Better Together: Volatile-Mediated Intraguild Effects on the Preference of Tuta absoluta and Trialeurodes vaporariorum for Tomato Plants

Plant-herbivore interactions have been extensively studied in tomato plants and their most common pests. Tomato plant chemical defenses, both constitutive and inducible, play a role in mediating these interactions. Damaged tomato plants alter their volatile profiles, affecting herbivore preferences between undamaged and damaged plants. However, previous studies on tomato volatiles and herbivore preferences have yielded conflicting results, both in the volatile chemistry itself as well as in the attraction/repellent herbivore response. This study revisits the volatile-mediated interactions between tomato plants and two of their main herbivores: the leafminer Tuta absoluta and the whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Tomato plant volatiles were analyzed before and after damage by each of these herbivores, and the preference for oviposition (T. absoluta) and settling (T. vaporariorum) on undamaged and damaged plants was assessed both after conspecific and heterospecific damage. We found that both insects consistently preferred damaged plants over undamaged plants. The emission of herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) increased after T. absoluta damage but decreased after T. vaporariorum damage. While some of our findings are in line with previous reports, T. absoluta preferred to oviposit on plants damaged by conspecifics, which differs from earlier studies. A comparison of HIPVs emitted after damage by T. absoluta and T. vaporariorum revealed differences in up- or down-regulation, as well as significant variations in specific compounds (12 for T. absoluta and 26 for T. vaporariorum damaged-plants). Only two compounds, β-caryophyllene and tetradecane, significantly varied because of damage by either herbivore, in line with the overall variation of the HIPV blend. Differences in HIPVs and herbivore preferences may be attributed to the distinct feeding habits of both herbivores, which activate different defensive pathways in plants. The plant's challenge in simultaneously activating both defensive pathways may explain the preference for heterospecific damaged plants found in this study, which are also in line with our own observations in greenhouses.

Enhanced cation recognition by a macrocyclic ionophore at the air–solution interface probed by mass spectrometry

The cation binding selectivity of a benchmark calixarene is enhanced at the air–solution interface, as demonstrated by a novel mass spectrometry method.

Association of migraine-like headaches with Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia

Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD) is characterized by spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, nephropathy, and T-cell deficiency. SIOD is caused by mutations in the putative chromatin remodeling protein SMARCAL1. We report an 8-year-old boy with SIOD and recurrent, severe, refractory migraine-like headaches. Through a retrospective questionnaire-based study, we found that refractory and severely disabling migraine-like headaches occur in nearly half of SIOD patients. We have also found that the vasodilator minoxidil provided symptomatic relief for one patient. We hypothesize that these headaches may arise from an intrinsic vascular, neuroimmune, or neurovascular defect resulting from loss of SMARCAL1 function.

Mutant chromatin remodeling protein SMARCAL1 causes Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia

Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD, MIM 242900) is an autosomal-recessive pleiotropic disorder with the diagnostic features of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, renal dysfunction and T-cell immunodeficiency. Using genome-wide linkage mapping and a positional candidate approach, we determined that mutations in SMARCAL1 (SWI/SNF2-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily a-like 1), are responsible for SIOD. Through analysis of data from persons with SIOD in 26 unrelated families, we observed that affected individuals from 13 of 23 families with severe disease had two alleles with nonsense, frameshift or splicing mutations, whereas affected individuals from 3 of 3 families with milder disease had a missense mutation on each allele. These observations indicate that some missense mutations allow retention of partial SMARCAL1 function and thus cause milder disease.

Bisoprolol in the treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris

The purpose of the study was to assess the efficacy and tolerance of the beta1-selective beta-adrenoceptor-blocking agent bisoprolol in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris. A total of 236 outpatients (158 male and 78 female) over 21 years of age (mean age of 57 years and 60 years for men and women, respectively) were included in an open trial of 4 weeks duration. A total of 32.5% of the patients were smokers. After a washout period of at least 1 week, patients were initially treated with 10 mg of bisoprolol o.d. for 2 weeks, after which the dose could be adjusted to 5, 15, or 20 mg in accordance with clinical criteria (efficacy, tolerance). Eighty-eight percent of the patients were maintained on 10 mg of bisoprolol. The frequency of angina attacks was reduced in 89% of all patients: 56% became free of angina attacks. There were no differences in response as related to age and smoking habits. Bisoprolol was well tolerated. Beta-blocker-specific side effects were observed in 12 patients (5.1%). In conclusion, bisoprolol administered once daily appears to be an effective and safe antianginal agent.

Effect of acidification and oil on the thermal resistance of Bacillus stearothermophilus spores heated in food substrate

The effect of the addition of vinegar and/or oil to a food homogenate (tomato sauce, tuna and vegetables) on the thermal resistance of Bacillus stearothermophilus spores was studied. The results indicated that the food substrate without the addition of vinegar and oil and a pH value of 5.28 reduced the thermal resistance of B. stearothermophilus spores compared with that obtained in double-distilled water, (D121 = 1.41 and 3.08 min respectively). The addition of vinegar reduced the pH of the substrate (4.81) and consequently the D values were reduced (D121 = 1.28 min). The addition of soya oil and vinegar to substrate until a pH of 4.81, further reduced the thermal resistance of the spores, giving a D121 value of 0.93 min.

Effect of lyophilization on the mechanical characteristics of a large particle and on the behavior of immobilized bacterial spores

The mechanical stability of the carrier and the behavior of the sensor element of a time-temperature integrator (TTI) after lyophilization and storage for 60 days at room temperature were studied. The results indicated that particles containing added starch at concentrations from 2 to 12% had good handling characteristics for use as TTI carriers, although mechanical resistance was lower by comparison with freshly prepared particles. Lyophilization reduced the number of viable microorganisms by 17 to 25%, depending on the length of the storage period. Variations were also observed in the count of surviving microorganisms after heating at 121 degrees C for 12 min. These variations, expressed as decimal reductions in the number of microorganisms, might reflect an effect of lyophilization on the thermal resistance of the immobilized spores.

Thermal Resistance of Bacillus stearothermophilus Heated at High Temperatures in Different Substrates

The effect of mushroom extract, with or without acidification with glucono-δ-lactone, and the overnight incubation of the spores in CaCl₂, on the heat resistance of B. stearothermophilus ATCC 12980 spores was studied. The temperature range considered was 121 to 140°C for mushroom extract and CaCl₂ and 121 to 145°C for double-distilled water as a reference substrate. The results indicated that mushroom extract without added acid significantly reduces the thermal resistance of the spores in comparison to the double-distilled water. Acidification of the mushroom extract reduces the heat resistance of spores of B. stearothermophilus at 121 °C. However, above 130°C lowering of the pH did not significantly reduce the thermal resistance of the spores, and so no generalizations should be made with regard to the effect of the pH when high temperature-short time (HTST) processes are being considered. Overnight incubation in CaCl₂ and subsequent heat treatment lead to increased heat resistance at 121 °C compared to that observed in double-distilled water. However, at 130°C and above CaCl₂ did not increase the apparent heat resistance of the spores.

Mathematical model for the combined effect of temperature and pH on the thermal resistance of Bacillus stearothermophilus and Clostridium sporogenes spores

Two mathematical models have been studied to establish the relationship between the pH, treatment temperature and thermal destruction constant (k) of Bacillus stearothermophilus and Clostridium sporogenes spores. The study was carried out by heating the spores in mushroom extract acidified with two different acidulants (citric acid and glucono-delta-lactone). Among the models studied, the one that best described the inactivation was a second order polynomial equation, the precision of which depended on the microorganism studied.

Heat resistance of Bacillus stearothermophilus spores in alginate-mushroom puree mixture

Thermal resistance of Bacillus stearothermophilus spores has been established inoculating spores in alginate-mushroom puree mixture (ungelled) and in alginate-mushroom puree mixture set in calcium chloride (gelled). Data are compared with those obtained suspending the spores in distilled water, mushroom extract and in calcium chloride. Results indicated that, in general, D values obtained in gelled mixture were higher than D values obtained in distilled water, mushroom extract or in ungelled mixture, while the D value in the ungelled mixture was similar to that obtained in distilled water. D121 value in gelled mixture was close to that obtained in 2% (w/v) calcium chloride.

Radionuclide studies in patients with stress-induced ST-segment elevation after acute myocardial infarction

The meaning of a stress-induced ST-segment elevation (delta ST) after acute myocardial infarction is still controversial. Some studies show it is related to asynergy, and other studies show it is related to ischemia. However, no study has compared the delta ST with both stress-induced ischemia and stress-induced asynergy in the same group of patients. With this purpose, 88 patients were studied 16 +/- 4 days after acute myocardial infarction. They were submitted to a dobutamine stress test on two different occasions 1 to 2 days apart. Dobutamine was infused up to 40 micrograms/kg/min with blood pressure and electrocardiographic controls. Thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomography was performed during the highest dobutamine dose and 3 to 4 hours later. Equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography was performed at rest and during the highest dobutamine dose. Global and regional (hypokinetic area) ejection fractions were quantified. The ST segment was elevated > or = 1 mm in 33 patients at rest and in 71 during stress. A stress-induced delta ST was seen in 66 patients. Redistribution was detected in 65 patients. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant correlation between ST elevation and thallium defect score both at rest and during stress. No correlation was found between delta ST and redistribution score. However, a significant inverse linear correlation was found between the delta ST and the change in regional ejection fraction: the greater the delta ST, the smaller the change in regional ejection fraction with dobutamine. In conclusion, a stress-induced delta ST is not related to ischemia but to stress-induced left ventricular asynergy.

Antioxidant administration to the mother prevents oxidative stress associated with birth in the neonatal rat

In the fetal-to-neonatal transition, important circulatory and respiratory changes ensue which lead to oxidative stress evidenced by changes in glutathione status. Administration of N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), a glutathione precursor, to the mother might be a rational approach to protect the fetus against oxidative stress. We have found that NAC administration to pregnant rats partially prevents the change in hepatic GSSG that occurs in the fetal-neonatal transition: GSSG increased 11-fold (from 1 to 12 nmol/g) in controls and less than two-fold (from 5 to 9 nmol/g) in animals exposed to NAC in utero. The GSH/GSSG ratio in liver of NAC-treated newborns was 411 +/- 216 and in liver of controls it was 283 +/- 176. Thus, the oxidative stress that occurs in the fetal-to-neonatal transition is partially prevented by oral NAC administration.

The dobutamine stress test with thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomography and radionuclide angiography: postinfarction study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate left ventricular wall motion changes during dobutamine-induced myocardial ischemia.

BACKGROUND

Dobutamine is increasingly used as a stress test. It has been assumed that high doses of the drug induce the same changes in contractility as physical exercise. However, some data suggest that ischemic myocardium can respond to dobutamine with an increase in contractility.

METHODS

Sixty-three postinfarction patients twice underwent the dobutamine test (up to 40 micrograms/kg per min) within 1 to 2 days. Thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and gated equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography were performed on each patient at rest and with dobutamine. Both global and regional ejection fractions were quantified. Sixty patients underwent coronary cineangiography within 1 week. The presence of redistribution was correlated with global and regional ejection fraction changes and with coronary lesions.

RESULTS

Redistribution was present in 45 patients, and no change or a decrease in global or regional ejection fraction was detected in 22. In the entire group of patients global ejection fraction increased from 46 +/- 12% to 56 +/- 14%. The six patients with triple-vessel disease had a flat (-0.2 +/- 5%) ejection fraction response to dobutamine, whereas the remaining patients had an increase of 11 +/- 7% (p = 0.003). The regional ejection fraction of the hypokinetic area increased from 27 +/- 10% to 41 +/- 19%, showing no change or a decrease in 13 patients. The 44 patients with peri-infarct redistribution had a significantly higher increase in regional ejection fraction than those without redistribution (16.4 +/- 10% vs. 4.7 +/- 17%, p = 0.003). In the patients with peri-infarct redistribution, an inverse linear correlation was found between redistribution score and dobutamine-induced regional ejection fraction change (r = -0.44, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Mild to moderate dobutamine-induced peri-infarct ischemia is compatible with an increase in contractility, whereas severe ischemia induces worsening of wall motion.

Physiological changes in glutathione metabolism in foetal and newborn rat liver

Glutathione metabolism was studied in isolated hepatocytes from foetal, newborn and adult rats. The GSH/GSSG ratio decreased 15-20-fold through the foetal-neonatal-adult transition. This was mainly due to an increase in GSSG. All enzyme activities involved in the glutathione redox cycle tend to increase during that transition, but the relative increases in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase were 3-5 times those of glutathione reductase or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. GSH synthesis from methionine as a sulphur source was 6 times lower in foetal than in adult hepatocytes. However, when N-acetylcysteine was used as a sulphur donor to by-pass the cystathionine pathway, the rates of GSH synthesis were similar in foetal and adult cells. This is due to the fact that cystathionase activity in foetal cells is very low. This low activity is reflected in the blood amino acid pattern, where the concentration of cysteine rises from 8 to 52 microM from foetuses to adult rats. This supports the idea that cysteine may be an essential amino acid for the premature animal.

[Etiology of hypertonic dehydration (author's transl)]

A revision of the ethiology in hypertonic dehydration of 80 infants admitted in the Clínica Infantil "La Paz", between 1972--1973 is made. The most important ethiological factors were: hyperconcentrated food (86% in neonates), vomiting, diarrhoea, increase of insensible water loss (respiratory, fever). The etiopathogenic and physiopathologic bases of hyperconcentrated diet in the development of hypertonic dehydration in accordance with "solute overload" to neonatal kidney are discussed. The autoperpetuation mechanisms of hypertonic dehydration are also discussed.

[Treatment and evolution of shock and acidosis in hypertonic dehydration (author's transl)]

Authors analyse treatment and clinical and analytical evolution of 80 patients with hypertonic dehydration, depending on shock and acidosis. Several considerations concerning treatment and its' influence on evolution of different patients, emphasizing both therapeutic methods: with or without use of peritoneal dialysis, according to the values of initial natraemia, are made.

[Metabolic evolution of hypertonic dehydration treated with fluidotherapy: revision of 40 infants (author's transl)]

Authors study the metabolic evolution of osmolarity, natraemia, chloremia, kaliemia and uremia of 40 infants with hypertonic dehydration. They divide the serie into two groups in accordance with initial value of natraemia: more or less than 170 mEq./l. The slow average decreases by hour of osmolarity, natraemia and chloremia were evaluated, and that justifies good evolution of hypertonic dehydration and minimal neurological repercussion found. Renal function in this metabolic condition is discussed. The usefulness of the fluidotherapic technique employed is demonstrated.

[Clinical evolution and severe complications of hypertonic dehydration in 80 infants (author's transl)]

Authors analyse incidence of age, sex and weight in a group of 80 infants with severe hypertonic dehydration. The highest frequency occurs in the first month of life (50%). They study the clinical manifestations of dehydration, neurological condition, diuresis, escleremia, other pathology, complications and mortality. Causes of death are detailed. Peculiar clinical manifestations are discussed according to different ages, emphasising importance of E.C. component in the first weeks of life. Efficiency of peritoneal dialysis is evaluated.

[Local incidence of different types of dehydration (author's transl)]

A total of 2,298 dehydrated infants, among 9,674 infants admitted to Emergency Unit and Intensive Care Unit of Clinica Infantil "La Paz" between 1970--1974 are analyzed. The annual incidence of the different types of hypotonic, hypertonic and isotonic dehydration is studied. The peculiarities of the data are discussed and compared with those described by other authors. High incidence of hypertonic dehydration (25.4%) is emphasized.

[Metabolic evolution of hypertonic dehydration with combined treatment of fluidotherapy and peritoneal dialysis: revision of 22 infants (author's transl)]

Metabolic evolution of osmolarity, natraemia, chloremia, kaliemia and uremia of 22 infants with severe hypertonic dehydration, treated with fluidotherapy and peritoneal dialysis, is revised. Peritoneal dialysis was prepared in accordance with a special method for this metabolic condition. The serie was divided into two groups, according to initial value of natraemia: more or less than 170 mEq./l. Average decreases per hour of osmolarity, natraemia and chloremia were evaluated, as well as the influence of peritoneal dialysis on body fluids composition. Indication of peritoneal dialysis specially prepared for severe cases is discussed.

[Urea half-live as index of renal failure in hypertonic dehydration (author's transl)]

Evolution of uremic half-time in 27 infants with hypertonic dehydration is studied. Authors establish three groups in accordance with duration of uremic half-time: 1st: less than 24 hours: 5 infants. 2nd: More than 24 hours without renal or uremic pathology: 12 infants. 3rd: More than 24 hours with renal or uremic pathology: 10 infants. Utility of this parameter is discussed, as well as its physiologic bases. The existence of 2nd group makes the value of this control as an organic of functional renal index uncertain.

Osmolality changes during hemodialysis. Natural history, clinical correlations, and influence of dialysate glucose and intravenous mannitol

We studied the influence of both a high-glucose-concentration dialysate (717 mg/dl) and intravenous mannitol (1g/kg) on the serum osmolality changes in stable patients on chronic dialysis. During regular dialysis, serum osmolality fell 10 mosmol/kg H2O. This fall was reduced to 5.2 mosmol/kg H2O when the high-glucose-concentration dialysate was used, and to 4.3 mosmol/kg H2O when intravenous mannitol was used. When the two methods were combined, the serum osmolality fall was reduced to 1.7 mosmol/kg H2O. The clinical signs of disequilibrium declined (from 67% to 10%) in parallel with the decline in serum osmolality changes. This fall was independent of the ultrafiltration rate. A high-glucose-concentration dialysate and intravenous mannitol can each reduce the osmolality changes that occur during hemodialysis, but when used alone, intravenous mannitol is more effective of the two. The reduction of osmolality changes also leads to reduction of the mild clinical signs usually associated with disequilibrium.

[Renal venous thrombosis treatment in the newborn (author's transl)]

Based on the experience of 61 cases, the recommended treatment for R.V.T. in newborns and infants is described. A historical review of its management is made. Therapeutic evolution and exposition of conservative therapy, founded on the following points: Close control of the hydrosaline disorder, early peritoneal dialysis and heparinization is given. Eventually thrombectomy can be advisable when the thrombous invades the inferior vena cava. A decreasing incidence of R.V.T., after a good prophilaxis and an evident improvement of the survival of children with R.V.T. is confirmed.

Dialyzer-augmented whole blood and plasma exchange for patients with hepatic or hepatorenal failure

We have utilized new methods of dialyzer-augmented whole blood and plasma exchange tranfusion in the treatment of hepatic coma. The method employs the new fast flow Buselmeier shunt so that the exchange can be done from a peripheral radial artery shunt site rather than a shunt site in a more major vessel, such as the brachial artery. The method employs in-line dialysis of citrated (CPD) blood or plasma to normalize pH, electrolytes, and blood sugar while infusion heparinization decreases heparin requirements. The application of a single roller pump to the administration and withdrawal lines (placed in opposite directions) helps equalize inflow and outflow where whole blood exchange is done while identical opposing pumps accomplish the same with plasma exchange. The administration of albumin and metaraminol bitartate prevents hypotension due to fluid shifts or compartmental venous dilatation. A closed circuit which does not require disconnection throughout the 30- 60-minute whole blood exchange or the 2 1/2-hour plasma exchange decreases the risk of septic contamination to both medical staff and patients.