Unraveling the Physiological Mechanisms Underlying the Intracultivar Variability of Water Use Efficiency in Vitis vinifera "Grenache".

Selecting genotypes with a better capacity to respond and adapt to soil water deficits is essential to achieve the sustainability of grapevine cultivation in the context of increasing water scarcity. However, cultivar changes are very poorly accepted, and therefore it is particularly interesting to explore the intracultivar genetic diversity in water use efficiency (WUE). In previous studies, the cultivar "Grenache" has shown up to 30% variability in WUE. This research aimed to confirm the intracultivar variability and to elucidate the traits underlying this variability in the response to a water deficit by analyzing the growth rates, water relations, osmotic potential, leaf morphology, leaf gas exchange and carbon isotope discrimination in nine "Grenache" genotypes grown in pots during two seasons. The results showed lower differences in WUE and carbon isotope ratio than in previous field studies, but fairly good consistency in genotype ranking. Leaf mass area and osmotic potential did not underlie differences in stem water potential and in stomatal conductance. Overall, stomatal regulation and photosynthetic capacity seem to underlie differences in WUE among genotypes with an important environmental influence. These results confirm the ability to select clones with higher WUE and present an opportunity for the genetic improvement of WUE in grapevines.

Intracultivar genetic diversity in grapevine: Water use efficiency variability within cv. Grenache.

The selection of genotypes best adapted to environmental conditions has traditionally focused on agronomic and grape composition parameters. However, to classify the genotypes most adapted to climate change conditions, the aim must be to focus on the ecophysiological responses that will ultimately determine their performance. The variability in water use efficiency of 13 Grenache genotypes over three-seasons was assessed under field conditions at leaf, grape and plant level. Results showed a significant effect of genotype at all three levels, and despite the large interannual variability there was a remarkable consistency among levels. Furthermore, using genotype-specific regressions it was possible to identify significant differences in the intrinsic water use efficiency response of each genotype as a function of the vine water status. The relationship between net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, as well as carbon isotope discrimination in grapes, were also confirmed as reliable physiological indicators for selecting grapevine genotypes to future environmental conditions. Therefore, the proposed multi-level methodology was useful to quantify the intracultivar variability and the identification of more and less efficient genotypes within Grenache.

Whole-Plant Water Use in Field Grown Grapevine: Seasonal and Environmental Effects on Water and Carbon Balance.

Water scarcity is a main challenge in vineyards sustainability in most of the grapevine areas now and even more in near future due to climatic change perspectives. In consequence, water use efficiency (WUE) measurements are of the highest interest to improve the sustainability of this crop. The vast majority of WUE measurements relays on measurements of leaf carbon and water fluxes at leaf-level. However, less data are available at the whole-plant level, and for the moment those data are not totally coincident with conclusions reached at leaf scale. In this study, we used whole-plant chambers able to enclose an entire plant of 12 years old to measure at the same time water and carbon fluxes under realistic field grown conditions. The main objectives were to identify the technical issues interfering the whole-plant measurements and track the environmental and other abiotic factors that can affect water and carbon balance, i.e., WUE at the whole-plant scale. To achieve those objectives, we measured whole-plant water and carbon fluxes in grapevine exposed to two different water regimes at three phenological stages [pea size (July), ripening (August), and harvest (September)]. In September, measurements were repeated under high CO2 to also check its effect at the whole-plant scale. The results indicate that water and carbon fluxes are well coordinated under both water availability treatments. Under drought conditions, both fluxes were drastically reduced, but surprisingly the estimated WUE resulted not improved but decreased, contrarily to what is shown at the leaf scale. The phenology (September) also strongly decreased both water and carbon fluxes when compared to measurements in July. We hypostatized that harvest load respiration rates could have an important weight on the whole-plant net carbon exchange (NCE). Finally, high CO2 measurements, after correction for leaks, indicated an increase of whole-plant NCE as well as increased whole-plant WUE, as expected. Several technical issues were identified, like 1/instability of [CO2] during the night period that prevent robust estimation of whole-plant respiration and 2/condensation during last night and sun-rise hours which may affect the estimation of daily plant transpiration.

Exploring the genetic variability in water use efficiency: Evaluation of inter and intra cultivar genetic diversity in grapevines.

Genetic improvement of crop Water Use Efficiency (WUE) is a general goal because the increasing water scarcity and the trend to a more sustainable agriculture. For grapevines, this subject is relevant and need an urgent response because their wide distribution in semi-arid areas. New cultivars are difficult to introduce in viticulture due to the narrow dependency of consumer appreciation often linked to a certain particular wine taste. Clones of reputed cultivars would presumably be more accepted but little is known on the intra-cultivar genetic variability of the WUE. The present work compares, on the basis of two field assays, the variability of intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) in a large collection of cultivars in contrast with a collection of clones of Tempranillo cultivar. The results show that clonal variability of WUEi was around 80% of the inter-cultivar, thus providing a first assessment on the opportunity for clonal selection by WUE. Plotting the WUEi data against stem water potential or stomatal conductance it was possible to identify cultivars and clones out of the confidence intervals of this linear regression thus with significantly higher and lower WUEi values. The present results contribute to open the expectative for a genetic improvement of grapevine WUE.

[Idiopathic scrotal edema: report of two cases]. / Edema del escroto agudo idiopático: presentación de dos casos.

OBJECTIVE: To report two cases of acute idiopathic scrotal edema. METHODS: We describe the cases of two 12-year-old male patients presenting at the emergency department of our hospital with pain, edema and erythema in one hemiscrotum without history of trauma. RESULTS: On physical examination both patients showed red hemiscrotum skin and increase of the size with normal testicles and epididymis. With the diagnosis of acute scrotum testicular ultrasound were performed and showed heterogeneous edema of the scrotal skin with increased in Doppler flows and normal testicles. CONCLUSIONS: Acute idiopathic scrotal edema is a self-limited pathology which basically affects children before puberty and should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute scrotum to avoid aggressive interventions.

Edema del escroto agudo idiopático: presentación de dos casos / Idiopathic scrotal edema: report of two cases

OBJETIVO: Presentar dos casos de edema de escroto agudo idiopático. MÉTODOS: Describimos los casos de dos varones de 12 años que acudieron al Servicio de Urgencias de nuestro hospital presentando dolor, edema y eritema en un hemiescroto sin recordar antecedente traumático previo. RESULTADOS: A la exploración de ambos pacientes se puede observar los hemiescrotos enrojecidos y aumentados de tamaño pero con testes y epidídimos normales. Con el diagnóstico de escroto agudo se les efectuaron unas ecografías en las que se pudo ver un edema heterogéneo en piel escrotal con flujo Doppler aumentado y testes ecográficamente normales. CONCLUSIONES: El edema de escroto agudo idiopático es una patología autolimitada que afecta básicamente a niños prepúberes que debe ser incluida en el diagnostico diferencial del escroto agudo para evitar intervenciones más agresivas innecesarias

OBJECTIVE: To report two cases of acute idiopathic scrotal edema. METHODS: We describe the cases of two 12-year-old male patients presenting at the emergency department of our hospital with pain, edema and erythema in one hemiscrotum without history of trauma. RESULTS: On physical examination both patients showed red hemiscrotum skin and increase of the size with normal testicles and epididymis. With the diagnosis of acute scrotum testicular ultrasound were performed and showed heterogeneous edema of the scrotal skin with increased in Doppler flows and normal testicles. CONCLUSIONS: Acute idiopathic scrotal edema is a self-limited pathology which basically affects children before puberty and should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute scrotum to avoid aggressive interventions

[Bilateral synchronic testicular tumor with germ cell intratubular neoplasia foci: case report]. / Tumor testicular bilateral sincrónico con focos de neoplasia intratubular de células germinales: presentación de un caso.

OBJECTIVE: To report one case of bilateral synchronic testicular tumor with germ cell intratubular neoplasia foci affecting both testicles. METHODS: We describe the case of a 29-year-old male presenting with a painless tumor in the left testicle for a month. With the suspect of testicular tumor scrotal ultrasound, tumor markers and extension study to rule out metastasis were performed. RESULTS: Ultrasound showed a hypertrophic left testicle with a lesion suspect for neoplasia, and incidental diagnosis of a hypoechoic lesion with augmented Doppler flow within the right testicle. Bilateral orchyectomy was performed with the pathologic diagnosis of classic seminoma with germ cell intratubular neoplasia foci in both testicles. Treatment was completed with two cycles of chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral synchronic testicular tumors are very rare. The most frequent histological type is classic seminoma. The diagnosis and treatment are similar to unilateral testicular tumors except certain cases in which partial excision of the testicle may be considered.

Tumor testicular bilateral sincrónico con focos de neoplasia intratubular de células germinales: presentación de un caso / Bilateral synchronic testicular tumor with germ cell intratubular neoplasia foci: case report

OBJETIVOS: Presentar un caso de tumor testicular bilateral sincrónico con focos de Neoplasia Intratubular de Células Germinales (NICG) en ambos testículos. METODOS: Describimos el caso de un varón de 29 años que presenta tumoración indolora de un mes de evolución en teste izquierdo. Bajo la sospecha de tumor testicular se le realiza una ecografía escrotal, una determinación de marcadores tumorales y un estudio de extensión tumoral. RESULTADOS: En la ecografía se puede ver un teste izquierdo hipotrófico con lesión sospechosa de neoplasia e, incidentalmente, un testículo derecho con una lesión hipoecoica y aumento de flujo doppler. Se le practicó una orquiectomía bilateral con el diagnóstico de anatomía patológica de seminoma clásico con focos de Neoplasia Intratubular de Células Germinales (NICG) en ambos testículos y se completó el tratamiento con 2 ciclos de quimioterapia. CONCLUSIONES: Los tumores testiculares bilaterales sincrónicos son muy infrecuentes. El tipo histológico más frecuente es el seminoma clásico. El diagnóstico y tratamiento es similar al de los tumores testiculares unilaterales excepto en determinados casos en los que se puede plantear la resección parcial del testículo (AU)

OBJECTIVE: To report one case of bilateral synchronic testicular tumor with germ cell intratubular neoplasia foci affecting both testicles. METHODS: We describe the case of a 29-year-old male presenting with a painless tumor in the left testicle for a month. With the suspect of testicular tumor scrotal ultrasound, tumor markers and extension study to rule out metastasis were performed. RESULTS: Ultrasound showed a hypertrophic left testicle with a lesion suspect for neoplasia, and incidental diagnosis of a hypoechoic lesion with augmented Doppler flow within the right testicle. Bilateral orchyectomy was performed with the pathologic diagnosis of classic seminoma with germ cell intratubular neoplasia foci in both testicles. Treatment was completed with two cycles of chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral synchronic testicular tumors are very rare. The most frequent histological type is classic seminoma. The diagnosis and treatment are similar to unilateral testicular tumors except certain cases in which partial excision of the testicle may be considered

[Bladder leiomyosarcoma. Case report]. / Leiomiosarcoma vesical. Aportación de un nuevo caso.

OBJECTIVE: We report a new case of bladder leiomyosarcoma in a young female patient. We review its features and different treatment options. METHODS: The patient underwent neoadyuvant chemotherapy and surgical excision. RESULTS: A partial response was achieved with neoadyuvant chemotherapy and remains still alive 60 moths after radical cystectomy CONCLUSION: Despite the poor prognosis of this disease, multimodal treatment may improve results. Neoadyuvant chemotherapy and subsequent radical excision could be a good combination therapy for these aggressive tumors.

[Fournier's gangrene]. / Gangrena de Fournier.

OBJECTIVES: We report a retrospective review of the case series of Fournier's gangrene treated in our department from November 1996 to October 2004. METHODS/RESULTS: We studied nine male patients with ages between 21 and 85 years (mean 55 years). 66% of the patients had associated risk factors, and the underlying cause was identified in 56% of the cases. Mean hospital stay was 21 days and two of the patients died from the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Fournier's gangrene is an infection with a very fast evolution, producing necrotizing fascitis of the external genitalia and perineum. It has a high mortality rate, mainly if diagnosis and treatment are deferred. This last includes wide spectrum antibiotic coverage, surgical treatment with debridement and drainage, and, in many cases, a second surgical intervention for reconstructive plasties.

Leiomiosarcoma vesical. Aportación de un nuevo caso / Bladder leiomyosarcoma. Case report

OBJETIVO: Presentamos un nuevo caso de leiomiosarcoma vesical en una mujer joven. Revisamos sus características y sus diferentes opciones terapéuticas. MÉTODO: La paciente recibió quimioterapia neoadyuvante y posteriormente cirugía radical. RESULTADOS: Tras la quimioterapia neoadyuvante se consiguió una respuesta parcial, permaneciendo libre de enfermedad 60 meses tras el tratamiento quirúrgico. CONCLUSIÓN: A pesar del mal pronóstico de esta enfermedad, el tratamiento multimodal puede mejorar los resultados. La quimioterapia neoadyuvante y posterior excisión quirúrgica puede ser una buena combinación terapéutica para estos tumores agresivos

OBJECTIVE: We report a new case of bladder leiomyosarcoma in a young female patient. We review its features and different treatment options. METHODS: The patient underwent neoadyuvant chemotherapy and surgical excision. RESULTS: A partial response was achieved with neoadyuvant chemotherapy and remains still alive 60 moths after radical cystectomy. CONCLUSION: Despite the poor prognosis of this disease, multimodal treatment may improve results. Neoadyuvant chemotherapy and subsequent radical excision could be a good combination therapy for these aggressive tumors

Gangrena de Fournier / No disponible

OBJETIVOS: Presentamos una revisión de los casos de gangrena de Fournier tratados en nuestro servicio desde noviembre de 1996 hasta octubre de 2004. MÉTODO/RESULTADOS: Estudiamos nueve pacientes, todos varones, con edad comprendida entre 21 y 85 años (media 55). En el 66% tenían factores de riesgo y en el 56% de los casos se identificó la causa subyacente. Su estancia media fue de 21 días y destacamos que se produjeron dos defunciones. CONCLUSIÓN: La gangrena de Fournier es una infección de muy rápida evolución que cursa con fascitis necrotizante de los genitales externos y el periné. Tiene una alta mortalidad, sobre todo, si se demora su diag- nóstico y tratamiento. Éste se basa en una cobertura antibiótica agresiva de amplio espectro, en un tratamiento quirúrgico con desbridamiento y drenaje, y, en muchos casos, un segundo tiempo quirúrgico para las plastias correctoras (AU)

OBJECTIVES: We report a retrospective review of the case series of Fournier’s gangrene treated in our department from November 1996 to October 2004. METHODS/RESULTS: We studied nine male patients with ages between 21 and 85 years (mean 55 years). 66% of the patients had associated risk factors, and the underlying cause was identified in 56% of the cases. Mean hospital stay was 21 days and two of the patients died from the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Fournier’s gangrene is an infection with a very fast evolution, producing necrotizing fascitis of the external genitalia and perineum. It has a high mortality rate, mainly if diagnosis and treatment are deferred. This last includes wide spectrum antibiotic coverage, surgical treatment with debridement and drainage, and, in many cases, a second surgical intervention for reconstructive plasties (AU)

[Leydig cell tumor: our experience. Bibliographic review]. / Tumor de células de Leydig: nuestros casos y revisión de la literatura.

OBJECTIVES: To report the case-series of Leydig cell tumors diagnosed at our center, and to perform a bibliographic review on the topic. METHODS: Retrospective review of the clinical records of all patients with the diagnosis of Leydig cell tumor in our center over the last 12 years. We evaluated the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features, as well as outcomes. RESULTS: Four patients were diagnosed and treated in our department over this period. Mean patient age of the time of diagnosis was 51 years. Each of our cases have a different presentation. The two patients who underwent sperm analysis had azoospermia. None of the cases showed anomalous hormonal studies. Seventy-five percent of the cases showed ultrasound signs compatible with testicular neoplasia. In all of them surgical treatment was undertaken (inguinal orchyectomy); one of the patients underwent chemotherapy due to metastasis, having a good response. Mean follow-up is 76 months. CONCLUSIONS: It is a rare testicular tumor. Inguinal orchyectomy is the treatment of choice. Its good outcome is remarkable.

Tumor de células de Leyding: nuestros casos y revisión de la literatura / Leydig cell tumor: our experience. Bibliographic review

OBJETIVO: Aportar los casos de tumores de células de Leydig diagnosticados en nuestro Centro, revisando la literatura del tema. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de las historias clínicas de los pacientes diagnosticados de tumor de células de Leydig en nuestro Centro en los 12 últimos años. Se valoran los aspectos clínicos, diagnósticos y terapéuticos, así como su evolución. RESULTADOS: Cuatro pacientes fueron diagnosticados y tratados en nuestro Servicio durante este periodo. La edad media de los pacientes en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 51 años. Cada uno de nuestros casos debutó con una manifestación diferente. Los dos casos en los que se realizó espermiograma presentaban azoospermia total. Ningún caso mostró alteraciones en el estudio hormonal. El 75 % presentaba signos ecográficos compatibles con neoplasia testicular. En todos ellos se llevó a cabo tratamiento quirúrgico (orquiectomía vía inguinal), siendo necesario en uno de los pacientes llevar a cabo tratamiento con poliquimioterapia por metástasis, con buena respuesta a la misma. La media de seguimiento ha sido de 76 meses. CONCLUSIONES: Se trata de un tumor testicular poco frecuente. La orquiectomía inguinal es el tratamiento de elección. Destaca su buena evolución

OBJECTIVES: To report the case-series of Leydig cell tumors diagnosed at our center, and to perform a bibliographic review on the topic. METHODS: Retrospective review of the clinical records of all patients with the diagnosis of Leydig cell tumor in our center over the last 12 years. We evaluated the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features, as well as outcomes. RESULTS: Four patients were diagnosed and treated in our department over this period. Mean patient age of the time of diagnosis was 51 years. Each of our cases have a different presentation. The two patients who underwent sperm analysis had azoospermia. None of the cases showed anomalous hormonal studies. Seventy-five percent of the cases showed ultrasound signs compatible with testicular neoplasia. In all of them surgical treatment was undertaken (inguinal orchyectomy); one of the patients underwent chemotherapy due to metastasis, having a good response. Mean follow-up is 76 months. CONCLUSIONS: It is a rare testicular tumor. Inguinal orchyectomy is the treatment of choice. Its good outcome is remarkable

[Ureteral actinomycosis. Case report]. / Actinomicosis ureteral. A propósito de un caso.

OBJECTIVES: To report one case of pseudotumoral lesion of the iliac ureter with obstructive uropathy leading to loss of function of the renal unit. METHODS: 66-year-old male being studied for BPH who presents with a self-limited monosymptomatic hematuria. RESULTS: Renal ultrasound detected grade II pyelocaliectasis of the right kidney. IVU showed absence of function of the right kidney. Urine cytology was consistent with low-grade transitional cell carcinoma. Percutaneous nephrostomy was performed confirming irreversible function loss. Antegrade pyelography showed a filling defect in the right iliac ureter. Radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff was carried out with good results. Pathology reported chronic pyelonephritis and parietal inflammatory lesion of the ureter obliterating the lumen with inflammatory infiltrates, urothelial erosion and presence of actinomyces. CONCLUSIONS: Actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial infection, with A. israeli being the most common pathogen. It is part of the normal flora of the oral cavity and GI tract, and cervical-facial region is the most frequent clinical involvement (60% of the cases). Urinary tract infection is exceptional. No other focus was found in the long-term follow-up.

Actinomicosis ureteral. A propósito de un caso / Ureteral actinomycosis. Case report

OBJETIVO: Comunicar un caso de uropatíaobstructiva que evolucionó a anulación funcional renalpor lesión pseudotumoral en uréter iliaco.METODOS: Varón de 66 años en estudio por HBP, presentaepisodio autolimitado de hematuria monosintomática.RESULTADOS: En estudio ecográfico se detecta ureteropielocaliectasiagrado II RD; U.I.V. demuestra anulaciónfuncional RD.Citología de orina compatible con carcinomade células transicionales de bajo grado. Se realizanefrostomía percutánea que confirma la pérdida funcionalirreversible. La pielografía descendente muestra defectode replección a nivel de uréter iliaco derecho. El pacientees intervenido quirúrgicamente practicándosele nefroureterectomíaradical con cistectomía perimeática, con buenaevolución postoperatoria. El dictamen histopatológico dela pieza es de pielonefritis crónica y lesión inflamatoriaparietal ureteral que oblitera la luz con infiltrado inflamatorio,erosión de urotelio y presencia de actinomices.CONCLUSIONES: La actinomicosis es una infección bacterianacrónica cuyo patógeno más común es A.israelii.Se encuentra como comensal en la cavidad oral y tubodigestivo y la. afectación clínica más frecuente es laregión cervicofacial (60% casos) La infección del tractourinario es excepcional y en la evolución del paciente alargo plazo no se ha constatado ningún otro foco

OBJECTIVES: To report one case of pseudotumoral lesion of the iliac ureter with obstructive uropathy leading to loss of function of the renal unit. METHODS: 66-year-old male being studied for BPH who presents with a self-limited monosymptomatic hematuria. RESULTS: Renal ultrasound detected grade II pyelocaliectasis of the right kidney. IVU showed absence of function of the right kidney. Urine cytology was consistent with low-grade transitional cell carcinoma. Percutaneous nephrostomy was performed confirming irreversible function loss. Antegrade pyelography showed a filling defect in the right iliac ureter. Radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff was carried out with good results. Pathology reported chronic pyelonephritis and parietal inflammatory lesion of the ureter obliterating the lumen with inflammatory infiltrates, urothelial erosion and presence of actinomyces. CONCLUSIONS: Actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial infection, with A. israeli being the most common pathogen. It is part of the normal flora of the oral cavity and GI tract, and cervical-facial region is the most frequent clinical involvement (60% of the cases). Urinary tract infection is exceptional. No other focus was found in the long-term follow-up