Novel VN/C nanocomposites as methanol-tolerant oxygen reduction electrocatalyst in alkaline electrolyte

A novel VN/C nanostructure consisting of VN nanoparticles and graphite-dominant carbon layers is synthesized by nitridation of V₂O₅ using melamine as reductant under inert atmosphere. High crystalline VN nanoparticles are observed to be uniformly distributed in carbon layers with an average size of ca13.45 nm. Moreover, the electrocatalytic performance of VN/C towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline electrolyte is fascinating. The results show that VN/C has a considerable ORR activity, including a 75 percent value of the diffusion-limited current density and a 0.11 V smaller value about the onset potential with respect to Pt/C catalyst. Moreover, the excellent methanol-tolerance performance of VN/C has also been verified with 3 M methanol. Combined with the competitive prices, this VN/C nanocomposite can serve as an appropriate non-precious methanol-tolerant ORR catalyst for alkaline fuel cells.

Time domain simulations of preliminary breakdown pulses in natural lightning

Lightning discharge is a complicated process with relevant physical scales spanning many orders of magnitude. In an effort to understand the electrodynamics of lightning and connect physical properties of the channel to observed behavior, we construct a simulation of charge and current flow on a narrow conducting channel embedded in three-dimensional space with the time domain electric field integral equation, the method of moments, and the thin-wire approximation. The method includes approximate treatment of resistance evolution due to lightning channel heating and the corona sheath of charge surrounding the lightning channel. Focusing our attention on preliminary breakdown in natural lightning by simulating stepwise channel extension with a simplified geometry, our simulation reproduces the broad features observed in data collected with the Huntsville Alabama Marx Meter Array. Some deviations in pulse shape details are evident, suggesting future work focusing on the detailed properties of the stepping mechanism.

KEY POINTS

Preliminary breakdown pulses can be reproduced by simulated channel extension Channel heating and corona sheath formation are crucial to proper pulse shape Extension processes and channel orientation significantly affect observations.

Ammonium increases Ca(2+) signalling and upregulates expression of Cav1.2 gene in astrocytes in primary cultures and in the in vivo brain

AIM

The primary aim of this study was to identify the effects of hyperammonaemia on functional expression of Cav1.2 L-type Ca(2+) channels in astroglia.

METHODS

Primary cultures of mouse astrocytes were used to study effects of chronic treatment (1-5 days) with ammonium chloride, at 1, 3 and 5 mm on depolarization-induced increases in free cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i , measured with Fura-2 based microfluorimetry) in control conditions and following treatment with the L-type Ca(2+) channel inhibitor, nifedipine, or with ryanodine receptor inhibitor, ryanodine. Expression of Cav1.2 mRNA was identified with RT-PCR, whereas protein content was determined by Western blotting. Sustained hyperammonaemia in vivo was induced by daily injections of urease (33 units kg body weight(-1), i.p.) for 3 days.

RESULTS

Depolarization-induced [Ca(2+)]i transients sensitive to nifedipine (peak of the response) and to ryanodine (plateau phase) were significantly increased in astrocytes chronically exposed to ammonium. The ammonium-induced increase in Ca(2+) influx in astrocytes resulted from an upregulation of Cav1.2 channel's expression detected at mRNA and protein levels. Increase in Cav1.2 expression was prevented by ouabain antagonist canrenone. Similar upregulation of Cav1.2 gene expression was found in the brains of adult mice subjected to intraperitoneal injection of urease. In transgenic mice tagged with an astrocyte-specific or neurone-specific markers and treated with intraperitoneal injections of urease, the fluorescence-activated cell sorting of neurones and astrocytes demonstrated that Cav1.2 mRNA expression was upregulated in astrocytes, but not in neurones.

CONCLUSIONS

Ammonium-induced deregulation of astroglial Ca(2+) signalling, is, in part, associated with upregulation of Cav1.2 L-type calcium channels.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Podoshaera tridactyla on Prunus hypoleuca in China

Prunus hypoleuca (≡ Maddenia hypoleuca), a native plant in China, grows in the Qinling Mountains that lie at the intersection of several forest regions in north, central, and southwest China. In October 2013, P. hypoleuca suffering from heavy powdery mildew infections was found with approximately 75% of the plants affected. The powdery mildew at first appeared as circular to irregular white patches, which subsequently showed abundant hyphal growth on both sides of leaves, leading to the withering of the leaves. A voucher specimen was maintained in the Mycological Herbarium of Northwest A & F University (Accession No. HMNWAFU-CF 2013166). Hyphal appressoria were nipple-shaped or nearly absent. Conidiophores were cylindrical, measured 83 to 110 × 10 to 12.5 μm, and produced two to five immature conidia in chains with a crenate outline. Foot-cells of conidiophores were straight, cylindrical, and 28 to 62 × 7 to 10 μm. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid to ovate, and measured 20 to 32 × 14 to 21 μm (length/width ratio 1.4:1.8). Chasmothecia were scattered or gregarious, depressed globose, and 65 to 112 μm in diameter. Appendages, arising from the upper half of the chasmothecia, usually had two to four dichotomous branches, and were one to three and a half times as long as the chasmothecial diameter. A single ascus in a chasmothecium was subglobose or broadly ellipsoid-ovoid, measured 66 to 86 × 47 to 76 μm and contained six to eight ascospores. The ascospores were ellipsoid-ovoid and 15 to 27 × 12 to 18 μm. The fungus was identified as Podosphaera tridactyla based on its anamorph and teleomorph characteristics (1,2). To confirm the identification, 28S rDNA and the ITS region were amplified. The ITS5/P3 and then PM5/ITS4 primers were used to amplify the ITS region by nested PCR. The primers LSU1/LSU2 were used to amplify the 28S rDNA, and the cloned fragments were sequenced. The 28S rDNA and ITS region sequences were deposited in GenBank (Accession Nos. KJ879240 and KM213121). A GenBank BLAST search of two sequences revealed 99% identity with P. tridactyla infecting Prunus salicina Lindl. in Korea (3). Based on ITS and a 28S rDNA phylogenetic tree, the two sequences retrieved from the Chinese specimen clustered within a strongly supported clade (bootstrap value = 100%) with P. tridactyla (JQ517296 and AB022393, respectively). Cladistic trees were constructed using the neighbor-joining method with the Kimura two-parameter substitution model in MEGA 5.0. Branch robustness was assessed via bootstrap analysis with 1,000 replicates. Phylogenetic analysis data were in agreement with morphological characters (3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by P. tridactyla on P. hypoleuca. While Koch's postulates have not been carried out because of the biotrophic nature of the pathogen, the present report serves as a novel resource in order to improve the understanding of the etiology and epidemiology of the powdery mildew (P. tridactyla) on P. hypoleuca. The occurrence of P. tridactyla, a common powdery mildew on Prunus s. lat., supports recently published results of phylogenetic analyses of the Prunus complex, indicating that Maddenia must be reduced to synonymy with Prunus (4). References: (1) U. Braun. Beih. Nova Hedwigia 89:1, 1987. (2) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No. 11. CBS, Utrecht, Netherlands, 2012. (3) S. C. Lee et al. Res. Plant Dis. 18:49, 2012. (4) J. Wen and W. T. Shi. PhytoKeys 17(2):39, 2012.

Cervical ripening agent dinoprostone for delivery induction in late pregnancy mothers: experiences of 685 cases

The failure of labor induction often requires following cesarean section and suffering of patients. Cervical ripening is therefore critical in clinical care of pregnant mothers. The present study demonstrated the use of dinoprostone in cervical ripening for delivery induction in 685 cases of pregnancy mothers. The authors conclude that dinoprostone is a very useful and safe drug for delivery induction. The combined use of oxytocin and careful monitoring of all body symptoms are important for the clinical safety.

Connexin26 (GJB2) deficiency reduces active cochlear amplification leading to late-onset hearing loss

Connexin26 (Cx26, GJB2) mutations account for >50% of nonsyndromic hearing loss. The deafness is not always congenital. A large group of these patients (∼30%) demonstrate a late-onset hearing loss, starting in childhood. They have normal hearing early in life and are therefore good candidates for applying protective and therapeutic interventions. However, the underlying deafness mechanism is unclear. In this study, we used a time-controlled, inducible gene knockout technique to knockout Cx26 expression in the cochlea after birth. We found that deletion of Cx26 after postnatal day 5 (P5) in mice could lead to late-onset hearing loss. Similar to clinical observations, the mice demonstrated progressive, mild to moderate hearing loss. The hearing loss initiated at high frequencies and then extended to the middle- and low-frequency range. The cochlea showed normal development and had no apparent hair cell loss. However, distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) was reduced. The reduction was also progressive and large at high-frequencies. Consistent with DPOAE reduction, we found that outer hair cell electromotility-associated nonlinear capacitance was shifted to the right and the slope of voltage dependence was reduced. The endocochlear potential was reduced in Cx26 conditional knockout (cKO) mice but the reduction was not associated with progressive hearing loss. These data suggest that Cx26 deficiency may impair active cochlear amplification leading to late-onset hearing loss. Our study also helps develop newer protective and therapeutic interventions to this common nonsyndromic hearing loss.

Systematic review: faecal microbiota transplantation therapy for digestive and nondigestive disorders in adults and children

BACKGROUND

There has been growing interest in the use of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for the treatment of gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal diseases.

AIM

To review systematically the reported efficacy and safety of FMT in the management of gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal disorders in adults and children.

METHODS

The systematic review followed Cochrane and PRISMA recommendations. Available articles were identified using three electronic databases in addition to hand searching and contacting experts. Inclusion criteria were any reports of FMT therapy written in English.

RESULTS

A total of 844 patients who had undergone FMT were identified from 67 published studies. The most common indications were refractory/relapsing Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) (76.3%) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (13.2%). There has been only one placebo-controlled trial, a successful trial in 43 patients with recurrent CDI. Seven publications report FMT in paediatric patients with a total of 11 treated, 3 with chronic constipation and the remainder with recurrent CDI or ulcerative colitis (UC). 90.7% of patients with refractory/relapsing CDI were cured and 78.4% of patients with IBD were in remission after FMT. FMT therapy could also be effective in treatment of some nongastrointestinal disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome. The only reported serious adverse event attributed to the therapy was a case of suspected peritonitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although more controlled trials are needed, faecal microbiota transplantation therapy shows promise in both adults and children with gastrointestinal diseases such as CDI and IBD.

Surface characterization and osteoblast response to a functionally graded hydroxyapatite/fluoro-hydroxyapatite/titanium oxide coating on titanium surface by sol-gel method

OBJECTIVES

To improve efficacy of current titanium and its alloys, in bioactivity and speed of osseointegration, of orthopaedic implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A novel triple-layered functional graded coating, consisting of a porous hydroxyapatite (HA) outermost layer, fluoro-HA (FHA) intermediate layer and titanium oxide (TiO2 ) innermost layer, was created on a titanium substrate by a multistep sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction analysis showed TiO2 anatase and apatite crystallization in the coating.

RESULTS

Morphological analysis performed by scanning electron microscopy showed excellent bonding between coating and substrate, with a thickness of ~2 μm. Scratch testing found favourable adhesion strength of the composite coating. In addition, optical microscope images suggested good biocompatibility. Considering thet in vitro cell response, osteoblasts on the coating exhibited higher cell proliferation and ALP activity compared to pure titanium and HA coating, and demonstrated excellent coating bioactivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Current results indicated that the novel TiO2 /FHA/HA coating has promising clinical applications in orthopaedic and dental implantation.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Podosphaera spiraeae on Japanese Spiraea in China

Japanese spiraea (Spiraea japonica L.f.), belonging to Rosaceae, is widely planted for its ornamental value in China. Since July 2011, powdery mildew infections on leaves and stems of Japanese spiraea have been noticed in some parks and gardens of Chengyang District in Qingdao City, China (GPS coordinates 36°31'04.22″ N, 120°39'41.92″ E). Symptoms first appeared as white spots covered with mycelium on both side of the leaves and young stems. As the disease progressed, abundant mycelial growth covered the whole shoots and caused growth reduction and leaf distortion with or without reddening. A voucher specimen was deposited in the herbarium of Qingdao Agricultural University (Accession No. HMQAU13013). Hyphae were flexuous to straight, branched, septate, 5 to 7 μm wide, and had nipple-shaped appressoria. Conidiophores arising from the upper surface of hyphal cells produced 2 to 5 immature conidia in chains with a crenate outline. Foot-cells of conidiophores were straight, 60 to 125 × 7 to 9 μm, and followed by 1 to 2 shorter cells. Conidia were ellipsoid-ovoid to doliiform, measured 25 to 32 × 12 to 15 μm with a length/width ratio of 1.8 to 2.6, and had distinct fibrosin bodies. Chasmothecia were not found. The structures and measurements were compatible with the anamorphic state of Podosphaera spiraeae (Sawada) U. Braun & S. Takam. as described before (1). The identity of HMQAU13013 was further confirmed by analysis of nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions amplified using the primers ITS1/ITS4 (4). The resulting 564-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KF500426). A GenBank BLAST search of complete ITS sequence showed 100% identity with that of P. spiraeae on S. cantoniensis (AB525940). A pathogenicity test was conducted through inoculation by gently pressing a diseased leaf onto five healthy leaves of a potted Japanese spiraea. Five non-inoculated leaves served as controls. The plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 22°C. Inoculated leaves developed typical symptoms of powdery mildew after 5 days, but the non-inoculated leaves remained symptomless. The fungus presented on the inoculated plant was morphologically identical to that originally observed on diseased plants, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Powdery mildew of S. japonica caused by P. spiraeae has been recorded in Japan, Poland, and Switzerland (2,3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by P. spiraeae on Japanese spiraea in China. References: (1) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No.11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (2) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, ARS, USDA. Retrieved from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ September 10, 2013. (3) T. Kobayashi. Index of Fungi Inhabiting Woody Plants in Japan. Host, Distribution and Literature. Zenkoku-Noson-Kyoiku Kyokai Publishing Co. Ltd., Tokyo, 2007. (4) S. Matsuda and S. Takamatsu. Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 27:314, 2003.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Erysiphe cruciferarum on Chinese Cabbage in China

Chinese cabbage, Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis (syn. Brassica pekinensis (Lour.) Rupr.), in the Brassicaceae, is an important vegetable grown on about 3 million ha in China. Since 2012, a powdery mildew has been found infecting Chinese cabbage plants (cv. Qingyanchunbai No. 1) after bolting for seed production from autumn through spring 2013 in a greenhouse in Qingdao, China. Symptoms first appeared as circular to irregular white patches on both sides of the leaves, and on stems and pods, often thinly covering the whole surface. A voucher specimen was deposited in the herbarium of Qingdao Agricultural University (Accession No. HMQAU12216). Hyphae were thin-walled, smooth, hyaline, and 4 to 6 μm wide. Appressoria on the mycelia were well developed, lobed, solitary, or in pairs. Conidiophores were erect, cylindrical, 45 to 110 μm long, and comprised 3 to 4 cells. Foot-cells of conidiophores were straight, cylindrical, 16 to 28 μm long, and 7.6 to 10 μm wide. Singly-produced conidia were oblong to cylindrical or somewhat ellipsoid-doliiform, 32 to 56 × 12 to 18 μm, with a length/width ratio of 1.8 to 3.8, with angular/rectangular wrinkling of the outer wall surface, and lacked distinct fibrosin bodies. Germ tubes were produced in the perihilar position of conidia. No chasmothecia were found. These structures are typical of the powdery mildew Pseudoidium anamorph of Erysiphe (2). The specific measurements and characteristics (especially short foot-cells of conidiophores) were consistent with previous records of Erysiphe cruciferarum Opiz ex L. Junell (2,3). To confirm the identification, the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA of isolate HMQAU12216 was amplified (4) and sequenced directly. The resulting 649-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KC878683). A GenBank BLAST search of ITS sequences showed an exact match with those of E. cruciferarum on B. oleracea var. acephala (GU721075) and Oidium sp. on B. pekinensis (AB522714). A pathogenicity test was conducted by gently pressing a symptomatic leaf loaded with conidia onto a leaf of each five, healthy, potted, 40-day-old plants (cv. Qingyanchunbai No. 1). Five non-inoculated plants served as a control treatment. Inoculated plants were isolated from non-inoculated plants in separate rooms in a greenhouse at 20 ± 2°C. Inoculated plants developed signs and symptoms after 10 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on the inoculated plants was identical morphologically to that originally observed on diseased plants, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. Though many Brassica spp. have been known to be infected with E. cruciferarum throughout the world, powdery mildew of Chinese cabbage caused by E. cruciferarum has been reported only in Finland, Germany, and Korea (1,3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by E. cruciferarum on Chinese cabbage in China. Though occurrence of the powdery mildew on Chinese cabbage was noticed in an experimental breeding plot, this finding poses a potential threat to production of this vegetable in China. References: (1) U. Braun. The Powdery Mildews (Erysiphales) of Europe. Gustav Fischer Verlag, Jena, Germany, 1995. (2) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No. 11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (3) H. J. Jee et al. Plant Pathol. 57:777, 2008. (4) S. Matsuda and S. Takamatsu. Mol. Phylogen. Evol. 27:314, 2003.

Prevalence and impact of premature ejaculation in outpatients complaining of ejaculating prematurely: using the instruments of intravaginal ejaculatory latency time and patient-reported outcome measures

This study was designed to assess the impact of premature ejaculation (PE) on a large population of men and their female partners using the instruments of intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. A non-interventional, observational and cross-sectional field survey enrolled 2704 men with self-reported PE and their female partners from January 2010 to January 2012. PE was diagnosed by the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) criterion. IELT and sexual dysfunction were measured using a stopwatch and PRO measures, respectively. The incidence of PE in this study was 19.27%. PE negatively impacted on subjects and their partners, including reduced ejaculatory control and sexual satisfaction, and increased personal distress and interpersonal difficulty (P<0.001 for all). The severity of PE was considered worse by subjects than by their female partners (P<0.001). Reduced ejaculatory control and sexual satisfaction were considered the central themes of PE. Furthermore, a correlation was observed among the outcomes of IELT and PRO measures for subjects and their partners (absolute correlation coefficient ranged from 0.33 to 0.67). This in-depth qualitative study provides valuable insight into the PE status in Chinese men. Further research is needed to confirm and extend these results.

POLG mutations in Australian patients with mitochondrial disease

BACKGROUND/AIM

The nuclear POLG gene encodes the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase gamma (polγ), the only polymerase involved in the replication and proofreading of mitochondrial DNA. As a consequence, POLG mutations can cause disease through impaired replication of mitochondrial DNA. To date, over 150 different mutations have been identified, with a growing number of associated phenotypes described. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of POLG mutations in an adult population of Australian patients with mitochondrial disease, displaying symptoms commonly associated with POLG-related diseases.

METHODS

The clinical presentations of 322 patients from a specialist adult mitochondrial disease clinic were reviewed. Nineteen exhibited a cluster of three or more predefined clinical manifestations suggestive of POLG-related disease: progressive external ophthalmoplegia, seizures and/or an abnormal electroencephalogram, neuropathy, ataxia, liver function abnormalities, migraine or dysphagia/dysarthria. Patients were screened for mutations by direct nucleotide sequencing of the coding and exon-flanking intronic regions of POLG.

RESULTS

Five of the 19 patients (26%) displaying a phenotype suggestive of POLG-related disease were found to have informative POLG coding mutations (p.T851A, p.N468D, p.Y831C, p.G517V and novel p.P163S variant). Literature and analysis of these mutations revealed that two of these patients had pathogenic mutations known to cause POLG-related disease (patient #1: p.T851A and p.P163S; patient #2: p.T851A and p.N468D).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the prevalence of pathogenic POLG mutations in our selected adult Australian cohort with suggestive clinical manifestations was 10%. A further 16% of patients had POLG variants but are unlikely to be responsible for causing their disease.

Detection of B-mode polarization in the cosmic microwave background with data from the South Pole Telescope

Gravitational lensing of the cosmic microwave background generates a curl pattern in the observed polarization. This "B-mode" signal provides a measure of the projected mass distribution over the entire observable Universe and also acts as a contaminant for the measurement of primordial gravity-wave signals. In this Letter we present the first detection of gravitational lensing B modes, using first-season data from the polarization-sensitive receiver on the South Pole Telescope (SPTpol). We construct a template for the lensing B-mode signal by combining E-mode polarization measured by SPTpol with estimates of the lensing potential from a Herschel-SPIRE map of the cosmic infrared background. We compare this template to the B modes measured directly by SPTpol, finding a nonzero correlation at 7.7σ significance. The correlation has an amplitude and scale dependence consistent with theoretical expectations, is robust with respect to analysis choices, and constitutes the first measurement of a powerful cosmological observable.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Golovinomyces magnicellulatus var. magnicellulatus on Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii in China

Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino, known as Chinese lantern, belonging to Solanaceae, is cultivated for its fruits of medicinal value in East Asia (4). Since July 2010, a powdery mildew has been continuously observed on this plant in Shenyang City in northeastern China. More than 90% of the plants in a garden were affected. Symptoms first appeared as circular to irregular white patches, which progressed to abundant mycelial growth on both sides of leaves and young stems. In the middle of August, chasmothecia were formed abundantly, especially on the lower leaf surface. Voucher specimens were deposited in the herbarium of Qingdao Agricultural University (HMQAU10014, 12047, and 12144). Conidiophores produced 2 to 5 conidia in chains with a sinuate outline, followed by 2 to 3 cells. Foot-cells of conidiophores were straight and 46 to 65 × 9 to 11 μm. Conidia were ellipsoid to barrel-shaped, 26 to 32 × 13 to 15.5 μm, lacked distinct fibrosin bodies, and produced germ tubes on the subterminal position. Chasmothecia were amphigenous, also cauligenous, 100 to 140 μm across, and contained 10 to 25 asci. Appendages were mycelioid, 0.5 to 4 times as long as the chasmothecial diameter, and 1- to 3-septate. Asci were short-stalked, 45 to 64 × 26 to 34 μm, and contained two ascospores of 18 to 25 × 12.5 to 15 μm. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA was amplified (3) and sequenced. The resulting 600-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KC488260). A GenBank BLAST search of complete ITS sequence showed 100% identity with that of Golovinomyces orontii on P. alkekengi var. franchetii (AB077647 ex Japan) and >99% similarity with those of G. magnicellulatus on Phlox paniculata (AB077621 ex Japan, AF011303 ex the United States, and GU945756 and GU945757 ex Korea). G. orontii is currently confined to the Golovinomyces isolates on Cichorioideae (1). On the basis of the morphological characteristics and ITS sequence data, the fungus was identified as G. magnicellulatus var. magnicellulatus (U. Braun) V.P. Heluta (1). It was already noted that Golovinomyces isolates on Physalis and Phlox are phylogenetically close each other (3). A pathogenicity test was conducted by gently pressing a diseased leaf onto leaves of five healthy Chinese lanterns. Five non-inoculated plants served as controls. Inoculated plants developed symptoms after 8 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on the inoculated plants was morphologically identical to that originally observed on diseased plants, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Powdery mildews of Chinese lantern associated with Golovinomyces species have been known in Korea and Japan (2). A Korean material of Golovinomyces sp. on P. alkekengi var. franchetii was identified as G. magnicellulatus var. magnicellulatus based on morphological characteristics and 100% ITS sequence identity with a Chinese isolate (Shin, unpublished data). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by G. magnicellulatus var. magnicellulatus on Chinese lantern in China. References: (1) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No.11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (2) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., Online publication, ARS, USDA, retrieved March 22, 2013. (3) S. Matsuda and S. Takamatsu. Mol. Phylogen. Evol. 27:314, 2003. (4) Y. Zheng et al. Phytochem. Anal. 23:337, 2012.

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship of marbofloxacin against Pasteurella multocida in a tissue-cage model in yellow cattle

The fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drug marbofloxacin was administered to yellow cattle intravenously and intramuscularly at a dose of 2 mg/kg of body weight in a two-period crossover study. The pharmacokinetic properties of marbofloxacin in serum, inflamed tissue-cage fluid (exudate), and noninflamed tissue-cage fluid (transudate) were studied by using a tissue-cage model. The in vitro and ex vivo activities of marbofloxacin in serum, exudate, and transudate against a pathogenic strain of Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) were determined. Integration of in vivo pharmacokinetic data with the in vitro MIC provided mean values for the area under the curve (AUC)/MIC for serum, exudate, and transudate of 155.75, 153.00, and 138.88, respectively, after intravenous dosing and 160.50, 151.00, and 137.63, respectively, after intramuscular dosing. After intramuscular dosing, the maximum concentration/MIC ratios for serum, exudate, and transudate were 21.13, 9.13, and 8.38, respectively. The ex vivo growth inhibition data after intramuscular dosing were fitted to the inhibitory sigmoid Emax equation to provide the values of AUC/MIC required to produce bacteriostasis, bactericidal activity, and elimination of bacteria. The respective values for serum were 17.25, 31.29, and 109.62, and slightly lower values were obtained for transudate and exudate. It is proposed that these findings might be used with MIC50 or MIC90 data to provide a rational approach to the design of dosage schedules which optimize efficacy in respect of bacteriological as well as clinical cures.

Osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells prompted by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound

OBJECTIVES

Based on in vivo studies, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation has been widely used in the clinic for advancing bone growth during healing of non-union alignment, fractures and other osseous defects. In this study, we have investigated osteogenic differentiation of adipose stem cells (ASCs) regulated by LIPUS, and also in a preliminarily manner, we have discussed diverse effects of different duty ratio parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mouse adipose stem cells were isolated and osteogenically induced. Then they were treated with LIPUS for 10 min/day for 3 days, 5 days and 7 days, respectively. Finally, effects of LIPUS on osteogenic differentiation of the ASCs were analysed by real-time PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Our data indicated that LIPUS promoted mRNA levels of runt-related transcription factor 2, osteopontin and osterix in the presence of osteo-induction medium; moreover, protein levels of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteopontin were upregulated.

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully demonstrated that LIPUS enhanced osteogenesis of ASCs, specially at the duty ratio of 20%.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound induced enhanced adipogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Murine ASCs were treated with LIPUS for either three or five days, immediately after adipogenic induction, or delayed for 2 days. Expression of adipogenic genes PPAR-γ1, and APN, was examined by real-time PCR. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining was performed to test for PPAR-γ at the protein level.

RESULTS

Our data revealed that specific patterns of LIPUS up-regulated levels of both PPAR-γ1 and APN mRNA, and PPAR-γ protein.

CONCLUSIONS

In culture medium containing adipogenic reagents, LIPUS enhanced ASC adipogenesis.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Podosphaera leucotricha on Photinia serrulata in China

Photinia serrulata Franch. & Sav. (syn. P. serratifolia (Desf.) Kalkman), called Chinese photinia, is native to China, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India. The plants are evergreen shrubs to small trees belonging in the Rosaceae, and are widely cultivated throughout the world for ornamental purposes. Since 2005, severe powdery mildew infection has been observed on this plant in the Chengyang District of Qingdao City in Shandong Province, China. Powdery mildew colonies were circular to irregular white patches on both sides of the leaves and on young stems. As the disease progressed, white mycelial growth covered the entire shoot portion, causing leaf distortion. Voucher specimens (n= 7) were deposited in the herbarium of Qingdao Agricultural University, China. Hyphae were flexuous to straight, branched, septate, 4 to 6 μm wide, and had nipple-shaped appressoria. Conidiophores arising from the upper part of the hyphae were 110 to 185 × 9 to 12 μm and produced two to six immature conidia in chains with a crenate outline. Foot cells of conidiophores were straight, 30 to 40 μm long, and cylindric to somewhat attenuated toward the base. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid-ovoid, 22 to 32 × 13.5 to 20 μm (length/width ratio = 1.5 to 1.9), and had distinct fibrosin bodies. No chasmothecia were observed. The structures and measurements were compatible with those of the anamorphic state of Podosphaera leucotricha (Ellis & Everh.) E.S. Salmon as described by Braun (2). To confirm the identification, the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA was amplified with nested PCR (4) and sequenced. The resulting sequence of 562 bp was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. JQ999954). A GenBank BLAST search of this sequence revealed 100% identity with that of seven isolates of P. leucotricha on rosaceous plants. Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation tests by gently pressing diseased leaves onto young leaves of three asymptomatic, potted 3-year-old photinia plants. Three non-inoculated plants were used for a control treatment. Plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 22 ± 2°C. Inoculated leaves developed symptoms after 5 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on the inoculated leaves was morphologically identical to that observed on the original diseased leaves, fulfilling Koch's postulates. The powdery mildew infections of P. serrulata associated with P. leucotricha have been recorded in New Zealand, Ukraine, Italy, and the United States (1,3). To our knowledge, P. leucotricha on P. serrulata has not been reported in Asia except for a record of a Podosphaera sp. on P. serratifolia in Japan (3). Since this ornamental shrub is native to China and nearby countries, occurrence of powdery mildew in China poses a potential threat to the health of photinia in other places. References: (1) E. Baldacci. Rev. Appl. Mycol. 16:358, 1937. (2) U. Braun. Beih. Nova Hedw. 89:1, 1987. (3) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, ARS, USDA. Retrieved from , May 14, 2012. (4) Y. Matsuda et al. Phytopathology 95:1137, 2005.

Identification of novel coding mutation in C1qA gene in an African-American pedigree with lupus and C1q deficiency

OBJECTIVES

Homozygous C1q deficiency is an extremely rare condition and strongly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. To assess and characterize C1q deficiency in an African-American lupus pedigree, C1q genomic region was evaluated in the lupus cases and family members.

METHODS

Genomic DNA from patient was obtained and C1q A, B and C gene cluster was sequenced using next generation sequencing method. The identified mutation was further confirmed by direct Sanger sequencing method in the patient and all blood relatives. C1q levels in serum were measured using sandwich ELISA method.

RESULTS

In an African-American patient with lupus and C1q deficiency, we identified and confirmed a novel homozygote start codon mutation in C1qA gene that changes amino acid methionine to arginine at position 1. The Met1Arg mutation prevents protein translation (Met1Arg). Mutation analyses of the patient's family members also revealed the Met1Arg homozygote mutation in her deceased brother who also had lupus with absence of total complement activity consistent with a recessive pattern of inheritance.

CONCLUSION

The identification of new mutation in C1qA gene that disrupts the start codon (ATG to AGG (Met1Arg)) has not been reported previously and it expands the knowledge and importance of the C1q gene in the pathogenesis of lupus especially in the high-risk African-American population.

3 T MRI of hepatocellular carcinomas in patients with cirrhosis: does T2-weighted imaging provide added value?

AIM

To assess whether T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) provides any added value for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis, especially for lesions smaller than 2 cm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-five patients with cirrhosis underwent liver 3 T MRI. Images were qualitatively analysed independently by two observers in two separate sessions, including a dynamic enhanced session and a combination of dynamic and T2WI. The diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using the alternating free-response receiver operating characteristic. Sensitivity and positive predictive values were calculated for all HCCs and for the subgroup of HCCs that were smaller than 2 cm. Additionally, artefacts on T2WI were evaluated by two observers in consensus.

RESULTS

Ninety HCCs (>2 cm n = 36; ≤2 cm n = 54) were detected in 46 patients. For all HCCs and for lesions smaller than 2 cm, the sensitivities were significantly higher for the combined session than the dynamic session alone (p < 0.05). Conversely, for the Az and positive predictive values, there was no significant difference between the two sessions. For smaller HCC, 9% (5/54) and 7% (4/54) of the 54 HCCs were correctly interpreted by observers 1 and 2, respectively, only when T2WI was included. Three false-positive lesions (≤2 cm) were correctly diagnosed by one of the observers after combining T2WI. Conspicuity of only one large HCC was severely reduced by the artefacts from massive ascites.

CONCLUSION

At 3 T liver imaging, combining with T2WI can improve the sensitivity of detection of HCC compared with dynamic MRI alone by increasing observer confidence, especially for lesions smaller than 2 cm. Additionally, T2 image quality was not significantly affected by artefacts.

TSLP polymorphisms are associated with asthma in a sex-specific fashion

BACKGROUND

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) have been associated with IgE (in girls) and asthma (in general). We sought to determine whether TSLP SNPs are associated with asthma in a sex-specific fashion.

METHODS

We conducted regular and sex-stratified analyses of association between SNPs in TSLP and asthma in families of children with asthma in Costa Rica. Significant findings were replicated in whites and African-American participants in the Childhood Asthma Management Program, in African-Americans in the Genomic Research on Asthma in the African Diaspora study, in whites and Hispanics in the Children's Health Study, and in whites in the Framingham Heart Study (FHS).

MAIN RESULTS

Two SNPs in TSLP (rs1837253 and rs2289276) were significantly associated with a reduced risk of asthma in combined analyses of all cohorts (P values of 2 × 10(-5) and 1 × 10(-5) , respectively). In a sex-stratified analysis, the T allele of rs1837253 was significantly associated with a reduced risk of asthma in males only (P = 3 × 10(-6) ). Alternately, the T allele of rs2289276 was significantly associated with a reduced risk of asthma in females only (P = 2 × 10(-4) ). Findings for rs2289276 were consistent in all cohorts except the FHS.

CONCLUSIONS

TSLP variants are associated with asthma in a sex-specific fashion.

Detection of coronary artery anomalies by dual-source CT coronary angiography

AIM

To retrospectively evaluate the clinical value of dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) coronary angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery anomalies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A large cohort of 3625 consecutive patients, who underwent DSCT coronary angiography in our institute, was reviewed for coronary artery anomalies. All images were evaluated by two experienced readers using axial source images, multi-planar reformations (MPR), maximum intensity projections (MIP) and volume rendering (VR). Coronary artery anomalies were found in 36 patients (male 20, female 16, mean age 48 years, range 15-76 years). Of the 36 patients, 19 patients also underwent conventional coronary angiography (CCA).

RESULTS

The incidence of coronary artery anomalies was 0.99% (36/3625). Six different types of coronary artery anomalies were diagnosed by DSCT coronary angiography: (1) 11 anomalies of the right coronary artery; (2) five anomalies of the left coronary artery; (3) 10 anomalies of the left circumflex artery; (4) two single coronary artery; (5) one anomalous pulmonary origin of the coronary artery; (6) seven coronary artery fistula. Evaluation of the CCA resulted in a precise diagnosis in 53% (10/19) patients.

CONCLUSION

DSCT coronary angiography is a good diagnostic tool to examine coronary artery anomalies.

A novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the <i>IGF1R</i> gene and the association with growth traits in yak (Brief Report)

Abstract. The insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF1) is a peptide growth factor that exerts mitogenic and metabolic activities, which are regulators of growth, survival and cell differentiation in a number of cell and tissue types. To elicit its effects, IGF1 must bind its receptors. The insulinlike growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) is similar to insulin receptor (INSR) and it mediates the growth-promoting effect of IGF1. The IGF1R gene, therefore, was selected as a biological candidate gene for growth, body composition, metabolic, and skeletal traits in animals (Rothschild et al. 1997). By now, no polymorphism of yak (Bos grunniensL) IGF1R gene is reported. In the present paper, the partial exon 1 region of IGF1R was screened to detect the SNPs in Chinese yak breeds. Associations of SNP of IGF1R with growth traits were analysed.