Cultivar-Dependent Responses of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) to Simultaneous Verticillium dahliae Infection and Drought

Several studies regarding the imposition of stresses simultaneously in plants have shown that plant responses are different under individual and combined stress. Pathogen infection in combination with drought can act both additively and antagonistically, suggesting a tailored-made plant response to these stresses. The aforementioned combination of stresses can be considered as one of the most important factors affecting global crop production. In the present research we studied eggplant responses to simultaneous Verticillium dahliae infection and drought with respect to the application of the individual stresses alone and investigated the extent to which these responses were cultivar dependent. Two eggplant cultivars (Skoutari and EMI) with intermediate resistance to V. dahliae were subjected to combined stress for a 3-week period. Significant differences in plant growth, several physiological and biochemical parameters (photosynthesis rate, leaf gas exchanges, Malondialdehyde, Proline) and gene expression, were found between plants subjected to combined and individual stresses. Furthermore, plant growth and molecular (lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, gene expression levels) changes highlight a clear discrimination between the two cultivars in response to simultaneous V. dahliae infection and drought. Our results showed that combined stress affects significantly plants responses compared to the application of individual stresses alone and that these responses are cultivar dependent

Transition to IFRS and compliance with mandatory disclosure requirements: What is the signal?

The present study examines 153 Greek listed companies' compliance with all IFRS mandatory disclosure requirements during 2005 and complements and extends prior literature in the following way. The unique setting i.e., measuring compliance with IFRS mandatory disclosure requirements during the first year of IFRS implementation, allows for examination of the possibility that the changes in the 2004 shareholders' equity and net income, as a result of the adoption of IFRS, constitute explanatory factors for compliance. Thus, this study hypothesises that, in addition to the financial measures and other corporate characteristics that prior literature identifies as proxies for explaining compliance, a significant change in fundamental financial measures, because of the change in the accounting regime, may also explain compliance based on the premises of the relevant disclosure theories. The findings confirm these hypotheses. This study also makes a methodological contribution on measuring compliance with all IFRS mandatory disclosure requirements by using two different disclosure index methods and pointing out the different conclusions may be drawn as a result

Injection of a novel antioxidant agent (IA) for treatment of experimentally induced liver ischemia, in rats

Post-ischemic hepatic injury is an important and common clinical event. A major mechanism of this type of injury is leucocyte adhesion to endothelium followed by release of reactive oxygen metabolites and lipid peroxidation in cellular biomemranes. Currently, in the field of liver ischemia-reperfusion injury, several methods have been proposed, in order to protect the liver, including antioxidant drug administration. The aim of this experimental study was to determine the effects of a novel antioxidant ethylenediamine derivative with anti-inflammatory properties (compound IA) on an imitated clinical setting of acute hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, in rats. Materials and methods 48 adult male Wister rats were divided into 8 groups, consisting of 6 rats each: group (1): control - sham operated, group (2): control - 30 min total liver ischemia, group (3): control -30 min total liver ischemia and 60 min reperfusion, group (4): control - 30 min total liver ischemia and 24 h reperfusion, group (5): IA - sham operated, group (6): IA - 30 min total liver ischemia, group (7): IA - 30 min total liver ischemia and 60 min reperfusion, group (8): IA - 30 min total liver ischemia and 24 h reperfusion 83 Total liver ischemia was induced by occlusion of the hepatic artery and the portal vein using microsurgical clamps. In groups (5)-(8), 0.3 mmol/kg of compound IA [5- (2-amino-ethylamino)-1-phenyl-2-pentanone] were administered intravenously, at the end of ischemia [groups (6)-(8)], or 30 min after incision [group (5)]. The control agent [groups (1)-(4)] was normal saline. At the end of the operations all animals were exsanguinated, blood samples were obtained for measurement of liver enzymes (hepatocellular injury index) and malondialdehyde levels (lipid peroxidation index), and tissue samples from the liver were subjected to histopathological evaluation. Results Survival rate: At the end of the experiment, all animals appeared normal, both macroscopically and by autopsy, even after 24 h of reperfusion. Biochemical data: Serum levels of liver enzymes were significantly higher in the ischemia and reperfusion groups (peak: 60 min reperfusion), compared to the nonischemic groups, and diminished partially (SGPT: 60 min reperfusion, SGOT : 24 h reperfusion) after treatment with compound IA. Assay of lipid peroxidation: Ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion increased lipid peroxidation compared to the sham operated group. This increase was attenuated in the group treated with compound IA. Histology: Ischemia followed by 24 h of reperfusion increased polymorphonuclear infiltration, vascular congestion and hepatocellular necrosis, compared to the sham operated group. This increase was attenuated in the group treated with compound IA. 84 Conclusions 1. In terms of survival rate, all rats subjected to 30 min of total liver ischemia survived, even after 24 h of reperfusion, independently of their treatment. 2. All rats subjected to total liver ischemia encountered severe biochemical alterations and lipid peroxidation, especially 60 min after reperfusion, and histological injury of the liver, especially 24 h after reperfusion. 3. Injection of compound IA at the end of ischemia protected partially the rats from biochemical and histological alterations of liver ischemia-repefusion injury. Lipid peroxidation was also attenuated. 4. The antioxidant properties of compound IA were mainly expressed at early reperfusion, while its anti-inflammatory properties at late reperfusion. These findings suggest a double mechanism of prolonged protection. 5. The protective effect of compound IA on ischemia-reperfusion injury must be further investigated, emphasizing its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory propertiesΑπό την παρούσα πειραματική εργασία μπορούν να εξαχθούν τα ακόλουθα συμπεράσματα: 1. Η πρόκληση 30λεπτης ηπατικής ισχαιμίας στους επίμυες δια αποκλεισμού με αγγειολαβίδες της ηπατικής αρτηρίας και της πυλαίας φλέβας προκαλεί σημαντικές ιστοβιοχημικές βλάβες, που καθίστανται ακόμα μεγαλύτερες στο στάδιο της επαναιμάτωσης του οργάνου. Η διαταραχή των παραμέτρων της ηπατικής βιολογίας είναι μεγαλύτερη την πρώτη ώρα της επαναιμάτωσης, που συνυπάρχει οξειδωτικό stress, ενώ οι παθολογοανατομικές αλλοιώσεις του ήπατος καθίστανται εντονότερες αργότερα, μετά από 24 ώρες επαναιμάτωσης. Οι παρατηρήσεις αυτές επιβεβαιώνουν τον επιβλαβή για το ήπαρ ρόλο, τόσο του οξειδωτικού stress, κατά την αρχική φάση της επαναιμάτωσης- επανοξυγόνωσης του οργάνου, όσο και της φλεγμονώδους απάντησης του οργανισμού, σε δεύτερο χρόνο. Έτσι, δικαιολογείται η προσπάθεια άμβλυνσης των ανωτέρω διαταραχών με τη χορήγηση μίας αντιοξειδωτικής ουσίας με αντιφλεγμονώδεις ιδιότητες, όπως ο παράγοντας ΙΑ. 2. Σε αντίθεση με τις περισσότερες αντίστοιχες πειραματικές εργασίες, η χορήγηση του υπό διερεύνηση παράγοντα έγινε ?οξέως? ενδοφλεβίως, στο τέλος της ηπατικής ισχαιμίας, και όχι προληπτικά, πριν την έναρξη αυτής. Επομένως, διερευνήθηκε η θεραπευτική του ικανότητα, επί ενός μοντέλου ολικής ηπατικής ισχαιμίας, ήδη εγκατασταθείσας. Η προσέγγιση αυτή είναι μεθοδολογικά περισσότερο κλινική, γιατί ικανοποιεί την προσπάθεια εξεύρεσης προστατευτικών παραγόντων, που θα δρουν άμεσα και επιβοηθητικά, όχι μόνο στις προγραμματισμένες ηπατεκτομές, αλλά και στην επείγουσα χειρουργική του ήπατος 235. 3. Ο παράγοντας ΙΑ, χορηγούμενος σε δοσολογία 0,3 mmol / kg, φαίνεται να είχε ηπατο-κυτταρο-προστατευτική δράση, αφού προστάτεψε εν μέρει τους επίμυες από τις διατραχές της ηπατικής βιολογίας που προκαλεί η 30λεπτη ηπατική ισχαιμία και επαναιμάτωση. Η αύξηση των ηπατικών ενζύμων ήταν σε στατιστικά σημαντικό βαθμό μικρότερη σε σχέση με τους μάρτυρες, τόσο στην 60λεπτη επαναιμάτωση (SGPT) όσο και στην 24ωρη επαμαιμάτωση (SGOT). 81 4. Ο παράγοντας ΙΑ, χορηγούμενος σε δοσολογία 0,3 mmol / kg, φαίνεται να είχε αντιοξειδωτική δράση, αφού προστάτεψε εν μέρει τους επίμυες από το οξειδωτικό stress που προκαλείται από την 30λεπτη ηπατική ισχαιμία και επαναιμάτωση. Η αύξηση της MDA ορού, δείκτη λιπιδικής υπεροξείδωσης, άρα και οξειδωτικού stress, ήταν σε στατιστικά σημαντικό βαθμό μικρότερη στην 60λεπτη ηπατική επαναιμάτωση, συγκριτικά με τους μάρτυρες. 5. Ο παράγοντας ΙΑ, χορηγούμενος σε δοσολογία 0,3 mmol / kg, φαίνεται να είχε αντιφλεγμονώδη δράση, μιας και προστάτεψε εν μέρει τους επίμυες από τη φλεγμονώδη ηπατική αλλοίωση που προκαλεί η 30λεπτη ηπατική ισχαιμία και επαναιμάτωση. Μετά από 24 ώρες ηπατικής επαναιμάτωσης, η πολυμορφοπυρηνική ηπατική διήθηση, η ηπατική υπεραιμία και η ηπατοκυτταρική νέκρωση ήταν μικρότερες σε στατιστικά σημαντικό βαθμό, σε σύγκριση με τους μάρτυρες. 6. Ο παράγοντας ΙΑ, χορηγούμενος ενδοφλεβίως, σε δοσολογία 0,3 mmol / kg, στο τέλος της 30λεπτης ηπατικής ισχαιμίας, ήταν καλά ανεκτός από τους επίμυες. Qεν προκλήθηκαν ορατές παρενέργειες, ούτε επιδεινώθηκε το βιοχημικό προφίλ των πειραματόζωων, συγκριτικά με τους μάρτυρες. Στο τέλος της 24ωρης επαναιμάτωσης όλοι οι επίμυες ήταν εν ζωή. 7. Η προστατευτική δράση του παράγοντα ΙΑ διερευνήθηκε για πρώτη φορά σε in vivo μοντέλο ολικής ηπατικής ισχαιμίας και επαναιμάτωσης. Ο πιθανός μηχανισμός προστασίας, αν και δεν έχει καθοριστεί με σαφήνεια, φαίνεται ότι σχετίζεται με τις αντιοξειδωτικές και αντιφλεγμονώδεις ιδιότητες του παράγοντα ΙΑ, που έχουν επισημανθεί και σε προγενέστερα πειράματα 201-204. Απαιτείται σίγουρα μεγαλύτερη πειραματική προσπάθεια, προκειμένου να διαφωτιστούν τα σημεία που παραμένουν ακόμα σκοτεινά στο πεδίο της ηπατικής ισχαιμίας, ώστε να βρεθούν νέες μέθοδοι και φάρμακα αντιμετώπισης των επιβλαβών συνεπειών της στον άνθρωπο

Informal institutions in accounting research: a structured literature review

We adopt a structured literature review methodology to review the literature on the impact of informal institutions on accounting outcomes. We address three key questions: How is research on the impact of informal institutions on accounting outcomes developing? What is the focus and critiques of the literature on the impact of informal institutions on accounting outcomes? Finally, what is the future for research on the impact of informal institutions on accounting outcomes? We contribute to the international accounting literature by producing a study that reviews this lively research area, enabling valuable and impactful future research in this field

Intraosseous cystic lesions of the jaws in children: A retrospective analysis of 47 consecutive cases

Objectives. The aim was to review the characteristics and treatment approach in 47 cases of intraosseous cystic lesions of the jaws in children. Study design: Forty-three patients, 2-14 years old, with 47 cystic lesions of the jaws, were treated during the period 2000-2007. All cysts were surgically removed. No bone grafts were used and the teeth involved were preserved whenever possible. Removed tissues were examined histologically. Follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 7 years. Results. In 74.5% of the cases, cysts were enucleated, and in 17.0% they were marsupialized. Most commonly, the cysts were dentigerous (20, 42.6%), followed by eruption cysts, odontogenic keratocysts, and radicular cysts (10.6% each) and buccal bifurcation cysts (8.6%). Conclusion. Cystic lesions in children were found to be mainly of developmental origin. Treatment was surgical removal without interfering, when possible, with the development of the dentition. Surgical approach was usually enucleation and, to a lesser extent, marsupialization. ( Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 107: 485-492

Adherence to oral anticoagulation in ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation

Background Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) have superior safety and comparable efficacy profile compared to vitamin-K antagonists (VKAs), with more convenient dosing schemes. However, issues with adherence to the NOACs remain unsolved. Aims We sought to investigate the adherence to oral anticoagulation (OAC) and baseline factors associated with poor adherence after ischaemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods We recruited hospitalised patients (2013-2019) from two prospective stroke registries in Larissa and Helsinki University Hospitals and invited survived patients to participate in a telephone interview. We assessed adherence with the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) and defined poor adherence as a score of over 17. In addition to demographics, individual comorbidities, and stroke features, we assessed the association of CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc and SAMe-TT2R2 scores with poor adherence. Results Among 396 patients (median age 75.0 years, interquartile range [IQR] 70-80; 57% men; median time from ischaemic stroke to interview 21 months [IQR 12-33]; median ARMS score 17 [IQR 17-19]), 56% of warfarin users and 44% of NOAC users reported poor adherence. In the multivariable regression model adjusted for site, sex, and age, poor adherence was independently associated with tertiary education, absence of heart failure, smoking history, use of VKA prior to index stroke, and prior ischaemic stroke. CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc and SAMe-TT2R2 scores were not associated with poor adherence. Conclusions Adherence was poor in half of AF patients who survived an ischaemic stroke. Independent patient-related factors, rather than composite scores, were associated with poor adherence in these patients. KEY MESSAGES Adherence was poor in half of the atrial fibrillation patients who survived an ischaemic stroke. Independent patient-related factors rather than composite scores were associated with poor adherence. The findings support the importance of recognising adherence support as a crucial part of holistic patient care recommended by recent AF guideline.Peer reviewe