Physiological and biochemical attributes of Mentha spicata when subjected to saline conditions and cation foliar application.

Marginal water, including saline water, has been proposed as an alternative source of irrigation water for partially covering plant water requirements due to scarcity of adequate water supply in hot arid and semi-arid areas, such as those usually found in the Mediterranean basin. In the present study, spearmint plants (Mentha spicata L.) were grown in a deep flow hydroponic system under saline conditions, namely 0, 25, 50, and 100 mM NaCl. Moreover, foliar application of specific cations (K, Zn, Si) was tested as a means for alleviation of salinity stress under a plant physiological and biochemical approach. The results indicated that the highest salinity level of 100 mM NaCl severely affected plant growth, photosynthetic rates, leaf stomatal conductance, content of total phenolics and antioxidant status, while low to moderate salinity levels (25-50 mM NaCl) did not significantly affect plant growth and biochemical functions. In addition, leaf potassium and calcium accumulation decreased in saline-treated plants. Cations foliar application had small to no effect on plant growth, although it increased antioxidant activity and detoxified oxidative stress products/effects, through the increased enzymatic activities and proline accumulation. The present results have demonstrated that spearmint could be considered as a salinity tolerant species which is able to grow successfully under moderate salinity levels, while cation enrichment through foliar sprays was proved as a useful means to alleviate the stress effects caused by high salinity.

Update on lymphogranuloma venereum in the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVES: This report updates the UK epidemiology of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) to the end of April 2007. METHODS: The Health Protection Agency's Centre for Infections undertakes laboratory testing for LGV and subsequent epidemiological investigation of cases after laboratory confirmation of the LGV serovars (L1-3). Data analysis of enhanced surveillance and laboratory reports was undertaken. RESULTS: From October 2004 to end April 2007, 492 cases of LGV have been diagnosed and enhanced surveillance forms have been returned for 423. Cases peaked in the third quarter of 2005 with an average of 32 cases per month, while in 2006 this fell to 12 cases per month. Nationally, the outbreak is focused in London, Brighton and the North West. All cases are in men, 99% of whom are MSM, with a median age of 40 and predominantly white ethnicity (91%). Co-infection remains considerable: HIV (74%); hepatitis C (14%); syphilis (5%); and other STIs including gonorrhoea, genital herpes and hepatitis B. The number of men reporting greater than 10 sexual contacts in the previous 3 months has reduced from 23% (47) to 13% (15) from 2005-2006. DISCUSSION: The epidemic continues in the mostly white MSM population of the UK. The demographics of LGV remain similar to those previously described and high levels of HIV co-infection continue. Reduced numbers of sexual contacts might be contributing to the reduced numbers of LGV seen in 2006 but could simply mean that LGV is moving out of the highest risk groups.

The re-emergence of syphilis in the United Kingdom: the new epidemic phases.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize the resurgence of infectious syphilis in the United Kingdom between 1997 and 2003. STUDY: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of routine surveillance data from genitourinary medicine clinics and data collected through enhanced surveillance. RESULTS: Between 1997 and 2002, diagnoses of primary, secondary, and early latent syphilis made at genitourinary medicine clinics increased by 213% in heterosexual males, 1412% in men who have sex with men (MSM), and 22% in females. These increases have been driven by a series of outbreaks, the largest of which were seen in Manchester (528) and London (1222) up to the end of October 2003. All the outbreaks have been geographically localized and the majority of cases occurred in MSM. A high percentage of concurrent HIV infection was reported, and oral sex was often reported as a route of transmission. CONCLUSIONS: Syphilis has re-emerged in response to behavior change, probably driven by changes in the HIV epidemic. The future course of the epidemic is difficult to predict and control remains elusive.