Identification,potential inoculum sources and pathogenicity of botryosphaeriaceous species associated with grapevine dieback disease in New Zealand

This study investigated the prevalence and identity of botryosphaeriaceous dieback pathogens in necrotic grapevines tissues in New Zealand vineyards, and other woody hosts growing nearby. The presumptive identities of the isolates by conidial and cultural morphology were confirmed with ITS sequence data as Neofusicoccum australe, N. luteum, N. parvum and Diplodia seriata. They were isolated predominantly from necrotic stems of grapevine and other hosts, but also from leaves, flowers and wood debris of grapevines. Inoculation with conidia and mycelium of multiple isolates of each species onto excised and attached green shoots and trunks of five grapevine varieties, Cabernet sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon blanc, showed that all varieties became infected to a similar extent. All species except D. seriata were pathogenic, irrespective of the host source, with N. luteum being the most and D. mutila the least pathogenic (P < 0.05). On trunks, N. parvum caused cankers and the other pathogenic species caused die-back when the inoculated vines became winter-dormant. Conidia were produced from green shoot lesions and die-back wood, which indicates potential inoculum sources for vineyard infection.     

Antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of Pinus radiata bark extract in salmonid cell lines

A fish meal supply shortage is limiting aquaculture development. Currently, plant‐based proteins, such as soya bean meal, are being used as an alternative protein source, despite that such a diet can adversely affect fish, such as by inducing an inflammatory response. A possible solution is to include dietary additives in farm diets to counteract negative effects. One such solution originates from pine bark extracts, which present bioactive properties. In this study, the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of Pinus radiata bark extracts were evaluated for the first time in a salmonid cell line. This extract chemically demonstrated antioxidant activity through 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH = 58.4 ± 1.1%) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP = 575 ± 17 mgEqFe(II)·g extract^?1) assays. Additionally, the extract showed high flavonoid and phenolic compound contents. Up to 100 mg mL^?1, the P. radiata extract showed no cytotoxicity in the CHSE‐214 salmonid embryo cell line. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the extract (50 μg mL^?1) was evaluated by a dichlorofluorescein (DCFH) assay in the SHK‐1 salmon cell line challenged with an oxidant stimulus (H₂O₂), showing 58.9% activity. The extract also protected DNA from oxidative damage, as observed through a comet assay. When assessing anti‐inflammatory properties in an in vitro inflammation model, the extract significantly reduced the relative expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and of the inducible cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) enzyme. These results suggest a potential application of P. radiata bark extract in functional foods in aquaculture.     

Nutrient Loading by Precipitation in the Maracaibo Lake Basin, Venezuela

Nutrient content and pH of rain samples collected at nine sites during 1988-1996 were studied to determine the amounts of N, P and S added by precipitation over Maracaibo Lake basin. The basin is a wide depression occupied by Lake Maracaibo and extensive alluvial plains and delimited by a mountainous zone of variable physiolgraphic characteristics with different cattle ranching and industrial activities. Rain pHs averaged ≈ 4 to 6, individual samples occasionally reached as low as pH 3 in the south basin. NH₄ ⁺ levels were significantly higher (up to 2.6 mg/l NH₄-N) than NO₃ ^? plus NO₂ ^?. Phosphorus levels were low, ranging from undetectable to 1.5 mg/l. The amounts of inorganic N/ha/yr added ranged from ≈ 5.4 Kg in the north to ≈ 8 Kg in the south basin; around the lakeshore, it was estimated that ≈ 9.8–16.8 Kg TN/ha (≈ 55 % as organic-N) are annually deposited. The annual amounts of SO₄-S/ha added range from ≈ 10 to 13 Kg. The contribution of precipitation to P in the ecosystem is very small; ≈ 0.02 – 0.8 Kg of PO₄-P/ha/yr was added in basin. The results of this study show that precipitation represents a significant factor for the total nitrogen and sulfur loading to Maracaibo Lake Basin.     

Analysis of bitter limonoids in citrus juices by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and electrospray ionization liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Improved analytical techniques for bitter limonoids in citrus and citrus juices can expedite the evaluation of freeze-induced citrus damage for citrus growers and juice quality for citrus juice producers. Microbore normal-phase and reverse-phase chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer operating in a positive ion atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and electrospray ionization modes were found to be rapid, selective, and sensitive methods for the analysis of the bitter limonoids limonin and nomilin in citrus juices. Analysis was performed on a chloroform extract of citrus juice to which an internal standard was added. The methods are capable of detecting citrus limonoids in citrus juice in the 60-200 picogram range and quantifying citrus juice limonoids in concentrations as low as 120 picograms. An accurate "total limonoid bitterness" in citrus juice, as represented by the combined occurrence of limonin and nomilin, is easily determined by these methods.     

A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 140 DOGS WITH ORAL MELANOMA TREATED WITH EXTERNAL BEAM RADIATION

Despite the early notion that canine oral malignant melanoma is radioresistant, recent data suggest that external beam radiotherapy is effective in local tumor control. However, optimal fractionation schedules have not been established. The high rate of regional and distant metastasis is another problem that has hindered long-term control. The role of chemotherapy in the management of canine oral melanoma has also not been determined. In this study, data from 140 dogs irradiated at North Carolina State University were evaluated with the following objectives: (1) to compare the efficacy of three radiation therapy protocols (36 Gy, 9 Gy x 4 fractions; 30 Gy, 10 Gy x 3 fractions; or >45 Gy, 2-4 Gy x 12-19 fractions) for the treatment of dogs with oral malignant melanoma, (2) to identify any host or tumor factors influencing prognosis, and (3) to determine the impact of systemic chemotherapy on treatment outcome. Information regarding response to therapy, disease progression, and survival were determined from the medical records or from information obtained by telephone or mail survey. Relationships between host, tumor, and treatment variables and outcome measures (response, time to first event, and survival) were evaluated using Fisher's exact test (response) and the Cox regression model (time to first event and survival). The median time to first event for the 140 dogs was 5.0 months (95% C.I., 4-6 months) and the median survival was 7.0 months (95% C.I., 6-9 months). In the univariate analysis, the following variables were associated with increased time to first event and survival: (1) rostral tumor sublocation; (2) lack of bone lysis observed on skull imaging, and (3) microscopic tumor burden. In a multivariate analysis of 111 dogs with complete data for these variables, tumor sublocation, bone lysis, and tumor volume were identified as joint predictors of time to first event (p < .001, p < .001, and p = .04, respectively) and survival (p < .001, p < .001, and p = .05, respectively). There were no differences in response, time to first event and survival between the three radiation therapy protocols used. Systemic chemotherapy had no impact on the development of metastatic disease, time to first event, or survival, although the dosages used in this study were suboptimal. External beam radiation therapy is effective in local disease control of canine oral malignant melanoma; however, the optimal fractionation scheme has yet to be determined. The high metastatic rate observed with this disease and the inefficacy of systemic chemotherapy indicate that further investigation into novel therapies is warranted.     

Feline injection site sarcomas.

Injection site sarcomas in cats have been the topic of more than 40 articles and over 20 scientific abstracts as well as multiple letters to veterinary journals, articles in the popular press, and Internet-based web sites. With the level of discussion that has surrounded this tumor entity, one might expect that great strides have been made in determining the etiology, epidemiology, and preferred treatment options for this disease. Nearly half of the publications on this subject are review articles, however, and that alone indicates both the high level of interest and the lack of information in this situation. This article summarizes the development of our current understanding of this tumor with regard to areas of research into the cause of injection site sarcomas, epidemiology, and the current standard of care for treatment of this iatrogenic disease.     

A BOOST TECHNIQUE FOR IRRADIATION OF MALIGNANT CANINE NASAL TUMORS

Eighteen dogs with malignant nasal cavity tumors were treated with radiation therapy, including a boost technique. Three 3:0 Gy boost doses were added to a treatment protocol consisting of sixteen 3.0 Gy daily fractions, bringing the total dose to 57 Gy. This boost technique was implemented without an associated increase in overall treatment time by giving the boost doses on a twice-a-day basis. Boost doses were given during the first half of the radiation therapy period. The treatment was completed as planned in 16 of the 18 dogs; two dogs received lower doses (51 and 54 Gy). Median survival was 177 days, poorer than in some other reported studies of nasal tumor irradiation. Acute effects were unacceptable, with 11 of the 18 dogs developing severe mucositis, desquamation, edema, swelling, and pruritus. The extensive nature of the acute reactions compromised assessment of the effect of the increased radiation dose on the tumor. Although there is justification for assessing more aggressive radiation protocols in canine nasal tumor patients, total doses approximating 60 Gy can not be given as described because of the inability of acutely responding normal tissues to compensate.     

Oocysts of Hepatozoon canis in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus collected from a naturally infected dog

Canine hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne disease caused by protozoans of the genus Hepatozoon. Several tick species have been implicated as potential vectors. Therefore, extensive studies are needed to determine the 'natural' endemic cycle of this parasite. This paper presents the first report of the presence of Hepatozoon canis oocysts in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus collected from an infected dog.     

Identification ofTomato Mottle Taino Begomovirus strains in Cuban potato fields

The presence of a begomovirus in potato plants with yellow mottle symptoms was determined for the first time in Cuba. The incidence of typical begomovirus-like symptoms in potato plants in some regions of Havana province (Güira de Melena, San José de las Lajas, Güines and Boyeros) during the growing seasons from 1992 to 1998 was in general low. However, in some cultivars belonging to the National Program for Potato Genetic Improvement, the incidence reached 100%. Yield losses, determined in 1992 and 1994, ranged as high as 19% to 56.33% depending on the cultivar. Characterization of the causal agent was done by light microscopy, host range (graft and mechanical transmission), DNA hybridizations, polymerase chain reaction, and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Nucleotide sequence of the amplified fragments revealed the presence ofTomato mottle Taino virus. The virus was transmittedvia tubers and has been detected in mixed infections withPotato virus X and withPotato leaf roll virus. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Oct. 20, 2003. The first two authors contributed equally to this work.