The Influence of Pruning on Morphological and Architectural Characteristics of Camellia japonica L. in a Tropical Climate

The ornamental qualities of Camellia japonica have long been of interest to horticulturists. The European garden plant market has traditionally been characterized by erect, branched and flowered plants. More recently, a new market linked to increasing urbanization has developed for compact, highly branched and flowered plants to decorate balconies and patios. Two flushes are formed per year in temperate climates, and three years are required to obtain a garden plant. In the humid, tropical climate of Reunion Island, at an altitude of 700 m, three to four flushes are formed in a single growing season. Under these conditions and with no pruning, it is possible to produce an upright plant with a height of 48.5 cm and 7.5 branchings, adapted to the traditional garden market. With two prunings and the same growing period, a compact plant with a height of 25.4 and 17.0 branchings can be produced, adapted to the new balcony-patio market. In both cases, floral induction occurs in November when the nighttime temperature is above 15 degrees C. This research shows that it is possible to generate diversified and innovative forms of Camellia japonica with considerable marketing potential using adapted pruning and under appropriate climatic conditions

Identification and Characterization of the RLIP/RALBP1 Interacting Protein Xreps1 in Xenopus laevis Early Development

Background: The FGF/Ras/Ral/RLIP pathway is required for the gastrulation process during the early development of vertebrates. The Ral Interacting Protein (RLIP also known as RalBP1) interacts with GTP-bound Ral proteins. RLIP/RalBP1 is a modular protein capable of participating in many cellular functions. Methodology/Principal Findings: To investigate the role of RLIP in early development, a two-hybrid screening using a library of maternal cDNAs of the amphibian Xenopus laevis was performed. Xreps1 was isolated as a partner of RLIP/RalBP1 and its function was studied. The mutual interacting domains of Xreps1 and Xenopus RLIP (XRLIP) were identified. Xreps1 expressed in vivo, or synthesized in vitro, interacts with in vitro expressed XRLIP. Interestingly, targeting of Xreps1 or the Xreps1-binding domain of XRLIP (XRLIP(469–636)) to the plasma membrane through their fusion to the CAAX sequence induces a hyperpigmentation phenotype of the embryo. This hyperpigmented phenotype induced by XRLIP(469–636)-CAAX can be rescued by co-expression of a deletion mutant of Xreps1 restricted to the RLIP-binding domain (Xreps1(RLIP-BD)) but not by co-expression of a cDNA coding for a longer form of Xreps1. Conclusion/Significance: We demonstrate here that RLIP/RalBP1, an effector of Ral involved in receptor-mediated endocytosis and in the regulation of actin dynamics during embryonic development, also interacts with Reps1. Although these two proteins are present early during embryonic development, they are active only at the end of gastrulation. Ou

DEXI-Pépi : Modèle d’évaluation de la durabilité en pépinière hors-sol

Ce numéro comprend les articles correspondant aux présentations du Colloque Casdar 2017.National audienceThe DEXi-Pépi method was developed in order to have a global approach for improving aboveground nursery culture systems. This method, adapted from DEXiPM® model, is a hierarchical multi-criteria and qualitative model that includes 89 entry criteria: (i) 56 criteria dependent of the culture system, (ii) 23 criteria linked to the context and system-dependent and (iii) 10 criteria linked to the context and independent of the system. Several criteria are redundant in the assessment (26). The number of entry criteria for each pillar of sustainability is unbalanced, partly reflecting the imbalance of knowledge on some pillars. The DEXi-Pépi model is a prototype that will evolve as the use increases and according to the users’ expectations.La méthode DEXi-Pépi a été développée afin d’avoir une approche globale d’amélioration environnementale, économique et sociale des systèmes de culture hors sol de pépinière. Cette méthode, adaptée du modèle DEXiPM®, est un modèle hiérarchique multicritère et qualitatif qui comporte 89 critères d’entrée : (i) 56 critères dépendants du système de culture, (ii) 23 critères liés au contexte et dépendant du système et (iii) 10 critères liés au contexte et indépendant du système. Plusieurs critères sont redondants dans l’évaluation (26). Le nombre de critère d’entrée par pilier de la durabilité est déséquilibré, reflétant en partie le déséquilibre des connaissances sur certains piliers. Le modèle DEXi-Pépi est un prototype qui est amené à évoluer au fur et à mesure des utilisations et en fonction des attentes des utilisateurs

Infectious encephalitis: Management without etiological diagnosis 48 hours after onset

International audienceThe etiological diagnosis of infectious encephalitis is often not established 48hours after onset. We aimed to review existing literature data before providing management guidelines.METHOD: We performed a literature search on PubMed using filters such as "since 01/01/2000", "human", "adults", "English or French", and "clinical trial/review/guidelines". We also used the Mesh search terms "encephalitis/therapy" and "encephalitis/diagnosis".RESULTS: With Mesh search terms "encephalitis/therapy" and "encephalitis/diagnosis", we retrieved 223 and 258 articles, respectively. With search terms "encephalitis and corticosteroid", we identified 38 articles, and with "encephalitis and doxycycline" without the above-mentioned filters we identified 85 articles. A total of 210 articles were included in the analysis.DISCUSSION: Etiological investigations must focus on recent travels, animal exposures, age, immunodeficiency, neurological damage characteristics, and potential extra-neurological signs. The interest of a diagnosis of encephalitis for which there is no specific treatment is also to discontinue any empirical treatments initially prescribed. Physicians must consider and search for autoimmune encephalitis