High temperatures effect on morpho-physiological indicators in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants during the germination and growth in non-optimum season

The knowledge about high temperature effect on plant crop is important for adaptation strategies to Climate Change. For this reason the aim of the paper was to analyze its abiotic effect on common bean cultivation in a Red Ferralitic soil. A sowing of twelve varieties was performed in non-optimum season (high heat environment) during three years: 2013, 2014 and 2015 through an alpha-Latin design using three replicates per accession. The number of germinated plants was measured within the first 11 days after sowing to obtain the survival percentage. In the same way absolute (AGR) and relative (RGR) growth rate between 21 and 30 days and the plant height from 20 to 70 days with measurement ranges of 10 and 15 days were also evaluated and plotted by a logistic model. The values of daily mean temperature (DMT) were registered to calculate the accumulative temperature during the germination and growth phases. For the statistical evaluation, AGR and RGR were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and a Tukey comparison where significance was defined with a probability level of P<0.05. The results showed that plant survival percentage was significantly affected by increasing temperature following a sigmoid model, where differences among varieties were observed, while a prediction of survival behavior was also carried out for extreme values of temperature. The model corroborated that DMT above 28 C decreases the survival percentage until values less than 30%. On the other hand the most sensible varieties in the germination stage showed a higher relative growth rate which contributes for understanding the physiological effect of thermal stress in common bean plants

[Acneiform eruptions induced by cetuximab.]

introduction. Many drugs may induce acneiform eruptions: vitamine B12, corticosteroids, androgens, lithium, tuberculostatics, halogens, some antidepressants, anticonvulsives and immunosuppressors. Many cases of acneiform eruptions can be observed following treatment with cetuximab, a drug used for solid cancers at advanced stages in experimental protocols. Case reports. Case 1. A 56 year-old woman, suffering from a colorectal cancer, developed a sudden acneiform eruption after 6 cures of cetuximab, at a one-week interval. She was treated with bisoprolol hemifumarate, sodium levothyroxin, cyproterone acetate and estradiol valerate. Clinical examination revealed inflammatory and follicular papulopustules localized on the face and upper chest. Comedos were absent. Itching sensations were discrete. Histopathological examination of a papulopustule revealed a folliculitis with polymorphonuclear neutrophils. PAS staining did not reveal the presence of bacteria or yeasts. Bacterial and fungal cultures were negative. Lesions faded in approximately 2 weeks following minocycline treatment (100 mg/day). Case 2. A 65 year-old man, treated by cetuximab for a colorectal adenocarcinoma, suddenly developped follicular inflammatory papulopustules on the face, trunk and extensor surfaces of both arms, after 3 weeks of treatment. Itching was discrete. Comedos were absent. Histopathology revealed the presence of a folliculitis with polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Bacteriology and mycology were negative. Lesions were partly controlled by administration of minocycline (100 mg/day) but worsened again in the days following each cure of cetuximab. Discussion. Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody binding to the epidermal-growth-factor-receptor. It is used in the treatment of solid cancers at advanced stages. Both case reports share some similarities: the development of follicular inflammatory papulopustules distributed on the face and trunk typical, of acneiform drug eruptions. Itching is discrete. Comedos are absent. Quick onset of lesions is the rule. Cetuximab can be added to the list of drugs responsible for acneiform eruption