FUSARIUM HEAD BLIGHT SYMPTOM DISCRIMINATION: A USEFUL TOOL IN THE FIELD EVALUATION OF FUNGICIDE TREATMENTS.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the major diseases affecting wheat. It is caused by a complex of fungal species, resulting in yield losses and health problems due to mycotoxin production. The presence of multiple fungal species on wheat ears, with varying responses to active fungicide ingredients used in the field, makes the disease difficult to manage. In order to evaluate the efficacy of the timing of applications (at GS 39, GS 61 and GS 39+61) of a prothioconazole + fluoxastrobin-based fungicide, a 2-year field trial was conducted in Belgium. In both years, applications at GS 61 and GS 39+61 resulted in a significant reduction in symptom severity on ears and in deoxynivalenol (DON) content compared with the untreated control in 2013. In 2012, when Microdochium spp. were the most prevalent species, the treatment at GS 39 significantly reduced ear symptoms. Fusarium graminearum was predominant in the second year (2013) and caused significant DON accumulation in the grain after a single foliar spraying. The two genera were characterized by distinct types of symptoms: grouped bleached spikelet's for F. graminearum and isolated bleached spikelet's for Microdochium spp. This difference enabled the significant effect of the double treatments on symptoms caused by Microdochium spp. to be determined in the second year. This effect, which was also visible on leaf symptoms, suggests that Microdochium spp. epidemics in wheat might be polycyclic. Discrimination between symptoms caused by F. graminearum and Microdochium spp. could be a useful tool to study FHB management using fungicide treatments.

Granzyme B-induced mitochondrial ROS are required for apoptosis.

Caspases and the cytotoxic lymphocyte protease granzyme B (GB) induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, loss of transmembrane potential and mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). Whether ROS are required for GB-mediated apoptosis and how GB induces ROS is unclear. Here, we found that GB induces cell death in an ROS-dependent manner, independently of caspases and MOMP. GB triggers ROS increase in target cell by directly attacking the mitochondria to cleave NDUFV1, NDUFS1 and NDUFS2 subunits of the NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex I inside mitochondria. This leads to mitocentric ROS production, loss of complex I and III activity, disorganization of the respiratory chain, impaired mitochondrial respiration and loss of the mitochondrial cristae junctions. Furthermore, we have also found that GB-induced mitocentric ROS are necessary for optimal apoptogenic factor release, rapid DNA fragmentation and lysosomal rupture. Interestingly, scavenging the ROS delays and reduces many of the features of GB-induced death. Consequently, GB-induced ROS significantly promote apoptosis.

Building a multidisciplinary team for burn treatment - Lessons learned from the Montreal tendon transfer experience.

Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) represent a recognized component of care in the treatment of complex conditions such as burns. However, most institutions do not provide adequate support for the formation of these teams. Furthermore, the majority of specialists lack the managerial skills required to create a team and have difficulties finding the proper tools. Our objective is to provide an insight for health care professionals, who wish to form a MDT for burn treatment, on the challenges that are likely to be faced, and to identify key elements that may facilitate the establishment of such a project. The setting for this was a plastic surgery department and rehabilitation center at a national reference center. A qualitative analysis was performed on all correspondences related to our tetraplegia project, from 2006 to 2008. To guide our thematic analysis, we used a form of systems theory known as the complexity theory. The qualitative analysis was performed using the NVivo software (Version 8.0 QSR International Melbourne, Australia). Lastly, the data was organized in chronologic order. Three main themes emerged from the results: knowledge acquisition, project organizational setup and project steps design. These themes represented respectively 24%, 50% and 26% of all correspondences. Project steps design and knowledge acquisition correspondences increased significantly after the introduction of the mentor team to our network. We conclude that an early association with a mentor team is beneficial for the establishment of a MDT.

Les équipes multidisciplinaires (EMD) représentent une composante des soins reconnue dans le traitement de conditions complexes telles que les brûlures. Cependant, la plupart des institutions ne fournissent pas de soutien adéquat pour la formation de ces équipes. En outre, la majorité des spécialistes ne possède pas les compétences de gestion nécessaires pour créer une équipe et éprouvent souvent des difficultés à trouver les outils appropriés. Notre objectif est de fournir aux professionnels de soins de santé, qui souhaitent former une équipe multidisciplinaire pour le traitement des brûlures, un aperçu sur les défis susceptibles d'être confronter et d'identifier les éléments clés qui faciliteront la mise en place d'un tel projet. Cette étude a eu lieu dans un département de chirurgie plastique et un centre de réadaptation affilié à un centre de référence national. Une analyse qualitative a été effectuée sur toutes les correspondances relatives à notre projet de tétraplégie, de 2006 à 2008. Pour guider notre analyse thématique, nous avons utilisé une forme de la théorie des systèmes connu comme la théorie de la complexité. L'analyse qualitative a été réalisée en utilisant le logiciel NVivo (version 8.0 QSR International, Melbourne, Australie). Enfin, les données ont été organisées en ordre chronologique. Trois thèmes principaux ont émergé à partir des résultats: l'acquisition de connaissances, la configuration et l'organisation du projet ainsi que la conception des étapes du projet. Ces thèmes représentaient respectivement 24 %, 50 % et 26 % de toutes les correspondances. Les correspondances en lien avec la conception du projet et l'acquisition des connaissances ont considérablement augmenté suite à l'introduction de l'équipe de mentors à notre réseau. Nous concluons qu'une association précoce avec une équipe de mentors est bénéfique à la mise en place d'une équipe multidisciplinaire.

dsRNA induces apoptosis through an atypical death complex associating TLR3 to caspase-8.

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is a pattern-recognition receptor known to initiate an innate immune response when stimulated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Components of TLR3 signaling, including TIR domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-α (TRIF), have been demonstrated to contribute to dsRNA-induced cell death through caspase-8 and receptor interacting protein (RIP)1 in various human cancer cells. We provide here a detailed analysis of the caspase-8 activating machinery triggered in response to Poly(I:C) dsRNA. Engagement of TLR3 by dsRNA in both type I and type II lung cancer cells induces the formation of an atypical caspase-8-containing complex that is devoid of classical death receptors of the TNFR superfamily, but instead is physically associated to TLR3. The recruitment of caspase-8 to TLR3 requires RIP1, and is negatively modulated by cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein (cIAP)2-TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF)2-TNFR-associated death domain (TRADD) ubiquitin ligase complex, which regulates RIP1 ubiquitination. Intriguingly, unlike Fas- or TRAILR-dependent death signaling, caspase-8 recruitment and activation within the TLR3 death-signaling complex appears not to be stringently dependent on Fas-associated with death domain (FADD). Our findings uncover a novel aspect of the molecular mechanisms involved during apoptosis induced by the innate immune receptor TLR3 in cancer cells.

Chemotherapy overcomes TRAIL-R4-mediated TRAIL resistance at the DISC level.

TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand or Apo2L (Apo2L/TRAIL) is a promising anti-cancer drug owing to its ability to trigger apoptosis by binding to TRAIL-R1 or TRAIL-R2, two membrane-bound receptors that are often expressed by tumor cells. TRAIL can also bind non-functional receptors such as TRAIL-R4, but controversies still exist regarding their potential to inhibit TRAIL-induced apoptosis. We show here that TRAIL-R4, expressed either endogenously or ectopically, inhibits TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, the combination of chemotherapeutic drugs with TRAIL restores tumor cell sensitivity to apoptosis in TRAIL-R4-expressing cells. This sensitization, which mainly occurs at the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) level, through enhanced caspase-8 recruitment and activation, is compromised by c-FLIP expression and is independent of the mitochondria. Importantly, TRAIL-R4 expression prevents TRAIL-induced tumor regression in nude mice, but tumor regression induced by TRAIL can be restored with chemotherapy. Our results clearly support a negative regulatory function for TRAIL-R4 in controlling TRAIL signaling, and unveil the ability of TRAIL-R4 to cooperate with c-FLIP to inhibit TRAIL-induced cell death.

Caecum and ascending colon herniated in the lesser sac through the Winslow's hiatus. A case report.

Herniation of the caecum and the ascending colon in the lesser sac through the Winslow's hiatus is an uncommon cause of intestinal occlusion. The clinical presentation can be acute or chronic. The diagnosis often remains unclear before surgical operation, even with the assistance of abdominal CT, providing an image of a digestive structure in the lesser sac and the presence of mesentery between the portal triad and the vena cava. The treatment consists of reducing the internal hernia, which could be considered under laparoscopy.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei: review on a cluster of peritoneal mucinous diseases.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is an uncommon condition characterized by abundant extracellular mucinous material and peritoneal tumoural implants. A ruptured appendiceal mucinous adenoma seems to be the most common origin, but low grade ovarian malignancies are often associated. Peritoneal gelatinous diseases must be subdivided into disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis, peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis and intermediate cases. These entities have significantly different prognosis. Debulking surgery is the most common treatment but some are in favour of an ultra radical surgery with hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy, with some encouraging results.

Tip of the greater horn of the hyoid bone: a landmark for cervical surgery.

The purpose of this study was to assess the relevance of the tip of the greater horn of the hyoid bone (THB) in the localization of the carotid bifurcation, the superior thyroid and lingual arteries, and the hypoglossal and superior laryngeal nerves. Measurements of these structures with respect to the THB were also made. Thirty perfusion-fixed human cadavers (60 specimens) were studied. Sharp measurements were made along two orthogonal axes crossing exactly on the THB. The vertical axis was parallel to the craniocaudal axis of the body. Taking the THB as a landmark, the five structures were identified in all the specimens. The mean value, standard deviation, and range of measurements for each structure studied are given in the text. This study shows the THB to be a useful landmark which is an aid to locating the aforementioned structures with confidence, and concludes that knowledge of this landmark would be beneficial for the surgeon dealing with the mid neck area.

[Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: a review]. / La stéatohépatite non-alcoolique: une maladie d'actualité.

The nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a liver disease of people who do not drink alcohol, with the histology of an alcoholic liver disease. It is the second or third most prevalent liver disease in western countries. The risk factors are the female gender, a middle age, a diabetes and a dyslipidemia. Some cases of NASH can reach the cirrhosis stage. The most common sign of the disease is an aminotransferase level elevation.

[Sutures in skin surgery]. / "Dermato-couture": points de suture utiles en chirurgie dermatologique.

Dermatologists performing skin surgery mostly use the square knot. Other underused or even forgotten suturing techniques may still be helpful in some instances. We shall emphasize some simple techniques such as the horizontal mattress suture, the "cross stitch", the "corner stitch" (half buried mattress suture), the buried dermal suture, the buried vertical mattress suture, the continuous mattress suture and the running intradermal suture. In given circumstances, all of them may improve suturing and promote healing. Technical aspects, advantages and disadvantages of each type of suture will be briefly described.

Thyrolingual trunk arising from the common carotid artery: a case report.

During a cadaver dissection in the anatomy department of the University of Liege, Belgium, an anatomic variation of the superior thyroid and lingual arteries was observed on the right side in a 68-year-old woman. Both arteries arose from a common trunk located 30 mm beneath the carotid bifurcation. After a 5.2 mm course, the thyrolingual trunk divided into superior thyroid and lingual arteries which followed an unusual course towards their respective organs. Knowledge of this anomaly is important for those who are involved with neck surgery and anatomy.

Bilateral case of superficial ulnar artery originating from axillary artery.

During the dissection of an 86-year-old male human cadaver, superficial ulnar arteries were found in both upper limbs. These arteries branched from the axillary arteries. In the left arm, the artery crossed ventral to the medial root of the median nerve before running towards the medial part of the arm. The persistence of the median artery was noted. In the right arm, the ulnar artery had a common origin with the subscapular artery. It crossed anterior to the lateral root of the median nerve and then, in the arm, ran alongside the anterolateral aspect of the median nerve, near the biceps brachii muscle, which was supplied by this superficial ulnar artery. Then the artery crossed the median nerve and the brachial artery. The embryology, incidence and clinical relevance of this anatomical variation are discussed. So this was a rare case where the ulnar arteries originated from the axillary artery on both sides, but then followed different courses in the arm and, on the right side, the superficial ulnar artery partly supplied the biceps brachii muscle.