Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells drive lymphangiogenesis.

It is now well accepted that multipotent Bone-Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSC) contribute to cancer progression through several mechanisms including angiogenesis. However, their involvement during the lymphangiogenic process is poorly described. Using BM-MSC isolated from mice of two different backgrounds, we demonstrate a paracrine lymphangiogenic action of BM-MSC both in vivo and in vitro. Co-injection of BM-MSC and tumor cells in mice increased the in vivo tumor growth and intratumoral lymphatic vessel density. In addition, BM-MSC or their conditioned medium stimulated the recruitment of lymphatic vessels in vivo in an ear sponge assay, and ex vivo in the lymphatic ring assay (LRA). In vitro, MSC conditioned medium also increased the proliferation rate and the migration of both primary lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) and an immortalized lymphatic endothelial cell line. Mechanistically, these pro-lymphangiogenic effects relied on the secretion of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-A by BM-MSC that activates VEGF Receptor (VEGFR)-2 pathway on LEC. Indeed, the trapping of VEGF-A in MSC conditioned medium by soluble VEGF Receptors (sVEGFR)-1, -2 or the inhibition of VEGFR-2 activity by a specific inhibitor (ZM 323881) both decreased LEC proliferation, migration and the phosphorylation of their main downstream target ERK1/2. This study provides direct unprecedented evidence for a paracrine lymphangiogenic action of BM-MSC via the production of VEGF-A which acts on LEC VEGFR-2

Esca of grapevine and training practices in France: results of a 10-year survey

Esca is a widespread and damaging grapevine trunk disease in France. A survey was undertaken to identify relevant cultural factors that may influence symptom severity. Preliminary observations in the Aquitaine region confirmed the complex interactions among cultivar, vine training system, and climate, so the study was expanded to the national level to help account for esca in different wine growing regions. Twenty-five vineyard plots were examined. The plots were comparable by pairs, with the same cultivar (or cultivar with similar levels of susceptibility in a few cases), with the same age and similar soil and climatic environments, but with different training or pruning systems. Esca was the predominant trunk disease and prevalence was assessed by visible symptoms on leaves and on wood. Training systems with long arms (or cordons) were generally less affected by the disease than those with short or no arms. Pruning also played a major role, with a trend of less severe symptoms associated with less pruning. The study confirmed that foliar symptoms reveal the presence of the disease, but cannot be considered a reliable indicator of the disease impact in all situations. This study also confirmed: i) that vine training and pruning options may greatly influence the severity of esca, ii) that increasing the length of cordons may minimize the consequences of the wood necroses, and, iii) that simplifications of the woody vine structure (resulting from adoption of modern training and pruning options) may have favoured the development of esca

Esca of grapevine and training practices in France: results of a 10-year survey

Esca is a widespread and damaging grapevine trunk disease in France. A survey was undertaken to identify relevant cultural factors that may influence symptom severity. Preliminary observations in the Aquitaine region confirmed the complex interactions among cultivar, vine training system, and climate, so the study was expanded to the national level to help account for esca in different wine growing regions. Twenty-five vineyard plots were examined. The plots were comparable by pairs, with the same cultivar (or cultivar with similar levels of susceptibility in a few cases), with the same age and similar soil and climatic environments, but with different training or pruning systems. Esca was the predominant trunk disease and prevalence was assessed by visible symptoms on leaves and on wood. Training systems with long arms (or cordons) were generally less affected by the disease than those with short or no arms. Pruning also played a major role, with a trend of less severe symptoms associated with less pruning. The study confirmed that foliar symptoms reveal the presence of the disease, but cannot be considered a reliable indicator of the disease impact in all situations. This study also confirmed: i) that vine training and pruning options may greatly influence the severity of esca, ii) that increasing the length of cordons may minimize the consequences of the wood necroses, and, iii) that simplifications of the woody vine structure (resulting from adoption of modern training and pruning options) may have favoured the development of esca

Conduite, taille de la vigne et esca : les premieres conditionnent l'autre

National audienc

Conduite, taille de la vigne et esca : les premieres conditionnent l'autre

National audienc

Orthotopic Heart-transplantation 11 Years After Left Pneumonectomy

Orthotopic heart transplantation was performed in a 21-year-old medical student 11 years after left pneumonectomy for a rhabdomyosarcoma. The cardiomyopathy was the result of the administration of doxorubicin (Adriamycin). The surgical procedure was largely facilitated as a result of an in-hospital donor and the absence of major adhesions. The early postoperative course was mainly uneventful. The patient is doing well 9 months after operation, without any episode of rejection or infection