Predicting the dynamics of ascospore maturation of Venturia pirina based on environmental factors.

Airborne ascospores of Venturia pirina were trapped at two sites in northern Italy in 2002 to 2008. The cumulative proportion of ascospores trapped at each discharge was regressed against the physiological time. The best fit (R(2) = 0.90, standard error of estimates [SEest] = 0.11) was obtained using a Gompertz equation and the degree-days (>0 degrees C) accumulated after the day on which the first ascospore of the season was trapped (biofix day), but only for the days with > or =0.2 mm rain or < or =4 hPa vapor pressure deficit (DDwet). This Italian model performed better than the models developed in Oregon, United States (R(2) = 0.69, SEest = 0.16) or Victoria, Australia (R(2) = 0.74, SEest = 0.18), which consider only the effect of temperature. When the Italian model was evaluated against data not used in its elaboration, it accurately predicted ascospore maturation (R(2) = 0.92, SEest = 0.10). A logistic regression model was also developed to estimate the biofix for initiating the accumulation of degree-days (biofix model). The probability of the first ascospore discharge of the season increased as DDwet (calculated from 1 January) increased. Based on this model, there is low probability of the first ascospore discharge when DDwet < or =268.5 (P = 0.03) and high probability (P = 0.83) of discharge on the first day with >0.2 mm rain after such a DDwet threshold.

Syphilitic Aortic Aneurysm in the Third Millennium.

A 69-year-old man presented with precordial pain and a dilated ascending aorta with the suspicion of an intramural hematoma. At emergency operation, the aorta appeared grossly thickened with diffuse intimal scarring. Retrospectively, the patient tested positive to serologic screening for syphilis with histologic findings also compatible with a syphilitic aortitis.

Seasonal Dynamics of Taphrina deformans Inoculum in Peach Orchards.

ABSTRACT The dynamics of the inoculum of Taphrina deformans were studied during a 4-year period by (i) inspecting curled leaves for the presence of asci, (ii) placing deposition spore samplers within the tree canopies, and (iii) exposing potted peach plants (trap plants). These three approaches produced consistent results. Four main periods characterized the dynamics of the inoculum: the first period coincides with the parasitic stage of the pathogen's life cycle and the other periods with the saprophytic stage. Mid- to late spring (first period) was characterized by the presence of asci on infected leaves which produced and ejected large quantities of ascospores in 96% of the samplings. Rainfall was not necessary for ascospore dispersal, which was favored by air temperature <20 degrees C and relative humidity >/=80% or wetness duration >8 h. In summer and autumn (second period), blastospores were trapped in 54 and 24% of samplings, respectively, with low spore numbers. In the winter (third period), blasto-spores were trapped in the lowest numbers and in only 6% of samplings. In late winter to early spring (fourth period), blastospores were found in 56% of samples, with increasing numbers. Rainfall significantly influenced blastospore dispersal and temperature was correlated with the seasonality found during the saprophytic stage.

Influence of Weather Conditions on Infection of Peach Fruit by Taphrina deformans.

ABSTRACT The effect of environment on the infection of peach fruit by Taphrina deformans was investigated using orchard observations under natural conditions (in 2001 to 2004) or in trees managed in such a way to exclude rainfall. These conditions were then validated using pot-grown peach plants exposed to single infection events and independent orchard observations. Leaf curl incidence was related to rainfall, length of wet periods, and the temperature during wetness and during the incubation period, as well as to the developmental stage of flowers and fruit. Weather conditions before petal fall did not influence fruit infection. After petal fall, rainfall and the duration of the wet period triggered by rainfall played a key role in infection occurrence. The minimum rainfall required for infection was 12 mm, with at least 24 h of wetness interrupted by no more than 4 h. No infection occurred when temperature was >/=17 degrees C during the wet period or >19 degrees C during incubation. Disease symptoms appeared on fruit after approximately 3 weeks of incubation, which is equivalent to 240- to 290-degree-days (base 0 degrees C). The period for fruit infection was relatively short being from petal fall until air temperature remained greater than 16 degrees C. During this period, the incidence of fruit that developed symptoms was closely related to the number of favorable events and the total wetness duration during such events.

Epidemiology of flavescence dorée in vineyards in northwestern Italy.

ABSTRACT A serious outbreak of flavescence dorée (FD) was reported in Piemonte, northwestern Italy, in 1998, and since then, the disease has compromised the economy of this traditional wine-growing area, even following the application of compulsory insecticide treatments to control Scaphoideus titanus, the vector of the causal phytoplasma. Affected vines show severe symptoms, varying according to the cultivar, and are rogued to reduce disease spread. Following winter and pruning, a previously affected vine may appear symptomless and free of phytoplasmas in its aerial as well as its root system, even by nested-polymerase chain reaction assays. Such plants are considered to be "recovered". Since 1998 homogenous data on the incidence of newly infected, healthy, or recovered plants productivity, presence of vectors, and treatment schedules have been collected in seven severely affected vineyards of southern Piemonte for 5 years (1999 to 2003). Infectivity and recovery rates were also calculated each year. From 1999 to 2003, the average number of healthy plants decreased and the numbers of recovered plants and those with symptoms increased. Productivity of recovered vines, although lower than that of healthy ones, was always higher than that of vines with symptoms and was not influenced by the time elapsed from date of recovery. The relationships between the ln-transformed number of vectors trapped in the vineyards the previous year and the infection and the recovery rates were fitted by an exponential (R(2) = 0.95) and an asymptotic (R(2) = 0.93) model, respectively.

Influence of Environmental Conditions on Infection of Peach Shoots by Taphrina deformans.

ABSTRACT The effect of weather conditions on the infection of peach shoots by Taphrina deformans was investigated both under orchard conditions and in controlled-environment experiments. Leaf curl incidence and severity were related to rainfall, length of wet periods, and temperature during wetness and during the incubation period, as well as to the development stage of shoots. Surface wetness was more important than rainfall for infection to occur. Minimum rainfall for infection was 3 mm, with a wet period of at least 12.5 h; higher amounts of rainfall did not cause infection when the wet period they triggered was shorter. Wet periods initiated by dew or fog were too short for infection to occur. Infection occurred only when air temperature was <16 degrees C during the wet period and <19 degrees C during incubation. Logistic equations relating relative disease incidence and either duration of wetness or temperature were developed under controlled-environment conditions, with asymptotes at >/=48 h of wetness and

Post-treatment changes of six cytokines in active pulmonary tuberculosis: differences between patients with stable or increased fibrosis.

SETTING: Little information is available regarding the relationship between the fibrotic evolution of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and cytokine levels in human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate correlations between profibrotic cytokine levels and post-treatment lung fibrotic evolution. DESIGN: BALF and serum amounts of pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines were obtained by ELISA before and 6 months after the start of anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy in 13 subjects with PTB. BALF levels were recalculated as ELF (epithelial lining fluid) levels by the urea method. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of both lungs was performed at the same time. RESULTS: When comparing pre- and post-treatment radiological data, the scores for 2-10 mm nodules, consolidation and fibrosis presented significant differences (P < 0.05). Concomitantly, pre-treatment vs. 6 month concentrations of ELF IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha were decreased (P < 0.05), while those of IL-4 and IL-10 were increased (P < 0.012). At serum level, IFN-gamma decreased, as did TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1 and PDGF-BB (P < 0.05). When the patients were subdivided into two groups, 1) stable or 2) increasing HRCT fibrosis score, significant increases in the second group were observed for ELF/ serum values of TGF-beta1 and ELF PDGF-BB (P < 0.05) at 6 months post-treatment. Only serum TGF-beta1 values were significantly associated with the same group before treatment.

Expression of CCR5 is increased in human monocyte-derived macrophages and alveolar macrophages in the course of in vivo and in vitro Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replicates more efficiently in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-infected macrophages than in uninfected controls. We investigated whether this may be partly explained by changes in expression of CCR5 in the course of mycobacterial infection, as this molecule has been shown to be a coreceptor for HIV entry. Since the lung is the preferential organ of HIV replication in the course of tuberculosis, we preliminarily analyzed beta-chemokine receptor expression in alveolar macrophages from patients with active tuberculosis, using flow cytometry based on an MIP-1alpha ligand-biotin/avidin-FITC detection system. Increased MIP-1alpha receptor (MIP-1alphaR) expression in alveolar macrophages from infected patients was observed whereas no detectable expression could be revealed in uninfected controls. Since MIP-la can also bind CCR1 and CCR4, the presence of CCR5 mRNA was investigated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells and detected in alveolar macrophages from tuberculosis patients only. The study was then extended to in vitro MTB-infected macrophages. Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) were left to differentiate for 7 days before MTB H37Rv infection, and CCR5 expression was monitored, by using a specific monoclonal antibody, on days 1, 6, and 11 after infection. Increased CCR5 expression in MTB-infected macrophages was observed, with a peak on day 6 (64% in MTB-infected versus 33% in control cultures) and a decrease by day 11 (25% in MTB infected versus 13% in control cultures). These results show that CCR5 expression is enhanced in the course of in vitro MTB infection and during active pulmonary tuberculosis.

Aerosolized interferon-alpha treatment in patients with multi-drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis.

Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has emerged as an obstacle to the control of tuberculosis. Recent data however, suggest that interferon-(IFN)-gamma and IFN-alpha may improve disease evolution in subjects affected with pulmonary tuberculosis caused by multi-resistant (IFN-gamma) and sensitive (IFN-alpha) strains. The mechanisms involved are not known, even though it has been reported that IFN-gamma-secreting CD4+ Th cells may possess antitubercular effects. In addition, IFN-alpha can induce IFN-gamma secretion by CD4+ Th cells, and both types of IFN may stimulate macrophage activities. The aim of this study was to explore the possibility that aerosolized IFN-alpha, administered concomitantly with conventional antitubercular chemotherapy, may improve the course of pulmonary tuberculosis. After six months of directly observed therapy (DOT), seven patients who were non-responders to a second line antitubercular therapy were given an IFN-alpha aerosol (3 MU, three times a week) for two months as adjunctive therapy. All strains were resistant to at least two first-line drugs. After IFN-alpha administration, the patients were followed up for a further six months with the same DOT. Sputum samples were collected monthly during the study period, with the exception of the IFN-alpha administration period, when the observations were performed weekly. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest scans were performed before and after IFN-alpha inhalations. The analysis of the results showed that the mean number of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mt) had remained statistically unchanged (p = 0.80) during the first 6 months of DOT. During the following 2 months of IFN-alpha administration, 5 patients became negative (p = 0.02). After the end of treatment a progressive increase in Mt number was observed (p = 0. 02). Sputum cultures remained positive for all patients throughout the study period, although a significant decrease (p = 0.02) in the colony number per culture was observed after adjunctive treatment with IFN-alpha. After stopping administration of IFN-alpha, a significant increase (p = 0.03) in the colony number per culture was noted as well as in Mt numbers. HRCT scans were slightly improved in all patients. These preliminary data suggest that aerosolized IFN-alpha may be a promising adjunctive therapy for patients with MDR-TB. Optimal doses and schedules however, require further studies.

Different cytokine production and effector/memory dynamics of alpha beta+ or gamma delta+ T-cell subsets in the peripheral blood of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis.

Immunity to M.tuberculosis (MTB) infection consists of interactions between various T-cell subsets that control the infection and prevent further reactivation. We analysed the effector/memory T-cell dynamics and cytokines production in the peripheral blood of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). We observed that the frequency of CD4+ T-cell effectors was significantly increased during active TB, confirming a major role of this T-cell subset in TB immunity. Pre-terminally differentiated CD8+ T-lymphocytes were increased in the peripheral blood as well. In contrast, we observed a reduced number of effector mycobacteria-reactive gammadelta+ T-lymphocytes with a specific defects in reacting to mycobacterial nonpeptidic antigens, suggesting that this innate response is rapidly lost during TB infection. Nevertheless, the frequency of gammadelta+ T-cells effectors in TB patients was higher than the alphabeta+ T-cell response to peptide from MTB-ESAT-6 protein and quantitatively similar to PPD reactivity. Thus, alphabeta+ and gammadelta+ T-cell differentiation and function are differently triggered by active TB infection.

Pulmonary mycosis in AIDS.

We retrospectively reviewed our series of 35 pulmonary mycosis in patients with AIDS, observed from 1987 to 1999, to correlate the imaging and pathologic findings. We further evaluated the frequency of fungal pneumonia before and after the use of a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Early recognition of pulmonary mycosis is imperative in these patients and improved survival can be achieved with early CT detection and prompt institution of high-dose antifungal therapy.

The influence of age on the pulmonary clearance of 99Tcm-DTPA radioaerosol.

Age-dependent changes of 99Tcm-DTPA radioaerosol transpulmonary clearance have been investigated in 49 healthy volunteers with an age range of 21-63 years. The clearance was uniformly increased in all smokers irrespective of age, but it showed a highly significant (p less than 0.001) decrease in non-smoking patients over 50 years. Several age-related changes in the ageing lung can contribute to this decreased clearance, but the reduced alveolar-capillary surface area available for the transport is probably the key factor. The practical implication of the results is the need to use age-related normal ranges when interpreting 99Tcm-DTPA radioaerosol clearance studies.

Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with two sustained-release theophylline preparations.

A sustained-release theophylline preparation in capsule form was compared with standard slow-release theophylline tablets for variation in plasma theophylline concentration, effectiveness and tolerability in 30 adults with chronic broncho-obstructive pathology. They were administered every 12 h and blood samples were collected after 8 days of treatment during the steady-state period. In this double-dummy crossover study, the sequence of the two regimens (sustained-release capsules versus tablets) was selected at random. The results of this study demonstrate that plasma theophylline levels remain within the therapeutic range for both preparations. Effectiveness and tolerability of the two drugs were satisfactory.

Minimal dose of aerosolized interferon-alpha in human subjects: biological consequences and side-effects.

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is a leucocyte-derived cytokine with pleiotropic effects on the cells of the immune system, including the ability to promote viral and microbial killing. This study was designed to evaluate the biologically active dosage of aerosolized lymphoblastoid IFN-alpha, in normal subjects and patients with chronic bronchitis, using serum 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) as a marker of IFN-alpha activity. Three groups of subjects were included: two healthy groups and one of patients with chronic bronchitis. Group A (controls, n = 5) was studied in order to determine the minimal IFN-alpha dose able to induce biological effects without side-effects. IFN-alpha was given in a dose escalation trial including 0, 0.3 x 10(6), 1.0 x 10(6) and 3.0 x 10(6) IU.day-1 (5 day administration). Only the administration of 3.0 x 10(6) IU.day-1 of IFN-alpha induced a significant biological activity, increasing serum levels of OAS. Group B (controls, n = 5) and C (chronic bronchitis, n = 5) were given 3.0 x 10(6) IU.day-1 (10 day administration) in order to study serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and BALF cell modifications, after treatment. OAS serum levels and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction tests, the latter used as a measure of phagocyte cell activity, increased both in normal subjects and in patients with chronic bronchitis. No significant change of serum IFN-alpha levels was found. It is concluded that aerosolized IFN-alpha administration to the lung is well-tolerated at biologically active doses. The activity can be monitored by quantifying OAS serum levels through a simple blood test.

The flow volume curve: normal standards in young subjects.

During epidemiological survey, satisfactory flow-volume data were obtained from 438 young Italian Boy-Scouts. Data from 302 non-smoking subjects (170 males and 132 females, ranging in age from 10 to 20 years) free of symptoms or history of cardiorespiratory disease were used in determining "normal" prediction equations and nomograms for peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal expiratory flow at 75 percent (V 75%), 50 percent (V 50%), 25 percent (V 25%) of the forced vital capacity. The flow-volume curve showed for the same height and age evident intersubject variability. The prediction equations and nomograms give mean values but no information on scatter.

Non-fibrous inorganic particles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of pottery workers.

AIM: To study the actual exposure of pottery workers to silica particles, as their risk of silicosis is potentially high because of the presence of inhalable crystalline silica particles in the workplace. METHODS: Nine pottery workers underwent bronchoalveolar lavage. The recovered fluid was analysed for cytological and mineralogical content by analytical transmission electron microscopy. The data were compared with those obtained from a control group composed of seven patients with sarcoidosis and six patients with haemoptysis. RESULTS: Cytological results showed a similar profile in exposed workers and controls, whereas in patients with sarcoidosis a lymphocytic alveolitis was found. Microanalysis of the particulate identified the presence of silicates, CRSs, and metals. Pottery workers had higher numbers of total particles and CRSs, and had a higher silicate/metal ratio. In five workers, the presence of zirconium silicate was also detected. Patients with sarcoidosis had the lowest number of particles, and an inverted silicate/metal ratio. CONCLUSION: Microanalysis by transmission electron microscope can provide useful information to assess occupational exposure to dusts.

Validation of an algorithm able to differentiate small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients by means of a tumour marker panel: analysis of the errors.

By means of a mathematical score previously generated by discriminant analysis on 90 lung cancer patients, a new and larger group of 261 subjects [209 with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 52 with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC)] was analysed to confirm the ability of the method to distinguish between these two types of cancers. The score, which included the serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and CYFRA-21.1 levels, permitted correct classification of 93% of the patients. When the misclassifications were analysed in detail, the most frequent errors were associated with limited disease SCLC with low NSE levels and with advanced NSCLC with high NSE levels. This demonstrates the importance of the marker in correctly categorizing patients.

Effects of aerosolized interferon-alpha in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is a cytokine exerting pleiotropic activities, including antimicrobial effects, especially directed against intracellular infectious bacteria. It may be administered by aerosol to reach the lower respiratory tract without systemic side effects. The aim of the study reported here was the evaluation of aerosolized IFN-alpha treatment (3 MU/dose, given three times a week; total study dose: 72 MU/2 mo) in combination with conventional antimycobacterial therapy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Two groups of 10 patients each were compared before and after 2 mo of conventional antituberculous chemotherapy with or without inhaled IFN-alpha. Several biologic (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid [BALF] cellularity, Mycobacterium tuberculosis [MT] number in sputum), biochemical (BALF concentrations of 10 cytokines, BALF IFN-alpha receptor levels), and clinical (fever, vital signs, high-resolution computed tomography [HRCT] images) measures were made in these patients at the time of their enrollment and at the end of the observation period of the study. Fever, MT number in sputum, and abnormalities in HRCT images showed significantly earlier resolution in the IFN-alpha-treated group, together with a more significant decrease in BALF interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) concentrations and significantly greater pre- versus posttreatment variations in IL-2 and IFN-gamma. These data, taken together, suggest that IFN-alpha administration may favorably affect the evolution of pulmonary tuberculosis when combined with antimycobacterial therapy.