Epidemiología de la miastenia gravis en la provincia de Ourense (Galicia, noroeste de España) / Epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in the province of Ourense (Galicia, Spain)

Introducción: La miastenia gravis (MG) es un enfermedad autoinmune que afecta a la transmisión nerviosa a nivel de la unión neuromuscular causando debilidad muscular típicamente fluctuante. Los estudios epidemiológicos constatan un aumento de las tasas de prevalencia de la MG y es especialmente evidente en la población anciana.ObjetivoRealizar un estudio epidemiológico retrospectivo para conocer las tasas de incidencia y prevalencia en la provincia de Ourense (Galicia) caracterizada por el envejecimiento poblacional.Material y métodosLos pacientes fueron reclutados de nuestra base de datos clínica de enfermedades neuromusculares y a través de la búsqueda de pacientes con prescripción activa de bromuro de piridostigmina. La tasa de incidencia se estimó entre los años 2009-2018. Se estableció la fecha de prevalencia al 31/12/2018. El censo de la provincia de Ourense al 1/1/2019 era de 307.651 habitantes, de los que 96.544 (31,4%) tenían una edad ≥ de 65 años.ResultadosSe identificaron 80 casos de MG. La prevalencia fue de 260 casos/1.000.000 habitantes (IC95%: 202,7-316,4), y en la población ≥ 65 años de 517,9/1.000.000 habitantes (IC95%: 363,2-672,9). La incidencia acumulada en el periodo de estudio fue de 15,4 casos/1.000.000 habitantes-año. El inicio precoz (≤ 50 años) ocurrió en el 29,1% de los casos.ConclusiónLa prevalencia de la MG en nuestra área sanitaria es de las más altas entre las cifras previamente reportadas, y es una enfermedad muy prevalente en la población anciana. (AU)

Introduction: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease affecting nerve transmission at the level of the neuromuscular junction, and typically causes fluctuating muscle weakness. Epidemiological studies show an increase in MG prevalence, particularly among the older population.ObjectiveWe performed a retrospective epidemiological study to determine the incidence and prevalence of MG in the province of Ourense (Galicia, Spain), characterised by population ageing.Material and methodsPatients were selected from our clinical neuromuscular diseases database by searching for patients with an active prescription for pyridostigmine bromide. Incidence was estimated for the period 2009-2018. We calculated prevalence at 31/12/2018. According to census data for the province of Ourense, the population on 1/1/2019 was 307,651, of whom 96,544 (31.4%) were aged ≥ 65 years.ResultsWe identified 80 cases of MG, with a prevalence rate of 260 cases/1 000 000 population (95% CI, 202.7-316.4), rising to 517.9/1 000 000 population in those aged ≥ 65 (95% CI, 363.2-672.9). Cumulative incidence in the study period was 15.4 cases per 1 000 000 person-years. Early onset (≤ 50 years) was recorded in 29.1% of cases.ConclusionThe prevalence of MG in our health district is one of the highest published figures, and the disease is highly prevalent in the older population. (AU)

Epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in the province of Ourense (Galicia, Spain).

INTRODUCTION: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease affecting nerve transmission at the level of the neuromuscular junction, and typically causes fluctuating muscle weakness. Epidemiological studies show an increase in MG prevalence, particularly among the older population. OBJECTIVE: We performed a retrospective epidemiological study to determine the incidence and prevalence of MG in the province of Ourense (Galicia, Spain), characterised by population ageing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were selected from our clinical neuromuscular diseases database by searching for patients with an active prescription for pyridostigmine bromide. Incidence was estimated for the period 2009-2018. We calculated prevalence at 31/12/2018. According to census data for the province of Ourense, the population on 1/1/2019 was 307 651, of whom 96 544 (31.4%) were aged ≥ 65 years. RESULTS: We identified 80 cases of MG, with a prevalence rate of 260 cases/1 000 000 population (95% CI, 202.7-316.4), rising to 517.9/1 000 000 population in those aged ≥ 65 (95% CI, 363.2-672.9). Cumulative incidence in the study period was 15.4 cases per 1 000 000 person-years. Early onset (≤ 50 years) was recorded in 29.1% of cases. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MG in our health district is one of the highest published figures, and the disease is highly prevalent in the older population.

Rootstock effects on scion gene expression in maritime pine.

Pines are the dominant conifers in Mediterranean forests. As long-lived sessile organisms that seasonally have to cope with drought periods, they have developed a variety of adaptive responses. However, during last decades, highly intense and long-lasting drought events could have contributed to decay and mortality of the most susceptible trees. Among conifer species, Pinus pinaster Ait. shows remarkable ability to adapt to different environments. Previous molecular analysis of a full-sib family designed to study drought response led us to find active transcriptional activity of stress-responding genes even without water deprivation in tolerant genotypes. To improve our knowledge about communication between above- and below-ground organs of maritime pine, we have analyzed four graft-type constructions using two siblings as rootstocks and their progenitors, Gal 1056 and Oria 6, as scions. Transcriptomic profiles of needles from both scions were modified by the rootstock they were grafted on. However, the most significant differential gene expression was observed in drought-sensitive Gal 1056, while in drought-tolerant Oria 6, differential gene expression was very much lower. Furthermore, both scions grafted onto drought-tolerant rootstocks showed activation of genes involved in tolerance to abiotic stress, and is most remarkable in Oria 6 grafts where higher accumulation of transcripts involved in phytohormone action, transcriptional regulation, photosynthesis and signaling has been found. Additionally, processes, such as those related to secondary metabolism, were mainly associated with the scion genotype. This study provides pioneering information about rootstock effects on scion gene expression in conifers.

Quality of life and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients with subthreshold depression.

BACKGROUND: The role of subthreshold depression (subD) in Parkinson's Disease (PD) is not clear. The present study aimed to compare the quality of life (QoL) in PD patients with subD vs patients with no depressive disorder (nonD). Factors related to subD were identified. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PD patients and controls recruited from the COPPADIS cohort were included. SubD was defined as Judd criteria. The 39-item Parkinson's disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and the EUROHIS-QOL 8-item index (EUROHIS-QOL8) were used to assess QoL. RESULTS: The frequency of depressive symptoms was higher in PD patients (n = 694) than in controls (n = 207) (p < 0.0001): major depression, 16.1% vs 7.8%; minor depression, 16.7% vs 7.3%; subD, 17.4% vs 5.8%. Both health-related QoL (PDQ-39; 18.1 ±â€¯12.8 vs 11.6 ±â€¯10; p < 0.0001) and global QoL (EUROHIS-QOL8; 3.7 ±â€¯0.5 vs 4 ±â€¯0.5; p < 0.0001) were significantly worse in subD (n = 120) than nonD (n = 348) PD patients. Non-motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) total score was higher in subD patients (45.9 ±â€¯32 vs 29.1 ±â€¯25.8;p < 0.0001). Non-motor symptoms burden (NMSS;OR = 1.019;95%CI 1.011-1.028; p < 0.0001), neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPI; OR = 1.091; 95%CI 1.045-1.139; p < 0.0001), impulse control behaviors (QUIP-RS; OR = 1.035; 95%CI 1.007-1063; p = 0.013), quality of sleep (PDSS; OR = 0.991; 95%CI 0.983-0.999; p = 0.042), and fatigue (VAFS-physical; OR = 1.185; 95%CI 1.086-1.293; p < 0.0001; VAFS-mental; OR = 1.164; 95%CI 1.058-1.280; p = 0.0001) were related to subD after adjustment to age, disease duration, daily equivalent levodopa dose, motor status (UPDRS-III), and living alone. CONCLUSIONS: SubD is a frequent problem in patients with PD and is more prevalent in these patients than in controls. QoL is worse and non-motor symptoms burden is greater in subD PD patients.

Epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in the province of Ourense (Galicia, Spain). / Epidemiología de la miastenia gravis en la provincia de Ourense (Galicia, noroeste de España).

INTRODUCTION: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease affecting nerve transmission at the level of the neuromuscular junction, and typically causes fluctuating muscle weakness. Epidemiological studies show an increase in MG prevalence, particularly among the older population. OBJECTIVE: We performed a retrospective epidemiological study to determine the incidence and prevalence of MG in the province of Ourense (Galicia, Spain), characterised by population ageing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were selected from our clinical neuromuscular diseases database by searching for patients with an active prescription for pyridostigmine bromide. Incidence was estimated for the period 2009-2018. We calculated prevalence at 31/12/2018. According to census data for the province of Ourense, the population on 1/1/2019 was 307,651, of whom 96,544 (31.4%) were aged ≥ 65 years. RESULTS: We identified 80 cases of MG, with a prevalence rate of 260 cases/1 000 000 population (95% CI, 202.7-316.4), rising to 517.9/1 000 000 population in those aged ≥ 65 (95% CI, 363.2-672.9). Cumulative incidence in the study period was 15.4 cases per 1 000 000 person-years. Early onset (≤ 50 years) was recorded in 29.1% of cases. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MG in our health district is one of the highest published figures, and the disease is highly prevalent in the older population.

[The prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the city of Ourense, Galicia, in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula]. / Prevalencia de la esclerosis múltiple en la ciudad de Ourense, Galicia, noroeste de la Península Ibérica.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, which mainly affects young people of working and reproductive age, and represents the first cause of non-traumatic disability in this age group of the population. A north-south latitude gradient is recognised, with prevalence rates increasing as we move away from the equator. This gradient probably represents the genetic predisposition transmitted from the Scandinavian regions through the Viking invasions and could presuppose an influence of the vitamin D deficit related to a lower number of hours of sunshine per year. AIMS: To determine the prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis in the city of Ourense, Galicia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The latitude coordinate of the city of Ourense is 42° 34' N. A retrospective epidemiological study covering the period from 2002 to 2016 was conducted. The prevalence date was 31 December 2016. According to the latest census, the population of the city of Ourense was 105,892 on 1 January 2016. RESULTS: Altogether, 195 cases were recorded, representing a prevalence of 184.1 cases/100,000 inhabitants. In the period 2002-2016, 127 cases of multiple sclerosis were diagnosed, representing an average incidence of 7.86 cases/100,000 inhabitants/year. CONCLUSION: The city of Ourense has the highest prevalence rate of multiple sclerosis of those studied to date in the Iberian Peninsula, with a figure that brings it closer to the data reported in more northern areas under Nordic and Anglo-American influence.

TITLE: Prevalencia de la esclerosis múltiple en la ciudad de Ourense, Galicia, noroeste de la Península Ibérica.Introducción. La esclerosis múltiple es una enfermedad inflamatoria y neurodegenerativa del sistema nervioso central, que afecta fundamentalmente a personas jóvenes en edad laboral y reproductiva, y que representa la primera causa de discapacidad no traumática en este rango etario de la población. Se reconoce un gradiente de latitud norte-sur, con un aumento de las tasas de prevalencia a medida que nos alejamos del ecuador. Este gradiente probablemente representa la predisposición genética transmitida desde las regiones escandinavas a través de las invasiones vikingas y podría presuponer una influencia del déficit de vitamina D en relación con un menor número de horas de sol anuales. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia e incidencia de la esclerosis múltiple en la ciudad de Ourense, Galicia. Pacientes y métodos. La ciudad de Ourense tiene una coordenada de latitud de 42° 34' N. Se ha realizado un estudio epidemiológico retrospectivo que abarca desde 2002 a 2016. La fecha de prevalencia fue el 31 de diciembre de 2016. El censo de la población de la ciudad de Ourense a 1 de enero de 2016 era de 105.892 habitantes. Resultados. Se registraron 195 casos, lo que representa una prevalencia de 184,1 casos/100.000 habitantes. En el período 2002-2016 se diagnosticaron 127 casos de esclerosis múltiple, lo que supone una incidencia media de 7,86 casos/ 100.000 habitantes/año. Conclusión. La ciudad de Ourense presenta la tasa de prevalencia de esclerosis múltiple más alta de las estudiadas hasta la actualidad en la Península Ibérica, con una cifra que la aproxima a los datos comunicados en áreas más septentrionales de influencia nórdica y anglosajona.

Botryosphaeriaceae Fungi as Causal Agents of Dieback and Corky Bark in Rambutan and Longan.

Fungi in the Botryosphaeriaceae family cause dieback, fruit rots, and stem cankers in many tropical fruit trees. To identify which species of Botryosphaeriaceae were present in tropical fruit in Puerto Rico and the symptoms they cause in rambutan and longan, a disease survey was conducted throughout the island from 2008 to 2016. Diseased organs of rambutan, longan, mango, and tangerine were collected and 39 isolates belonging to the Botryosphaeriaceae family were isolated and identified. Phylogenetic analysis of three nuclear genes identified nine species: six Lasiodiplodia spp. and three Neofusicoccum spp. All 39 isolates were inoculated on healthy 1-year-old rambutan and longan seedlings to confirm their pathogenicity. Dieback on both rambutan and longan was observed at 14 days after inoculation (DAI). Fourteen isolates from seven Botryosphaeriaceae species (Lasiodiplodia brasiliensis, L. hormozganensis, L. iraniensis, L. pseudotheobromae, L. theobromae, Neofusicoccum batangarum, and N. parvum) caused dieback in rambutan. Five of these pathogenic isolates were collected from rambutan, four from longan, two from mango, and three from tangerine. Ten isolates of four Lasiodiplodia spp. caused dieback in longan: L. hormozganensis, L. iraniensis, L. pseudotheobromae and L. theobromae,. Of these, three were collected from rambutan, three from longan, one from mango, and three from tangerine. Abundant development of pycnidia on branches, called corky bark, were observed on both rambutan and longan 60 DAI. Cross-inoculations showed that pathogenicity is wide in spectrum, indicating that different planting alternatives should be considered for better crop management.

Exploring physical and chemical properties in new multifunctional indium-, bismuth-, and zinc-based 1D and 2D coordination polymers.

Main group element coordination polymers (MGE-CPs) are important compounds for the development of multifunctional materials. However, there has been a shortage of studies regarding their structural, optical, catalytic, mechanical, and antibacterial properties. This work presents an exhaustive study of a set of crystalline MGE-CPs obtained from bismuth and indium metals and iminodiacetate, 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate, and 2,2'-bipyridine as building blocks. An in-depth topological analysis of the networks was carried out. Additionally, nanoindentation studies were performed on two representative low-dimensional compounds in order to find the relationships between their structural features and their intrinsic mechanical properties (hardness and elasticity). The solid-state photoluminescence (SSPL) properties were also studied in terms of excitation, emission, lifetimes values, and CIE chromaticites. Moreover, the heterogeneous catalytic activities of the compounds were evaluated with the cyanosilylation reaction using a set of carbonylic substrates under solvent-free conditions. Finally, the inhibitory effect of the Bi-CPs on the growth of microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are associated with relevant infectious diseases, is reported.

In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Methanolic Extract from Caesalpinia coriaria J. Willd Fruits against Haemonchus contortus Eggs and Infective Larvae.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro lethal effect of a methanolic extract (ME) from Caesalpinia coriaria fruits against Haemonchus contortus eggs and infective larvae. The anthelmintic activity was assessed using the egg hatching inhibition assay (EHI) and the mortality test. The ME was assessed using five concentrations as follows: 6.15, 3.12, 1.56, and 0.78 mg/mL to eggs and 150, 100, 75, and 50 mg/mL to larvae, respectively. Ivermectin (5 mg/mL) was used as positive control and 4% methanol and distilled water were used as negative controls. The data of ovicidal and larvicidal effect were analyzed with a completely randomized design through ANOVA analysis using the general linear model (GLM) and lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were estimated through a Probit analysis using the SAS program. A clear ME increased concentration dependence effect was observed in the EHI and mortality tests. The highest activity of the methanolic extract was observed at the highest concentration (P < 0.05) to obtain a similar effect to the positive control (ivermectin), with LC50 = 78.38 and 0.00064 mg/mL and LC90 =235.63 and 0.024 mg/mL, respectively, for larvae and eggs. The results indicate that the C. coriaria fruit ME possesses in vitro ovicidal and larvicidal properties (gallotannins: methyl gallate) against H. contortus that needs to be investigated more in vivo for the control of gastroenteric nematodes in ruminants.

[Isolated dysarthria and dysphagia as the presenting symptoms of simultaneous bilateral acute lagunar ischaemic stroke]. / Disartria y disfagia aisladas como forma de presentacion de un ictus isquemico agudo lacunar bilateral y simultaneo.

TITLE: Disartria y disfagia aisladas como forma de presentacion de un ictus isquemico agudo lacunar bilateral y simultaneo.

The effects of human drugs in Corbicula fluminea. Assessment of neurotoxicity, inflammation, gametogenic activity, and energy status.

The constant release of pharmaceuticals products to aquatic environment even at low concentrations (ng L-1 to µg L-1) could lead to unknown chronic effects to non-target organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate neurotoxic responses, inflammation, gametogenic activity and energy status on the fresh water clam C. fluminea after exposure to different concentrations of caffeine (CAF), ibuprofen (IBU), carbamazepine (CBZ), novobiocin (NOV) and tamoxifen (TMX) for 21 days under laboratory conditions. During the assay, water was spiked every two days with CAF (0; 0.1; 5; 15; 50µgL-1), IBU (0; 0.1; 5; 10; 50µgL-1), CBZ, NOV, and TMX (0.1, 1, 10, 50µgL-1). After the exposure period, dopamine levels (DOP), monoamine oxidase activity (MAO), arachidonic acid cyclooxygenase activity (COX), vitellogenin-like proteins (VTG), mitochondrial electron transport (MET), total lipids (TLP), and energy expenditure (MET/TLP) were determined in gonad tissues, and acetyl cholinesterase activity (AChE) was determined in digestive gland tissues. Results showed a concentration-dependence response on biomarkers tested, except for MAO. Environmental concentrations of pharmaceuticals induced significant changes (p < 0.05) in the neurotoxic responses analyzed (CAF, CBZ and NOV increased DOP levels and CBZ inhibited AChE activity), inflammation (CAF induced COX), and energy status (MET and TLP increased after exposure to CBZ, NOV and TMX). Responses of clams were related to the mechanism of action (MoA) of pharmaceuticals. Biomarkers applied and the model organism C. fluminea constituted a suitable tool for environmental risk assessment of pharmaceutical in aquatic environment.

Are the TiO2 NPs a "Trojan horse" for personal care products (PCPs) in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum?

In recent years, increasing quantities of personal care products (PCPs) are being released into the environment. However, data about bioaccumulation and toxicity are scarce; and extraction and analytical approaches are not well developed. In this work, the marine clam Ruditapes philippinarum, selected as model organism, has been employed to investigate bioaccumulation, antioxidant enzyme activities and DNA damage due to exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles and bulk TiO2 (inorganic compounds that are frequent components of PCPs, plastics, paints and coatings, foods and disinfectant water treatments). We have also studied the joint effect of both forms of inorganic TiO2 combined with four organic compounds (mixture exposures) commonly used in PCPs: an antimicrobial (triclosan), a fragrance (OTNE) and two UV filters (benzophenone-3 and octocrylene). Bioaccumulation of the inorganic compound, TiO2, was almost immediate and constant over exposure time. With respect to the organic compounds in mixtures, they were mediated by TiO2 and bioaccumulation is driven by reduced size of the particles. In fact, nanoparticles can be considered as a vector to organic compounds, such as triclosan and benzophenone-3. After a week of depuration, TiO2 NPs and TiO2 bulk in clams showed similar levels of concentration. Some organic compounds with bioactivity (Log Kow >3), like OTNE, showed low depuration after one week. The joint action of the organic compound mixture and either of the two forms of TiO2 provoked changes in enzyme activity responses. However, for the mixtures, DNA damage was found only after the depuration period.

Productive response of lambs fed Crescentia alata and Guazuma ulmifolia fruits in a tropical region of Mexico.

In vitro gas production with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG) of the fruits of Crescentia alata and Guazuma ulmifolia was evaluated, the degradation kinetics of lamb diets with added fruit of the tree was determined, and the ration intake and growth rate of lambs fed these diets were measured. Twenty-five entire male lambs of 23.5 ± 0.44 kg body weight were used and distributed in treatments: T0 (control without fruit); T1 and T2, 15 and 30 % of the fruit of C. alata; and T3 and T4, 15 and 30 % of the fruit of G. ulmifolia. Data variables chemical composition, fermentation kinetic, and digestibility in vitro were analyzed by a completely randomized design and data production response factorials design of five treatments by three evaluation periods. The total phenolic content (TP) (23.0 g/kg DM) was higher (P < 0.01) in the fruits of G. ulmifolia. The addition of PEG increased (P < 0.05) in vitro gas production (156.6 mL/g DM) in fruits of G. ulmifolia. In the fermentation kinetics, the total gas volume was higher (P < 0.01) at T0 (b = 293 mL/g DM), and the rate of degradation (c) but Lag time (t lag) was not different. In animal response, total dry matter intake was higher in lambs that received T4 (1.35 kg), and the daily weight gain and feed conversion did not differ (P > 0.05) among lambs receiving the treatments. Thirty percent G. ulmifolia fruit added in the diet increased dry matter intake and improved feed conversion but did not increase weight gain.

Phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Gliocephalotrichum.

Species in the genus Gliocephalotrichum (= Leuconectria) (Hypocreales, Nectriaceae) are soilborne fungi, associated with post-harvest fruit spoilage of several important tropical fruit crops. Contemporary taxonomic studies of these fungi have relied on morphology and DNA sequence comparisons of the internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear rDNA (ITS) and the ß-tubulin gene regions. Employing DNA sequence data from four loci (ß-tubulin, histone H3, ITS, and translation elongation factor 1-alpha) and morphological comparisons, the taxonomic status of the genus Gliocephalotrichum was re-evaluated. As a result five species are newly described, namely G. humicola (Taiwan, soil), G. mexicanum (rambutan fruit from Mexico), G. nephelii (rambutan fruit from Guatemala), G. queenslandicum (Australia, endophytic isolations) and G. simmonsii (rambutan fruit from Guatemala). Although species of Gliocephalotrichum are generally not regarded as important plant pathogens, their ability to cause post-harvest fruit rot could have an impact on fruit export and storage.

First Report of Neofusicoccum mangiferae Causing Rachis Necrosis and Inflorescence Blight of Mango (Mangifera indica) in Puerto Rico.

Inflorescence blight is a major disease in mango production (2,3). During a disease survey of mango in Puerto Rico conducted from February to April in 2009, 20% of the inflorescences were affected with inflorescence blight showing rachis and flower necrosis. Symptoms were observed in 70% of samples at the Mango Germplasm Collection of the University of Puerto Rico's Experiment Station in Juana Diaz. Blighted inflorescence tissue (necrotic and the interface between necrotic and healthy tissue) from mango cultivars 'Haden' and 'Irwin' were disinfested with 70% ethanol, rinsed with sterile water and transferred to acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA). Isolations (40%) produced fungi in the Botryosphaeriaceae. Isolates 90LY, 94LY, and 89LY were purified and identified morphologically using taxonomic keys (1,4) and by DNA sequence analyses as Neofusicoccum mangiferae (Syd. & P. Syd.) Crous, Slippers & A.J.L. Phillips. On APDA, colonies were gray with aerial mycelia that turned dark gray with age. Pycnidia were globose to pyriform and dark brown to black. Conidia (n = 50) were hyaline, ovoid, one-celled, and averaged 13.2 × 6.3 µm in size. PCR amplifications of the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA using ITS5-ITS4 primers, and fragments of both ß-tubulin and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α) genes using Bt2a-Bt2b and EF1728F-EF1986R primers, respectively, were sequenced and analyzed using BLASTn query. Accession numbers of gene sequences submitted to GenBank were KF479465 to 67 for ITS region; KF479468 to 70 for ß-tubulin; and KF479471 to 73 for EF1-α. All sequences were 99 to 100% identical to reference isolate CMW7024 (4) of N. mangiferae (GenBank Accession Nos. AY615185, AY615172, and DQ093221). For each fungal isolate, pathogenicity tests were conducted on mango trees using six randomly selected, healthy mango inflorescences at full bloom using two trees per cultivar. Both needle-wounded and unwounded inflorescences were inoculated with 5-mm diameter mycelial disks from 8-day-old cultures grown on APDA. Inflorescences were incubated in clear plastic bags for 8 days under field conditions. Controls were treated with APDA disks only. Inflorescences on 'Irwin' turned brown with necrosis extending from the rachis to flowers. Mycelial growth and inflorescence blight was observed with lesions ranging from 2 to 5 cm in length. On 'Haden,' the rachis tissues turned brown and necrotic with lesions ranging from 1.5 to 2 cm long and without mycelial growth. N. mangiferae was re-isolated from all diseased inflorescences, and no symptoms developed on controls, which fulfilled Koch's postulates. The test was repeated once. N. mangiferae was associated with blossom blight in Australia and South Africa (2,3). This is the first report of N. mangiferae causing rachis necrosis and inflorescence blight on mango in Puerto Rico. N. mangiferae belongs to a complex of pathogens causing inflorescence blight and rachis necrosis and, therefore, effective management of this important disease complex must involve control of this pathogen. References: (1) P. W. Crous et al. Stud. Mycol. 55:235, 2006. (2) G. I. Johnson et al. Ann. Appl. Biol. 119:465, 1991. (3) J. H. Lonsdale and J. M. Kotzé. Acta Hortic. 341:345, 1993. (4) A. J. L. Phillips. Key to the various lineages in "Botryosphaeria" Version 01 2007. Last retrieved 5 February 2014 from http://www.crem.fct.unl.pt/botryosphaeria_site/key.htm .

First Report of Lasiodiplodia theobromae Causing Inflorescence Blight and Fruit Rot of Longan (Dimocarpus longan L.) in Puerto Rico.

Dimocarpus longan L., commonly known as longan, is a tropical fruit tree of the Sapindaceae family. From 2008 to 2010, a disease survey for longan was conducted in March and October in Puerto Rico. Fruit rot and inflorescence blight (rotting of the rachis, rachilla, and flowers) were observed in fields of longan at the USDA-ARS Research Farm in Isabela, and two commercial orchards in Puerto Rico. Tissue sections (1 mm2) of diseased inflorescences and surface of the fruit were disinfested with 70% ethanol, rinsed with sterile water, and transferred to acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA). Three isolates of Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffon & Maubl. (Lt) were isolated from symptomatic tissue and identified morpho-molecularly using a taxonomic key for the Botryosphaeriaceae and DNA sequence analysis (1). In APDA, colonies of Lt had initial greenish-gray aerial mycelia that turned dark brown with age. Pycnidia were dark brown to black. Immature conidia were sub-ovoid to ellipsoid, apex rounded, truncate at the base, thick-walled, hyaline, and one-celled, becoming dark brown, two-celled, and with irregular longitudinal striations when mature. Conidia (n = 50) for all the isolates averaged 26.9 µm long by 13 µm wide. For molecular identification, the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and fragments of the ß-tubulin and elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α) genes were sequenced and BLASTn searches done in GenBank. Accession numbers of gene sequences of Lt submitted to GenBank were KC964546, KC964547, and KC964548 for ITS region; KC964549, KC964550, and KC964551 for ß-tubulin; and KC964552, KC964553, and KC964554 for EF1-α. For all genes used, sequences were 99 to 100% identical to reference isolate CBS164.96 of Lt reported in GenBank (accessions AY640255, EU673110, and AY640258). Pathogenicity tests were conducted on six random healthy non-detached inflorescences of longan and six healthy detached fruits per isolate. Unwounded inflorescences and fruit were inoculated with 5-mm mycelial disks from 8-day-old pure cultures grown in APDA. Inflorescences were enclosed in plastic bags for 5 days under field conditions while fruits were kept in a humid chamber using plastic boxes for 5 days under laboratory conditions of 25°C and 12 h of fluorescent light. Untreated controls were inoculated with APDA disks only. The experiment was repeated once. Five days after inoculation, isolates of Lt caused inflorescence blight, fruit rot, and aril (flesh) rot. Inflorescences turned brown and flower mummification was observed on the inflorescences. The exocarp (peel) and endocarp (aril) turned dark brown and mycelial growth and pycnidia of Lt were observed on fruits. Untreated controls did not show any symptoms and no fungi were re-isolated from tissue. In diseased inflorescences and fruits, Lt was re-isolated from diseased tissue and identified using morphological and molecular parameters, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. Lt has been reported to cause dieback, stem end rot, and fruit rot on a wide range of plants host (2,4). In longan, Lt has been reported causing fruit rot in Thailand (3). To our knowledge, this is the first time that Lt has been reported causing inflorescence blight in longan and the first report of Lt causing fruit rot in Puerto Rico. References: (1) A. J. L. Phillips. Key to the various lineages in "Botryosphaeria" Version 01 2007. Retrieved from http://www.crem.fct.unl.pt/botryosphaeria_site/key.htm , 26 November 2013. (2) B. Slippers et al. Mycologia 97:99, 2005. (3) P. Suwanakood et al. Asian J. Biol. Ed. 3:47, 2007. (4) A. F. Wright and P. F. Harmon. Plant Dis. 93:962, 2009.

First Report of Diaporthe pseudomangiferae Causing Inflorescence Rot, Rachis Canker, and Flower Abortion of Mango.

Although mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a very important tropical fruit crop, limited studies have been conducted on fungal pathogens affecting the inflorescences. During a disease survey conducted from 2008 to 2010, 50% of the inflorescences were affected with inflorescence rot, rachis canker, and flower abortion characterized by blackening of plant tissue with soft rot lesions and suken lesions on the rachis, respectively. Symptoms were observed at the Mango Germplasm Collection of the University of Puerto Rico's Experiment Station in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. Five diseased pieces of 350 inflorescences from cvs. Haden and Irwin were disinfested with 70% ethanol, followed by 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, rinsed with sterile water, and transferred to acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA). Among several typical or common fungi, three isolates of Diaporthe pseudomangiferae (Dp) R.R. Gomes, C. Glienke & Crous were obtained from symptomatic tissue and identified morphologically using taxonomic keys and DNA sequence comparisons (1,2). On APDA, colonies of Dp initially had white-gray moderate aerial mycelia. Pycnidia were black and superficial on cultures with a central ostiole that exuded beige to light orange conidial droplets. Alpha conidia (n = 50) were aseptate, hyaline, smooth, fusiform, apex rounded and base truncate, averaged 7.34 µm long by 2.60 µm wide. Beta conidia (n = 50) were spindle-shaped, aseptate, hyaline and smooth, averaged 22.03 µm long by 1.53 µm wide. DNA analysis of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region using primers ITS5 and ITS4, and fragments of both ß-tubulin and translation elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1-α) genes using primers T1 and Bt2b, and EF1-728F and EF1-986R, respectively, were sequenced and compared using BLASTn with sequences available in the GenBank. Accession numbers of gene sequences of Dp submitted to GenBank were KF616498 to KF616500 for ITS region, KF616501 to KF616503 for ß-tubulin, and KF616504 to KF616506 for EF1-α. For all genes used, sequences were 99 to 100% identical to reference isolate CBS 388.89 of Dp in GenBank. For each fungal isolate, pathogenicity tests were conducted on six random healthy non-detached mango inflorescences for both cvs. Haden and Irwin. Inflorescences were inoculated with 5-mm mycelial disks from 8-day-old pure cultures grown on APDA and kept in a humid chamber using plastic bags for 8 days under field conditions. Untreated controls were inoculated with APDA disks only. The test was repeated twice. On cv. Haden, isolates of Dp caused rachis canker (sunken lesion on the rachis) at 8 days post inoculation (dpi). On cv. Irwin, isolates of Dp caused inflorescence rot. Initially, white mycelia was observed on inflorescences but eventually inflorescences turned brown and flower abortion was observed at 8 dpi. Untreated controls did not show any of the above symptoms and no fungi were re-isolated from tissue. From diseased inflorescences, Dp was re-isolated, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. Diaporthe spp. have been associated with fruit rots, stem cankers, decay, and wilt on a wide range of plant hosts (3,4). Recently, Dp was associated with fruit peel of mango in Mexico and the Dominican Republic (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Dp causing inflorescence rot, rachis canker, and flower abortion in mango. References: (1) H. L. Barnett and B. B. Hunter. Illustrated Genera of Imperfect Fungi. APS Press. St. Paul, MN, 1998. (2) R. R. Gomes et al. Persoonia. 31:1, 2013. (3) J. M. Santos et al. Persoonia 27:9, 2011. (4) S. M. Thompson et al. Persoonia 27:80, 2011.

First Report of Lasiodiplodia theobromae Causing Inflorescence Blight of Mango.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important tropical fruit crop in Puerto Rico. During a disease survey from 2008 to 2010, inflorescence blight was observed at the Mango Germplasm Collection of the University of Puerto Rico's Experiment Station in Juana Diaz as a rotting of the rachis (main axis of the inflorescence), rachilla (lateral axis), and flowers. Diseased inflorescences from cultivars 'Haden' and 'Irwin' were disinfested with 70% ethanol, followed by 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, rinsed with sterile water, and transferred to acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA). Two isolates of Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffon & Maubl. were isolated from symptomatic tissue and identified morphologically using a Botryosphaeriaceae taxonomic key (3). In APDA, colonies of L. theobromae had initial greenish gray aerial mycelia that turned dark brown with age. Pycnidia were uniloculate and dark brown to black in color. Conidiogenous cells were hyaline, cylindrical, and holoblastic. Immature conidia were subovoid to ellipsoid, apex rounded, truncate at the base, thick walled, hyaline and one-celled, becoming dark brown, two-celled with irregular longitudinal striations when mature. Conidia (n = 50) averaged 26.88 µm long by 12.98 µm wide. Genomic DNA was extracted from pure cultures using a Qiagen DNeasy Plant Mini Kit. PCR amplification of three genes was used to support morphological identification. DNA analysis of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region, and fragments of both ß-tubulin and elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1-α) genes were sequenced and compared using BLASTN with sequences available in GenBank. Accession numbers of gene sequences of L. theobromae from Puerto Rico submitted to GenBank were: KC631659 and KC631660 for ITS region; KC631651 and KC631652 for ß-tubulin; and KC631655 and KC631656 for EF1α. For all genes used, sequences were 99 to 100% identical to reference isolate CBS164.96 of L. theobromae reported in GenBank. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on six random healthy non-detached mango inflorescences from cultivars Haden and Irwin. Inflorescences were inoculated with 5-mm mycelial disks from 8-day-old pure cultures grown in APDA and kept in a humid chamber using plastic bags for 8 days under field conditions. Untreated controls were inoculated with APDA disks only. The test was repeated twice. For both cultivars, isolates of L. theobromae caused inflorescence (rachis, rachilla, and flowers) blight, 8 days after inoculation. Inflorescences turned brown and profuse mycelial growth was observed on the inflorescences. Untreated controls were disease-free and no fungi were reisolated from tissue. L. theobromae was reisolated from diseased inflorescences, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Fungi in the family Botryosphaeriaceae have been associated with stem-end rot, fruit rot, branch dieback, blossom blight, and cankers on mango (1,2,4). Worldwide, L. theobromae has only been reported causing dieback, stem end rot and fruit rot in mango (1,2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of L. theobromae causing inflorescence blight in mango. References: (1) N. I. Hui-Fang et al. Botanical Stud. 53:467, 2012. (2) A. M. Ismail et al. Australas. Plant Pathol. 41:649, 2012. (3) A. J. L. Phillips. Key to the various lineages in "Botryosphaeria" Version 01 2007. Retrieved from http://www.crem.fct.unl.pt/botryosphaeria_site/key.htm , 6 August 2013. (4) B. Slippers et al. Mycologia 97:99, 2005.

First Report of Neofusicoccum parvum Causing Rachis Necrosis of Mango (Mangifera indica) in Puerto Rico.

Mango is an important tropical fruit crop in Puerto Rico that has been grown in the island for centuries. One of the major disease issues in mango production is rotting of the rachis (main axis stem of the inflorescence). During a disease survey from 2008 to 2010, rachis and flower necrosis were observed at the Mango Germplasm Collection of the University of Puerto Rico's Experiment Station in Juana Diaz. Diseased inflorescences from cultivars Haden and Irwin were disinfested with 70% ethanol, followed by 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, rinsed with sterile, deionized, double-distilled water, and transferred to acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA). Two isolates, 91LY and K15C, of Neofusicoccum parvum (Pennycook & Samuels) Crous, Slippers & A.J.L. were purified and identified morphologically using taxonomic keys (1,4) and DNA sequence comparisons. In APDA, colonies of N. parvum were whitish grey with aerial mycelia turning dark gray with age. Pycnidia were uni- or multilocular and dark brown to black in color. Conidiogenous cells were hyaline and holoblastic. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid, smooth, and one-celled with sub-obtuse apex and truncate base. Conidia (n = 50) were 16.75 µm long by 5.5 µm wide. PCR amplification of three genes was used to support morphological identification. DNA analysis of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region, and fragments of both ß-tubulin and elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α) genes were sequenced and compared using BLASTn with other sequences of N. parvum submitted to the NCBI GenBank. Accession numbers of gene sequences of N. parvum submitted to GenBank were: KC631661 and KC631662 for ITS region; KC631653 and KC631654 for ß-tubulin; and KC631657 and KC631658 for EF1-α. For all genes used, sequences were 99 to 100% identical to ex-type specimen CMW9081 of N. parvum reported in GenBank. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on mango trees using six random healthy non-detached mango inflorescences for both Haden and Irwin cultivars and for both isolates. Inflorescences were inoculated with 5-mm mycelial disks from 8-day-old pure cultures grown in APDA and kept in a humid chamber using plastic bags for 8 days under field temperature, light, and other environmental conditions. Untreated controls were inoculated with APDA disks only. The test was repeated twice. For both cultivars, at 8 days after inoculation, isolates of N. parvum caused rachis necrosis ranging from 20 to 35 mm in rachis length. On cultivar Irwin, inflorescences turned brown and the necrosis was extended from the rachis to the flowers. On cultivar Haden, inflorescences turned brown and only rachis necrosis was observed. Untreated controls showed no symptoms and no fungi were reisolated from tissue. N. parvum was reisolated from diseased inflorescences, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Worldwide, N. parvum has been associated with stem-end rot, branch dieback, blossom blight, and cankers on mango (2,3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. parvum causing rachis necrosis on mango in Puerto Rico. References: (1) A. J. L. Phillips. Key to the various lineages in "Botryosphaeria" Version 01 2007. Retrieved from http://www.crem.fct.unl.pt/botryosphaeria_site/key.htm , 6 August 2013. (2) G. I. Johnson et al. Ann. Appl. Biol. 120:225, 1992. (3) B. Slippers et al. Mycologia 97:99, 2005. (4) P. W. Crous et al. Stud. Mycol. 55:235, 2006.