify profiles of mood states in relation to QOL in a sample of 200 women who had undergone a mastectomy in Hong Kong. Simultaneous regression identified age and educational attainment as predictors of mood states, and cluster analysis identified three distinct mood profiles that are able to explain differences in various measures of QOL after mastectomy. Implications for future research and practice are discussed

Developments in the Treatment of Locally Advanced and Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin: A Rising Unmet Need

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCCS) is a common malignancy with potentially devastating consequences in patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Its rising incidence, primarily a result of an aging population and increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, characterize an emerging unmet need. A firm understanding of the biology of this disease, likely distinct from that of other squamous malignancies because of the influence of UV radiation, is necessary in the evaluation of treatment paradigms. Careful recognition of high-risk features pertaining to tumor and host characteristics is paramount to proper management. However, a lack of standardization in guidelines in this regard creates a challenge for physicians. Questions persist regarding additional evaluation and treatment for advanced disease such as the roles for sentinel lymph node biopsy and the adjuvant use of radiation and chemotherapy. With respect to advanced disease, multiple combinations of chemotherapy have been tested with variable success, but no rigorous randomized studies have been conducted. In addition, EGFR inhibitors such as cetuximab and erlotinib have displayed antitumor activity and as such, warrant further investigation. In sum, the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic SCCS is a ripe area for clinical investigation. This article summarizes the current understanding of disease biology and emerging questions in the management of this disease