Candidate effector proteins from the oomycetes Plasmopara viticola and Phytophthora parasitica share similar predicted structures and induce cell death in Nicotiana species.

Effector proteins secreted by plant pathogens are essential for infection. Cytoplasmic RXLR effectors from oomycetes are characterized by the presence of RXLR and EER motifs that are frequently linked to WY- and/or LWY-domains, folds that are exclusive to this effector family. A related family of secreted candidate effector proteins, carrying WY-domains and the EER motif but lacking the canonical RXLR motif, has recently been described in oomycetes and is mainly found in downy mildew pathogens.

A secreted WY-domain-containing protein present in European isolates of the oomycete Plasmopara viticola induces cell death in grapevine and tobacco species.

Plasmopara viticola is a biotrophic oomycete pathogen causing grapevine downy mildew. We characterized the repertoire of P. viticola effector proteins which may be translocated into plants to support the disease.

Carbohydrates in plant immunity and plant protection: roles and potential application as foliar sprays.

Increasing interest is devoted to carbohydrates for their roles in plant immunity. Some of them are elicitors of plant defenses whereas other ones act as signaling molecules in a manner similar to phytohormones. This review first describes the main classes of carbohydrates associated to plant immunity, their role and mode of action.

Involvement of papain and legumain proteinase in the senescence process of Medicago truncatula nodules.

The symbiotic interaction between legumes and Rhizobiaceae leads to the formation of new root organs called nodules. Within the nodule, Rhizobiaceae differentiate into nitrogen-fixing bacteroids. However, this symbiotic interaction is time-limited as a result of the initiation of a senescence process, leading to a complete degradation of bacteroids and host plant cells.

A single-centre experience concerning the safety of Sprint Fidelis defibrillator lead extraction at the time of pulse generator replacement or in case of evidence of lead failure.

Background: The reported failure rate of the Sprint Fidelis defibrillator lead (SFDL) has increased more than initially expected, with emerging evidence of accelerating fracture rates. Current consensus guidelines continue to discourage prophylactic lead extraction, citing major complication rates of 1.4-7.