Studies to elucidate some effects of Cytokinins on the reproductive potential of Vicia Faba L.

Abscission of flowers and loss of pods appear to be part of normal reproductive development in Vicia faba L. The biological processes leading to this loss of reproductive potential are yet to be elucidated, but may be mediated by a lack of an adequate cytokinin supply to the reproductive organs. External application of cytokinins was used in this study to help further understand the regulation of reproductive loss in this species. The effect of six cytokinins on the reproductive potential of broad beans, grown under controlled conditions, was studied by local application of the chemicals on every inflorescence having flowers prior to and at full petal opening. 6-(benzylamino) purine (BA) and 6-[benzylamino-9-(2-tetrahydropyranyl)] purine ([9tP]BA) were the most active compounds in preventing flower abscission, regardless of the flower position on the plant. However, this early increase in reproductive potential was eliminated due to compensatory pod-drop during their development. It was suggested in the discussion that repeated applications of these compounds may prevent abortion of the pods. In field experiments using various cultivars of V. faba L., the reproductive portions of plants were sprayed twice with cytokinins, at early flowering and at early pod-initiation. Both BA-compounds resulted in almost complete flower retention. It was the varieties for all subspecies that normally set fewer pods that showed the better response to cytokinin treatment. The response of subspecies of Vicia faba to cytokinins in descending order was major > equina > minor. At harvest, analysis of the cytokinin effects on yield components indicated a great variation in plants within each variety. Thus, recorded increases in the dry weight of harvestable organs were not statistically different from controls apart from cv. Toret, a uniform variety. Depending on the variety, consistent enhancement in fruit-set in faba bean due to BA-application was associated with increased sucrose synthase activity and/or acid invertase activity at carpels before or at pollination, measured 24h after the application of the growth substance. Subsequently, an investigation of the inter-relationships between sucrose content of the carpel and successful pod-set after application of BA was performed. Each flower was at a known stage of development. The probability of each flower achieving pod-set was also known by virtue of its position on the inflorescence. Treatment with BA 24 hours before anthesis caused all flowers to set a pod, and this was accompanied by an increase in sugar content of the carpel one day after application. Decreases in glucose and fructose content were also found, a few days later, when flower-petals collapsed. These results are fully discussed in relation to sink development in Vicia faba. In conclusion it is suggested that cytokinins strongly influence pod-set in V. faba L. The metabolism of sugar in vivo before or at pollination of the flower appears to be, at least part of the way cytokinin effects its action. To investigate this further, new methodologies need to be developed to elucidate the mode of action of cytokinin on sugar metabolism before or at anthesis of the flower and its relation to successful pod-set

Free microvascular tissue transfer for the reconstruction of midfacial defects in oncological patients

This study reviews our experience with free microvascular tissue transfer for the repair of midfacial defects in surgical oncology. From 2000 to 2008, eight patients with maxillectomy defects were immediately reconstructed using free flaps. Their clinical charts were retrospectively reviewed to record demographic data, ablative and reconstructive procedures, complications and outcome. Free tissue transfer was successful in all patients, giving an overall success rate of 100%. The mean follow-up time was 4 to 101 months (mr: 43.8). Three patients died from the disease giving a patient mortality of 30%, while five patients are alive, free of disease and back to their normal daily activities. The restoration of function and improvement of patients? quality of life was a common feature in all our reconstructions. The development of free tissue transfer has made surgical treatment of oncological patients with maxillectomy defects previously considered inoperable possible, improving at the same time their quality of life

Thermal burn of palate caused by microwave heated cheese-pie: A case report

A female patient, 36-years-old, complained of bilateral palatal pain on the anatomical area of upper second molars. The painful condition of palatal mucosa erosion was observed. Palatal erosions or ulcerations may be caused by heated food cooked in microwave ovens. We present a case of a bilateral palatal burn caused by cheese-pie. Concluding, any food containing cheese, when heated in microwave oven, may cause palatal burn if eaten immediately

Upper-lip laser frenectomy without infiltrated anaesthesia in a paediatric patient: a case report

Labial frenectomy is a common surgical procedure in the field of oral surgery. Labial frenectomy is a procedure usually done for orthodontic reasons. The role of laser surgery in the oral cavity is well established. The use of diode laser frenectomy without infiltrated anaesthesia is currently under investigation. Needle-less oral surgery, without infiltrated anaesthesia, is a novel situation in paediatrics with paramount importance

Radiographic evaluation of bone regeneration after the application of plasma rich in growth factors in a lower third molar socket: a case report

A 42-year-old Mediterranean male presented complaining of inability to sustain good oral care at the posterior aspect of the lower right jaw. The main problems were food impaction in the area and the subsequent malodor. The patient reported remarkable medical history. Clinical examination revealed local erytherma with noticeable bone defect distal to the second molar with obvious defect in the mesial wall of the third molar; the penetration depth was found to be up to 6 mm

One-stage multiple root canal treatment of adjacent teeth combined with surgical apicectomies may be preferred in patients with severe anxiety under local anaesthesia: a case report

A female patient referred to the clinic for assessment of a unilateral painful swelling formation on the left anterior maxilla. Anxiety is a psychological condition commonly seen in dental practice. When this psychological alteration affects the patient severely, any dental operation may be found difficult under local anaesthesia. We report a case of one-stage management in a patient with periapical lesion and anxiety