Rootstock effects on scion gene expression in maritime pine.

Pines are the dominant conifers in Mediterranean forests. As long-lived sessile organisms that seasonally have to cope with drought periods, they have developed a variety of adaptive responses. However, during last decades, highly intense and long-lasting drought events could have contributed to decay and mortality of the most susceptible trees. Among conifer species, Pinus pinaster Ait. shows remarkable ability to adapt to different environments. Previous molecular analysis of a full-sib family designed to study drought response led us to find active transcriptional activity of stress-responding genes even without water deprivation in tolerant genotypes. To improve our knowledge about communication between above- and below-ground organs of maritime pine, we have analyzed four graft-type constructions using two siblings as rootstocks and their progenitors, Gal 1056 and Oria 6, as scions. Transcriptomic profiles of needles from both scions were modified by the rootstock they were grafted on. However, the most significant differential gene expression was observed in drought-sensitive Gal 1056, while in drought-tolerant Oria 6, differential gene expression was very much lower. Furthermore, both scions grafted onto drought-tolerant rootstocks showed activation of genes involved in tolerance to abiotic stress, and is most remarkable in Oria 6 grafts where higher accumulation of transcripts involved in phytohormone action, transcriptional regulation, photosynthesis and signaling has been found. Additionally, processes, such as those related to secondary metabolism, were mainly associated with the scion genotype. This study provides pioneering information about rootstock effects on scion gene expression in conifers.

[Abscess of the seminal vesicle. Clinico-therapeutic review apropos of a case]. / Absceso de vesícula seminal. Revisión clínico-terapéutica a propósito de un caso.

Reporting the case of a patient diagnosed with an abscess of the seminal vesicle, treated successfully through parasacral transgluteal percutaneous aspiration lead by computerized axial tomography (CAT). This represents the first case in the literature of percutaneous access to the seminal vesicles through this route. CAT is an effective diagnostic test which makes non-surgical treatment for this type of abscess simpler. A review is made of the literature with regard to the etiology, diagnosis and therapy of seminal vesicle abscesses.