Ectopic expression of BrIQD35 promotes drought stress tolerance in Nicotiana benthamiana.

The plant IQD gene family is responsive to a variety of stresses. In this study, we studied the structural features and functions of the gene BrIQD35 in Chinese cabbage, a member of the IQD gene family. BrIQD35 was cloned and shown to contain an IQ motif. Transient expression of BrIQD35 indicated that it was localized on the plasma membrane and was significantly upregulated under drought and salt stress in Chinese cabbage. To further identify the function of BrIQD35, it was heterologously overexpressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. Although there was no significant difference between BrIQD35-overexpressed and wild-type (WT) plants under salt stress, WT N. benthamiana showed more wilting than the BrIQD35-overexpressed plants under drought stress. Since the IQ motif has been annotated as a CaM binding site, yeast two-hybrid assays were used to explore the interaction between BrIQD35 and CaM. The results indicated that BrIQD35 interacts weakly with CaMb, but not with CaMa, suggesting that BrIQD35 may function through the Ca2+ -CaMb pathway. The findings reveal a novel gene involved in drought tolerance, which is important for plant breeding and quality improvement for Chinese cabbage.

Deliberate self-harm and the elderly: a volatile combination-an overview from the plastic surgery perspective.

Aims. To study the factors associated with the DSH in the elderly group of 60 years and above and to recommend changes to be implemented in order to improve the management in this specific group. Materials and Methods. Five-year retrospective study was undertaken from July 2005 to July 2010 in the Plastic Surgery Department of the Royal Preston Hospital, NHS Trust. A Performa was designed to collect data about the inpatient admission and included certain areas of key information. The case notes for all patients were extensively analysed in order to gather adequate information for the devised Performa. Results. DSH is getting more common in the elderly group, and males are more affected than females. 60% of the patients had a previous history of DSH. A large number (80%) of patients had a previous history of mental illness. 60% of those DSH patients were living with family. Almost all patients (90%) were reviewed by the Psychiatry Liaison Team. The timing of patients being assessed was highly variable. Conclusions. Marriage is not a protective factor in the prevention of the DSH in the elderly group. A mental health team referral in the early phases of the management would be of huge benefit and a likely step to prevent possible future admissions. The Department would benefit from the creation of a protocol for the management of these patients. There should be a joint effort of the professionals in the management of DSH in the elderly, and GPs play a very important role in the prevention of DSH in the later life.

Dermal substitutes do well on dura: comparison of split skin grafting +/- artificial dermis for reconstruction of full-thickness calvarial defects.

Large, full-thickness calvarial defects present a series of significant reconstructive challenges involving a range of techniques, including local and free flaps. Occasionally these conventional methods may not be possible due to technical, or patient, factors. Artificial dermis is already widely used in burns surgery and is increasing in oncological reconstruction. We believe that artificial dermis coupled with split-thickness skin grafting provides an excellent option for closure of these defects when other techniques are not appropriate.

Guerrillero Heroico--a lasting impression.

What once was simply a cultural tradition is fast becoming a popular phenomenon amongst Western tourists. Temporary henna tattoo designs performed by street or beach vendors are prevalent throughout the Middle East and Asia, particularly in holiday resorts. The public may be mistaken in thinking that the fashionable trend comes without significant risk. The main ingredient in the temporary tattooing method is henna (Lawsonia inermis), a flowering plant with dyeing properties that takes only several hours to be absorbed but provides an effect lasting around ten to fifteen days on the recipient's skin. The side effects of henna tattoos are well documented in the literature, although it is not clear whether the side effects directly relate to the henna ingredient or the additives used to prolong the designs. The most commonly noted complications include allergic contact dermatitis, infection, hypertrophic and keloid scarring and temporary or permanent hypo- or hyperpigmentation. In very rare cases, type 1 hypersensitivity reactions (angioedema and anaphylaxis) have been reported. The following case report highlights several of these complications and the relevant management.

Dermal substitutes do well on dura: comparison of split skin grafting+/-artificial dermis for reconstruction of full-thickness calvarial defects.

Large, full-thickness calvarial defects present a series of significant reconstructive challenges involving a range of techniques, including local and free flaps. Occasionally these conventional methods may not be possible due to technical, or patient, factors. Artificial dermis is already widely used in burns surgery and is increasing in oncological reconstruction. We believe that artificial dermis coupled with split-thickness skin grafting provides an excellent option for closure of these defects when other techniques are not appropriate.

Efficacy and tolerability of tegaserod in constipation dominant irritable bowel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and tolerability of tegaserod in the treatment of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) IBS-C patients. DESIGN: An open label (quasi interventional) study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Patients were enrolled between October 2000 and August 2001 at 4 centres (AKUH, Karachi; Mayo Hospital, Lahore; PIMS, Islamabad; Hayatabad Teaching Complex, Peshawar). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tegaserod was administered in a dose of 6 mg (twice-a-day) orally for a period of 6 weeks. Symptoms were assessed before and during treatment using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 37.5 years and 81(69.2%) were males. The study enrolled 117 patients and 101 patients completed the study. Number of bowel movements, symptoms of straining at defecation, stool consistency, bloating, urgency and abdominal pain improved significantly following treatment (p<0.05). Analysis of data in both genders separately showed statistically significant improvement in symptoms of urgency, straining at defecation, abdominal pain and number of bowel movements following treatment. Side effects of diarrhoea and vertigo (6 and 1 patients respectively) necessitating discontinuation of treatment were infrequent. CONCLUSION: Tegaserod given in a dose of 6 mg b.d. is effective and well tolerated in IBS-C patients. It is equally effective in males and females in relieving the symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, straining at defecation as well as increased in the mean number of bowel movements per week.