BackgroundThe date palm is one of the oldest cultivated fruit trees. It is critical in many ways to cultures in arid lands by providing highly nutritious fruit while surviving extreme heat and environmental conditions. Despite its importance from antiquity, few genetic resources are available for improving the productivity and development of the dioecious date palm. To date there has been no genetic map and no sex chromosome has been identified.ResultsHere we present the first genetic map for date palm and identify the putative date palm sex chromosome. We placed ~4000 markers on the map using nearly 1200 framework markers spanning a total of 1293 cM. We have integrated the genetic map, derived from the Khalas cultivar, with the draft genome and placed up to 19% of the draft genome sequence scaffolds onto linkage groups for the first time. This analysis revealed approximately ~1.9 cM/Mb on the map. Comparison of the date palm linkage groups revealed significant long-range synteny to oil palm. Analysis of the date palm sex-determination region suggests it is telomeric on linkage group 12 and recombination is not suppressed in the full chromosome.ConclusionsBased on a modified gentoyping-by-sequencing approach we have overcome challenges due to lack of genetic resources and provide the first genetic map for date palm. Combined with the recent draft genome sequence of the same cultivar, this resource offers a critical new tool for date palm biotechnology, palm comparative genomics and a better understanding of sex chromosome development in the palms.

The present study found a high prevalence and incidence of AP in association with root-filled teeth. The technical quality of many root canal treatments was unacceptable.

Objective: To determine the absolute and relative antibacterial activity of octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) against total and cariogenic bacteria in saliva samples of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances during 5 days of usage. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 5 male and 13 female subjects who were selected from patients in the Clinic of Orthodontics. Each patient was given physiologic saline (PS), chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine complex (PVP-I), and OCT every morning for 5 days, each separated by a 2-week interval. Total and cariogenic bacteria in saliva samples of orthodontically treated patients with fixed appliances were collected during 5 days of usage. Unstimulated saliva was collected as a baseline sample. Saliva samples were collected at 15 minutes, and on the second, third, and fifth day after rinsing the mouth with any of the solutions for 30 seconds, and bacterial counts were detected. Results: OCT showed an ultimate reduction of total viable oral bacteria, Lactobacillus species, and Streptococcus mutans in vivo. OCT also had a significantly greater inhibitory effect than 0.2% CHX and 7.5% PVP-I, from the beginning of the study until the fifth day after the orthodontic appliances were bonded (P Ͻ .1). Conclusions: OCT compared favorably with respect to CHX and PVP-I complex in orthodontically treated patients with fixed appliances (P Յ .1). (Angle Orthod. 2009;79:766-772.)

Background: Chronic venous leg ulcer reduces the patients' activities and their overall quality of life. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was previously investigated as promising less invasive management for leg ulcers.This study aims: To re-assess the efficacy and safety of PRP in the management of chronic leg ulcers due to venous factors.Patients/Methods: RCT enrolled 80 patients who clinically presented with chronic venous leg ulcers. Forty patients were allocated randomly for the treatment with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Intradermal and subdermal injection of PRP by 27guage syringe weekly, in all edges and in the granular floor of the ulcer for 4-6 sessions. Another 40 patients managed by conventional treatment by compression and dressing for the same period were allocated as Group B. Objective assessment achieved by the percentage of reduction of the size of the ulcer area, rate of healing, incidence of recurrence, and if side effects have been reported.Results: PRP therapy showed better results and high p value significance when compared to conventional therapy. Conclusion:This study shows that PRP is effective and significant in promoting the wound healing process in chronic leg venous ulcers. PRP is simple, safe, and has a short learning curve technique.

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