First Report of Fusarium Wilt Caused by Fusarium oxysporum on Strawberry in Spain

In the spring of 2007, wilted and dead strawberry plants (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cvs. Camarosa and Ventana) were observed in a soilless culture system in Huelva, southwestern Spain. Approximately 8% of the plants in the field died. Isolations from necrotic crowns and roots and necrotic flowers were made on potato dextrose agar after disinfestation in 0.6% NaOCl for 30 s. Colonies with light purple mycelia and beige or orange reverse colony colors developed after 9 days of incubation at 25°C. Colonies produced abundant microconidia, macroconidia, and chlamydospores. Microconidia were hyaline and oval-ellipsoid to cylindrical (5.9 to 9.2 × 2.1 to 3.4 μm). Macroconidia were 3 to 5 septate and fusoid-subulate with a pedicellate base (28.8 to 37.3 × 3.2 to 4.3 μm). Morphology and growth matched descriptions of Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend emend. Snyder & Hansen (2). A PCR assay for amplification of r-DNA using primers PFO₂ and PFO₃ established the identity of the isolate as F. oxysporum (1). To confirm the pathogenicity of the fungus, roots of 30-day-old strawberry cvs. Camarosa and Ventana (20 plants each) were inoculated by dipping the roots into a conidial suspension (10⁷ conidia per ml) for 15 min. The inoculated plants were transplanted into plastic pots containing sterilized peat and maintained at 25°C and 100% relative humidity in a growth chamber with a daily 12-h photoperiod of fluorescent light. The pathogenicity test was conducted twice. Within 30 days, all inoculated plants developed wilt symptoms similar to that observed in the field and eventually 75% of the plants died. No symptoms were observed on plants dipped in distilled water. The fungus was successfully reisolated from crowns, roots, and necrotic flowers, fulfilling Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of Fusarium wilt caused by F. oxysporum on strawberry plants in Spain. References: (1) V. Edel et al. Mycol. Res. 104:518, 2000. (2) W. C. Snyder and H. N. Hansen. Am. J. Bot. 27:64, 1940.

Study of micromotion in modular acetabular components during gait and subluxation: a finite element investigation

Polyethylene wear after total hip arthroplasty may occur as a result of normal gait and as a result of subluxation and relocation with impact. Relocation of a subluxed hip may impart a moment to the cup creating sliding as well as compression at the cup liner interface. The purpose of the current study is to quantify, by a validated finite element model, the forces generated in a hip arthroplasty as a result of subluxation relocation and compare them to the forces generated during normal gait. The micromotion between the liner and acetabular shell was quantified by computing the sliding track and the deformation at several points of the interface. A finite element analysis of polyethylene liner stress and liner/cup micromotion in total hip arthroplasty was performed under two dynamic profiles. The first profile was a gait loading profile simulating the force vectors developed in the hip arthroplasty during normal gait. The second profile is generated during subluxation and subsequent relocation of the femoral head. The forces generated by subluxation relocation of a total hip arthroplasty can exceed those forces generated during normal gait. The induced micromotion at the cup polyethylene interface as a result of subluxation can exceed micromotion as a result of the normal gait cycle. This may play a significant role in the generation of backsided wear. Minimizing joint subluxation by restoring balance to the hip joint after arthroplasty should be explored as a strategy to minimize backsided wear.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome following sleeve gastrectomy in severely obese subjects

BACKGROUND

Data on the effectiveness of sleeve gastrectomy in improving or resolving type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the metabolic syndrome (MS) are scarce.

METHODS

A twelve-month prospective study on the changes in glucose homeostasis and the MS in 91 severely obese T2DM subjects undergoing laparoscopic SG (SG; n = 39) or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP; n = 52), matched for DM duration, type of DM treatment, and glycemic control was conducted.

RESULTS

At 12 months after surgery, subjects undergoing SG and GBP lost a similar amount of weight (%EBL: SG: 63.00 +/- 2.89%, BPG: 66.06 +/- 2.34%; p = 0.413). On that evaluation, T2DM had resolved, respectively, in 33 out of 39 (84.6%) and 44 out of 52 (84.6%) subjects after SG and GBP (p = 0.618). The rate of resolution of the MS (SG: 62.2%, BPG: 67.3%; p = 0.392) was also comparable. A shorter DM duration (p < 0.05), a DM treatment not including pharmacological agents (p < 0.05), and a better glycemic control (p < 0.05), were significantly associated with T2DM resolution in both surgical groups. Weight loss was not associated with T2DM resolution after SG or GBP, but was associated with resolution of the MS following the two surgical procedures (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that at 12 months after surgery, SG is as effective as GBP in inducing remission of T2DM and the MS. Furthermore, our data suggest that SG and GBP represent a successful an integrated strategy for the management of the different cardiovascular risk components of the MS in subjects with T2DM.

First Report of Pestalotiopsis dyospiri Causing Calyx Blight of Sweet Persimmon in Huelva Province (Southwestern Spain)

In November 2006, necrotic calyxes were observed in more than 90% of harvested sweet persimmon fruits (Diospyros kaki L. fil.), cv. Triumph, in orchards located in Huelva Province. Symptoms appeared on sepals as brown-to-black necrotic areas; one to four sepals per fruit could be affected. Necrotic sepal tissues were surface disinfected and placed on potato dextrose agar medium (PDA). A fungus was consistently isolated from affected tissue on 60% of fruits sampled. Isolates formed acervular conidiomata (75.7 ± 4.69 μm in diameter) with fusiform conidia that were straight or rarely curved. Conidia were five celled, including three umbercolored medial cells and hyaline apical and basal cells. All conidia possessed two to three apical appendages and a single basal one. Conidia (N = 60) were 17.03 ± 0.25 μm long × 4.55 ± 0.1 μm wide; the three medial cells were 11.78 ± 0.15 μm long and apical cells were 2.34 ± 0.11 μm, with apical appendages measuring 12.45 ± 0.36 μm. Basal cells were 2.98 ± 0.11 μm and basal appendages were 3.93 ± 0.14 μm long. On the basis of these characteristics, the causal agent was identified as Pestalotiopsis diospyri Sidow et P. Sidow (2), that was previously described as a persimmon pathogen on leaves in Japan (3). To confirm pathogenicity, calyxes of healthy unwounded fruits were sprayed with 3 ml of a conidia suspension (1.5 × 10⁵ conidia per ml) and maintained in moist chambers at 24°C for 10 days. All fruits presented necrotic calyxes, and the pathogen was reisolated from affected tissue in 100% of the samples. P. diospyri has been reported to be present on calyxes of unhealthy persimmon fruits in different productive regions in New Zealand (1), but to our knowledge, this is the first time that pathogenicity of this fungus was demonstrated on sweet persimmon fruits in Spain. References: (1) H. H. Goh et al. Proc N Z Weed Pest Control Conf. 44:265, 1991. (2) E. F. Guba. Page 184 in: Monograph on Monochaetia and Pestalotia. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA. 1961. (3) F. Yasuda et al. J. Gen. Plant Pathol. 69:29, 2003.

Retention of radium from thermal waters on sand filters and adsorbents

This study was focussed on laboratory experiences of retention of radium from one thermal water on sand filters and adsorbents, trying to find an easy method for the elimination in drinkable waters polluted with this natural radio-nuclide. A thermal water from Cantabria (Spain) was selected for this work. Retention experiences were made with columns of 35 mm of diameter containing 15 cm layers of washed river sand or 4 cm layers of zeolite A3, passing known volumes of thermal water at flows between 4 and 40 ml/min with control of the retained radium by determining the amount in the water after the treatment. The statistical analysis of data suggests that retention depends on the flow and the volume passed through the columns. As additional adsorbents were used kaolin and a clay rich in illite. Jar-test experiences were made agitating known weights of adsorbents with the selected thermal water, with addition of flocculants and determination of radium in filtrated water after the treatment. Data suggest that retention is related to the weight of adsorbent used, but important quantities of radium seem remain in solution for higher amounts of adsorbents, according to the statistical treatment of data. The elution of retained radium from columns or adsorbents, previously used in experiences, should be the aim of a future research.

Efficacy and tolerability of prolonged linezolid therapy in the treatment of orthopedic implant infections

The aim of the study presented here was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of linezolid in the treatment of orthopedic implant infections (OII). Eighty-five patients with an OII treated with linezolid were prospectively followed up for a minimum of 12 months from the end of antibiotic therapy. Outcome was evaluated in relation to the duration and type of symptoms (acute or chronic) and the retention or removal of the implant. For acute and chronic infections, the respective success rates were 100 and 92.3% when the implant was removed and 72.2 and 42.8% when it was not. The median length of linezolid treatment in acute and chronic infections was 47 and 60 days, respectively. Thrombocytopenia was observed in four (4.7%) patients and anemia in five (5.8%). The results suggest oral linezolid is an effective and well-tolerated alternative for treating OII.

Reduction of Phytophthora cactorum in Strawberry Fields by Trichoderma spp. and Soil Solarization

Field experiments were conducted in southwest Spain for three consecutive years from 2000 to 2003 to evaluate the effectiveness of solarization and Trichoderma spp., alone and combined, in reducing Phytophthora cactorum soil populations and consequently leather rot on fruit of strawberry plants. Plots (12.5 by 3.3 m), never treated with methyl bromide, were naturally infested by P. cactorum. Solarization was conducted during the summer, using clear 50-µm low-density polyethylene mulch. Trichoderma spp. were applied via drip and dip, adding to the soil 7 days before planting (10⁸ conidia/m²), and strawberry roots were dipped in a suspension of Trichoderma spp. (10⁶ conidia/ml) prior to planting. Solarization reduced the soil P. cactorum population 100% in year 1, 47% in year 2, and 55% in year 3 relative to the untreated control. Trichoderma spp. applications reduced soil populations of P. cactorum and reduced leather rot incidence 76.6% in year 1 and 33.8% in year 2 compared with the untreated control. The combination of solarization and Trichoderma spp. reduced P. cactorum soil population the most each year, 88.9% in January 2001, 97.6% in 2002, and 99.0% in 2003. The very promising effect of Trichoderma spp. and solarization against P. cactorum indicates that there may be future alternatives to traditional chemicals for disease control.

[Interferon-beta response in multiple sclerosis associated with pre-treatment disability]

AIM

To study pre-treatment clinical features and influence of neutralising antibodies (NABs) in clinical response to interferon-beta (IFNB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analysed clinical characteristics and NABs to IFNB in 96 multiple sclerosis patients treated with IFNB. Clinical response was established by clinical criteria: = 1 relapse or an increase = 0.5 or 1 point in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score after one year of treatment compared with the year prior to IFNB therapy.

RESULTS

Baseline clinical characteristics were similar for responders and non-responders, except for a significantly higher baseline mean EDSS score in non-responders. Time-to-first-relapse was longer and the number of patients relapse-free was higher for NAB-negative patients, but we were unable to show an association with the disability status, probably due to sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Response to IFNB was significantly associated with pre-treatment disability measured by the EDSS. The presence of NABs to IFNB presented a delayed negative effect for relapses.

Catastrophe in asunción, paraguay

On Sunday 1 August 2004, at noon, in a well-known supermarket (Ycua Bolaños) on the outskirts of Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, there was a violent explosion in the fast-food section. This was caused by a build-up of gases in the chimneys of the kitchen. The flames spread rapidly through the air ducts, causing a huge fire throughout the supermarket. When the fire broke out, there were about 1000 people present. According to official records, 424 people died in the disaster and 30 were reported missing. Various medical institutions admitted a total number of 360 patients with third-degree burns and/or damage to the airways. One hundred and eighteen patients were treated in the Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Department of the Institute of Social Welfare Hospital, the centre of reference for the capital of Paraguay.

HLA class II and response to interferon-beta in multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotype and clinical response to interferon-beta (IFN-beta).

METHODS

We analysed the HLA class II genotypes of 96 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with IFN-beta. The patients were classified as responders or non-responders according to clinical criteria: one or more relapses or a sustained increase after 1 year treatment compared with the year prior to IFN-beta therapy of > or = 0.5 points on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

RESULTS

There were 66 (69%) responders and 30 (31%) non-responders. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar. We found no association between HLA class II alleles and clinical response to IFN-beta.

CONCLUSIONS

HLA genotype does not appear to influence the clinical response to IFN-beta in MS patients.

Acute administration of alcohol modulates pyroglutamyl amino peptidase II activity and mRNA levels in rat limbic regions

Released TRH is inactivated by an ectopeptidase, pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II (PPII). PPII expression and activity are stringently regulated in adenohypophysis, and in rat brain, during kindling stimulation that activates TRHergic neurons. To gain further insight into the possible regulation of PPII, we studied the effect of an acute intraperitoneal ethanol administration that affects TRH content and expression. PPII activity was determined by a fluorometric assay and PPII mRNA levels by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Activity decreased in frontal cortex 1 h after ethanol injection and, after 6 h, in hippocampus, amygdala and n. accumbens. PPII mRNA levels decreased at 30 and 60 min in frontal cortex and n. accumbens while increased at longer times in these regions and, in hippocampus and hypothalamus. NMDA and GABA(A) receptors' agonists and antagonists were tested at 1 h (+/-ethanol) on PPII activity and mRNA levels, as well as on TRH content and its mRNA. In n. accumbens, PPII mRNA levels decreased by ethanol, MK-801, and muscimol while picrotoxin or NMDA reversed ethanol's inhibition. Ethanol decreased TRH content and increased TRH mRNA levels as MK-801 or muscimol did (NMDA or picrotoxin reverted the effect of ethanol). In frontal cortex, PPII activity was inhibited by ethanol, NMDA and MK-801 with ethanol; its mRNA levels were reduced by ethanol, MK-801 and muscimol (NMDA and picrotoxin reverted ethanol's inhibition). These results show that PPII expression and activity can be regulated in conditions where TRHergic neurons are modulated. Effects of ethanol on PPII mRNA levels as well as those of TRH and its mRNA may involve GABA or NMDA receptors in n. accumbens. Changes observed in frontal cortex suggest combined effects with stress. The response was region-specific in magnitude, tendency and kinetics. These results give further support for brain PPII regulation in conditions that modulate the activity of TRHergic neurons.

Relationship Among Concentrations of Sphaerotheca macularis Conidia in the Air, Environmental Conditions, and the Incidence of Powdery Mildew in Strawberry

Atmospheric concentrations of Sphaerotheca macularis conidia were monitored for 2 years on a strawberry crop in Huelva (southwestern Spain). The presence of airborne conidia was determined to assess the role of weather conditions on conidial release. The relationship between airborne conidia and incidence of powdery mildew on fruit was also studied. Concentrations of conidia were estimated with a Burkard volumetric spore sampler. The presence of conidia was related to temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall, with a positive correlation for the first factor and a negative correlation with the other two. The presence of conidia in the air was positively correlated with disease incidence. A diurnal pattern of conidia release was observed.

[Anti-hypertensive effect of eprosartan in diabetic patients]

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes mellitus seems to induce an special difficulty to control the high blood pressure. This effect is more severe on the SBP. Previous reports suggest that a new angiotensin receptor blocker, eprosartan, might have a higher efficacy to reduce SBP. It has been evaluated the BP decrease obtained with eprosartan in a group of diabetics patients compared to non diabetic patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

81 patients were recruited of whom 65 have ended follow-up. 34 patients were diabetics (mean age 66.7+/-10.7 years, 15 men and 19 women) and 31 were non diabetics control patients (mean age 61.8+/-12,8 years, 13 men and 18 women). All patients were treated with (600 mg) once daily. The doses was ingested in the morning. They were made three follow up visits (1, 3 and 6 mo after the first visit).

RESULTS

SBP was significantly decreased both in diabetics (baseline 170.9+/-12.0, final 139.1+/-13.0 mmHg, p < 0.001) and in non diabetics group (baseline 169.9+/-18.0, final 142.0+/-13.3 mmHg, p < 0.001). DBP was also reduced in both groups (diabetics: baseline 92.9+/-9.7, final 78.4+/-8.5 mmHg, p < 0.001; non diabetics: baseline 95.6+/-7.9, final 79.1+/-7.4 mmHg, p < 0.001). Differences between the groups were not significant in any visit. Final BP reduction reached was -31.7/-14.6 mmHg in diabetics vs -27,6/-16,5 mmHg in non diabetics patients (difference is not significant) Pulse pressure changes were not different between the two groups (diabetics, 17.8+/-14.5, vs non diabetics, 11.1+/-13.2 mmHg). Two diabetic patients need a second drug to achieve BP goal and no one in non diabetic group. No adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Eprosartan seems to be an effective drug to reduce SBP, DBP and pulse pressure with the same effectiveness in diabetics and non diabetic patients.

Fecaloma gigante como causa de incontinencia e inestabilidad vesical femenina. aportación de un caso

We present a case of a 60 years old female patient, with previous depressive disorders, an attempted suicide with pelvic injuries, who comes showing two years evolution of emergence incontinence. The was diagnosed with a giant fecal impaction occuping almost all the pelvic zone and leading to a bladder displacement and right ureteral ectasis.