Growth Hormones in Broad Bean (Vicia faba L.) and Radish (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus L.) Are Associated with Accumulated Concentrations of Perfluoroalkyl Substances

In this study, we grew radish (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus L.) and broad beans (Vicia faba L.) in a greenhouse on soils spiked with a mixture of 15 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and investigated the association between accumulated ∑PFAS concentrations, growth, and hormone levels. Short-chained PFASs dominated aboveground tissues, whereas long-chained PFASs were most abundant in the plant roots. Our results showed that the presence or absence of exodermal Casparian strips, as well as the hydrophobicity and anion exchange capacities of PFASs, could explain the translocation of PFASs within plants. Significant associations found between accumulated PFAS concentrations and levels of gibberellins (GA1 and GA15), methionine, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) imply potential effects of PFASs on plant development and growth. This study provides the first evidence of associations between PFAS accumulation in plants and growth hormone levels, possibly leading to growth reduction of the apical dome and effects on the cell cycle in pericycle cells and methionine metabolism in plants.

Accumulation and effects of perfluoroalkyl substances in Arabidopsis thaliana in a temperature-dependent manner: an in vitro study

The replacement of long-chained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with their short-chained homologues may have an impact on the accumulation in plants. The extent to which PFAS are absorbed by plants may differ among species and may depend on environmental factors, including temperature. The effect of an increased temperature on root uptake and translocation of PFAS in plants has been poorly studied. In addition, very few studies have examined toxicity of environmentally realistic PFAS concentrations to plants. Here, we investigated the bioaccumulation and tissue-distribution of fifteen PFAS in Arabidopsis thaliana L. grown in vitro at two different temperatures. Additionally, we examined the combined effects of temperature and PFAS accumulation on plant growth. Short-chained PFAS mainly accumulated in the leaves. The perfluorocarboxylic acid (PFCA) concentrations in roots and leaves, and the relative contribution of PFCAs to the ΣPFAS concentrations increased with carbon chain length regardless of temperature, with the exception of perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA). An increased uptake of PFAS in leaves and roots at higher temperatures was observed for PFAS containing either eight or nine carbon atoms and could hence potentially result in higher risks for human intake. Leaf:root ratios of PFCAs followed a U-shaped pattern with carbon chain length, which is attributed to both hydrophobicity and anion exchange. Overall, no combined effects of realistic PFAS concentrations and temperature on the growth of A. thaliana were observed. PFAS exposure positively affected early root growth rates and root hair lengths, indicating a potential effect on factors involved in root hair morphogenesis. However, this effect on root growth rate became negligible later on in the exposure, and solely a temperature effect was observed after 6 days. Temperature also affected the leaf surface area. The underlying mechanisms on how PFAS stimulates root hair growth require further examination.

[State of the use of magnesium sulfate for prevention of cerebral palsy in pre-term newborn in the Rouen's hospital]

OBJECTIVES

Although the benefit of magnesium sulfate to prevent cerebral palsy in antenatal on very preterm infants has been shown, there is still reluctance to use it. The aim of this study was to conduct an assessment of our practice using magnesium sulfate to prevent cerebral palsy at Rouen University Hospital to report its feasibility and safety in order to spread its use.

METHODS

Unicentric and retrospective study, at the University Hospital of Rouen, between January and June 2014. All patients who delivered before 33 weeks or considered at risk of imminent delivery before 33 weeks were included (n=86).

RESULTS

Among the patients who delivered before 33 weeks (n=82), a magnesium sulfate loading dose was administrated in 91.5% of cases. Treatment was mainly established and monitored by midwives (98.6%), usually in the delivery room (82.4%), and with an average duration of administration of 8.9±17.5hours. The treatment had to be stopped in a patient who presented bradypnea associated with impaired consciousness.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that magnesium sulfate can easily be prescribed in clinical practice.

The Arabidopsis thaliana RNA editing factor SLO2, which affects the mitochondrial electron transport chain, participates in multiple stress and hormone responses

Recently, we reported that the novel mitochondrial RNA editing factor SLO2 is essential for mitochondrial electron transport, and vital for plant growth through regulation of carbon and energy metabolism. Here, we show that mutation in SLO2 causes hypersensitivity to ABA and insensitivity to ethylene, suggesting a link with stress responses. Indeed, slo2 mutants are hypersensitive to salt and osmotic stress during the germination stage, while adult plants show increased drought and salt tolerance. Moreover, slo2 mutants are more susceptible to Botrytis cinerea infection. An increased expression of nuclear-encoded stress-responsive genes, as well as mitochondrial-encoded NAD genes of complex I and genes of the alternative respiratory pathway, was observed in slo2 mutants, further enhanced by ABA treatment. In addition, H2O2 accumulation and altered amino acid levels were recorded in slo2 mutants. We conclude that SLO2 is required for plant sensitivity to ABA, ethylene, biotic, and abiotic stress. Although two stress-related RNA editing factors were reported very recently, this study demonstrates a unique role of SLO2, and further supports a link between mitochondrial RNA editing events and stress response.

Oncoplastic surgery for breast cancer based on tumour location and a quadrant-per-quadrant atlas

BACKGROUND

The majority of published techniques for oncoplastic surgery rely on an inverted-T mammoplasty, independent of tumour location. These techniques, although useful, cannot be adapted to all situations. A quadrant-per-quadrant atlas of mammoplasty techniques for large breast cancers was developed in order to offer breast surgeons a technique dependent on tumour location, which reduces the risk of postoperative complications and delay to adjuvant therapy.

METHODS

From 2005 to 2010, a series of eligible women with breast cancer were treated by quadrant-specific oncoplastic techniques. All complications and any delay to adjuvant treatment were recorded prospectively, along with local and distant cancer recurrences. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated using a five-point scale.

RESULTS

A total of 175 patients were analysed. The median tumour size, after histological examination, was 25 (range 4-90) mm. Twenty-three patients (13.1 per cent) had involved margins. Seventeen of these patients were treated by mastectomy and three had a re-excision. Complications occurred in 13 patients (7.4 per cent), which led to a delay to adjuvant treatment in three (1.7 per cent). After a median follow-up of 49 (range 23-96) months, three patients had developed a local recurrence. The mean score after cosmetic evaluation was 4.6 of 5.

CONCLUSION

A quadrant-per-quadrant approach to oncoplastic techniques for breast cancer was developed that tailors the mammoplasty for each tumour location. This panel of techniques should be a useful guide for breast surgeons, and extends the possibilities for breast conservation for large or poorly limited cancers, with a low complication rate and good cosmetic results.

Abstract P4-10-09: An Oncoplastic Surgical Planning Tool Based on Tumor Location Improves Breast Conservation Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Oncoplastic Surgery is an evolving field in breast cancer surgery. Considerable variations in oncoplastic surgery (OPS) for breast conservation (BCS) have developed as the interest and utilization by both breast surgeons and plastic surgery teams continues to increase. Our goal is to assess the effectiveness of an oncoplastic surgical planning tool for BCS. The tool is a surgical atlas and guide that matches oncoplastic procedure recommendations for a specific tumor location.

BACKGROUND

Oncoplastic surgery for the treatment of breast cancer has been validated compared to standard BCS in terms of rate of re-excision, preservation of the natural breast shape, complications and 5-year local recurrence rates. Oncoplastic surgery incorporates plastic surgery techniques for the purpose of breast conservation. A bi-level OPS classification system and guide for patient selection was created to improve both patient outcomes and enable all breast surgeons to choose a safe and effective oncoplastic approach.

METHODS

This is a single institution prospective study of patients with breast cancer that had an oncoplastic level II procedure for breast conservation between 2005 and 2009 at the Paris Breast Center. The corresponding level II OPS technique was chosen for each patient based on the principals of patient selection and tumor location described in the atlas. A set of objective outcomes as well as an aesthetic evaluation was recorded based on tumor location and choice of procedure.

Results

A total of 151 patients met the criteria for performing a level II OPS for breast conservation based on the selection process outlined in the oncoplastic Atlas. The overall adherence rate for selection of procedure based on tumor location was 90%. The reexcision rate was 4% with greater then 80% of patients achieving a margin width exceeding .5cm and an average specimen weight of 144 grams. The conversion rate to mastectomy approached 12%. We found a good to excellent aesthetic outcome in 95% of evaluated patients. The rate of deformity in this level II OPS series was 0%. The early complication rate was 11% resulting in a delay of treatment for adjuvant therapy in less then 2% of patients.

Tumor Location and OPS Level II Procedure

Complications and Delay in Treatment

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to the oncoplastic surgical guide resulted in an acceptable reexcision rate with the elimination of the risk of deformity for patients undergoing large volume resections for breast conservation. This initial assessment validates the efficacy of the atlas and provide surgeons with a reliable system to correctly choose the most appropriate oncoplastic procedure based on tumor location and avoids the complications associated with a one technique fits all approach for OPS.

Biosynthesis of auxin by the gram-positive phytopathogen Rhodococcus fascians is controlled by compounds specific to infected plant tissues

The role and metabolism of indole-3-acetic acid in gram-negative bacteria is well documented, but little is known about indole-3-acetic acid biosynthesis and regulation in gram-positive bacteria. The phytopathogen Rhodococcus fascians, a gram-positive organism, incites diverse developmental alterations, such as leafy galls, on a wide range of plants. Phenotypic analysis of a leafy gall suggests that auxin may play an important role in the development of the symptoms. We show here for the first time that R. fascians produces and secretes the auxin indole-3-acetic acid. Interestingly, whereas noninfected-tobacco extracts have no effect, indole-3-acetic acid synthesis is highly induced in the presence of infected-tobacco extracts when tryptophan is not limiting. Indole-3-acetic acid production by a plasmid-free strain shows that the biosynthetic genes are located on the bacterial chromosome, although plasmid-encoded genes contribute to the kinetics and regulation of indole-3-acetic acid biosynthesis. The indole-3-acetic acid intermediates present in bacterial cells and secreted into the growth media show that the main biosynthetic route used by R. fascians is the indole-3-pyruvic acid pathway with a possible rate-limiting role for indole-3-ethanol. The relationship between indole-3-acetic acid production and the symptoms induced by R. fascians is discussed.

Screening of SLC26A4 (PDS) gene in Pendred's syndrome: a large spectrum of mutations in France and phenotypic heterogeneity

Sensorineural hearing defect and goiter are common features of Pendred's syndrome. The clinical diagnosis of Pendred's syndrome remains difficult because of the lack of sensitivity and specificity of the thyroid signs. The identification of PDS as the causative gene allowed molecular screening and enabled a re-evaluation of the syndrome to identify potential diagnostic characteristics. This report presents the clinical and genotypic findings of 30 French families, for whom a diagnosis of Pendred's syndrome had been made. Twenty-seven families had at least one mutated allele. Twenty-eight different mutations were identified, 11 of which had never been previously reported. The main clinical characteristics were: early hearing loss, fluctuation in terms of during deafness evolution, and the presence of an enlarged vestibular aqueduct.