Identification of apple genes <i>Md-Exp7</i> and <i>Md-PG1</i> alleles in advanced selections resistant to scab

The creation of apple varieties with a high level of flesh firmness and long shelf life is one of the important goals in breeding. Among the genes controlling these traits, the role of the endogenous ethylene biosynthesis control gene, Md-ACS1, the expansin gene, Md-Exp7, and the polygalacturonase gene, Md-PG1, has been established. The use of DNA marker analysis to solve problems in breeding for fruit quality traits allows one not only to track several target genes simultaneously, but also to cull plants with undesirable alleles at the early stages of development. In order to select complex donors of breeding traits, molecular genetic identification of the genes that determine the quality traits of apple fruits Md-Exp7 and Md-PG1 was performed in 256 breeding selections carrying the scab resistance gene Rvi6 and valuable allelic variants of the Md-ACS-1 gene, which determines the endogenous synthesis of ethylene in fruits: 90 samples with the Md-ACS1 allele (2/2) and 166 samples with Md-ACS1 (1/2). As a result of the study, an allelic combination for the Md-Exp7 and Md-PG1 genes was established. Analysis of the parental cultivars (Renet Simirenko, Modi, Smeralda, Renoir, Fulzhion and Granny Smith) used to obtain hybrid selections revealed three alleles 198, 202, 214 bp according to the DNA marker of the Md-Exp7 gene. The SSR marker for the Md-PG1 gene amplified three alleles (289, 292, 298 bp) on the abovementioned cultivars. Within the 256 breeding selections samples that have the most priority for breeding alleles of the desired genes in combination with the Rvi6 gene and/or with selection-priority allelic variants of the Md-ACS-1 gene were identified. Of the most valuable for breeding, 46 accessions carrying the combination Md-Exp7 (202:202) + Md-ACS1 (2/2) were distinguished. Hybrids with alleles Md-PG1 (292:292) + Md-ACS1 (2/2) are also most valuable for use in breeding and as donors of selection-valuable alleles; 21 samples were identified. Accessions with a complex of breeding-valuable target alleles are valuable complex donors, as well as valuable breeding material for creating varieties with improved fruit quality characteristics and scab resistance

Comprehensive agrobiological assessment and analysis of genetic relationships of promising walnut varieties of the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens

Walnut is an important horticultural crop, the production of which ranks second among all nut crops. Despite the significant demand in the domestic market in Russia, the industrial production of walnut fruits in Russia is currently underdeveloped. At the same time, there is a need to update the assortment with new highly productive varieties adapted to local agro-climatic conditions and having high quality nuts that are competitive at the world level. An important issue for the successful implementation of breeding programs is a comprehensive study of the gene pool. In this regard, within the framework of the study, the task was to evaluate promising varieties from the collection of the walnut gene pool of the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens and analyze genetic relationships based on microsatellite genotyping. On the basis of the performed phenotypic assessment, the study sample, which included 31 varieties, was divided into several groups according to the main phenotypic traits, such as frost and drought resistance, the start of the growing season, the ripening period, the weight and type of flowering, the weight of the fruit, and the thickness of the endocarp. Varieties with economically valuable traits that can be recommended as promising as initial parental forms in breeding work for resistance to abiotic stress factors have been identified, as well as varieties with increased productivity and large fruit sizes. Based on the analysis of eight SSR markers (WGA001, WGA376, WGA069, WGA276, WGA009, WGA202, WGA089 and WGA054), an analysis of the level of genetic diversity was performed and genetic relationships were established in the studied sample of varieties. Six (for WGA089) to eleven (for WGA276) alleles per locus have been identified. A total of 70 alleles were identified for the eight DNA markers used, with an average value of 8.75. Analysis of SSR genotyping data using Bayesian analysis established the presence of two main groups of genotypes. Taking into account the fact that all the studied varieties are selections from local seed populations in different regions of the Crimean Peninsula, the revealed level of polymorphism may indirectly reflect the level of genetic diversity of the local walnut populations. Furthermore, the presence of two genetically distant groups indicates the presence of two independently formed pools of the autochthonous gene pool of the species Juglans regia L. on the Crimean Peninsul

Evaluation of the budbreak timing in walnut cultivars and breeding forms among the Kuban germplasm, and validation of the trait-related SSR-markers

Background. Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is the most widespread species within the genus Juglans. Late spring frosts can significantly reduce its yield. Development of cultivars that enter the growing season later helps to avoid the death of young buds. Earlier, during genetic studies, the SSR markers JRHR209732 and CUJRBO12 linked to the QTL of the “bud bursting time” character were identified. The objective of this study was to assess the budbreak timing in domestic cultivars and elite forms from the Krasnodar gene pool, as well as to test and validate the markers JRHR209732 and CUJRB012 linked to the locus controlling late bud bursting in walnut genotypes with relatively small differences in budbreak timing.Materials and methods. The material of the study included 32 elite breeding forms from the local gene pool, 3 domestic cultivars, and 2 cultivars of foreign origin. Phenological assessment of the budbreak time was carried out for three years (2022–2024). Genotyping of 35 accessions was performed using the SSR markers JRHR209732 and CUJRBO12. The sizes of PCR products of target marker alleles were assessed on a NANOPHOR 05 genetic analyzer.Results. Phenological assessment helped to identify accessions 17-5-5 and ‘Oven’ with the latest start of the growing season in three years of observations. Eight genotypes were classified as late in two seasons – they are also valuable for breeding. In 2023 and 2024, the budbreak was observed to occur earlier than in 2022. The effect of the mean monthly temperature in March played a decisive role in entering the phase when the budbreak started. Comparison of the SSR genotyping data with the results of the phenological assessment made it possible to reliably validate the allelic variants of the JRHR20973 and CUJRBO12 markers, characteristic of the accessions with early and late budbreaks among the walnut gene pool maintained in southern Russia

Olaratumab’s failure in soft tissue sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcomas remain one of the rarest malignancies with numerous subtypes that go undiagnosed. The PDGFRα antagonist Olaratumab (Lartruvo) was withdrawn from the market due to disappointing findings in the phase III studies. We share our experience with this medication in a tertiary care center in the Middle East and North Africa region. Monitor the effect of Olaratumab on sarcomas when it was used prior to its withdrawal, and compare our findings with the literature. We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients with advanced-/metastatic soft tissue sarcomas treated with at least two cycles of Olaratumab at a tertiary care center in Lebanon during the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018. Fifteen patients were included in the study. The mean age was 49 with a range of 26–75 years. The median duration of the use of Olaratumab was 21.3 months with a range of 7.3–37 months. The average number of number of cycles received per patient was four. Five patients were deceased. Median PFS was 7.87 months (95% CI 5.28–10.45), and mean OS was 12.26 months (95% CI 8.47–16.05) Median OS was 9.8 months (95% CI 6.07–13.53). Olaratumab has been withdrawn from the market, and it is currently being investigated as part of the phase II ANNOUNCE 2 trial. Our experience from a tertiary care center shows results similar to those reported in the literature. The immunogenicity and heterogeneity of soft tissue sarcomas pose a challenge to the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas, but they also allow a wide array of possible management solutions. © The Author(s) 2021

Drug-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Diagnosis and Management

Peripheral neuropathy comes in all shapes and forms and is a disorder which is found in the peripheral nervous system. It can have an acute or chronic onset depending on the multitude of pathophysiologic mechanisms involving different parts of nerve fibers. A systematic approach is highly beneficial when it comes to cost-effective diagnosis. More than 30 causes of peripheral neuropathy exist ranging from systemic and auto-immune diseases, vitamin deficiencies, viral infections, diabetes, etc. One of the major causes of peripheral neuropathy is drug-induced disease, which can be split into peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy or by other medications. This review deals with the latest causes of drug-induced peripheral neuropathy, the population in-volved, the findings on physical examination and various workups needed and how to manage each case. © 2022 Bentham Science Publishers

Role of circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells in breast cancer: History and updates

Circulating tumor DNA, cell-free DNA, and circulating tumor cells have been at the epitome of recent research in breast cancer. These forms of liquid biopsies have been used in monitoring disease progression, estimating the risk of relapse, and response to treatment. Much has been done in relation to serial monitoring of circulating tumor DNA in patients with primary breast cancer for detection of occult metastatic disease. Some studies have also explored their use in monitoring treatment response. As the field of liquid biopsies expands, more prospective studies are needed to tailor management in an individualistic approach. In this literature review, the authors explore the multiple uses of circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells in breast cancer. © The Author(s) 2022

Emerging genetic biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma

Comprehensive genomic profiling is a next-generation sequencing approach used to detect several known and emerging genomic alterations. Many genomic variants detected by comprehensive genomic profiling have become recognized as significant cancer biomarkers, leading to the development of major clinical trials. Lung adenocarcinoma has become one of the most targeted cancers for genomic profiling with a series of actionable mutations such as EGFR, KRAS, HER2, BRAF, FGFR, MET, ALK, and many others. The importance of these mutations lies in establishing targeted therapies that significantly change the outcome in lung adenocarcinoma besides the prognostic value of some mutations. This review sheds light on the development of the comprehensive genomic profiling field, mainly lung adenocarcinoma, and discusses the role of a group of mutations in this disease. © The Author(s) 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme metastasizing to the skin, a case report and literature review

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary central nervous system (CNS) malignancy in adults. It is very aggressive and is notorious for its fast and local invasion of nearby brain parenchyma. Consequently, the overall survival (OS) of patients with GBM is short despite resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy regimens. The most common sites of metastasis of GBM are the lungs and pleura, cervical lymph nodes, and bone. Metastasis to the skin is a rare event and to our knowledge, there are less than 30 cases of GBM metastasizing to cutaneous or subcutaneous tissue described in the literature. None of these cases were diagnosed and/or treated in the Middle East region; and the majority of the metastases found were adjacent to the site of surgery undergone to remove the primary malignancy. We present the case of a 53-year-old male diagnosed with GBM and later showing signs of metastases at the anterio-auricular side of his face near-distant from the site of previous surgery done to remove the primary tumor. © 202