Fungal Planet description sheets: 1550-1613

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Argentina, Neocamarosporium halophilum in leaf spots of Atriplex undulata. Australia, Aschersonia merianiae on scale insect (Coccoidea), Curvularia huamulaniae isolated from air, Hevansia mainiae on dead spider, Ophiocordyceps poecilometigena on Poecilometis sp. Bolivia, Lecanora menthoides on sandstone, in open semi-desert montane areas, Sticta monlueckiorum corticolous in a forest, Trichonectria epimegalosporae on apothecia of corticolous Megalospora sulphurata var. sulphurata, Trichonectria puncteliae on the thallus of Punctelia borreri. Brazil, Catenomargarita pseudocercosporicola (incl. Catenomargarita gen. nov.) hyperparasitic on Pseudocercospora fijiensis on leaves of Musa acuminata, Tulasnella restingae on protocorms and roots of Epidendrum fulgens. Bulgaria, Anthracoidea umbrosae on Carex spp. Croatia, Hymenoscyphus radicis from surface-sterilised, asymptomatic roots of Microthlaspi erraticum, Orbilia multiserpentina on wood of decorticated branches of Quercus pubescens. France, Calosporella punctatispora on dead corticated twigs of Aceropalus. French West Indies (Martinique), Eutypella lechatii on dead corticated palm stem. Germany, Arrhenia alcalinophila on loamy soil. Iceland, Cistella blauvikensis on dead grass (Poaceae). India, Fulvifomes maritimus on living Peltophorum pterocarpum, Fulvifomes natarajanii on dead wood of Prosopis juliflora, Fulvifomes subazonatus on trunk of Azadirachta indica, Macrolepiota bharadwajii on moist soil near the forest, Narcissea delicata on decaying elephant dung, Paramyrothecium indicum on living leaves of Hibiscus hispidissimus, Trichoglossum syamviswanathii on moist soil near the base of a bamboo plantation. Iran, Vacuiphoma astragalicola from stem canker of Astragalus sarcocolla. Malaysia, Neoeriomycopsis fissistigmae (incl. Neoeriomycopsidaceae fam. nov.) on leaf spots on flower Fissistigma sp. Namibia, Exophiala lichenicola lichenicolous on Acarospora cf. luederitzensis. Netherlands, Entoloma occultatum on soil, Extremus caricis on dead leaves of Carex sp., Inocybe pseudomytiliodora on loamy soil. Norway, Inocybe guldeniae on calcareous soil, Inocybe rupestroides on gravelly soil. Pakistan, Hymenagaricus brunneodiscus on soil. Philippines, Ophiocordyceps philippinensis parasitic on Asilus sp. Poland, Hawksworthiomyces ciconiae isolated from Ciconia ciconia nest, Plectosphaerella vigrensis from leaf spots on Impatiens noli-tangere, Xenoramularia epitaxicola from sooty mould community on Taxus baccata. Portugal, Inocybe dagamae on clay soil. Saudi Arabia, Diaporthe jazanensis on branches of Coffea arabica. South Africa, Alternaria moraeae on dead leaves of Moraea sp., Bonitomyces buffels-kloofinus (incl. Bonitomyces gen. nov.) on dead twigs of unknown tree, Constrictochalara koukolii on living leaves of Itea rhamnoides colonised by a Meliola sp., Cylindromonium lichenophilum on Parmelina tiliacea, Gamszarella buffelskloofina (incl. Gamszarella gen. nov.) on dead insect, Isthmosporiella africana (incl. Isthmosporiella gen. nov.) on dead twigs of unknown tree, Nothoeucasphaeria buffelskloofina (incl. Nothoeucasphaeria gen. nov.), on dead twigs of unknown tree, Nothomicrothyrium beaucarneae (incl. Nothomicrothyrium gen. nov.) on dead leaves of Beaucarnea stricta, Paramycosphaerella proteae on living leaves of Protea caffra, Querciphoma foliicola on leaf litter, Rachicladosporium conostomii on dead twigs of Conostomium natalense var. glabrum, Rhamphoriopsis synnematosa on dead twig of unknown tree, Waltergamsia mpumalanga on dead leaves of unknown tree. Spain, Amanita fulvogrisea on limestone soil, in mixed forest, Amanita herculis in open Quercus forest, Vuilleminia beltraniae on Cistus symphytifolius. Sweden, Pachyella pulchella on decaying wood on sand-silt riverbank. Thailand, Deniquelata cassiae on dead stem of Cassia fistula, Stomiopeltis thailandica on dead twigs of Magnolia champaca. Ukraine, Circinaria podoliana on natural limestone outcrops, Neonematogonum carpinicola (incl. Neonematogonum gen. nov.) on dead branches of Carpinus betulus. USA, Exophiala wilsonii water from cooling tower, Hygrophorus aesculeticola on soil in mixed forest, and Neocelosporium aereum from air in a house attic. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Crous PW, Costa MM, Kandemir H, et al. 2023. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1550-1613. Persoonia 51: 280-417. doi: 10.3767/persoonia.2023.51.08.

Asperosporus subterraneus, a new genus and species of sequestrate Agaricaceae found in Florida nursery production

We describe a novel sequestrate genus and species, Asperosporus subterraneus gen. et sp. nov., found associated with nursery production of ferns in south Florida. This truffle species has a unique combination of morphological characters among described Agaricaceae in that it lacks a stipe or columella, has large, ornamented spores, the fresh sporocarps rapidly stain pink-red when cut or bruised, and they have a rancid smell. Although this fungus does not appear to be a direct plant pathogen, the hyphae of A. subterraneus produce a thick hydrophobic mycelial mat that binds the organic matter and therefore prevents water and fertilizer from being absorbed by plants, consequently causing wilting and chlorosis. Using morphological characteristics and phylogenetic reconstruction based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), partial large subunit nuclear ribosomal DNA (LSU), second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) regions, we describe this taxon as a new genus and species in Agaricaceae.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 951-1041

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Antarctica, Apenidiella antarctica from permafrost, Cladosporium fildesense from an unidentified marine sponge. Argentina, Geastrum wrightii on humus in mixed forest. Australia, Golovinomyces glandulariae on Glandularia aristigera, Neoanungitea eucalyptorum on leaves of Eucalyptus grandis, Teratosphaeria corymbiicola on leaves of Corymbia ficifolia, Xylaria eucalypti on leaves of Eucalyptus radiata. Brazil, Bovista psammophila on soil, Fusarium awaxy on rotten stalks of Zea mays, Geastrum lanuginosum on leaf litter covered soil, Hermetothecium mikaniae-micranthae (incl. Hermetothecium gen. nov.) on Mikania micrantha, Penicillium reconvexovelosoi in soil, Stagonosporopsis vannaccii from pod of Glycine max. British Virgin Isles, Lactifluus guanensis on soil. Canada, Sorocybe oblongispora on resin of Picea rubens. Chile, Colletotrichum roseum on leaves of Lapageria rosea. China, Setophoma caverna from carbonatite in Karst cave. Colombia, Lareunionomyces eucalypticola on leaves of Eucalyptus grandis. Costa Rica, Psathyrella pivae on wood. Cyprus, Clavulina iris on calcareous substrate. France, Chromosera ambigua and Clavulina iris var. occidentalis on soil. French West Indies, Helminthosphaeria hispidissima on dead wood. Guatemala, Talaromyces guatemalensis in soil. Malaysia, Neotracylla pini (incl. Tracyllales ord. nov. and Neotracylla gen. nov.) and Vermiculariopsiella pini on needles of Pinus tecunumanii. New Zealand, Neoconiothyrium viticola on stems of Vitis vinifera, Parafenestella pittospori on Pittosporum tenuifolium, Pilidium novae-zelandiae on Phoenix sp. Pakistan, Russula quercus-floribundae on forest floor. Portugal, Trichoderma aestuarinum from saline water. Russia, Pluteus liliputianus on fallen branch of deciduous tree, Pluteus spurius on decaying deciduous wood or soil. South Africa, Alloconiothyrium encephalarti, Phyllosticta encephalarticola and Neothyrostroma encephalarti (incl. Neothyrostroma gen. nov.) on leaves of Encephalartos sp., Chalara eucalypticola on leaf spots of Eucalyptus grandis × urophylla, Clypeosphaeria oleae on leaves of Olea capensis, Cylindrocladiella postalofficium on leaf litter of Sideroxylon inerme, Cylindromonium eugeniicola (incl. Cylindromonium gen. nov.) on leaf litter of Eugenia capensis, Cyphellophora goniomatis on leaves of Gonioma kamassi, Nothodactylaria nephrolepidis (incl. Nothodactylaria gen. nov. and Nothodactylariaceae fam. nov.) on leaves of Nephrolepis exaltata, Falcocladium eucalypti and Gyrothrix eucalypti on leaves of Eucalyptus sp., Gyrothrix oleae on leaves of Olea capensis subsp. macrocarpa, Harzia metrosideri on leaf litter of Metrosideros sp., Hippopotamyces phragmitis (incl. Hippopotamyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Phragmites australis, Lectera philenopterae on Philenoptera violacea, Leptosillia mayteni on leaves of Maytenus heterophylla, Lithohypha aloicola and Neoplatysporoides aloes on leaves of Aloe sp., Millesimomyces rhoicissi (incl. Millesimomyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Rhoicissus digitata, Neodevriesia strelitziicola on leaf litter of Strelitzia nicolai, Neokirramyces syzygii (incl. Neokirramyces gen. nov.) on leaf spots of Syzygium sp., Nothoramichloridium perseae (incl. Nothoramichloridium gen. nov. and Anungitiomycetaceae fam. nov.) on leaves of Persea americana, Paramycosphaerella watsoniae on leaf spots of Watsonia sp., Penicillium cuddlyae from dog food, Podocarpomyces knysnanus (incl. Podocarpomyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Podocarpus falcatus, Pseudocercospora heteropyxidicola on leaf spots of Heteropyxis natalensis, Pseudopenidiella podocarpi, Scolecobasidium podocarpi and Ceramothyrium podocarpicola on leaves of Podocarpus latifolius, Scolecobasidium blechni on leaves of Blechnum capense, Stomiopeltis syzygii on leaves of Syzygium chordatum, Strelitziomyces knysnanus (incl. Strelitziomyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Strelitzia alba, Talaromyces clemensii from rotting wood in goldmine, Verrucocladosporium visseri on Carpobrotus edulis. Spain, Boletopsis mediterraneensis on soil, Calycina cortegadensisi on a living twig of Castanea sativa, Emmonsiellopsis tuberculata in fluvial sediments, Mollisia cortegadensis on dead attached twig of Quercus robur, Psathyrella ovispora on soil, Pseudobeltrania lauri on leaf litter of Laurus azorica, Terfezia dunensis in soil, Tuber lucentum in soil, Venturia submersa on submerged plant debris. Thailand, Cordyceps jakajanicola on cicada nymph, Cordyceps kuiburiensis on spider, Distoseptispora caricis on leaves of Carex sp., Ophiocordyceps khonkaenensis on cicada nymph. USA, Cytosporella juncicola and Davidiellomyces juncicola on culms of Juncus effusus, Monochaetia massachusettsianum from air sample, Neohelicomyces melaleucae and Periconia neobrittanica on leaves of Melaleuca styphelioides × lanceolata, Pseudocamarosporium eucalypti on leaves of Eucalyptus sp., Pseudogymnoascus lindneri from sediment in a mine, Pseudogymnoascus turneri from sediment in a railroad tunnel, Pulchroboletus sclerotiorum on soil, Zygosporium pseudomasonii on leaf of Serenoa repens. Vietnam, Boletus candidissimus and Veloporphyrellus vulpinus on soil. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes.

Distinguishing between Structural Models of β'-Sialons Using a Combined Solid-State NMR, Powder XRD, and Computational Approach

β'-Sialons (Si_6-zAl_zO_zN_8-z, where 0 ≤ z ≤ ∼4.2) are studied using a combination of ²⁹Si and ²⁷Al solid-state NMR, using magnetic fields of up to 20 T, powder X-ray diffraction, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations of both the structure and NMR parameters. Four different structural models have been proposed in the literature for the replacement of silicon and nitrogen by aluminum and oxygen within a β-Si₃N₄-structured lattice. Experimental data are presented for the variation with composition (z) of the unit cell parameters from diffraction and the local coordination units present suggested by NMR data. The experimental data are compared to the changes with composition in the DFT calculations of the structure and the NMR parameters according to the four models, allowing the models to be distinguished. It is shown that only one of these, the domain model, is fully consistent with all of the experimental data and is, therefore, a good structural model for β'-sialons. More speculatively, it is suggested that for the domain model, ²⁷Al NMR data might provide a constraint on the thickness of its aluminum-rich layers.

Balsamia (Sequestrate Helvellaceae, Ascomycota) in western North America

Balsamia, a hypogeous, sequestrate genus in the Helvellaceae, has been characterized variously as having three to eight species in North America, and these have been considered either different from or conspecific with European species. No available modern systematic treatment of Balsamia exists to allow for accurate identification at the species level. We sequenced DNA from recent western North American Balsamia collections, assessed relationships by sequence similarity, and identified molecular taxonomic units. From these data, we determined which matched descriptions and types of named species. ITS sequences supported 12 Balsamia species in western North America, five originally described by Harkness and Fischer and seven new species that we describe here. No sequences from Balsamia collections in western North America were nested among those of European species. We found no clear evidence for separation of Balsamia into multiple genera.

Phylloporus and Phylloboletellus are no longer alone: Phylloporopsis gen. nov. (Boletaceae), a new smooth-spored lamellate genus to accommodate the American species Phylloporus boletinoides

The monotypic genus Phylloporopsis is described as new to science based on Phylloporus boletinoides. This species occurs widely in eastern North America and Central America. It is reported for the first time from a neotropical montane pine woodland in the Dominican Republic. The confirmation of this newly recognised monophyletic genus is supported and molecularly confirmed by phylogenetic inference based on multiple loci (ITS, 28S, TEF1-α, and RPB1). A detailed morphological description of P. boletinoides from the Dominican Republic and Florida (USA) is provided along with colour images of fresh basidiomata in habitat, line drawings of the main anatomical features, transmitted light microscopic images of anatomical features and scanning electron microscope images of basidiospores. The taxonomic placement, ecological requirements and distribution patterns of P. boletinoides are reviewed and the relationships with phylogenetically related or morphologically similar lamellate and boletoid taxa such as Phylloporus, Phylloboletellus, Phyllobolites and Bothia are discussed.

Elucidating "lucidum": Distinguishing the diverse laccate Ganoderma species of the United States

Ganoderma is a large, diverse and globally-distributed genus in the Basidiomycota that includes species causing a white rot form of wood decay on a variety of tree species. For the past century, many studies of Ganoderma in North America and other regions of the world have used the name G. lucidum sensu lato for any laccate (shiny or varnished) Ganoderma species growing on hardwood trees or substrates. Molecular studies have established that G. lucidum sensu stricto (Curtis) Karst is native to Europe and some parts of China. To determine the species of the laccate Ganoderma that are present in the United States, we studied over 500 collections from recently collected samples and herbarium specimens from hardwoods, conifers, and monocots. A multilocus phylogeny using ITS, tef1α, rpb1 and rpb2 revealed three well-supported clades, similar to previously reported findings. From the U.S. collections, thirteen taxa representing twelve species were identified, including: G. curtisii, G. lucidum sensu stricto, G. martinicense, G. oregonense, G. polychromum, G. ravenelii, G. sessile, G. tsugae, G. tuberculosum, G. cf. weberianum, G. zonatum, and Tomophagus colossus (syn. G. colossus). The species G. meredithiae is synonymized with G. curtisii, and considered a physiological variant that specializes in decay of pines. The designation G. curtisii f.sp. meredithiae forma specialis nov. is proposed. Species such as G. curtisii and G. sessile, once considered as G. lucidum sensu lato, were found to be divergent from one another, and highly divergent from G. lucidum sensu stricto. Morphological characteristics such as context tissue color and features (e.g. melanoid bands), basidiospore shape and size, geographic location, and host preference were found to aid in species identification. Surprisingly, G. lucidum sensu stricto was found in the U.S., but only in geographically restricted areas of northern Utah and California. These collections appear to have resulted from the introduction of this species into the United States possibly from mushroom growers producing G. lucidum outdoors. Overall, this study clarifies the chaotic taxonomy of the laccate Ganoderma in the United States, and will help to remove ambiguities from future studies focusing on the North American species of laccate Ganoderma.

Management of pinna haematoma study (MaPHaeS): A multicentre retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVES

To assess current variation in the management of pinna haematoma (PH) and its effect on outcomes.

DESIGN

Multicentre retrospective observational record-based study.

SETTING

Eleven hospitals around the UK.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty-three patients above the age of 16 with PH.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was recurrence rate of PH over a 6-month period post-treatment, assessed by treatment type (scalpel incision vs needle aspiration). Secondary outcome measures assessed the impact of other factors on recurrence, infection and cosmetic complications of PH over a period of 6 months.

RESULTS

After adjusting for confounding factors, involvement of the whole ear, and management within an operating theatre were associated with a lower rate of recurrence of pinna haematoma. The drainage technique, suspected aetiology, choice of post-drainage management, grade and specialty of practitioner performing drainage, the use of antibiotic cover and hospital admission did not affect the rate of haematoma recurrence, infection or cosmetic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Where possible PH should be drained in an operating theatre. Multicentre randomized controlled trials are required to further investigate the impact of drainage technique and post-drainage management on outcome.

Cluster Analysis Applied to the Validation of Course Objectives

This paper describes the use of cluster analysis to aid in empirically validating the course objectives of an industrial training curriculum. For instance, clusters of basic training needs were found and compared against existing course contents. Two major findings emerged from the data analysis: the discovery of an important job activity missing from the curriculum and the identification of sizeable groups of workers with distinctly different training needs. Considerable attention is also devoted to the statistical aspects of clustering which were important in obtaining these results.

Elevated incidence of fractures in women with invasive breast cancer

This study evaluates the incidence of bone fractures in women with BC.We found that women with invasive breast cancer are at an increased risk for bone fractures, with fractures most commonly occurring at lower extremity and vertebral sites. The risk is further increased in women undergoing cancer therapy.

INTRODUCTION

Bone loss and fractures in breast cancer have generally been attributed to aromatase inhibitor use. This study assessed the incidence of fractures after invasive breast cancer diagnosis and evaluated bone density and FRAX risk calculation at time of fracture occurrence.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of women with invasive breast cancer [June 2003-December 2011] who participated in an academic hospital based genetic biobank. Demographic and clinical characteristics were abstracted from the electronic medical record (EMR).

RESULTS

A total of 422 women with invasive breast cancer were assessed; 79 (28 %) sustained fractures during the observation period; fractures occurred at multiple skeletal sites in 27 cases (116 fractures). The incidence of fractures was 40 per 1000 person-years. Women who sustained fractures were mostly white and had a family history of osteoporosis (36.9 %, p = 0.03) or history of a prior fracture (6/79, p = 0.004). Fractures occurred 4.0 years (range 0-12 years) after cancer diagnosis. Fracture cases had femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) of 0.72 + 0.12 g/cm(2), T-score of -1.2, that is, within the low bone mass range. Fractures most commonly occurred in lower extremities, vertebral, and wrist sites. Hip fractures accounted for 11 % of fractures, occurring at a median age of 61 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Fractures occur shortly after commencing cancer therapy. Rapid bone loss associated with cancer therapy may precipitate fractures. Fractures occur at relatively higher BMD in BC. Occurrence of fractures in invasive breast cancer raises the possibility of cancer-induced impairment in bone quality.

Consenting for risk in common ENT operations: an evidence-based approach

Pre-operative consent discussion and documentation is an essential process that should follow relevant guidance, and include all serious or frequently occurring risks. We assessed the appropriateness of consent for grommet insertion, tonsillectomy, septoplasty, and hemithyroidectomy, by comparing the risks listed in current consenting practice to published complication data for the relevant operation. 120 consent forms and associated clinic letters were analysed. A literature search identified published complication data for comparison. There was great variation in consent practice for each operation type, and poor correlation with published risk incidence. Only 'bleeding' post-tonsillectomy and 'recurrent laryngeal nerve injury' post hemithyroidectomy were listed in 100 % of relevant cases. Common and serious complications were frequently omitted from forms. The number and type of risks consented for a procedure significantly differed between consultant and non-consultant staff. The potential requirement for blood transfusion was discussed in only 20 % of tonsillectomy cases. Currently, the pre-operative consent for commonly performed ENT operations does not reflect operative risks. Consenting for surgical complications should be evidence based using published or personal data. A change in the consent process is required to protect patient autonomy and meet both legal and professional body requirements.

The Impact of the European Working Time Regulations and Modernising Medical Careers on Out-of-hours ENT Cover

The implementation of the European Working Time Regulations (EWTR), coupled with the ongoing impact of Modernising Medical Careers (MMC), has necessitated a significant redevelopment of out-of-hours cover for surgical specialties in the UK. A review of the literature related to the provision of out-of-hours ENT cover gives an insight into the impact of these changes on a comparatively small surgical specialty. A 2008 survey revealed that three-quarters of junior doctors providing ENT out-of-hours care were crosscovering specialties other than ENT – a figure up from just over half of junior doctors in 2005, prior to stricter EWTR rules. Of all 'first-on-call' doctors for ENT, only 19–32% have prior ENT experience. Consequently, ENT services are provided frequently by inexperienced, non-enT doctors covering multiple other specialties, often as part of a 'hospital-at-night' team.

Palatable food avoidance and acceptance learning with different stressors in female rats

Stress activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis leading to the release of glucocorticoids (GC). Increased activity of the HPA axis and GC exposure has been suggested to facilitate the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Nonetheless, different stressors can produce distinct effects on food intake and may support different directions of food learning e.g. avoidance or acceptance. This study examined whether interoceptive (LiCl and exendin-4) and restraint stress (RS) support similar or distinct food learning. Female rats were exposed to different stressors after their consumption of a palatable food (butter icing). After four palatable food-stress pairings, distinct intakes of the butter icing were observed in rats treated with different stressors. Rats that received butter icing followed by intraperitoneal injections of LiCl (42.3mg/kg) and exendin-4 (10μg/kg) completely avoided the palatable food with subsequent presentations. In contrast, rats experiencing RS paired with the palatable food increased their consumption of butter icing across trials and did so to a greater degree than rats receiving saline injections. These data indicate that interoceptive and psychosocial stressors support conditioned food avoidance and acceptance, respectively. Examination of c-Fos immunoreactivity revealed distinct neural activation by interoceptive and psychosocial stressors that could provide the neural basis underlying opposite direction of food acceptance learning.

Simple techniques for three-dimensional photography of the nose in nasal deformity

AIM

To investigate the use of anaglyphs and stereograms for three-dimensional imaging of the external nose.

METHOD

Red-cyan anaglyphs and colour stereograms created from stereo photographs of patients with nasal deformity were compared to standard photographs. Assessors rated images on 'life-likeness' of imaging, contour definition and utility for surgical planning.

RESULTS

9 patients were recruited. Stereograms provided significantly improved life-like features and definition of nasal structure, with some benefit for pre-operative planning. Less benefit was found for anaglyph images. Oblique views proved most effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Stereograms provide simple, inexpensive three-dimensional images of the nose, with potential uses in operative analysis, medicolegal documentation, teaching and research.

Titanium-containing bioactive phosphate glasses

The use of biomaterials has revolutionized the biomedical field and has received substantial attention in the last two decades. Among the various types of biomaterials, phosphate glasses have generated great interest on account of their remarkable bioactivity and favourable physical properties for various biomedical applications relating to both hard and soft tissue regeneration. This review paper focuses mainly on the development of titanium-containing phosphate-based glasses and presents an overview of the structural and physical properties. The effect of titanium incorporation on the glassy network is to introduce favourable properties. The biocompatibility of these glasses is described along with recent developments in processing methodologies, and the potential of Ti-containing phosphate-based glasses as a bone substitute material is explored.

Characterizing the hierarchical structures of bioactive sol-gel silicate glass and hybrid scaffolds for bone regeneration

Bone is the second most widely transplanted tissue after blood. Synthetic alternatives are needed that can reduce the need for transplants and regenerate bone by acting as active temporary templates for bone growth. Bioactive glasses are one of the most promising bone replacement/regeneration materials because they bond to existing bone, are degradable and stimulate new bone growth by the action of their dissolution products on cells. Sol-gel-derived bioactive glasses can be foamed to produce interconnected macropores suitable for tissue ingrowth, particularly cell migration and vascularization and cell penetration. The scaffolds fulfil many of the criteria of an ideal synthetic bone graft, but are not suitable for all bone defect sites because they are brittle. One strategy for improving toughness of the scaffolds without losing their other beneficial properties is to synthesize inorganic/organic hybrids. These hybrids have polymers introduced into the sol-gel process so that the organic and inorganic components interact at the molecular level, providing control over mechanical properties and degradation rates. However, a full understanding of how each feature or property of the glass and hybrid scaffolds affects cellular response is needed to optimize the materials and ensure long-term success and clinical products. This review focuses on the techniques that have been developed for characterizing the hierarchical structures of sol-gel glasses and hybrids, from atomic-scale amorphous networks, through the covalent bonding between components in hybrids and nanoporosity, to quantifying open macroporous networks of the scaffolds. Methods for non-destructive in situ monitoring of degradation and bioactivity mechanisms of the materials are also included.

Multi-focal, multi-centric angiosarcoma of bone

A multi-focal multi-centric, malignant tumour of vascular origin arising in bone in a 55-year-old man is described. The presenting symptoms were pain and weight loss. Radiologically, multiple lytic lesions were demonstrated in the long bones of both legs and throughout the pelvis. Histological examination demonstrated an angiosarcoma which was predominantly low grade in nature but with focal areas of intermediate grade. Turnout cells expressed the endothelial markers CD31, CD34 and von Willebrand's factor. There was rapid radiological progression of disease with no response to radiotherapy. Pain abated within a few days of institution of doxorubicin, 75 mg m^-2, but the patient died of massive pulmonary thromboembolism 14 days later, 11 months after the first symptoms.

1H and 13C solution- and solid-state NMR investigation into wax products from the Fischer-Tropsch process

(1)H and (13)C solid- and solution-state NMR have been used to characterise waxes produced in the Fischer-Tropsch reaction, using Co-based catalysts either unpromoted or promoted with approximately 1 wt% of either cerium or rhenium. The aim was to measure average structural information at the submolecular level of the hydrocarbon waxes produced, along with identification of the minor products, such as oxygenates and olefins, which are typically observed in these waxes. A parameter of key interest is the average number of carbon atoms within the hydrocarbon chain (N(C)). A wax prepared using an unpromoted Co/Al(2)O(3) catalyst had N(C)∼20, whilst waxes made using rhenium- or cerium-promoted Co/Al(2)O(3) catalysts were found to have N(C)∼21. All three samples contained small amounts of oxygenates and alkenes. The subtle differences found in the waxes, in particular the minor species produced, demonstrate that the different promoters have different effects during the reaction, with the Re-promoted catalyst producing the fewest by-products. It is shown in (13)C solid-state NMR spectra that for that for longer chain (compared to the lengths of chain in previous studies) waxes that the lack of resolution and the complexities added by the differential cross-polarisation (CP) dynamics mean that it is difficult to accurately determine N(C) from this approach. However the N(C) determined by (13)C CP magic angle spinning NMR is broadly consistent with the more accurate solution approaches used and suggest that the wax characteristics do not change in solution. On this basis an alternative approach for determining N(C) is suggested based on (1)H solution state NMR that provides a higher degree of accuracy of the chain length as well as information on the minor constituents.

Bioactive glass scaffolds for bone regeneration and their hierarchical characterisation

Scaffolds are needed that can act as temporary templates for bone regeneration and actively stimulate vascularized bone growth so that bone grafting is no longer necessary. To achieve this, the scaffold must have a suitable interconnected pore network and be made of an osteogenic material. Bioactive glass is an ideal material because it rapidly bonds to bone and degrades over time, releasing soluble silica and calcium ions that are thought to stimulate osteoprogenitor cells. Melt-derived bioactive glasses, such as the original Bioglass® composition, are available commercially, but porous scaffolds have been difficult to produce because Bioglass and similar compositions crystallize on sintering. Sol-gel foam scaffolds have been developed that avoid this problem. They have a hierarchical pore structure comprising interconnected macropores, with interconnect diameters in excess of the 100 μm that is thought to be needed for vascularized bone ingrowth, and an inherent nanoporosity of interconnected mesopores (2–50 nm) which is beneficial for the attachment of osteoprogenitor cells. They also have a compressive strength in the range of cancellous bone. This paper describes the optimized sol-gel foaming process and illustrates the importance of optimizing the hierarchical structure from the atomic through nano, to the macro scale with respect to biological response.

Interleukin-17-producing T-helper cells and related cytokines in human airways exposed to endotoxin

Previous studies on mouse models have indicated that interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-17-producing T-helper (Th) cells are important for pulmonary host defence against Gram-negative bacteria. Human correlates to these findings have not yet been demonstrated. The aim of the present study was to determine whether or not IL-17-producing Th cells are present and whether IL-17 and other Th17-associated cytokines are involved in the immunological response to endotoxin in human airways. Segmental exposure to endotoxin and contralateral exposure to vehicle were performed in the lungs of healthy volunteers, with subsequent bronchoalveolar lavage 12 or 24 h after exposure to study local changes in cytokines and inflammatory cells. Endotoxin exposure increased concentrations of IL-17, IL-22 and their downstream effector molecules, human β-defensin-2 and IL-8/CXC chemokine ligand 8, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Th cells with the capacity to produce IL-17 were found among the bronchoalveolar lavage cells, and expression of IL-17 mRNA correlated with expression of the transcription factor, retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan receptor C variant 2. Moreover, endotoxin increased the numbers of neutrophils, macrophages and IL-17-producing T-cells, as well as the concentration of the Th17-regulating cytokines, IL-21 and IL-23. In conclusion, IL-17-producing Th cells are present, and IL-17, as well as other Th17-associated cytokines, is involved in the immunological response to endotoxin in human airways.

Recent technique developments and applications of solid state NMR in characterising inorganic materials

A broad overview is given of some key recent developments in solid state NMR techniques that have driven enhanced applications to inorganic materials science. Reference is made to advances in hardware, pulse sequences and associated computational methods (e.g. first principles calculations, spectral simulation), along with their combination to provide more information about solid phases. The resulting methodology has allowed more nuclei to be observed and more structural information to be extracted. Cross referencing between experimental parameters and their calculation from the structure has given an added dimension to NMR as a characterisation probe of materials. Emphasis is placed on the progress made in the last decade especially from those nuclei that were little studied previously. The general points about technique development and the increased range of nuclei observed are illustrated through some specific exemplars from inorganic materials science.

Thermometers for low temperature Magic Angle Spinning NMR

The measurement of temperature in a Magic Angle Spinning NMR probe in the temperature range 85-300K is discussed. It is shown that the shift of the (119)Sn resonance of Sm(2)Sn(2)O(7) makes a good thermometer with shift being given by delta=223 - 9.54x10(4)/Tppm and a potential precision of better than 0.5K over the entire temperature range. The sensitivity is such (e.g. 4.2ppm/K at 150K) that small temperature gradients across the sample can readily be measured. Furthermore, since the spin-lattice relaxation time is very short, measurements can be made in approximately 1s enabling relatively rapid temperature changes to be followed. Values for the chemical shift of (207)Pb in Pb(NO(3))(2) down to approximately 85K are also presented. Although the (207)Pb shift variation is approximately linear near room temperature (we find a slope 0.725+/-0.002ppm/K over the range 293-153K), it clearly deviates from linearity below approximately 130K.

Public and biobank participant attitudes toward genetic research participation and data sharing

Research assessing attitudes toward consent processes for high-throughput genomic-wide technologies and widespread sharing of data is limited. In order to develop a better understanding of stakeholder views toward these issues, this cross-sectional study assessed public and biorepository participant attitudes toward research participation and sharing of genetic research data. Forty-nine individuals participated in 6 focus groups; 28 in 3 public focus groups and 21 in 3 NUgene biorepository participant focus groups. In the public focus groups, 75% of participants were women, 75% had some college education or more, 46% were African-American and 29% were Hispanic. In the NUgene focus groups, 67% of participants were women, 95% had some college education or more, and the majority (76%) of participants was Caucasian. Five major themes were identified in the focus group data: (a) a wide spectrum of understanding of genetic research; (b) pros and cons of participation in genetic research; (c) influence of credibility and trust of the research institution; (d) concerns about sharing genetic research data and need for transparency in the Policy for Sharing of Data in National Institutes of Health-Supported or Conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies; (e) a need for more information and education about genetic research. In order to increase public understanding and address potential concerns about genetic research, future efforts should be aimed at involving the public in genetic research policy development and in identifying or developing appropriate educational strategies to meet the public's needs.

QuadFit--a new cross-platform computer program for simulation of NMR line shapes from solids with distributions of interaction parameters

A new Java computer program called QuadFit has been written to simulate NMR line shapes from solid materials. The program takes into account the major interactions, with a key feature that distributions of isotropic chemical shift and quadrupolar interaction parameters can be calculated, which are often encountered in amorphous and disordered materials. The quadrupolar interaction can be simulated for all the transitions for both half-integer and integer spins. The utility of the program is demonstrated with examples of (27)Al (nuclear spin I=5/2) in an atomically disordered aluminoborate mullite, (65)Cu (I=3/2) in CuInSe(2) and (10)B (I=3) in amorphous B(2)O(3). The program has good cross-platform compatibility and is written for high stability. The program has been designed with an easy to use graphical interface. It can be run efficiently on any reasonably powerful PC and is freely available from the Warwick website (http://go.warwick.ac.uk/quadfit).

Structural characterization by x-ray methods of novel antimicrobial gallium-doped phosphate-based glasses

Antimicrobial gallium-doped phosphate-based glasses of general composition (P(2)O(5))(0.45)(CaO)(0.16)(Na(2)O)(0.39-x)(Ga(2)O(3))(x) (where x=0, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) have been studied using the advanced synchrotron-based techniques of Ga K-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy and high-energy x-ray diffraction to provide a structural insight into their unique properties. The results show that the Ga(3+) ions are octahedrally coordinated. Furthermore, substitution of Na(2)O by Ga(2)O(3) strengthens the phosphate network structure because the presence of GaO(6) octahedra inhibits the migration of the remaining Na(+) ions. The results are discussed in terms of the use of Na(2)O-CaO-P(2)O(5) glasses as controlled-delivery devices for antimicrobial Ga(3+) ions in biomedical applications. We are thereby able to relate the atomic-scale environment of the Ga(3+) ions beneficially to the glass dissolution, and thus to their ability to disrupt bacterial cell activity by usurping the role of iron.

A (59)Co NMR study to observe the effects of ball milling on small ferromagnetic cobalt particles

To demonstrate the potential of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for investigating detailed structural properties in ferromagnetic materials, three different particle sized cobalt (Co) powders have been ball milled for 24h are accurately characterised by internal-field (59)Co NMR. The (59)Co NMR spectra show distinct resonance bands corresponding to the different Co sites, face-centred-cubic (fcc), hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) and stacking faults (sfs), in Co metal powders. The hcp+fcc-->hcp phase transition encouraged by ball-milling was observed and quantitative values for each Co environment were obtained.

Fully-automated quantification of regional brain volumes for improved detection of focal atrophy in Alzheimer disease

Volumetric analysis of structural MR images of the brain may provide quantitative evidence of neurodegeneration and help identify patients at risk for rapid clinical deterioration. This note describes tests of a fully automated MR imaging postprocessing system for volumetric analysis of structures (such as the hippocampus) known to be affected in early Alzheimer disease (AD). The system yielded results that correlated highly with independent computer-aided manual segmentation and were sensitive to the anatomic atrophy characteristic of mild AD.

A natural abundance (77)Se solid-state NMR study of inorganic compounds

Various inorganic selenium-based compounds were analysed by (77)Se solid-state NMR, and a distinct difference in chemical shift ranges for compounds where selenium is present as selenide (Se(2-)) ionically and covalently bonded systems was observed. The selenides exhibit a shift range of approximately -700 to -100ppm, as opposed to 700 to 1600ppm for the compounds where there tends to be more direct covalent bonding to the selenium. The anisotropic hyperfine shift observed in NbSe(2) is shown to be axially symmetric, where the H(11) component is found to be normal to the Se3-trigonal plane.

Pharmacokinetics of new 625 mg nelfinavir formulation during pregnancy and postpartum

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of nelfinavir (NFV) (625 mg tablets) 1250 mg twice daily during pregnancy and postpartum.

METHODS

The participants were HIV-1-infected pregnant women enrolled in P1026s and receiving NFV (625 mg tablets) 1250 mg twice daily as part of routine clinical care. Intensive steady-state 12-h NFV pharmacokinetic profiles were performed during pregnancy and postpartum. The target NFV area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(0-12)) was >or=10th percentile NFV AUC(0-12) in non-pregnant historical controls (18.5 microg h/mL).

RESULTS

Of 27 patients receiving NFV, pharmacokinetic data were available for four (second trimester), 27 (third trimester) and 22 (postpartum) patients. The NFV maximum concentration (C(max)), 12-h post-dose concentration (C(12)) and AUC(0-12) were significantly lower during the third trimester compared to postpartum (P<or=0.03). The metabolite hydroxyl-tert-butylamide (M8) AUC(0-12) and the M8/NFV AUC ratio were lower during the third trimester compared to postpartum (P<0.01). The NFV AUC(0-12) exceeded the AUC(0-12) target for 15/27 (56%) and 21/22 (95%) of third trimester and postpartum patients, respectively. The minimum concentration (C(min)) was above the suggested minimum trough concentration (0.8 mug/mL) in 15% (third trimester) and 18% (postpartum). The plasma viral load was <400 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL in 81% of patients at delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that higher doses of NFV should be considered during pregnancy.

Multigene analysis suggests ecological speciation in the fungal pathogen Claviceps purpurea

Claviceps purpurea is an important pathogen of grasses and source of novel chemical compounds. Three groups within this species (G1, G2 and G3) have been recognized based on habitat association, sclerotia and conidia morphology, as well as alkaloid production. These groups have further been supported by Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, suggesting this species may be more accurately described as a species complex. However, all divergent ecotypes can coexist in sympatric populations with no obvious physical barriers to prevent gene flow. In this study, we used both phylogenetic and population genetic analyses to test for speciation within C. purpurea using DNA sequences from ITS, a RAS-like locus, and a portion of beta-tubulin. The G1 types are significantly divergent from the G2/G3 types based on each of the three loci and the combined dataset, whereas the G2/G3 types are more integrated with one another. Although the G2 and G3 lineages have not diverged as much as the G1 lineage based on DNA sequence data, the use of three DNA loci does reliably separate the G2 and G3 lineages. However, the population genetic analyses strongly suggest little to no gene flow occurring between the different ecotypes, and we argue that this process is driven by adaptations to ecological habitats; G1 isolates are associated with terrestrial grasses, G2 isolates are found in wet and shady environments, and G3 isolates are found in salt marsh habitats.

Neuropsychological and neurophysiologic effects of carbamazepine and levetiracetam

BACKGROUND

The relative effects of levetiracetam (LEV) and carbamazepine (CBZ) on cognitive and neurophysiologic measures are uncertain.

METHODS

The effects of LEV and CBZ were compared in healthy adults using a randomized, double-blind, two-period crossover design. Outcome measures included 11 standard neuropsychological tests and the score from a cognitive-neurophysiologic test of attention and memory. Evaluations were conducted at screening, baseline pre-drug treatment, end of each maintenance phase (4 weeks), and end of each washout period after drug treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 28 adults (17 women) with mean age of 33 years (range 18 to 51) completed the study. Mean maintenance doses (+/-SD) were CBZ = 564 mg/day (110) and LEV = 2,000 mg/day (0). CBZ was adjusted to mid-range therapeutic level. Mean serum levels (+/-SD) were CBZ = 7.5 mcg/mL (1.5) and LEV = 32.2 mcg/mL (11.2). An overall composite score including all measures revealed worse effects for CBZ compared to LEV (p <or= 0.001) in the primary analysis and for CBZ (p <or= 0.001) and LEV (p <or= 0.05) compared to non-drug in secondary analyses. Across the 34 individual variables, CBZ was worse than LEV on 44% (15/34); none favored CBZ. Compared to the non-drug average, CBZ was worse for 76% (26/34), and LEV was worse for 12% (4 of 34). Sensitivity and specificity of standard neuropsychological tests and the cognitive-neurophysiologic test were determined to direct future studies; detection was most accurate by the cognitive-neurophysiologic test.

CONCLUSIONS

Levetiracetam produces fewer untoward neuropsychological and neurophysiologic effects than carbamazepine in monotherapy at the dosages and timeframes employed in this study.

In situ high-energy X-ray diffraction study of a bioactive calcium silicate foam immersed in simulated body fluid

The method of in situ time-resolved high-energy X-ray diffraction, using the intrinsically highly collimated X-ray beam generated by the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, is demonstrated. A specially designed cell, which allows the addition of liquid components, has been used to study the reaction mechanisms of a foamed bioactive calcia-silica sol-gel glass immersed in simulated body fluid. Analysis of the X-ray diffraction data from this experiment provides atomic distances, via the pair correlation functions, at different stages of the dissolution of the glass and of the associated calcium phosphate, and ultimately hydroxyapatite, i.e. bone mineral, formation. Hence, changes in the atomic scale structure can be analysed as a function of reaction time, giving an insight into the evolution of the structure of both the glass matrix and the hydroxyapatite surface growth.