Soybean seedlings as a new model to study the virulence factors of Fusarium graminearum.

Recent evidences have shown that soybean is a new host of F. graminearum mostly at the early phase of seedlings development. Some F. graminearum mutants previously characterized for virulence in wheat spike infection were tested by using a rapid virulence assay in order to establish their behavior in soybean. The disrupted mutants used were affected in DON (\u394tri5), lipase (\u394Fgl1) or in two MAPK signaling pathways, regulating cell wall degrading enzymes production (\u394gpmk1) and osmotic balance (\u394FgOS-2), respectively. The ability of these mutants to colonize soybean mirrors their behavior in wheat. In fact, the mutants that show reduced virulence (\u394tri5, \u394Fgl1 and \u394FgOS-2) or non pathogenicity (\u394gpmk1) on wheat spike are, correspondently, less virulent or non-pathogenic in soybean seedlings. However, a different ranking of symptom severity occurs in the two hosts: in wheat the \u394tri5, \u394Fgl1 and \u394FgOS-2 mutants give similar reduction of symptom severity in comparison to the WT while in soybean the \u394FgOS-2 mutant was less virulent than \u394tri5 and \u394Fgl1. The anatomy of the infected organs may partially explain these differences. In wheat the rachis node represents an histological barrier which stops the \u394tri5 and \u394Fgl1 mutants since DON and lipase are necessary to overcome this barrier. In soybean the absence of discontinuity between root and hypocotyl tissues allows the progress of infection of the \u394tri5 and \u394Fgl1 mutants, thus the absence of DON and lipase seem only to slow down seedling colonization. This soybean infection assay could be effectively used to rapidly screen F. graminearum mutants for their virulence, possibly anticipating results of wheat infection

Twins Lead to the Prevention of Atherosclerosis: Preliminary Findings of International Twin Study 2009

ABSTRACT Introduction.—Atherosclerosis is an infl ammatory process in which the artery wall thickens as a result of plaque deposition, but this process may be preceded by increased arterial stiffness. We sought to evaluate the infl uence of genetics and shared and unshared environmental components on the onset of atherosclerosis. Methods.—A total of 135 monozygotic (MZ) and 70 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs (mean age 49 ± 16 years) underwent carotid intima media thickness (IMT; carotid analyzer) and arterial stiffness (augmentation index on brachial artery [Aixbra], pulse wave velocity on aorta [PWVao]; TensioMed Arteriograph) measurements. Results.—Age-adjusted intraclass correlations were greater in MZ than in DZ pairs for proximal right common carotid artery (CCA; MZ = 0.19, DZ = 0.06), proximal and distal left CCA (MZ = 0.27, DZ = 0.06; MZ = 0.27, DZ = 0.13, respectively), and proximal left internal carotid artery (ICA; MZ = 0.39, DZ = −0.54), suggesting a moderate genetic effect. Heritability was estimated to be 18% (95% confi dence interval [CI] = 3–33) for proximal right CCA, 26% and 27% for proximal and distal left CCA, respectively, and 38% (95% CI = 26–49) for proximal left ICA. Regarding distal right CCA and proximal right ICA, no genetic effects were detected. Age-adjusted intraclass correlation of Aixbra and PWVao were 0.65 (95% CI = 0.55–0.72) and 0.46 (95% CI = 0.33–0.57) in MZ, 0.42 (95% CI = 0.24–0.57) and 0.28 (95% CI = 0.08–0.47) in DZ pairs; heritability 45% (95% CI = 12–71%) and 42% (95% CI = 2–57%) adjusted by age, respectively. Conclusions.—The investigated parameters appeared to be only moderately infl uenced by genetic factors. Environmental factors of relevance for these measures appeared not to be shared within family but related to individual experience (e.g., smoking habits, diet, and physical activity). Atherosclerosis detection at an early stage is necessary for treatment to prevent serious complications such as stroke and heart attack

Nédemax mese (Leucoselect, Lymphaselect, Bromelain) in the treatment of chronic venous disease: a multicenter , obbservational study

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous disease (CVD)is major health concern; however,there remains a need to improve treatment approaches.Nédemax Mese , a nutritional supplementation consisting of Leucoselect 300 mg,Lymphaselect 100 mg and Bromelain 100 mg, is a patented formulation thah may have a role in the treatment of CVD. In this prospective , multicenter study conducted at 54 Italian centers, we investigated the effectiveness of Nédemax Mese in a large sample of CVD patients

HELP. Emergency Medical Imaging

nrpages: 157status: publishe

Nédemax® Mese (Leucoselect®, Lymphaselect®, Bromelain) in the treatment of chronic venous disease: a multicenter, observational study

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous disease (CVD)is major health concern; however,there remains a need to improve treatment approaches.Nédemax Mese , a nutritional supplementation consisting of Leucoselect 300 mg,Lymphaselect 100 mg and Bromelain 100 mg, is a patented formulation thah may have a role in the treatment of CVD. In this prospective , multicenter study conducted at 54 Italian centers, we investigated the effectiveness of Nédemax Mese in a large sample of CVD patients