Effects of temperature fluctuation during in vitro phase on in vitro microtuber production in different cultivars of potato (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum tuberosum</Emphasis> L.)

An experiment, including potato cultivars Gloria (very early), Marfona (mid-early) and Agria (late), was carried out to assess the effects of different temperatures during two phases of the day on in vitro potato microtuber production. Temperature significantly (P < 0.01) affected the percentage of cuttings that produced microtubers. The highest temperatures in either phase resulted in the lowest percentage of cuttings that produced microtubers. With lower temperature during either phase, we found more microtubers per cutting and larger microtuber sizes. The effects of temperature on individual microtuber weight were not statistically significant. However, increasing the temperature during different thermophases increased both length and weight of sprouts formed on the microtubers. Moreover, the highest temperatures resulted in the lowest levels of tuberization (as shown by bud status) and the largest sprout growth. The temperature amplitude had a significant effect as well: very large temperature amplitudes resulted in poorer tuber formation compared with smaller temperature amplitudes with the same average temperature. All three cultivars showed different responses with regard to the percentage of explants that produced microtubers. After 45 days of incubation, the percentage of explants producing microtubers, the number of microtubers and the length of the sprouts were significantly increased compared with 35 days of incubation. Nonetheless, the status of the microtubers (sprouted or not-sprouted) and the microtuber size did not change beyond 35 days of incubation. Polynomial analysis of temperature effects showed that almost all traits assessed showed a significant linear trend.     

The structural properties of the lateral retinaculum and capsular complex of the knee

Although lateral retinacular releases are not uncommon, there is very little scientific knowledge about the properties of these tissues, on which to base a rationale for the surgery. We hypothesised that we could identify specific tissue bands and measure their structural properties. Eight fresh-frozen knees were dissected, and the lateral soft tissues prepared into three distinct structures: a broad tissue band linking the iliotibial band (ITB) to the patella, and two capsular ligaments: patellofemoral and patellomeniscal. These were individually tensile tested to failure by gripping the patella in a vice jaw and the soft tissues in a freezing clamp. Results: the ITB–patellar band was strongest, at a mean of 582 N, and stiffest, at 97 N/mm. The patellofemoral ligament failed at 172 N with 16 N/mm stiffness; the patellomeniscal ligament failed at 85 N, with 13 N/mm stiffness. These structural properties suggest that most of the load in-vivo is transmitted to the patella by the transverse fibres that originate from the ITB.     

Retinoic Acid Correlates with Reduced Serum IL-10 And TGF-β in Allergic Rhinitis

Background:Retinoic acid (RA) plays a key role in naïve T cell differentiation into FOXP3+ Treg cell in the respiratory airways. The present study aims to investigate RA and Treg-related cytokine serum levels, salivary IgA levels, FOXP3 and IL-4 gene expression, and the relationships between RA serum levels and Treg-related cytokines in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients and healthy controls.Methods:Salivary IgA and serum IgE, RA, IL-10, and TGF-β concentrations were measured by ELISA in 37 AR patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.Results:IL-10 and TGF-β concentrations were significantly less in AR patients than in healthy controls (p< 0.01 and P< 0.0001, respectively). Salivary IgA was significantly greater in patients than in controls (p< 0.05). RA was not significantly different between patients and controls (p> 0.05); however, a significant positive correlation was found between serum RA and both IL-10 and TGF-β in AR patients.Conclusion:Our data suggest that RA may influence AR risk via affecting the TGF-β and IL-10 production.Key Words: Allergic Rhinitis, Interleukin-10, Obesity, Retinoic Acid, Transforming Growth Factor-β