Inter-limb coordination and energy cost in swimming.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the relationship between inter-arm coordination and the energy cost of locomotion in front crawl and breaststroke and explored swimmers' flexibility in adapting their motor organization away from their preferred movement pattern. DESIGN: Nine front-crawlers performed three 300-m in front crawl and 8 breaststrokers performed three 200-m in breaststroke at constant submaximal intensity and with 5-min rests. Each trial was performed randomly in a different coordination pattern: freely chosen, 'maximal glide' and 'minimal glide'. Two underwater cameras videotaped frontal and side views to analyze speed, stroke rate, stroke length and inter-limb coordination. METHODS: In front crawl, inter-arm coordination was quantified by the index of coordination (IdC) and the leg beat kicks were counted. In breaststroke, four time gaps quantified the arm to leg coordination (i.e., time between leg and arm propulsions; time between beginning, 90° flexion and end of arm and leg recoveries). The energy cost of locomotion was calculated from gas exchanges and blood lactate concentration. RESULTS: In both front crawl and breaststroke, the freely chosen coordination corresponded to glide pattern and showed the lowest energy cost (12.8 and 17.1Jkg(-1)m(-1), respectively). Both front-crawlers and breaststrokers were able to reach 'maximal glide' condition (respectively, +35% and +28%) but not 'minimal glide' condition for front crawl. CONCLUSIONS: The freely chosen pattern appeared more economic because more trained. When coordination was constrained, the swimmers had higher coordination flexibility in breaststroke than in front crawl, suggesting that breaststroke coordination was easier to regulate by changing glide time.

Lower limb lymphedema and neurological complications after lymphadenectomy for gynecological cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Lymphadenectomy is a frequent procedure for surgical staging of gynecological malignancies. Nevertheless, minor complications, such as lower limb lymphedema (LLL) and neurological complications (NCs), after pelvic and aorto-caval lymphadenectomy still remain underinvestigated. The present study considers short-term and long-term incidence and risk factors for LLL and NC in patients with gynecological cancer who underwent lymphadenectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2 different institutions, University of Turin and University of Lausanne, a total of 152 patients who received lymphadenectomy for endometrial, cervical, or ovarian cancer were retrospectively identified. During the follow-up, data about LLL and NC were collected by means of a questionnaire. Short-term and long-term incidence of LLL and NC was evaluated, and risk factors, such as age, body mass index, type of cancer, surgical approach, number and extension of the removed lymph nodes, presence of lymph node metastasis, and adjuvant treatments, were analyzed. RESULTS: Short-term incidence of LLL and NC after lymphadenectomy was high (36%) and predictive of long-term persistence. Between the analyzed risk factors, number of removed lymph nodes and adjuvant radiotherapy were significantly associated with an increased incidence of minor complications (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lower limb lymphedema and NC are more frequent than expected. They are related to the radicality of lymphadenectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy. They affect the quality of life of the patients treated for gynecological cancer and their perceptions of healing. Minor complications are commonly persistent and need a prompt diagnosis and a specialized management to improve their prognosis.

On regeneration and collateral sprouting to hind limb digits after sciatic nerve injury in the rat

This study examines the proportions of regenerative and collateral sprouting to the skin after peripheral nerve injury. Methods: In the first experimental paradigm, primary afferent neurones were pre-labelled with Diamidino Yellow (DY), injected in digit 3, followed by sciatic nerve section and repair. After three months of regeneration, digit 3 was re-injected with Fast Blue (FB) to label regernating cells. Fluoro-Gold (FG) was applied to the femoral (FEM) and musculocutaneous (MC) nervers four days later to quantify their contribution to the innveration. In the second experimental paradigm, sciatic nerve was first sectioned and repaired. Three months later, the sciatic was resected, and digit 3 injected with FB. After four more days, FEM and MC were resected and FG injected in all digits. Results: Neurones in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) L5 had a higher rate of correct reinnervation of digit 3 (44-72%) than neurones in DRG L4 (14-44%). Like in control cases, only occasional axons were traced from the FEM and MC. In the second experiment, only occasional labelled neurones appeared. Conclusions: The results indicate differences in the capacity for correct peripheral sensory reinnvervation between segmental levels and that in this model collateral sprouting was practically non-existent compared to regenerative sprouting.

Advances in apple culture worldwide

Over the last 60 years, planting densities for apple have increased as improved management systems have been developed. Dwarfing rootstocks have been the key to the dramatic changes in tree size, spacing and early production. The Malling series of dwarfing rootstocks (M.9 and M.26) have been the most important dwarfing rootstocks in the world but are poorly adapted in some areas of the world and they are susceptible to the bacterial disease fire blight and the soil disease complex, apple replant disease which limits their uses in some areas. Rootstock breeding programs in several parts of the world are developing improved rootstocks with resistance to fire blight, and replant disease, and improved cold hardiness and yield efficiency. A second important trend has been the increasing importance of new cultivars. New cultivars have provided opportunities for higher prices until they are over-produced. A new trend is the "variety club" in which variety owners manage the production and marketing of a new unique cultivar to bring higher prices to the growers and variety owners. This has led to many fruit growers being unable to plant or grow some new cultivars. Important rootstock and cultivar genes have been mapped and can be used in marker assisted selection of future rootstock and cultivar selections. Other important improvements in apple culture include the development of pre-formed trees, the development of minimal pruning strategies and limb angle bending which have also contributed to the dramatic changes in early production in the 2nd-5th years after planting. Studies on light interception and distribution have led to improved tree forms with better fruit quality. Simple pruning strategies and labor positioning platform machines have resulted in partial mechanization of pruning which has reduced management costs. Improved plant growth regulators for thinning and the development of a thinning prediction model based on tree carbohydrate balance have improved the ability to produce the optimum fruit size and crop load. Other new plant growth regulators have also allowed control of shoot growth, control of preharvest fruit drop and control of fruit softening in storage after harvest. As we look to the future, there will be continued incremental improvement in our understanding of plant physiology that will lead to continued incremental improvements in orchard management but there is likely to be dramatic changes in orchard production systems through genomics research and genetic engineering. A greater understanding of the genetic control of dwarfing, precocity, rooting, vegetative growth, flowering, fruit growth and disease resistance which will lead to new varieties and rootstocks which are less expensive to grow and manage.

TWIG BLIGHT AND DEFOLIATION CAUSED BY Colletotrichum horii IN PERSIMMONS IN BRAZIL

Persimmon anthracnose has been a great concern to Brazilian producers. This study aimed to identify and characterized the causal species from Brazilian persimmons byassessing morphological and molecular characteristics and pathogenicity tests. Five fungal isolatesobtained from diseased twigs and fruits were identified as Colletotrichum horii, based on morphologicalcharacteristics and nucleotide sequences of ITS region. Inoculation tests revealed that the fungal isolates caused necrotic spots followed by defoliation of leaves, blight of twigs and buds of potted persimmon plants.

PROTETOR SOLAR DIMINUI A INCIDÊNCIA DAS PODRIDÕES ‘OLHO-D-BOI’ E ‘BRANCA’ EM MAÇÃS ‘FUJI STANDARD’ E ‘PINK LADY’

RESUMO A podridão-olho-de-boi (Cryptosporiosis perennans) e a podridão-branca (Botryosphaeria dothidea) estão entre as principais doenças de verão da macieira no Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de uma película protetora constituída de cera de carnaúba e argilas (Raynox® ), nas doses de 2,5 e 5,0%, na infecção por C. perennans e por B. dothidea em maçãs das cultivares Fuji Standard e Pink Lady. As macieiras foram pulverizadas cinco vezes de dezembro de 2007 a março de 2008, conforme previsão de condições adequadas para ocorrência dos danos e crescimento dos frutos. Na colheita, as maçãs foram inoculadas com os dois patógenos e avaliadas quanto à incidência das podridões. Indiferente à dose, o uso de Raynox® reduziu a incidência da podridão-branca e da podridão-olho-de-boi em 67% e 42% na ‘Fuji Standard’, e 43% e 42% na ‘Pink Lady’, respectivamente. O incremento da dose aumentou a eficiência do produto para o controle da podridão-olho-de-boi. Na dose de 2,5%, o controle da podridão-olho-de-boi foi de 19% e 20%, respectivamente, em maçãs ‘Fuji Standard’ e ‘Pink Lady’, enquanto para as mesmas cultivares, mas com a dose de 5,0%, estes valores foram de 65% e 63%. Mais estudos são necessários para o ajuste de dose e critérios de aplicação para que o protetor solar possa ser recomendado.

Quelle prise en charge pour une suspicion de thrombose veineuse profonde des membres inférieurs [Suspicion of lower limb deep vein thrombosis: update on diagnosis and treatment].

Si l'examen clinique revêt une importance essentielle en lymphologie et exige des praticiens expérimentés, la lymphoscintigraphie et plus récemment la lympho-fluoroscopie au vert d'indocyanine constituent des moyens d'investigation précieux dans la prévention, le diagnostic et le traitement des pathologies vasculaires lymphatiques. L'intérêt de la lymphoscintigraphie réside dans l'analyse qualitative et quantitative de la migration des macromolécules par les vaisseaux lymphatiques et l'évaluation du secteur lymphatique profond. La lympho-fluoroscopie se distingue de la lymphoscintigraphie par l'obtention d'une cartographie détaillée des vaisseaux lymphatiques superficiels et d'images dynamiques en temps réel. Elle apporte à l'angiologue et au physiothérapeute des informations irremplaçables sur leur contractilité et la présence de dérivations compensatoires à privilégier lors du drainage lymphatique manuel. Venous thromboembolism is a frequent disease with an annual incidence of 0.75-2.69/1000 reaching 2-7/1000 > 70 years. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism are two manifestations of the same underlying disease. Most frequent localization of DVT is at lower limbs. The diagnostic workup begins with an estimation of DVT risk, a judicious use of D-Dimers, and compression venous ultrasound depending on DVT probability. The development of direct oral anticoagulants and recent data on interventional DVT treatment, in selected cases, have widened the therapeutic spectrum of DVT. The present article aims at informing the primary care physician of the optimized workup of patients with lower limb suspicion of DVT.

Prevalence and determinants of periodic limb movements in the general population.

OBJECTIVE: Periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) are sleep phenomena characterized by periodic episodes of repetitive stereotyped limb movements. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and determinants of PLMS in a middle to older aged general population. METHODS: Data from 2,162 subjects (51.2% women, mean age = 58.4 ± 11.1 years) participating in a population-based study (HypnoLaus, Lausanne, Switzerland) were collected. Assessments included laboratory tests, sociodemographic data, personal and treatment history, and full polysomnography at home. PLMS index (PLMSI) was determined, and PLMSI > 15/h was considered as significant. RESULTS: Prevalence of PLMSI > 15/h was 28.6% (31.3% in men, 26% in women). Compared to subjects with PLMSI ≤ 15/h, subjects with PLMSI > 15/h were older (p < 0.001), were predominantly males (p = 0.007), had a higher proportion of restless legs syndrome (RLS; p < 0.001), had a higher body mass index (p = 0.001), and had a lower mean glomerular filtration rate (p < 0.001). Subjects with PLMSI > 15/h also had a higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and beta-blocker or hypnotic treatments. The prevalence of antidepressant use was higher, but not statistically significant (p = 0.07). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within BTBD9 (rs3923809), TOX3 (rs3104788), and MEIS1 (rs2300478) genes were significantly associated with PLSMI > 15/h. Conversely, mean hemoglobin and ferritin levels were similar in both groups. In the multivariate analysis, age, male gender, antidepressant intake, RLS, and rs3923809, rs3104788, and rs2300478 SNPs were independently associated with PLMSI > 15/h. INTERPRETATION: PLMS are highly prevalent in our middle-aged European population. Age, male gender, RLS, antidepressant treatment, and specific BTBD9, TOX3, and MEIS1 SNP distribution are independent predictors of PLMSI > 15/h. ANN NEUROL 2016;79:464-474.

Erwinia amylovora Novel Plasmid pEI70: Complete Sequence, Biogeography, and Role in Aggressiveness in the Fire Blight Phytopathogen

Comparative genomics of several strains of Erwinia amylovora, a plant pathogenic bacterium causal agent of fire blight disease, revealed that its diversity is primarily attributable to the flexible genome comprised of plasmids. We recently identified and sequenced in full a novel 65.8 kb plasmid, called pEI70. Annotation revealed a lack of known virulence-related genes, but found evidence for a unique integrative conjugative element related to that of other plant and human pathogens. Comparative analyses using BLASTN showed that pEI70 is almost entirely included in plasmid pEB102 from E. billingiae, an epiphytic Erwinia of pome fruits, with sequence identities superior to 98%. A duplex PCR assay was developed to survey the prevalence of plasmid pEI70 and also that of pEA29, which had previously been described in several E. amylovora strains. Plasmid pEI70 was found widely dispersed across Europe with frequencies of 5–92%, but it was absent in E. amylovora analyzed populations from outside of Europe. Restriction analysis and hybridization demonstrated that this plasmid was identical in at least 13 strains. Curing E. amylovora strains of pEI70 reduced their aggressiveness on pear, and introducing pEI70 into low-aggressiveness strains lacking this plasmid increased symptoms development in this host. Discovery of this novel plasmid offers new insights into the biogeography, evolution and virulence determinants in E. amylovora

In vitro toxin production by Fusarium solani f. sp. piperis

Fusarium solani f. sp. piperis (teleomorph: Nectria haematococca f. sp. piperis), causal agent of root rot and stem blight on black pepper (Piper nigrum), produces secondary metabolites with toxigenic properties, capable of inducing vein discoloration in detached leaves and wilting in transpiring microcuttings. Production of F. solani f. sp. piperis (Fsp) toxic metabolites reached a peak after 25 days of static incubation on potato sucrose broth at 25 ºC under illumination. Changes in the pH of the culture filtrate did not alter the effect of toxic metabolites. However, when the pH was changed before the medium had been autoclaved, a more intense biological response was observed, with an optimum at pH 6.0. Isolates that produced red pigments in liquid cultures were more efficient in producing biologically active culture filtrates than those which produced pink coloured or clear filtrates suggesting that these pigments could be related to toxigenic activity. Detached leaves of seven black pepper cultivars and Piper betle showed symptoms of vein discoloration after immersion in autoclaved and non-autoclaved Fsp culture filtrates indicating the thermostable nature of these toxic metabolites.

Soybean pod blight and root rot caused by lineages of the Fusarium graminearum and the production of mycotoxins

Surveys of soybean (Glycine max) seed grown in South Brazil revealed infection with Fusarium graminearum. To determine if members of this complex were pathogenic to soybean, six strains derived from soybean were added to soil at a rate of 10³ macroconidia/ ml or individual pods were inoculated with 10(4) macroconidia/ml. Seedlings grown in infested soil developed small necrotic lesions in the crown and upper roots. Pods inoculated with conidia developed large (>1 cm), dark brown, necrotic lesions. Younger pods inoculated with the fungus blighted and dropped from the plant. Strains of the F. graminearum complex recovered from lesions on the crown, roots and pods of soybean plants were identified as lineage 1, 2 or 8 by obtaining the DNA sequence from the EF1-alpha gene and comparing it to strains of the known lineage. Two strains of F. graminearum lineage 7 from the U.S. caused similar symptoms of the disease on soybean. Mycotoxin tests on soybean and wheat (Triticum aestivum) indicate that most Brazilian strains produce nivalenol as the major trichothecene mycotoxin rather than deoxynivalenol. In addition, strains from lineages 2 and 8 produce the novel trichothecene, 3-acetylnivalenol.

Essential oil of mustard to control Rhizoctonia solani causing seedling damping off and seedling blight in nursery

The essential oil extracted from mustard (Brassica rapa) seeds was evaluated for its effect on suppression of Rhizoctonia solani growth in vitro, and in field soils, for reducing saprophytic substrate colonization and seedling damping off and blight using snap beans as indicator plant, the in vitro growth was completely inhibited at a concentration of 50 mul/l. The saprophytic substrate colonization in soils 24 h after treatment was drastically reduced to 45% at 150 mul/kg soil concentration, in contrast to 100% colonization at concentrations of 0, 50, or 75 mul/kg. This recovery rate gradually declined to 6% and 60%, respectively, in nine days. A control of pre and post-emergence seedling damping off and blight in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), without any apparent phytotoxic effect was achieved by irrigating R. solani infested soils with water containing the emulsified essential oil to provide 150 mul/l soil volume ten days prior to planting, gave over 95%. The effect of the mustard essential oil was not influenced by the physical soil texture, and it appears to be a good substitute for methyl bromide fumigation in nurseries for seedling production.