First Report of Puccinia psidii Caused Rust Disease Epiphytotic on the Invasive Shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa in Florida.

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. (downy-rose myrtle, family: Myrtaceae), of South Asian origin, is an invasive shrub that has formed monotypic stands in Florida (3). During the winter and spring of 2010 through 2012, a rust disease of epiphytotic proportion was observed on young foliage, stem terminals, and immature fruits of this shrub in natural areas of Martin and Lee counties, Florida. Expanding leaves and succulent stems developed chlorotic flecks on the surface that developed into pustules and ruptured to discharge urediniospores. Symptomatic leaves and stems developed severe necrotic spots and resulted in tissue distortion, defoliation, and stem dieback. Based on symptoms and urediniospore morphology and dimensions (17.7 to 26.1 [22.1 ± 0.3] × 14.7 to 21.1 [17.7 ± 0.2] µm; n = 51) (4), the causal agent was identified as Puccinia psidii Winter; teliospores were not observed in samples since it does not produce these spore stages below 20°C ambient temperature (1). This identification was confirmed by a GenBank BLAST of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences (Accession Nos. KC607876 and KC607877) that showed 99% identity with 42 sequences of P. psidii from diverse host species and locations. P. psidii is believed to be of neotropical origin and has a host range of 129 species in 33 genera within Myrtaceae (2). However, P. psidii caused disease of downy-rose myrtle has not been previously reported in Florida, even though severe infections occurred on another invasive tree, Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.F. Blake (3), growing in adjacent areas. In December 2011, urediniospores were collected from downy-rose myrtle, established in aqueous suspension (45,000 spores/ml), and spray inoculated on potted downy-rose myrtle plants (n = 3), which were maintained in 100% ambient humidity, at 20°C, with a 12-h light cycle for 72 h. Plants mock-inoculated with water served as the negative control. Disease symptoms, including chlorotic flecks and raised surfaces, appeared on leaf lamina in 3 to 6 days on P. psidii-inoculated plants, while control plants remained symptomless. Raised surfaces developed into distinct pustules and eventually erupted to discharge urediniospores within 6 to 12 days of inoculation. Tests were repeated once during March and April of 2012 with the same results. The latent and incubation periods reported herein are within the previously reported range for P. psidii (2,4). To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed report of P. psidii epiphytotic on downy-rose myrtle populations in Florida. The recent occurrence of P. psidii epiphytotic on downy-rose myrtle raises critical questions as to why this myrtle rust disease is so severe and widespread on this host after decades of presumed exposure to P. psidii in Florida. Because this rust pathogen has emerged as a major invasive threat to many myrtaceous species around the world, further genotyping and cross-inoculation studies are needed to determine the host specificity and potential origin of the P. psidii isolates derived from downy-rose myrtle (2). References: (1) A. C. Alfenas et al. Australas. Plant Pathol. 32:325, 2003. (2) A. J. Carnegie and J. R. Lidbetter. Australas. Plant Pathol. 41:13, 2012. (3) K. A. Langeland and C. K Burks, eds. Identification and biology of non-native plants in Florida's natural areas. University of Florida, Gainesville, 1998. (4) M. B. Rayachhetry et al. Biol. Contr. 22:38, 2001.

Isolation of Chinese hamster ovary cell lines temperature conditional for the cell-surface expression of integral membrane glycoproteins.

A procedure is described to select mutants of Chinese hamster ovary cells that are conditionally defective for the cell-surface expression of integral membrane glycoproteins, including the hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza virus. Using a combination of cell sorting and biochemical screening, seven cell lines were obtained that express more cell-surface HA at 32 degrees C than at 39 degrees C. The production of infectious vesicular stomatitis virus, whose growth requires insertion of an integral membrane protein into the plasma membrane, was also temperature conditional in the majority of these mutant cell lines. Five of the lines synthesized apparently normally core-glycosylated HA at the elevated temperature but the protein was neither displayed on the cell surface nor accumulated intracellularly. In these cell lines, little or no terminally glycosylated HA molecules were observed after synthesis at 39 degrees C. By contrast, the core glycosylation of HA and several other integral membrane proteins was abnormal in the remaining two cell lines at both permissive and restrictive temperatures, due to a lesion in a cellular gene(s) that affects the formation of and/or the addition of mannose-rich oligosaccharide chains to newly synthesized polypeptides. Although HA was transported to the plasma membrane at both 32 and 39 degrees C, it did not accumulate on the cell surface at the higher temperature, apparently because of an increased rate of degradation.

PTEN, a putative protein tyrosine phosphatase gene mutated in human brain, breast, and prostate cancer.

Mapping of homozygous deletions on human chromosome 10q23 has led to the isolation of a candidate tumor suppressor gene, PTEN, that appears to be mutated at considerable frequency in human cancers. In preliminary screens, mutations of PTEN were detected in 31% (13/42) of glioblastoma cell lines and xenografts, 100% (4/4) of prostate cancer cell lines, 6% (4/65) of breast cancer cell lines and xenografts, and 17% (3/18) of primary glioblastomas. The predicted PTEN product has a protein tyrosine phosphatase domain and extensive homology to tensin, a protein that interacts with actin filaments at focal adhesions. These homologies suggest that PTEN may suppress tumor cell growth by antagonizing protein tyrosine kinases and may regulate tumor cell invasion and metastasis through interactions at focal adhesions.

byr2, a Schizosaccharomyces pombe gene encoding a protein kinase capable of partial suppression of the ras1 mutant phenotype.

Schizosaccharomyces pombe contains a single gene, ras1, which is a homolog of the mammalian RAS genes. ras1 is required for conjugation, sporulation, and normal cell shape. ras1 has been previously identified as ste5. We report here a gene we call byr2 that can encode a predicted protein kinase and can partially suppress defects in ras1 mutants. ras1 mutant strains expressing high levels of byr2 can sporulate competently but are still defective in conjugation and abnormally round. byr2 mutants are viable and have normal shape but are absolutely defective in conjugation and sporulation. byr2 is probably identical to ste8. In many respects, byr2 resembles the byr1 gene, another suppressor of the ras1 mutation, which has been identified previously as ste1. Our data indicate that if ras1, byr2, and byr1 act along the same pathway, then the site of action for byr2 is between the sites for ras1 and byr1.

Purification of a RAS-responsive adenylyl cyclase complex from Saccharomyces cerevisiae by use of an epitope addition method.

We developed a method for immunoaffinity purification of Saccharomyces cerevisiae adenylyl cyclase based on creating a fusion with a small peptide epitope. Using oligonucleotide technology to encode the peptide epitope we constructed a plasmid that expressed the fusion protein from the S. cerevisiae alcohol dehydrogenase promoter ADH1. A monoclonal antibody previously raised against the peptide was used to purify adenylyl cyclase by affinity chromatography. The purified enzyme appeared to be a multisubunit complex consisting of the 200-kilodalton adenylyl cyclase fusion protein and an unidentified 70-kilodalton protein. The purified protein could be activated by RAS proteins. Activation had an absolute requirement for a guanine nucleoside triphosphate.

A family of human phosphodiesterases homologous to the dunce learning and memory gene product of Drosophila melanogaster are potential targets for antidepressant drugs.

We have isolated cDNAs for four human genes (DPDE1 through DPDE4) closely related to the dnc learning and memory locus of Drosophila melanogaster. The deduced amino acid sequences of the Drosophila and human proteins have considerable homology, extending beyond the putative catalytic region to include two novel, highly conserved, upstream conserved regions (UCR1 and UCR2). The upstream conserved regions are located in the amino-terminal regions of the proteins and appear to be unique to these genes. Polymerase chain reaction analysis suggested that these genes encoded the only homologs of dnc in the human genome. Three of the four genes were expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and shown to encode cyclic AMP-specific phosphodiesterases. The products of the expressed genes displayed the pattern of sensitivity to inhibitors expected for members of the type IV, cyclic AMP-specific class of phosphodiesterases. Each of the four genes demonstrated a distinctive pattern of expression in RNA from human cell lines.

Genetic and biochemical analysis of the adenylyl cyclase-associated protein, cap, in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

We have identified, cloned, and studied a gene, cap, encoding a protein that is associated with adenylyl cyclase in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This protein shares significant sequence homology with the adenylyl cyclase-associated CAP protein in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. CAP is a bifunctional protein; the N-terminal domain appears to be involved in cellular responsiveness to RAS, whereas loss of the C-terminal portion is associated with morphological and nutritional defects. S. pombe cap can suppress phenotypes associated with deletion of the C-terminal CAP domain in S. cerevisiae but does not suppress phenotypes associated with deletion of the N-terminal domain. Analysis of cap disruptants also mapped the function of cap to two domains. The functional loss of the C-terminal region of S. pombe cap results in abnormal cellular morphology, slow growth, and failure to grow at 37 degrees C. Increases in mating and sporulation were observed when the entire gene was disrupted. Overproduction of both cap and adenylyl cyclase results in highly elongated large cells that are sterile and have measurably higher levels of adenylyl cyclase activity. Our results indicate that cap is required for the proper function of S. pombe adenylyl cyclase but that the C-terminal domain of cap has other functions that are shared with the C-terminal domain of S. cerevisiae CAP.

A gene encoding a protein with seven zinc finger domains acts on the sexual differentiation pathways of Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

Byr3 was selected as a multicopy suppressor of the sporulation defects of diploid Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells that lack ras1. Like cells mutant at byr1 and byr2, two genes that encode putative protein kinases and that in multiple copies are also suppressors of the sporulation defects of ras1 null diploid cells, cells mutant at byr3 are viable but defective in conjugation. Nucleic acid sequence indicates byr3 has the capacity to encode a protein with seven zinc finger binding domains, similar in structure to the cellular nucleic acid binding protein (CNBP), a human protein that was identified on the basis of its ability to bind DNA. Expression of CNBP in yeast can partially suppress conjugation defects of cells lacking byr3.

A Peanut Nodule Lectin in Infected Cells and in Vacuoles and the Extracellular Matrix of Nodule Parenchyma.

Root nodules on peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) accumulate a galactose/lactose-binding lectin that is similar, but not identical, to the major seed lectin in peanut. The function of the peanut nodule lectin (PNL) is not known. In the current study, we have investigated the location of lectin in the nodule using immunogold labeling and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISA). Lectin was most abundant in the nodule parenchyma, where it accumulated in vacuoles, suggesting a possible role as a vegetative storage protein. Lectin was also detected in the extracellular matrix in the nodule parenchyma, a location that corresponds to the tissue layer forming a barrier to oxygen diffusion. The potential for interactions between PNL and other cell wall components, including a previously described high-molecular weight glycoprotein that co-localizes with PNL, is discussed. Within infected cells, lectin was not detectable by immunogold labeling within the cytoplasm, but light labeling was suggestive of lectin localization within the symbiosome lumen. Analysis of fractionated symbiosomes by the more sensitive ELISA technique confirmed that lectin was present within the symbiosome, but was not bound to bacteroids. Our results indicate that PNL probably plays several roles in this nitrogen-fixing symbiosis.

Bone density determinants in elderly women: a twin study.

This cross-sectional twin study examined the influence of constitutional, lifestyle, and genetic factors on bone mineral density (BMD) in elderly women. BMD, at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, Ward's triangle, total hip, and total forearm, total body bone mineral content (BMC), and lean mass and fat mass were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in 69 volunteer female twin pairs (37 monozygotic [MZ], 32 dizygotic [DZ]) aged 60-89 years. Height and weight were measured. Medical history and lifetime tobacco and alcohol use were determined by questionnaire. In terms of within-pair differences, lean mass was independently associated with BMD at all sites. In contrast, fat mass was not associated with BMD at any site once allowance had been made for lean mass. Lifetime tobacco use was independently associated with BMD at the lumbar spine, total hip, and forearm. Total body BMC was independently predicted by lean mass, fat mass, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. Age and the above independently predictive body composition and lifestyle factors accounted for 20-33% of variation in BMD. After allowing for these covariates, MZ and DZ correlations were consistent with about 75% of residual variation in BMD at the nonforearm sites being determined by genetic factors. For total body BMC, the covariates explained 75% of total variation, and genetic factors 76% of the residual variation. Therefore, at the proximal femur and lumbar spine, after taking into account the relation of BMD with lean mass and smoking, genetic factors appear to play a substantial role in explaining variation in BMD in elderly women.

Differential CNS expression of alternative mRNA isoforms of the mammalian genes encoding cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases.

To study alternative splicing and tissue-specific expression of the mammalian genes encoding type-IV cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases, which are homologs of the dnc learning and memory gene of Drosophila melanogaster, we cloned seven cDNAs from four rat loci (PDE1, PDE2, PDE3 and PDE4) homologous to dnc. The deduced amino-acid sequences of the proteins encoded by the rat loci were shown to have a 1:1 correspondence with those encoded by the four human dnc homologs. The proteins encoded by at least one cDNA from each of the four rat loci contained novel N-terminal upstream conserved regions (UCR1 and UCR2), described previously in proteins encoded by the human dnc homologs and by dnc. cDNAs from three of the rat loci (PDE2, PDE3 and PDE4) had a structure consistent with alternative splicing of the 5' coding regions of their respective mRNAs. UCR1, and in one case a portion of UCR2, were absent in one of the alternatively spliced transcripts from these three loci. RNase protection analysis showed that the rat PDE3 and PDE4 loci were each expressed at relatively constant levels in multiple regions of the brain, while PDE2 transcripts were more abundant in temporal cortex and brainstem. One of the alternatively spliced mRNAs from the PDE4 locus was relatively more abundant in temporal cortex and cerebellum. One alternatively spliced transcript from the PDE3 locus was expressed more abundantly in parietal cortex. Both of the alternatively spliced transcripts from the human DPDE4 locus (the homolog of rat PDE4) were expressed in temporal cortex.

Increased interleukin 2 receptor expression in post-gestational women: relationship to impaired glucose tolerance and islet cell antibodies in pregnancy.

Fifteen women with positive islet cell antibodies were identified in a group of 115 consecutive patients found to have impaired glucose tolerance in pregnancy. These subjects were postulated to be at increased risk of later developing type 1 diabetes mellitus. They were examined post--partum for HLA types known to be associated with this disease and for any increase in Interleukin 2 receptor expression or alteration of T cell subsets of possible relevance to its pathogenesis. Fifteen women negative for islet antibodies and with normal glucose tolerance during previous pregnancy and 15 women with a normal fasting plasma glucose who had never been pregnant were studied as controls. Using flow cytometric techniques a significant increase in both the number and proportion of activated (Interleukin 2 receptor, CD25) lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of women who had islet cell antibodies and previous impaired glucose tolerance in pregnancy was found (0.14 +/- SE 0.03 x 10(9)/l; 7.1 +/- 1.1%) when compared with normal parous controls (0.09 +/- 0.01 x 10(9)/l; 4.2 +/- 0.6%), p less than 0.01 x 10(9)/l; showed significant increases when compared with nulliparous controls (0.04 +/- 0.01 x 10(9)/l; 2.1 +/- 0.2%), p less than 0.01. No differences were detected between the three groups with respect to total T-lymphocytes (CD3), helper T-lymphocytes (CD4), suppressor cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD8), or the inducer of suppressor (Leu 3+/Leu 8+) subset of T-lymphocytes. Three women persistently islet cell antibody positive, two of whom were HLA DR4, showed impaired glucose tolerance at the time of lymphocyte subset analysis, while two further patients, one DR3 and the other DR4, had developed type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes. No correlation between increased Interleukin 2 receptor expression and glucose intolerance was demonstrated. We conclude that islet cell antibody positive women with impaired glucose tolerance during pregnancy are at increased risk of later developing type 1 diabetes but that heightened immune activation present in these women is in part a post-pregnancy phenomenon.

Depth of penetration of the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser in the human prostate at various dosimetry.

OBJECTIVE: To determine depth of thermal penetration by the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser at various dosimetry in the human prostate and to compare results of two techniques of laser application, single spot versus whole tissue photoirradiation. METHODS: Twelve men with Stage T2 (B) cancer of the prostate consented to laser prostatectomy immediately prior to a planned radical prostatectomy. In the first 3 patients (group I) the prostate was treated with the Nd:YAG laser in one spot area of each lobe. The next 9 patients underwent photoirradiation of all endoscopically visible tissues on one side of the prostate at different dosimetries: 60 W at sixty seconds (group II), 50 W at sixty seconds (group III), and 40 W at ninety seconds (group IV). Depth of laser penetration was measured from both histologic and gross evaluations of removed specimens within twenty-four hours. RESULTS: Thermal necrosis in group I showed an inconsistent depth of penetration even with the same amount of laser energy. Groups II, III, and IV all demonstrated clearly demarcated areas of thermal necrosis. Group II showed the greatest depth of laser effect among all groups, with a mean depth of 1.75 cm. No laser effect is detected near the true capsule of the prostate on any specimen. CONCLUSIONS: High dosage laser energy application at 60 W and sixty seconds of pulse duration with the whole tissue treatment provide the greatest depth of penetration in the human prostate while maintaining safety for the capsular area.

Characterization of a hormone response element in the mouse N-acetyltransferase 2 (Nat2*) promoter.

Multiple variant alleles of the human arylamine N-acetyltransferase genes, NAT1* and NAT2*, alter the capacity of individuals to metabolize arylamines by N-acetylation. Although biochemical and genetic studies have improved our understanding of the molecular basis of the acetylation polymorphism in humans and other mammals, regulation of NAT* gene expression is not understood. In the present study, a segment of the 5'-untranslated region of mouse Nat2* was sequenced and characterized. Primer extension analysis and RNase protection assays exposed multiple transcription initiation sites located 112 to 151 bases upstream of the translational start site. Computer sequence analysis revealed a promoter-like region located within the region 530 bases upstream of the translational start site consisting of TATA boxes, upstream promoter elements such as a CAAT box and Sp1 binding site, regulatory elements such as a palindromic hormone response element (HRE), and enhancer regions such as an AP-1 transcription factor binding site. Transient expression of CAT reporter constructs of the mouse Nat2*-palindromic HRE demonstrated positive regulation of the HSV-thymidine kinase 1 (tk1) promoter and induced the expression of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). This induction was initiated by the addition of hormones such as 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or dexamethasone and was entirely dependent on the presence of androgen or glucocorticoid receptors, respectively. Together with recent discoveries regarding the effects of testosterone on the expression of Nat2* in mouse kidney during development, the findings reported in this article suggest that the HRE found in the promoter region of Nat2* is a potential candidate for the mediation of androgenic regulation of Nat2* in mouse kidney.

Quality of life in patients awaiting lung transplant: cystic fibrosis versus other end-stage lung diseases.

The symptoms associated with chronic lung disease can impair quality of life and psychosocial functioning. The purpose of the present study was to provide a thorough baseline assessment of quality of life in patients with end-stage lung disease and being evaluated for transplant; and to assess potential differences in quality of life between patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and those with other types of end-stage lung disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)). We evaluated 58 patients with CF and 52 patients with other types of end-stage lung disease who were recruited for this study during an assessment of their candidacy for lung transplant. Subjects completed a battery of questionnaires that assessed demographic factors (including work and educational status), the presence of psychological distress (anxiety and depression), availability of social support, coping styles, and physical functioning. Despite significant impairment in physical functioning in the areas of recreation, household activities, sleep, and ambulation, other indices of life quality suggested good adaptation in the majority of patients. Also, quality of life differed for patients with CF and for those with other types of end-stage lung disease. Patients with CF were more likely to be working, had lower levels of anxiety and higher levels of social support, and used more functional coping strategies than did patients with other end-stage lung disease. These results highlight the fact that patients with different types of lung disease may require different psychosocial services as they await transplant. These findings also raise the question of whether there is a difference in quality of life after transplant between patients with CF and those with other types of lung disease.

Use of residual volume as a marker for enteral feeding intolerance: prospective blinded comparison with physical examination and radiographic findings.

High gastric residual volumes (RVs) are a frequent cause for cessation of total enteral nutrition (TEN). This study was designed to determine the RV that indicates intolerance or inadequate gastric emptying and to compare the RV findings in a blinded fashion with those findings obtained on physical examination and radiography. Twenty healthy normal volunteers (HNV), 8 stable patients with gastrostomy tubes (GTP), and 10 critically ill patients (CIP) were evaluated prospectively for 8 hours while receiving TEN. No subjects were clearly intolerant (ie, vomiting, aspiration). Of the total RVs recorded, 13.1% were greater than or equal to 150 mL in the CIP group, whereas only 2.4% of the RVs were greater than or equal to 150 mL in the HNV group. None of the RVs in the GTP group were greater than or equal to 150 mL. Objective scores on physical examination failed to correlate with RV (p = .397), as did objective scores on radiography (p = .742). However, objective scores on physical examination were significantly related to scores on radiography (p = .016). Abnormal physical examination findings were found in 4 out of 11 patients (GTP + CIP) with RVs less than 100 mL and in 6 out of 7 with RVs greater than or equal to 100 mL. Abnormal radiographic results were found in 6 out of 11 patients with RVs less than 100 mL, in 7 out of 7 patients with RVs greater than or equal to 100 mL, and in 4 out of 20 HNVs. There was no difference in RVs obtained from the supine or right lateral decubitus positions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Facial bone augmentation using Bioglass in dogs.

In the quest for a material other than autograft and homograft bone for use in facial augmentation and replacement, materials scientists have developed numerous inert materials, some of which have a porous structure allowing scar tissue ingrowth to aid in stabilization of the implant. This study investigates a bioactive, nonporous, transparent glass (Bioglass) in a dog model for use in facial bone augmentation. In 18 dogs studied in three groups at 1, 3, and 6 months, Bioglass implants developed a bond to bone or soft tissue in 54 of 72 instances (75% of the time). Poor bonding of mobile chin implants and the loss of three implants due to infection accounted for all but three of the 18 failures. Histologic evaluation revealed no untoward tissue response. Because of the tissue bonding ability and amenability to contouring with a diamond bur at the time of surgery, Bioglass is promising as a graft material for facial bone augmentation.

Reduction of infectious complications and costs using temporary subcutaneous implantation of PD catheters.

A limited number of authors have demonstrated that temporary subcutaneous implantation of peritoneal dialysis catheters ("Moncrief") reduces infectious complications and increases catheter life expectancy. Two operations are required to use the Moncrief catheter as compared to only one operation when peritoneal dialysis catheters are exteriorized for immediate use ("Updike"). The questions arise, then, are these findings reproducible and which catheter is the most cost-effective? In an effort to support these premises, a retrospective review of 195 patients who received peritoneal dialysis catheters from 1991 to 1995 was undertaken. Demographics, complications, life expectancy analysis, and costs were compared between Moncrief and Updike catheters. There were no significant differences between the groups, and comparisons revealed a clinically evident and statistically significant decrease in the incidence of infections with Moncrief catheters. At both one- and two-year follow-up, Moncrief catheters demonstrated a significant increase in longevity as compared to the Updike catheters. Cost comparisons between the catheter systems revealed that if patients were not undergoing immediate dialysis, placement of a Moncrief catheter was more cost-effective. Conversely, if the patient was currently undergoing dialysis, placement of an Updike catheter was more cost-effective. However, sensitivity analysis revealed that shorter exteriorization times would make the Moncrief catheter the more cost-effective choice in this patient population. In conclusion, temporary subcutaneous implantation of peritoneal dialysis catheters significantly decreases the incidence of infectious complications, increases catheter life expectancy, and is the cost-effective choice for patients who will undergo peritoneal dialysis.

Gastric ulceration associated with larval nematodes (Anisakis sp. type I) in pen reared green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Torres Strait.

During turtle farming operations in Torres Strait, green turtles (Chelonia mydas) penned on Murray Island became infected with a larval nematode (Anisakis sp. Type I). The larvae were found associated with haemorrhagic ulcers in the pyloroduodenal junction of the alimentary tract. The apparent source of infection was a locally abundant sardine (Harengula ovalis), on which the Murray Island turtles were fed. Turtles held on other islands in the region were not fed sardines and remained uninfected. Recommendations were made to prevent further infection.

Prevalence of hypocalcemia and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase in patients receiving chronic anticonvulsant therapy.

Residents of an institution for the developmentally disabled in northwest Ohio receiving anticonvulsant therapy for six months or more with phenobarbital or phenytoin or both were studied for the prevalence of hypocalcemia and elevated alkaline phosphatase level. Fifty-six residents were identified. Sixteen (29 percent) were hypocalcemic. Fifteen (27 percent) had elevated serum alkaline phosphatase levels. Twenty-three residents received vitamin D supplementation (400 IU/d) in addition to a normal dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D. The mean serum calcium level was identical (8.65 mg/dL) for those receiving and not receiving additional vitamin D. This study corroborates the findings of prior studies suggesting an association between anticonvulsant usage and mineral and bone abnormalities. The causal nature of this association, its clinical significance, and its management require further investigation.