High leaf transpiration is thought to restrict Ca movement to low-transpiring tomato fruit, which may increase fruit susceptibility to the Ca-deficiency disorder, blossom end rot (BER). The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of reduced leaf transpiration in abscisic acid (ABA)-treated plants on fruit and leaf Ca uptake and BER development. Tomato cultivars Ace 55 (Vf) and AB2 were grown in a greenhouse environment see more under Ca-deficit conditions and plants were treated weekly after pollination with water (control) or 500 mg l(-1) ABA. BER incidence was completely prevented in the ABA-treated plants and reached values of 30-45% in the water-treated controls. ABA-treated
plants had higher stem water potential, lower leaf stomatal conductance, and lower whole-plant water loss than water-treated plants. ABA treatment increased total tissue and apoplastic water-soluble Ca concentrations
in the fruit, and decreased Ca concentrations in leaves. In ABA-treated plants, fruit had a higher number of Safranin-O-stained xylem vessels at early stages of growth and development. ABA treatment reduced the phloem/xylem ratio of fruit sap uptake. The results indicate that ABA prevents BER development by increasing fruit Ca uptake, possibly by a INCB024360 combination of whole-plant and fruit-specific mechanisms.”
“Tong A, Craig JC, Wong G, Morton J, Armstrong S, Schollum J, Cross N. It was just an unconditional gift. Self reflections of non-directed living kidney donors. Abstract: Non-directed living kidney donation is an
important emerging type of donation, but there are concerns about ulterior motives and irrational decision-making. This study aimed to elicit the motivations and experiences of non-directed living kidney donors. Qualitative interviews were conducted with all 18 people who donated a kidney in the transplant unit of the South Island, New Zealand. Six major themes were identified: offering the chance of life (opportunity for normalcy in the recipient, good samaritanism), determination (resolute personal decision, rooted in stability, urgency, opportuneness), minimizing perceived risks (live with one kidney, trust in the medical system, physical and genetic resilience, Sapanisertib cost taking chances, mental preparation, mild inconvenience), preserving anonymity (protecting donor anonymity, respecting recipient choice, receiving appreciation, knowing recipient outcomes, developing relationships), donor support (psychologic preparation, efficient coordination, reimbursement of expenses), and gaining benefits (improved fitness, empowerment and satisfaction, connectedness). Non-directed living kidney donors want to offer someone a chance of normal life; a decision driven by resoluteness and a sense of urgency. Kidney donation is perceived to offer improved fitness, and a sense of empowerment, satisfaction, and connectedness.