First Report of Rhizoctonia solani AG 4 HG-III Causing Stem Lesion of Watermelon in Idaho.

In July 2022, stem lesions, approximately 4 to 5 cm in length as well as leaf wilt and dark brown necrosis on stems and roots were observed in two fields in Southwest Idaho on 20 to 30% of watermelons (Citrullus lanatus). To determine the causal agent, isolations were attempted from symptomatic tissue. The surface of the affected material was disinfected with 0.6% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min and rinsed three times with sterile water. Approximately 2 mm3 sections of tissue were plated on water agar amended with 0.02% penicillin and 0.08% streptomycin and incubated at room temperature for 7 days. Fungal colonies were tentatively identified as Rhizoctonia from right-angle branching and septate hyphal structures, slight constriction and septum near the branch base, and the production of 1 to 2 mm white to light brown irregularly shaped sclerotia. Single hyphal tips were transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA) and grown at room temperature. Approximately ten isolates from each field with a consistent macromorphology were observed. These isolates had light brown mycelia, produced sclerotia at ambient temperature with no exposure to continuous light, and a representative isolate, designated D22-110 was selected for sequencing and pathogenicity testing. For isolate D22-110, mycelia were removed with a scalpel after 7 days of growth, for DNA extraction and sequencing of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region as previously described (White et al., 1990). A 726 bp product was generated and the sequence was submitted to GenBank (Accession No. OQ794049). NCBI-BLAST indicated this sequence was 99% identical (631 of 634 bp and 632 of 634 bp identical) with known reference isolates previously identified as R. solani AG 4 HG-III (Accession No. AF354075 and AF354076, respectively) from a phylogenetic study (Gonzalez et al., 2001). Pathogenicity testing was performed twice on two-week-old seedlings of watermelon cultivars Endless Summer and Wingman in greenhouse conditions (29oC, 12 h daylight). Two disks (3 mm diam) from 7-day-old plates of PDA were placed around each seedling at the root and stem convergence point. Ten seedlings were mock-inoculated with sterile PDA plugs as a control. Approximately 35% damping-off incidence was observed on inoculated seedlings six days post-inoculation, while control seedlings remained healthy. At 20 days post-inoculation, 20 (first trial) and 34 seedlings (second trial) were assessed for visible stem and root lesions. Incidence of stem lesions occurred on 90% of seedlings, with 80% of seedlings possessing lesions greater than 10 mm in diameter. Seedlings without R. solani inoculation were free of stem and root lesions. R. solani was re-isolated from symptomatic tissue, with 40% frequency of isolation, identified by right-angle branching of the hyphae thus confirming Koch's postulates. R. solani AG 4 has been reported in watermelon in the US since 1994 (Hall and Summer, 1994) but the AG 4 subgroup was not reported. AG 4 HG-III was reported in melon seedlings causing damping-off in Kyrgyzstan (Erper et al. 2016). In other hosts, AG 4 HG-III was found in potatoes in South Africa (Muzhinji et al., 2014), buckwheat and foxtail millet in China (Zhou et al., 2015; Hao et al., 2023), broccoli and spinach (Kuramae et al., 2003) and turnip green (Sekiguchi et al., 2015). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of R. solani AG 4 HG-III causing disease in watermelon in Idaho. Given the the rate of disease incidence observed in the field, growers should consider avoiding planting alternative host crops to minimize inoculum buildup.

Cutaneous Seeding of Glioblastoma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

ABSTRACT: We present the case of a 61-year-old male patient with a history of intracranial IDH-wildtype glioblastoma with an isolated cutaneous metastasis within the previous surgical site scar. The cytomorphology of the cutaneous deposits was reminiscent of metastatic melanoma, which is a differential diagnostic pitfall. The tumor molecular characteristics are described, as these have become essential diagnostic criteria for many central nervous system tumors, along with a discussion of the role of immunohistochemical markers and potential pitfalls in the differential diagnosis of melanoma and poorly differentiated carcinoma. We discuss the biology of metastatic glioblastoma and provide a focused literature review of previous glioblastomas with tumor cell seeding within prior surgical scars.

The predicted benefits of genomic selection on pig breeding objectives.

The premise was tested that the additional genetic gain was achieved in the overall breeding objective in a pig breeding program using genomic selection (GS) compared to a conventional breeding program, however, some traits achieved larger gain than other traits. GS scenarios based on different reference population sizes were evaluated. The scenarios were compared using a deterministic simulation model to predict genetic gain in scenarios with and without using genomic information as an additional information source. All scenarios were compared based on selection accuracy and predicted genetic gain per round of selection for objective traits in both sire and dam lines. The results showed that GS scenarios increased overall response in the breeding objectives by 9% to 56% and 3.5% to 27% in the dam and sire lines, respectively. The difference in response resulted from differences in the size of the reference population. Although all traits achieved higher selection accuracy in GS, traits with limited phenotypic information at the time of selection or with low heritability, such as sow longevity, number of piglets born alive, pre- and post-weaning survival, as well as meat and carcass quality traits achieved the largest additional response. This additional response came at the expense of smaller responses for traits that are easy to measure, such as back fat and average daily gain in GS compared to the conventional breeding program. Sow longevity and drip loss percentage did not change in a favourable direction in GS with a reference population of 500 pigs. With a reference population of 1000 pigs or onwards, sow longevity and drip loss percentage began to change in a favourable direction. Despite the smaller responses for average daily gain and back fat thickness in GS, the overall breeding objective achieved additional gain in GS.

Genetic architecture of white striping in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo).

White striping (WS) is a myopathy of growing concern to the turkey industry. It is rising in prevalence and has negative consequences for consumer acceptance and the functional properties of turkey meat. The objective of this study was to conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and functional analysis on WS severity. Phenotypic data consisted of white striping scored on turkey breast fillets (N = 8422) by trained observers on a 0-3 scale (none to severe). Of the phenotyped birds, 4667 genotypic records were available using a proprietary 65 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip. The SNP effects were estimated using a linear mixed model with a 30-SNP sliding window approach used to express the percentage genetic variance explained. Positional candidate genes were those located within 50 kb of the top 1% of SNP windows explaining the most genetic variance. Of the 95 positional candidate genes, seven were further classified as functional candidate genes because of their association with both a significant gene ontology and molecular function term. The results of the GWAS emphasize the polygenic nature of the trait with no specific genomic region contributing a large portion to the overall genetic variance. Significant pathways relating to growth, muscle development, collagen formation, circulatory system development, cell response to stimulus, and cytokine production were identified. These results help to support published biological associations between WS and hypoxia and oxidative stress and provide information that may be useful for future-omics studies in understanding the biological associations with WS development in turkeys.

Long-Term Ultrasound Twinkling Detectability and Safety of a Polymethyl Methacrylate Soft Tissue Marker Compared to Conventional Breast Biopsy Markers-A Preclinical Study in a Porcine Model.

OBJECTIVE: We have studied the use of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as an alternative biopsy marker that is readily detectable with ultrasound Doppler twinkling in cases of in vitro, ex vivo, or limited duration in vivo settings. This study investigates the long-term safety and ultrasound Doppler twinkling detectability of a PMMA breast biopsy marker following local perturbations and different dwell times in a 6-mo animal experiment. METHODS: This study, which was approved by our Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, involved three pigs and utilized various markers, including PMMA (Zimmer Biomet), 3D-printed, and Tumark Q markers. Markers were implanted at different times for each pig. Mesh material or ethanol was used to induce a local inflammatory reaction near certain markers. A semiquantitative twinkling score assessed twinkling for actionable localization during monthly ultrasounds. At the primary endpoint, ultrasound-guided localization of lymph nodes with detectable markers was performed. Following surgical resection of the localized nodes, histomorphometric analysis was conducted to evaluate for tissue ingrowth and the formation of a tissue rind around the markers. RESULTS: No adverse events occurred. Twinkling scores of all markers for all three pigs decreased gradually over time. The Q marker exhibited the highest mean twinkling score followed by the PMMA marker, PMMA with mesh, and Q with ethanol. The 3D-printed marker with mesh and PMMA with ethanol had the lowest scores. All wire-localized lymph nodes were successfully resected. Despite varying percentages of tissue rind around the markers and a significant reduction in overall twinkling (p < 0.001) over time, mean PMMA twinkling scores remained clinically actionable at 6 and 5 mo using a General Electric C1-6 probe and 9L-probe, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this porcine model, the PMMA marker demonstrates an acceptable safety profile. Clinically actionable twinkling aids PMMA marker detection even after 6 mo of dwell time in porcine lymph nodes. The Q marker maintained the greatest twinkling over time compared to all the other markers studied.

Using 3-D-Printed Structures to Evaluate the Potential Causes of the Color Doppler Twinkling Signature.

OBJECTIVE: The color Doppler twinkling artifact has been attributed to existing microbubbles or cavitation occurring on rough objects such as kidney stones, some breast biopsy clips, catheter guidewires and sandpaper. The objective was to investigate the correlation between the surface characteristics of helical constructs with different groove geometries and the occurrence of twinkling, as well as to identify locations conducive to bubble retention and/or cavitation. METHODS: Six half-cylinders were created with a microscale 3-D printer with 5 µm resolution to replicate the geometry of twinkling helical constructs resembling catheter guidewires. Four copies of each marker including a non-twinkling control were printed. The half-cylinders had pitch (peak-to-peak distance) values ranging from 87.5 to 343 µm and amplitude (groove depth) values ranging from 41.5 to 209 µm. The half-cylinders were submerged in degassed water and optically imaged before and after ultrasound insonification to visualize bubbles on the cylinders. The cylinders remained submerged while scanning with the color Doppler mode at frequencies from 3.1 to 6.3 MHz using a GE Logiq E9 scanner and 9L linear array transducer. RESULTS: Two markers exhibited twinkling: one with pitch-to-amplitude ratio of 174/210 µm/µm (0.8) that twinkled only with pre-existing bubbles on the marker; the other had a ratio of 87/87 µm/µm (1.00) that twinkled without pre-existing bubbles on the marker. CONCLUSION: This work provides strong evidence that both existing bubbles and either cavitation or ultrasound wave interactions with patterned or rough surfaces are significant factors in producing the twinkling signature.

Bowen disease is not synonymous with intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma.

The terms 'Bowen disease' and 'intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma' are sometimes considered synonymous. In this paper we present historical, clinical, histological and molecular evidence that this is incorrect. The term Bowen disease should be reserved for a subset of intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma with a distinctive and reproducible morphological pattern, described in detail by Bowen in 1912. One other common subset of intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma represents progression of actinic keratosis. In some cases the separation of these two common patterns of intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma can be challenging and there are patterns of intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma which appear to represent other distinct pathways. However, there is emerging biological evidence to support this distinction and reason to suspect that the types of invasive squamous cell carcinoma which arise from these different pathways may show important clinical and biological differences, particularly in the era of targeted and immunomodulatory therapy for advanced disease.

Histological predictors of outcome for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in renal transplant patients: A case-control study.

Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a significant cause of morbidity for immunosuppressed patients such as organ transplant recipients; however, histological parameters which predict the likelihood of tumor progression are typically based on general population studies in which immunosuppressed patients represent only a small fraction of cases. Objectives: To determine the histological parameters which have independent prognostic value for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma arising in renal transplant recipients. Methods: Case-control study incorporating a retrospective blinded histological review of 70 archived specimens of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed in renal transplant recipients, comprising 10 cases where the tumor had progressed and 60 controls. Results: Progression was significantly associated with head and neck location, size, depth, poor histological grade, perineural invasion (including small caliber perineural invasion), lymphovascular invasion, and a desmoplastic growth pattern. Limitations: The retrospective nature and the low number of cases compared to controls. Conclusion: In immunosuppressed patients both small caliber perineural invasion and a desmoplastic growth pattern may also have prognostic significance in addition to other histological parameters already recognized in formal staging schemes.

Corporate interest groups and their implications for global food governance: mapping and analysing the global corporate influence network of the transnational ultra-processed food industry.

BACKGROUND: A major challenge to transforming food systems to promote human health and sustainable development is the global rise in the manufacture and consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). A key driver of this dietary transition is the globalization of UPF corporations, and their organized corporate political activity (CPA) intended to counter opposition and block government regulation. UPF industry CPA and the corporate interest groups who lobby on their behalf have been well described at the national level, however, at the global level, this network has not been systematically characterized. This study aims to map, analyse, and describe this network, and discuss the implications for global food policy action on UPFs, global food governance (GFG), and food systems transformation. METHODS: We conducted a network analysis of the declared interest group memberships of the world's leading UPF corporations, extracted from web sources, company reports, and relevant academic and grey literature. Data on the characteristics of these interest groups were further extracted for analysis, including year founded, level, type, and headquarter location. RESULTS: We identified 268 interest groups affiliated with the UPF industry. The UPF manufacturers Nestlé (n = 171), The Coca-Cola Company (n = 147), Unilever (n = 142), PepsiCo (n = 138), and Danone (n = 113) had the greatest number of memberships, indicating strong centrality in coordinating the network. We found that this network operates at all levels, yet key actors now predominantly coordinate globally through multistakeholder channels in GFG. The most common interest group types were sustainability/corporate social responsibility/multistakeholder initiatives, followed by branding and advertising, and food manufacturing and retail. Most corporate interest groups are headquartered where they can access powerful government and GFG decision-makers, nearly one-third in Washington DC and Brussels, and the rest in capital cities of major national markets for UPFs. CONCLUSIONS: The UPF industry, and especially its leading corporations, coordinate a global network of interest groups spanning multiple levels, jurisdictions, and governance spaces. This represents a major structural feature of global food and health governance systems, which arguably poses major challenges for actions to attenuate the harms of UPFs, and to realising of healthy and sustainable food systems.

F-actin coordinates spindle morphology and function in Drosophila meiosis.

Meiosis is a highly conserved feature of sexual reproduction that ensures germ cells have the correct number of chromosomes prior to fertilization. A subset of microtubules, known as the spindle, are essential for accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis. Building evidence in mammalian systems has recently highlighted the unexpected requirement of the actin cytoskeleton in chromosome segregation; a network of spindle actin filaments appear to regulate many aspects of this process. Here we show that Drosophila oocytes also have a spindle population of actin that appears to regulate the formation of the microtubule spindle and chromosomal movements throughout meiosis. We demonstrate that genetic and pharmacological disruption of the actin cytoskeleton has a significant impact on spindle morphology, dynamics, and chromosome alignment and segregation during maturation and the metaphase-anaphase transition. We further reveal a role for calcium in maintaining the microtubule spindle and spindle actin. Together, our data highlights potential conservation of morphology and mechanism of the spindle actin during meiosis.

Taking on the Corporate Determinants of Ill-health and Health Inequity: A Scoping Review of Actions to Address Excessive Corporate Power to Protect and Promote the Public's Health.

BACKGROUND: In many sectors of the economy, for-profit business corporations hold excessive power relative to some governments and civil society. These power imbalances have been recognised as important contributors to many pressing and complex societal challenges, including unhealthy diets, climate change, and widening socio-economic inequalities, and thus pose a major barrier to efforts to improve public health and health equity. In this paper, we reviewed potential actions for addressing excessive corporate power. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of diverse literature (using Scopus, Web of Science, HeinOnline, and EBSCO databases), along with expanded searches, to identify state and collective actions with the potential to address excessive corporate power. Actions were thematically classified into overarching strategic objectives, guided by Meagher's '3Ds' heuristic, which classifies actions to curb corporate power into three groups: dispersion, democratisation, and dissolution. Based on the actions identified, we proposed two additional strategic objectives: reform and democratise the global governance of corporations, and strengthen countervailing power structures. RESULTS: We identified 178 documents that collectively cover a broad range of actions to address excessive corporate power. In total, 18 interrelated strategies were identified, along with several examples in which aspects of these strategies have been implemented. CONCLUSION: The proposed framework sheds light on how a diverse set of strategies and actions that seek to address excessive corporate power can work synergistically to change the regulatory context in which corporations operate, so that broader societal goals, including health and equity, are given much greater prominence and consideration vis-à-vis powerful corporate interests.