bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ca
2+
dysregulation in

Ryr1
I4895T/wt

mice causes congenital myopathy with progressive formation of minicores, cores, and nemaline rods
Authors: Zvaritch Elena , Kraeva Natasha , Bombardier Eric , McCloy Robert A. , Depreux Frederic , Holmyard Douglas , Kraev Alexander , Seidman Christine E. , Seidman J. G. , Tupling A. Russell , MacLennan David H.
Published: December 2009

Ryr1
I4895T/wt

(IT/+) mice express a knockin mutation corresponding to the human I4898T EC-uncoupling mutation in the type 1 ryanodine receptor/Ca
2+
release channel (RyR1), which causes a severe form of central core disease (CCD). IT/+ mice exhibit a slowly progressive congenital myopathy, with neonatal respiratory stress, skeletal muscle weakness, impaired mobility, dorsal kyphosis, and hind limb paralysis. Lesions observed in myofibers from diseased mice undergo age-dependent transformation from minicores to cores and nemaline rods. Early ultrastructural abnormalities include sarcomeric misalignment, Z-line streaming, focal loss of cross-striations, and myofibrillar splitting and intermingling that may arise from defective myofibrillogenesis. However, manifestation of the disease phenotype is highly variable on a Sv129 genomic background. Quantitative RT-PCR shows an equimolar ratio of WT and mutant
Ryr1
transcripts within IT/+ myofibers and total RyR1 protein expression levels are normal. We propose a unifying theory in which the cause of core formation lies in functional heterogeneity among RyR1 tetramers. Random combinations of normal and either leaky or EC-uncoupled RyR subunits would lead to spatial differences in Ca
2+
transients; the resulting heterogeneity of contraction among myofibrils would lead to focal, irreversible tearing and shearing, which would, over time, enlarge to form minicores, cores, and nemaline rods. The IT/+ mouse line is proposed to be a valid model of RyR1-related congenital myopathy, offering high potential for elucidation of the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle disorders arising from impaired EC coupling.
Prepregnancy risk factors for placental abruption
Authors: TIKKANEN MINNA , NUUTILA MIKA , HIILESMAA VILHO , PAAVONEN JORMA , YLIKORKALA OLAVI
Published: December 2009

Background. To define the prepregnancy risk factors for placental abruption. Methods. One hundred and ninety‐eight women with placental abruption and 396 control women without placental abruption were retrospectively identified among 46,742 women who delivered at a tertiary referral university hospital between 1997 and 2001. Relevant historical and clinical variables were compared between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify independent risk factors. Results. The overall incidence of placental abruption was 0.42%. Placental abruption recurred in 8.8% of the cases. The independent risk factors were smoking (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1, 2.7), uterine malformation (OR 8.1; 1.7, 40), previous cesarean section (OR 1.7; 1.1, 2.8), and history of placental abruption (OR 4.5; 1.1, 18). Conclusions. Although univariate analysis identified many risk factors, only smoking, uterine malformation, previous cesarean section, and history of placental abruption remained significant after multivariate analysis, increasing the risk of placental abruption in subsequent pregnancy. It may be possible to approximate the risk for placental abruption based on these simple prepregnancy risk factors.
Fear of childbirth before, during, and after childbirth
Authors: ALEHAGEN SIW , WIJMA BARBRO , WIJMA KLAAS
Published: December 2009

Background. Only scanty research exists about the relationship between women's expectations during pregnancy and their experiences as reported during the actual process of labor and afterwards. The aims of the present study were: 1. to investigate the associations between fear of childbirth during pregnancy and postpartum and fear and pain during early active labor (phase 1: cervix dilatation 3–5 cm), and 2. to explore possible differences regarding fear of childbirth during pregnancy and postpartum between women who did or did not receive epidural analgesia during labor. Methods. Fear of childbirth was measured in 47 nulliparous women during gestation weeks 37–39 by means of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W‐DEQ version A). During early active labor we measured women's fear (Delivery Fear Scale) and their experiences of pain (a pain intensity scale). Finally, fear after childbirth (W‐DEQ version B) was measured two hours, two days, and five weeks after delivery. Results. A positive correlation appeared between fear of childbirth during pregnancy, postpartum, and early active labor. There were no differences in fear of childbirth during late pregnancy between women who received epidural analgesia and those who did not. Postpartum fear was higher in the women who had received epidural analgesia. Conclusions. Pregnant women who fear childbirth are prone to report fear during the actual labor and postpartum. The administration of epidural analgesia is not a sufficient response to women's fear during the process of labor.
Intrapartum and postpartum care in Sweden: women's opinions and risk factors for not being satisfied
Authors: Waldenström Ulla , Rudman Ann , Hildingsson Ingegerd
Published: December 2009

Background. The aim of this study was to investigate satisfaction with intrapartum and postpartum care, and the risk of not being satisfied in relation to 1) a woman's sociodemographic background, 2) physical and emotional well‐being in early pregnancy, 3) labor outcomes, 4) care organization, and 5) a woman's subjective assessment of aspects of care.

Methods. All Swedish‐speaking women booked for antenatal care during 3 weeks spread over 1 year (1999–2000) were invited to participate in the study, and 2,686 (82% of those who consented to participate and 58% of those who were eligible) completed questionnaires in early pregnancy and 2 months postpartum. Women who were satisfied with overall intrapartum and postpartum care respectively were compared with those who were not regarding possible risk factors, and associations were tested by logistic regression analysis.

Results. Ten percent of women were not satisfied with intrapartum care (ip) and 26% with postpartum care (pp). The following risk factors for not being satisfied were found: 1) age <25 years (ip), only elementary school (ip + pp), single status (pp), inconvenient timing of pregnancy (ip), lack of support from partner (ip); 2) suffering from many physical symptoms (ip + pp); 3) newborn transfer to neonatal clinic (ip + pp); 4) length of stay <1 day and ≥5 days (ip + pp), no “debriefing” after birth (ip), large hospital (pp); 5) lack of support by midwife (ip), little involvement in decision making (ip), dissatisfaction with birth environment (ip), insufficient time for breastfeeding support, encouragement and personal questions (pp).
Obstetrical factors related to nuchal cord
Authors: Ogueh Onome , Al‐Tarkait Aisha , Vallerand Danielle , Rouah Fabrice , Morin Lucie , Benjamin Alice , Usher Robert H.
Published: December 2009

Background. To investigate the intrapartum factors related to umbilical cord nuchal loops (nuchal cord) with particular reference to shoulder dystocia.

Methods. We studied all singleton pregnancies with a vertex presentation and a birth weight of at least 2500 g from 1 January 1978 to 31 March 1997 and the 13,717 pregnancies with nuchal cord were compared to the 44,136 without nuchal cord.

Results. When compared to pregnant women without nuchal cord, a greater proportion of pregnant women with nuchal cord underwent induction of labor (adjusted OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04–1.15) and augmentation with oxytocin (adjusted OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.11). They had a longer second stage of labor (p=0.0013) and a greater proportion of primiparous women with tight nuchal cord had second stage of labor that lasted longer than two hours (adjusted OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03–1.41). The proportion of abnormal fetal heart rate patterns was higher in the presence of nuchal cord (adjusted OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.55–1.68). Shoulder dystocia occurred more commonly in association with nuchal cord, especially when the nuchal cord was tight (adjusted OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.30–1.72 for all nuchal cord; adjusted OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.42–2.34 for tight nuchal cord).

Conclusions. Umbilical cord nuchal loops are associated with induction of labor, slow progress of labor, and shoulder dystocia.
The role of C‐reactive protein in modern obstetric and gynecological practice
Authors: AZIZIA MOHAMMAD M. , IRVINE LAURIE M. , COKER MARCELLINA , SANUSI FATAI A.
Published: December 2009

C‐reactive protein is an acute phase protein widely used as an indicator of infectious or inflammatory conditions. Traditionally it has been used as an adjunctive test for inflammation and as a marker of disease activity. Though sensitive, its nonspecific nature imposes limitation on its clinical use. Currently C‐reactive protein is used in the management of chorioamnionitis, preterm premature rupture of membranes, pelvic inflammatory disease, and urinary tract infection. Interestingly, several obstetric conditions such as pre‐eclampsia and gestational diabetes are now known to have an underlying inflammatory basis and there is an emerging role of C‐reactive protein testing in managing these diseases. Additionally C‐reactive protein testing has an established place in management of several acute abdominal conditions. The aim of this paper is to review the place of C‐reactive protein in modern obstetric and gynecological practice.
Effect of presurgical local infiltration of levobupivacaine in the surgical field on postsurgical wound pain in laparoscopic gynecological surgery
Authors: Alessandri Franco , Lijoi Davide , Mistrangelo Emanuela , Nicoletti Annamaria , Ragni Nicola
Published: December 2009

Background. To maintain a high standard of patient care, it is essential to provide adequate pain management in patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery.

Methods. We randomly enrolled 74 women who underwent laparoscopic surgery for gynecological benign diseases. Patients in the levobupivacaine group (n=37) were injected with 7 ml of 5 mg/ml levobupivacaine at all incisional areas patients in the control group (n=37) were injected with an equal volume of physiologic saline solution. In the postoperative period the following variables were assessed for each group: decline of hemoglobin concentration, consumption of analgesics, time of ambulation, length of postoperative ileus, length of postoperative hospital stay, and VAS scores at 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery.

Results. Mean pain intensity at 6 and 12 h after surgery was significantly lower in the levobupivacaine group than in the control group (p<0.01). Analgesic requirement was significantly lower (p<0.01) in the levobupivacaine group (0.3 phial±0.2) than in the control group (2.1 phial±1.0). The mean time of ambulation was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the levobupivacaine group (16±4) than in the control group (22±6). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in mean pain intensity 24 h after surgery, decline of hemoglobin concentration, length of postoperative ileus, or length of postoperative hospital stay.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that presurgical infiltration of levobupivacaine in addition to general anesthesia and standard analgesic therapy significantly decreases the intensity of postsurgical pain, especially for the first 12 h after surgery, and reduces analgesic consumption after surgery.
Management and course of histologically verified cervical carcinoma in situ during pregnancy
Authors: Ackermann S. , Gehrsitz C. , Mehlhorn G. , Beckmann M.W.
Published: December 2009

Background. To study the rate of regression and progression into invasive disease of patients with histologically proven carcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix during pregnancy. Methods. Prospective observation of all pregnant women with biopsy‐proven carcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix, gained by colposcopic guided biopsy from 1996 to 2004 and correlation with the route of delivery and cytologic and histologic postpartum findings. Results. Eighty‐three patients with histologically verified carcinoma in situ during pregnancy were treated conservatively. Two patients were lost to follow‐up, one patient had an abortion, and three are still pregnant. The study population of 77 patients were followed for a median of 140 days before delivery. Postpartum regression rate was 34.2%, two patients had a diagnosis of microinvasive cervical cancer on the postpartum cone biopsy, and persistent carcinoma in situ was found postpartum in 63.1% of patients. No difference was seen for the route of delivery. Both patients with microinvasive carcinoma were delivered by primary cesarean section and are disease‐free after 24 and 38 months, respectively. Conclusions. We recommend conservative management for women with carcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix. We found no difference for the route of delivery regarding postpartum regression and recommend a postpartum evaluation after the puerperium. Colposcopic guided biopsy should rule out an invasive process during pregnancy. Cesarean section as the mode of delivery should be considered, if invasion is suspected.
The effect of environmental tobacco smoke during pregnancy on birth weight
Authors: Hegaard Hanne K. , Kjærgaard Hanne , Møller Lars F. , Wachmann Henrik , Ottesen Bent
Published: December 2009

Background. This study explores whether pregnant nonsmokers’ exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) affects the average birth weight at term.

Methods. The population studied consists of pregnant nonsmokers participating in a study called Smoke‐free Newborn Study. The participants (n = 1612) answered a questionnaire during 12th to 16th gestational week about their exposure to ETS at home and outside the home.

Results. Pregnant nonsmokers exposed to ETS both at home and outside the home gave birth to children with a birth weight of 78.9 g (95% CI −143.7 to −14.1) (P=0.02) lower than the weight of children born to women unexposed to ETS. There was no significant reduction in birth weight among women exposed to ETS at home only or outside the home only. A nonsignificant dose–response association was seen between increasing daily exposure to ETS and reduction in birth weight.

Conclusion. Nonsmoking pregnant women who were exposed to ETS at home as well as outside the home gave birth to children with a 79 g reduction in birth weight compared to children of unexposed women. The fact that exposure to ETS has an effect on the birth weight is regarded as essential. The authors recommend that pregnant women should not be exposed to passive smoking, and that it should be considered whether workplace legislation should be instituted in order to protect pregnant women against the adverse effects of passive smoking.
The effects of time on pH and gas values in the blood contained in the umbilical cord
Authors: VALENZUELA P. , GUIJARRO R.
Published: December 2009

Background. The pH and gas analysis of umbilical cord blood is an accepted practice in most maternity hospitals. The data that is obtained after a latency period in processing the cord blood samples is evaluated to determine whether it is useful for the clinic. Methods. The umbilical cords from 50 term infants were clamped immediately after delivery. Samples of artery and vein blood were drawn 5, 60, and 120 min postpartum and pH, pO2, and pCO2 levels were measured. Results. No significant differences were found after 60 min in the average values for pH in the arterial and venous paired samples, though the arterial and venous pCO2 values declined significantly. The arterial pO2 values increased significantly. After 120 min, no significant differences in the average values for the venous pH and pO2 paired samples were found. The arterial pH values increased significantly, however, and the arterial and venous pCO2 values declined significantly. The arterial pO2 values increased significantly. Conclusions. Though statistically significant differences occurred over time, these changes were so modest clinically that the data could still be used even when an immediate analysis of the umbilical cord was not possible.
Women with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: cycle characteristics and results of assisted reproductive techniques
Authors: KUMBAK BANU , KAHRAMAN SEMRA
Published: December 2009

Objective. To present cycle characteristics and results of in vitro fertilization in 27 patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Further, to demonstrate the consequences of advanced age (≥35 years). Methods. Data from 27 hypogonadotropic hypogonadism patients treated with in vitro fertilization in the period from 2000 to 2004 were analyzed and compared with treatment results from 39 patients with unexplained infertility. Moreover, data from hypogonadotropic hypogonadism patients were analyzed according to the age factor. Mann–Whitney U, Chi‐square, and Student's t‐tests were used for statistical analysis. p<0.05 was considered significant. Results. Higher gonadotropin consumption and a longer stimulation period were observed in the hypogonadotropic hypogonadism group. Peak E2 levels, and the total number of oocytes and metaphase II oocytes were higher in the unexplained infertility group. Although a higher number of grade I embryos were transferred in the unexplained infertility group, the implantation rate was found to be better in the hypogonadotropic hypogonadism group (36.5% versus 13%; p<0.0001). Pregnancy rates were similar. When hypogonadotropic hypogonadism patients were evaluated according to the age factor, no significant difference was found with regard to cycle and outcome parameters, except higher gonadotropin consumption in aged patients. In aged hypogonadotropic hypogonadism patients, a pregnancy rate of 50% was achieved. Conclusion. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism women undergoing in vitro fertilization were found to be good responders. In the presence of advanced age, management of these patients becomes challenging. However, even these patients still have a good chance of pregnancy.
EMG biofeedback versus topical lidocaine gel: a randomized study for the treatment of women with vulvar vestibulitis
Authors: DANIELSSON INGELA , TORSTENSSON THOMAS , BRODDA‐JANSEN GUNILLA , BOHM‐STARKE NINA
Published: December 2009

Background. To evaluate the efficacy of electromyographic biofeedback and topical lidocaine treatment for women with vulvar vestibulitis. Methods. A prospective randomized study where 46 women with vulvar vestibulitis were randomized to receive either electromyographic biofeedback or topical lidocaine treatment for four months. Assessments with vulvar pressure pain thresholds and questionnaires regarding quality of life, psychosocial adjustments, and sexual functioning were made before treatment, after treatment, and at six‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups. Nonparametric statistical methods were used to analyze differences in outcomes. Results. Nine women (9/46) dropped out during the treatment period. Both treatments showed significantly improved values for vestibular pressure pain thresholds, quality of life measurements, and sexual functioning at the 12‐month follow‐up. No differences were found between the two treatment groups. No severe side effects were reported. Conclusions. Four months’ treatment with electromyographic biofeedback and topical lidocaine gave statistically significant improvements on vestibular pain measurements, sexual functioning, and psychosocial adjustments at the 12‐month follow‐up. No differences in outcome between the two treatments were observed but a larger sample may be needed to obtain significance. The treatments were well tolerated but the compliance to the electromyographic biofeedback training program was low. A combination of both treatments could potentially benefit many women with vulvar vestibulitis.
Maternal deaths after elective cesarean section for breech presentation in the Netherlands
Authors: SCHUTTE JOKE M. , STEEGERS ERIC A.P. , SANTEMA JOB G. , SCHUITEMAKER NICO W.E. , VAN ROOSMALEN JOS ,   on behalf of the Maternal Mortality Committee of the Netherlands Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Published: December 2009

Background and methods. The cesarean section rate for term singleton breech babies in the Netherlands rose from 57 to 81% after the Term Breech Trial in 2000. The Dutch Maternal Mortality Committee registered and evaluated maternal mortality due to elective cesarean section for breech. Results. Four maternal deaths after elective cesarean section for breech presentation, from 2000 to 2002 inclusive, were registered, 7% of total direct maternal mortality in that period. Two women died due to massive pulmonary embolism, both were obese, and thromboprophylaxis was not adjusted to their weight. The other two women died from sepsis, one had not receive perioperative prophylactic antibiotics. The case fatality rate for elective cesarean section for breech presentation was 0.47/1,000 operations. No death after emergency cesarean section for breech presentation was registered at the committee. Conclusions. Elective cesarean section does not guarantee the improved outcome of the child, but may increase risks for the mother, compared to vaginal delivery.
Can we Reduce the Burden of Depression? The Australian experience with Beyondblue: The National Depression Initiative
Authors: Hickie Ian
Published: December 2009

Objective: Throughout the Asia Pacific region, there is an urgent need to reduce the burden of depression by increasing depression awareness, reducing stigma and dismantling those social barriers that prevent full participation by people with depression. This paper describes the development and early achievements of the Australian depression initiative, beyondblue

Methods: A review of the key priorities of beyondblue and their impacts during the first three years of operation (2001–2003).

Results: Key achievements include: the degree of national recognition of beyondblue; size and scope of media impact; growth in website utilisation; increased reporting of the community's recognition of people with depression; genuine reforms in life insurance and income protection; development of a new national consumer and carer organisation; establishment of major population-based preventative and early intervention programs; system-wide reform of primary care-based mental health services; national educational program uptake by general practitioners; and, development of key awareness and intervention programs for use in schools and the workplace.

Conclusions: In its first three years of operation, beyondblue has had a major impact on depression awareness in Australia and demonstrable gains have been made in reducing stigma and major social barriers. A pre-existing national mental health policy and implementation plan, a substantial funding base and participation by key political, media and community leaders have been essential elements of its short-term success. Its longer-term impact will now depend on more sustainable community and business partnerships as well as the growth of a more influential consumer and carer voice.
A Review of the Legislative Mechanisms Available to Protect the Social Participation Rights of People with Depression in the Asia Pacific Region
Authors: Ricci Cristina , Lee Ming-Been , Chiu Chen-huan
Published: December 2009

Objective: To conduct a review of the legislative mechanisms potentially available to protect the social participation rights of people with depression in the Asia Pacific region.

Methods: Questions were sent to the SEBoD International Advisory Board and Internet and legal database searches were conducted to supplement responses from advisors.

Results: While it cannot be said that comprehensive antidiscrimination legislation in relation to disability exists in all countries in the Asia Pacific region, most countries have commenced the process. Many have implemented either human rights or antidiscrimination legislation and most have set up a Human Rights Commission to protect social participation rights and allow complaints to be lodged.

Conclusions: This review highlighted the difference between legislation and practice. While many countries have enacted laws, insufficient resources have been committed to support the objectives to realise the protection of rights enshrined in legislation. Additionally, many people may not know that the laws exist or do not have the money or social supports to fight for their rights. Many countries, however, have commenced a concerted approach to tackling the larger issues and have developed comprehensive action plans to address the social participation rights of people with disability.
Distinct and complementary functions of MDA5 and TLR3 in poly(I:C)-mediated activation of mouse NK cells
Authors: McCartney Stephen , Vermi William , Gilfillan Susan , Cella Marina , Murphy Theresa L. , Schreiber Robert D. , Murphy Kenneth M. , Colonna Marco
Published: December 2009

The double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) analogue poly(I:C) is a promising adjuvant for cancer vaccines because it activates both dendritic cells (DCs) and natural killer (NK) cells, concurrently promoting adaptive and innate anticancer responses. Poly(I:C) acts through two dsRNA sensors, Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and melanoma differentiation-associated protein-5 (MDA5). Here, we investigated the relative contributions of MDA5 and TLR3 to poly(I:C)-mediated NK cell activation using MDA5−/−, TLR3−/−, and MDA5−/−TLR3−/− mice. MDA5 was crucial for NK cell activation, whereas TLR3 had a minor impact most evident in the absence of MDA5. MDA5 and TLR3 activated NK cells indirectly through accessory cells and induced the distinct stimulatory cytokines interferon-α and interleukin-12, respectively. To identify the relevant accessory cells in vivo, we generated bone marrow chimeras between either wild-type (WT) and MDA5−/− or WT and TLR3−/− mice. Interestingly, multiple accessory cells were implicated, with MDA5 acting primarily in stromal cells and TLR3 predominantly in hematopoietic cells. Furthermore, poly(I:C)-mediated NK cell activation was not notably impaired in mice lacking CD8α DCs, providing further evidence that poly(I:C) acts through diverse accessory cells rather than solely through DCs. These results demonstrate distinct yet complementary roles for MDA5 and TLR3 in poly(I:C)-mediated NK cell activation.
Resistance of Pepper to Phytophthora Crown, Root, and Fruit Rot Is Affected by Isolate Virulence
Authors: Foster J. M. , Hausbeck M. K.
Published: December 2009

Greenhouse and laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the virulence of four Phytophthora capsici isolates from Michigan to 31 bell and hot pepper cultivars and breeding lines. Resistance to crown and root rot was assessed following the inoculation of soilless media with P. capsici–infested millet seed. In a detached fruit assay, fruit rot resistance was evaluated following inoculation with zoospore suspensions of 1.75 × 106 zoospores/ml. The four isolates differed in virulence to pepper lines screened for crown and root rot resistance and were considered to be four different physiological races. The pepper lines CM334, NY07-8001, NY07-8006, and NY07-8007 were resistant to the isolates tested. None of the commercial cultivars were resistant to P. capsici isolate 12889, but several cultivars were resistant to the other isolates screened. The isolates varied in their ability to cause infection on the fruits of the different cultivars. Overall, pepper fruit were more susceptible to P. capsici than the roots and crowns. Management of Phytophthora crown and root rot of pepper can be improved through the use of resistant cultivars. However, since isolate virulence affects resistance, cultivar resistance will need to be utilized on a local scale accordingly.
Seedling and Slow Rusting Resistance to Leaf Rust in Chinese Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Li Z. F. , Xia X. C. , He Z. H. , Li X. , Zhang L. J. , Wang H. Y. , Meng Q. F. , Yang W. X. , Li G. Q. , Liu D. Q.
Published: December 2009

Identification of resistance genes is important for developing leaf rust resistant wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars. A total of 102 Chinese winter wheat cultivars and advanced lines were inoculated with 24 pathotypes of Puccinia triticina for postulation of leaf rust resistance genes effective at the seedling stage. These genotypes were also planted in the field for characterization of slow rusting responses to leaf rust in the 2006–07 and 2007–08 cropping seasons. Fourteen leaf rust resistance genes—Lr1, Lr2a, Lr3bg, Lr3ka, Lr14a, Lr16, Lr17a, Lr18, Lr20, Lr23, Lr24, Lr26, Lr34, and LrZH84—either singly or in combinations, were postulated in 65 genotypes, whereas known resistance genes were not identified in the other 37 accessions. Resistance gene Lr26 was present in 44 accessions. Genes Lr14a and Lr34 were each detected in seven entries. Lr1 and Lr3ka were each found in six cultivars, and five lines possessed Lr16. Lr17a and Lr18 were each identified in four lines. Three cultivars were postulated to possess Lr3bg. Genes Lr20, Lr24, and LrZH84 were each present in two cultivars. Each of the genes Lr2a and Lr23 may exist in one line. Fourteen genotypes showed slow leaf rusting resistance in two cropping seasons.
Influence of Soybean Monoculture onPhialophora gregataf. sp.sojaeIGS-Genotype B Isolate Aggressiveness
Authors: Hughes T. J. , Grau C. R.
Published: December 2009

Many soybean accessions described as resistant to brown stem rot (BSR) are preferentially colonized by isolates of Phialophora gregata f. sp. sojae genotype B. These isolates are generally considered less aggressive than isolates of P. gregata f. sp. sojae genotype A because they cause minor or no foliar symptoms characteristic of BSR. However, variation in aggressiveness has been observed among isolates of P. gregata f. sp. sojae genotype B. To determine if BSR-resistant soybean accessions would preferentially select for more aggressive isolates of P. gregata f. sp. sojae genotype B, monocultures of both BSR-resistant or BSR-susceptible accessions were established at the Arlington Agriculture Research Station, Arlington, WI. BSR-susceptible cv. Corsoy 79 and BSR-resistant plant introduction (PI) 567.157A were inoculated under greenhouse conditions with a total of 39 isolates of P. gregata f. sp. sojae genotype B obtained from the different monocultures. BSR severity was determined as the percentage of symptomatic foliar and internal stem tissue. Overall, BSR severity was low and did not exceed 20% for either foliar or stem symptoms. Isolates of P. gregata f. sp. sojae genotype B caused more severe foliar (P < 0.0001) and stem (P = 0.0008) symptoms of BSR on PI 567.157A than on Corsoy 79. Analysis of BSR stem symptom severity indicated an interaction (P = 0.0124) between soybean accession and the origin of isolates of P. gregata f. sp. sojae genotype B. Isolates of P. gregata f. sp. sojae genotype B obtained from the monoculture of a BSR-susceptible or -resistant accession were more aggressive than isolates from a mixed resistant and susceptible soybean monoculture. The relationship between the origin of isolate of P. gregata f. sp. sojae genotype B and isolate aggressiveness was more apparent for PI 567.157A than for Corsoy 79. Results of this study indicate that the monoculture of resistant or susceptible soybean favors an increase in the aggressiveness of isolates of P. gregata f. sp. sojae genotype B. Furthermore, results suggest that resistance to genotype A may be genetically different from resistance to genotype B.
A Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for the Detection ofXanthomonas campestrispv.musacearumin Banana
Authors: Lewis Ivey Melanie L. , Tusiime Geoffrey , Miller Sally A.
Published: December 2009

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers (BXW-1 and BXW-3) for conventional PCR were developed from conserved sequences in the hrpB operon of the hrp gene cluster from Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum, the causative agent of banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW). All 50 strains of X. campestris pv. musacearum, isolated from Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, produced a 214-bp amplicon when whole cells, bacterial ooze from infected tissue, and genomic DNA purified from bacterial ooze or infected tissue were used as template. The BXW primers also detected strains of X. axonopodis pv. vasculorum isolated from sugarcane and maize and strains of X. vasicola pv. holcicola isolated from sorghum. All of the strains of X. campestris pv. musacearum were clonal when compared using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR.
Heterobasidion annosum and H. parviporum in the Southern Rocky Mountains and Adjoining States
Authors: Worrall James J. , Harrington Thomas C. , Blodgett James T. , Conklin David A. , Fairweather Mary Lou
Published: December 2009

Collections of Heterobasidion spp. from Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico were identified based on the sequence of the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA. The North American variant of Heterobasidion annosum sensu stricto was found on Pinus ponderosa and Juniperus virginiana in central Nebraska, southern Colorado, central Arizona, and southern New Mexico. The North American variant of H. parviporum was found on Abies concolor and Picea engelmannii in southern Colorado and central New Mexico. The pathogens were not found in a survey of conifer forests in Wyoming and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Historical records of annosus root disease are reviewed by host group to gain more insight into the potential distributions of the respective pathogens. An apparent lack of overlap in host range suggests that substitution of tree species may be a useful management approach in some cases.
First Report of Tobacco rattle virus in Spinach in California
Authors: Koike S. T. , Tian T. , Liu H.-Y.
Published: December 2009

In 2009 in coastal California (Santa Barbara County), commercially grown spinach (Spinacia oleracea) in two nearby fields exhibited symptoms of a previously unrecognized virus-like disease. Symptoms consisted of general chlorosis and bright yellow blotches and spots. Necrotic spots were also associated with the disease. In affected fields, disease occurred in limited, irregularly shaped patches that ranged from one to several meters in diameter. Symptomatic plants were unmarketable and these small patches of spinach were not harvested. With a transmission electron microscope, rigid, rod-shaped particles with a clear central canal were observed from plant sap of the symptomatic spinach. Analysis by a double-antibody sandwich-ELISA assay (Agdia Inc., Elkhart, IN) for Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) showed that the symptomatic plants were positive. Symptomatic spinach from the field was used for mechanical transmission to Chenopodium quinoa, C. murale, C. capitatum, spinach, and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). All inoculated plants showed chlorotic local lesions and sugar beet showed chlorotic local lesions with rings. To further confirm the presence of TRV, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was conducted. Total RNA was extracted from the mechanically inoculated symptomatic spinach plants using an RNeasy Plant Kit (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA) and used as a template in RT-PCR with forward (5′-TACATCACATCTGCCTGC-3′) and reverse (5′-CTTCATTCACACAACCCTTG-3′) primers specific to the movement protein gene from the spinach isolate of TRV (GenBank Accession No. AJ007294). Amplicons of the expected size (approximately 562 bp) were obtained. The RT-PCR products were sequenced (GenBank Accession No. GU002156) and compared with TRV sequences in GenBank to confirm the identity of the products. Sequences obtained had 96% nucleotide identity and 97% amino acid identity with TRV sequences available under the GenBank Accession Nos. FJ357571 and AJ007294. On the basis of the data from electron microscopy and serological and molecular analyses, the virus was identified as TRV. Soil samples collected from one of the fields were assayed for nematodes; however, Paratrichodorus or Trichodorus species were not recovered. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TRV in spinach in California. TRV has also been reported in spinach in England (1) and Germany (2).

References: (1) A. Kurppa et al. Ann. Appl. Biol. 98:243, 1981. (2) K. Schmidt and R. Koenig. Arch. Virol. 144:503, 1999.
First Record of Rhizoctonia solani AG 2-1 on Ctenanthe oppenheimiana in India
Authors: Baiswar P. , Chandra S. , Kumar R. , Ngachan S. V. , Rosa D. D.
Published: December 2009

Ctenanthe oppenheimiana (= Maranta oppenheimiana) is a common foliage plant also known as “never never” plant. Plants grow best in high-humidity conditions. Potted plants in Barapani, Meghalaya, India were found to be infected with a foliar disease. Initial symptoms were leaf margin necrosis that expanded to cover large areas of the leaf blade during March and April of 2007. Leaf portions from the margin of infected and healthy tissue were washed with sterile water and then surface sterilized with 4% sodium hypochlorite for 30 s. These bits were again washed twice with sterile water, blotted dry, plated on water agar, and maintained at 25°C. After 24 h, mycelial growth was transferred to potato dextrose agar. Fungal colonies were brown with fluffy, aerial mycelium Hypha was branched at 90° with lateral branches having constriction at the point of origin. Hyphal cells were determined to be multinucleate when stained with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole. Sclerotia were 3 to 5.6 mm in diameter (average 4.1 mm) and were not differentiated into cortex and medulla. The above characteristics were consistent with a Rhizoctonia sp. (2). Anastomosis group (AG) was determined by pairing isolates with tester isolates of R. solani and its subgroups (AG 1-1A, AG 2-1, AG 2-2 IIIB, AG 3, AG 4HG-II, AG 5, AG 6, AG 7, AG 8, AG 9, AG 10, AG 11, AG 12, AG 13, and AG BI) and staining hyphae with Safranin-O 0.03% and KOH 3% solutions. Anastomosis was positive only between the Ctenanthe isolate and AG 2-1 tester strain. (1). The Ctenanthe isolate was grown on potato dextrose broth for 8 days. The broth culture was blended in a Waring blender for 2 min and 10 ml was mixed with 90 ml of sterile water. The mycelium suspension was sprayed on five healthy plants of C. oppenheimiana Noninoculated plants served as a control. Inoculated leaves developed initial symptoms of marginal leaf necrosis after 6 to 8 days and expanded leaf necrosis, similar to the original symptoms, after 12 to 15 days. No symptoms developed on noninoculated plants. R. solani was isolated from leaf lesions of the inoculated plants, confirming Koch's postulate To our knowledge, this is a new report from India.

References: (1) G. C. MacNish et al. Phytopathology 83:922, 1993. (2) B. Sneh et al. Identification of Rhizoctonia species. The American Phytopathological Society, St Paul, MN, 1991.
First Report of Target Leaf Spot Caused by Corynespora cassiicola on Balsam Pear in China
Authors: Li B.-J. , Zhao Y.-J. , Gao W. , Shi Y.-X. , Xie X.-W.
Published: December 2009

Balsam pear (Momordica charantia L.) is an economically important vegetable in China with increasing interest as a medicinal plant. In December of 2006, a new foliar disease caused by Corynespora cassiicola was observed on balsam pear growing in greenhouses in Shouguang City, Shandong Province, China. The disease occurred on 35% or less of the plants. Leaves of affected plants developed off-white halos surrounding circular lesions that were 1 to 5 mm broad. The lesions became dark brown, necrotic with concentric rings, and up to 15 mm in diameter. Severely affected plants eventually wilted and defoliated. Pieces of tissue from the leading edges of lesions were disinfected in 1% NaOCl for 1 min, rinsed in sterile water, and plated on potato dextrose agar. Colonies of the fungus were gray to dark green. Conidiophores were erect and simple, pale brown to brown, and 100 to 450 μm long and 3 to 8 μm wide. Conidia were obclavate to cylindrical, pale olivaceous brown to dark brown, smooth, 35 to 100 × 8 to 12 μm, and were produced in chains. On the basis of these characteristics, the fungus was identified as Corynespora cassiicola (1). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA was amplified with primers ITS1/ITS4 and deposited in GenBank (Accession No. GQ381292). It was an exact match for a sequence of C. cassiicola previously deposited (Accession No. EU364555). To confirm pathogenicity, 30 1-month-old healthy seedlings of balsam pear were inoculated by spraying a suspension of conidia (1 × 105 conidia per ml) of one isolate of C. cassiicola until runoff. Ten seedlings were sprayed with sterile water as controls. Plants were kept in a humidity chamber at 27°C overnight and then placed in a growth chamber at 27°C. After 7 days, symptoms identical to those described above were observed, while no symptoms developed on the control plants. The pathogen was reisolated from inoculated leaves. C. cassiicola causes foliar diseases on many plants, including tomato, eggplant, soybean, and cucumber (2). There is one report on balsam pear in Korea (3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of target leaf spot caused by C. cassiicola on balsam pear in China.

References: (1) M. B. Ellis. CMI Mycol. Pap. No. 65, 1957. (2) M. B. Ellis et al. CMI Mycol. Pap. No. 303, 1971. (3) J. H. Kwon et al. Plant Pathol. J. 21:164, 2005.
First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Golovinomyces cichoracearum on Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) in Italy
Authors: Troisi M. , Bertetti D. , Garibaldi A. , Gullino M. L.
Published: December 2009

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) is one of the top 10 economically important flower crops in Europe as well as the United States. The acreage devoted to this crop continues to increase especially for use in landscape typologies. Abundant flowering from spring until autumn allows the use of this plant to decorate gardens, terraces, and borders. During the summer of 2009, an outbreak of a previously unknown powdery mildew was observed on potted gerbera ‘Mini Yellow’ growing in a private garden in Turin (northern Italy). Adaxial leaf surfaces were covered with white mycelium and conidia, and as the disease progressed, infected leaves turned yellow and died. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid, borne in chains (three conidia per chain), and measured 16 to 45 × 10 to 30 μm. Conidiophores measured 109 to 117 × 11 to 13 μm and had a foot cell measuring 72 to 80 × 11 to 12 μm followed by two shorter cells measuring 19 to 29 × 11 to 14 and 20 to 32 × 12 to 14 μm. Fibrosin bodies were absent and chasmothecia were not observed in the collected samples. On the basis of its morphology, the pathogen was identified as Golovinomyces cichoracearum. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA was amplified with primers ITS1/ITS4 and sequenced. BLASTn analysis of the 548-bp fragment showed an E-value of 0.0 and a percentage homology of 99% with G. cichoracearum isolated from Coreopsis leavenworthii (Accession No. DQ871605) confirming diagnosis inferred by morphological analysis. The nucleotide sequence has been assigned GenBank Accession No. GQ870342. Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation by gently pressing diseased leaves onto leaves of three healthy potted plants of Gerbera ‘Mini Yellow’. Three noninoculated plants served as the control. Plants were maintained in a greenhouse at temperatures ranging between 20 and 30°C. Inoculated plants developed signs and symptoms after 8 days, whereas control plants remained healthy. The fungus present on inoculated plants was morphologically identical to that originally observed on diseased plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of powdery mildew caused by G. cichoracearum on gerbera in Italy. Specimens are available at the Agroinnova Collection at the University of Torino. Gerbera is also susceptible to different powdery mildews. Powdery mildew of Gerbera jamesonii caused by Sphaerotheca fusca was reported in Italy (4). G. cichoracearum on Gerbera jamesonii was reported in North America (2), Argentina (3), and Switzerland (1).

References: (1) A. Bolay. Cryptogam. Helv. 20:1, 2005. (2) M. Daughtrey et al. Page 39 in: Compendium of Flowering Potted Plant Diseases. The American Phytopathological Society, St Paul, MN, 1995. (3) R. Delhey et al. Schlechtendalia 10:79, 2003. (4) F. Zaccaria et al. Ann. Fac. Agrar. Univ. Stud. di Napoli Federico II 34:44, 2000.
First Report of Phytophthora Root Rot Caused by Phytophthora cryptogea on Spinach in California
Authors: Koike S. T. , Martin Frank N.
Published: December 2009

In 2006 and 2007, commercially grown spinach (Spinacia oleracea) in California's coastal Salinas Valley (Monterey County) was affected by an unreported root rot disease. Disease was limited to patches along the edges of fields. Affected plants were stunted with chlorotic older leaves. As disease progressed, most of the older foliage first wilted and then turned tan and dry; youngest leaves remained green but were stunted and leathery in texture. Plants most severely affected died. Symptoms on roots were mostly restricted to the distal portion of the root system, where feeder roots and the main taproot turned black. Isolations from root lesions consistently resulted in the recovery of a Phytophthora sp. The isolates were heterothallic, and on the basis of morphological and cytochrome oxidase 2 gene sequence data (GenBank Accession No. GQ984233), the pathogen was identified as Phytophthora cryptogea. To evaluate pathogenicity, individual inocula of four isolates were prepared by incubating colonized 6-mm-diameter V8 agar plugs in filtered soil extract for 2 days at 20°C to induce sporangia production. These cultures were then chilled at 4°C for 20 min and returned to room temperature for 1 h to induce zoospore release (4). Four-week-old spinach plants (cv. Bolero) were uprooted, soaked in suspensions of 1.0 × 105 zoospores/ml for 10 min, and repotted. After treatment, pots were placed in shallow trays of water for 24 h to saturate the root zone, then were removed from trays and incubated in a greenhouse. After 9 days, inoculated plants showed foliar wilting and chlorosis similar to that observed in the field; after 13 days, roots were examined and found to show the black necrosis as seen in the field. P. cryptogea was isolated from all inoculated plants. Control spinach plants, treated with soil extract only, did not develop disease. This experiment was completed two times and the results were similar. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Phytophthora root rot of spinach caused by P. cryptogea in California. This finding is significant because spinach in California is subject to root rots caused by three other pathogens (Fusarium oxysporum, Pythium spp., and Rhizoctonia solani) (1); symptoms from these root rots are very similar to those caused by P. cryptogea, thereby complicating diagnosis. This pathogen has been documented on spinach in Germany and Sweden (2,3).

References: (1) S. T. Koike et al. Vegetable Diseases: A Color Handbook. Manson Publishing LtD. London, 2007. (2) H. Krober and E.-O. Beckmann. Phytopathol. Z. 78:160, 1973. (3) M. Larsson and J. Olofsson. Plant Pathol. 43:251, 1994. (4) S. A. Tjosvold et al. Plant Dis. 93:371, 2009.