Search

Tree‐ring dating involves matching sequences of ring widths from undated timbers to dated sequences known as 'master' chronologies. Conventionally, the undated timbers (from a building or woodland) are sequentially matched against one another, using t‐tests to identify the relative offsets with the 'best' match, thus producing a 'site' chronology. A date estimate is obtained when this is matched to a local master chronology of known calendar age. Many tree‐ring sequences in the UK produce rather low t‐values and are thus declared not to have a 'best' match to a master chronology. Motivated by this and the routine use of Bayesian statistical methods to provide a probabilistic approach to radiocarbon dating, this paper investigates the practicality of Bayesian dendrochronology. We explore a previously published model for the relationship between ring widths and the underlying climatic signal, implementing it within the Bayesian framework via a simulation‐based approach. Probabilities for a match at each offset are produced, removing the need to identify a single 'best' match. The Bayesian model proves successful at matching in both simulated and real examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plant defence traits, such as herbicide resistance mutations, may incur a fitness cost to plants that become evident when the trait is not needed. However, individuals with multiple herbicide resistance traits may decrease fitness beyond that of plants with a single herbicide resistance mutation. Multiple herbicide‐resistant (MHR) Amaranthus tuberculatus populations are becoming more prevalent in Midwest United States agroecosystems. The objective was to determine whether selected MHR A. tuberculatus populations express differential development when grown in a herbicide‐free environment. The hypothesis was that MHR A. tuberculatus populations become increasingly less fit when additional herbicide resistances evolve. Multiple herbicide‐resistant and herbicide‐susceptible A. tuberculatus populations were grown in a herbicide‐free field for 20 weeks for two seasons. Differences (P < 0.001) in apical growth were detected 5 and 7 weeks after transplanting for all populations in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Gender and population influenced (P < 0.001) flowering date, with males flowering up to 1.5 weeks earlier than females, but did not cause pollination asynchrony. Shoot biomass was not different (P = 0.84) across A. tuberculatus populations, but there were differences (P < 0.001) for gender and year. Seed production was different amongst A. tuberculatus populations (P = 0.001), but was not influenced by the number of MHR traits. Conversely, a negative quadratic relationship between seed mass and the number of MHR traits was observed (r2 = 0.32; P < 0.001). The experiment results demonstrate that MHR in A. tuberculatus populations is not incurring a fitness penalty that will remove the populations in the immediate future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

True mangroves and mangrove associates are salt‐tolerant trees and shrubs that serve a critical role in preserving the ecological balance of tropical and subtropical estuarine environments. However, they are not immune to the damage caused by fungal pathogens. In this study, leaves exhibiting leaf spot symptoms were gathered from mangrove estuary and forests in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand. Through morphological and multilocus phylogenetic analyses (LSU, ITS, RPB2 and TUB2) along with genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition, we identified Allophoma acanthi sp. nov. from Acanthus ilicifolius. Additionally, A. minor was identified as the causative agent of leaf spots in true mangrove and mangrove associate species, namely, Acanthus ilicifolius, Combretum sp., Hibiscus tiliaceus, Intsia bijuga, Lumnitzera racemosa and Sonneratia alba. We also provide evidence to support the synonymization of A. thunbergiae with A. minor. All eight isolates of Allophoma species in this study demonstrated pathogenicity to their original hosts with varied virulence, confirming Koch's postulates. Our findings contribute to the understanding of fungal pathogens affecting true mangroves and mangrove associates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We examined whether pet ownership increased the risk for tick encounters and tickborne disease among residents of three Lyme disease‐endemic states as a nested cohort within a randomized controlled trial. Information about pet ownership, use of tick control for pets, property characteristics, tick encounters and human tickborne disease were captured through surveys, and associations were assessed using univariate and multivariable analyses. Pet‐owning households had 1.83 times the risk (95% CI = 1.53, 2.20) of finding ticks crawling on and 1.49 times the risk (95% CI = 1.20, 1.84) of finding ticks attached to household members compared to households without pets. This large evaluation of pet ownership, human tick encounters and tickborne diseases shows that pet owners, whether of cats or dogs, are at increased risk of encountering ticks and suggests that pet owners are at an increased risk of developing tickborne disease. Pet owners should be made aware of this risk and be reminded to conduct daily tick checks of all household members, including the pets, and to consult their veterinarian regarding effective tick control products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this essay, I set the book of Job in dialogue with a number of films from the robot science fiction subgenre. It is my intention to show that both sets of literature are deeply engaged with questions related to how creators and created things can interact, and that they deal with these questions in ways that illuminate and complement each other. The study proceeds in three phases. First, I develop a typology of robot science fiction as I see it in Hollywood cinematic presentation. Second, I turn to unpack God's response to Job's complaint in Job 38. In this section, I focus particularly on God's self-description through constructive and parental metaphors. Finally, I suggest how reading these texts together can sharpen our understanding of the way in which the biblical narrative addresses relational dynamics between a creating God and humans as created beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotypic and virulence diversity of Neofusicoccum luteum and N. australe isolates recovered from grapevines displaying symptoms of dieback and decline in New Zealand were investigated. The universally primed PCR ( UP- PCR) method was used to investigate the genetic diversity of 40 isolates of N. luteum and 33 isolates of N. australe. Five UP- PCR primers produced a total of 51 loci from N. luteum and 57 from N. australe with a greater number of polymorphic loci produced in N. australe (86%) compared with N. luteum (69%). Analysis of UP- PCR data showed both species found in New Zealand vineyards were genetically diverse at both the inter- and intra-vineyard levels with only a single pair of clonal isolates in N. luteum. Cluster analysis of UP- PCR data produced four genetic groups in N. luteum and 10 in N. australe ( P < 0.05). For both species, there was no relationship between the genetic groups and the origin of isolates. The mean genetic diversity ( H) of N. luteum was less than for N. australe, being 0.1791 and 0.2417, respectively. Pathogenicity assays of both species using isolates from either the same or different genetic groups inoculated onto either green shoots or grapevine trunks, showed virulence diversity within the population; however, no correlation was identified between genetic groups and virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Reduction in autonomic tone as measured by heart rate variability ( HRV) has been associated with various inflammatory conditions including reflux disease. The nature of and permanence of this damage have not been fully assessed. Methods Fourteen individuals with non-erosive reflux disease ( NERD) and 10 individuals with erosive reflux disease ( ERD) as identified on endoscopy were assessed for HRV prior to starting a course of proton pump inhibitor ( PPI) therapy and 8 weeks from the start of PPI therapy. Key Results Reflux symptoms were significantly improved by PPI therapy ( p = 0.001), with no significant difference in reflux symptoms between the NERD and ERD groups either before ( p = 0.45) or following therapy ( p = 0.17). The ERD group displayed reduced HRV prior to PPI therapy as compared with a non-symptomatic group. There was significant improvement of HRV resulting from PPI therapy in the ERD group as measured by inspiration/expiration ratio on forced breathing ( p = 0.02), Valsalva ratio ( p = 0.03), and extended metronome-guided breathing at 6 breaths per minute ( p = 0.03). While a similar pattern was seen in the NERD group, the effects were not as strong and did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions & Inferences The results are consistent with a growing body of evidence that cardiac autonomic neuropathy as measured by HRV is associated with gastro-esophageal reflux disease and also suggest that successful treatment of the inflammation can lead to reversal of the deterioration of autonomic tone associated with that inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The 2011 Appropriate Use Criteria ( AUC) were developed by the American Society of Echocardiography ( ASE) to provide guidance for referring physicians in response to growing concerns about unnecessary transthoracic echocardiogram ( TTE) requests. When applied in multiple centres overseas, the rate of inappropriate referrals was as high as 22%. Aim To assess the applicability of, and the level of adherence to the 2011 AUC in an Australian regional hospital where the AUC have not been tested systematically. Methods A retrospective analysis of 1000 inpatient and outpatient TTE referrals was conducted between January 2014 and June 2014 at Bendigo Hospital, a major regional referral hospital. Results Ninety-eight percent of the TTE referrals were classifiable. The most common indication for ordering TTE was to evaluate symptoms potentially related to a cardiac aetiology. Of the classifiable referrals, 77% were appropriate, 20.3% were inappropriate and 2.7% were uncertain. The most common inappropriate indications were routine surveillance of the left ventricular ( LV) function in stable chronic cardiac conditions and routine perioperative evaluation of the LV function with no symptoms or signs of cardiovascular disease. Inappropriate referrals were significantly more frequent in outpatients compared with inpatients (24.4% vs 9.6%, P < 0.001). Conclusion This study provides a novel insight into the ordering of TTEs in regional Australia. In this study, one in five referrals had an inappropriate indication and could be avoided. This may have significant implications for healthcare resources in regional centres, and strategies to reduce inappropriate echocardiography ordering need to be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A collection of isolates of the fungi Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa, which cause blackleg disease on Brassica napus (canola/oilseed rape) and other Brassicaceae species, was assembled to represent the global diversity of these pathogens and a resource for international research. The collection consists of 226 isolates (205 L. maculans and 21 L. biglobosa) from 11 countries. The genomes of all 205 L. maculans isolates were sequenced, and the distribution and identity of avirulence gene alleles were determined based on genotypic information and phenotypic reactions on B. napus lines that hosted specific resistance genes. Whilst the frequencies of some avirulence alleles were consistent across each of the regions, others differed dramatically, potentially reflecting the canola/oilseed rape cultivars grown in those countries. Analyses of the single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) diversity within these L. maculans isolates revealed geographical separation of the populations. This "open access" resource provides a standardized set of isolates that can be used to define the basis for how these fungal pathogens cause disease, and as a tool for discovery of new resistance traits in Brassica species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial canker of cherry, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pathovars, is a major constraint to cherry growing in New Zealand. The prevalence of strains from cherry orchards in Central Otago, the main growing area for cherries in New Zealand, was studied, to better understand the epidemiology of the disease. Pseudomonas spp. isolates were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic cherry tissue from 23 commercial cherry orchards in 2015. Isolates were classified into strains belonging to three different taxonomic groups by determining their phylogeny using the gltA gene sequence for all the strains and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of four housekeeping genes for 35 strains. Pathogenicity of all Central Otago strains was tested on immature cherry fruit to support the phylogenetic classification. The two main taxonomic groups were P. syringae pv. syringae (Pss) and P. syringae pv. morsprunorum race 1 (Psm1), in Phylogroup 2 (PG2) and Phylogroup 3 (PG3), respectively. The third group comprised nonpathogenic strains classified as Pseudomonas spp. Strains of Psm1 formed a monophyletic group, representing an almost clonal population. There was more variation detected within strains of Pss, although they were restricted to group PG2d. Nonpathogenic Pseudomonas spp. and pathogenic Pss and Psm1 strains coexisted in the same orchard. It was concluded that Pss is the predominant pathovar in Central Otago. This is the first detailed study of the P. syringae species complex in cherry orchards in New Zealand and provides the basis for future epidemiology studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 57 Ilyonectria liriodendri isolates were identified by a combination of species-specific PCR and DNA sequencing from a collection of 174 Ilyonectria-like isolates recovered from 101 diseased grapevine samples. These samples were representative of the national vineyard, comprising material contributed by 49 grape growers across seven grape growing areas. This species was predominant, representing 33% of the recovered isolates, and has been reported as a major pathogen of grapevines in other countries. The genetic diversity of the 57 New Zealand isolates was compared to that of isolates from Australia and South Africa using universally primed polymerase chain reaction ( UP- PCR). A total of 66 informative loci distinguished 52 genotypes, of which five contained up to four clonal isolates. Four main clades were identified in a neighbour-joining ( NJ) tree. The international isolates (Australia and South Africa) were placed in a clade that did not include New Zealand isolates. There was a high level of intra- and inter-vineyard genetic variation indicating the free movement of isolates between regions. A subset of nine isolates from different branches of the NJ tree produced two vegetative compatibility groups and hyphal fusion was observed between non-self pairings. Pathogenicity tests using isolates from different genetic groups inoculated onto either detached roots or 1-year-old potted vines showed variability in virulence; however, no correlations were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the symptoms that developed when 114 Botryosphaeriaceae isolates from grapevine nursery plant materials were used to inoculate excised green shoots and 1-year-old rooted canes of Sauvignon blanc. The experiments showed that all isolates and species were able to produce lesions. Overall, the Neofusicoccum species were shown to be highly pathogenic in both tissue types while the Diplodia species were highly pathogenic on canes but not on green shoots. Isolates of the most prevalent species, N. luteum and N. parvum, showed varying lesion lengths on excised green shoots and canes. An evaluation of the factors associated with lengths of lesions showed that they were significantly affected by experimental batch which reflected inherent host and environmental factors over time. Reisolation from inoculated canes also indicated that most isolates of all species except D. seriata were able to spread internally beyond the lesions. Genetic variability analysis using UP- PCR showed that N. luteum isolates were genetically diverse but no association was observed between the phylogenetic group and degree of pathogenicity caused by the isolates. This study demonstrated that all Botryosphaeriaceae species from grapevine nurseries were pathogenic to grapevines and that the lesion lengths varied between species, among isolates within a species and among nursery sources, and was affected by the test method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four models are presented investigating risks present on Great Britain (GB) turkey farms in breeding and fattening flocks for ciprofloxacin and cephalosporin resistance. Risk factors for ciprofloxacin resistance in fattening flocks were sourcing of feed from national compounders, antimicrobial use in the flock and evidence of mice. Disinfection of floors and walls at depopulation, older flocks and division of the flock with partitions reduced the risk. In breeding farms holding over 10,000 birds, administration of fluoroquinolones within the last year and horses on the neighbouring farm all increased the risk, whereas replenishing foot dips more than once a week reduced the risk. For cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli on fattening farms, being an independent farm, having a watercourse near the poultry houses, dividing the flock with partitions and providing staff with gloves reduced the risk. Factors that increased the risk included if staff worked with other livestock and if there were pigs on neighbouring farms. This work suggests that good hygiene and biosecurity, rodent control and responsible use of antimicrobials on turkey farms might help minimise the prevalence of fluoroquinolone and cephalosporin resistance in E coli, and restrict the spread of resistance genes to other organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 71 healthy volunteers opting to have a routine influenza vaccination were investigated for potential changes in cardiovascular autonomic tone resulting from the temporary inflammatory effects of an influenza vaccination. A number of temporal and frequency domain parameters of heart rate and breathing were assessed 2-5 days prior to vaccination and 1-4 days postvaccination. Three lead electrocardiograph ( ECG), beat-to-beat finger blood pressure and chest plethysmography signals were measured. After an extended resting period, patients performed metronome-guided breathing at six breaths per min for a period of 2 min. Standard Ewing tests of autonomic function were also performed. All volunteers completed a vaccine symptom questionnaire. A subgroup of 15 volunteers who reported significant symptomatic reaction to the vaccination for at least 24 h following vaccination were identified based on the results of the questionnaire. A significant reduction in measures of heart rate variability ( HRV) obtained during metronome-guided breathing was noted following vaccination in the subgroup of 15 symptomatic volunteers. No significant changes were observed in standard Ewing assessment, fractal dimension analysis, baroreflex sensitivity assessment or resting HRV. There was no evidence of significant reduction in autonomic tone following vaccination in the full sample of 71 volunteers. Results suggest a significant change in HRV response to a small inflammatory provocation and suggest further investigation of the inflammatory causes of dysautonomia is of value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the ability of Neofusicoccum luteum to infect wounded shoots, trunks, pruned cane ends, leaf surfaces, buds, berries and roots, and its further progression into stem tissues. All tissue types were susceptible to infection except roots, with highest incidences in trunks (100%), cane ends (100%), shoots (92%) and buds (88%), indicating that in New Zealand, N. luteum is primarily a trunk and shoot pathogen. In trunks, there were no external symptoms, although N. luteum could be reisolated from 60 to 70 cm acropetally from the inoculation site after 4 months, by which time the pathogen had progressed into side shoots which became necrotic. Wounded and non-wounded buds became infected; most were killed, with basipetal progression of the pathogen into the supporting shoots. Berries wounded and inoculated at the pre-bunch closure stage were susceptible to N. luteum infection, with isolation incidence increasing over the season and peaking at harvest, when infected berries became mummified and produced pycnidia with many conidia. The pathogen was also able to progress from berries into bunch stems and supporting canes. Results from this research have indicated that N. luteum infection can occur in all aerial grapevine tissues and progress to young stem tissues where it causes wood necrosis. Growers should remove mummified berries from vineyard trash to ensure that pruning and trimming times do not coincide with rainy periods when conidia are released and dispersed. Furthermore, the susceptibility of buds to N. luteum infection indicates the need for fungicide sprays before budburst in spring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mendelian randomisation is a form of instrumental variable analysis that estimates the causal effect of an intermediate phenotype or exposure on an outcome or disease in the presence of unobserved confounding, using a genetic variant as the instrument. A Bayesian approach allows current knowledge to be incorporated into the analysis in the form of informative prior distributions, and the unobserved confounder can be modelled explicitly. We consider Bayesian methods for Mendelian randomisation in the case where all relationships are linear and there are no interactions. A 'full' model in which the unobserved confounder is included explicitly is not completely identifiable, although the causal parameter can be estimated. We compare inferences from this general but non-identified model with a reduced parameter model that is identifiable. We show that, theoretically, additional information about the causal parameter can be obtained by using the non-identifiable full model, rather than the identifiable reduced model, but that this is advantageous only when realistically informative priors are used and when the instrument is weak or the sample size is small. Furthermore, we consider the impact of using 'vague' versus 'informative' priors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let X1, X2, … be independent, identically distributed, zero mean random variables with (−α)-regularly varying tails, α>1. For , it is known that under these distributional assumptions, ℙ(Sn>x)∼ nℙ(X1>x) as x→∞, uniformly for x≥cn for any constant c>0. Here, we show that the process Mn=max {Si−iμ:i≤n}, for any constant μ≥0, behaves in a similar manner. This allows us to generalize Durrett's results [‘Conditioned limit theorems for random walks with negative drift’, Z. Wahrscheinlichkeitstheorie verw. Gebiete 52 (1980) 277–287], by showing that, without any further assumptions, both (n−1S[nt], 0≤t≤1|Sn>na) and (n−1 S[nt], 0≤t≤1|Mn>na) for any constant a>0 converge weakly to a simple process consisting of a single ‘large jump’.We show that similar results hold for general Lévy processes, extending the work of Konstantopoulos and Richardson [‘Conditional limit theorems for spectrally positive Lévy processes’, Adv. in Appl. Probab. 34 (2002) 158–178] who dealt with the special case of spectrally positive processes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The western house mouse Mus musculus domesticus is a human commensal, and as such, its phylogeography relates to historical human settlement patterns and movements. We investigate the phylogeography of house mice in northern France and the British Isles (particularly Ireland and the Scottish islands) using microsatellite data and mitochondrial (mt) control region sequences from modern and museum material, placing these in a Europe-wide context. The majority of mtDNA sequences from northern France belong to a clade widespread across the British mainland and Germany, supporting an earlier suggestion that this clade distribution represents colonization by house mice in the Iron Age. The presence of the clade in south-western Ireland indicates possible Iron Age colonization there as well. However, the majority of the Irish sequences belong to a clade elsewhere associated with Norwegian Viking activity, and likely represent the main wave of house mouse colonization of Ireland, arriving from the Scottish islands during the Viking period and linked to urbanization. The St Kilda sequences (from 100-year-old museum samples of the extinct form ' Mus muralis' of Barrett-Hamilton) and sequences from South Uist and Lewis also belong to this clade. The clustering of populations shown by the microsatellite data is distinctly different from the mtDNA phylogeny, with populations grouping by geographic proximity, possibly reflecting the genetic effects of secondary colonization. When the mtDNA sequence data are placed in a Europe-wide context, it is clear that the distributions of the two prevalent clades from the vicinity of the British Isles are essentially limited to north-western Europe. These two clades show no evidence of expansion through central Europe, and may therefore reflect maritime colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that CD45(low)CD271+ bone marrow multipotential stromal cells (MSCs) are abundant in the trabecular bone niche and to explore their functional 'fitness' in health and osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Following enzymatic extraction, MSC release was evaluated using colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) and colony-forming unit-osteoblast assays, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. CD45(low)CD271+ cells isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting were enumerated and expanded under standard and clonal conditions. Their proliferative and osteogenic potencies were assessed in relation to donor age and compared with those of aspirated CD45(low)CD271+ cells. In vitro and in vivo MSC 'aging' was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction-based telomere length analysis, and standard differentiation assays were utilized to demonstrate multipotentiality. RESULTS: Cellular isolates from trabecular bone cavities contained approximately 65-fold more CD45(low)CD271+ cells compared with aspirates (P < 0.0001) (median 1.89% [n = 39] and 0.029% [n = 46], respectively), concordant with increased CFU-F release. Aspirated and enzymatically released CD45(low)CD271+ cells had identical MSC phenotypes (approximately 100% CD73+CD105+CD13+, approximately 50-60% CD146+CD106+CD166+) and contained large proportions of highly clonogenic multipotential cells. In vitro osteogenic potency of freshly isolated CD45(low)CD271+ cells was comparable with, and often above, that of early-passage MSCs (8-14%). Their frequency and in vivo telomere status in OA bone were similar to those in bone from age-matched controls. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that CD45(low)CD271+ MSCs are abundant in the trabecular bone cavity and indistinguishable from aspirated CD45(low)CD271+ MSCs. In OA they display aging-related loss of proliferation but no gross osteogenic abnormality. These findings offer new opportunities for direct study of MSCs in musculoskeletal diseases without the requirement for culture expansion. They are also relevant for direct therapeutic exploitation of prospectively isolated, minimally cultured MSCs in trauma and OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examined the abundance of CD271+ bone marrow multipotential stromal cells (MSCs) in the trabecular bone and their role in physical fitness and osteoarthritis. According to the authors, cellular isolates from trabecular bone cavity showed about 65-fold more CD271+ cells compared with aspirates and their osteogenic potency was similar with early passage MSCs. They add that CD271+ cells exhibited aging-related loss of proliferation but lack of gross osteogenic abnormality.

Lemnian Earth, a medicine in the shape of a stamped clay tablet (sphragis) from Lemnos, northeastern Greece, was much valued in antiquity and in the post-medieval period as an antidote to poison and a treatment for other ailments. Although it was among the first archaeological materials to be subjected to chemical analysis (in 1807), there is still no clear understanding as to what made Lemnian Earth an effective medicine. We argue that Lemnian Earth, the artefact, was not the same as Lemnian Earth, the raw material. We suggest a composition for the artefact by scrutinizing the documentary evidence for its properties and by considering the geochemical processes that led to the formation of the raw material and the ritual relating to its extraction. The study of the latter highlights the need for archaeological materials scientists to recognize ritual as a possible manifestation of physical and chemical processes carried out within the framework of past beliefs and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi and bacteria on the external surfaces of four gorse-associated insect species: gorse seed weevil Apion ulicis Förster (Coleoptera: Apionidae), light brown apple moth Epiphyas postvittana Walker (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), gorse pod moth Cydia ulicetana Denis and Schiffermüller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and gorse thrips Sericothrips staphylinus Haliday (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), were recovered by washing and plating techniques. The isolates were identified by morphology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing of internally transcribed spacer (ITS) and 16S rDNA. A culture-independent technique (direct PCR) was also used to assess fungal diversity by direct amplification of ITS sequences from the washings of the insects. All insect species carried Alternaria, Cladosporium, Corallomycetella, Penicillium, Phoma, Pseudozyma spp. and entomopathogens. Ninety-four per cent of the 178 cloned amplicons had ITS sequence similarity to Nectria mauritiicola (syn. Corallomycetella repens) . E. postvittana carried the largest fungal spores (spore mean surface area of 126 μm2) and the most fungal colony forming units per insect. Methylobacterium aquaticum and Pseudomonas lutea were isolated from all four insect species. P. fluorescens was the most abundant bacterium on the lepidopteran insects. This study presents the diversity of microbial taxa on insect exoskeletons, and provides the basis for developing a novel mycoherbicide delivery strategy for biological control of gorse using insects as vectors of a plant pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Profound fatigue is a clinically significant complication of chronic liver disease. A mechanism of fatigue in experimental animals and male athletes appears to be increased serotoninergic neurotransmission in the brain. Recently, attempts have been made to assess the efficacy of a serotonin antagonist, specifically the 5-HT3 receptor subtype antagonist, ondansetron, in ameliorating fatigue in patients with chronic liver disease. However, the results of a randomized controlled trial of ondansetron for fatigue in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis did not indicate that ondansetron was either effective or ineffective. The reasons for the uncertain outcome of the randomized controlled trial are not clear. One contributing factor may have been the use of subjective indices of fatigue as primary efficacy endpoints. There is a need to develop objective quantitative primary efficacy endpoints for use in trials of therapy for fatigue. Another contributing factor may relate to the conduct of a randomized controlled trial not invariably being the optimal approach to resolve a specific clinical issue, particularly when the application of statistical methods yields equivocal findings. When the results of a randomized controlled trial are indecisive, findings based on clinical judgement, medicine's most important asset, should be carefully evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of different inocula of the mycoparasiteConiothyrium minitanson carpogenic germination of sclerotia ofSclerotinia sclerotiorumat different times of year were assessed. A series of three glasshouse box bioassays was used to compare the effect of five spore-suspension inocula ofC. minitans, including three different isolates (Conio, IVT1 and Contans), with a standard maizemeal–perlite inoculum. Apothecial production, as well as viability andC. minitansinfection ofS. sclerotiorumsclerotia buried in treated soil, were assessed. Maizemeal–perlite inoculum at 107 CFU per cm3 soil reduced sclerotial germination and apothecial production in all three box bioassays, decreasing sclerotial recovery and viability in the second bioassay and increasingC. minitansinfection of sclerotia in the first bioassay. Spore-suspension inocula applied at a lower concentration (104 CFU per cm3 soil) were inconsistent in their effects on sclerotial germination in the three box bioassays. Temperature was an important factor influencing apothecial production. Sclerotial germination was delayed or inhibited when bioassays were made in the summer. High temperatures also inhibited infection of sclerotia byC. minitans.Coniothyrium minitanssurvived these high temperatures, however, and infected the sclerotia once the temperature decreased to a lower level. Inoculum level ofC. minitanswas an important factor in reducing apothecial production by sclerotia. The effects of temperature on both carpogenic germination of sclerotia and parasitism of sclerotia byC. minitansare discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects ofConiothyrium minitansinoculum quality and an 8-week interval between inoculum application and crop planting on sclerotinia (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) disease in three successive lettuce crops were investigated in a glasshouse trial. Spore suspensions of three isolates ofC. minitans(Conio, IVT1 and Contans) applied at 108 CFU m−2 and a standard Conio maizemeal–perlite application (06 L m−2, 1011 CFU m−2) were assessed for their ability to controlS. sclerotiorum. Only the maizemeal–perlite inoculum (isolate Conio) consistently reduced sclerotinia disease. In the third lettuce crop only, isolates IVT1 and Contans formulated by Prophyta and isolate IVT as an oil–water formulation, all applied as spore suspensions, reduced disease at harvest compared with the untreated control. Recovery, viability andC. minitansinfection of sclerotia buried during the 8-week period prior to each of the three lettuce crops, and of sclerotia formed on the crop, were tested. Only the maizemeal–perlite inoculum (isolate Conio) reduced the recovery of sclerotia buried in soil for weeks between inoculum application and crop planting, reducing their viability and increasing infection byC. minitans. Eight weeks was sufficient to enableC. minitansto infect sclerotia ofS. sclerotiorum, and may account for disease control. After harvest of the second and third crops, maizemeal–perlite treatment (isolate Conio) reduced the number and viability of sclerotia recovered on the soil surface and increased infection byC. minitanscompared with spore-suspension treatments. The effect of inoculum concentration and the influence of soil temperature (varying with time of year) on infection of sclerotia byC. minitansare discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is one of the most destructive soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] pests worldwide. The most common source of SCN resistance used in soy- bean breeding in the northern USA is PI 88788. Previous research has shown that P188788 carries a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) conferring SCN resistance on linkage group (LG) G, which is believed to be rhg1. The objective of our research was to map and confirm additional SCN resistance QTL in Bell, a cultivar with resistance from PI 88788. One hundred four F4-derived fines (F4 population) developed from crossing the cultivars Bell and Colfax were tested for associations between 54 molecular markers and resistance to SCN populations PA3 (HG type 7, race 3) and PAl4 (HG type 1.3.5.6.7, race 14). Three populations of near isogenic lines (NILs) were developed from F4 plants heterozygous for a region on LG J where a significant QTL was identified in the F4 population. The NIL populations were tested with genetic markers and also for resistance to both SCN populations. In the F4 population, SCN resistance QTL were identified at both rhg1 and on LG J. The LG J QTL was confirmed in NIL populations and was given the confirmed QTL designation cqSCN-003. The effect of cqSCN-003 was diminished in the NIL populations compared to the F4 population. This was at least partially the result of segregation distortion in the F4 population between the region containing rhg1 and the region containing cqSCN-003. These results show the importance of verifying QTL in confirmation populations to estimate accurately their effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bushmeat is a large but largely invisible contributor to the economies of west and central African countries. Yet the trade is currently unsustainable. Hunting is reducing wildlife populations, driving more vulnerable species to local and regional extinction, and threatening biodiversity. This paper uses a commodity chain approach to explore the bushmeat trade and to demonstrate why an interdisciplinary approach is required if the trade is to be sustainable in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Testing for antimitochondrial antibodies is the most useful laboratory procedure in the diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis; nevertheless, 5–10% of patients with typical features of primary biliary cirrhosis do not have detectable antimitochondrial antibodies, their condition being referred to as antimitochondrial antibody-negative primary biliary cirrhosis or ‘autoimmune cholangitis’. Uncertainty exists whether antimitochondrial antibody-positive and -negative primary biliary cirrhosis represent distinct entities. We reviewed studies that compared: (i) the clinical, laboratory and histological characteristics of antimitochondrial antibody-positive and -negative primary biliary cirrhosis; (ii) the response to treatment of both conditions; and (iii) the response of autoimmune cholangitis to ursodeoxycholic acid and immunosuppressive therapy. Antimitochondrial antibody-positive and -negative primary biliary cirrhosis were characterized by similar clinical, laboratory and histological abnormalities, clinical course and survival. Antimitochondrial antibody status did not seem to affect the response to ursodeoxycholic acid. At present, the efficacy of therapies for autoimmune cholangitis has not been established in controlled trials. Of 52 patients with autoimmune cholangitis treated with ursodeoxycholic acid in 13 uncontrolled studies, 83% had serum biochemical improvement. Also, a favourable effect of immunosuppressive drugs occurred in 57% of 54 patients with autoimmune cholangitis in 17 uncontrolled studies. Each of these trials included very few patients and most evaluated the effects of treatment on surrogate markers of disease only. No marker that consistently distinguished patients who would respond favourably to ursodeoxycholic acid or immunosuppression was apparent. Consequently, treatment is, at present, empirical. However, ursodeoxycholic acid may be given when histology reveals bile duct lesions, whereas immunosuppressive... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inoculation of plants by spraying with a suspension of zoospores (released from sporangia of Sclerospora graminicola) induced immediate encystment of the zoospores and drastically reduced their ability to cause disease. The incidence of infection in spray-inoculated pearl millet seedlings was reduced from 90% when sporangia were sprayed, to less than 30% when zoospores were sprayed. Rapid encystment was observed when zoospores were sprayed from both a hand-pumped sprayer and a compressed-gas sprayer and was probably caused by shearing forces. Chilling suspensions of sporangia prior to spraying delayed zoospore release and was an effective method for maintaining infection potential. Disease incidence was higher when sporangia were chilled to 0·2°C rather than to 4°C. Chilling resulted in some abnormal zoospore structures being released from sporangia when suspensions were returned to 20°C. The frequency of these structures increased with increasing chilling time. For seedlings sprayed with sporangia before zoospore release, a small reduction in disease incidence was observed when chilled inoculum was used, probably due to cold disruption of zoosporogenesis. For large-scale disease resistance screening, this reduction is outweighed by the benefit of a uniform and adequately high disease pressure that can be obtained over many hours using chilled spore suspensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis are well recognized chronic cholestatic liver diseases that are considered to have an autoimmune basis. Recent progress in the study of autoimmune liver diseases has improved the recognition and characterization of these conditions. An important component of this progress has been the identification of liver disease-associated autoantibodies and their respective target antigens, and the development of specific assays for these autoantibodies. In addition, some nonhumoral immunological findings imply an involvement of specific immunopathogenic mechanisms in the development of these conditions. Furthermore, immunogenetic factors associated with increased susceptibility to some of these diseases have been identified. This article reviews the most relevant information relating to the postulated autoimmune pathogenesis of these diseases, with special emphasis on their associated humoral and cellular immunological abnormalities and immunopathogenetic factors. Some of the remaining important unresolved issues relating to the pathogenesis of these diseases, that need to be addressed in further research, are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study conducted to evaluate hydrothermal transport of rare earth element (REE) and the hydrothermal processes of REE mineral deposition in several chemical elements such as chlorine, fluorine, and sulphate-bearing hydrothermal fluids. Topics discussed include deposit hosted by a dolomitic rock, REE deposits of hydrothermal origin in the Gallinas Mountains deposit, New Mexico and aqueous complexes of the REE.

Active support, a package of procedures which includes activity planning, support planning and training on providing effective assistance, was introduced in five community residences serving 19 adults with severe intellectual disability following a multiple baseline design. The residents were directly observed to ascertain the level of assistance they received from staff and their engagement in activity. The introduction of active support increased the levels of assistance residents received, their engagement in domestic activities and their total engagement in activity. The intervention did not affect the level of social engagement. Across individuals, increases in assistance and engagement in activity were significantly and positively correlated. Both were significantly inversely related to resident adaptive behaviour. At baseline, staff gave more attention and assistance to people who were behaviourally more able. After the introduction of active support, receipt of attention was unrelated to adaptive behaviour and the behaviourally less able received more assistance. The disparity in activity between the more and less able was reduced. Gains were maintained in the majority of houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deforestation of riparian zones is known to influence the numbers and kinds of organisms that inhabit adjoining streams, but little quantitative information is available on how much deforestation must occur before the biota isaffected. We sampled fishes and stream habitats in 12 stream segments downstream from deforested but vegetated riparian patches 0–5.3 km long, all downslope from watersheds with at least 95% forest cover. We found an overall decrease in fish abundance with increasing length of nonforested riparian patch; sculpins, benthic minnows, and darters decreased, and sunfishes and water-column minnows increased in numbers. Introduced species were more common downstream from longer riparian patches. Habitat diversity decreased and riffles became filled with fine sediments as upstream patch length increased. Length of upstream nonforested patch and substrate particle size were much stronger predictors of fish occurrence than riparian patch width. Faunal characteristics and physical features of the stream changed in direct proportion to the gradient of riparian disturbance, but the abundance of several species underwent pronounced change at particular threshold patch lengths. These results suggest that riparian forest removal leads to shifts in the structure of stream fish assemblages due to (1) decreases in fish species that do not guard hidden eggs or that are dependent on swift, shallow water that flows over relatively sediment-free substrates, or (2) increases in fishes that guard their young in pebble or pit nests or that live in slower, deeper water. When watershed development is anticipated or planned, limited clearing of riparian trees may cause minor disturbance to the fish assemblage, but streams in even a heavily forested watershed with vegetated riparian buffers cannot tolerate disruption of riparian-zone trees over much more than 1 km in length. Riparian buffer length and area should be given stronger consideration in stream... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pythium aphanidermaturn antagonized several other fungi after hyphal contact on films of water agar, recorded by video microscopy. It sometimes coiled round, penetrated and caused cytoplasmic coagulation of hyphae of the mycoparasites P. oligandrum, P. acanthophoron, P. mycoparasiticum and P. periplocum, but was not affected by them. It also coiled round, penetrated and coagulated P. ultimum, P. vexans, P. catenulatum, P. dissotocum and (infrequently) P. graminicola. It caused cytoplasmic coagulation of Fusarium oxysporum and Trichoderma aureoviride after contact, but without coiling. Six isolates of P. aphanidermatum behaved similarly, with a mode of action like that of the mycoparasite F. oligandrum but less rapid and consistent than this species. The results are discussed in relation to possible ecological roles of P. aphanidermatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent crystallographic results have provided close to atomicresolution views of the recognition events mediated by MHC class I molecules. The specificity-conferring interaction of MHC class I/peptide with a T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) appears dependent on certain key interactions with the MHC scaffold. These interactions, in particular those of the TCR Vα domain, define a standard orientation for TCR binding. Previous studies on biologically significant variations in the TCR recognition surface presented by a series of MHC/variant peptide complexes can be reassessed in the light of this TCR-binding mode. The interaction of CD8 with MHC class I resembles that between antibody and antigen in the use of loops from the CD8 structure. The interaction is of very low affinity and buries equivalent surface area to that between the TCR and MHC class I but while the TCR/MHC interface shows poor surface shape complementarity the match in the conservative interaction between MHC and CD8 is precise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented regarding a case of a fetus from a healthy non-consanguineous couple of Caucasian origin which was diagnosed with Pallister-Killian syndrome (PKS).

Highlights the use of ultrasonographic imaging in the diagnosis of shoulder osteoarthritis secondary to the scapulohumeral dysplasia in a Shetland pony. Efficiency of ultrasonography in identifying pathology of the scapulohumeral joint; Clinical signs of primary osteoarthritis of the scapulohumeral joint in horses.

Chimaera carophila ( n = 45) and Hydrolagus homonycteris ( n = 11), two deep-sea chimaerids rarely caught in the waters off New Zealand, were collected from research trawl catches and commercial fishery catches around New Zealand at depths between 400 and 1300 m, between 2014 and 2016. Additional preserved specimens of both species ( n = 58) from museum collections were analysed for size, sex and maturity. External assessment of male claspers and a combination of internal assessments of female gonad mass and oviducal gland width, were used to determine maturity. For both species, length at first maturity was 0·70-0·82 of their maximum observed chimaera length ( LC), with females maturing at a larger size. Length at maturity for C. carophila ( LC range: 28·7-103·9 cm) was estimated at 72·5 cm LC for males ( n = 163) and 82·5 LC for females ( n = 58). In H. homonycteris, length at maturity (length range: 78·6-99·8 cm LC) was estimated at 79·1 cm LC for males ( n = 51) and 80·1 cm LC for females ( n = 17). Ovarian fecundity was up to 31 for C. carophila and sperm storage was confirmed in the oviducal gland of this species. Both species preyed on benthic invertebrates. Some C. carophila and H. homonycteris inhabit depths beyond most current fisheries, but both species appear to be relatively rare and have reproductive parameters characteristic of low productivity, which may make these species vulnerable to population decline if mortality was to increase in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproductive biology and diet of prickly dogfish Oxynotus bruniensis, a deep-sea elasmobranch, endemic to the outer continental and insular shelves of southern Australia and New Zealand, and caught as by-catch in demersal fisheries, are described from specimens caught in New Zealand waters. A total of 53 specimens were obtained from research surveys and commercial fisheries, including juveniles and adults ranging in size from 33·5 to 75·6 cm total length ( LT). Estimated size-at-maturity was 54·7 cm LT in males and 64·0 cm LT in females. Three gravid females (65·0, 67·5 and 71·2 cm LT) were observed, all with eight embryos. Size-at-birth was estimated to be 25-27 cm LT. Vitellogenesis was not concurrent with embryo development. Analysis of diet from stomach contents, including DNA identification of prey using the mitochondrial genes cox1 and nadh2, revealed that O. bruniensis preys exclusively on the egg capsules of holocephalans, potentially making it the only known elasmobranch with a diet reliant solely upon other chondrichthyans. Based on spatial overlap with deep-sea fisheries, a highly specialized diet, and reproductive characteristics representative of a low productivity fish, the commercial fisheries by-catch of O. bruniensis may put this species at relatively high risk of overfishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of Botryosphaeriaceae are important wound pathogens of grapevines as causal agents of botryosphaeria dieback, but the behaviour of their conidia pre-infection is unknown and may be important for disease development. Adhesion properties of conidia were investigated for Botryosphaeria dothidea, Neofusicoccum luteum and N. parvum on substrata with different affinities for water. Greatest adhesion on any surface was reached after 5 min for isolates N. luteum MM558, B. dothidea 007 and N. parvum G652 (53·1, 54·0 and 50·6%, respectively) and for N. luteum isolate CC445 after 20 min (61·4%). As conidia adhered well to all artificial substrata, it appeared as if the attachment process was nonspecific. Overall, surface wettability did not play a major role in the adhesion of conidia. Spore surface proteins appeared to play a role in the adhesion process because treatment of conidia of N. luteum MM558 with a protease completely prevented adhesion. Histochemical labelling of conidia and germlings with Coomassie brilliant blue (specific for proteins) was positive for all isolates, with a blue 'halo' often seen surrounding conidia or near the germ tube emergence point after incubation times conducive to germination. Alcian blue also stained material surrounding conidia after longer incubation times, which indicated that mucopolysaccharide and protein production may be involved in a second phase of adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from a scientific deep-water trawl fisheries survey in the north-east Atlantic were analysed to determine the spatial and bathymetric distribution of elasmobranch species and assess the change in relative abundance over the period 1998-2013. During this period, commercial fisheries for deep-water sharks went from being entirely unregulated, to being briefly managed, to being completely prohibited. A total of 22 species of shark and 10 species of skate were recorded between depths of 300 and 2030 m. All showed strong species-specific depth-related trends in abundance. Out of the 11 more common species, five showed no change in relative abundance over time, two ( Centrophorus squamosus and Centroselachus crepidater) declined significantly and four increased in relative abundance ( Apristurus aphyodes, Apristurus microps, Galeus melastomus and Deania calcea). Assuming these populations were depleted by fisheries in the past, the current data do not suggest there has been an overall recovery. Positive signs for some species in the most recent years suggest movement or recruitment back into the area; however, it is of concern that two species continued to decline. There is a continued need to have precautionary management of these elasmobranch species, and the current ban on landing these species in European waters remains appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Cost savings with a new screening algorithm for pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis" by A. Quinlivan and others in a 2015 issue.

Wood packaging material (WPM) is an important pathway for the spread of non-native plant pests. To reduce the likelihood of plant pest movement with WPM, the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15: 'Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in International Trade' (ISPM 15) was developed in the framework of the International Plant Protection Convention. To be compliant with this Standard, WPM shipped internationally must be either heat-treated or fumigated, regardless of any specific characteristics of the WPM. The objective of this survey was to determine if Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae) or insects, especially Monochamus spp. (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), were present in a specific subset of softwood boxes. While not compliant with ISPM 15, these boxes had been treated with wood preservatives, stored indoors for over five years, and, in addition to meeting various quality standards, almost all had a moisture content below 20 percent. United States Department of Agriculture staff inspected a sample of 630 softwood boxes, focusing on those showing signs of possible pest infestation. Based on a binomial distribution with an efficacy of detection equal to 0.95, a sample size of 630 provides a 95 percent confidence of detecting pests if >0.5 % of boxes are infested. No B. xylophilus or insect pests were found in the boxes, though other nematode genera ( Aphelenchoides, Aphelenchus, and Filenchus), which feed on decomposing fungi in wood and do not damage trees, were found in 21 boxes. This study demonstrates that not all types of WPM present a high phytosanitary risk. It may be worthwhile to consider an amendment to ISPM 15 to differentiate between various risk categories of WPM in order to minimize costs and environmental impacts associated with treatments currently prescribed in ISPM 15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presentend in response to the article "Raising the bar on reporting 'triclabendazole resistance'," by I. Fairweather in the 2011 issue is presented.

Unique bands were identified in single isolates of Neofusicoccum parvum and Neofusicoccum luteum using universally primed polymerase chain reaction (UP-PCR) analysis of isolates obtained from grapevines and non-grapevine hosts in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the USA. Primers were designed to amplify a 1550 bp portion of the 1573 bp marker band from N. parvum isolate B2141 and a 510 bp portion of the 524 bp marker band from N. luteum isolate G51a2. A PCR-RFLP assay was developed to distinguish the N. parvum isolate B2141 from other N. parvum isolates, based on a polymorphism found in the marker band using the TaqI restriction endonuclease. For N. luteum isolate G51a2, the designed primers were specific at an annealing temperature of 63°C in the PCR. The sensitivity threshold of the N. parvum and N. luteum isolate-specific markers was 50 pg and 5 pg, respectively, when used in standard PCR with purified genomic DNA. The sensitivity of the N. parvum isolate-specific marker was increased to 0·5 pg by nested PCR. The specificity test of both isolate-specific markers with six other Botryosphaeriaceae spp. showed that they were specific to their respective species and isolates. Both markers were able to detect the conidia of N. parvum and N. luteum marker isolates in rainwater samples collected at different distances from an inoculation point in the vineyard. The results showed that rain splash could disperse the conidia of both of these species up to 2 m from the inoculum point in a single rainfall event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Few global acne grading systems include individualized assessments of chest and back as well as face. The Leeds revised acne grading system is based on photographic images while the Comprehensive Acne Severity Scale (CASS) is based on textual descriptions. There exists an unmet need for a global scale based on both text and photos. Purpose Our objective was to evaluate the correspondence of severity grades from descriptive text (CASS grades) for each Leeds image. Methods Twenty-three dermatologists independently graded 56 photos of face, chest and back of varying acne severity using CASS. Photographs were randomly presented from the The Leeds revised acne grading system ( n = 31) and from acne patients of the corresponding author ( n = 25). For each Leeds photo, rater responses for CASS grades were transformed into median, coefficient of variation and percentiles. Results High rater agreement (≥75%) was observed for Leeds facial inflammatory 2 (CASS 3), 4 (CASS 4), 6 (CASS 4), 9-12 (all CASS 5); Leeds facial comedonal A (CASS 2); Leeds chest 7 and 8 (both CASS 5); and Leeds back 7 and 8 (both CASS 5). Lowest coefficients of variance were observed in Leeds facial inflammatory 4, 9, 10, 11; Leeds facial comedonal A; Leeds chest 7 and 8; and Leeds back 8. Conclusions Leeds photos, by inadequately portraying facial acne grades 1 ( almost clear) and 2 ( mild) and back and chest grades 1-4 ( almost clear to severe), cannot accurately represent the spectrum of severity in a six-category global acne scale. Accordingly, there is a current need for images that correspond to a categorical acne scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage is a rare congenital anomaly which can lead to right heart enlargement. It may present in isolation or more commonly in association with other congenital cardiac anomalies. We present three different cases of partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage in adults. The importance of identifying partial anomalous venous drainage as the cause of otherwise unexplained right heart enlargement is illustrated by these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myrtle rust (caused by Austropuccinia psidii) affects more than 500 known host species in the Myrtaceae family. Three different modelling approaches (CLIMEX, MaxEnt and Multi‐Model Framework) were used to project the habitat suitability for myrtle rust at both global and local scales. Current data on the global occurrence of myrtle rust were collected from online literature and expert solicitation. Long‐term averages of climate data (1960–1990) were sourced from WorldClim and CliMond websites. Recent reports of myrtle rust in New Zealand were used for validation of model outputs but not in model training and testing. The model outputs were combined into a consensus model to identify localities projected to be suitable for myrtle rust according to two or three models (hotspots). In addition to the locations where the pathogen is currently present, all models successfully projected independent occurrence data in New Zealand suitable for establishment of the pathogen. Climate suitability for the pathogen was primarily related to temperature followed by rainfall in MaxEnt and the CLIMEX model. The results confirmed the optimum temperature range of this pathogen in the literature (15–25 °C). Additional analysis of the precipitation variables indicated that excessive rain (more than 2000 mm in warmest quarter of the year) combined with high temperatures (>30 °C) constrain pathogen establishment. The results of the current study can be useful for countries such as New Zealand, China, South Africa and Singapore where the pathogen has not fully spread or established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments were conducted on olive plants in controlled environments to determine the effect of conidial concentration, leaf age, temperature, continuous and interrupted leaf wetness periods, and relative humidity (RH) during the drier periods that interrupted wet periods, on olive leaf spot (OLS) severity. As inoculum concentration increased from 1·0 × 10 to 2·5 × 10 conidia mL, the severity of OLS increased at all five temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25°C). A simple polynomial model satisfactorily described the relationship between the inoculum concentration at the upper asymptote (maximum number of lesions) and temperature. The results showed that for the three leaf age groups tested (2-4, 6-8 and 10-12 weeks old) OLS severity decreased significantly ( P < 0·001) with increasing leaf age at the time of inoculation. Overall, temperature also affected ( P < 0·001) OLS severity, with the lesion numbers increasing gradually from 5°C to a maximum at 15°C, and then declining to a minimum at 25°C. When nine leaf wetness periods (0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h) were tested at the same temperatures, the numbers of lesions increased with increasing leaf wetness period at all temperatures tested. The minimum leaf wetness periods for infection at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25°C were 18, 12, 12, 12 and 24 h, respectively. The wet periods during early infection processes were interrupted with drying periods (0, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h) at two levels of RH (70 and 100%). The length of drying period had a significant ( P < 0·001) effect on disease severity, the effect depending on the RH during the interruption. High RH (100%) resulted in greater disease severity than low RH (70%). A polynomial equation with linear and quadratic terms of temperature, wetness and leaf age was developed to describe the effects of temperature, wetness and leaf age on OLS infection, which could be incorporated as a forecasting component of an integrated system for the control of OLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]