Development CRISPR/CAS9-mediated resistance in sunflower against O. cumana

Sesquiterpene lactones (STL) are a group of natural compounds found in various plant species, including sunflowers (Helianthus spp.), and they have been studied for their potential role in allelopathy and defense against pests and pathogens. Allelopathy refers to the ability of certain plants to release chemicals that affect the growth and development of neighboring plants and organisms. In the context of sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana) and sunflowers, STLs have been of particular interest due to their potential role in inhibiting the growth of the broomrape parasite. Some STLs have been shown to possess allelopathic properties, which means they can influence the germination and growth of other plants, potentially including parasitic plants like sunflower broomrape. Research has suggested that certain STLs found in sunflowers may exhibit inhibitory effects on the germination and growth of sunflower broomrape seeds. These compounds could potentially be released from the sunflower roots and into the soil, creating a hostile environment for the parasite. However, the effectiveness of sesquiterpene lactones in controlling sunflower broomrape is still an active area of research, and their practical application as a management strategy requires further investigation

Intraoperative transfusion practices in Europe

© 2016 The Author. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Journal of Anaesthesia.Background: Transfusion of allogeneic blood influences outcome after surgery. Despite widespread availability of transfusion guidelines, transfusion practices might vary among physicians, departments, hospitals and countries. Our aim was to determine the amount of packed red blood cells (pRBC) and blood products transfused intraoperatively, and to describe factors determining transfusion throughout Europe. Methods: We did a prospective observational cohort study enrolling 5803 patients in 126 European centres that received at least one pRBC unit intraoperatively, during a continuous three month period in 2013. Results: The overall intraoperative transfusion rate was 1.8%; 59% of transfusions were at least partially initiated as a result of a physiological transfusion trigger- mostly because of hypotension (55.4%) and/or tachycardia (30.7%). Haemoglobin (Hb)- based transfusion trigger alone initiated only 8.5% of transfusions. The Hb concentration [mean (sd)] just before transfusion was 8.1 (1.7) g dl-1 and increased to 9.8 (1.8) g dl-1 after transfusion. The mean number of intraoperatively transfused pRBC units was 2.5 (2.7) units (median 2). Conclusions: Although European Society of Anaesthesiology transfusion guidelines are moderately implemented in Europe with respect to Hb threshold for transfusion (7-9 g dl-1), there is still an urgent need for further educational efforts that focus on the number of pRBC units to be transfused at this threshold