Imbibitional damage in conidia of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium acridum, and Metarhizium anisopliae

When dried organisms are immersed in water, rapid imbibition may cause severe damage to plasma membranes; in unicellular organisms, such damage is usually lethal. This study investigated effects of water activity (dryness) of organisms and immersion temperature on imbibitional damage in three insect pathogenic fungi. Conidial powders of Beauveria bassiana (Bb), Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma) and Metarhizium acridum (Mac) were dried/hydrated to a broad range of water activities (a_w) (0.023–0.961) prior to immersion in water at 0.5–33 °C. Imbibitional damage in conidia of each fungus occurred rapidly, with no differences in viabilities observed following immersion for 2 vs. 60 min. Damage increased with decreasing water activity of the conidia and decreasing temperature of the immersion water. Dry (a_w  0.333) Metarhizium spp. conidia were highly susceptible to imbibitional damage, with viability declining to 5% after immersion at 0.5 °C and 63% following immersion at 15 °C. Germination of the driest Ma conidia was reduced to 66% after treatment at 25 °C. In contrast, Bb was highly tolerant to damage, with significant reductions in viability (to levels as low as 43–65%) occurring only when dry conidia were immersed at 0.5 °C. Damage was prevented when conidia were slowly rehydrated by humidification prior to immersion and immersion temperature was increased to 33–34 °C; germination of all fungi was 94% under these optimal conditions. However, immersion of the driest Bb, Ma, and Mac powders in warm water (33 °C) also resulted in high viabilities (95%, 89%, and 94%, respectively), and slow-rehydrated conidia also retained high viability (87%, 92%, and 83%, respectively) after immersion in ice-cold water (0.5 °C). Formulation of conidia in pure (non-emulsifiable) paraffinic oil provided considerable protection from imbibitional damage. This study underscores a need for establishing standard protocols for preparing aqueous suspensions of sensitive fungi for both research and commercial applications.     

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra reproductive success according to hay cutting schedule and meadow passerine density in alluvial and upland meadows in France

In France, whinchat Saxicola rubetra populations now rarely breed at altitudes below 1,000 m except in flooded alluvial plains. Whinchat reproductive success, the timing of haymaking and meadow bird density were assessed in 2003 in six areas selected in three different flooded plains, in five areas from two massifs at altitudes ranging from 990 to 1,250 m, and in 2004 in six areas of three flooded plains, in seven areas from three massifs at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 m. The percentage of whinchat territories in which juveniles were observed was negatively correlated with mown areas at the time when 80% of hatched broods (observation of prey carryings by adults) would theoretically be fledged. Additionally, assessed hatching success was negatively correlated with early haymaking in 2003 and with meadow passerine territory density in 2004. In upland meadows, whinchat populations exhibited either low reproductive success and low density (1,200 m) or high reproductive success and high density (1,200 m). In lowland flooded meadow however, high density could match low reproductive success and whinchat population then acts as a sink population. We conclude that adequate agri-environmental policy should not focus only on lowland meadows, even if the highest meadow bird diversity is often found there.     

Temporal evolution of soluble Fas and Fas ligand in patients with orthotopic liver transplantation

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the expression levels of plasma soluble Fas (sFas) and soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) in patients with orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) procedures routinely performed without venovenous bypass. Methods: The sFas and sFasL were analyzed in the blood of 20 consecutive patients who underwent transplantation. Blood samples were drawn from the radial artery at serial time points before, during, and after surgery. Plasma levels of sFas and sFasL were detected by Enzyme Linked-Immuno-Sorbent Assay. Plasma aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were assayed by routine clinical chemistry testing. Results: Marked elevation of plasma AST and ALT were detected at the reperfusion and postoperation time points (P < 0.001), with a peak on the first postoperative day. The mean plasma concentration of sFas and sFasL remained unchanged from preoperative to anhepatic phase (T1 to T3) (P  0.268). The sFas and sFasL concentrations were significantly higher at 15 and 60 min after reperfusion compared to the preoperative value (P  0.048). Postoperatively, sFas and sFasL concentration were decreased to preoperative levels on the first postoperative day (P  0.127). Conclusion: The sFas and sFasL seem to be involved in reperfusion injury during OLT. The understanding of Fas may provide new insights into the mechanisms of ischemia/reperfusion injury during OLT.     

Trophi morphology and its usefulness for identification of formalin-preserved species of Synchaeta Ehrenberg, 1832 (Rotifera: Monogononta: Synchaetidae)

A study of temporal and spatial distribution of zooplankton frequently requires identification to species level. In such studies, samples are usually fixed, but according to different authors rotifer genera such as Synchaeta (Ehrenberg, 1832) can only be identified in live samples. A procedure for the identification of preserved specimens of Synchaeta is presented, permitting ecological studies without the examination of live material. Trophus morphology, investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy, was related to morphological characteristics of preserved specimens. In this way, body length was used to group formalin-preserved specimens into Synchaeta gr. tremula-oblonga sensu Ruttner-Kolisko (1974) (170 μm) or Synchaeta gr. stylata-pectinata sensu Ruttner-Kolisko (1974) (190 μm). Furthermore, body length, colour and shape were used to identify Synchaeta grandis (Zacharias, 1893), Synchaeta pectinata (Ehrenberg, 1832), Synchaeta kitina (Rousselet, 1902) and Synchaeta lakowitziana (Lucks, 1930). It was, however, impossible to distinguish Synchaeta tremula (Müller, 1786) from Synchaeta oblonga (Ehrenberg, 1832) by their trophi because of contradictions in the diagnostic keys and monographs regarding trophus morphology.     

Influence of environmental factors on reductive bioprecipitation of uranium by sulfate reducing bacteria

Microbial reduction of soluble uranyl [U (VI)] to insoluble uraninite by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) is a promising remediation strategy for uranium-contaminated groundwater. Effects of environmental factors, including pH and coexisting ions, on U (VI) bioreduction processes (UBP) remain unknown. Anaerobic batch experiments were performed to evaluate impact on UBP. Kinetic investigations with varied pH demonstrated that U (VI) was reduced mostly within 48 h. The bioprecipitation yields depended strongly on pH, increasing from 12.9% to 99.4% at pH 2.0 and 6.0, respectively. Sulfate concentration 4000 mg l⁻¹ did not affect UBP; however, sulfate concentration 5000 mg l⁻¹ significantly slowed UBP. Biogenic H₂S produced during sulfate reduction was not directly involved in UBP. At 20 mg l⁻¹ Zn or 10 mg l⁻¹ Cu, no UBP inhibition was observed and uraninite was detected in metal sulfide precipitate. However, 25 mg l⁻¹ Zn or 15 mg l⁻¹ Cu stopped UBP completely. Cu toxicity mechanism probably differed from Zn. The ability to reduce U (VI) was lost permanently with exposure to 15 mg l⁻¹ Cu, but not for Zn 25 mg l⁻¹. No uraninite could be detected before nitrate removal, suggesting nitrate strongly inhibited UBP, which may possibly be related to denitrification intermediates controlling the solution redox potential.     

Longer-term responses of a floodplain-dwelling marsupial to experimental manipulation of fallen timber loads

Fallen timber is an important component of many aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems around much of the world. Its distribution and abundance has been extensively altered, especially over the past 200 years. While correlative evidence suggests that many species require fallen timber for them to occupy locations, there are few precisely controlled field experiments that show conclusively how species respond to variation in loads. We manipulated wood loads (ranging from 0 to 80 Mg ha⁻¹) and monitored the response over 6 years of a species of marsupial, the yellow-footed antechinus Antechinus flavipes. The antechinus appeared to prefer locations having fallen-timber loads 20 Mg ha⁻¹. Antechinuses avoided bare areas (i.e. 0 Mg ha⁻¹) and areas having finer forms of woody material. Changes in densities of the antechinus in excess of those occurring in the control plots were clear after 2 years following manipulation of loads, and were even more pronounced after almost 6 years. Therefore, we are confident that higher loads are favoured by the antechinuses. There was no evidence of breeding success by females in sites with 20 Mg ha⁻¹, and that the highest, consistent breeding activity was achieved at sites with the greatest fallen-timber loads (80 Mg ha⁻¹). Our results, which experimentally were designed to address responses to fallen-timber loads, were complicated by perturbations caused by managed flooding episodes of the experimental area. Flooding appears to lead to population booms of the antechinus, most probably related to irruptions of prey species such as carabid beetles and wolf spiders, which are large-bodied and are prey for the antechinus. Nevertheless, we show that there are differences in densities in different wood-load treatments even against a background of boom-and-bust dynamics associated with flooding.     

Synthesis and characterization of a crosslinked chitosan derivative with a complexing agent and its adsorption studies toward metal(II) ions

A new chitosan derivative has been synthesized by crosslinking a metal complexing agent, [6,6′-piperazine-1,4-diyldimethylenebis (4-methyl-2-formyl) phenol] (L), with chitosan (CTS). The resulting material (CCTSL) was characterized by elemental (CHN), spectral (FTIR and solid-state NMR), thermal (TGA and DTA), and structural (powder XRD and SEM) analyses. Adsorption experiments (pH dependency, kinetics, and equilibrium) of CCTSL toward various metal ions such as Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) were carried out at 25 °C. The results showed that the adsorption was dependent on the pH of the solution, with a maximum capacity between pHs 6.5 and 8.5. The kinetics was evaluated by applying the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order equation models and the equilibrium data were analyzed by Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity was 1.21 mmol g⁻¹ for Cu(II) and the order of adsorption capacities for the metal(II) ions studied was found to be Cu(II) > Ni(II) > Cd(II)  Co(II)  Mn(II)  Fe(II)  Pb(II).     

Plant communities affect the species–area relationship on Carex sempervirens tussocks

The species–area relationship (SAR) has been extensively studied in a wide range of plant communities, but very few studies have directly addressed how plant communities affect the SAR and what are the underlying mechanisms. Many graminoids form distinct tussocks where many other plant species grow, but no study has investigated whether the SAR holds true for the vegetation on tussocks. In four plant communities on an abandoned subalpine pasture in the Swiss National Park, we made releves on 600 tussocks of Carex sempervirens and measured tussock basal area and other tussock traits. In all four communities, species richness on C. sempervirens tussocks was strongly positively related to tussock basal area (R²0.74), while other tussock traits explained very little (R²<0.04). Slope and intercept of the SAR on C. sempervirens tussocks differed significantly among the four communities. This was because plant communities affected richness in smaller tussocks (basal diameter <10 cm) but not that in large tussocks (basal diameter10 cm). We conclude that the SAR holds true for vegetation on C. sempervirens tussocks and changes with plant communities. Changes in the SAR on C. sempervirens tussocks are very likely because smaller tussocks are less independent of the plant communities than the larger ones, regarding disturbance or nutrients.     

Hepatoprotective potential of Fumaria indica Pugsley whole plant extracts, fractions and an isolated alkaloid protopine

The present investigation demonstrates the hepatoprotective potential of 50% ethanolic water extract of whole plant of Fumaria indica and its three fractions viz., hexane, chloroform and butanol against d-galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The hepatoprotection was assessed in terms reduction in histological damage, changes in serum enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, ALP) and metabolites bilirubin, reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (MDA content). Among fractions more than 90% protection was found with butanol fraction in which alkaloid protopine was quantified as highest i.e. about 0.2 mg/g by HPTLC. The isolated protopine in doses of 10–20 mg p.o. also proved equally effective hepatoprotectants as standard drug silymarine (single dose 25 mg p.o.). In general all treatments excluding hexane fraction proved hepatoprotective at par with silymarine (p0.01).     

Interleukin-6 and procalcitonin in children with sepsis and septic shock

Objectives. To examine the behavior of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and procalcitonin (PCT) and verify whether they can be used to differentiate children with septic conditions. Methods. Septic children aged between 28 days and 14 years, prospectively enrolled from 01/2004 to 12/2005, were divided into sepsis (SG; n = 47) and septic shock (SSG; n = 43) groups. IL-6 and PCT were measured at admission (T0) and 12 h later (T12h). PCT results were classed as: 0.5 ng/mL = sepsis unlikely; 0.5 to <2 = sepsis possible; 2 to <10 = systemic inflammation; 10 = septic shock. Results. Ninety children were included. At T0, there was a higher frequency of SSG with higher PCT compared with SG [SSG: 30 (69.7%) > SG: 14 (29.8%); p < 0.05]. Similar results were observed at T12h. PRISM was significantly higher for SSG patients with higher PCT than SG patients. At T0, IL-6 levels were higher in SSG [SSG: 213.10 (10.85–396.70) > SG: 63.21 (0.86–409.82); p = 0.001], but not statistically different at T12h. IL-6 levels positively correlated with PRISM score in SSG patients at admission (p = 0.001; r = 0.86). Conclusion. PCT and IL-6 appear to be helpful in early assessment of pediatric sepsis, are of diagnostic value at admission, and are related to disease severity.     

Further mechanistic orientation for the oxidation reaction between alkaline permanganate and poly galacturonate methyl ester. Novel spectrophotometric tracer of intrahypomanganate(V) – Intermediate

The kinetics of formation of the green manganate(VI) intermediate complex formed during the oxidation of pectin polysaccharide (poly galacturonate methyl ester) (PGME) by in alkaline solution at pH  12 have been studied. The rate law was suggested to be: rate = . The reaction was found to be base – catalyzed and fractional second – order in [PGME]. The activation parameters have been evaluated and discussed. A reaction mechanism was suggested according to the experimental data. A new blue hypomanganate(V) coordination polymer intermediate sol was spectrophotometrically detected for the first time for pectin (poly galacturonate methyl ester) oxidation reaction. A further mechanistic presentation was proposed.     

Effect of application rates and abiotic factors on Steinernema carpocapsae for control of overwintering navel orangeworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Amyelois transitella) in pistachios

The effect of reduced application rate, soil temperature at shallow depth (2.5 cm), and soil type on the efficacy of Steinernema carpocapsae against the navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella, was evaluated in six field trials employing 1 m² plots conducted from November 2003 through December 2004 in Madera and Kern Counties, California. Nematodes were applied at a concentration of 100,000 infective juveniles (IJs)/m² (10⁹/ha) in a volume of 187 ml water/m² (1870 L/ha) with a post-application irrigation in all trials. Mortality ranged from 7.9 to 64.9% in successful trials and percent reduction in live larvae per plot was as high as 74.6%. Percent reduction and mortality were highly correlated (r² = 0.78) and larval reduction typically was 10–11% greater than mortality for any treatment. In one trial, although nematode treatment significantly increased mortality compared to the controls, the treatment was deemed unsatisfactory because mortality was <15%. Soil temperature in this trial rose to 39 °C within 5 h after application. Nematodes failed in two other trials when soil temperature fell below freezing (minimum temperatures −3.0, −5.5 °C, respectively) several times in a 5-day period. We conclude that a commercially feasible application volume of 1870 L water/ha followed by post-application irrigation at this same rate was effective, and that soil maximum temperature at or below 32 °C during the first 24 h after application is necessary for treatment success.     

The significance of persistent newly developed autoantibodies in JIA patients under long-term anti-TNF treatment

Objective: To study the significance of persistent (12 months) new autoantibodies, in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) patients treated with either Infliximab (INFL) or Etanercept (ET) for 2 years. Patients-methods: 26 children under INFL (n = 12) or ET (n = 14) were prospectively studied. A large panel of autoantibodies was tested using indirect immunofluorescence (ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-ENA, SMA, LKM, AMA, PCA, anti-R1, ATA), ELISA (ANA, anti-ENA, anti-cardiolipin, ANCA), immunoblotting assay (anti-ENA: anti-Ro, anti-La, anti-Sm, anti-URNP, anti-Jo, anti-Scl70, anti-centromere, anti-ribosomal and anti-histone) and rate nephelometry (RF). Results: Apart from the positive patients for ANA (13/26) and RF (2/26) prior to anti-TNF treatment, 6/26 patients (23%) developed new autoantibodies (SMA, anti-R1, ATA) which persisted for 12–50 months. None developed antibodies to nuclear antigens. In only one case, ATA was associated with the development of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Conclusions: These findings indicate that in JIA patients in contrast to adult RA patients, development of new autoantibodies to various nuclear antigens is rare. Other non relevant to rheumatic diseases autoantibodies, may appear and persist for >12 months, but very rarely they may be related to clinical entities, especially in the presence of a positive family history of autoimmunity.     

Kinetics of ammonium, nitrate and phosphorus uptake by Canna indica and Schoenoplectus validus

Canna indica L. is an upright perennial rhizomatous herb, and Schoenoplectus validus (Vahl) A. Löve and D. Löve is a tall, perennial, herbaceous sedge. The nutrient uptake kinetics of C. indica and S. validus were investigated using the modified depletion method after plants were grown for 4 weeks in simulated secondary-treated wastewater. The maximum uptake rate (I_max) and Michaelis–Menten constant (K_m) were estimated by iterative curve fitting. The I_max for NH₄N (623 μmol g⁻¹ dry root weight h⁻¹) was significantly higher than that for NO₃N (338 μmol g⁻¹ dry root weight h⁻¹) in S. validus. In contrast, no difference was observed in C. indica. The I_max values for NO₃N and NH₄N were higher in S. validus than in C. indica. A significantly lower K_m was detected for NO₃N uptake in C. indica (385 μmol L⁻¹) compared to that in S. validus (1908 μmol L⁻¹). The I_max for PO₄P did not differ between the plant species. The K_m for PO₄P was significantly higher in C. indica (157 μmol L⁻¹) than in S. validus (60 μmol L⁻¹). In conclusion, we found that S. validus preferred NH₄N over NO₃N, had greater capacity for N uptake and higher affinity for PO₄P, but C. indica had greater affinity for NO₃N. Nutrient uptake capacity is likely related to habitat preference, and is influenced by the structure of roots and rhizomes.     

Monitoring the (photo)genotoxicity of photosensitizer drugs: direct quantitation of single-strand breaks in deoxyribonucleic acid using an oligonucleotide chip

Oligonucleotide chip-based assays can be a sample-thrifty, time-saving, routine tool for evaluation of chemical-induced DNA strand breaks. This article describes a novel approach using an oligonucleotide chip to determine photosensitizer-induced DNA single-strand breaks. Surface coverage of fluorophore-labeled oligonucleotides on silicon dioxide chip surfaces was determined on alkaline phosphatase digestion. Fluorescence maxima (at 520 nm) of the solutions were converted to molar concentrations of the fluorescein-modified oligonucleotide by interpolation from a predetermined standard linear calibration curve. The photosensitizing activity of chlorpromazine and triflupromazine toward DNA single-strand breaks was then studied at different drug doses and also as a function of photoirradiation time. Photoinduced single-strand breaks calculated using the method described here agreed with values predicted by theoretical extrapolation of the single-strand breaks obtained for plasmid DNAs from agarose gel electrophoresis, and thereby indirectly validated the chip-based assays. Under UV irradiation (93.6 kJ/m²) chlorpromazine (0.08 mM) was found to have significant photogenotoxicity. However, triflupromazine did not exhibit any (photo)genotoxicity over the concentration range studied (0.04–0.20 mM). The method developed will be useful for quantitative screening of drug genotoxicity in terms of induction of breaks in DNA.     

Synthesis and activity of azaterphenyl diamidines against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Plasmodium falciparum

A series of azaterphenyl diamidines has been synthesized and evaluated for in vitro antiprotozoal activity against both Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (T. b. r.) and Plasmodium falciparum (P. f.) and in vivo efficacy in the STIB900 acute mouse model for T. b. r. Six of the 13 compounds showed IC₅₀ values less than 7 nM against T. b. r. Twelve of those exhibited IC₅₀ values less than 6 nM against P. f. and six of those showed IC₅₀ values 0.6 nM, which are more than 25-fold as potent as furamidine. Moreover, two of them showed more than 40-fold selectivity for P. f. versus T. b. r. Three compounds 15b, 19d and 19e exhibited in vivo efficacy against T. b. r. much superior to furamidine, and equivalent to or better than azafuramidine. The antiparasitic activity of these diamidines depends on the ring nitrogen atom(s) location relative to the amidine groups and generally correlates with DNA binding affinity.     

Competitive adsorption of Pb, Cd and Zn ions onto Eichhornia crassipes in binary and ternary systems

A batch sorption technique was used to study the biosorption of Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions onto the vastly abundant water hyacinth weed, Eichhornia crassipes biomass in binary and ternary systems at a temperature of 30 °C and pH 4.84. Mutual interference effects were probed using equilibrium adsorption capacity ratios, , where the prime indicates the presence of one or two other metal ions. The combined action of the metals was found to be antagonistic, and the metal sorption followed the order Pb²⁺  Cd²⁺  Zn²⁺. The behaviour of competitive biosorption for Pb–Cd and Pb–Zn combinations were successfully described by the Langmuir Competitive Model (CLM), whilst the model showed poor fitting to the Cd–Zn data. In conclusion, Pb²⁺ ions could still be effectively removed from aqueous solution in the presence of both Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions, but removal of the Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions would be suppressed in the presence of Pb²⁺.     

Impact of natural enemies on coffee leafminer Leucoptera coffeella (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae) population dynamics in Chiapas, Mexico

Coffee leafminer, Leucoptera coffeella, is a pest in many New World coffee growing areas. Previous studies suggested that its population dynamics were strongly affected by natural enemies, particularly of larvae, and physical environmental conditions. Our study documented through field surveys and life table analyses (i) the natural enemy complex associated with coffee leafminer and (ii) the impacts of natural enemies on the population dynamics of coffee leafminer, on coffee (Coffea arabica) at two elevations and two rainfall levels in the Soconusco region of Chiapas, Mexico. Twenty-two larval parasitoid species (including 14 morphospecies) were collected. Egg and pupal parasitoids were not recovered. Life table analyses showed that parasitism contributed 10% of real mortality, and parasitism rates were 8–10-fold higher at the low (<550 m) versus high (>950 m) elevation; parasitism rates were similar under low (<100 mm) and high (>400 mm) rainfall. Seventeen predator species (including five morphospecies) were collected, of which most were ants (Formicidae, 14 species) that contributed >58% of real mortality. Life table analyses showed that predation rates were higher at high versus low elevation and under high versus low rainfall. Independently of elevation and rainfall, egg predation (likely by ants) was the most important source of indispensable mortality (range = 0.13–0.30), except at low elevation and high rainfall where pupal predation (=0.14) was similarly important. Also, predation was the main source of coffee leafminer larval and pupal mortality during a 13-month period in a low elevation coffee farm and was highest during the rainy season (>400 mm rainfall/month), when coffee leafminer prevalence was highest. Overall, predation of eggs and pupae (the latter particularly at low elevation), mostly by ants, were the most important sources of coffee leafminer mortality. Because ants were the main source of coffee leafminer egg and pupal mortality, their importance and potential role in coffee pest management strategies were discussed.     

Biocontrol of tomato wilt by Penicillium oxalicum formulations in different crop conditions

Eight formulations of Penicillium oxalicum (FOR1 to FOR8) were obtained by the addition of various ingredients, in two separate steps of the production and drying of P. oxalicum conidia. These formulations were then evaluated against tomato wilt in three glasshouse (G1 to G3) and two field (F1 and F2) experiments. All formulations were applied to seedlings in seedbeds 7 days before transplanting at a rate of 10⁷ spores g⁻¹ seedbed substrate. The conidial viability of each formulation was estimated by measuring germination just after fluid bed-drying, before seedbed application and after 1 and 2 years of storage at 4 °C under vacuum. The densities of P. oxalicum were estimated in the seedbed substrate and in the rhizosphere of three plants per treatment just before transplanting. Initial conidial viability of formulations just after fluid bed-drying was approx. 80%, except for FOR1, FOR4, and FOR7 which were 60%. The initial viability was maintained up to 40–50% for 2 years of storage at 4 °C under vacuum, except for FOR1. All formulations had 50% viability at application time. Populations of P. oxalicum in the seedbed substrate just before transplanting were >10⁶ cfu g⁻¹ soil in G3 and F2; populations in rhizosphere were also >10⁶ cfu g⁻¹ fresh root, except for FOR3, FOR5, and FOR6 in G2. A range of 22–64% of disease reduction was observed with all formulations, although these reductions were not significant (p = 0.05) for FOR1, FOR4, and FOR5 in any experiment. Contrast analysis showed significant differences between biological treatments and untreated control (p = 0.05) in all experiments, but no significant differences between biological and chemical treatments. Initial conidial viability of P. oxalicum in formulations and populations of P. oxalicum in the seedbed substrate explained 78.26% of the variability in P. oxalicum populations in tomato rhizosphere before transplanting. Disease incidence in untreated plants was negatively correlated (r = −0.54) with the percentage of disease control. The relationship between the viability of formulations, the populations of P. oxalicum in seedbed and rhizosphere, and the control of tomato wilt is discussed.     

Plasma nitrite response and arterial reactivity differentiate vascular health and performance

NO is crucial for endothelial function and vascular health. Plasma nitrite (NO₂⁻) is the main oxidation product of NO and has been shown to reflect changes in eNOS activity. We hypothesized that plasma NO₂⁻ response to physical exercise stress along with physiological endothelial function would be reduced with increasing severity of vascular disease. Subject groups were: (a) risk factors but no vascular disease (RF); (b) Type 2 diabetes with no vascular disease (DM); (c) diagnosed peripheral arterial disease (PAD); and (d) DM + PAD. Venous blood was drawn at rest and 10 min following maximal exercise. Plasma samples were analyzed by reductive chemiluminescence. Brachial diameters were imaged prior to, during and following 5 min of forearm occlusion (BAFMD). There were no differences in resting plasma NO₂⁻ or BA diameters between groups. The PAD groups had lower age adjusted BAFMD responses (p  0.05). Within group analysis revealed an increase in NO₂⁻ in the RF group (+39.3%), no change in the DM (−15.51%), and a decrease in the PAD (−44.20%) and PAD + DM (−39.95%). This was maintained after adjusting for age and VO_2peak (p  0.05). ΔNO₂⁻ and BAFMD were the strongest independent predictors of VO_2peak in multivariate linear regression. These findings suggest ΔNO₂⁻ discriminates severity of cardiovascular disease risk, is related to endothelial function and predicts exercise capacity.