BorgWarner (Sweden)

Protein-based biostimulants (PBBs) are derived from the hydrolysis of protein-rich raw materials of plant and/or animal origins, usually by-products or wastes from agro-industries. The active ingredients (AIs) produced by hydrolysis have the capacity to influence physiological and metabolic processes in plants, leading to enhanced growth, nutrient and water-use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, and improved crop yield and quality. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art and future opportunities for use of PBBs, based on potential effects on the soil, crops, and sustainability (social, economic, environmental). In this case, two examples of PBBs (hydrolyzed wheat gluten and potato protein) and their effects on the early growth of three sugar beet varieties are described and discussed. Both PBBs have a significant stimulating effect on early sugar beet growth and development. The opportunity to develop PBBs into superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) is discussed. To conclude, PBBs/SAPs developed from agro-industrial wastes have the potential for sustainably supplying water and nutrients in agricultural systems and for enhancing plant growth and development over a substantial period.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. Incidence is largely unknown because of incomplete, or lack of, registration in most countries. To assess current incidence rates and recent trends for BCC in the Swedish population. Patient- and tumour-related features of all histologically confirmed BCC tumours diagnosed in Sweden from 2004 to 2017 were extracted from the population-based Swedish BCC Registry. Incidence rates were standardized to the 2013 European Standard Population and trends were analysed using Poisson regression models. The age-standardized person-based incidence rate of BCC in Sweden was 405 per 100 000 in 2017, rising from 308 per 100 000 in 2004, corresponding to an annual relative increase of 1·8% (women, 2·1%; men, 1·4%). Incidence was highest in elderly people and the most common tumour site was the head and neck. In 2017, the most common BCC subtypes were nodular and micronodular/infiltrative BCC (each 31%). Incidence of aggressive BCC subtypes increased faster than other subtypes. BCC incidence rates in Sweden are relatively high and increasing. The increasing trends were more pronounced in women and for aggressive BCC subtypes. What is already known about this topic? Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in white populations and its incidence is increasing. BCC is seldom registered in national population-based cancer registries, therefore incidence estimates are extrapolated from small studies or incomplete registers. BCC occurs more often in men than in women and occurs most commonly on the head and neck, followed by the trunk. What does this study add? This study provides current BCC incidence rates for an entire European population. Sex-specific trends show that BCC incidence is increasing faster in women in Sweden. Aggressive BCC subtypes appear to be increasing faster than other subtypes.

Sugar beets are attacked by several pathogens that cause root damages. Rhizoctonia (Greek for “root killer”) is one of them. Rhizoctonia root rot has become an increasing problem for sugar beet production and to decrease yield losses agronomical measures are adopted. Here, two partially resistant and two susceptible sugar beet genotypes were used for transcriptome analysis to discover new defense genes to this fungal disease, information to be implemented in molecular resistance breeding. Among 217 transcripts with increased expression at 2 days post-infection (dpi), three resistance-like genes were found. These genes were not significantly elevated at 5 dpi, a time point when increased expression of three Bet v I/Major latex protein (MLP) homologous genes BvMLP1, BvMLP2 and BvML3 was observed in the partially resistant genotypes. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis on diseased sugar beet seedlings validated the activity of BvMLP1 and BvMLP3 observed in the transcriptome during challenge by R. solani. The three BvMLP genes were cloned and overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana to further dissect their individual contribution. Transgenic plants were also compared to T-DNA mutants of orthologous MLP genes. Plants overexpressing BvMLP1 and BvMLP3 showed significantly less infection whereas additive effects were seen on Atmlp1/Atmlp3 double mutants. The data suggest that BvMLP1 and BvMLP3 may contribute to the reduction of the Rhizoctonia root rot disease in sugar beet. Impact on the defense reaction from other differential expressed genes observed in the study is discussed.

A previously well 67-year-old woman presented with a 2-week history of recurrent falls and general weakness. She had noticed aching and morning stiffness in the shoulders, hip girdles, neck, torso,...

The callus proliferation response of 15 genotypes of Beta vulgaris to four combinations of two naturally-occurring phytohormones, indoleacetic acid (IAA) and isopentenyladenine (i6-Ade), was investigated in vitro. Response was measured in terms of increase in the length and volume of the callusing tissue as well as by determining fresh and dry weights and protein content. IAA and i6-Ade were applied in an agarified nutrient medium in four paired combinations of low (0.1 mg 1-1) and high (5.0 mg 1-1 IAA, 2.0 mg 1-1 i6-Ade) concentrations. In 12 of the genotypes growth was more substantially affected by a change in level of one of the phytohormones in combination with a low level of the other. Auxin had a more pronounced effect on growths response in 9 of the genotypes, cytokinin in 3, while in the remaining 3 genotypes no differences were found. Statistically valid differences occurred between the genotypes in their response to hormonal treatment. It is possible that the recalcitrance of sugar beet in in vitro culture is in part a genotypic response.

Purpose. To describe, by use of a phenomenological approach, how transfemoral amputees experience their first meeting and subsequent interaction with hospital staff in the acute phase, in the long term and suggestions for future care-giving.Method. Eleven transfemoral amputees, median age 33.5 years, were interviewed. The amputations, performed in median 7.5 years before the interview, were caused by tumour, motorcycle accidents or work-related traumas. The participants were community dwelling and managed well indoors. All, except one, worked or studied full time. The interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim.Results. Three themes emerged: (i) Communication/information – limitations in preparing the patient for the new situation, (ii) empathy and emotional support, and (iii) ability to meet the need of individually tailored rehabilitation. For future care-giving three categories emerged: (i) Individually tailored communication/information, (ii) rehabilitation to be prepared to adapt to one's new situation, and (iii) support in regaining control.Conclusion. The participants expressed a need for both professional and emotional support in the acute phase. Over time they preferred a patient-centred approach which improved coping skills and facilitated their own ability to gain control. Increased awareness of how meeting and interacting with hospital staff influences rehabilitation processes may further improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Salicylhydroxanuc acid (SHAM), an inhibitor of the alternative respiratory pathway, reacts with 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) and fluorescein diacetate to form 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin and fluorescein, respectively. These reactions show that SHAM possesses esterase-like activity. As SHAM may act on endogenous acetoxymethyl ester-type compounds, assessment of respiration patterns of cells requires cautious interpretation, especially during prolonged incubation

Respiration patterns and growth of cytokinin-dependent cell suspensions ofBeta vulgaris L., precultured in media with or without three different synthetic cytokinins [benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (KIN), and thidiazuron (TDA)], were compared. The content of endogenous cytokinins, especially zeatin and isopentenyladenine, as well as the dry mass yield, were dependent on the kind of synthetic cytokinin present in the culture medium and decreased in the following order: thidiazuron, kinetin, benzyladenine, no cytokinin. The apparent capacity of the alternative pathway, as measured after blocking of the cytochrome pathway by cyanide, was inversely proportional to the content of endogenous cytokinins. Some synthetic cytokinins (e.g., benzyladenine), when exogenously applied, are known to inhibit selectively the alternative pathway. However, this does not necessarily imply that the mechanism of action of endogenous cytokinins on the respiration pattern is limited to a single effect on the alternative pathway. Multiple effects on oxidative processes cannot be excluded.