bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Report of Root Rot and Twigs Wilting of Olive Trees in Argentina Caused by Phytophthora nicotianae
Authors: Vettraino A. M. , Lucero G. , Pizzuolo P. , Franceschini S. , Vannini A. 
Published: June 2009

In Argentina, olives (Olea europaea) are planted on approximately 90,000 ha located primarily in the northwest continental regions. During a 2005 survey, root rot was recorded at several olive plantations in Catamarca, La Rioja, and San Juan provinces (3). Aboveground symptoms associated with root rot were twigs wilting with or without chlorosis, defoliation, and death. Symptoms were initiated on lateral branches and sometimes affected the entire crown. Even if young (5-year-old) trees displayed root rot, aerial symptoms may or may not be seen until years later. Disease incidence varied from 3 to 30%. Rotted rootlets were associated mainly with the infection of Phytophthora palmivora Butler and less frequently with another Phytophthora species. Isolates of this species were heterothallic, had a fluffy growth on carrot agar, and arachnoid growth on potato dextrose agar. Chlamydospores approximately 36 μm in diameter were also produced. The species developed prominent, papillate, noncaducous sporangia of different shapes ranging from ellipsoid to spherical when submerged in saline solution. Sporangia were 35 to 57 × 25 to 45 μm (average 44 × 33 μm), L:B ratio from 1.1 to 1.7. Isolates formed oogonia and amphyginous antheridia following mating type assays. On the basis of morphological features, these isolates were identified as P. nicotianae Breda de Haan. Identity was confirmed by sequencing the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (GenBank Accession No. FJ746693) (1). One-year-old O. europea seedlings were challenged with P. nicotianae (A1 isolates 306G and 339) through soil infestation assay in a growth chamber at 25°C. Infested and uninfested autoclaved millet grains moistened with V8 juice were used to inoculate 15 olive seedlings per isolate and controls, respectively. Fifty days after inoculation, seedlings showed foliar symptoms similar to those observed in the field and had an average of 50% reduction in the root system. Control plants remained healthy. P. nicotianae was always reisolated from symptomatic roots. P. nicotianae was reported on Citrus aurantium in Argentina in 1947 and is currently associated with several hosts (2). In 2002, the same species was reported associated with olive root rot in southern Italy (4). It is possible that P. nicotianae was recently introduced into Argentina through importation of Mediterranean olive varieties. The demonstrated pathogenicity of P. nicotianae on olive together with the recently reported detection of P. palmivora (3) presents a serious threat to olive cultivation in Argentina. References: (1) D. E. L. Cooke et al. Fungal Genet. Biol. 30:17, 2000. (2) M. J. Frezzi. Rev. Investig. Agric. 4:47, 1950. (3) G. Lucero et al. Plant Pathol. 56:728, 2007. (4) F. Nigro and A. Ippolito. Acta Hortic. 586:777, 2002.
First Report of Grape Root Rot Caused by Roesleria subterranea in Michigan
Authors: Miles T. D. , Schilder A. M. C. 
Published: June 2009

In September of 2008, declining grapevines were observed in two vineyards (Vitis interspecific hybrids ‘Canada Muscat’ and ‘Chardonel’) in Fennville, MI. Affected vines were stunted with shortened internodes and yellow leaves; others had dead cordons or were entirely dead. The grower reported that vines were losing vigor and collapsing during a period of 2 years. Renewal trunks would collapse during the second season of growth. Several symptomatic vines showed signs of root decay. On one vine, distinctive fruiting bodies (mazaedia) were apparent on the roots below the soil line and resembled those of Roesleria subterranea (Weinm.) Redhead (2,3,4). The mazaedia were 4 to 5 mm tall and 1 mm in diameter with white-to-tan stipes and powdery, gray-to-greenish hemispherical heads. Ascospores were hyaline to light grayish green, disk shaped, and 4 to 6 μm in diameter. This fungus, also known as R. hypogaea Thüm & Pass., has been previously reported to cause grape root rot, vine decline, and replant problems in North America and Europe (2,3,4). The fungus was cultured from ascospores on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Colonies grew slowly (approximately 2 mm per day at 22 to 24°C) and were green in the center. No spores were produced. DNA was extracted, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences obtained by PCR were compared with known sequences using BLASTn (1). Our isolate had 100% ITS sequence homology to an isolate from Germany, Roesleria subterranea strain IB (Accession No. EF060304.1). To test for pathogenicity, the fungus was grown in potato dextrose broth for 14 days at 22 to 24°C. An aqueous suspension (0.1 g of fungus per ml) was prepared by blending mycelia with sterile deionized water (SDW) in a food processor. Five two-node, rooted ‘Chardonnay’ cuttings (45 days old) were placed in the suspension. Five other cuttings were placed in SDW (control). After 3 h, plants were removed and repotted in fresh BACTO soil (Michigan Peat Company, Houston, TX) and kept in a growth chamber at 23°C with a 16/8-h light/dark cycle. After 25 days, inoculated plants were, on average, 63% smaller with 77% lower fresh-root weight and fewer fine roots than the control plants. The pathogen was recovered from surface-disinfested roots of all five inoculated plants but not from the control plants. Cultures appeared similar to the original isolate and their identity was confirmed by ITS sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the first report of R. subterranea on grapes in Michigan and the Midwest. This fungus needs to be recognized as a potential cause of vine decline and replant problems in Midwestern vineyards. References: (1) S. F. Altschul et al. J. Mol. Biol. 215:403, 1990. (2) W. Gärtel. Page 40 in: Compendium of Grape Diseases. R. C. Pearson and A. C. Goheen, eds. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 1988. (3) M. Kirchmair et al. Mycol. Res. 112:1210, 2009. (4) J. R. Liberato et al. Pest and Diseases Image Library. Online publication, 2009.
Epithelial Functions of the Residual Bowel After Surgery for Necrotising Enterocolitis in Human Infants
Authors: Schaart Maaike W , de Bruijn Adrianus CJM , Bouwman Deirdre M , de Krijger Ronald R , van Goudoever Johannes B , Tibboel Dick , Renes Ingrid B 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:Information on epithelial functions of the residual small or colonic bowel after resection for necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in human infants is scarce. Our aim is to evaluate epithelial functions in the intestinal resection margins of tissue obtained at bowel resection for acute NEC and consecutive stoma closure.Materials and Methods:Epithelial morphology, proliferation, and protein expression were (immuno)histochemically studied.Results:Acute NEC was associated with severe and mild epithelial damage varying from epithelial loss to fairly unaffected epithelium. Epithelial proliferation was increased both at acute NEC and at stoma closure. In acute NEC, lactase, glucose transporter‐2 and ‐5 expression was down‐regulated in severely affected epithelium, whereas sucrase‐isomaltase and intestinal fatty acid binding protein expression was maintained. Goblet cells continued to express mucin 2 and trefoil factor 3, however, their numbers were decreased. Moreover, in acute NEC, Paneth cells were weakly lysozyme positive and were reduced in number. At stoma closure, expression of the above cell type–specific markers had completely been re‐established.Conclusions:Residual bowel after resection for acute NEC shows a disturbed epithelial proliferation/differentiation balance. Acute NEC was associated with downregulation of distinct enterocyte‐specific proteins. Because of goblet cell and Paneth cell loss in acute NEC, mucosal barrier, and defense functions may be impaired.
Rapid Infliximab Infusions in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Yeckes Alyson R , Hoffenberg Edward J 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThe manufacturer of infliximab recommends infusion over 2 to 3 hours. In 16 children who received 133 standard 2‐ to 3‐hour infusions, followed by fifty 1‐hour infusions, chart review revealed a frequency of infusion reactions of 2% with both infusion protocols (3/133 and 1/50). The first reaction with the rapid infusion occurred in a patient who had experienced an identical reaction with the longer infusion, but was mistakenly not premedicated. Our data suggest rapid infusion over 1 hour in selected pediatric patients is safe and cost‐effective. Compared with reported adult data, our data suggest similar or lower frequency of adverse events.
Oral Insulin Supplementation in Paediatric Short Bowel Disease: A Pilot Observational Study
Authors: Shamir Raanan , Kolacek Sanja , Koletzko Sibylle , Tavori Irit , Bader David , Litmanovitz Ita , Flidel‐Rimon Orna , Marks Kyla Anna , Sukhotnik Igor , Shehadeh Naim 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:Insulin is present in human milk, and oral insulin supplementation causes a dramatic adaptive gut growth in a rat model of short bowel syndrome (SBS). We conducted an open‐label pilot observational study to examine whether oral insulin supplementation to paediatric patients with SBS decreases the need for parenteral nutrition (PN).Methods:Between April 2004 and March 2006, 10 premature infants and children were recruited from 8 paediatric gastroenterology centres in Israel, Croatia, and Germany. Enrolled subjects received 1 unit of insulin (Actrapid, Novonordisk, Denmark)/kg body weight per dose × 4/day (every 6 hours) for 28 days. We monitored glucose blood levels, weight, enteral and parenteral intake of calories, carbohydrates, and lipids. In addition, blood levels of albumin, ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and anti‐insulin antibodies were recorded.Results:On average, enteral intake increased from 45.6% ± 30.6% to 58.9% ± 28.2% (not statistically significant), and ALT blood levels decreased from 194 ± 128 U to 136 ± 79 U (not statistically significant). Two (2/10) infants were weaned off PN. None of the children developed insulin antibodies.Conclusions:Oral insulin supplementation in paediatric SBS is not associated with short‐term side effects. Although clinical improvement was observed in a subset of children, whether these effects are due to insulin administration is uncertain. The efficacy of oral insulin remains to be determined in a double‐blind manner using a preparation that is resistant to degradation in the stomach.
Breast‐feeding: A Commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition
Authors:   ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition:, Agostoni Carlo , Braegger Christian , Decsi Tamas , Kolacek Sanja , Koletzko Berthold , Michaelsen Kim Fleischer , Mihatsch Walter , Moreno Luis A , Puntis John , Shamir Raanan , Szajewska Hania , Turck Dominique , van Goudoever Johannes 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThis medical position article by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition summarises the current status of breast‐feeding practice, the present knowledge on the composition of human milk, advisable duration of exclusive and partial breast‐feeding, growth of the breast‐fed infant, health benefits associated with breast‐feeding, nutritional supplementation for breast‐fed infants, and contraindications to breast‐feeding. This article emphasises the important role of paediatricians in the implementation of health policies devised to promote breast‐feeding.The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Committee on Nutrition recognises breast‐feeding as the natural and advisable way of supporting the healthy growth and development of young children. This article delineates the health benefits of breast‐feeding, reduced risk of infectious diarrhoea and acute otitis media being the best documented.Exclusive breast‐feeding for around 6 months is a desirable goal, but partial breast‐feeding as well as breast‐feeding for shorter periods of time are also valuable. Continuation of breast‐feeding after the introduction of complementary feeding is encouraged as long as mutually desired by mother and child.The role of health care workers, including paediatricians, is to protect, promote, and support breast‐feeding. Health care workers should be trained in breast‐feeding issues and counselling, and they should encourage practices that do not undermine breast‐feeding. Societal standards and legal regulations that facilitate breast‐feeding should be promoted, such as providing maternity leave for at least 6 months and protecting working mothers.
Threonine Metabolism in the Intestine of Mice: Loss of Mucin 2 Induces the Threonine Catabolic Pathway
Authors: van der Sluis Maria , Schaart Maaike W , de Koning Barbara AE , Schierbeek Henk , Velcich Anna , Renes Ingrid B , van Goudoever Johannes B 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:Previous studies have shown that the intestine uses a major part of the dietary threonine intake for the synthesis of the structural component of the protective intestinal mucus layer, the secretory mucin Muc2. In this context, the high intestinal demand for dietary threonine probably results from its incorporation into secretory mucins rich in threonine residues. Therefore, we compared threonine utilization in the colon of Muc2 knockout (Muc2−/−) and wild‐type (Muc2+/+) mice to investigate the intestinal dietary threonine metabolism in the absence of Muc2, which results in inflammation of the colon.Materials and Methods:Concentrations and isotopic enrichment of threonine were measured by gas chromatography‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry in the serum, colon, and colonic content of mice given a bolus [U‐13C]threonine enterally.Results:We retrieved 37.8% and 40.9% of dietary threonine in Muc2+/+ and Muc2−/− mice, respectively, either as free or incorporated threonine. There were no major differences in the availability and concentration of free or incorporated threonine recovered in both serum and colon in both types of mice. However, the Muc2−/− mice did show overall significantly higher threonine oxidation rates compared with Muc2+/+ mice.Conclusions:In the absence of Muc2, dietary threonine is mainly used for constitutive protein synthesis or becomes a substrate for metabolic oxidation. This indicates that inflammation also requires high threonine amounts.
Inhibitory effects of aminoguanidine on thyroid follicular carcinoma development in inflamed capsular regions of rats treated with sulfadimethoxine after N‐bis(2‐hydroxypropyl)nitrosamine‐initiation
Authors: Imai Toshio , Hasumura Mai , Cho Young‐Man , Ota Yoshio , Takami Shigeaki , Hirose Masao , Nishikawa Akiyoshi 
Published: June 2009

We have reported that thyroid capsular thickening with inflammation induced by an antithyroidal agent, sulfadimethoxine (SDM), might play a role in the development of invasive follicular carcinomas in rats initiated with N‐bis(2‐hydroxypropyl)nitrosamine (DHPN). Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressed in the inflamed capsular regions further appeared to be implicated in the tumor progression. In the present study, the effects of an iNOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine (AG), on thyroid carcinogenesis were examined. F344 male rats were treated with SDM in drinking water (0.1%) with or without concomitant dietary administration of AG (0.2%) for 4 and 10 weeks after subcutaneous injection of DHPN at 2800 mg/kg bodyweight. At week 4, thyroid capsular thickening with inflammation was observed and iNOS‐positive foci were found in the inflamed regions. In addition, single‐strand DNA‐positive inflammatory cells were scattered among neighboring follicular cells, indicating some cellular damage, at least partly in association with iNOS induction. Concurrent dietary administration of AG with SDM treatment slightly decreased the number of single‐strand DNA‐positive cells but did not alter the incidence and multiplicity of iNOS‐positive foci in the inflamed capsular regions at week 4. At week 10, however, invasive follicular carcinomas predominantly arose in the thickened capsule in the DHPN–SDM‐treated rats, and AG administration decreased (P < 0.05) their multiplicity. The carcinoma cells were partly positive for iNOS. These results thus suggested that iNOS induction in both inflammatory and tumor cells might play pivotal roles in tumor progression in this DHPN–SDM rat model. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1794–1800)
Socio‐demographic risk factors for alcohol and drug dependence: the 10‐year follow‐up of the national comorbidity survey
Authors: Swendsen Joel , Conway Kevin P. , Degenhardt Louisa , Dierker Lisa , Glantz Meyer , Jin Robert , Merikangas Kathleen R. , Sampson Nancy , Kessler Ronald C. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTAims  Continued progress in etiological research and prevention science requires more precise information concerning the specific stages at which socio‐demographic variables are implicated most strongly in transition from initial substance use to dependence. The present study examines prospective associations between socio‐demographic variables and the subsequent onset of alcohol and drug dependence using data from the National Comorbidity Survey (NCS) and the NCS Follow‐up survey (NCS‐2).Design  The NCS was a nationally representative survey of the prevalence and correlates of DSM‐III‐R mental and substance disorders in the United States carried out in 1990–2002. The NCS‐2 re‐interviewed a probability subsample of NCS respondents a decade after the baseline survey. Baseline NCS socio‐demographic characteristics and substance use history were examined as predictors of the first onset of DSM‐IV alcohol and drug dependence in the NCS‐2.Participants  A total of 5001 NCS respondents were re‐interviewed in the NCS‐2 (87.6% of baseline sample).Findings  Aggregate analyses demonstrated significant associations between some baseline socio‐demographic variables (young age, low education, non‐white ethnicity, occupational status) but not others (sex, number of children, residential area) and the subsequent onset of DSM‐IV alcohol or drug dependence. However, conditional models showed that these risk factors were limited to specific stages of baseline use. Moreover, many socio‐demographic variables that were not significant in the aggregate analyses were significant predictors of dependence when examined by stage of use.Conclusions  The findings underscore the potential for socio‐demographic risk factors to have highly specific associations with different stages of the substance use trajectory.
Smoking cessation during alcohol treatment: a randomized trial of combination nicotine patch plus nicotine gum
Authors: Cooney Ned L. , Cooney Judith L. , Perry Bridget L. , Carbone Michael , Cohen Emily H. , Steinberg Howard R. , Pilkey David T. , Sevarino Kevin , Oncken Cheryl A. , Litt Mark D. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTAims  The primary aim was to compare the efficacy of smoking cessation treatment using a combination of active nicotine patch plus active nicotine gum versus therapy consisting of active nicotine patch plus placebo gum in a sample of alcohol‐dependent tobacco smokers in an early phase of out‐patient alcohol treatment. A secondary aim was to determine whether or not there were any carry‐over effects of combination nicotine replacement on drinking outcomes.Design  Small‐scale randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial with 1‐year smoking and drinking outcome assessment.Setting  Two out‐patient substance abuse clinics provided a treatment platform of behavioral alcohol and smoking treatment delivered in 3 months of weekly sessions followed by three monthly booster sessions.Participants  Participants were 96 men and women with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence and smoking 15 or more cigarettes per day.Intervention  All participants received open‐label transdermal nicotine patches and were randomized to receive either 2 mg nicotine gum or placebo gum under double‐blind conditions.Findings  Analysis of 1‐year follow‐up data revealed that patients receiving nicotine patch plus active gum had better smoking outcomes than those receiving patch plus placebo gum on measures of time to smoking relapse and prolonged abstinence at 12 months. Alcohol outcomes were not significantly different across medication conditions.Conclusions  Results of this study were consistent with results of larger trials of smokers without alcohol problems, showing that combination therapy (nicotine patch plus gum) is more effective than monotherapy (nicotine patch) for smoking cessation.
Patterns of differential gene expression in Brassica napus cultivars infected with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: ZHAO JIANWEI , BUCHWALDT LONE , RIMMER SAMUEL ROGER , SHARPE ANDREW , MCGREGOR LINDA , BEKKAOUI DIANA , HEGEDUS DWAYNE 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARYThe fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infects a broad range of dicotyledonous plant species and causes stem rot in Brassica napus. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the defence response, the patterns of gene expression in the partially resistant B. napus cultivar ZhongYou 821 (ZY821) and the susceptible cultivar Westar were studied using a B. napus oligonucleotide microarray. Although maximum differential gene expression was observed at 48 h post‐inoculation (hpi) in both cultivars, increased transcript levels were detected in cv. ZY821 at the earlier stages of infection (6–12 hpi) for many genes, including those encoding defence‐associated proteins, such as chitinases, glucanases, osmotins and lectins, as well as genes encoding transcription factors belonging to the zinc finger, WRKY, APETALA2 (AP2) and MYB classes. In both cultivars, genes encoding enzymes involved in jasmonic acid, ethylene and auxin synthesis were induced, as were those for gibberellin degradation. In addition, changes in the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in carbohydrate and energy metabolism appeared to be directed towards shuttling carbon reserves to the tricarboxylic acid cycle and generating reactive oxygen species. Transcripts from genes encoding enzymes involved in glucosinolate and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were highly elevated in both cultivars, suggesting that secondary metabolites are also components of the response to S. sclerotiorum in B. napus.
Meta‐analysis: clinicopathological and prognostic significance of cyclooxygenase‐2 expression on oesophageal squamous cell carinoma
Authors: LI L. , ZHAO J. , WU Z. , WANG G. , CHEN G. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryBackground  Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is involved in oesophageal carcinogenesis, but the clinical and prognostic significance of COX‐2 expression in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains controversial.Aim  To evaluate the clinicopathological and prognostic role of COX‐2 expression in ESCC.Methods  Studies assessing clinical or prognostic significance of COX‐2 expression in ESCC published until December 2008 were selected. A meta‐analysis was performed to clarify the impact of COX‐2 expression on clinicopathological parameters or overall survival (OS) in ESCC.Results  A total of 19 studies met the inclusion criteria, among which 17 studies were about the clinicopathological significance of COX‐2 expression in ESCC, 12 studies were dealing with prognostic role of COX‐2 expression in ESCC and 10 studies evaluated both of them. Overexpression of COX‐2 was significantly correlated with not only the depth of invasion and TNM stage, with a combined odds ratio (OR) of 0.55 (95%CI: 0.34–0.90, Z = 2.41, P = 0.02) and 0.55 (95%CI: 0.32–0.95, Z = 2.13, P = 0.03) respectively but also the reduced OS with relative risk (RR) 1.42, 95% CI: 1.07–1.90, Z = 2.43, P = 0.02).Conclusions  COX‐2 might play an important role in the progress of ESCC, overexpression of COX‐2 correlates with not only the depth of invasion and TNM stage but also the reduced OS. COX‐2 might be a potential therapy target for ESCC and work as a prognostic factor for ESCC patients, yet the clinicopathological and prognostic role of COX‐2 in ESCC still needs further confirmation by well‐designed prospective studies.