Pericarp growth dynamics associate with final grain weight in wheat under contrasting plant densities and increased night temperature.

Background And Aims: The pericarp weight comprises <17 % of wheat grain weight at harvest. The pericarp supports the hydration and nutrition of both the embryo and endosperm during early grain filling. However, studies of the pericarp and its association with final grain weight have been scarce.

Expansins expression is associated with grain size dynamics in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Grain weight is one of the most important components of cereal yield and quality. A clearer understanding of the physiological and molecular determinants of this complex trait would provide an insight into the potential benefits for plant breeding. In the present study, the dynamics of dry matter accumulation, water uptake, and grain size in parallel with the expression of expansins during grain growth in wheat were analysed.

Myocardial perfusion and ventricular function assessed by SPECT and Gated-SPECT in end-stage renal disease patients before and after renal transplant.

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal transplant is known to improve left ventricle hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction in selected groups of patients.

Methods: We assessed myocardial perfusion, wall motion and functional parameters by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and Gated-SPECT in 30 consecutive ESRD patients with normal coronary angiograms before and after renal transplantation.