Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for the oomyceta [i]Aphanomyces euteiches[/i].

International audienceAphanomyces euteiches Drechsler is a serious pathogen of leguminous crops that causes devastating root rot of pea worldwide. Given that A. euteiches is a diploid organism, robust, codominant markers are needed for population genetics studies. We have developed and screened a microsatellite-enriched small-insert genomic library for identification of A. euteiches SSR containing sequences. Fourteen out of the 48 primer pairs designed to amplify SSR, produced unambiguous polymorphic products in our test population of 94 isolates. The number of alleles at each locus ranged from one to four. The identification of new markers would enhance the ability to evaluate the genetic structure of A. euteiches populations, and pathogen evolution

The activation of the cannabinoid receptor type 2 reduces neutrophilic protease-mediated vulnerability in atherosclerotic plaques

Aims The activation of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2)-mediated pathways might represent a promising anti-atherosclerotic treatment. Here, we investigated the expression of the endocannabinoid system in human carotid plaques and the impact of CB2 pharmacological activation on markers of plaque vulnerability in vivo and in vitro. Methods and results The study was conducted using all available residual human carotid tissues (upstream and downstream the blood flow) from our cohort of patients symptomatic (n = 13) or asymptomatic (n = 27) for ischaemic stroke. Intraplaque levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol, anandamide N-arachidonoylethanolamine, N-palmitoylethanolamine, N-oleoylethanolamine, and their degrading enzymes (fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase) were not different in human plaque portions. In the majority of human samples, CB1 (both mRNA and protein levels) was undetectable. In downstream symptomatic plaques, CB2 protein expression was reduced when compared with asymptomatic patients. In these portions, CB2 levels were inversely correlated (r = −0.4008, P = 0.0170) with matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-9 content and positively (r = 0.3997, P = 0.0174) with collagen. In mouse plaques, CB2 co-localized with neutrophils and MMP-9. Treatment with the selective CB2 agonist JWH-133 was associated with the reduction in MMP-9 content in aortic root and carotid plaques. In vitro, pre-incubation with JWH-133 reduced tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-mediated release of MMP-9. This effect was associated with the reduction in TNF-α-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in human neutrophils. Conclusion Cannabinoid receptor type 2 receptor is down-regulated in unstable human carotid plaques. Since CB2 activation prevents neutrophil release of MMP-9 in vivo and in vitro, this treatment strategy might selectively reduce carotid vulnerability in human

Réseau handicap pour adultes à Genève

Le nombre de personnes en situation de handicap en Suisse est estimé à 1 712 000, et 1 à 3 % d’entre elles présentent un handicap sévère avec retard mental. Ce dernier complexifie significativement les prises en charge en raison des difficultés de communication, d’interprétation des plaintes et des symptômes. De plus, le retard mental requiert un soutien psychosocial non négligeable. Cet article propose une réponse possible à cette problématique grâce à la création d’un réseau de soins intra- et extrahospitalier à Genève, qui inclut consultations, formations spécialisées, coordinations interinstitutionnelles et collaboration en réseau.It is estimated that about 1 712 000 people are suffering from disability in Switzerland, and that 1 to 3% of them present a severe form of disability associated with intellectual deficiency. Management of such patients is complex and faces various challenges. Communication and collaboration with the patients and among all stakeholders are key. In this review, we highlight the value of creating a network supporting people with disabilities. We also present the network available for in- and outpatients in Geneva, which offers consultations and training courses for healthcare workers, and encourages coordination between institutions and network collaboration

The activation of the cannabinoid receptor type 2 reduces neutrophilic protease-mediated vulnerability in atherosclerotic plaques

The activation of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB(2))-mediated pathways might represent a promising anti-atherosclerotic treatment. Here, we investigated the expression of the endocannabinoid system in human carotid plaques and the impact of CB(2) pharmacological activation on markers of plaque vulnerability in vivo and in vitro