Arabidopsis MKS1 is involved in basal immunity and requires an intact N-terminal domain for proper function.

Background: Innate immune signaling pathways in animals and plants are regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. MAP kinase 4 (MPK4) functions downstream of innate immune receptors via a nuclear substrate MKS1 to regulate the activity of the WRKY33 transcription factor, which in turn controls the production of anti-microbial phytoalexins.

Methodology/principal Findings: We investigate the role of MKS1 in basal resistance and the importance of its N- and C-terminal domains for MKS1 function.

Pregnancy outcome after loop electrosurgical excision procedure for the management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Objective: Previous studies have shown conflicting results on the outcome of pregnancy following loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether LEEP affects the outcome of pregnancy after 20 weeks' gestation.

Methods: This is a matched cohort study of all women who had a LEEP for a biopsy-confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in between December 1995 and December 2000 and subsequently delivered (after 20 weeks' gestation) at the University Hospital of Northern Norway.