Non Thermal Irreversible Electroporation: Novel Technology for Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Ablation

Non thermal Irreversible electroporation (NTIRE) is a new tissue ablation method that induces selective damage only to the cell membrane while sparing all other tissue components. Our group has recently showed that NTIRE attenuated neointimal formation in rodent model. The goal of this study was to determine optimal values of NTIRE for vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) ablation.33 Sprague-Dawley rats were used to compare NTIRE protocols. Each animal had NTIRE applied to its left common carotid artery using a custom-made electrodes. The right carotid artery was used as control. Electric pulses of 100 microseconds were used. Eight IRE protocols were compared: 1-4) 10 pulses at a frequency of 10 Hz with electric fields of 3500, 1750, 875 and 437.5 V/cm and 5-8) 45 and 90 pulses at a frequency of 1 Hz with electric fields of 1750 and 875 V/cm. Animals were euthanized after one week. Histological analysis included VSMC counting and morphometry of 152 sections. Selective slides were stained with elastic Van Gieson and Masson trichrome to evaluate extra-cellular structures. The most efficient protocols were 10 pulses of 3500 V/cm at a frequency of 10 Hz and 90 pulses of 1750 V/cm at a frequency of 1 Hz, with ablation efficiency of 89+/-16% and 94+/-9% respectively. Extra-cellular structures were not damaged and the endothelial layer recovered completely.NTIRE is a promising, efficient and simple novel technology for VMSC ablation. It enables ablation within seconds without causing damage to extra-cellular structures, thus preserving the arterial scaffold and enabling endothelial regeneration. This study provides scientific information for future anti-restenosis experiments utilizing NTIRE

Which plant compounds influence the natural resistance of cabbage against onion thrips ( Thrips tabaci Lindeman)?

In a field experiment on the natural resistance of cabbage ( Brassica oleracea var. capitata ) against onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) , 20 cabbage genotypes were included: 9 early, 5 mid-early, 6 mid-late (regarding the longevity of the growing period), 3 red, 17 white (regarding colour), 14 hybrids and 6 varieties (regarding genetic origin). For comparisons between genotypes, we determined significant differences in the mean index of damage on the exterior leaves of cabbage heads (1.12–2.83), the net weight of heads (281.40,151169.6 g), and yield loss (5.8–47.4%). The concentration of several compounds from cabbage leaves (epicuticular wax, α-amyrin, β-amyrin, lupeol, sucrose, glucose, fructose, vitamin C, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and arachidic acid) are measured. For all groups of cabbage genotypes the only confirmed negative correlation was between the extent of damage caused by the sucking of onion thrips and epicuticular wax content on the cabbage leaves (in groups where we artificially placed genotypes with similar characteristics). After this preliminary experiment, the research must be extended in order to determine the effect of the remaining analysed compounds in cabbage leaves for resistance (sensitivity) of cabbage to onion thrips attack