Eliciting transcriptomic and antioxidant defensive responses against Rhizoctonia root rot of sorghum using the endophyte Aspergillus oryzae YRA3.

Environmental pollution due to the improper use of the chemical fungicides represents a vital ecological problem, which affects human and animal health, as well as the microbial biodiversity and abundance in the soil. In this study, an endophytic fungus Aspergillus oryzae YRA3, isolated from the wild plant Atractylis carduus (Forssk.) C.Chr, was tested for its biocontrol activity against Rhizoctonia root rot of sorghum. The antagonistic potential of A. oryzae YRA3 was tested against Rhizoctonia solani in vitro. A full inhibition in the growth of R. solani was recorded indicating a strong antagonistic potential for this endophyte. To investigate the chemical composition of its metabolites, GC/MS analysis was used and thirty-two compounds in its culture filtrate were identified. Among these metabolites, some compounds with an antifungal background were detected including palmitic acid, 2-heptanone, and 2,3-butanediol. To these antifungal metabolites the antagonistic activity of A. oryzae YRA3 can be attributed. In the greenhouse experiment, treating of the infected sorghum plants with A. oryzae YRA3 significantly reduced severity of the Rhizoctonia root rot by 73.4%. An upregulation of the defensive genes (JERF3), (POD) and (CHI II) was recorded in sorghum roots when were inoculated with A. oryzae YRA3. In addition, an increment in the activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase, as well as the total phenolic content in the sorghum roots was also recorded. Furthermore, the results obtained from the greenhouse experiment revealed a growth-promoting effect for inoculating the sorghum plants with A. oryzae YRA3. It can be concluded that A. oryzae YRA3 can be a probable biological agent to control this disease in sorghum. However, its evaluation under field conditions is highly needed in the future studies.

Mycorrhizal colonization and Streptomyces viridosporus HH1 synergistically up-regulate the polyphenol biosynthesis genes in wheat against stripe rust.

BACKGROUND: Stripe rust is considered one of the most devastating diseases of wheat all over the world, resulting in a high loss in its production. In this study, time-course changes in expression of the polyphenol biosynthesis pathways genes in wheat against stripe rust were investigated. The defense mechanisms triggered by mycorrhizal colonization and/or spraying with Streptomyces viridosporus HH1 against this disease were also investigated. RESULTS: Results obtained revealed that C3H, which is considered the key gene in lignin biosynthesis, was the most expressed gene. Furthermore, most of the chlorogenic acid and flavonoid biosynthesis genes were also overexpressed. Volcano plots of the studied genes reveal that the dual treatment led to a high significant overexpression of 10 out of the 13 studied genes. Heatmap of these genes showed that the most frequent expressed gene in response to all applied treatments along the study period was DFR, the key gene in the biosynthesis of anthocyanidins. Gene co-expression network of the studied genes showed that HQT was the most central gene with respect to the other genes, followed by AN2 and DFR, respectively. Accumulation of different flavonoids and phenolic acids were detected in response to the dual treatment, in particular, cinnamic acid, coumarin, and esculetin, which recorded the highest elevation level recording 1000, 488.23, and 329.5% respectively. Furthermore, results from the greenhouse experiment showed that application of the dual treatment led to an 82.8% reduction in the disease severity, compared with the control treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that the biosynthesis of lignin, chlorogenic acid, and flavonoids contributed to the synergistic triggering effect of the dual treatment on wheat resistance to stripe rust.

A prospective randomised comparison of earlier function after total hip arthroplasty with a mini posterior approach or supercapsular percutaneously-assisted total hip approach: a gait analysis study.

BACKGROUND: The supercapsular percutaneously-assisted total hip (SuperPATH) approach is a muscle sparing surgical technique for total hip arthroplasty (THA). The literature reports good clinical and functional results of the SuperPATH technique in the short term. We aimed to compare early outcomes and gait analysis of THA using the mini posterior approach (MPA) and supercapsular percutaneously-assisted total hip (SuperPATH) approach. METHODS: 44 patients who underwent THA, were randomly allocated to either MPA or SuperPATH. The data were then collected prospectively (preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks). Plain anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis and instrumental gait analysis were obtained. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (HOOS) were used to assess functional and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in patients' surgical outcomes. Patients in the SuperPATH group had less pain according to the VAS score at follow-up than the MPA group (p < 0.01). There was also a significant improvement in HHS and HOOS scores for all patients (p < 0.001) with the SuperPATH group showing superior changes. The comparison of mean differences in gait velocity between preoperative and 6 weeks postoperative result, revealed improvement in the SuperPATH group over the MPA group (p = 0.06). Limping was more persistent in the MPA group. Kinematic parameters demonstrated improved hip joint excursion slightly higher in the MPA group. There was no significant improvement in kinetic and kinematic parameters at different walking moments for all patients at 6 weeks compared to preoperative gait patterns. CONCLUSIONS: SuperPATH and MPA both show excellent results. This study reveals that the SuperPATH technique was associated with lower postoperative pain levels, and higher physical function and quality of life. Improved functional outcomes allowed earlier postoperative rehabilitation and faster recovery. Specific improvement in gait patterns were identified with nonsignificant differences between the 2 approaches at 6 weeks follow-up.

The Biochemical Effects of Silver Nanoparticles and Spirulina Extract on Experimentally Induced Prostatic Cancer in Rats.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most diagnosed cancer in 112 countries and the second leading cause of death in men in 48 countries. We studied the outstanding agents silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Spirulina algae (Sp) for the management of PCa once as monotherapy or last as a combination. PCa in rats was induced using bicalutamide (Casodex®) and testosterone, followed by (7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene). Then, testosterone was injected s.c. for 3 months. Rats were divided into six groups, with 12 rats in each group. Group I was assigned as the control (co), group II as the PCa model, group III treated with AgNPs, group IV treated with Spirulina extract, group V treated with a combination of AgNPs plus Spirulina, and group VI treated with bicalutamide. The results show that AgNPs could normalize IL-6 levels and could overcome the hormonal disturbance induced in PCa rats along the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis. Spirulina revealed a significant reduction in the level of total and free prostatic specific antigen (PSA) to the same level as bicalutamide treatment, which was the same as the control group. Histopathological study revealed regression (75%) of the histological pattern of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) for Spirulina alone, and (50%) for bicalutamide. The best effect on IL-6 decline was reached with the AgNPs/Spirulina combination as well as bicalutamide treatment compared with the PCa group. Bicalutamide treatment significantly decreased the PSA concentration relative to the PCa group and reached the normal level. Adding Spirulina to AgNPs as a combination enhanced its effect on all mentioned drawbacks associated with PCa except hormonal imbalance that needs more adjustments.

Synergism between Streptomyces viridosporus HH1 and Rhizophagus irregularis Effectively Induces Defense Responses to Fusarium Wilt of Pea and Improves Plant Growth and Yield.

Fusarium wilt is a detrimental disease of pea crop, resulting in severe damage and a reduction in its yield. Developing synergistically enhanced bioagents for disease management and growth promotion is pivotal for food safety, security, and sustainability. In this study, biocontrol potential of treating pea plants with Streptomycesviridosporus HH1 and/or their colonization with Rhizophagusirregularis against infection with Fusarium wilt was investigated. Impacts on the expression profiles of defense-related genes, biochemical, and ultrastructural levels, as well as the growth and yield of pea plants in response to these treatments, were also investigated. Data obtained indicated the antifungal activity of S. viridosporus HH1 against F. oxysporum f.sp. pisi in vitro. Furthermore, the GC-MS analysis revealed production of different bioactive compounds by S. viridosporus HH1, including 2,3-butanediol, thioglycolic acid, and phthalic acid. The results from the greenhouse experiment exhibited a synergistic biocontrol activity, resulting in a 77% reduction in disease severity in pea plants treated with S. viridosporus HH1 and colonized with R. irregularis. In this regard, this dual treatment overexpressed the responsive factor JERF3 (5.6-fold) and the defense-related genes ß-1,3-glucanase (8.2-fold) and the pathogenesis-related protein 1 (14.5-fold), enhanced the total phenolic content (99.5%), induced the antioxidant activity of peroxidase (64.3%) and polyphenol oxidase (31.6%) enzymes in pea plants, reduced the antioxidant stress, and improved their hypersensitivity at the ultrastructural level in response to the Fusarium wilt pathogen. Moreover, a synergistic growth-promoting effect was also recorded in pea plants in response to this dual treatment. In this regard, due to this dual treatment, elevated levels of photosynthetic pigments and improved growth parameters were observed in pea leaves, leading to an increment in the yield (113%). In addition, application of S. viridosporus enhanced the colonization levels with R. irregularis in pea roots. Based on the obtained data, we can conclude that treating pea plants with S. viridosporus HH1 and colonization with R. irregularis have synergistic biocontrol activity and growth-promoting effects on pea plants against Fusarium wilt. Despite its eco-safety and effectiveness, a field evaluation of this treatment before a use recommendation is quite necessary.

Magnesium carbonate elicits defense-related genes in King Ruby grapevines against downy mildew and improves its growth, yield, and berries quality.

Downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola (Berk. and M. A. Curtis) Berl. and De Toni, is a serious disease of grapevines in general and King Ruby seedless cultivar in particular, affecting their growth and yield. Magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) is an antitranspirant, which induces stomatal closing and enhances plant growth and physiology. In this study, effect of foliar application of MgCO3 at 1 and 3% on plant resistance, growth, yield and physiology of grapevines (cv. King Ruby seedless) infected with downy mildew was investigated under field conditions. The obtained results showed that foliar application of MgCO3 at 3% led to upregulation of the transcription factor JERF3 (9.6-fold), and the defense-related genes GLU (6.3-fold), POD (8.7-fold), PR1 (9.6-fold), and CHI II (8.6-fold). In addition, this treatment led to a reduction in the disease severity (78%), and an increment in the yield per grapevine (20%). Furthermore, biochemical properties of berries, total contents of the photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, and activities of the antioxidant enzymes peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase also enhanced. In contrast, lipid peroxidation, and H2O2 content in grapevines leaves reduced in response to MgCO3 spraying. Light microscope observations revealed that average number of closed stomata increased and the average stomatal pore area decreased in grapevines leaves as a result to MgCO3 spraying. Based on these results, we can conclude that spraying with MgCO3 at 3% has effective roles in inducing the plant resistance against downy mildew, and improving the growth and yield of grapevines.

Is intravenous tranexamic acid effective in reduction of blood loss during pelvic and acetabular surgery?

PURPOSE: Pelvic and acetabular surgery is associated with one of the highest amounts of blood loss. Tranexamic acid is a good choice to reduce blood loss during this type of surgery. However, being antifibrinolytic drug, the chance to have coagulation complications including DVT is a risk that should be considered particularly in such major trauma patients with the body's response to trauma and with possible prolonged bed stay. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous tranexamic acid injection during pelvic and acetabular surgery for reduction of blood loss during surgery and after surgery and to evaluate any possible complications for its use. METHODS: This prospective randomized clinical trial includes 97 patients divided between two groups; group 1 (G1) which received TXA, while the second group (G2) is the control group. The primary outcome measures were total blood loss (TBL), allogenic blood units transfused, and the blood lost intra-operatively (IBL). The TBL was calculated by the haemoglobin balance method while the intra-operative blood loss was measured by the gravimetric method. Any complications related to the drug were evaluated particularly DVT. RESULTS: The study showed significantly less TBL (G1 = 829.7 ± 219.2, G2 = 1036.9 ± 314.9) and blood transfusion (G1 = 52.4 ± 40 g, G2 = 89.4 ± 60.6 g) in G1 compared to the G2. CONCLUSION: This study proved the possible reduction of TBL and the need of blood transfusion by the use of TXA in pelvic and acetabular injuries.

Essential oil from Lavandula angustifolia elicits expression of three SbWRKY transcription factors and defense-related genes against sorghum damping-off.

Sorghum damping-off, caused by Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., is a serious disease which causes economic loss in sorghum production. In this study, antagonistic activity of lavender essential oil (EO) at 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, and 1.6% against F. solani was studied in vitro. Their effects on regulation of three SbWRKY transcription factors, the response factor JERF3 and eight defense-related genes, which mediate different signaling pathways, in sorghum were investigated. Effects of application under greenhouse conditions were also evaluated. The results showed that lavender EO possesses potent antifungal activity against F. solani. A complete inhibition in the fungal growth was recorded for lavender EO at 1.6%. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis revealed that EO antifungal activity is most likely attributed to linalyl anthranilate, α-terpineol, eucalyptol, α-Pinene, and limonene. Observations using transmission electron microscopy revealed many abnormalities in the ultrastructures of the fungal mycelium as a response to treating with lavender EO, indicating that multi-mechanisms contributed to their antagonistic behavior. Results obtained from Real-time PCR investigations demonstrated that the genes studied were overexpressed, to varying extents in response to lavender EO. However, SbWRKY1 was the highest differentially expressed gene followed by JERF3, which suggest they play primary role(s) in synchronously organizing the transcription-regulatory-networks enhancing the plant resistance. Under greenhouse conditions, treating of sorghum grains with lavender EO at 1.5% prior to infection significantly reduced disease severity. Moreover, the growth parameters evaluated, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were all enhanced. In contrast, lipid peroxidation was highly reduced. Results obtained from this study support the possibility of using lavender EO for control of sorghum damping-off. However, field evaluation is highly needed prior to any usage recommendation.

Silica Nanoparticles as a Probable Anti-Oomycete Compound Against Downy Mildew, and Yield and Quality Enhancer in Grapevines: Field Evaluation, Molecular, Physiological, Ultrastructural, and Toxicity Investigations.

Downy mildew is the most destructive disease of grapevines in the regions of relatively warm and humid climate causing up to 50% yield losses. Application of silicon- (Si-) based products have been extensively studied against various oomycete, fungal, bacterial, and viral plant diseases, but studies on Si application in their nanosize are limited. In this study, the field application of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) on Thompson Seedless grapevines (H4 strain) infected with downy mildew was evaluated. In addition, molecular, physiological, ultrastructural, and toxicity investigations were also conducted. The obtained results revealed that spraying of grapevines with SiNPs at 150 ppm significantly overexpressed the transcription factor jasmonate and ethylene-responsive factor 3 recording 8.7-fold, and the defense-related genes ß-1,3-glucanase (11-fold), peroxidase (10.7-fold) pathogenesis-related-protein 1 (10.6-fold), and chitinase (6.5-fold). Moreover, a reduction up to 81.5% in the disease severity was achieved in response to this treatment. Shoot length and yield per grapevine were considerably enhanced recording up to 26.3 and 23.7% increase, respectively. The berries quality was also improved. Furthermore, this treatment led to an enhancement in the photosynthetic pigments, induction of phenolic and ascorbic acid contents, an increase in the activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes, and a reduction in the cellular electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, and H2O2 content. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed an increase up to 86.6% in the number of closed stomata and a reduction up to 55% in the average stomatal pore area in response to this treatment. Observations of the transmission electron microscopy showed ultrastructural alterations in the cells of a grapevine leaf due to the infection with downy mildew, including plasmolysis and disruption of the cellular components, abnormal chloroplasts, and thickening of the cell wall and cell membrane. These abnormal alterations were reduced in response to SiNPs spray. In contrast, this study also showed that this treatment had considerable cytotoxic and genotoxic effects at this direct dose/concentration. So, additional investigations to determine the SiNPs residue in the produced edible plant parts are urgently needed. In addition, the pre-harvest interval, toxicity index, and risk assessment should be evaluated before any recommendation for use.

Exogenous Application of Melatonin and Methyl Jasmonate as a Pre-Harvest Treatment Enhances Growth of Barhi Date Palm Trees, Prolongs Storability, and Maintains Quality of Their Fruits under Storage Conditions.

Fresh date palm fruits (cv. Barhi) have received much attention due to their sweet taste and popularity in marketing. There is a critical need to prolong their storability, as well as maintain their quality during the postharvest and marketing periods. In this study, the effects of spraying date palm trees with melatonin (Mt) and/or methyl jasmonate (Mj) at 10, 20, and 50 ppm, on their growth and yield were investigated. In addition, impacts on quality and storability of the fruits were also studied. In general, application of Mt was mostly more effective than that of Mj, even at 50 ppm, with regard to all evaluated parameters. However, the dual treatment at 50 ppm recorded the highest relative chlorophyll and nutrient content in date palm leaves, as well as the yield and its components. Regarding the date palm fruits stored at 4 °C for 28 days, this dual treatment recorded the lowest weight loss and fruit decay values (0.14 and 2%, respectively), the highest firmness (6 g·cm-2), total soluble solids content (36 °Brix), total sugar content (32.5 g/100 g fresh weight), and the lowest total acidity (0.16 g citric acid/100 mL juice). Moreover, the highest total phenolic content and activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes in the stored fruits were also recorded for the dual treatment. In contrast to the untreated fruits, scanning electron microscopy observations showed that the sprayed fruits had a very good microstructure, showing intact and thick exocarp tissue with a dense layer of epicuticular wax. The mesocarp tissue showed a normal and clear cellular framework with well organized and arranged cells, after 28 days storage at 4 °C. Based on these results, we can conclude that application of the dual treatment (Mt + Mj) at 50 ppm is a promising way to prolong the storability of date palm fruits and maintain their quality during storage periods.

The Lebanese left ventricular assist device experience, a success story despite the odds.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Heart failure is still a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Assist devices are reserved for advanced heart failure patients with no other therapeutic options. We aim in this paper to describe the characteristics and outcome of Lebanese left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients. RESULTS: From 2010 till December 2019, 78 patients were implanted with assist devices at the Beirut cardiac Institute, 82 pumps were used. To the most recent follow up after 10 years, 26 patients died (34%). 24 patients of 35 (68%) survived more than 5 years. Seven patients only (9%) died during one month of surgery. One year mortality was 19% (15 patients). The leading cause of early mortality was infection, whereas cerebrovascular accidents CVA were the leading cause of late mortality. Pump thrombosis occurred in 12% of the cases. The most serious long term complication was haemorrhagic CVA. Only seven patients (9%) received heart transplantation, with a mean time on support prior to transplantation of 1303 ± 213 days. CONCLUSION: In this manuscript we reported the characteristics and outcome of the largest population of LVAD patients in Lebanon. The survival rate was 81% at one year. These findings were comparable to the international registries except for rates of heart transplantation. More efforts should be made to encourage organ donation in Lebanon.

Modelling the effect of season, sex, and body size on the three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, cellular innate immunomarkers: A proposition of laboratory reference ranges.

Innate immunomarkers reflect both environmental contamination and fish health status, providing useful information in environmental risk assessment studies. Nevertheless, the lack of knowledge about the effect of confounding factors can lead to data misinterpretation and false diagnoses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of three confounding factors (season, sex and body size) on three-spined stickleback innate immunomarkers in laboratory conditions. Results shown strong seasonal variations in stickleback innate immunomarkers, with higher immune capacities in late winter-early spring and a disturbance during the spawning period in late spring-summer. Sex and body size had a season dependant effect on almost all tested immunomarkers. Reference ranges were established in laboratory-controlled conditions (i.e. laboratory reference ranges) and compared with data obtained from in vivo chemical expositions. The predictive power of the statistical model depended on the immunomarker, but the control data of the in vivo experiments, realized in same laboratory conditions, were globally well include in the laboratory reference ranges. Moreover, some statistical effects of the in vivo exposures were correlated with an augmentation of values outside the reference ranges, indicating a possible harmful effect for the organisms. As confounding factors influence is a major limit to integrate immunomarkers in biomonitoring programs, modelling their influence on studied parameter may help to better evaluated environmental contaminations.

Characteristics of Chamaerops humilis L. var. humilis seed oil and study of the oxidative stability by blending with soybean oil.

Herein we examine the characteristics of date seed oil extracted from Chamaerops humilis L. var. humilis seeds (HSO) cultivated in a gardening zone in Tunisia. Its physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, and thermal and antioxidant properties were evaluated and compared with those of seed oil from another variety of Chamaerops humilis. The results showed that HSO possessed higher contents of oleic (44%) and linoleic (20%) acids than the other seed oil. The total tocopherol and tocotrienol content was 88 mg/100 g oil, where α-tocotrienol (64%) was the major isomer. The total phenolic (91 µg/g oil) and flavonoid contents (18 µg/g oil) of the HSO were determined, and its antioxidant capacities, measured in terms of ABTS and DPPH radical-scavenging capacities, were 210 µM TEAC/g DW and 4.3 mM TEAC/g DW, respectively. The oxidative stability index (OSI) of the oil was 16 h at 110 °C. Furthermore, the OSI of soybean oil was significantly enhanced upon blending with HSO. HSO exhibited higher thermal stability than the other oils and significantly different thermal behavior. The determination of fatty acid composition, physicochemical properties, bioactive content, oxidative stability, and thermal behavior of HSO demonstrated that this renewable resource can be used for edible purposes.

[Difficulty in diagnosis of a cardiogenic shock with thrombotic and sub-occluded LAD. A train can hide another one!] / Difficulté diagnostic d'un choc cardiogénique sur une sub-occlusion thrombotique de l'IVA. Un train peut en cacher un autre !

The pheochromocytome is a localized tumor at the level of the medullosurrenale in 85% of the cases. The clinical presentation is very variable. Severe Heart failure presentation can be the mode of revelation in 2% of the cases. We present the case of a patient admitted for refractory cardiogenic shock correlated to pheochromocytome tumor. The difficulty of this rare clinical presentation was to confirm rapidly and in emergency this diagnosis in the same time when the patient presents a persistante and severe cardiogenic chock after finding a sub-occluded and thrombotic LAD coronary artery and which was treated by thrombectomy and coronary revascularization. The surgical treatment of this tumor is considered to be a quickly saving treatment. It allows a fast recovery of the cardiac function.

[Postoperative quality of life of patients with a bacterial necrotizing dermis-hypodermitis or necrotizing fasciitis, a ten-year study]. / Qualité de vie des patients opérés d'une dermo-hypodermite ou fasciite nécrosante, une étude sur 10ans.

INTRODUCTION: Bacterial necrotizing dermis-hypodermitis and necrotizing fasciitis (BNDH-NF) are serious life-threatening soft-tissue infections. The object is to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of patients who have been operated in our plastic surgery departement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of cases who have been treated at Nancy University Hospital between 2005 and 2014. We analyzed the perioperative data (demographic, clinical, bacteriological), the surgical data (excision, reconstruction) and the follow up data (consequences, mortality). The quality of life was assessed by the Short-Form 36 score, and the patients' satisfaction was assessed by a four-level scale. RESULTS: We analyzed 23 patients with an average age of 60 years (28-84 years). The main comorbidities were diabetes (43 %) and obesity (39 %). The average number of surgical excision was about 1.9 (1-5) and the average excised body surface area was about 5 % (1-16 %). The short-term mortality was about 17 %. The mortality rate has been statistically correlated with the surgically excised body surface area (short-term 95 days: P=0.02; and long-term: P=0.003). The statistical analysis has shown a strong relative linear relationship between number of surgical excision and the physical score of QOL (P<0.001), between number of surgical excision and mental score of QOL (P=0.032), and between age and physical score of QOL (P≤0.021). The statistical analysis has also shown a strong relative linear relationship between E. coli infections and physical score of QOL (P=0.01). The percentage of patients' satisfaction in our study was evaluated at 86 %. CONCLUSION: We have found that multiple surgical excisions, an advanced age of patients and E. coli infections have been associated with poor QOL. The mortality rate increased in relation with the importance of excised body surface. In spite of the gravity of these infections, our patients were satisfied of their treatment.

p53 mutations cooperate with oncogenic Kras to promote adenocarcinoma from pancreatic ductal cells.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies, with virtually all patients eventually succumbing to their disease. Mutations in p53 have been documented in >50% of pancreatic cancers. Owing to the high incidence of p53 mutations in PanIN 3 lesions and pancreatic tumors, we interrogated the comparative ability of adult pancreatic acinar and ductal cells to respond to oncogenic Kras and mutant Tp53(R172H) using Hnf1b:CreER(T2) and Mist1:CreER(T2) mice. These studies involved co-activation of a membrane-tethered GFP lineage label, allowing for direct visualization and isolation of cells undergoing Kras and mutant p53 activation. Kras activation in Mist1(+) adult acinar cells resulted in brisk PanIN formation, whereas no evidence of pancreatic neoplasia was observed for up to 6 months following Kras activation in Hnf1beta(+) adult ductal cells. In contrast to the lack of response to oncogenic Kras alone, simultaneous activation of Kras and mutant p53 in adult ductal epithelium generated invasive PDAC in 75% of mice as early as 2.5 months after tamoxifen administration. These data demonstrate that pancreatic ductal cells, whereas exhibiting relative resistance to oncogenic Kras alone, can serve as an effective cell of origin for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the setting of gain-of-function mutations in p53.

Esophageal eosinophilia after radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's esophagus.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with HALO system has been developed as a new treatment option for Barrett's esophagus (BE). It had been observed that some patients had esophageal eosinophilia (EE) infiltration after RFA. The incidence and features of EE after RFA were systematically determined. From a prospectively compiled database, data on 148 patients who underwent RFA for BE were analyzed. Biopsies were taken pre- and post-RFA from the BE segment, and histological sections of the biopsy specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and examined by a gastrointestinal pathologist. The incidence of EE post-RFA was then determined. Of the 148 patients, 120 (81%) were men, 137 (92%) were white, 64 (43%) were overweight and 49 (33%) obese, and 128 (86%) were over 50 years of age or more. Four (2.7%) of the patients developed post-RFA EE, but none had symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis. All patients except one had a history of seasonal allergies. All four were taking proton pump inhibitor before and after RFA. Two patients with EE drank alcohol, one of which was a smoker. EE is a potential adverse event of RFA for BE. The absence of esophageal dysfunction symptoms suggests a different clinicopathological entity from eosinophilic esophagitis. Further studies should be done to assess its clinical significance, if therapy is needed, or if it may eventually lead to eosinophilic esophagitis.

Human papillomavirus and the risk of Barrett's esophagus.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is strongly associated with squamous esophageal cancer. The potential role of HPV in Barrett's esophagus (BE) has been examined but remains unclear. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of HPV in esophageal and gastric tissues obtained from patients with and without BE. We designed a cross-sectional study was conducted with prospective enrollment of eligible patients scheduled for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). All participants had biopsies of endoscopic BE, squamous-lined esophagus, and stomach. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue was conducted using monoclonal antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HPV was performed on DNA extracted from esophageal biopsies snapped frozen within 30 minutes after endoscopic capture. The Roche HPV Linear Array Assay with PGMY primers that has high sensitivity for detecting 37 types of HPV was used. A total of 127 subjects were included: 39 with definitive BE had IHC done on samples from non-dysplastic BE, squamous esophagus, gastric cardia, and gastric body; and 88 control patients without BE had IHC done on squamous esophageal samples, gastric cardia, and gastric body. HPV was not detected in any of the samples in either group. For confirmation, HPV DNA PCR was performed on randomly selected samples from 66 patients (both esophagus and BE from 13 patients with BE, and 53 esophagus from patients without BE); no sample had HPV DNA detected via PCR in the presence of adequate quality control. HPV infection does not play a role in the formation of non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus in men in the United States.

[Inferior alveolar nerve malignant schwannoma]. / Schwannome du nerf mandibulaire.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant schwannoma is a rare peripheral nerve-sheath tumour. It represents 5 to 10% of soft tissue sarcomas according to Grobmyer et al. in 2008 [1]. The cervico-facial localisation is very rare, representing only 1% of mandibular tumours. OBSERVATION: We report a case of a 64-year-old male patient who developed a malignant schwannoma at the level of the inferior dental nerve. In spite of the initial complete resection of this lesion, the patient has developed a recurrence with a proximal extension. For this reason, he has been transferred to our centre, where we conducted a wide surgical resection, associated with a homolateral neck dissection and postoperative external radiotherapy. After 1 year of follow-up, we did not observe any recurrence. DISCUSSION: Malignant schwannoma is a rare lesion which develops at the level of the peripheral nervous system sheath. Its cervico-facial localisation is very scarce, and its diagnosis is difficult to establish in spite of a complete radiological examination; definitive diagnosis depends on the histological examination. There is no strict consensus for the management of these lesions, however a wide surgical excision and neck dissection associated with or without postoperative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy are the gold standard methods of treatment. The prognosis is usually bad due to the high risk of recurrence, sometimes difficult to diagnose.