First Report of Root Rot Caused by Pythium spiculum Affecting Cork Oaks at Doñana Biological Reserve in Spain.

Cork oaks (Quercus suber L.) are key tree species at Doñana Biological Reserve (DBR), Huelva, Spain. Sampling was conducted on a total of 13 trees exhibiting symptoms of decline (foliar wilting and defoliation, branch dieback, and root necrosis). In 2008. Phytophthora cinnamomi was isolated from feeder roots of one tree and Pythium spiculum from two additional oaks. In 2011, both pathogens were isolated from six oaks, only P. cinnamomi from three oaks, and only Py. spiculum from one oak. This expansion was associated with high winter rainfall levels since 2009 that led to long periods of soil flooding. While P. cinnamomi is well known to cause a root disease on Q. suber (2), P. spiculum is a newly described species isolated from Quercus, Vitis, Prunus, Castanea, and Celtis species, but its pathogenicity was demonstrated only on Q. ilex (syn. Q. rotundifolia) (1). Pathogenicity tests were conducted on 4-year-old Q. suber plants. Inocula consisted of two isolates of Py. spiculum from DBR (DO8 and DO36 from Q. suber). For comparison with these, three isolates previously tested on Q. ilex (1) were included: two isolates of Py. spiculum, PA54 (from Q. suber) and PE156 (from Q. ilex); and one isolate of P. cinnamomi, PE90 (from Q. ilex). All these isolates came from the Andalucía region, stored at the oomycete collection of the University of Córdoba, and showed a 99 to 100% homology with their expected ITS sequences in GenBank (DQ196131 for Py. spiculum and AY943301 for P. cinnamomi). Inoculum was prepared by shaking and mixing propagule-bearing mycelium produced in carrot broth petri dishes (20°C, 4 weeks) in sterile water, to produce a concentration of 3 × 104 oospores × ml-1 (Py. spiculum) or 3 × 104 chlamydospores × ml-1 (P. cinnamomi). One hundred milliliters of inoculum was applied to each root (1). There were 10 inoculated plants per isolate and 10 non-inoculated control plants. All plants were waterlogged 2 days per week to favor root infection and maintained in an acclimatised greenhouse (12-28°C). Three months later, the inoculated plants showed symptoms of root necrosis that resulted in foliar wilting followed occasionally by defoliation. Control plants did not develop foliar symptoms nor root necrosis. Root damage severity assessed on a 0 to 4 scale (3) exhibited significant differences (P < 0.05) in relation to the control plants for all the isolates tested, with isolate PE90 (P. cinnamomi) and isolates PA54, DO8, and DO36 (P. spiculum) all averaging a root necrosis value of 2.5. Isolate PE156 of P. spiculum produced values of root necrosis (1.6 in average) significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the rest. This isolate belongs to the low virulence group of P. spiculum described on Q. ilex (1). The inoculated oomycete was always reisolated from necrotic roots and never from roots of control plants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of P. spiculum as the cause of root rot of Q. suber. References: (1) Romero et al. J. Phytopathol. 155:289, 2007. (2) Sánchez et al. For. Pathol. 32:5, 2002. (3) Sánchez et al. For. Pathol. 35:115, 2005.

Breeding effects on durum wheat traits detected using GWAS and haplotype block analysis.

Introduction: The recent boosting of genomic data in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) offers the opportunity to better understand the effects of breeding on the genetic structures that regulate the expression of traits of agronomic interest. Furthermore, the identification of DNA markers useful for marker-assisted selection could also improve the reliability of technical protocols used for variety protection and registration. Methods: Within this motivation context, 123 durum wheat accessions, classified into three groups: landraces (LR), ancient (OC) and modern cultivars (MC), were evaluated in two locations, for 34 agronomic traits, including UPOV descriptors, to assess the impact of changes that occurred during modern breeding. Results: The association mapping analysis, performed with 4,241 SNP markers and six multi-locus-GWAS models, revealed 28 reliable Quantitative Trait Nucleotides (QTNs) related to plant morphology and kernel-related traits. Some important genes controlling flowering time and plant height were in linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay with QTNs identified in this study. A strong association for yellow berry was found on chromosome 6A (Q.Yb-6A) in a region containing the nadh-ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit, a gene involved in starch metabolism. The Q.Kcp-2A harbored the PPO locus, with the associated marker (Ku_c13700_1196) in LD decay with Ppo-A1 and Ppo-A2. Interestingly, the Q.FGSGls-2B.1, identified by RAC875_c34512_685 for flag leaf glaucosity, mapped less than 1 Mb from the Epistatic inhibitors of glaucousness (Iw1), thus representing a good candidate for supporting the morphological DUS traits also with molecular markers. LD haplotype block approach revealed a higher diversity, richness and length of haploblocks in MC than OC and LR (580 in LR, 585 in OC and 612 in MC), suggesting a possible effect exerted by breeding programs on genomic regions associated with the agronomic traits. Discussion: Our findings pave new ways to support the phenotypic characterization necessary for variety registration by using a panel of cost-effectiveness SNP markers associated also to the UPOV descriptors. Moreover, the panel of associated SNPs might represent a reservoir of favourable alleles to use in durum wheat breeding and genetics.

Synthesis and antitumor activity of a heterodinucleotide of BVDU and gemcitabine.

A heterodinucleotide comprising BVDU and Gemcitabine bound together by a 5',5'-pyrophospate bridge (BVDUp(2)dFdC) has been synthesized and evaluated as antitumor agent against AH13 rat sarcoma cells. BVDUp(2)dFdC showed a cytotoxicity similar to that of Gemcitabine.

Inhibition of HIV-1 replication in macrophages by red blood cell-mediated delivery of a heterodinucleotide of lamivudine and tenofovir.

Homo- and heterodimers of nucleoside/nucleotide analogues as reverse transcriptase inhibitors are effective on HIV-1-infected human monocyte-derived macrophages (M/M) compared to the single drugs or their combination. Since the combined treatment of lamivudine (3TC) and tenofovir ((R)PMPA) has an antiretroviral efficacy and a synergic effect respect to separate drugs, the heterodinucleotide 3TCpPMPA was synthesized. A single administration of the dimer as free drug or 3TCpPMPA-loaded RBC selectively targeted to M/M was able to almost completely protect macrophages from "de novo" infection.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of NAD analogs as human pyridine nucleotide adenylyltransferase inhibitors.

NAD analogs modified at the ribose adenylyl moiety, named N-2'-MeAD and Na-2'-MeAD, were synthesized as ligands of pyridine nucleotide (NMN/NaMN) adenylyltransferase (NMNAT). Both dinucleotides resulted selective inhibitors against human NMNAT-3 isoenzyme.

Modification of the antinociceptive effect of morphine by centrally administered diazepam and midazolam.

1 Intracerebroventricular administration of diazepam or midazolam decreased the antinociceptive effect of morphine in rats as measured by the "tail flick" method. 2 Midazolam, injected into the periaqueductal grey matter (PAG) antagonized the analgesic effect of morphine. The action of midazolam was partially reversed by bicuculline. 3 These findings support the view that the effect of benzodiazephines on morphine antinociception may be mediated through gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors.

Impact of an Australian mass media campaign targeting physical activity in 1998.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is now a public health priority, but there is only limited evidence on the effectiveness of mass-reach campaigns. INTERVENTION: Paid and unpaid television and print-media advertising, physician mail-outs, and community-level support programs and strategies. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: A mass-media statewide campaign to promote regular moderate-intensity activity was conducted during February 1998. The target group was adults aged 25 to 60 who were motivated but insufficiently active. DESIGN: Cohort and independent-sample, cross-sectional representative population surveys, before and after the campaign. The intervention was conducted in the state of New South Wales, with the other states of Australia as the comparison region. MEASURES: Telephone survey items on physical activity, media message awareness, physical activity knowledge, self-efficacy, and intentions. RESULTS: Unprompted recall of the activity messages in the campaign state increased substantially from 2.1% to 20.9% (p<0.01), with small changes elsewhere in Australia (1.2% to 2.6%). There were large changes in prompted awareness from 12.9% to 50.7% (p<0.0001), much larger than changes elsewhere (14.1% to 16%, p=0.06). Knowledge of appropriate moderate-intensity activity and physical activity self-efficacy increased significantly and only in the campaign state. Compared to all others, those in the target group who recalled the media message were 2.08 times more likely to increase their activity by at least an hour per week (95% confidence interval = 1.51-2.86). CONCLUSIONS: This integrated campaign positively influenced short-term physical activity message recall, knowledge, and behavior of the target population, compared to the population in the region who were not exposed.

Anterior spread of gynaecological neoplasias: reliability between some diagnostic procedures.

The Authors report their experience regarding the comparison between pre-surgical clinico-instrumental staging and intra-operative staging in 134 patients with gynaecological neoplasias, particularly considering the spread to the lower urinary tract. The analysis of the results shows the moderate reliability of the cystoscopy in routinely evaluating extension of gynaecologic malignant diseases. The association of cytological urinary sediment examination with cystoscopy improves the possibility of a better evaluation. On the contrary, vesical biopsy, performed on the indications of cystoscopy and urinary cytology, and standard excretory urography prove to be insensitive indicators in diagnosing the spread of gynaecological malignancies.

New ultrastructural aspects of the spermatozoon of Aplysia depilans (Gastropoda, Opisthobranchia).

The spermatozoon of the sea hare Aplysia depilans was studied under scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Previous descriptions of this sperm and related species, both from light and electron microscopy, were inconsistent with each other. These descriptions include A. depilans, A. punctata, A. fasciata, A. kurodai and Bursatella leachiplei. Several detailed micrographs provide a new ultrastructural model and reveal new aspects such as the presence of acrosome and the absence of a glycogen piece, therefore the modified dense ring is the terminal structure. Results also show that previous models are incorrect in many aspects. The spermatozoon is a long slender uniflagellated cell with a complex helical structure and a length of approximately 165 microm. Observed in SEM the spermatozoon has an undifferentiated head and tail. The nucleus is cord-shaped and helically intertwined with the axoneme/mitochondrial derivative complex. The mitochondrial derivative has only one glycogen helix. Glycogen presence was demonstrated by Thiéry's method. Typical heterobranchia spermatozoa features are recognised. From bibliographic analysis, a high degree of similarity was found with the sperm of Pleurobranchea maculata (Notaspidea).

[Intravenous glucose tolerance test in severely obese patients. I. Preliminary verification of the method]. / Studio sul IVGTT in soggetti superobesi. Nota I. - Verifica preliminare del metodo.

IVGTT was performed in 16 extra-obese patients in order to evaluate the validity of the test in the functional biochemical study of massive obesity. Various glucose doses were used in order to identify the amount providing a constant glycaemic trend and therefore a reliable KG.

[Relation between intravenous glucose tolerance tests and oral glucose tolerance tests in severely obese patients. II]. / Rapporti tra IVGTT ed OGTT nei soggetti superobesi. Nota II.

OGTT (75 g glucose) and IVGTT (25 g glucose) were compared in 20 extra-obese patients, both glycaemia and insulin levels being calculated. In only 2 out of 7 cases was the glucose intolerance revealed by OGTT confirmed by IGVTT and IVGTT was never able to identify the excessive insulin output revealed by OGTT. It can therefore be confirmed that in the extra-obese even more than in normal patients, IVGTT and OGTT investigate different functions of glucose tolerance and acute insulin output.

[Chronic use of glucomannan in the dietary treatment of severe obesity]. / Impiego cronico del glucomannano nel trattamento dietetico delle obesità severe.

Two groups of 25 severely obese patients underwent 3 months of hypocaloric diet therapy either alone or associated with a glucomannan-based fibrous diet supplement (approx. 4 g/die in 3 doses). The comparative analysis of the results obtained in both groups showed that the diet + glucomannan group had a more significant weight loss in relation to the fatty mass alone, an overall improvement in lipid status and carbohydrate tolerance, and a greater adherence to the diet in the absence of any relevant side effects. Due to the marked ability to satiate patients and the positive metabolic effects, glucomannan diet supplements have been found to be particularly efficacious and well tolerated even in the long-term treatment of severe obesity.

[Fructose versus glucose. The effects on metabolic parameters in patients with "severe obesity"]. / Fruttosio contro glucosio. Effetti su alcuni parametri metabolici in pazienti affetti da "obesità severa".

In 15 subjects affected by "severe" obesity, some functional parameters were measured: glycemia, insulinemia, lacticidemia, uricemia, triglyceridemia, following oral load of fructose (100 gms), and separately, of glucose (100 gms). The analysis of the results obtained revealed a trend significantly different in the two cases in the glycemic and insulinemic profiles, whereas no statistically significant variations were observed with reference to the trend of the other parameters taken into consideration.

Risk factors for complicating infections after cesarean section.

In this study of 906 women who underwent Cesarean Section without the use of an antibiotic prophylactic it has been confirmed that age, labour in course and the premature rupture of the membrane are clinical parameters that are statistically significant for unspecified fever/endometritis or for infections of the wound and that hemoglobin and hematocrit values below 9 gr/dl and at 35% post-operation are significant for infections of the wound. 13.2% women had complicating infections of which 1.3% were infections of the wound, 0.6% were endometritis, 7.2% were unspecified fever and 4.1% were urinary infections. The Authors show that preventive measures in some areas could be as effective as chemoprophylaxis.

[Current world experience in the surgical treatment of gross obesity]. / L'esperienza mondiale attuale nel trattamento chirurgico della grande obesità.

Since 1954 the aim of surgical treatment of severe obesity has been to perfect a specific treatment capable of obtaining a massive, long-lasting and well tolerated loss of weight in severely obese subjects in which different and repeated attempts using conservative medicine have proved inefficacious or non-resolutive. During the course of almost 40 years, bariatric surgery has gradually evolved in the search for the "ideal" surgical treatment: for this purpose, operative methodologies and techniques have been proposed and experimented using differing physiopathological concepts and means of application. After a brief analysis of the history of bariatric surgery, there is a short summary of the most internationally widespread surgical methods and the most recent techniques now used for the surgical treatment of severe obesity based on the Authors' ten year experience of 321 intestinal bypasses (jejuno-ileal and biliointestinal), 110 horizontal gastroplasties and 23 vertical gastroplasties with a silastic ring. Intestinal bypass almost always allows sufficient weight loss to be achieved (85% of operated patients lose 80% of excess body weight) and the various postoperative problems of differing degrees of severity can be prevented by adequate replacement therapy and regular outpatient monitoring. Gastroplasties lead to a slightly smaller loss of weight (73% of excess body weight) within a shorter period of time, with fewer postoperative problems, but at the expense of a drastic and continual reduction in food intake. All patients operated require intense and long-term postoperative follow-up carried out by experts in order to achieve the desired results.

[Horizontal gastroplasty in surgery for morbid obesity: an unjustified condemnation?]. / Gastroplastie horizontale dans la chirurgie de l'obésité morbide: une condamnation injustifiée?

Horizontal gastroplasty has been performed on 100 pathologically obese patients over the last nine years. In our series, the mean age was 39.3 +/- 8.2 years and the mean body weight was 120.8 +/- 19.6 kg. One year after surgery the average weight loss was 29.7 kg which corresponds to a reduction of 24.6% of the preoperative weight (BMI:-24%). After three years, the body weight stabilised, reaching a total weight reduction of 30.5% (BMI:-28.7%), corresponding to 36.8 kg. The incidence of complications directly related to surgery was generally acceptable. The absence of specific malabsorption problems, the low incidence of severe complications and the satisfactory weight loss induced and maintained make, in our opinion, horizontal gastroplasty one of the most suitable and effective interventions in the long-term management of morbid obesity.

[Does jejunoileal bypass still have a place in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity?]. / Y a-t-il encore une place pour le court-circuit jéjuno-iléal dans le traitement chirurgical de l'obésité morbide?

Jejuno-ileal bypass has been widely used for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity since 1954, but from 1978 onwards the operation has met with increasing disfavor, especially in the USA as a result of its unacceptably high complication rate. From 1982 onwards, 235 morbidly obese patients had a side-to-side jejuno-ileal bypass in our Department. Our data concerning weight loss and the overall incidence of complications show that jejuno-ileal bypass can still play a role in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity.

[Videourodynamic findings in the child with enuresis]. / Rilievi videourodinamici nel bambino con enuresi.

Videourodynamic investigation was carried on 62 patients with enuresis (34 females, 28 males). Patients were all grouped in four different clinical types according to the International Continence Society: (Type I) monosymptomatic enuresis nocturnal (24 cases); (Type II) nocturnal and diurnal enuresis without daytime frequency (8 cases); Type III) nocturnal enuresis with daytime frequency (22 cases); (Type IV) nocturnal and diurnal enuresis with daytime frequency and/or urgency (8 cases). In children with monosymptomatic enuresis nocturnal the videourodynamic study revealed, in 85% of cases, a normal bladder; in only 17% of cases was observed a detrusor instability. In patients with Type II enuresis a normal bladder was observed in 6 cases, whereas in two a detrusor instability was present. Among the 22 patients with Type III enuresis, 13 cases (59%) had a detrusor instability, 3 cases (14%) had a vesicosfinteric dyssinergia and 6 (27%) had a normal activity. In this group of patients it was documented in 10 cases a trabeculated bladder together with a vesicoureteral reflux in 4 patients, meatal stenosis and bladder diverticula in other two cases. All patients with Type IV enuresis documented pathological data: detrusor instability in 4 patients, vesico-sfinteric dyssinergia in two and neurogenic non-neurogenic bladder in the other two cases. A severe trabeculated bladder was present in all this cases, with vesico-ureteral reflux in two patient. Maximum cystometric capacity was low in 41 cases (66%), normal in 20 (32%), high in 1 (2%), independently of the types of enuresis.

[Esophagoscopy in pediatric surgery]. / L'esofagoscopia in chirurgia pediatrica.

Esophagoscopy in pediatric surgery represents about 70% of examinations of upper digestive tract. The authors present their experience with pediatric surgical endoscopy. They show the importance of this procedure in pediatric population, which provides clear diagnostic answers and represents a good alternative to traditional surgical procedures.