Prevalence and characteristics of osseous bridging between vertebral bodies in the cervical spine: A skeletal study.

Osseous bridging (OB) in three or more segments of motions (SOMs) of the mobile spine was initially defined as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), located particularly in the thoracic spine (T-spine). This pathological phenomenon is often characterized by calcification and ossification, which take place simultaneously or separately. The soft tissues, mainly ligaments and entheses, are calcified, with bone formation not originating from the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL). DISH formation can involve osteophytes, which are created by the ossification process and can involve soft tissue such as the ALL. The ALL can also be calcified. Until recently, the prevalence of DISH in the general population was considered low (0%-5%) and rare in the cervical spine (C-spine). In a cross-sectional observational skeletal study, we investigated the prevalence and location of C-spine OB between vertebral bodies with fewer than three SOMs. We tested a large sample (n = 2779) of C-spines housed in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (Ohio, USA). The human sources of the samples had died between the years 1912 and 1938 and represented both sexes and two different ethnic groups: Black Americans and White Americans. The process development can be seen on the ALLs as calcification, osteophytosis, and candle-shaped. Among all of the specimens, 139 (5%) were affected by OB, mostly in one SOM. Prevalence tended to be higher in women, White Americans, and the older age group. The levels most affected were C3-C4, followed by C2-C3 and subsequently, C5-C6. OB involving two consecutive SOMs was found only at C5-C7. We believe it is important to respond to the presence of a single SOM with a presumptive diagnosis of OB and to follow up, identify whether the diagnosis is correct, and take preventive action if possible. There is a need for updated diagnostic criteria and research approaches that reflect contemporary lifestyle factors and their impact on spine health.

Capturing the cervical spine shape: Angular measurements versus geometric morphometric methods.

The cervical spine manifests a wide shape variation. However, the traditional methods to evaluate the cervical spine curve were never tested against its actual shape. The study's main aim was to determine whether the shape classification of the cervical spine, based on traditional angular measurements, coincides with each other and with the shape captured by the 2D landmark-based geometric morphometric method. The study's second aim was to reveal the associations between the cervical spine shape and the demographic parameters, the head's position, and the spine's sagittal balance. CT scans of the cervical spine of 163 individuals were evaluated to achieve these goals. The shape was assessed by measuring the C2-C7 Cobb angle (CA), the C2-C7 posterior tangent angle (PTA), the curvedness of the arch, and by a 2D landmark-based geometric morphometric method. The position of the head and the sagittal balance of the spine were evaluated by measuring the foramen magnum-C2 Cobb angle (FMCA) and the T1 slope angle (T1SA), respectively. Based on the size of the angle measured, each individual was classified into one of the three cervical 'shape groups' (lordotic, straight, and kyphotic). We found that cervical lordosis was the dominant shape regardless of the measuring methods utilized (46.6%-54.6%), followed by straight neck (28.2%-30.1%), and kyphosis (15.3%-25.2%); however, about a third of the 163 individuals were classified into a different shape group using the CA and PTA methods. The cervical spine angle was sex-independent and age-dependent. The T1SA was significantly correlated with CA and PTA (r = 0.640 and r = 0.585, respectively; p < 0.001). In conclusion, the cervical spine shape evaluation is method-dependent and varies with age.

A guide to the use of bioassays in exploration of natural resources.

Bioassays are the main tool to decipher bioactivities from natural resources thus their selection and quality are critical for optimal bioprospecting. They are used both in the early stages of compounds isolation/purification/identification, and in later stages to evaluate their safety and efficacy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the most common bioassays used in the discovery and development of new bioactive compounds with a focus on marine bioresources. We present a comprehensive list of practical considerations for selecting appropriate bioassays and discuss in detail the bioassays typically used to explore antimicrobial, antibiofilm, cytotoxic, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-ageing potential. The concept of quality control and bioassay validation are introduced, followed by safety considerations, which are critical to advancing bioactive compounds to a higher stage of development. We conclude by providing an application-oriented view focused on the development of pharmaceuticals, food supplements, and cosmetics, the industrial pipelines where currently known marine natural products hold most potential. We highlight the importance of gaining reliable bioassay results, as these serve as a starting point for application-based development and further testing, as well as for consideration by regulatory authorities.

Physical and psychosocial work demands associated with pain and disability among skilled male Arab waiters.

BACKGROUND: Physical and psychosocial demands (e.g., serving, cleaning, fulfilling orders) can lead to work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP). OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of WRMSP in the upper quadrant and lower back among skilled male Arab waiters; to evaluate the disability related to WRMSP; to evaluate the association between work demands and WRMSP with related disability. METHODS: 100 skilled male Arab waiters working full-time, aged 18-60, participated in the cross-sectional study. Participants completed basic demographics and working conditions; the NDI; QuickDASH; the OswestryQ; workload, burnout, and job satisfaction at work; the adjusted NordicQ; and the TaskQ, compiled especially for this study. RESULTS: A 12-month pain prevalence, pain frequency, and work avoidance were high: neck- 42%, 60.5%, 89.5%; shoulders -53%, 78.2%, 94.4%; elbows- 46%, 78.6%, 83.3%; lower back- 45%, 44%, 78.7%, respectively. Pain prevalence in at least one site was 83%. The OswestryQ, QuickDASH, and NDI revealed mild-moderate pain and disability (14.85/50, 25.54/75, 13.74/50, respectively). Burnout score was positively associated with OswestryQ, QuickDASH, and NDI. Job satisfaction was negatively associated with 12 months of pain in the lower back, hands, arms, shoulders, and hands (NordicQ). TaskQ was positively associated with OswestryQ. CONCLUSION: Male Arab waiters who work in physically and psychologically challenging conditions report high levels of WRMSP with a high frequency and related work avoidance. Many of them must keep their jobs as they are their families' primary or sole providers. It is possible that they are trying to prevent more severe disabilities in the future by ensuring temporary rest and pain prevention.

Kocuria flava, a Bacterial Endophyte of the Marine Macroalga Bryopsis plumosa, Emits 8-Nonenoic Acid Which Inhibits the Aquaculture Pathogen Saprolegnia parasitica.

Secondary metabolites-organic compounds that are often bioactive-produced by endophytes, among others, provide a selective advantage by increasing the organism's survivability. Secondary metabolites mediate the symbiotic relationship between endophytes and their host, potentially providing the host with tolerance to, and protection against biotic and abiotic stressors. Secondary metabolites can be secreted as a dissolved substance or emitted as a volatile. In a previous study, we isolated bioactive endophytes from several macroalgae and tested them in vitro for their ability to inhibit major disease-causing pathogens of aquatic animals in the aquaculture industry. One endophyte (isolate Abp5, K. flava) inhibited and killed, in vitro, the pathogen Saprolegnia parasitica, an oomycete that causes saprolegniasis-a disease affecting a wide range of aquatic animals. Here, using analytical chemistry tools, we found that Abp5 produces the volatile organic compound (VOC) 8-nonenoic acid. Once we confirmed the production of this compound by the endophyte, we tested the compound's ability to treat S. parasitica in in vitro and in vivo bioassays. In the latter, we found that 5 mg/L of the compound improves the survival of larvae challenged with S. parasitica by 54.5%. Our isolation and characterization of the VOC emitted by the endophytic K. flava establish the groundwork for future studies of endophytic biocontrol agents from macroalgae. Use of this compound could enable managing oomycete agricultural pathogens in general, and S. parasitica in particular, a major causal agent in aquaculture diseases.

Twenty Intracranial Skull Base Variations in the Same Specimen.

Anatomists and clinicians often encounter single bony anatomical variations in dry skulls and on imaging. However, a constellation of 20 such variants some that, to our knowledge, have not been previously described is noteworthy. Here, we describe an adult skull with multiple bony variations, and these are detailed and discussed. These included clival canals, an interclinoid bar with resultant foramen at the uppermost aspect of the clivus, middle clinoid process, posterior petroclinoid ligament, pterygoalar plate, septated hypoglossal canal, foramen through the anterior clinoid process, septated foramen ovale, shortened superior orbital fissure, and crista muscularis. Knowledge of individual differences in the structure of the skull may be of use to both anatomists and clinicians in the treatment of intracranial procedures as well as cranial imaging studies. Taken together, such a unique specimen is of archival value.

"Star like" disease of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) fruit caused by Botrytis cinerea in Israel.

During May 2016, a corky textured, "star like" symptom, located at the apex on the far side of the fruit was observed on young persimmon fruitlets (Fig. 1), on several persimmon varieties in plantations located along the Mediterranean Sea coast. The lesions caused cosmetic damage, which disqualified the fruit from marketing and can affect as much as 50% of the fruit in the orchard. Symptoms were correlated with the presence of wilting flower parts (petals and stamens) attached to the fruitlet (Fig. 1). Fruitlets with no flower parts attached did not develop the corky star symptom, while almost all fruitlets with an attached wilted flower parts had symptoms underneath the flower parts. Flower parts and fruitlets displaying the phenomenon were sampled (orchard near the town of Zichron Yaccov) and used for fungi isolation. At least ten fruitlets were surface sterilized by immersion in 1% NaOCl for 1 min. Pieces of the infected tissue were then placed on 0.25% potato dextrose agar (PDA) supplemented with 12 µg/mL tetracycline (Sigma, Rehovot, Israel). In addition, the inner parts of at least ten moldy flowers were placed on 0.25% PDA supplemented with tetracycline and incubated at 25°C for 7 days. Two fungi were isolated from the flower parts and the symptomatic fruitlets: Alternaria sp. and Botrytis sp. Koch postulates were conducted by inoculating 10 µl of conidial suspension of each fungus (105 conidia/ml in H2O, single spore originated), on four wounds, made by puncturing a 2 mm deep hole with 21G sterile syringe needle, on the apex of surface sterilized, small, green fruits. Fruits were placed in sealed 2-liter plastic boxes. Symptoms similar to those found on the fruitlets in the orchards were observed on the fruit inoculated with Botrytis sp. (corky like, but not in the shape of stars) about 14 days post inoculation. Botrytis sp. was re-isolated from the symptomatic fruit to fulfill Koch's postulates. Alternaria and water inoculation did not cause any symptoms. The Botrytis sp. colonies, when grown on PDA, grow initially as white colonies becoming gray to brown after about seven days. Elliptical conidia, 8 to 12 µm long and 6 to 10 µm wide, were observed under light microscope. Isolate Pers-1, incubated at 21°C for 21 days, produced blackish, spherical to irregular microsclerotia, ranging from 0.55 to 4 mm (width and length, respectively). For molecular characterization of the Botrytis sp. isolate, Pers-1, fungal genomic DNA was extracted as previously described by Freeman et al. (2013). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence region of rDNA was amplified using ITS1/ITS4 primers (White et al. 1990), and sequenced. ITS analysis revealed that it belongs to genus Botrytis (MT573470.1 with 99.80% identity). For further confirmation, nuclear protein-coding genes (RPB2 and BT-1, Malkuset et al. 2006 and Glass et al. 1995) were sequenced and found to have 99.87% and 99.80% identity to Botrytis cinerea Pers. Sequences, deposited in GenBank as accessions OQ286390, OQ587946 and OQ409867, respectively. Botrytis was previously reported to cause persimmon fruit scarring and damage of calyces (Rheinländer et al. 2013) and fruit rot during post-harvest (Barkai-Golan. 2001), yet to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. cinerea causing "star like" corky symptoms on persimmon in Israel.

Morphologic aspects of the cervical (C3-C7) annular epiphysis: a skeletal study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The annular epiphysis (AE) is a peripheral ring of cortical bone that forms a secondary ossification center in the superior and inferior surfaces of vertebral bodies (VBs). The AE is the last ossification site in the skeleton, typically forming at about the 25th year of life. The AE functions jointly with vertebral endplates to anchor the intervertebral discs to the VBs. PURPOSE: To establish accurate data on the sizes of the AE of the cervical spine (C3-C7); to compare the ratios between areas and the ratios of the AE to VBs; to compare the ratios between the superior and inferior VB surface areas; and to compare AE lengths between the posterior and anterior midsagittal areas. STUDY DESIGN: Measurement of 424 cervical spines (C3-C7) obtained from the skeletal collection of the Natural History Museum, Cleveland, Ohio (USA). METHODS: The sample was characterized by sex, age, and ethnic origin. The following measurements were recorded for each vertebra: (1) the surface area of the VBs and the AE, (2) the midsagittal anterior and posterior length of the AE, (3) the ratios between the AE and VB surface areas, and (4) the ratios between the superior and inferior disc surface areas. RESULTS: The study revealed that the AE and VBs in men were larger than in women. With age, the AE and VBs became larger; the ratio between the AE and VB surface was approximately 0.5 throughout the middle to lower cervical spine. The ratio of superior to inferior VBs was approximately 0.8. We found no differences between African Americans versus European Americans or between the anterior versus the posterior midsagittal length of the AE of the superior and inferior VBs. CONCLUSIONS: The ratios between the superior and inferior VBs are ≥0.8, and the ratio is the same for the entire middle to lower spine. Thus, the ratio between the superior and inferior VBs to the AE is ≥ 0.5. Men had larger AEs and VBs than women did, with both VBs and AEs becoming larger with age. Knowing these relationships are important so that orthopedic surgeons can best correct these issues in young patients (<25 years old) during spine surgery. The data reported here provide, for the first time, all the relevant sizes of the AE and VB. In future studies, AEs and VBs of living patients can be measured with computed tomography. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The ER location and function are clinically significant showing any changes during life that might lead to clinical issues related to intervertebral discs such as intervertebral disc asymmetry, disc herniation, nerve pressure, cervical osteophytes and neck pain.

Endophytic Penicillium species secretes mycophenolic acid that inhibits the growth of phytopathogenic fungi.

The worldwide demand for reduced and restricted use of pesticides in agriculture due to serious environmental effects, health risks and the development of pathogen resistance calls for the discovery of new bioactive compounds. In the medical field, antibiotic-resistant microorganisms have become a major threat to man, increasing mortality. Endophytes are endosymbiotic microorganisms that inhabit plant tissues without causing any visible damage to their host. Many endophytes secrete secondary metabolites with biological activity against a broad range of pathogens, making them potential candidates for novel drugs and alternative pesticides of natural origin. We isolated endophytes from wild plants in Israel, focusing on endophytes that secrete secondary metabolites with biological activity. We isolated 302 different endophytes from 30 different wild plants; 70 of them exhibited biological activity against phytopathogens. One biologically active fungal endophyte from the genus Penicillium, isolated from a squill (Urginea maritima) leaf, was further examined. Chloroform-based extraction of its growth medium was similarly active against phytopathogens. High-performance liquid chromatography separation followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis revealed a single compound-mycophenolic acid-as the main contributor to the biological activity of the organic extract.

Optimal bed height for passive manual tasks.

PURPOSE: To determine bed height adjustment for maintaining neutral lumbar position as a function of anthropometric dimensions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 80 physical therapy students performed passive shoulder flexion and straight leg raising tasks on standard versus the adjustable bed. The lumbar angle was measured at the start and finish of tasks. The rate of perceived exertion was measured immediately after each task. The most comfortable bed height in relation to some anatomical landmarks was measured. RESULTS: Mean bed height for shoulder flexion tasks was significantly higher than for straight leg raising. The mean adjusted bed heights for both tasks were significantly higher and with less exertion felt by the participants, compared to the standard bed height (0.715 m). The third knuckle of the hand and the radial styloid process of the wrist were established as the most valuable anthropometric landmarks for bed height adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: The above landmarks are recommended to maintain a neutral lumbar position while adjusting bed heights for manual tasks. Each manual task requires adjustment of the bed height. Further studies are needed to confirm our results.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries among emergency medical technicians and paramedics: A comprehensive narrative review.

The aim of this article was to review the current knowledge relating to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) and non-fatal injuries in emergency medical technicians and paramedics (EMTs-Ps). A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinical Key. The annual prevalence of back pain ranged from 30% to 66%, and back injuries and contusions from 4% to 43%. Falls, slips, trips, and overexertion while lifting or carrying patients or instruments ranged from 10% to 56%, with overexertion being the most common injury. Risk factors were predominantly lifting, working in awkward postures, loading patients into the ambulance, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures. Lack of job satisfaction and social support was associated with WRMDs and injuries. EMTs-Ps had the highest rate of worker compensation claim rates compared to other healthcare professionals. Positive ergonomic intervention results included electrically powered stretchers, backboard wheeler, descent control system, and the transfer sling.

Osteophytes on the zygapophyseal (facet) joints of the cervical spine (C3-C7): A skeletal study.

Previous studies have reported that osteophytes in the cervical vertebrae may cause immobility, neck stiffness, osteoarthritis, headaches, nerve entrapment syndromes, and compression of the vertebral artery. Our objective was to explore the osteophytes' expression on zygapophyseal joints C3-C7. This is a cross-sectional observational skeletal study. The study sample comprised 273 human skeletons of both sexes, aged 20-93, housed at the Natural History Museum, OH, USA. A grading system assessed the presence and severity of osteophytosis on the zygapophyseal joints. The chi-square test (SPSS 25.0) examined the association between osteophytes and demographic factors. The level of significance (α) was set at .05. The highest prevalence of osteophytes was found on C5 vertebra, the lowest on C7. On vertebrae C3, C4, C6, the rate of moderate and severe osteophytes found on the superior and inferior facets were comparable. Moderate and severe degrees of osteophytes were observed more frequently on the superior facets, whereas, on vertebra C7, osteophytes were found on the inferior facet joints. Osteophytes' prevalence was significantly higher in the elderly compared to the younger population. Osteophytes in the C3-C7 zygapophyseal joints are age-dependent. No significant sex and ethnic differences were observed. Vertebra C5 was most prone to develop osteophytes, most probably due to its location in the cervical lordotic peak, C5 in the superior ZF; C7 in the inferior ZF are significant (p = .05). The zygapophyseal joints of C7 were least frequent overall, yet, the C7 inferior facets had significantly more moderate-severe osteophytes compared to other cervical vertebrae.

Upper Quadrant Pain and Disability Associated with a Cross-Sectional Area of Deep and Superficial Neck Muscles: A Computed Tomography Study.

STUDY DESIGN: An analytical cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of the cross-sectional area (CSA) and density of neck muscles (sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, anterior scalene, longus coli, longus capitis) with upper quadrant pain and disability. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Neck pain, a common condition, causes substantial disability to individuals. The deep cervical flexor muscles are impaired in persons with neck pain. These muscles play a greater role in maintaining stable head postures, whereas, superficial muscles are responsible for peak exertions and reinforcing spinal stability at terminal head postures. METHODS: Two hundred thirty consecutive individuals suffering from neck pain were referred to CT scans; 124/230 complied with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were interviewed and the measurements of the CSA and muscle density were extracted from the scans. RESULTS: Muscles associated with quick disability of the arms, shoulders, and hand questionnaire (QDASH) were the lateral posterior group (LPG) CSA C3-C4 on the right side (beta = -0.31, P = 0.029); the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) CSA C3-C4 on the left side (beta = 0.29, P = 0.031); the LPG CSA C3-C4 on the left side (beta = -0.49, P = 0.000); the LCM CSA C5-C6 on the right side (beta = -0.19, P = 0.049); the LPG CSA C5-C6 on the right side (beta = -0.36, P = 0.012); and the LPG CSA C5-C6 on the left side (beta = -0.42, P = 0.002). Further analyses with radiculopathy acting as an augmenting/enhancing variable (moderator), showed an increase in the model strength (r2 = 0.25) with a stronger prediction of pain and disability. Muscle measurements did not predict neck disability index (NDI) scores. CONCLUSION: By using an accurate measuring tool, we found an association of the deep and superficial neck muscles' CSA with upper extremities' pain and disability. When performing manual work, a special load is placed on the shoulders and neck muscles. Future research should focus on examining the effectiveness of exercise-type intervention programs to strengthen the deep neck and upper extremities' muscles in order to prevent muscle fatigue.Level of Evidence: 2.

The Échancrure of the Uncovertebral Joint: A Forgotten Structure of the C3-C7 Cervical Vertebral Bodies.

Introduction The échancrure (a French term meaning "indentation") of the cervical vertebrae is the poorly defined articular part on the inferolateral aspect of the cervical spine body, which, with the uncinate processes of the associated caudal vertebra, makes up the joints of Luschka (uncovertebral joint). With no known previous studies on the échancrure, the present anatomical study aimed to better elucidate this structure, its prevalence, and its relationships to the adjacent intervertebral foramen and uncinate process. Methods We observed 50 adult cervical spines (100 sides) for the presence of an énchancrure. When an énchancrure was identified, its morphometry was documented and photographed. Measurements included the width and height of the énchancrure. The relationship with the adjacent uncinate process was also studied. Any correlation between the size and shape of the adjacent uncinate process and the énchancrure was recorded. Results Anénchancrure was found at all levels of the cervical vertebrae except at C1 and C7 and was clearly visible on 88% of the sides. The énchancrure, more or less, conformed to the reciprocal shape of the uncinate process, which was found on all sides. The shapes were roughly arched, ovoid, or linear. These structures were always in an anterolateral position on the body of the vertebra and just outside the apophyseal ring. The mean height of the énchancrure was 2.1 mm. The length of the uncinate process correlated positively (r=0.8) to the size of the adjacent énchancrure. The height of the énchancrure was inversely related to the diameter of the adjacent intervertebral foramen. The mean width was 8.3 mm. These structures tended to be largest at C3 and C4 vertebral levels and were smallest at C5 and C6 levels. The énchancrure was most in contact with the uncinate process with lateral flexion of the cervical spine and in specimens with a longer uncinate process, e.g., C6. The énchancrure was also found to be wider in cases of cervical spine degeneration involving the body of the cervical vertebrae. Degeneration of the uncovertebral joint was most often seen at the énchancrure and not at the adjacent uncinate process. Conclusions We found that the énchancrure is found in the majority of cervical spines. These structures tended to be largest at C3 and C4 vertebral levels and were smallest at C5 and C6 levels, and they had more prominence when the adjacent uncinate process was enlarged. The énchancrure should be considered a normal feature of the inferolateral aspect of the cervical vertebrae. Future clinical studies are necessary to better elucidate their functional significance.

Basic science course grades predict success in the Israel mandatory nursing certification test among students enrolled in a second career program.

BACKGROUND: With the constant urgent need to meet the demands of the future workforce, nursing education institutes are under increasing pressure to graduate more quality students. One way to achieve higher numbers of graduates would be to identify factors that predict nursing students' academic success. No reports of such predictors were found for students in accelerated programs for non-nursing Bachelor's degree graduates. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to examine the relationships between demographic characteristics, course grades in basic science and medical-surgical courses, and the final scores achieved by students in the Israel mandatory RN certification test. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS: 164 students, enrolled in four courses of a second career in nursing program (accelerated program) in an academic nursing school in central Israel, participated in this retrospective study. METHODS: Socio-demographic data and the final grades for basic science courses (chemistry and biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, pathology, and pharmacology), the major Medical-Surgical course, and the RN certification test, were collected from the institutional database and analyzed. RESULTS: Positive correlations were found between the mandatory RN certification test score, and the final grades of all the studies except the pathology course and Medical-Surgical course. The final RN certification test score was predicted by the final grades, with anatomy and physiology (p < 0.001), and pharmacology (p < 0.003), explaining 40% of the variance of the dependent variable. There were no statistical effects of demographic variables. CONCLUSIONS: Early evaluation and prediction of academic success for nursing students in the second career program may guide effective interventions designed to promote students' skills and improve their ability to complete the mandatory RN certification test successfully.

Interactions of Metarhizium brunneum-7 with Phytophagous Mites Following Different Application Strategies.

Metarhizium brunneum is a generalist entomopathogenic fungus known to be virulent against Acari. We investigated Metarhizium brunneum-7 (Mb7) interactions in three systems of phytophagous mites and their respective plant hosts: Volkamer lemon (Citrus volkameriana) and the citrus rust mite Phyllocoptruta oleivora; common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae; and spring onion (Allium cepa) and the bulb mite Rhizoglyphus robini. All three mite species were susceptible to directly applied Mb7 conidia. Results obtained using the standard method for studying endophytic colonization vs. live confocal imaging of plant tissues using the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transformed fungus differed markedly, demonstrating that microscopy validation was more definite than the standard process of recovery from plant tissue. Endophytic colonization was observed in conidium-infiltrated citrus leaves and in roots of onion plants treated with soil-drenched conidia, but not in common bean treated by either spray or drench of conidia. Endophytic colonization of citrus leaves did not affect the citrus mite population. Drench application in common bean reduced two-spotted mite population. Similarly, drench application in onion reduced bulb mite population. This study emphasizes the importance of the host plant effects on Mb7 control efficacy of mite pests, and the merits of live-imaging techniques in studying endophytic interaction.

trans-2-Octenal, a single compound of a fungal origin, controls Sclerotium rolfsii, both in vitro and in soil.

BACKGROUND: Sclerotium rolfsii is a soil-borne phytopathogenic fungus that causes diseases in economically important crops. Eradication of the fungus is hampered by its wide range of hosts, as well as its capacity to form sclerotia. Recently, we have shown that the endophytic fungus Daldinia cf. concentrica emits biologically active volatile organic compounds (VOCs); we also demonstrated that one VOC, trans-2-octenal, was the most effective against various phytopathogenic fungi. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the potential of this compound to control hyphae and sclerotia of S. rolfsii, both in vitro and in soil. RESULTS: We found that in vitro exposure of S. rolfsii mycelium to trans-2-octenal in air fully inhibits and kills the fungus. Elimination of sclerotia viability occurred at the same concentration, but direct contact between the sclerotia and the compound was needed. trans-2-Octenal also affected the viability of both hyphae and sclerotia of S. rolfsii in small pots containing loam soil. CONCLUSION: We suggest the use of trans-2-octenal as a novel compound to control S. rolfsii. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Mal Secco Disease Spread in Lemon Orchards in Israel.

Mal Secco is a severe disease of citrus in which the fungus Plenodomus tracheiphilus (formerly Phoma tracheiphila) penetrates the vascular system of the host. In this study, we characterized the spatial dynamics of the disease in seven lemon orchards. A representative block of trees from each orchard was evaluated monthly during 3 consecutive years. In addition, scouts assessed disease severity in 75 orchards from three different geographical regions and tested for association between disease severity and measures of orchard management, environmental factors, cultural practices, and cultivar type. We assessed disease incidence and characteristics of spatial patterns using Ripley's K function and fitted logistic regression models for different neighboring tree structures followed by model selection methods to provide insight into the spatial and temporal dynamics of disease progress. We found different rates of disease spread in different orchards, which are most likely the result of differences in orchard management practices or less likely the result of differences in climatic conditions. There was an indication that agricultural tools contribute to spread of the disease within rows of trees. The results confirm that the lemon cultivar Interdonato is less susceptible compared with other citrus cultivars, and they suggest that the density of urban terrain surrounding each orchard is positively correlated with the severity of the disease. In contrast to our expectations, no correlation was found between the density of lemon orchards surrounding an orchard and the severity of the disease within it, which corroborates previous findings regarding the limited distribution of the disease.

Osteophytes in the Cervical Vertebral Bodies (C3-C7)-Demographical Perspectives.

Vertebral osteophytes are an age-dependent manifestation of degenerative changes in the spine. We aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of cervical osteophytosis in a large study population. To do so, we developed a grading system for osteophytosis, enabling the assessment of their presence and severity in the cervical spine, and applied it to the analysis of dried cervical vertebral bodies (C3-C7) from 273 individuals. Statistical analyses were carried out per motion segment, while testing for the effect of age, sex, and ethnicity. The highest prevalence of osteophytes was found in motion segment C5/C6 (48.2%), followed by C4/C5 (44.1%), and last C6/C7 and C3/C4 (40.5%). Severe osteophytes are most commonly seen in motion segment C5/C6. In all motion segments, the inferior discal surface of the upper vertebra manifests more osteophytes than the superior discal surface of the lower one. Osteophytes prevalence is sex-dependent only in the upper cervical vertebrae (C3-C4), and age- and ethnicity-dependent for all vertebrae. Anat Rec, 302:226-231, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The torg ratio of C3-C7 in African Americans and European Americans: A skeletal study.

The ratio between the sagittal diameter of the spinal canal and the sagittal diameter of the vertebral body, known as the "Torg ratio", is often used to test for spinal canal narrowing. Here, we investigate this ratio in a large population, consisting of two ethnicities, both sexes and three age groups. Measurements were taken on the dry cervical verterbrae (C3-C7) of 277 individuals using a digital apparatus allowing for the recording of 3D coordinates of a set of landmarks on the vertebral body. Vertebral body and vertebral foramen lengths were compared across the different subgroups. Vertebral body and vertebral foramen lengths differ significantly between males and females and between African Americans and European Americans. With age, the vertebral body length increases while the foramen length does not undergo significant changes. These anatomical differences are reflected in differences in the Torg ratio calculated for the different subgroups. In conclusion, our findings suggest that a hard cutoff on the Torg ratio used to define a pathological narrowing of the cervical spine should be adapted to the population the patients come from. Clin. Anat. 32: 84-89, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.