First Report of Eastern Filbert Blight on Corylus avellana 'Gasaway' and 'VR20-11' Caused by Anisogramma anomala in New Jersey

Eastern filbert blight (EFB) is a serious disease of European hazelnut, Corylus avellana L., which causes economic losses in Oregon (OR) where 99% of the U.S. crop is produced. The causal organism, Anisogramma anomala (Peck) E. Müller, is native east of the Rocky Mountains where it is found in association with C. americana Marshall. While C. americana is tolerant, EFB causes cankering, branch dieback, and death of C. avellana (3). EFB was first discovered in Washington State in the late 1960s (1). Since then, it has spread throughout the Willamette Valley of OR. In OR, 'Gasaway', an obsolete pollinizer, shows complete resistance to EFB, conferred by a dominant allele at a single locus (4). 'Gasaway' has been widely used in breeding at Oregon State University (OSU) to develop resistant cultivars that are used in most new orchards. In January 2008, cankers containing rows of dark brown elliptical stroma, characteristic of EFB, were first observed on more than 25 trees of 'Gasaway' growing at the Rutgers University research farms in Adelphia and North Brunswick, NJ. At that time, cankers were also found on 18 trees of 'VR20-11' growing on the research farms. 'VR20-11,' an offspring of 'Gasaway' that carries the same resistance gene, was released by OSU for use as a pollinizer for 'Barcelona', an EFB-susceptible but widely grown cultivar in OR. Additional cankers were observed on the New Jersey trees in January 2009 and 2010. To our knowledge, this is the first report of EFB on either cultivar under field conditions. The cankers are smaller than those on susceptible cultivars. Of 61 cankers on 10 trees of 'Gasaway', the average length was 11 cm with a range of 4 to 42 cm. Canker lengths on susceptible trees are typically 20 to 100 cm. The cankers appear otherwise alike with stromata, 2 to 4 × 2 mm, up to 2 mm high; perithecia upright, in the lower part of stroma; asci ellipsoid, 35 to 45 × 9 to 12 μm; and ascospores 8 to 11 × 4 to 5.5 μm, hyaline, smooth, ellipsoid, 2-celled, with the lower cell very short (1 to 1.5 μm long and wide). Genomic DNA was isolated from ascospores excised from cankers of 'Gasaway' and 'VR20-11'. ITS1F and ITS2 primers were used to amplify and sequence the internal transcribed spacer 1 region (ITS1) of the rRNA genes (GenBank Accession Nos. HM565133 and HM565132). BLAST analysis of the 238-bp segments showed 99% homology with a sequence of A. anomala (EU683064). Phylogenetic analysis also confirmed that the two isolates are A. anomala. To test viability, 'Gasaway' cankers were excised and ascospore suspensions (1 × 10⁶ spores ml^-1) were applied to 15 trees of susceptible 'Barcelona' in March 2008 following the protocol of Johnson et al. (2). In December 2009, 12 of 15 inoculated trees expressed EFB. 'Gasaway' has shown no signs or symptoms of infection by A. anomala over several decades of exposure in OR, which is believed to have a limited diversity of the fungus due to a single-point introduction. Our findings suggest quarantine efforts must be bolstered to prevent further introductions of A. anomala into the Pacific Northwest to protect the viability of the U.S hazelnut industry. References: (1) A. D. Davison and R. M. Davidson, Jr. Plant Dis. Rep. 57:522, 1973. (2) K. B. Johnson et al. Phytopathology 84:1465, 1994. (3) K. B. Johnson and J. N. Pinkerton. Eastern filbert blight. Page 44 in: Compendium of Nut Crop Diseases in Temperate Zones. B. L. Teviotdale et al., eds. The American Phytopathological Society. St. Paul, MN. 2002. (4) S. A. Mehlenbacher et al. HortScience 26:410, 1991.

Adsorption of methyl orange and Cr(VI) on mesoporous TiO2 prepared by hydrothermal method

Mesoporous TiO(2) was synthesized by a hydrothermal method using cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as a structure-directing agent, and its adsorption abilities for the removal of methyl orange (MO) and Cr(VI) from waste waters were investigated. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) observations together with nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements show the formation of mesoporous TiO(2) with an average pore size of 5.2 nm and a surface area of 161.2 m(2)/g. The adsorption data for both MO and Cr(VI) fit well with either Langmuir or Freundlich adsorption model. The adsorption for MO is slightly influenced by pH of the solutions, while that for Cr(VI) is strongly dependent on solution pH. By an increase in solution pH from 3 to 12, the adsorbed percentage of MO decreases from ca. 87 to 78%; however, the adsorbed percentage of Cr(VI) decreases from ca. 45 to 0%. The maximum adsorption capacities of the mesoporous TiO(2) for MO and Cr(VI) are determined to be 454.5 and 33.9 mg/g, respectively, which suggests that the mesoporous TiO(2) is an excellent adsorbent for MO and Cr(VI).

Treatment with peginterferon versus interferon in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C

Higher sustained virological response (SVR) rates after treating with peginterferon than after treating with interferon have been obtained in some randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). However, the numbers of patients included in these clinical trials were too small to draw a clear conclusion. Therefore, a new meta-analysis including a large number of patients was needed to compare peginterferon with interferon in the treatment of Chinese CHC patients. A search of Medline, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Wanfang Database, and the China Biomedical Database for relevant articles published between 1966 and 2009 was performed. RCTs comparing the use of peginterferon and interferon for the treatment of Chinese patients with CHC were assessed. Of the 236 studies screened, 18 RCTs including 1,148 patients (659 treated with peginterferon therapy and 489 treated with interferon therapy) were analyzed. The total SVR rates obtained in patients treated with peginterferon were significantly higher than those obtained in patients treated with interferon (64% vs. 40%; relative risk, 1.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.28-1.91; p < 0.01), but the difference between the peginterferon α-2b and interferon α-2b treatments was not significant. Withdrawal rates were similar between patients treated with peginterferon and interferon. Chinese patients with CHC have a greater likelihood of achieving an SVR with peginterferon α-2a.

Proteases and sFlt-1 release in the human placenta

Increased placental release of soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sFlt-1) is believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). Although the reason for increased placental sFlt-1 release in PE is unknown, proteolytic effect has been proposed as one of the mechanisms that mediate sFlt-1 release in the placenta. In this study, using various protease inhibitors, we tested the possible role of proteases in sFlt-1 release by human placenta. Villous explants from normal term placentas were incubated with various protease inhibitors including serine protease inhibitors (PMSF, aprotini, and specific chymotrypsin inhibitor (CI)), cysteine protease inhibitor E-64, metalloendopeptidase inhibitor PAD, and universal metalloprotease (ADAM) inhibitor PTM. Culture medium was collected and measured for sFlt-1 by ELISA. Our results showed that villous tissue treated with CI and PTM produced significantly less sFlt-1 than those of controls. PMSF, aprotini, E-64, and PAD had no effect on sFlt-1 release. We further examined chymotrypsin-like protease/chymase and ADAM10 expressions in tissue sections from normal and PE placentas by immunohistochemistry. We found that immunostaining for chymase and ADAM10 was significantly increased in the layer of syncytiotrophoblasts in PE placentas compared to normal placentas. These results suggest chymotrypsin-like serine protease and ADAM10, but not cysteine protease and metalloendopeptidase, may play a role in inducing sFlt-1 release in PE placentas.

Methylotrophic bacteria: biochemical diversity and genetics

Bacteria that are able to use methane as a sole carbon and energy source also carry out a broad range of biotransformations, some of which have industrial and environmental significance. Genetic studies on methylotrophs, including the use of recombinant DNA techniques, show promise for the isolation and cloning of genes coding for specific functions.

The roles of RFamide-related peptide-3 in mammalian reproductive function and behaviour

To maximise reproductive success, organisms restrict breeding to optimal times of the day or year, when internal physiology and external environmental conditions are suitable for the survival of both parent and offspring. To appropriately coordinate reproductive activity, internal and external standing is communicated to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis via a coordinated balance of stimulatory and inhibitory neurochemical systems. The cumulative balance of these mediators ultimately drives the pattern of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone secretion, a neurohormone that stimulates pituitary gonadotrophin secretion. Until 2000, a complementary inhibitor of pituitary gonadotrophin secretion had not been identified. At this time, a novel, avian hypothalamic peptide capable of inhibiting gonadotrophin secretion in cultured quail pituitary cells was uncovered and named gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH). Subsequently, the presence and functional role for the mammalian orthologue of GnIH, RFamide-related peptide, (RFRP-3), was examined, confirming a conserved role for this peptide across several rodent species. To date, a similar distribution and functional role for RFRP-3 have been observed across all mammals investigated, including humans. This overview summarises the role that RFRP-3 plays in mammals and considers the implications and opportunities for further study with respect to reproductive physiology and the neural control of sexual behaviour and motivation.

Two-step transport-disk distraction osteogenesis in reconstruction of mandibular defect involving body and ramus

One-step transport-disk distraction osteogenesis (TDDO) is effective for repairing segmental mandibular defects. The authors studied whether it was effective for reconstructing angled large mandibular defects using a two-step TDDO procedure in seven patients suffering from neoplasm. In the two-step TDDO procedure, the first distraction (horizontal distraction) was initiated immediately after mandibulectomy, aimed at restoring the mandibular body. It was followed by the second distraction, which was obliquely vertical and aimed at restoring the height of the ramus. The distraction rate was set at twice 0.4mm/day. The treatment lasted for 14-18 months. The horizontal distraction length ranged from 48 to 55mm, and the vertical one from 33 to 43mm, with full ossification in the distraction area. No obvious shift of mandible, malocclusion or mouth opening limitation was observed. Patients had a regular diet and spoke clearly. In conclusion, the two-step TDDO is still an option for the reconstruction of large angled mandibular defects when patients are prudently selected, despite the long treatment period required.

Enhancing fraction in glioma and its relationship to the tumoral vascular microenvironment: A dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

EnF is a newly described measure of proportional tumor enhancement derived from DCE-MR imaging. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between EnF and the more established DCE-MR imaging parameters: K(trans), v(e), and v(p).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-two patients with 43 gliomas (16 grade II, 3 grade III, and 24 grade IV) were studied. Imaging included pre- and postcontrast T1-weighted sequences through the lesion and T1-weighted DCE-MR imaging. Parametric maps of EnF, K(trans), v(e), and v(p) were generated. Voxels were classified as enhancing if the IAUC was positive (EnF(IAUC)(60>0)). A threshold of IAUC > 2.5 mmol.s was used to generate EnF(IAUC)(60>2.5). Both measures of EnF were compared with the DCE-MR imaging parameters (K(trans), v(e), and v(p)).

RESULTS

In grade II gliomas, EnF(IAUC60>0) and EnF(IAUC60>2.5) correlated with v(p) (R(2) = 0.6245, P < .0005; and R(2) = 0.4727, P = .003) but not with K(trans) or v(e). In grade IV tumors, both EnF(IAUC60>0) and EnF(IAUC60>2.5) correlated with K(trans) (R(2) = 0.3501, P = .001; and R(2) = 0.4699, P < .0005) and v(p) (R(2) = 0.1564, P = .01; and R(2) = 0.2429, P = .007), but not with v(e). Multiple regression analysis showed K(trans) as the only independent correlate of both EnF(IAUC60>0) and EnF(IAUC60>2.5) for grade IV tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that in grade II tumors, EnF reflects v(p) and varies due to changes in vascular density. In grade IV gliomas, EnF is affected by K(trans) with secondary associated changes in v(p).

Candidate biomarkers of extravascular extracellular space: a direct comparison of apparent diffusion coefficient and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging--derived measurement of the volume of the extravascular extracellular space in glioblastoma multiforme

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

ADC measurements have been shown to have an inverse relationship with tumor cell density. DCE-MR imaging modeling techniques can produce a measurement of the v(e), which would also be expected to have an inverse relationship with cell density. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that areas of increased cellularity, and therefore low ADC, would be expected to have a small EES (low v(e)).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nineteen patients with GBM were recruited. All imaging was performed before surgery on a 3T MR imaging scanner. Imaging included diffusion tensor imaging, T1-weighted DCE-MR imaging, and anatomic sequences. Tumor VOIs were defined on the anatomic images and modified to contain only enhancing voxels. Parametric maps of ADC and v(e) were generated. Statistical analysis of ADC and v(e) was performed on both a voxel-by-voxel basis and comparison of median values.

RESULTS

No correlation was demonstrated between ADC and v(e) in either a voxel-by-voxel analysis or comparison of median values (P = .124).

CONCLUSIONS

This study failed to demonstrate a correlation between ADC and v(e). This is important because it suggests that though the mechanisms underlying these parameters are theoretically similar, they actually reflect different aspects of tumor microenvironment. Consequently ADC and v(e) should be considered to provide independent information about the properties of the EES.

<i>Tropomodulin 1 (TMOD1)</i> is associated with lean meat growth and meat quality in the pig (Brief Report)

Abstract. Tropomodulin 1 (TMOD1) is a member of the tropomodulin family, which are highly conserved capping proteins of the pointed ends of the erythrocyte membrane and sarcomeric actin filaments. Tropomodulins are involved in the architecture of the sarcomere in muscle cells and the membrane skeleton in nonmuscle cells (COLUCCIO et al. 1994, GREGORIO et al. 1995). TMOD1 is predominantly expressed in vertebrate cardiac muscle and slow twitch muscle fibers, and it binds to one end of tropomyosin (TM) that plays important roles in regulating the function of actin filament (FISCHER et al. 2003, GUNNING et al. 2008). Here we identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the porcine TMOD1 gene and further analyzed the effects of this gene on the lean meat growth, meat quality and other related traits in pigs.

Lectins but not antifungal proteins exhibit anti-nematode activity

A variety of lectins and antifungal proteins were tested for toxicity against the plant parasitic nematodes Ditylenchus dipsaci and Heterodera glycines. It was found that lectins from the mushrooms Xylaria hypoxylon, Agrocybe cylindracea and Tricholoma mongolicum (TML-1) were the most potent against D. dipsaci, with EC(50) being 4.7, 9, and 20mg/ml, respectively. Lectins from Pseudostellaria heterophylla, samta tomato, and the mushrooms T. mongolicum (TML-2), Ganoderma lucidum, and Boletus edulis, and antifungal proteins from Ginkgo biloba toward D. dipsaci and pumpkin Cucurbita moschata had much lower anti-nematode potencies and could be considered as inactive for practical purposes. All lectins except that from P.heterophylle were potent against H.glycines.