Biochemical changes in Oenothera biennis plants infected by 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani'

The aim of the present paper was to study the response of Oenothera biennis L. to 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' (Stolbur) infection by analyzing total sugars, polyphenols, photosynthetic pigments content and the antioxidant capacity in leaves and roots of healthy and infected plants. The infection caused a significant increase in peroxidation of lipids, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity, total sugar, polyphenols and anthocyanins content (2.8, 2.6, 1.8, 1.4, 6.8 fold, respectively), as well as a decrease in photosynthetic pigments (2-6 fold) and total flavonoids (1.5 fold) in the leaves of Oe. biennis. Changes in these parameters were insignificant in the roots except for the total polyphenols content that was 2.7 times higher in the infected ones. Reduced gluthatione content in both tested organs was not affected by the infection (3.7 and 1.7 mu mol/g fresh weight of leaves and roots, respectively). The elevated content of total sugars, flavonoids and polyphenols, as well as the reduction of photosynthetic pigments and anthocyanins in infected plants are indicative of changes in the metabolism of Oe. biennis affected by the Stolbur phytoplasma. In addition to reduction of chlorophyll and carotenoids, the phytoplasma accelerated leaf senescence. Plants responded to the infection via enhanced superoxide anion scavenging, even though this reaction did not prevent, apparently, membrane damage in analysed leaves. This investigation presents new data on the effect of a phytoplasma infection on its host

Subspecialty training in Europe: A report by the European Network of Young Gynaecological Oncologists

Background ESGO (European Society of Gynaecological Oncology) and partners are continually improving the developmental opportunities for gynaecological oncology fellows. The objectives of this survey were to evaluate the progress in the infrastructure of the training systems in Europe over the past decade. We also evaluated training and assessment techniques, the perceived relevance of ENYGO (European Network of Young Gynaecological Oncologists) initiatives, and unmet needs of trainees. Methodology National representatives of ENYGO from 39 countries were contacted with an electronic survey. A graduation in well/moderately/loosely-structured training systems was performed. Descriptive statistical analysis and frequency tables, as well as two-sided Fisher's exact test, were used. Results National representatives from 33 countries answered our survey questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 85%. A national fellowship is offered in 22 countries (66.7%). A logbook to document progress during training is mandatory in 24 (72.7%) countries. A logbook of experience is only utilized in a minority of nations (18%) for assessment purposes. In 42.4% of countries, objective assessments are recognized. Trainees in most countries (22 (66.7%)) requested additional training in advanced laparoscopic surgery. 13 (39.4%) countries have a loosely-structured training system, 11 (33.3%) a moderately-structured training system, and 9 (27.3%) a well-structured training system. Conclusion Since the last publication in 2011, ENYGO was able to implement new activities, workshops, and online education to support training of gynaecological oncology fellows, which were all rated by the respondents as highly useful. This survey also reveals the limitations in establishing more accredited centers, centralized cancer care, and the lack of laparoscopic training. © 2021 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved

Protective effects of 4-aminopyridine in experimental optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis

Chronic disability in multiple sclerosis is linked to neuroaxonal degeneration. 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) is used and licensed as a symptomatic treatment to ameliorate ambulatory disability in multiple sclerosis. The presumed mode of action is via blockade of axonal voltage gated potassium channels, thereby enhancing conduction in demyelinated axons. In this study, we provide evidence that in addition to those symptomatic effects, 4-AP can prevent neuroaxonal loss in the CNS. Using in vivo optical coherence tomography imaging, visual function testing and histologic assessment, we observed a reduction in retinal neurodegeneration with 4-AP in models of experimental optic neuritis and optic nerve crush. These effects were not related to an anti-inflammatory mode of action or a direct impact on retinal ganglion cells. Rather, histology and in vitro experiments indicated 4-AP stabilization of myelin and oligodendrocyte precursor cells associated with increased nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells. In experimental optic neuritis, 4-AP potentiated the effects of immunomodulatory treatment with fingolimod. As extended release 4-AP is already licensed for symptomatic multiple sclerosis treatment, we performed a retrospective, multicentre optical coherence tomography study to longitudinally compare retinal neurodegeneration between 52 patients on continuous 4-AP therapy and 51 matched controls. In line with the experimental data, during concurrent 4-AP therapy, degeneration of the macular retinal nerve fibre layer was reduced over 2 years. These results indicate disease-modifying effects of 4-AP beyond symptomatic therapy and provide support for the design of a prospective clinical study using visual function and retinal structure as outcome parameters

Protective effects of 4-aminopyridine in experimental optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis

Chronic disability in multiple sclerosis is linked to neuroaxonal degeneration. 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) is used and licensed as a symptomatic treatment to ameliorate ambulatory disability in multiple sclerosis. The presumed mode of action is via blockade of axonal voltage gated potassium channels, thereby enhancing conduction in demyelinated axons. In this study, we provide evidence that in addition to those symptomatic effects, 4-AP can prevent neuroaxonal loss in the CNS. Using in vivo optical coherence tomography imaging, visual function testing and histologic assessment, we observed a reduction in retinal neurodegeneration with 4-AP in models of experimental optic neuritis and optic nerve crush. These effects were not related to an anti-inflammatory mode of action or a direct impact on retinal ganglion cells. Rather, histology and in vitro experiments indicated 4-AP stabilization of myelin and oligodendrocyte precursor cells associated with increased nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells. In experimental optic neuritis, 4-AP potentiated the effects of immunomodulatory treatment with fingolimod. As extended release 4-AP is already licensed for symptomatic multiple sclerosis treatment, we performed a retrospective, multicentre optical coherence tomography study to longitudinally compare retinal neurodegeneration between 52 patients on continuous 4-AP therapy and 51 matched controls. In line with the experimental data, during concurrent 4-AP therapy, degeneration of the macular retinal nerve fibre layer was reduced over 2 years. These results indicate disease-modifying effects of 4-AP beyond symptomatic therapy and provide support for the design of a prospective clinical study using visual function and retinal structure as outcome parameters

Bois noir affects the yield and wine quality of <em>Vitis vinifera</em> L. cv. ‘Chardonnay’

UMR BFP - Equipe MollicutesInternational audienc

Phytoplasmas: An Introduction

Phytoplasmas are among the most recently discovered plant pathogens. They are wall-less prokaryotes restricted to phloem tissue, associated with diseases affecting several hundred plant species. The impact of phytoplasma diseases on agriculture is impressive and, at the present day, no effective curative strategy has been developed. The availability of rapid and sensitive techniques for phytoplasma detection as well as the possibility to study their relationship with the host plants is a prerequisite for the management of phytoplasma-associated diseases