The appearance of wall motion

abnormalities and STd durin

The appearance of wall motion

abnormalities and STd during exercise may be helpful in detecting HSP inhibitor inducible, functionally important myocardial ischemia in asymptomatic children with AS. Stress echocardiography may be a useful adjunct to more traditional exercise testing in risk stratifying asymptomatic children with AS.”
“BACKGROUND: Catalytic upgrading of fermentation-derived succinic acid or its derivates (succinic acid esters and succinic anhydride) to value added chemicals has received great attention recently. The aim of this work is to provide a process for the production of tetrahydrofuran from succinic acid esters.

RESULTS: The hydrogenolysis of biomass-derived diethyl succinate was investigated over CuO-ZnO and CuO-ZnO/solid acid (HY, HZSM-5, SAPO-11 and Al(2)O(3)) catalysts in a fixed-bed reactor. Over CuO-ZnO, gamma-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol can be selectively produced under appropriate reaction conditions, while the selectivity of tetrahydrofuran is relatively low due to the weak acidity of CuO-ZnO. Over CuO-ZnO/HZSM, both the formed 1,4-butanediol and ethanol can be further converted

to tetrahydrofuran and diethyl ether, while tetrahydrofuran is selectively produced over CuO-ZnO/HY. CuO-ZnO/Al(2)O(3) and CuO-ZnO/SAPO exhibit slight improvements in terms of selectivity to tetrahydrofuran when compared with CuO-ZnO.

CONCLUSION: CuO-ZnO/HY is an appropriate catalyst to produce tetrahydrofuran from biomass-derived diethyl succinate with high activity, selectivity and stability. Furthermore, Bronsted PD0332991 supplier acid sites with appropriate acid strength are responsible for the selective formation of tetrahydrofuran under the applied reaction conditions. (C) 2010 Society of Chemical Industry”
“Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS) is a genetic syndrome that includes a typical facial appearance, mental retardation, growth delay, seizures, and congenital cardiac defects. A deletion of the Ipatasertib cost terminal band of the short arm of chromosome 4, with a breakpoint at the 4p15 to 4p16 region, is the

most common genetic mutation causing WHS. Congenital heart disease associated with WHS typically includes atrial and ventricular septal defects, though there are a few case reports of associated complex congenital heart disease. Here we report a case of an infant with a large 4p deletion, with a breakpoint at the 4p12 region, and hypoplasic left heart syndrome. We discuss a possible link between the size of the chromosomal deletion in WHS and the severity of the cardiac defect.”
“BACKGROUND: Treatment methods for improved anaerobic digestion (AD) of waste activated sludge were evaluated. Pretreatments at moderate thermal (water bath at 80 degrees C), high thermal (loop autoclave at 130-170 degrees C) and thermo-chemical (170 degrees C/pH 10) conditions prior to AD in batch vials (40 days/37 degrees C) were compared with inter-stage treatments under the same conditions carried out between two separate steps of AD (19-21 days/37 degrees C).

Thus, this is a novel option for endoscopic evaluation of patient

Thus, this is a novel option for endoscopic evaluation of patients with this disease.”
“OBJECTIVES: Reports on adverse neurological events following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have focused on strokes, while more subtle postoperative cognitive decline has Proteases inhibitor not yet been systematically investigated. In this study, we prospectively examined neurological and cognitive outcomes

in patients undergoing transapical (TA) and surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR).

METHODS: A total of 64 patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis were investigated between January 2008 and July 2009. Clinical neurological examination and comprehensive neuropsychological testing were performed before and after the procedure, at discharge and at 3-month SHP099 mw follow-up. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) was applied to detect morphological brain injury.

RESULTS: TA-TAVI patients (n = 27) were older and at higher surgical risk compared with surgical AVR patients (n = 37; mean age 82.2 +/- 4.7 vs 67.5 +/- 8.9 years; log EuroSCORE 36.4 +/- 13.2 vs 2.6 +/- 8.5%, both P <0.001). There was one stroke in each group (3.7 vs 2.7%, P = 0.49), both classified as embolic based on imaging characteristics. After TA-TAVI, cognitive tests showed no decline during follow-up, while, after AVR, 7 of

11 tests showed a decline early after surgery. Similarly, with-in patient analysis showed that the rate of individuals with clinically relevant cognitive decline was increased early after AVR (TA-TAVI vs AVR: 18 vs 46% at discharge [P = 0.03]; 28 vs 6% at 3 months [P = 0.04]). New focal ischaemic cerebral lesions were detected on DW-MRI in 58% (7 of 12) of patients after TA-TAVI vs 34% (12 of 35) after AVR (P = 0.13). The number of brain lesions per patient and cumulative embolic

load per patient were similar between groups. An association between postoperative cerebral ischaemia and cognitive dysfunction was not found (odds ratio 2.37, 95% confidence interval 0.05-113.75, P = 0.66).

CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive function was only mildly impaired after TA-TAVI when compared with a marked, albeit transient, decline after surgical AVR. Focal embolic brain injury tended to occur more Acadesine mouse frequently after TA-TAVI, but this was not related to cognitive decline during the 3-month follow-up.”
“Objectives: Latina breast cancer patients are 20 percent more likely to die within 5 years after diagnosis compared with white women, even though they have a lower incidence of breast cancer, lower general mortality rates, and some better health behaviors. Existing data only examine disparities in the utilization of breast cancer care; this research expands the study question to which utilization factors drive the shorter survival in Latina women compared with white women.

5 mu g/mL Posaconazole also demonstrated good in vitro activity

5 mu g/mL. Posaconazole also demonstrated good in vitro activity with a MIC(90) of 0.25 mu g/mL. Conclusion: This is the first antifungal susceptibility report in our institution.”
“Objective: To evaluate parents’ knowledge regarding foreign body aspiration (FBA) and determine the factors that are associated with lack of knowledge.

Methods: An 8-item questionnaire regarding knowledge of FBA was developed and distributed at regular check-ups for children younger than 24 months old.

Results: Out of the 1766

questionnaires distributed, 1603 were recovered and most of them (1539) were answered by mothers. After omitting Selleckchem JNJ-26481585 49 questionnaires with incomplete data, 1490 questionnaires answered by mothers were analyzed. Only 4.3% [95% CI 3.3-5.3] of mothers did not recognize a small toy as a cause of FBA, while 20.2% [95% CI 18.2-22.2] did not know that peanuts and other nuts can be causes of FBA, and 48.1% [95% CI

45.5-50.6] did not know that they should not give peanuts to a child younger than 3 years old. Regarding clinical signs, 27.7% [95% CI 25.4-30.0] and 41.8% [95% CI 393-44.3] of mothers did not know that sudden choking and sudden coughing were symptoms suggesting FBA, respectively. Being a mother with a child younger than 12 months old and being a mother with a first child were independent risk factors for lack of knowledge about FBA, regardless of the age of the mother.

Conclusions: A substantial number of mothers lack knowledge regarding FBA. To prevent FBA and to make timely diagnoses, parents, especially mothers with children younger than PD98059 12 months old and mothers with a first child should be given adequate information. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“We evaluated the DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth) index and the prevalence of candidiasis, linear gingival erythema, oral hairy leukoplakia, herpes simplex, aphthous ulcers, Kaposi’s sarcoma and lymphoma, as well

as the association with TCD4 count, viral load (VL) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 140 HIV-infected adult individuals. A standardized examination to determine the DMFT index and the presence of oral lesions was conducted. Demographic data, TCD4 count and use of ART were obtained from medical records. A high number of decayed teeth detected among patients undergoing ART resulted in a mean DMFT of find more 16.9 teeth. It was observed that 24.2% of the individuals had at least one oral lesion. Candidiasis was the most frequent lesion and was associated with the TCD4 count. Oral hairy leukoplakia was associated with an increased VL. Regular use of ART was inversely associated with the occurrence of lesions. Overall, the studied population showed low prevalence of oral lesions and high DMFT index. The use of ART seems to reduce the occurrence of these lesions. Higher TCD4 count and a lower VL were associated with an improved oral health status in HIV+ individuals.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed to i

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies in which results of ACL reconstruction Daporinad concentration were reported by sex at a minimum of two years. Study findings were reviewed, and meta-analysis was performed when data were sufficiently homogenous.

Results: Thirteen studies were identified from the literature review. Meta-analysis revealed no difference in graft failure risk (eight studies), contralateral ACL rupture risk (three studies), or postoperative knee laxity on physical examination (six studies). There was no evidence of a clinically important difference in patient-reported

outcomes according to sex.

Conclusions: Results of ACL reconstruction were similar in male and female patients. More high-quality studies are needed to further evaluate these findings.”
“Although BRCA1-associated breast carcinomas are frequently detected in nodal-negative stage, they typically present with an aggressive histopathological phenotype that is reflected by a poor prognosis and an increased risk for distant metastatic spread. Recent in vitro data suggest a high sensitivity of

BRCA1-associated carcinomas to platinum-based chemotherapy and a lower sensitivity to anthracyclines and taxanes. This is explained by the key role of BRCA1 in DNA double-strand repair via homologous recombination, thereby leading to a higher sensitivity to DNA intercalating agents, such as platinum. Here we present the case of a woman suffering from BRCA1-associated metastatic breast carcinoma that was resistant to docetaxel, but responded strongly click here to cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. This supports the rationale of ongoing clinical studies. Rhiem, K. et at. (2009). Clinical Oncology 21, 448-450 (C) 2009 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier

Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Children who have diabetes mellitus type 1 (DMT1) are at increased risk of developing other autoimmune diseases. These associated diseases include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, Celiac disease, and Addison’s disease. Since Addison’s disease is potentially fatal AZD1152 if undiagnosed and untreated, it would be prudent to effectively screen individuals to determine if they are at risk of developing this disease. We present a case of a 6 year old male with a history of DMT1, who presented in adrenal crisis and was subsequently diagnosed with Addison’s disease. HLA-DRB1 404/DR4 is one of the genes involved in the development of Addison’s disease in children with DMT1. Our patient later tested positive for this haplotype. Genetic testing is not routinely done in patients with (DMT1) to determine if they will potentially develop other associated conditions. We propose using genetic testing of associated HLA haplotypes to screen children with DMT1 for Addison’s disease.”
“Malignant diseases of the lungs and pleura are common causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the developed world.

Abnormalities in the full blood

count (FBC) seem to be un

Abnormalities in the full blood

count (FBC) seem to be uncommon but when present are associated with serious causes of cervical lymphadenopathy, again the diagnostic utility is unclear. Serological testing may identify a specific cause and therefore avoid excision biopsy in around 10% of cases. Cutting needle biopsy requires further evaluation before it can be recommended. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is very specific, but sensitivity varies in different studies to the extent that it cannot yet be relied upon to exclude malignancy.

Conclusions: Large and supraclavicular nodes should be biopsied. Ultrasound is likely to be useful but further study is required. FNAC cannot be relied upon to exclude malignancy in children. The diagnostic PX-478 solubility dmso utility of chest X-ray and FBC are unclear. Work is required on multivariate predictive models. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective-To assess use of serum thyroid hormone concentrations by veterinarians to diagnose hypothyroidism in sighthounds and to evaluate serum thyroid hormone concentrations in

healthy Salukis.

Design-Retrospective case series and cross-sectional study.

Animals-398 sighthounds of various breeds with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and 283 healthy Salukis.

Procedures-Pretreatment learn more thyroid hormone assay results from sighthounds subsequently classified as hypothyroid by practitioners were retrieved from a laboratory database. In healthy Salukis, serum concentrations of total thyroxine (T(4)),

free T(4), total triiodothyronine (T(3)), free T(3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and antibodies against thyroglobulin and thyroid hormones were assayed.

Results-Records indicated hypothyroidism had been diagnosed in 303 (76.1%) sighthounds on the basis of low serum thyroid hormone concentrations alone and in 30 (75%) others despite all thyroid hormone indices being within reference limits. Only 65 (16.3%) dogs had a high TSH concentration or Nocodazole supplier positive thyroglobulin autoantibody result to support the diagnosis. In healthy Salukis, median (reference limits) serum concentrations of total T(4), free T(4), total T(3), free T(3), and TSH were 13.0 nmol/L (2.8 to 40.0 nmol/L), 12.0 pmol/L (2.0 to 30.3 pmol/L), 1.0 nmol/L (0.4 to 2.1 nmol/L), 4.0 pmol/L (1.6 to 77 pmol/L), and 0.18 ng/mL (0 to 0.86 ng/mL), respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Diagnosis of hypothyroidism by practitioners was most often made without adequate supportive laboratory evidence. Thyroid hormone values in healthy Salukis differed markedly from standard reference limits for some, but not all, thyroid hormone indices. Breed-specific reference limits should be used when interpreting thyroid hormone profiles of sighthounds. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2010;236:302-308)”
“Objective: Tonsillectomies are the most frequently applied operations in the ENT practice.

The release behavior and the release mechanism of a model protein

The release behavior and the release mechanism of a model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), were also investigated in detail. The results indicated

that the release behavior of BSA had strong temperature dependence and the release Cyclosporin A ic50 percentage of BSA could be controlled by modulating the amount of soy protein or crosslinking agent. The analysis of the release mechanism revealed that the Fickian diffusion controlled release was dominant under the experimental conditions. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 120: 3613-3620, 2011″
“As genetic factors can hardly explain the changes taking place during short time spans, environmental GKT137831 in vitro and lifestyle-related factors have been suggested as the causes of time-related deterioration of male reproductive function. However, considering the strong heterogeneity of male fecundity between and within populations, genetic variants might be important determinants of the individual susceptibility to the adverse effects of environment or lifestyle.

Although the possible mechanisms of such interplay in relation to the reproductive system are largely unknown, some recent studies have indicated that specific genotypes may confer a larger risk of male reproductive disorders following certain exposures. This paper presents a critical review of animal and human evidence on how genes may modify environmental effects on male reproductive function. Some examples have been found that support this mechanism, but the number of studies is still limited. This type of interaction studies may improve our understanding of normal physiology and help us to identify the risk factors to male reproductive malfunction. We also shortly discuss other aspects of gene-environment interaction specifically associated with the issue of reproduction, namely environmental and lifestyle factors as the cause of sperm

DNA damage. It remains to be investigated to what extent such genetic changes, by natural conception or through the use of assisted reproductive techniques, are transmitted BYL719 in vitro to the next generation, thereby causing increased morbidity in the offspring.”
“Background: Species of anopheline mosquitoes are largely distributed over emerged lands around the world and, within the tropics, few areas are without these insects, which are vectors of malaria parasites. Among the exceptions is the Seychelles archipelago in the western Indian Ocean. However, in the Aldabra island group, located in the extreme western portion of the archipelago, Anopheles gambiae s.l. was introduced, leading to massive proliferation and then elimination, with the most recent autochthonous malaria cases recorded in 1931.

However, a high loading of fumed silica restricts the formation o

However, a high loading of fumed silica restricts the formation of charred layers with P-O-P and P-O-C complexes formed from burning of polymer materials

and destroys the swelling behavior of intumescent charred layers, which deteriorates the flame retardant and thermal properties of the PP/IFR blends. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 115: 3508-3515, 2010″
“The mechanisms of formation of many aldehydic lipid oxidation products remain unclear, and the involvement of peroxyl radical additions in some cases was recently suggested. Here, the effect of alpha-tocopherol, a peroxyl radical trap, on the formation of aldehydic phospholipids from a phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide was studied by electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS). Based on the observed differential enhancement or suppression of formation of different aldehydes, new pathways are deduced for aldehyde formation this website via alkoxyl radicals derived Selleckchem INCB018424 from dihydroperoxy derivatives. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd.

All rights reserved.”
“Objective To assess body image concerns among young women following a breast cancer diagnosis.

Methods A total of 419 women with recently diagnosed stage 0-III breast cancer were surveyed following enrollment as part of a prospective cohort study of women age 40 or younger at diagnosis. Body image was assessed using three items from the psycho-social scale of the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System (CARES). CARES scores range from 0 to

4, with higher scores indicative of greater image concerns. Mean CARES scores were calculated and compared between treatment groups using t-tests and analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression models see more were fit to evaluate the relationship between physical and psychological factors and body image.

Results Mean time from diagnosis to completion of the baseline survey was 5.2months. The mean CARES score for all women was 1.28. Mean CARES scores in the mastectomy-only group (1.87) and in the mastectomy with reconstruction group (1.52) were significantly higher (p<0.0001) compared with the scores in the lumpectomy group (0.85), indicating that radical surgery was associated with more body image concerns. Radiation (p=0.01), anxiety (p=0.0001), depression (p<0.0001), fatigue (p=0.04), musculoskeletal pain symptoms (p<0.0001), weight gain (p=0.01), and weight loss (p=0.02), in addition to surgery type (p<0.0001), were all associated with more body image concerns in the multi-variable analysis.

Conclusion This analysis highlights the impact of treatment, along with physical and psychological factors, on body image early in the survivorship period. Our findings provide targets for potential future intervention and may aid young women in the surgical decision-making process. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Experience did not appear to have a confounding effect on accurac

Experience did not appear to have a confounding effect on accuracy. Further training in visual assessment skills is necessary in order to improve the clinicians’ estimation.”
“P>Although the

gibberellin (GA) signaling pathway has been elucidated, very little is known about the steps linking first transcriptional activation to physiological responses. Among 4EGI-1 manufacturer the few identified GA-induced genes are the plant-specific GAST1-like genes, which encode small proteins with a conserved cysteine-rich domain. The role of these proteins in plant development and GA responses is not yet clear. The Arabidopsis GAST1-like gene family consists of 14 members, GASA1-14. Here we show that over-expression of the selleck GA-induced GASA4 gene in Arabidopsis promoted GA responses such as flowering and seed germination. Suppression of several GASA genes using synthetic microRNA (miRGASA) also promoted seed germination. This was probably caused by suppression of GASA5, which acts as a repressor of GA responses. Previously, we proposed that GAST1-like proteins are involved in redox reactions via their cysteine-rich domain. The results of this study support this hypothesis, as over-expression of GASA4 suppressed ROS accumulation and the transgenic seeds were partially resistant to the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Moreover, Escherichia coli expressing

intact GASA4 or a truncated version containing only the cysteine-rich domain were resistant to SNP. Mutated GASA4, in which conserved cysteines were replaced by alanines, lost its redox activity and the ability to promote GA responses, suggesting that the two functions are linked. We propose that GA induces some GAST1-like genes and suppresses others to regulate its own responses. We also suggest that the encoded proteins regulate the redox status of specific components to promote or suppress these responses.”
“Polymicrogyria (involving or not the sylvian scissure)

with cerebellar cortical dysplasia or vermis Apoptosis Compound Library hypoplasia has been reported in few cases. In addition, the association between ectopic neurohypophysis and other cortical malformations, including bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria, has been documented. We describe a girl affected by focal epilepsy since the age of 2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 11 and 22 years of age showed bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria, dysplasia of the left cerebellar hemisphere, and ectopic neurohypophysis. Genetic tests, including fluorescent in situ hybridization 22q11.2 and array-comparative genomic hybridization, and pituitary hormones (at the age of 20 years) were normal. The patient is now 22 years old, and she is seizure free under therapy with lamotrigine and levetiracetam. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of this complex cerebral malformation.

Since the launch of finasteride, no study in a larger population

Since the launch of finasteride, no study in a larger population had been reported. Ethnic variation of the onset age, progressive nature and degree of hair loss of androgenetic alopecia are known. The therapeutic effect of oral finasteride (Propecia) was examined on androgenetic alopecia of Japanese men. The efficacy and safety of finasteride (1 mg tablet) was evaluated in Japanese men with AGA in the long term. The study enrolled 3177 men given finasteride 1 mg/day from January 2006 to June 2009 at our clinic. Efficacy was evaluated in 2561

men by the modified global photographic assessment; the photographs were assessed using the standardized 7-point rating scale. Safety data were assessed by interviews and laboratory tests in

all men enrolled in the study. The overall effect of hair growth was seen in 2230 of 2561 men (87.1%), in whom hair greatly (11.1%), moderately (36.5%) and slightly (39.5%) increased. The response rate selleck compound library improved with increasing duration of treatment. Adverse reactions occurred in 0.7% (23/3177) of men; seven men discontinued treatment based on riskbenefit considerations. No specific safety problems associated with long-term use were observed. This study represents data collected at a single institution. Many patients did not receive follow-up examination. In Japanese men with AGA, oral finasteride used in the long-term study maintained progressive hair regrowth without recognized side-effect.”
“A custom designed markerless tracking system was demonstrated to be applicable for positron emission tomography (PET) brain imaging. Precise head motion registration is crucial Savolitinib for accurate motion correction (MC) in PET imaging. State-of-the-art tracking systems applied GSK126 purchase with PET brain imaging rely on markers attached to the patient’s head. The marker attachment is the main weakness of these systems. A healthy volunteer participating in a cigarette smoking study to image dopamine release was

scanned twice for 2 h with C-11-racolopride on the high resolution research tomograph (HRRT) PET scanner. Head motion was independently measured, with a commercial marker-based device and the proposed vision-based system. A list-mode event-by-event reconstruction algorithm using the detected motion was applied. A phantom study with hand-controlled continuous random motion was obtained. Motion was time-varying with long drift motions of up to 18 mm and regular step-wise motion of 1-6 mm. The evaluated measures were significantly better for motion-corrected images compared to no MC. The demonstrated system agreed with a commercial integrated system. Motion-corrected images were improved in contrast recovery of small structures.”
“Deficient executive functions play an important role in the development of addiction. Working-memory may therefore be a powerful predictor of the course of drug use, but chronic substance use may also impair working-memory.

Methods:

From February to October 2009, 87 patients un

Methods:

From February to October 2009, 87 patients underwent liver transplantation. They were divided into the AR group and non-acute rejection (NAR) group, with 56 healthy individuals in the control group. Blood specimens were collected preoperatively and at one, two, and four wk postoperatively for all groups and also on the day when AR occurred and one wk after intravenous SB202190 glucocorticoid therapy for

the AR group. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured using the ImmuKnow (TM) test kits for immune cell functions.

Results:

After transplantation, the ATP levels within CD4+ T lymphocytes were significantly elevated in the two groups when compared with the preoperative levels. It peaked in the AR group and was significantly higher than that of the NAR group (p < 0.05). By ROC curve analysis, Temsirolimus molecular weight the obvious elevation of the ATP value one wk after transplantation had better sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing the AR. The ATP sensitivity rate for early AR was 85.7% and specificity rate 80.9% when the cutoff value was 407 mu g/L. The ATP value collected on the day of AR

occurrence has apparently positive correlation with the rejection acting index (RAI) (p < 0.01). After the intravenous glucocorticoid therapy, all the ARs were reversed and the ATP value declined significantly compared with the control group and that on the day when AR occurred (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

During the early postoperative period (especially at first week after liver transplantation), the elevation of ATP levels within CD4+ T lymphocytes has good sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing the AR at early stage. And the degree of AR has positive relationship with ATP value. After the intravenous glucocorticoid therapy, the obvious declination of AR might be used in evaluating the effectiveness of anti-rejection treatment.”
“Apomixis is defined

selleck chemicals llc as clonal reproduction by seed. A comparative transcriptomic analysis was undertaken between apomictic and sexual genotypes of Paspalum simplex Morong to identify apomixis-related polymorphisms at the level of mRNA. cDNA-AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) profiling of apomictic and sexual flowers at several stages of development yielded 202 amplicons that showed several kinds of expression specificities. Among these, the large majority consisted of amplicons that were present only in specific stages of development of the apomictic flowers. Ten percent of polymorphic amplicons were present with almost identical intensity in all stages of the apomictic flowers and never in the sexual flowers. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and Southern analyses of these amplicons showed that they belong to constitutively expressed alleles that are specifically present on the apomixis-controlling locus of P. simplex.