Regeneration and microprojectile-mediated transformation in Vicia Faba L

Ten Egyptian cultivars of faba bean [Vicia faba L.] were evaluated for their regeneration capability. Regeneration frequency varied among the cultivars from 30-92% when using embryo axes, while the shoot apex explants revealed lower regeneration frequency [12-57%]. Two cultivars [Giza 716 and Giza 843] exhibited no regeneration when using the shoot apex explants. Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog [MS] basal salts, with 1 mg/l B5 vitamins, 4.5 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA for mature embryo explants, or 5 mg/l BAP and 1 mg/l NAA for shoot apex explants. The cultures were incubated for one week in the dark during the shoot induction stage to eliminate the browning caused by the accumulation of phenolic compounds. Addition of activated charcoal to the regeneration medium showed negative impact on the regeneration frequency. In vitro grafting method was successfully used for all tested faba bean cultivars. Transformation using microprojectile bombardment protocol was developed using the mature embryo as the explant. The plasmid pCGP1258, harboring the herbicide resistant gene [bar] as a selectable marker and the reporter beta- glucuronidase gene [gus], was used for adapting transformation in faba bean cultivars. Mannitol at a concentration of 0.4 M, 1100-psi pressure and 6 cm shooting distance were the most efficient transformation condition. Integration and expression of the transgenes were confirmed by Southern blotting, PCR and histochemical GUS assay. The transformation frequency was as high as 2% for the cultivar Giza 40

Triple H syndrome: a novel auto-immune endocrinaopathy characterized by dysfunction of the hippocampas, hair follicle and hypothalamic pituitary - adrenal axis a replication study

In this study, we described two, unrelated adult, female and male patients. They developed sever fatigue, weakness, anxiety postural hypotension and hypoglycemia. Progressive alopecia areata with impairment of antrograde memory were also present. Marked hypocortisolemia, Anti bodies to some endocrinal cells. Associated with radiological abnormalities in the hippocampus were detected. The similarity between these two cases and the uncommon nature of the component abnormalities suggest the involvement of a molecular target for autoimmunity shared among hippocampus, hair follicle and the hypothalamus and/or corticotrophin, it is the cause of its name "Triple H. Syndrome". A German female 41 years old presented to the endocrine department of AI- Aahraa university Hospital in September 2002 with total loss of body hair. In year 2000 the patient noticed progressive constipation, loss of appitite and sleeping tendency. This was associated with loss of memory specially for recent events. Laboratory investigation in the form of free T[3], free T[4], TSH and thyroid AB were done [Table 1], and the patient was diagnosed as having hypothyroidism. She received medical treatment in the form of EI-Troxin 75 Mic. gm/d. and the condition gradually improved. After 7 months of treatment the patient became pregnant, after delivery she started to lose scalp hair gradually, followed tow months later by loss of eye brows, axially and pubic hair. Subsequently she complained of fatigue, memory loss especially for recent events along with symptoms of hypertension and repeated hypoglycemic attacks