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This document is HS723, Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Published December 2005.

This document is HS729, Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Published November 2006.

This document is HS721, Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Published December 2005.

This document is HS724, Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Published November 2006. HS724/CV122: Chapter 6. Cole Crop Production (ufl.edu)

This document is HS725, Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Published November 2006. HS725/CV123: Chapter 7. Cucurbit Production (ufl.edu)

This publication describes the present state of technology regarding row covers in the United States and provides examples of potential applications of that technology to Florida vegetable production. This document is CIR728, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date July 1987. Reviewed March 2015. Revised September 2018. CIR728/CV201: Row Covers for Commercial Vegetable Culture in Florida (ufl.edu)

This ecologic cohort study explores the relationship between state minimum wage laws and rates of HIV diagnoses among heterosexual black residents of U.S metropolitan areas over an 8-year span. Specifically, we applied hierarchical linear modeling to investigate whether state-level variations in minimum wage laws, adjusted for cost-of-living and inflation, were associated with rates of new HIV diagnoses among heterosexual black residents of metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs; n=73), between 2008 and 2015. Findings suggest that an inverse relationship exists between baseline state minimum wages and initial rates of newly diagnosed HIV cases among heterosexual black individuals, after adjusting for potential confounders. MSAs with a minimum wage that was $1 higher at baseline had a 27.12% lower rate of newly diagnosed HIV cases. Exploratory analyses suggest that income inequality may mediate this relationship. If subsequent research establishes a causal relationship between minimum wage and this outcome, efforts to increase minimum wages should be incorporated into HIV prevention strategies for this vulnerable population.

Prior research has found that places and people that are more economically disadvantaged have higher rates and risks, respectively, of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Economic disadvantages at the level of places and people, however, are themselves influenced by economic policies. To enhance the policy relevance of STI research, we explore, for the first time, the relationship between state-level minimum wage policies and STI rates among women in a cohort of 66 large metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the US spanning 2003-2015. Our annual state-level minimum wage measure was adjusted for inflation and cost of living. STI outcomes (rates of primary and secondary syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia per 100,000 women) were obtained from the CDC. We used multivariable hierarchical linear models to test the hypothesis that higher minimum wages would be associated with lower STI rates. We preliminarily explored possible socioeconomic mediators of the minimum wage/STI relationship (e.g., MSA-level rates of poverty, employment, and incarceration). We found that a $1 increase in the price-adjusted minimum wage over time was associated with a 19.7% decrease in syphilis rates among women and with an 8.5% drop in gonorrhea rates among women. The association between minimum wage and chlamydia rates did not meet our cutpoint for substantive significance. Preliminary mediation analyses suggest that MSA-level employment among women may mediate the relationship between minimum wage and gonorrhea. Consistent with an emerging body of research on minimum wage and health, our findings suggest that increasing the minimum wage may have a protective effect on STI rates among women. If other studies support this finding, public health strategies to reduce STIs among women should include advocating for a higher minimum wage.

IMPORTANCE:Subtle but important differences have been described in the way that male and female physicians care for their patients, with some evidence suggesting women are more likely to adhere to best practice recommendations. OBJECTIVE:To determine if male and female physicians differ in their prescribing practices as measured by the initiation of lower-than-recommended dose cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) drug therapy for dementia management. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:All community-dwelling Ontario residents aged 66 years and older with dementia and newly dispensed an oral ChEI drug (donepezil, galantamine, or rivastigmine) between April 1, 2010 and June 30, 2016 were included. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES:The association between physician sex and the initiation of a lower than recommended-dose ChEI was examined using generalized linear mixed regression models, adjusting for patient and physician characteristics. Data were stratified by specialty. Secondary analyses explored the association between physician sex and cardiac screening as well as shorter duration of the initial prescription. RESULTS:The analysis included 3,443 female and 5,811 male physicians and the majority (83%) were family physicians, Female physicians were more likely to initiate ChEI therapy at a lower-than-recommended dose (Adjusted odds ratio = 1.43,95% confidence interval = 1.17 to 1.74). Compared to their male counterparts, female physicians were also more likely to follow other conservative prescribing practices including cardiac screening (55.1% vs. 49.2%, P-value

Introduction: Cancer of the cervix is the second most common cancer among women worldwide and the frequency of precancerous lesions is increasing among adolescents. Objective: To study and compare the frequency of epithelial abnormalities in cervical cytology exams in adolescents and adults. Materials and methods: Retrospective study based on analysis of reports of cytology exams performed in the years 2000 and 2010 in adolescents (12-18 years old) and in adult women. The frequency of cytological alterations was explored, stratifying them into high-grade/carcinoma and low-grade lesions. Results: In 2000, rates of epithelial abnormalities were 3.08% in adolescents and 1.39% in adult females, and were 4.76% and 1.83% in 2010, respectively. The high-grade lesions/carcinomas were more common among adults in both years. Discussion: There was an increase in prevalence of epithelial abnormalities in the last decade, both in adolescents and in adults. Proportionally, the increase was higher among adolescents (6.7%) than in adults (2.2%). However, the rate of high-grade lesions/carcinoma was higher among adult women in the two analyzed years. Conclusion: It was observed that the frequency of cervical epithelial abnormalities was higher among adolescents than adults and increased between 2000 and 2010.

Background: Case-based learning (CBL) is an established pedagogical active learning method used in various disciplines and defined based on the field of study and type of case. The utility of CBL for teaching specific aspects of cancer diagnosis to practising pathologists has not been previously studied in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives: We aimed to pilot test standardised cancer cases on a group of practising pathologists in sub-Saharan Africa to evaluate case content, clarity of questions and delivery of content. Methods: Expert faculty created cases for the four most commonly diagnosed cancers. The format included mini-cases and bullet cases which were all open-ended. The questions dealt with interpretation of clinical information, gross specimen examination, morphologic characteristics of tumours, ancillary testing, reporting and appropriate communication to clinicians. Results: Cases on breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancers were tested on seven practising pathologists. Each case took an average of 45–90 min to complete. Questions that were particularly challenging to testers were on: • Specimens they should have been but for some reason were not exposed to in routine practice. • Ancillary testing and appropriate tumour staging. New knowledge gained included tumour grading and assessment of radial margins. Revisions to cases were made based on testers’ feedback, which included rewording of questions to reduce ambiguity and adding of tables to clarify concepts. Conclusion: Cases were created for CBL in Kenya, but these are applicable elsewhere in Africa and beyond to teach cancer diagnosis. The pilot testing of cases prepared faculty for the actual CBL course and feedback provided by the testers assisted in improving the questions and impact on day-to-day practice.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIMH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the HIV/AIDS Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) support the CDC's Serostatus Approach to Fighting the HIV Epidemic (SAFE; Janssen et al., 2001). One aim of the strategy is to help individuals living with HIV (and their partners) adopt and sustain HIV and STD risk reduction, treatment adherence, and effective strategies for coping with HIV/AIDS. Efficacious interventions are needed by community organizations and clinics that provide evidence-based services. To expedite translation from research to practice, we convened scientist-practitioners, HIV treatment and prevention providers, and community/consumer members. In this article, we include an overview of prevention trials with HIV-positive persons presented at the meeting, discuss strengths and limitations, recommendations for future research, and discuss sponsoring agencies' plans for advancing prevention tailored for persons living with HIV.

BACKGROUND:We characterized associations between smoking, alcohol, and recreational drug use and coronary plaque by HIV serostatus within the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). METHODS:MACS participants (N = 1005, 621 HIV+ and 384 HIV-) underwent non-contrast CT scanning to measure coronary artery calcium; 764 underwent coronary CT angiograms to evaluate plaque type and extent. Self-reported use of alcohol, tobacco, smoked/inhaled cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, marijuana, inhaled nitrites, and erectile dysfunction drugs was obtained at semi-annual visits beginning 10 years prior to CT scanning. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were performed, stratified by HIV serostatus. RESULTS:Among HIV+ men, current smoking, former smoking, and cumulative pack years of smoking were positively associated with multiple coronary plaque measures (coronary artery calcium presence and extent, total plaque presence and extent, calcified plaque presence, and stenosis >50%). Smoking was significantly associated with fewer plaque measures of comparable effect size among HIV- men; current smoking and calcified plaque extent was the only such association. Heavy alcohol use (>14 drinks/week) was associated with stenosis >50% among HIV+ men. Among HIV- men, low/moderate (1-14 drinks/week) and heavy alcohol use were inversely associated with coronary artery calcium and calcified plaque extent. Few significant associations between other recreational drug use and plaque measures were observed. CONCLUSION:Smoking is strongly associated with coronary plaque among HIV+ men, underscoring the value of smoking cessation for HIV+ persons. Alcohol use may protect against coronary artery calcium and calcified plaque progression in HIV- (but not HIV+) men. Few positive associations were observed between recreational drug use and coronary plaque measures.

A novel hypersensitive resistance (HR) in Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum against the bacterial spot of pepper pathogen, Xanthomonas gardneri, was introgressed into C. annuum cv. Early Calwonder (ECW) to create the near-isogenic line designated as ECW-70R. A corresponding avirulence gene avrBs7, in X. gardneri elicited a strong HR in ECW-70R. A homolog of avrBs7, avrBs1.1, was found in X. euvesicatoria 85-10, which showed delayed HR on ECW-70R leaves. Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of a single dominant resistance gene, Bs7, corresponding to the two avr genes. Both AvrBs7 and AvrBs1.1 share a consensus protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) active site domain and can dephosphorylate para-nitrophenyl phosphate. Mutation of Cys(265) to Ser in the PTP domain and subsequent loss of enzymatic activity and HR activity indicated the importance of the PTP domain in the recognition of the Avr protein by the Bs7 gene transcripts. Superpositioning of AvrBs7 and AvrBs1.1 homology models indicated variation in the geometry of the loops adjacent to the active sites. These predicted structural differences might be responsible for the differences in HR timing due to differential activation of the resistance gene. Mutating the PTP domain of AvrBs1.1 to match that of AvrBs7 failed to activate HR on ECW-70R, indicating the possibility of differential substrate specificities between AvrBs1.1 and AvrBs7.

Bs2 tomatoes are transgenic tomatoes that have been engineered to contain the Bs2 gene from pepper. As such, they are considered a genetically modified (GM) food, or a genetically modified organism (GMO). Numerous trials conducted by University of Florida researchers have shown the benefits of these cultivars for bacterial spot disease management, and growers and industry members recognize the potential for Bs2 tomatoes to make Florida tomato production more sustainable. This 4-page fact sheet discusses the benefits that might be realized by the adoption of Bs2 tomato varieties, and the challenges standing in the way of their commercial production. Written by S. F. Hutton, J. W. Scott, J. B. Jones, R. E. Stall, G. E. Vallad, B. J. Staskawicz, and D. M. Horvath , and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, April 2015. HS1259/HS1259: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: What the Future Could Hold for Bs2 Tomatoes (ufl.edu)

Introdução: Atipia de células escamosas (ASC, atypical squamous cells) é a anormalidade epitelial mais frequente nos resultados de análises colpocitológicas e corresponde essencialmente a um grupo epidemiológico de incerteza. A razão entre as taxas de ASC e de lesões intraepitelias escamosas (SIL, squamous intraepithelial lesion) tem sido utilizada como uma ferramenta de controle de qualidade por muitos laboratórios de citopatologia. Objetivo: Avaliar a razão ASC/SIL anual, em um serviço de anatomia patológica de grande porte durante um período de dez anos, comparando com os valores preconizados pelo Colégio de Patologistas Americanos (CAP, College of American Pathologists); e averiguar sua utilidade como ferramenta de garantia da qualidade na interpretação citológica de ASC no laboratório de citopatologia. Método: Estudo transversal e retrospectivo (2002 a 2011) realizado com base nos registros de ASC e SIL do banco de dados de um serviço de anatomia patológica, em Joinville/SC. Todos os exames foram contabilizados, incluindo as citologias convencionais e as citologias em meio líquido. Foi estabelecida a razão ASC/SIL por ano e os resultados foram comparados com os índices preconizados pelo CAP. Resultados: Os índices encontrados da relação ASC/SIL apresentam-se dentro dos valores preconizados pelo CAP, com média de 1,467. Conclusão: A relação ASC/SIL oferece uma informação simples e eficaz para o laboratório de citopatologia sobre o uso de ASC como categoria diagnóstica, indicando a necessidade de adequações para elevação ou redução do índice sempre que necessário.

Up to now, when measuring the cleaning effect of ultrasound, it has generally been only possible to record combinations of different influencing variables corresponding to the parameters of Sinner's circle. These parameters are temperature, chemistry, mechanics, and time. In order to evaluate the ultrasonic effect, a new experimental design was developed making it possible to separately measure the influence of these parameters. This approach was used to determine the cleaning of three hand-held ultrasonic devices intended for the pretreatment of stains on textiles before washing in household washing machines. For six difficult to remove stains, the contributions of soaking, friction, and ultrasound were experimentally investigated separately. The cleaning effect was measured as increased brightness. In case of all stains, the contribution of ultrasound was the maximum, followed by friction and soaking. Since it was observed that the temperature of the transducer increased during ultrasonic operation, the ultrasonic effect was further divided into an effect of temperature and ultrasound. This was done with one device and one sebum stain as an example. Analysis of the temperature influence showed that the soaking process in particular was temperature dependent, while the influence of temperature on the ultrasonic action and friction was negligible. The experiments showed that the experimental design could be used to separate the effects according to Sinner's circle. This information enables a better understanding of the effect of devices using ultrasound and opens up new possibilities for optimizing such processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorosis is one of the symptoms of bacterial spot disease caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria, which induces chlorosis before any other symptoms appear on tomato. We report characterization of a 2.1-kb gene called early chlorosis factor (ecf). The gene ecf encodes a hydrophobic protein with similarity to four other proteins in plant pathogens, including HolPsyAE, and uncharacterized gene products from X. campestris pv. campestris and X. axonopodis pv. citri, and, at the tertiary structure level, to colicin Ia from Escherichia coli. We demonstrate that the associated phenotype is hrp dependent, and that the ecf gene product appears to be translocated to host cells. The gene ecf has no impact on electrolyte leakage or on bacterial growth in planta in response to infection. Concentrated culture filtrates do not produce chlorosis. Study of its role in Xanthomonas spp.-tomato interactions will forward our understanding of symptom production by plant pathogens and allows further investigation into the mechanisms of bacterial virulence and production of symptoms.

Tn5 insertion mutants of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria were inoculated into tomato and screened for reduced virulence. One mutant exhibited reduced aggressiveness and attenuated growth in planta. Southern blot analyses indicated that the mutant carried a single Tn5 insertion not associated with previously cloned pathogenicity-related genes of X. campestris pv. vesicatoria. The wild-type phenotype of this mutant was restored by one recombinant plasmid (pOPG361) selected from a genomic library of X. campestris pv. vesicatoria 91–118. Tn3-gus insertion mutagenesis and sequence analyses of a sub-clone of pOPG361 identified a 1,929-bp open reading frame (ORF) essential for complementation of the mutants. The predicted protein encoded by this ORF was highly homologous to the previously reported pathogenicity-related HrpM protein of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and OpgH of Erwinia chrysanthemi. Based on homology, the new locus was designated opgHXcv. Manipulation of the osmotic potential in the intercellular spaces of tomato leaves by addition of mannitol at low concentrations (25 to 50 mM) compensates for the opgHXcv mutation.

INTRODUÇÃO/ OBJETIVO: Os casos de Aids continuam crescendo entre os jovens, e existem poucos estudos para entender as especificidades da vulnerabilidade masculina no contexto jovem. Assim, realizou-se estudo com o objetivo de desenvolver um programa de prevenção de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST) e da Aids entre jogadores profissionais de futebol. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 25 jogadores juniores de um time de futebol profissional de Campinas, SP. O estudo foi desenvolvido em duas etapas: (1) aplicação de questionário para auto-resposta, com informações sociodemográficas, sobre adesão às normas tradicionais de gênero, conhecimentos e prevenção de DST/Aids e risco de transmissão associado ao esporte; e (2) uma segunda etapa com dezessete sessões de dinâmica de grupo. Diversas dinâmicas e formas de expressão (discursiva, escrita, pictográfica, vídeos) foram utilizadas para captar os conteúdos do grupo com referência aos temas desenvolvidos. RESULTADOS: O grupo mostrou elevado grau de informação quanto às vias de transmissão do HIV e baixo nível de conhecimento em relação à reprodução e às DST. A gravidez não planejada constituiu a principal preocupação desses jovens. Quanto ao preservativo, o uso consistente só foi relatado com parceiras casuais (73%) e foi inconsistente com parceiras fixas (27%). A convivência, no futebol, com atletas infectados pelo HIV, é entendida como ameaça para 58% do grupo. CONCLUSÕES: Os jovens se consideram pouco vulneráveis, embora expostos à possibilidade de adquirir HIV e de ocorrer gravidez indesejada. Os atletas têm pouco conhecimento sobre o corpo e sobre a saúde reprodutiva. O espaço do futebol, assim como dos demais esportes, pode ser um importante local para intervenção e formação de multiplicadores, uma vez que jogadores são considerados modelos por crianças e jovens.INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Aids cases are steadily increasing among young people and there are few studies describing young male vulnerability to HIV. A study was carried out aiming at developing a STD/AIDS prevention program for junior professional soccer players. METHODS: Study participants were twenty-five junior soccer players of a major league professional team of the city of Campinas, Brazil. There were 2 segments. In segment 1, participants were given a self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic data, sexual behavior, specific gender-related behaviors, condom use, HIV/AIDS knowledge and prevention, and sports associated exposure risk. In segment 2, 17 sessions of group dynamics were carried out. Many forms of expression (speech, writing, pictures, and videos) were encouraged to grasp participants' thoughts on STD/AIDS-related matters. RESULTS: Participants showed good knowledge on HIV transmission but they were poorly informed on reproduction and STDs. Unwanted pregnancy is their main concern. As for condom use, 73% consistently used condoms with casual partners (73%), and only 27% consistently used them with regular partners. Also, 58% considered risky to have HIV-positive players among them. CONCLUSIONS: Young players do not consider themselves vulnerable despite their chances of HIV infection and unwanted pregnancy. They have poor knowledge about the human body and reproductive health. Soccer milieu as well as other sports milieus create great opportunities for prevention programs, where they may have a multiplier effect since athletes are often regarded as role models for children and youngsters.