bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inciting inflammation: the RAGE about tumor promotion
Authors: Dougan Michael , Dranoff Glenn
Published: February 2008

Mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity play a pivotal role in the development of cancer. Chronic inflammation can drive tumor development, but antitumor immunity can also restrict or even prevent tumor growth. New data show that feed-forward signals downstream of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) can fuel chronic inflammation, creating a microenvironment that is ideal for tumor formation.
An antidote forStaphylococcus aureuspneumonia?
Authors: DeLeo Frank R. , Otto Michael
Published: February 2008

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the leading cause of bacterial infections in the United States. Severe invasive MRSA infections, which include pneumonia, are difficult to treat because the bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. A new report now shows that immunization against α-hemolysin (Hla), a cytolytic toxin secreted by most S. aureus strains, protects mice against lethal pneumonia. This finding represents the first successful vaccine strategy for the treatment of staphylococcal pneumonia.
Availability of Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine to Parents of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Patients and Its Effect on the Healthcare Worker Vaccination Rate
Authors: Shah Shetal I. , Caprio Martha
Published: February 2008

Background.

Trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) is indicated for healthcare workers (HCWs); however, the vaccination rate in this population is estimated at 35%. We implemented a program for the administration of TIV, targeted at parents of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients.

Objective.

To determine the effect of availability of TIV to parents in the NICU on HCW vaccination rates.

Design.

Questionnaire survey after an intervention-based study.

Setting.

Tertiary-care neonatal intensive care unit.

Participants.

Physicians, nurses, and other NICU-based staff.

Methods.

For the 2005-2006 influenza season, parents of NICU patients were screened and administered TIV, if informed consent was obtained. As a consequence, TIV was available 20 hours/day to all staff. Previous vaccination history and comorbidities in HCWs were also assessed.

Results.

Of 120 neonatal HCWs, 112 (93%) were screened during the 2005-2006 season; 80 (67%) were vaccinated, compared with 49 (41%) prior to the implementation of this program (P< .03, by Student'sttest); 54 (45% of the study population, which includes senior neonatologists, fellow and resident physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, X-ray technicians and clerical staff) received TIV in the NICU, compared with the 17 (14%) of 120 HCWs the previous year; and 20 (46%) of 43 HCWs of the nursing staff were vaccinated in the NICU, whereas only 3 (7%) of 43 HWCs were vaccinated outside the unit. Attending physicians had the lowest vaccination rate, and most cited efficacy and/or side effects in their deferral. Nurses most often refused influenza vaccination because they had a fear of injection.

Conclusions.

Administration of TIV in the NICU is an effective means of increasing the vaccination rate among neonatal HCWs. To increase compliance with vaccination, educational efforts for nurses should emphasize the possibility of viral transmission to neonates as motivation for vaccination. Physician-directed efforts should include tolerability of vaccine side effects. Live attenuated influenza vaccine, administered intranasally, should be considered to increase vaccination rates among NICU nurses.
A Comment on Diagnostic Tools for Counterfactual Inference
Authors: Sambanis Nicholas , Michaelides Alexander
Published: February 2008

We evaluate two diagnostic tools used to determine if counterfactual analysis requires extrapolation. Counterfactuals based on extrapolation are model dependent and might not support empirically valid inferences. The diagnostics help researchers identify those counterfactual “what if” questions that are empirically plausible. We show, through simple Monte Carlo experiments, that these diagnostics will often detect extrapolation, suggesting that there is a risk of biased counterfactual inference when there is no such risk of extrapolation bias in the data. This is because the diagnostics are affected by what we call the n/k problem: as the number of data points relative to the number of explanatory variables decreases, the diagnostics are more likely to detect the risk of extrapolation bias even when such risk does not exist. We conclude that the diagnostics provide too severe a test for many data sets used in political science.
The Influence of Tillage on Dispersal of Tilletia indica Teliospores from a Concentrated Point Source
Authors: Allen T. W. , Workneh F. , Steddom K. C. , Peterson G. L. , Rush C. M.
Published: February 2008

A study was conducted to determine the impact of tillage on dispersal of Tilletia indica teliospores from a concentrated point source in Arizona. The infested source was created using a 300-ml teliospore suspension, containing approximately 9.0 × 104 teliospores/ml, sprayed onto a 1-by-3-m soil area. Approximately 400 g of soil was collected before tillage treatments, representing the teliospore baseline, and after each of five disk passes, to an approximate depth of 20 cm, through the infestation source (n = 597). Soil samples were collected along three parallel lines extending from the infested area at increments of 1, 3, or 10 m to a total distance of 10, 30, and 50 m, respectively. Teliospores were recovered from soil samples by a combined size-selective sieving sucrose-centrifugation technique. Immediately following teliospore infestation, an average of 3.6 × 103 teliospores per 25 g of soil sample were recovered from the infestation area. Two different trends in recoverable teliospores occurred at 0- to 10-m sampling distances following five plow passes: either a decrease in the number of teliospores recovered, represented at points 0, 1, and 2 m, or an increase in recoverable teliospores found at points 3 to 10 m. The study was repeated twice for a total of three experiments, and teliospores were recovered to a maximum distance of 24 m. However, the numbers recovered from distances beyond 10 m were sporadic. Based on data from this research, we conclude that teliospores are not distributed in large quantities to great distances by tillage and, therefore, tillage cannot account for the spatial distribution of teliospores in many infested wheat fields.
Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Epiphytic Pseudomonas syringae Populations from Sweet Cherry in Michigan
Authors: Renick Lisa J. , Cogal Andrea G. , Sundin George W.
Published: February 2008

A severe outbreak of bacterial canker occurred on sweet cherry in Michigan in 2002. Blossom infection and subsequent canker formation was observed following a prolonged freeze event during bloom. Epiphytic blossom isolates of Pseudomonas syringae were recovered from 39 orchards from the three major cherry-growing areas (southwest [SW], west-central [WC], and northwest [NW]) of Michigan in 2003 and 2004. Average P. syringae populations over 2 years were 4.0, 5.1, and 4.8 log10 CFU/g of blossom tissue from the SW, WC, and NW areas, respectively. In 2003, copper-resistant P. syringae comprised 47.4, 21.1, and 3.1% of the total populations from the SW, WC, and NW areas, respectively, and levels of copper resistance were similar in 2004. Identification of 10 randomly chosen isolates from each orchard using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays indicated that 75 and 52% of the isolates from 2003 and 2004, respectively were P. syringae pv. syringae and that 1% and 23% of the isolates from 2003 and 2004, respectively, were P. syringae pv. morsprunorum. In addition, we were unable to determine the pathovar status of approximately 25% of the isolates each year, suggesting that a third P. syringae pathovar also was present in Michigan sweet cherry orchards. Pathogenicity on immature cherry fruit was confirmed for all P. syringae isolates. The frequency of ice nucleation was assessed for 44 individual P. syringae pv. syringae isolates, and the mean number of cells per active ice nucleus was 1,883. Extrapolating from this result, we estimated that active ice nuclei are present on most sweet cherry blossoms in Michigan orchards. Genetic fingerprinting of P. syringae pv. syringae using arbitrarily primed PCR indicated a high level of diversity and a clear differentiation of these organisms from the P. syringae isolates of unknown pathovar. A 2-year field trial evaluating the effect of dormant copper applications in spring and reduced-rate copper applications prior to bloom showed that these treatments were inconsistent in reducing P. syringae populations on blossoms.
Fire Blight Resistance of Budagovsky 9 Apple Rootstock
Authors: Russo Nicole L. , Robinson Terence L. , Fazio Gennaro , Aldwinckle Herb S.
Published: February 2008

Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of fire blight, can cause a fatal infection of apple rootstocks known as rootstock blight. Budagovsky 9 (B.9) apple rootstock is reported to be highly susceptible when inoculated with E. amylovora, although results from multiple trials showed that B.9 is resistant to rootstock blight infection in field plantings. Conflicting results could stem from genetic variation in the B.9 population, appearing as phenotypic differences in rootstock material. However, genetic testing, using 23 microsatellite loci, confirmed the clonal uniformity of B.9 in commerce. Variation in growth habit between B.9 rootstocks originating from two nurseries also has been discounted as a source of disease resistance. Instead, results indicate a possible novel resistance phenotype in B.9 rootstock. B.9 rootstock was susceptible to leaf inoculation by E. amylovora, statistically similar to the susceptible rootstock Malling 9 (M.9). Conversely, inoculation assays targeting woody 4- to 5-year-old tissue revealed a high level of resistance in B.9, whereas M.9 remained susceptible. Although the mechanism by which B.9 gains resistance to E. amylovora is unknown, it is reminiscent of age-related resistance, due to an observed gain of resistance in woody rootstock tissue over succulent shoot tissue. Durable fire blight resistance correlated with tissue development could be a valuable tool for rootstock breeders.
Effects of Almond Leaf Scorch Disease on Almond Yield: Implications for Management
Authors: Sisterson Mark S. , Chen Jianchi , Viveros Mario A. , Civerolo Edwin L. , Ledbetter Craig , Groves Russell L.
Published: February 2008

Almond leaf scorch (ALS) disease has been present in California's almond-growing regions for over 60 years. This disease is caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa and the pathogen is vectored by xylem-feeding sharpshooters and spittlebugs. Currently, there are no effective management techniques that prevent trees from becoming infected. Within affected orchards throughout California's Central Valley, disease incidence and the risk of tree-to-tree spread appears to be low. Consequently, the decision to remove or keep infected trees depends on lost productivity. We compared yield and vitality between infected and uninfected almond for cvs. Sonora and Nonpareil. Sonora was examined at three sites over 3 years and Nonpareil was examined at one site over 2 years. Yields of ALS-affected trees were significantly lower for both cultivars, although yield losses of Sonora were proportionally greater than those of Nonpareil. Yields of infected trees did not decline incrementally over years; rather, they fluctuated similarly to those of uninfected trees. In addition, no infected trees died during the course of the study. These results are in direct contrast to previous anecdotal reports which suggest that yields of infected trees incrementally decline and infected trees eventually die. A simple economic model was developed to determine conditions under which rouging infected trees would increase returns. Based on the model, orchard age, yield loss due to infection, and the value of a maximally producing almond tree should be considered when deciding to remove ALS-affected trees.
Laboratory Evaluation of Three Rapid, Agar-Based Assays to Assess Fungicide Sensitivity in Monilinia fructicola
Authors: Amiri A. , Scherm H. , Brannen P. M. , Schnabel G.
Published: February 2008

Three rapid, agar-based assays were compared with a traditional petri dish method for assessing the sensitivity of Monilinia fructicola to propiconazole (0.3 and 2.0 μg/ml), thiophanate-methyl (1.0 and 50 μg/ml), and azoxystrobin (1.0 and 35 μg/ml) in the laboratory. The three assays were based on mycelial growth inhibition on agar disks sliced from lipbalm tubes filled with fungicide-amended potato dextrose agar (PDA), on PDA-coated cotton swabs, or in PDA-filled microcentrifuge tubes. Mycelial growth inhibition of eight previously characterized isolates (two resistant to propiconazole, two highly resistant to thiophanate-methyl, two with low levels of resistance to thiophanate-methyl, and two sensitive to all three fungicides) was determined visually 24, 48, and 72 h after inoculation. The 48-h time point was the earliest suitable time to collect data for all methods because insufficient growth was recorded in the petri dish and tube assays after 24 h. With the exception of the swab assay, all methods classified the isolates previously determined to be fungicide sensitive correctly (i.e., no fungal growth was observed for these isolates). For propiconazole-resistant isolates, the lipbalm assay resulted in levels of growth inhibition very similar to the petri dish method, whereas the swab assay and the tube assay overestimated and underestimated, respectively, the level of resistance. Both the lipbalm and the swab assays classified isolates correctly as being thiophanate-methyl resistant, and both were able to discriminate the isolates previously classified as having low versus high levels of resistance when treated with this fungicide at 50 μg/ml, as was the petri dish method. None of the eight isolates which previously were determined to be azoxystrobin sensitive grew on azoxystrobin-amended media, regardless of the assay type. Overall, the average percentage of correct isolate classifications (relative to their previously determined resistance status) on propiconazole- and thiophanate-methyl-amended media after 48 h ranged from 87.5 to 100, 85.3 to 100, 63.2 to 94.5, and 50.5 to 81.0% for the petri dish, lipbalm, swab, and tube assays, respectively. The lipbalm assay provided the most accurate assessments (85.3 to 100%) after only 24 h of incubation, supporting its use as a rapid and simple tool to monitor resistance levels in M. fructicola field populations.
Effects of Environmental Factors and Cultural Practices on Bull's Eye Rot of Pear
Authors: Henriquez Jose L. , Sugar David , Spotts Robert A.
Published: February 2008

Bull's eye rot of pome fruits caused by Neofabraea spp. is characterized by infection occurring in the orchard throughout the growing season whereas rot lesions develop during long-term storage after harvest. Bull's eye rot was observed on pear fruit exposed to natural infection for any of six to nine sequential 1-to-2-week exposure periods during two growing seasons. Highest infection levels were associated with exposure closest to harvest. Over-tree irrigation and late harvest resulted in higher bull's eye rot incidence than under-tree irrigation and early or mid-season harvest. Fruit were inoculated prior to harvest with Neofabraea perennans to determine the effect of environmental factors on the development of bull's eye rot. The effect of temperature was inconsistent; disease was greatest at 10°C in one year of study but greatest at 30°C in the second year. Bull's eye rot developed independently of wetness durations longer than 0.5 h.
Recovery of Phytophthora ramorum Following Exposure to Temperature Extremes
Authors: Tooley Paul W. , Browning Marsha , Berner Dana
Published: February 2008

We examined the impact of exposure to high and low temperature extremes on recovery of Phytophthora ramorum both as free chlamydospores and within infected rhododendron tissue over a 7-day period. Chlamydospores held in moistened sand were incubated at 30, 35, 40, 0, –10, and –20°C for up to 7 days. Infected Rhododendron ‘Cunningham's White’ leaf disks held in sandy loam, loam, or sand at two different soil moisture levels also were subjected to these temperatures for up to 7 days, and to a variable temperature regimen for 12 weeks. Recovery was characterized by growth of P. ramorum on selective agar medium following exposures to temperature treatments. Chlamydospores held in moistened sand showed a high rate of recovery at 30°C, steadily declining recovery at 35°C, and no recovery at 40°C over the 7-day period. Chlamydospores were recovered from 0°C after 7 days, with little or no recovery observed at –10 or –20°C. In infected rhododendron tissue, P. ramorum was recovered at 20 and 30°C after 7 days but, at 35°C, the pathogen showed a decline within 2 days and no recovery by 4 days. A 40°C treatment allowed no recovery of P. ramorum from infected tissue after 2 days. For cold treatments, P. ramorum was recovered from infected leaf disks at 0 and –10°C after 7 days. At –20°C, recovery declined rapidly after 1 to 3 days and no recovery was obtained after 4 days. P. ramorum showed nearly 100% recovery from leaf disks subjected to a 12-week variable temperature treatment based on ambient summer temperatures in Lewisburg, TN. The results suggest that P. ramorum is capable of surviving some highly adverse temperature conditions for at least 7 days both as free chlamydospores in sand and within infected host tissue. Thus, P. ramorum present as free chlamydospores or within tissue of infected plants shipped to the eastern United States has the potential to survive some of the adverse conditions encountered in summer and winter in many eastern states.
Population Densities ofTylenchulus semipenetransRelated to Physicochemical Properties of Soil and Yield of Clementine Mandarin in Spain
Authors: Sorribas Francisco Javier , Verdejo-Lucas Soledad , Pastor Joaquín , Ornat Cesar , Pons Joan , Valero Jordi
Published: February 2008

A survey was conducted from April to June 2002 in 62 orchards of clementine mandarin grafted on Troyer or Carrizo citrange rootstock in Catalonia (northeastern Spain) to determine the relationship between physicochemical soil properties and Tylenchulus semipenetrans population densities. Soil was analyzed to determine texture, pH, electric conductivity, organic matter content, N, P, K, Mg, calcium carbonate, and calcium oxide. Also, trials were conducted in 2003 and 2004 in three drip-irrigated orchards of clementine mandarin cv. Clemenules (El Pla and Mariclaire) or cv. Hernandina (Martorella) to determine the relationship between citrus nematode densities and yield of mandarin. T. semipenetrans was detected in 77% of the surveyed orchards. The number of second-stage juveniles + males in soil was related to N and K soil content (3.57953 – 0.001305 N + 0.00113 K, R2= 0.1620, P < 0.0157). The relationship between relative yield of clementine mandarin cv. Clemenules and densities of females per gram of root in spring was described by the Seinhorst damage function model (0.035 + 0.965 (0.9995)(Pi – 287), R2= 0.4782, P < 0.0001).
Methodology for Determining Relationships Between Inoculum Concentration ofBotrytis cinereaandPenicillium expansumand Stem End Decay of Pear Fruit
Authors: Spotts Robert A. , Wallis Kelly M. , Serdani Maryna , O'Gorman Daniel T. , Sholberg Peter L.
Published: February 2008

The objective of this research was to determine quantitative relationships between incidence of stem end decay of pear fruit and inoculum concentration of Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum using dry conidia applied to pear fruit in a settling tower. Five concentrations of conidia were applied to pear fruit, fruit were stored at –1°C for 8 months, and stem end decay was evaluated. In addition, conidia were washed from the surface of inoculated fruit, and DNA was extracted and quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The linear regression relationships between percent stem end gray mold and B. cinerea conidia per liter of air or per square centimeter of fruit surface were significant (P = 0.01). At the highest inoculum dose introduced into the settling tower, conidia per liter of air, conidia per square centimeter, and percent stem end gray mold at 8 months after inoculation were 12, 31, and 39, respectively for 2000 and 6, 33, and 67, respectively for 2001. Similarly, the linear regression relationships between percent stem end blue mold and P. expansum conidia per liter of air or per square centimeter of fruit surface were significant (P = 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). At the highest inoculum dose introduced into the settling tower, conidia per square centimeter and percent stem end blue mold at 8 months after inoculation were 39 and 26, respectively for 2000 and 66 and 23, respectively for 2003. Real-time PCR provided a rapid, quantitative measure of B. cinerea and P. expansum DNA on pear fruit surfaces. Because of possible year-to-year shifts in susceptibility of fruit to decay, disease incidence:inoculum dose relationships may be of most value compared within years rather than across years. This would facilitate comparison of decay risk among orchards in order to determine which fruit is most suitable for long-term storage.
Persistence of Phenylamide Insensitivity in Pseudoperonospora humuli
Authors: Gent David H. , Nelson Mark E. , Grove Gary G.
Published: February 2008

Downy mildew, caused by Pseudoperonospora humuli, is an important disease of hop in most production regions in the northern hemisphere. Insensitivity to phenylamide fungicides was detected in isolates of P. humuli in production regions in Oregon and Idaho in 1992, and these fungicides since have been used on a limited basis. In this study, the prevalence of phenylamide insensitivity among isolates of P. humuli collected from 2005 to 2007 in the northwestern United States was quantified using a leaf disk assay with a discriminating dose (25 μg/ml) of either metalaxyl or mefenoxam with inoculum derived from 201 systemically infected diseased shoots (basal spikes) collected from 6, 10, and 11 hop yards in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, respectively. A subset of 47 basal spike isolates and 42 monosporic isolates collected from two yards in Idaho and nine yards in Oregon during 2006 and 2007 were assayed using a dilution series of metalaxyl to determine the effective dose that inhibited 50% of the incidence of sporulation (ED50). Insensitivity to mefenoxam was detected in 31 of 74 (41.9%) basal spikes collected from 13 hop yards. Insensitivity to the related compound metalaxyl was detected in 52 of 80 (65%) spikes collected from nine hop yards, including four hop yards in Washington. Log ED50 values ranged from –2.25 to 2.67 for basal spike isolates and –2.27 to 2.98 for monosporic isolates and had a similar distribution. Log ED50 values for monosporic isolates and entire basal spike isolates were significantly associated. However, the slope of the regression line was less than 1, indicating that the log ED50 values obtained from entire basal spike isolates were greater than the corresponding log ED50 values obtained from a monosporic isolate obtained from that spike. This research suggests that insensitivity to phenylamide fungicides is a stable phenotype in P. humuli. Management of downy mildew should rely on measures other than these fungicides in yards or regions where phenylamide insensitivity is prevalent, which is now known to include certain hop yards in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
First Report of Corky Ringspot Caused by Tobacco rattle virus on Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) in Michigan
Authors: Kirk W. W. , Gieck S. L. , Crosslin J. M. , Hamm P. B.
Published: February 2008

Potato is the fourth most important agricultural commodity in Michigan and is grown for table stock, chip processing, and seed. Tubers are either processed or fresh packed immediately following harvest or sent to storage. Tubers of potato cv. FL1879 representing two separate fields in Huron County were removed from separate storage facilities in February and March of 2007, and substantial internal necrosis was observed in 1 to 2% of the tubers. Symptoms included arcs similar to those caused by Tobacco rattle virus (TRV). This virus is a member of the genus Tobravirus and is transmitted by a number of species of stubby-root nematodes (Paratrichodorus or Trichodorus spp.). Stubby-root nematodes have been reported previously from Michigan (1). To confirm the presence of TRV, nucleic acid extractions were made from these symptomatic tubers (3). Samples were initially tested for TRV by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using primers specific to the 16 kDa open reading frame on genomic RNA-1 (2). Samples from both storage facilities were positive. The 463-bp RT-PCR product, amplified with these primers, was sequenced (GenBank Accession No. EU315227) and was 99.6% identical to the corresponding region of two TRV isolates from Florida and Washington (GenBank Accession Nos. AF055912 and EU315226, respectively). In addition, sap from cv. FL1879 tuber samples was used to transmit the virus mechanically to tobacco cv. Samsun NN, which produced typical TRV symptoms following inoculation, and sap extracts from the tobacco leaves also tested positive with antiserum specific to TRV upon subsequent ELISA testing. Corky ringspot can result in substantial losses, with entire potato fields being rejected because of internal tuber damage. Once found, fields must be considered permanently at risk to this disease due to the large host range of both the virus and the nematode vector. This disease has been previously found in the United States in California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and it is likely present in Indiana. To our knowledge, this is the first report of corky ringspot and TRV on potato in Michigan.

References: (1) G. W. Bird and N. Knobloch. Plant Dis. Rep. 60:76, 1976. (2) J. M. Crosslin and P. E. Thomas. Am. Potato J. 72:605, 1995. (3) G. G. Presting et al. Phytopathology 85:436, 1995.
First Report of Hainesia lythri Causing Leaf Spots of Paeonia suffruticosa in China
Authors: Zhang M. , Li H. L. , Zhao A. L. , Zhang J. X.
Published: February 2008

Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) is known as “the king of flowers” for its beautiful and showy flowers. It is regarded as the symbol flower of China and is cultivated throughout the country. During the summer of 2006, a leaf spot was observed on tree peony cultivated in the Zhengzhou area of Henan Province, and in 2007, the leaf spot was observed in the Luoyang area. In some gardens, the leaf spot affected more than 50% of the plants. Early symptoms appeared as small, round, water-soaked lesions on the leaves. Lesions expanded into 5 to 35-mm-diameter spots that were circular or irregular, brown to dark brown, with pale brown margins. Later, the center of some lesions dropped out. Signs of the suspected pathogen were usually seen on the leaf spots after an abundant rainfall. Lesions contained numerous, pale brown, cupulate conidiomata with salmon-colored spore masses. Conidiophores (70 × 1 to 2 μm) were hyaline, branched, septate, and filiform. Conidia (5.5 to 7.5 × 1.5 to 2 μm) were hyaline, aseptate, and cymbiform to allantoid. The pathogen was identified as Hainesia lythri on the basis of the morphology. This fungus infects a wide variety of hosts including P. suffruticosa, Acer pseudoplatanus, Calluna sp., Dissotis paucistellata, Epilobium angustifolium, and Eucalyptus saligna (3). The fungus was isolated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium using conidia from conidiomata found on symptomatic leaf tissue; the fungus produced gray-to-brown colonies. Pathogenicity was tested by inoculating 10 leaves on one 5-year-old tree with a mycelia plug from the colony (0.5 cm in diameter); leaves inoculated with plugs of PDA medium served as controls. Inoculated leaves were covered with plastic for 24 h to maintain high relative humidity and incubated at 25 to 28°C. After 5 days, 100% of the inoculated leaves showed symptoms identical to those observed on leaves from P. suffruticosa infected in the field while controls remained symptom free. Reisolation of the fungus from lesions on inoculated leaves confirmed that the causal agent was H. lythri. Thus, we concluded that H. lythri is the causal agent of leaf spots of P. suffruticosa. To our knowledge, this is the first report of H. lythri infecting P. suffruticosa in China. H. lythri has been previously reported on Paeonia in Japan and Korea (1,2).

References: (1) W. D. Cho and H. D. Shin, eds. List of Plant Diseases in Korea. 4th ed. Korean Society of Plant Pathology, 2004. (2) M. E. Palm. Mycologia 83:787, 1991. (3) B. C. Sutton. The Coelomycetes. CAB International Publishing, New York, 1980.
Efficacy and Safety of Fixed Combinations of Irbesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide in Older vs Younger Patients With Hypertension Uncontrolled With Monotherapy
Authors: Cushman William C. , Neutel Joel M. , Saunders Elijah , Bakris George L. , Ferdinand Keith C. , Ofili Elizabeth O. , Sowers James R. , Madder Robert , Weber Michael A.
Published: February 2008

Subgroup analysis of the Irbesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Blood Pressure Reductions in Diverse Patient Populations (INCLUSIVE) trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) fixed combinations in patients aged 65 years or older with uncontrolled systolic blood pressure (SBP) after ≥4 weeks of antihypertensive monotherapy. The INCLUSIVE trial was a prospective, open‐label, single‐arm trial carried out in 119 sites. Of 844 patients completing placebo treatment, 212 were aged 65 years or older. Participants received treatment with placebo (4–5 weeks), HCTZ 12.5 mg (2 weeks), irbesartan/HCTZ 150/12.5 mg (8 weeks), and then irbesartan/HCTZ 300/25 mg (8 weeks). From baseline to week 18 (n=184, intent‐to‐treat population), mean change in SBP was −23.0±13.3 mm Hg (P<.001) and diastolic BP (DBP) was −10.9±7.7 mm Hg (P<.001). Mean SBP/DBP at study end was 134.0±14.7/75.1±8.4 mm Hg, and SBP, DBP, and SBP/DBP goal was achieved in 73%, 96%, and 72% of patients, respectively. Irbesartan/HCTZ combination therapy allowed SBP goal attainment in 73% of patients aged 65 years or older whose hypertension was previously uncontrolled with antihypertensive monotherapy.
Clinical and biochemical characteristics of normotensive patients with primary aldosteronism: a comparison with hypertensive cases
Authors: Médeau Virginie , Moreau François , Trinquart Ludovic , Clemessy Maud , Wémeau Jean‐Louis , Vantyghem Marie Christine , Plouin Pierre‐François , Reznik Yves
Published: February 2008

Objective  It is unknown why some patients with biochemical evidence of primary aldosteronism (PA) do not develop hypertension. We aimed to compare clinical and biochemical characteristics of normotensive and hypertensive patients with PA.

Design and patients  Retrospective comparison of 10 normotensive and 168 hypertensive patients with PA for office or ambulatory blood pressure, serum potassium, plasma aldosterone and renin concentrations; the aldosterone : renin ratio, and tumour size. Comparison of initial hormonal pattern and drop in blood pressure following adrenalectomy in five normotensive and nine hypertensive patients matched for age, sex and body mass index.

Results  The 10 normotensive patients were women and presented with hypokalemia or an adrenal mass. Age, plasma aldosterone and renin concentrations were similar in normotensive and hypertensive cases, but kalemia and body mass index were significantly lower in the normotensive patients. Mean tumour diameter was larger in the normotensive patients than in the hypertensive matched patients with an adenoma (P < 0·01). In normotensive patients, diastolic blood pressure and upright aldosterone correlated negatively with kalemia. Blood pressure was lowered similarly after adrenalectomy in five normotensive PA patients and in their matched hypertensive counterparts. Aldosterone synthase expression was detected in four out of five adrenal tumours.

Conclusions  Blood pressure may be normal in patients with well‐documented PA. The occurrence of hypokalemia, despite a normal blood pressure profile, suggests that protective mechanisms against hypertension are present in normotensive patients.
Vitamin D and bone health in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Wolfenden Linda L. , Judd Suzanne E. , Shah Reshma , Sanyal Rupan , Ziegler Thomas R. , Tangpricha Vin
Published: February 2008

Background  Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have chronic pancreatic insufficiency leading to malabsorption of fat‐soluble vitamins, including vitamin D which can contribute to poor skeletal health and respiratory function.

Objective  This study evaluated the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and its impact on bone and respiratory health in adults with CF.

Design and measurements  This was a retrospective study in which data were collected from medical records over a 2‐year period. Data included patient demographics, lung function, biochemical data, bone mineral densities, X‐rays and ascertainment of use of vitamin supplements. Data were collected from medical records at a single accredited CF Center. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and bone mineral density studies were also collected.

Patients  A total of 185 adults with CF were identified with a mean age of 29 ± 9 years.

Results  The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency [25(OH)D < 75 nmol/l] was 76%. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 58·8 ± 30 nmol/l. Use of specific vitamin D supplementation was protective against vitamin D insufficiency whereas use of multivitamins was not. There was a small, but significant, positive association between serum 25(OH)D and FEV1 per cent predicted after controlling for age, gender, BMI and race (R2 = 0·30, P < 0·001). A high prevalence (27%) of vertebral fractures was detected on lateral chest X‐ray.

Conclusions  The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and poor skeletal health is high in the US CF population. Vitamin D status appears to be positively associated with lung function. Prospective studies to examine the impact of correction of vitamin D insufficiency on skeletal and lung health in adult CF are warranted.
RET genotypes in sporadic medullary thyroid cancer: studies in a large Italian series
Authors: Fugazzola Laura , Muzza Marina , Mian Caterina , Cordella Daniela , Barollo Susi , Alberti Luisella , Cirello Valentina , Dazzi Davide , Girelli Maria Elisa , Opocher Giuseppe , Beck‐Peccoz Paolo , Persani Luca
Published: February 2008

Background  Highly discrepant data about the different distribution of RET germline single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among patients with sporadic medullary thyroid cancer (sMTC) and controls are available.

Design and patients  In the present case‐control study, a wide panel of seven RET SNPs has been tested in the largest sMTC series and in a matched control group.

Results  None of the investigated polymorphisms show a significantly different distribution in patients with sMTC when compared to controls. Twenty haplotypes and 57 genotypes were generated, and their association with the disease and with the clinical features were statistically evaluated. Interestingly, 14 genotypes were found to be unique to sMTC patients and 25 to controls. Two haplotypes and three genotypes, all including the intronic variants IVS1‐126 and IVS14‐24, were significantly associated with sMTC patients and with a higher tumour aggression. The functional activity of the only nonsynonymous RET variant (c.2071C > A, G691S) was tested for the first time. Interestingly, Western blot analyses showed that the fraction of Ret9‐G691S protein located at the plasma membrane level was overrepresented when compared to Ret9‐WT, suggesting facilitated targeting at the cell membrane for this variant. However, no transforming activity was shown in a focus formation assay on cells carrying the Ret9‐G691S, against a possible oncogenic role of G691S variant.

Conclusions  RET genotypes including two intronic RET variants were associated with the risk of developing sMTC and to more aggressive behaviour. Further studies are warranted to elucidate whether these RET genotypes are in linkage disequilibrium with another susceptibility gene or whether these variants could play a role in the genesis of sMTC per se.
Regulation and functional impact of lipopolysaccharide induced Nod2 gene expression in the murine epididymal epithelial cell line PC1
Authors: Mühlbauer Marcus , Cheely Adam W. , Yenugu Suresh , Jobin Christian
Published: February 2008

Epididymitis represents a serious threat to male fertility and usually develops following secondary bacterial infection of the epididymis such as urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted diseases. Surprisingly, very little is known about the innate host response triggered by bacterial infection in the male reproductive tract. In this study we investigated the regulation and function of Nod2 in epididymal epithelial cells following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The immortalized epididymal epithelial cell line PC1 (proximal caput 1) constitutively expressed Toll‐like receptor 4, MD‐2, CD‐14 but not Nod2 messenger RNA. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0·5 μg/ml) rapidly induced IκB phosphorylation and degradation, RelA nuclear translocation and phosphorylation, which correlated with enhanced transcriptional activity (four‐fold) in PC1 cells. The LPS and lipid A rapidly (1 hr) induced Nod2 messenger RNA accumulation in a dose‐dependent manner. RelA and RNApolII recruitment to the Nod2 gene promoter was enhanced in LPS‐stimulated cells. Molecular blockade of nuclear factor‐κB signalling with adenovirus 5 (Ad5) IκBAA or adenovirus 5 double‐negative (Ad5dn) IKKβ prevented LPS‐induced Nod2 gene expression. Functionally, Nod2 upregulation enhanced muramyl dipeptide (MDP) ‐induced tumour necrosis factor messenger RNA accumulation in PC1 cells. We conclude that epididymal epithelial cells mount an innate response following LPS exposure which leads to upregulation of Nod2 and enhanced responsiveness to the microbial product MDP. The rapid Nod2 upregulation in epididymal epithelial cells is probably part of a complex innate host response aimed at protecting the male reproductive tract from the deleterious impact of bacteria.
Bridging effect of recombinant human mannose‐binding lectin in macrophage phagocytosis of Escherichia coli
Authors: Shiratsuchi Akiko , Watanabe Ikuko , Ju Jin‐Sung , Lee Bok Luel , Nakanishi Yoshinobu
Published: February 2008

Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) exists in the serum as a complex with MBL‐associated serine protease (MASP). A recent paper described how MASP‐free recombinant rat MBL stimulates the phagocytosis of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by rat Kupffer cells through an increase in the level of a phagocytosis receptor. We have examined the effect of human MBL on the phagocytic action of human macrophages. Purified recombinant human MBL stimulated the phagocytosis of E. coli by THP‐1 macrophages, leaving that of latex beads, apoptotic human cells, zymosan particles or S. aureus unchanged. This stimulatory effect was observed when either phagocytes or targets were preincubated with MBL. Furthermore, MBL bound to THP‐1 macrophages as well as to E. coli, but not to S. aureus, through lipid A. These results indicated that human MBL in the absence of MASP stimulates macrophage phagocytosis of E. coli by bridging targets and phagocytes.
Cerebral blood flow changes in man by wake‐promoting drug, modafinil: a randomized double blind study
Authors: JOO EUN YEON , TAE WOO SUK , JUNG KI‐YOUNG , HONG SEUNG BONG
Published: February 2008

To investigate the effects of a wake‐promoting drug, modafinil on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in healthy volunteers, we performed 99mTc‐ethylcysteinate dimer single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) before and after modafinil or placebo administration. Twenty‐one healthy subjects received single doses of 400 mg modafinil or placebo in a double blind randomized crossover study design. Administrations of modafinil or placebo in a subject were separated by a 2‐week washout. Brain SPECT was performed twice before and 3 h after modafinil or placebo administration. For statistical parametric mapping analysis, all SPECT images were spatially normalized to the standard SPECT template and then smoothed using a 12‐mm full width at half‐maximum Gaussian kernel. The paired t‐test was used to compare pre‐ versus post‐modafinil and pre‐ versus post‐placebo SPECT images. Differences in rCBF between post‐modafinil and post‐placebo conditions were also tested. Modafinil decreased Epworth and Stanford sleepiness scales whereas placebo did not. The post‐modafinil condition was associated with increased rCBF in bilateral thalami and dorsal pons, whereas the post‐placebo condition showed increased rCBF in a smaller area of the dorsal pons when compared with the drug naïve baseline condition. Compared with the post‐placebo condition, the post‐modafinil condition showed higher rCBF in bilateral frontopolar, orbitofrontal, superior frontal, middle frontal gyri, short insular gyri, left cingulate gyrus, left middle/inferior temporal gyri, left parahippocampal gyrus, and left pons. In healthy volunteers, modafinil increased wakefulness and rCBF in the arousal‐related systems and in brain areas related to emotion and executive function.
Trends in self‐reported sleep duration and insomnia‐related symptoms in Finland from 1972 to 2005: a comparative review and re‐analysis of Finnish population samples
Authors: KRONHOLM ERKKI , PARTONEN TIMO , LAATIKAINEN TIINA , PELTONEN MARKKU , HÄRMÄ MIKKO , HUBLIN CHRISTER , KAPRIO JAAKO , ARO ARJA R. , PARTINEN MARKKU , FOGELHOLM MIKAEL , VALVE RAISA , VAHTERA JUSSI , OKSANEN TUULA , KIVIMÄKI MIKA , KOSKENVUO MARKKU , SUTELA HANNA
Published: February 2008

A hypothesis concerning habitual sleep reduction and its adverse consequences among general population in modern societies has received wide publicity in the mass media, although scientific evidence supporting the hypothesis is scarce. Similarly, there is an extensively distributed belief, at least in Finland, that the prevalence of insomnia‐related symptoms is increasing, but evidence for this is even sparser. These issues are important because of the known increased risk of mortality and health risks associated with sleep duration deviating from 7 to 8 h. To reveal possible trends in self‐reported sleep duration and insomnia‐related symptoms, we reanalyzed all available data from surveys carried out in Finland from 1972 to 2005. The main results were that a minor decrease of self‐reported sleep duration has taken place in Finland, especially among working aged men. However, the size of the reduction (about 4%) was relatively small, approximately 5.5 min per each 10 years during the 33 years’ time interval under study. The proportion of 7 h sleepers has increased and, correspondingly, the proportion of 8 h sleepers has decreased, but the extreme ends of the sleep duration distribution remained unchanged. Tentative evidence suggesting an increase in insomnia‐related symptoms among working aged population during the last 10 years was found. In conclusion, the Finnish data during the past 33 years indicate a general decrease in self‐reported sleep duration of about 18 min and an increase of sleep complaints, especially among the employed middle‐aged population.
Sharp and sleepy: evidence for dissociation between sleep pressure and nocturnal performance
Authors: GALLIAUD ELODIE , TAILLARD JACQUES , SAGASPE PATRICIA , VALTAT CÉDRIC , BIOULAC BERNARD , PHILIP PIERRE
Published: February 2008

While sleep restriction decreases performance, not all individuals are equal with regard to sensitivity to sleep loss. We tested the hypothesis that performance could be independent of sleep pressure as defined by EEG alpha–theta power. Twenty healthy subjects (10 vulnerable and 10 resistant) underwent sleep deprivation for 25 h. Subjects had to rate their sleepiness (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale) and to perform a 10‐min psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) every 2 h (20:00–08:00 hours). Sleep pressure was measured by EEG power spectral analysis (alpha–theta band 6.0–9.0 Hz). Initial performance, EEG spectral power and KSS score were equal in both groups (anova, NS). The performance of vulnerable subjects significantly increased during the night (ranova, P < 0.01), whereas resistant subjects globally sustained their performance. Homeostatic pressure and subjective sleepiness significantly increased during the night (ranova, P < 0.01) identically in both categories (ranova, NS). Resistant subjects sustained their reaction time independently of the increase in homeostatic pressure. The phenotypic determinants of vulnerability to extended wakefulness remain unknown.
Driver sleepiness and individual differences in preferences for countermeasures
Authors: ANUND ANNA , KECKLUND GÖRAN , PETERS BJÖRN , ÅKERSTEDT TORBJÖRN
Published: February 2008

The aim of the present national questionnaire study was to relate the use of sleepiness countermeasures among drivers to possible explanatory factors such as age, sex, education, professional driving, being a shift worker, having experience of sleepy driving, sleep‐related crashes, problems with sleep and sleepiness in general and sleep length during working days. Also the attitude to countermeasures related to information or driver support system was studied. A random sample of 3041 persons was drawn from the national register of vehicle owners. The response rate was 62%. The most common countermeasures were to stop to take a walk (54%), turn on the radio/stereo (52%), open a window (47%), drink coffee (45%) and to ask passengers to engage in conversation (35%). Logistic regression analysis showed that counteracting sleepiness with a nap (a presumably efficient method) was practiced by those with experience of sleep‐related crashes or of driving during severe sleepiness, as well as by professional drivers, males and drivers aged 46–64 years. The most endorsed means of information to the driver about sleepiness was in‐car monitoring of driving performance providing drivers with information on bad or unsafe driving. This preference was related to experience of sleepy driving, not being a professional driver and male gender. Four clusters of behaviours were identified: alertness‐enhancing activity while driving (A), stopping the car (S), taking a nap (N) and ingesting coffee or other sources of caffeine (C) (energy drinks, caffeine tablets). The participants were grouped according to their use of any of the four categories of countermeasures. The most common cluster was those who used activity, as well as stopping and drinking caffeine.