We report the development of 13 primer pairs that allow the unambiguous amplification of 15 microsatellite (SSR) loci in white spruce (Picea glauca). Fourteen of these loci were polymorphic in trees sampled at three geographically separated regions of western Canada. Segregation analysis carried out on these loci confirmed a Mendelian inheritance pattern for all except two, which showed significant segregation distortion. All of these primer pairs amplified SSR loci in at least one of the other Picea species tested [black spruce (P. mariana), red spruce (P. rubens), Norway spruce (P. abies), Colorado spruce (P. pungens), sitka spruce (P. sitchensis) and Engelmann spruce (P. engelmannii)]. Given the important commercial and ecological roles of these species, this set of markers will be invaluable for their management, the improvement of commercially important traits, and the study of their ecology and genetics.

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This article provides a review of the role of aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, in pediatric hypertension and kidney diseases. Among the many mechanisms involved in regulating BP, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a major role. Additionally, the RAAS has been identified as a contributing factor to cardiovascular and renal diseases for more than three decades. The potential benefits of inhibiting the RAAS by aliskiren alone or in combination with other RAAS blockers (ACEIs, ARBs) seem theoretically promising, but one should exercise caution in children, especially in those with significant chronic kidney disease until there is more evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of this new drug in the pediatric population from the ongoing clinical trials.

No abstract