Prolonged phloem feeding by the spotted lanternfly, an invasive planthopper, alters resource allocation and inhibits gas exchange in grapevines.

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula White; SLF) is a phloem-feeding planthopper invasive to the Eastern United States that can feed on a range of wild and cultivated plant species. Since its 2014 introduction in the United States, large infestations and subsequent economic damage have been reported in cultivated grapevines, but no studies have detailed grapevine physiological responses to SLF phloem feeding. This study investigated grapevine-SLF interactions, detailing how different infestation densities affect leaf gas exchange and end-season concentrations of nonstructural carbohydrates and nitrogen in vegetative and perennial tissues of two Vitis species. Effects on fruit ripeness parameters and dormant bud freeze tolerance were examined, in addition to other year-after effects. Phloem feeding by low densities (≤4 SLF shoot-1) had minimal effects, whereas greater densities (5-15 SLF shoot-1) increasingly affected carbohydrate and nitrogen dynamics in both Vitis species. Phloem feeding substantially affected starch and, to a lesser extent, total nitrogen concentrations of woody roots. Prolonged exposure strongly reduced leaf gas exchange. We conclude that intensive late-season phloem feeding by large adult SLF population densities (≥8 SLF shoot-1) can induce carbon limitation, with the potential for negative year-after effects in cases of severe belowground carbon depletion. This work presents novel insights into SLF-grapevine interactions, identifies avenues of future SLF-plant research, and assists the development of action thresholds for SLF management in vineyards.

Cutaneous sequelae in neonatal lupus: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous eruptions in neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) are thought to be self-resolving. Limited literature suggests cutaneous changes may persist. OBJECTIVE: To characterize cutaneous residua in NLE and identify predictors for their development. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients with cutaneous NLE born between January 1980 and May 2017 was performed. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients with cutaneous residua. Secondary outcomes included associations/predictors of sequelae. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, at a mean age of 4 years (range, 0.5-18.7 years), 34% of 106 patients had cutaneous sequelae, 13% had telangiectasia, 17% had dyspigmentation, and 9% had atrophic scarring. Scarring at the last follow-up was significantly associated with the presence of skin lesions at birth (P < .001). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the retrospective design, short follow-up duration in a subset of patients, and small sample size. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous NLE can exhibit long-term cutaneous residua. These findings underlie the importance of accurate diagnosis, long-term monitoring, and appropriate counseling.

Outcomes of conventional amplification for pediatric unilateral hearing loss.

OBJECTIVES: Although children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) are at risk for educational difficulties and behavioral problems, the research on treatment outcomes is limited. Previous studies suggested that children with UHL would benefit from frequency-modulated assistive devices only. The objective of this study was to examine whether children with UHL would benefit from using a conventional hearing aid in the poorer-hearing ear. METHODS: Eight children, 7 to 12 years of age, with mild to moderately severe UHL and their parents and teachers participated in this study. The participants were fitted with digital hearing aids by use of pediatric prescriptive targets. The primary outcome measures were speech perception tests in quiet and noise and subjective assessments from participants, parents, and teachers, administered before hearing aid fitting and after 3 months of hearing aid use. RESULTS: The group average speech perception scores showed no significant aided benefit or detriment in any of the conditions tested. However, subjective assessments showed large significant aided benefits at home and school according to the children and their parents, and in quality of life as reported by the children with UHL. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results suggest that a hearing aid trial should be considered for children with mild to moderately severe UHL, with individual monitoring for benefit.