Genome-wide analysis of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid signalling marker gene families in wheat.

Jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) phytohormone pathways are important regulators of stress tolerance. Knowledge regarding the diversity, phylogeny and functionality of wheat genes involved in JA and SA response is limited. Using Arabidopsis, rice and wheat genomic and wheat disease transcriptomic data, we deduced the size, phylogenetic diversity and pathogen-responsiveness of seven hormone-responsive gene families, and thus selected 14 candidates as potential hormone responsive gene markers. Gene-specific expression studies assessed the impact of exogenous JA and SA on their transcriptional activation in leaves of two distinct wheat cultivars. RNAseq data were interrogated to assess their disease responsiveness and tissue-specific expression. This study elucidated the number, phylogeny and pathogen-responsiveness of wheat genes from seven families, including 12 TaAOS, 6 TaJAMyb, 256 TaWRKY group III, 85 TaPR1, 205 TaPR2, 76 TaPR3 and 124 TaPR5. This included the first description of the wheat AOS, JAMyb, PR2, PR3 and PR5 gene families. Gene expression studies delineated TaAOS1-5B and TaJAMyb-4A as JA-responsive in leaves, but not significantly responsive to SA treatment, while TaWRKY45-B was a SA- but not a JA-responsive marker. Other candidate genes were either unresponsive or non-specific to SA or JA. Our findings highlight that all seven gene families are greatly expanded in wheat as compared to other plants (up to 7.6-fold expansion), and demonstrate disparity in the response to biotic stress between some homoeologous and paralogous sequences within these families. The SA- and JA-responsive marker genes identified herein will prove useful tools to monitor these signalling pathways in wheat.

A Trichinella spiralis new born larvae-specific protein, Ts-NBL1, interacts with host's cell vimentin.

The parasitic nematode Trichinella has a special relationship with its host as it has a unique intracellular location within the feeder cell which is a structure derived from skeletal muscle fiber. It has been proposed that "parakines" secreted by Trichinella larvae serve as messengers to implement communication between the parasite and the muscle cells through a molecular cross-talk to ensure permanent coexistence within the host. The Ts-NBL1 protein is considered to be a potential key "parakine" involved in the early invasion of the muscle fiber and its transformation into a feeder cell during Trichinella spiralis infection. This study used for the first time yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) technology in Trichinella to identify Ts-NBL1 interacting proteins. GST co-affinity purification experiments confirmed vimentin as an important interactor. The discovery of the new host proteins interacting with Ts-NBL1 will help to suggest that Ts-NBL1 contributes to participate in the capsule formation of feeder cells and provide ideas for understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the survival of Trichinella in the host.

The health risks of informal waste workers in the Kathmandu Valley: a cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the health and occupational risks of informal waste workers (IWWs) in the Kathmandu Valley and explore the factors associated with not using personal protective equipment (PPE). STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional survey of IWWs. METHODS: Data were collected on the health and occupational risks of adult IWWs working on waste sites in the Kathmandu Valley and in the adjacent Nuwakot district, Nepal, in November 2017, through convenience sampling. Using a standardized health assessment questionnaire, face-to-face interviews were undertaken to record sociodemographic data, indicators of general and occupational health, data on healthcare access and use, physical risks, perception of occupational risks and use of PPE. Associations between use of PPE and gender, age, education, country of origin, injury and perception of occupational risks were examined using multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: In 1278 surveyed IWWs, prevalent physical risks included injuries (66.2% in the previous 12 months), and the main reported symptoms were respiratory in nature (69.9% in the previous 3 months). Most prevalent injuries were glass cuts (44.4%) and metal cuts (43.9%). Less than half of the IWWs (46.8%) had been vaccinated against tetanus and 7.5% against hepatitis B. The work was considered as 'risky' by 72.5% of IWWs, but 67.6% did not use PPE. Non-use of PPE was independently associated with male gender (odds ratio [OR] 2.19; P < 0.001), Indian origin (OR 1.35; P = 0.018), older age (OR 2.97 for more than the age of 55 years; P = 0.007) and low perception of occupational risks (OR 2.41; P < 0.001). Low perception of occupational risk was associated with older age (55 + years) and the lack of receipt of information on the risks. CONCLUSIONS: IWWs are at increased risk of injury in their work, yet are poorly protected in relation to vaccine-preventable infections and workwear. The results suggest that information is important in relation to perception of occupational risk, which in turn is associated with the use of PPE. There is a need for policymakers and public health practitioners to have a robust understanding of the needs and vulnerabilities of this group, as well as identify effective interventions that can be taken to safeguard the health and welfare of IWWs.

The metastatic potential of canine mammary tumours can be assessed by mRNA expression analysis of connective tissue modulators.

Metastases are the crucial factor for the prognosis of canine mammary tumours (CMTs). In women, the peptide hormone relaxin is linked with metastatic breast cancer. Therefore, the impact of relaxin and its receptors on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, metastatic disease and survival was analysed using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry of CMT samples from 59 bitches. The expression of relaxin and its receptor RXFP1 (relaxin family peptide receptor 1) was discovered on gene and protein levels. Intratumoural relaxin mRNA expression and relaxin plasma levels had no prognostic value. High mRNA levels RXFP1 were an independent marker of metastatic potential, with a more than 15-fold risk increase, and a predictor for shorter survival. Also, MMP-2 expression was associated with early death because of CMT. The mRNA expressions of relaxin, RXFP1 and MMP-2 were positively correlated indicating a common pathogenetic linkage. Thus, RXFP1 is proposed as a new early marker of metastatic potential in CMT and a possible therapeutic target.

Laser-assisted lipolysis in the treatment of gynecomastia: a prospective study in 28 patients.

Gynecomastia is the most common breast pathology. Numerous excisions and liposuction techniques have been described to correct bilateral male breast enlargement. Recently, there has been a shift from the open approach to minimally invasive techniques. This article reports a 5-year experience using laser-assisted lipolysis (LAL) to treat gynecomastia, and describes the surgical technique. Between January 2006 and December 2010, a total of 28 patients with bilateral gynecomastia were treated with LAL. Patients had a mean age of 36.5 years (range 24 to 56 years). LAL was performed with a 980-nm diode laser (continuous emission, 15 W power, 8-12 kJ total energy per breast) after tumescent anesthetic infiltration. The breast was evaluated objectively by two physicians who compared chest circumference and photographs. Patients were also asked to score the results using a visual analogue scale: 75 to 100 (very good), 50-74 (good), 25 to 49 (fair) and 0 to 24 (poor). The postoperative period for all patients was incident-free. After 6 months, 18 patients (64.3%) scored the results as "very good", 6 as "good" (21.4%), 3 as "fair" (10.7%) and 1 "poor" (3.6%). Mean chest circumferences pre- and postoperatively were, respectively, 117.4 ± 11.1 cm and 103.3 ± 7.5 cm (p < 0.001), corresponding to a mean difference of 14.1 cm. Physicians scored the photographs as "very good" in 22 patients (78.6%), as "good" in five patients (17.9%), and as "fair" in one patient (3.6%). LAL in gynecomastia is safe and produces significant effects on fatty tissue, with a reduction in breast volume, together with significant skin tightening. Provided an appropriate amount of energy is delivered by an experienced operator, the results are both significant and consistent.

[One-stage defect closure of deperiosted bone and exposed tendons with MATRIDERM® and skin transplantation. Possibilities and limitations]. / Einzeitige Defektdeckung von denudiertem Knochen und freiliegenden Sehnen mittels MATRIDERM® und Spalthaut. Möglichkeiten und Grenzen.

BACKGROUND: Full-thickness skin defects over functional structures (tendons, vessels) or deperiosted bones of the extremities usually require extensive soft tissue reconstruction to cover the defect. A new option for coverage of the defect is the application of MATRIDERM®, a bovine matrix consisting of collagen and elastin, as a neodermis underneath skin transplants. Can this combined one-stage surgical intervention successfully cover deperiosted bone or tendon? PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed this one-stage procedure in ten patients instead of soft tissue reconstruction. The success of wound coverage with the one-stage method and in combination with skin transplantation for defects generally associated with considerable loss of transplants (deperiosted bones and tendons without paratenons) was determined. RESULTS: In nine of ten patients, complete defect coverage could be achieved. A one-stage wound closure in extensive defects with exposed tendons in four of five locations could be achieved. In deperiosted bone defects the one-stage coverage was only successful in two of six patients. However, complete wound closure could be achieved with a second skin transplantation in a patient with exposed tendon and bone in three of the four locations. CONCLUSION: As a one- or two-stage procedure, MATRIDERM® application with skin transplantation resulted in an effective defect closure without the need for a complex plastic reconstructive procedure. With regard to its functionality it cannot be considered as a substitute for skin flaps. In selected cases MATRIDERM® is an interesting and successful method in plastic reconstructive surgery.

New data in France on the trematode Alaria alata (Goeze, 1792) obtained during Trichinella inspections.

The trematode Alaria alata is a cosmopolite parasite found in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), the main definitive host in Europe. In contrast only few data are reported in wild boars (Sus scrofa), a paratenic host. The aim of this paper is to describe the importance and distribution of Alaria alata mesocercariae in wild boars, information is given by findings of these larvae during Trichinella mandatory meat inspection on wild boars' carcasses aimed for human consumption. More than a hundred cases of mesocercariae positive animals are found every year in the East of France. First investigations on the parasite's resistance to deep-freezing in meat are presented in this work.

[Surgical therapy of gynecomastia]. / Chirurgische Therapie bei Gynäkomastie.

Nowadays surgical intervention is an essential part of the treatment of idiopathic gynecomastia. Choosing the right method is crucial and is based on the current status in the clinical and histological evaluation. Before finalizing the process of choosing a specific method a prior interdisciplinary evaluation of the patient is necessary to ascertain clear indications for a surgical intervention. Liposuction is one of the methods which have become popular in recent years. The advantages are the possible combination with traditional techniques, such as subcutaneous mastectomy or periareolar mastopexy. The main indication is for gynecomastia stage IIa/b and is justifiable due to the reduction in surgical complications and scarring. Furthermore this technique provides an excellent aesthetical outcome for the patient. A total of 162 patients suffering from gynecomastia stages I-III (according to Simon) were surgically treated between 2000 and 2010 and these cases were retrospectively evaluated. The results showed a decline in the use of a T-shaped incision in combination with subcutaneous mastectomy with periareolar tightening compared to an increase in the use of subcutaneous mastectomy in combination with liposuction. The excised tissue should always be sent for histological examination to make sure no malignant cells were present.

[C-type scaphoid fracture in a elite power lifting]. / Scaphoidfraktur vom Typ C bei einem Elite-Kraftsportler.

Power lifting injuries most often involve shoulder injuries with an injury rate of 0.57 to 0.71/1000 hours of power lifting. Wrist injuries are less common in power lifters with 0.05/1000 hours exposure vs. 0.23/1000 h in elite weight lifting men. Often, two contributing factors causing wrist injuries are encountered: a) loss of balance causing the barbell to drift back behind the head of the power lifter, which hyperextends the wrist and b) the maximal weight. We report on an elite power lifting athlete preparing for the World Masters Bench press championships suffering two months of persisting pain during bench press exercise and rest in the snuff-box area following a loss of balance of the bar-bell during bench press with 280 kg load. Following prolonged presentation 2 months after the initial injury with training in the meantime, CT-scan was performed revealing a C-type scaphoid fracture. Surgery was performed as Herbert screw fixation and bone grafting according to the technique of Matti-Russe, followed by an immobilisation of twelve weeks with a plaster. We recommended ending the athletes' power lifting career, however he further exercised with the plaster with consecutive re-operation 3months later and 2nd Matti-Russe and Herbert screw re-do. One year later he became national champion with 240 kg bench pressing. Given the limited scaphoid blood supply and the high complication rate especially among C-type scaphoid fractures, a surgical procedure with bone grafting, Herbert screw fixation and sufficient plaster immobilisation is advocated in scaphoid fractures in elite athletes.