Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a plant pathogen capable of transferring a defined segment of DNA to a host plant, generating a gall tumor. Replacing the transferred tumor-inducing genes with exogenous DNA allows the introduction of any desired gene into the plant. Thus, A. tumefaciens has been critical for the development of modern plant genetics and agricultural biotechnology. Here we describe the genome of A. tumefaciens strain C58, which has an unusual structure consisting of one circular and one linear chromosome. We discuss genome architecture and evolution and additional genes potentially involved in virulence and metabolic parasitism of host plants.

We present the case of a 90-year-old diabetic male and medically managed three-vessel coronary artery disease with evidence of an oval, nonmobile echo-density located on the posterior mitral valve annulus measuring two centimeters in diameter without significant impingement of the mitral valve on initial screening echocardiogram which was initially thought to be prominent mitral annular calcification which was later confirmed to be a rare case of caseoma as confirmed by both cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) as well as coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA).

A combined genetic and physical map of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens A348 (derivative of C58) genome was constructed to address the discrepancy between initial single-chromosome genetic maps and more recent physical mapping data supporting the presence of two nonhomologous chromosomes. The combined map confirms the two-chromosome genomic structure and the correspondence of the initial genetic maps to the circular chromosome. The linear chromosome is almost devoid of auxotrophic markers, which probably explains why it was missed by genetic mapping studies.

This is the case of an 18 year old active duty soldier with symptoms of exertional chest pressure and syncope who was found to have anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) from the right coronary cusp (RCC) traveling partially between the great vessels before taking a septal approach between the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Anomalous origin of coronary arteries is a rare condition that carries an increased risk of angina, myocardial ischemia, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Surgical treatment of such anomalies with both high and lower risk features can be challenging, and traditional benefit from surgical correction may not be achieved due to complex anatomy. As evident by our patient, this rare condition even though benign from sudden death standpoint could be debilitating despite best efforts and available resources.

Background In November 2014, in response to the Ebola outbreak, the US government sent ~3000 military personnel to West Africa to construct Ebola treatment units, train health care workers and enhance laboratory testing capabilities. We describe the observed disease and injury epidemiology to identify trends, optimize preventive measures, and mitigate illness during future military operations.Methods Disease and injury visits were monitored daily from December 1, 2014 to February 25, 2015 and categorized by illness and injury type. The personnel were deployed to eight locations in Liberia and Senegal. Diagnostic testing was limited to routine laboratory testing, rapid malaria tests, Ebola PCR, but no rapid tests for other pathogens. Surveillance data were analyzed for disease trend associations (Mann–Whitney U-test, SPSS software).ResultsThe number of people deployed ranged from 1057 to 2983. There were 2,493 visits (>50% in the first month), with a decline in number of patients, illnesses, injuries, and rates of disease and injury during the surveillance period (P < 0.001). Upper respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI) and dermatologic complaints accounted for the largest number of non-injury visits (373, 325, and 306, respectively) and declined over time (P < 0.001). Fifty-one percent and 73% of visits for injuries and GI complaints, respectively, were seen in the first month. Operational stress, musculoskeletal, and soft tissue injuries decreased from the first to third month (P < 0.001). Enterovirus meningitis, norovirus gastroenteritis, and Chikungunya were diagnosed in patients after medical evacuation or redeployment. No cases of malaria were identified in deployed personnel while in West Africa.Conclusion The disease and injury patterns seen in this humanitarian mission are consistent with surveillance data from combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, where GI, respiratory and dermatologic complaints accounted for most of the illnesses and rates declined over time. The high prevalence of upper respiratory and GI illness supports a need for rapid diagnostic platforms in the deployed setting to promptly identify threats to individuals and the mission, minimize communicable disease risks and avoid unnecessary medical evacuations.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.