SM Treatment Research Articles

Effective onion leaf fleck management and variability of storage pathogens

AbstractBotrytis spp. cause several diseases in Allium crops and depending on meteorological conditions economic losses can exceed 50%. Forecasting models improve plant protection and sometimes reduce consumption of fungicides, because applications are made precisely during the favourable periods for disease development. Our aim was to evaluate the iMETOS®sm B. cinerea forecasting model as an effective onion leaf fleck management system and estimate the variability of onion bulb pathogens during storage. Assessment of forecasting model data showed that favourable conditions for leaf fleck development arise in July, but greatly depend on that year’s meteorological conditions. During an experimental year the first sprayings with fungicides were applied as forecasted from the model, which resulted in application 19, 6 and 23 days earlier than conventional treatment application times. In 2012-2014 iMETOS®sm treatment yield increased by 3.51 t ha-1, 3.87 t ha-1 and3.40 t ha-1 relative to the control. During storage most frequent injuries were fungal (44%) and bacterial (41%), followed by insects (7%) and physiological (9%). The highest prevalence of injuries was detected after 2 months of storage.

Shenmai injection as an adjuvant treatment for chronic cor pulmonale heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BackgroundShenmai injection (SM), as a traditional Chinese medicine injection, is widely used for chronic cor pulmonale heart failure in mainland China. It is essential to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of SM as an adjuvant treatment for chronic cor pulmonale heart failure.MethodsEight English and Chinese electronic databases were searched, from inception to December 2014, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SM for chronic cor pulmonale heart failure. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of eligible studies. Meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager 5.2.ResultsTwenty-seven RCTs with 2045 participants were identified. The methodological quality of the included studies was generally low. Only one trial reported data on death. None of the included trials reported quality of life. The meta-analysis indicated that compared to conventional treatment, the combination of SM and conventional treatment was more effective in terms of the New York Heart Association classification (RR, 1.26; 95 % CI, 1.20–1.32; P < 0.00001), Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (MD, 11.33; 95 % CI, 8.59–14.07; p < 0.00001), partial pressure of oxygen (MD, 1.00; 95 % CI, 0.64–1.36; P < 0.00001) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (MD, 0.83; 95 % CI, 0.58–1.08; p < 0.00001). In addition, two trials reported that SM plus conventional treatment was superior to the conventional treatment alone to reduce B-type natriuretic peptide. No serious adverse drug events or reactions were reported.ConclusionsSM plus conventional treatment appeared to be effective and relatively safe for chronic cor pulmonale heart failure. However, due to the generally low methodological quality and small sample size, this review didn’t find evidence to support routine use of SM as an adjuvant treatment for chronic cor pulmonale heart failure.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0939-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Phosphorus Fertilization Under Different Land Preparation Methods and Performance of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) in Rainforest Zone of Southern Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted on an Arenic paleudult in the rainforest zone of Southern Nigeria to determine the response of an improved variety of peanut (Arachis hypogea L. var. Samnut 23) to phosphorus, under different land preparation methods. Selected land preparation methods were “slash and burn” (SB) and “slash and mulch” (SM), and the phosphate fertilizer rates were 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg P ha-1. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete by block design. Each land preparation was divided into plots. Macro- and micro nutrient contents of peanut plants were determined, and the growth and yield components were also assessed. Results showed that the pre planting soil analysis for the SB management had a pH of 5.77, N (1.8 gkg-1), P (2.05 mgkg-1) and K (0.11cmol (+) kg-1), while that of the SM had a pH of 5.95, N (0.9 g kg-1), P (0.86 mg kg-1) and K (0.07cmol(+)kg-1). Plant height was not significantly different (pd” 0.05) in the land preparation methods, but leaf area was significantly different. However, plant height and leaf area responded better under the SB treatment with 90 kg P ha-1 rate of phosphorus fertilizer than the SM treatment under the same rate. Fresh pod weight of 908.6kg ha-1 and dry pod weight of 558.0kg ha-1 was obtained at 60 kg P ha-1 under the SB treatment and was significantly different from all other treatments including the SM. Significant differences were also observed in the nutrient concentrations of leaves and roots. Highest leaf phosphorus content (3.502 mg kg-1) was recorded at 90kg P ha-1 in the SM treatment while the highest nutrient content of P in the roots (0.272 mg kg-1) was recorded at 30 kg P ha-1 also in the SM treatment. However, the SB treatment recorded the highest peanut seed pods / shell at 60 kg P ha-1. Generally, phosphorus fertilization under the SB management practice gave better results than the SM management practice.Keywords: groundnut, land preparation, phosphorus fertilization, Slash and burn, slash and mulch [How to Cite: Joseph SO and RO Oyibo. 2014. Phosphorus Fertilization Under Different Land Preparation Methods and Performance of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) in Rainforest Zone of Southern Nigeria. J Trop Soils 19(1): 1-7. Doi: 10.5400/jts.2014.19.1.1]

Continuing treatment with Salvia miltiorrhiza injection attenuates myocardial fibrosis in chronic iron-overloaded mice.

Iron overload cardiomyopathy results from iron accumulation in the myocardium that is closely linked to iron-mediated myocardial fibrosis. Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM, also known as Danshen), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been widely used for hundreds of years to treat cardiovascular diseases. Here, we investigated the effect and potential mechanism of SM on myocardial fibrosis induced by chronic iron overload (CIO) in mice. Kunming male mice (8 weeks old) were randomized to six groups of 10 animals each: control (CONT), CIO, low-dose SM (L-SM), high-dose SM (H-SM), verapamil (VRP) and deferoxamine (DFO) groups. Normal saline was injected in the CONT group. Mice in the other five groups were treated with iron dextran at 50 mg/kg per day intraperitoneally for 7 weeks, and those in the latter four groups also received corresponding daily treatments, including 3 g/kg or 6 g/kg of SM, 100 mg/kg of VRP, or 100 mg/kg of DFO. The iron deposition was estimated histologically using Prussian blue staining. Myocardial fibrosis was determined by Masson’s trichrome staining and hydroxyproline (Hyp) quantitative assay. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and protein expression levels of type I collagen (COL I), type I collagen (COL III), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were analyzed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of SM against iron-overloaded fibrosis. Treatment of chronic iron-overloaded mice with SM dose-dependently reduced iron deposition levels, fibrotic area percentage, Hyp content, expression levels of COL I and COL III, as well as upregulated the expression of TGF- β1 and MMP-9 proteins in the heart. Moreover, SM treatment decreased MDA content and increased SOD activity. In conclusion, SM exerted activities against cardiac fibrosis induced by CIO, which may be attributed to its inhibition of iron deposition, as well as collagen metabolism and oxidative stress.

Straw Mulching Reduces Maize Yield, Water, and Nitrogen Use in Northeastern China

Straw mulching is used widely to improve soil fertility in the black soil region of northeastern China, but there have been few evaluations of its effects on soil water content, N use by crops, and crop growth. Field experiments were conducted during two growing seasons in Jilin Province, to study the effects of straw mulching on maize yield, evapotranspiration (ET), water use efficiency (WUE), and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) under rainfed conditions. Measurements were conducted in a treatment with maize straw mulch on the soil surface (SM) and a control treatment with no mulch (NM). The SM treatment caused a significant decline of soil temperature and increase of soil moisture in the early growing season, compared to the NM treatment. However, the use of mulching reduced maize yields by 18% in 2011 and 26% in 2012. It also decreased WUE by 16% in 2011 and 21% in 2012, and decreased NUE by 27% in 2012, though it had no effect on total ET. Therefore, the use of mulch is not recommended as an approach for improving water and N use and maize yields, in the semi‐humid black soil region of northeastern China, when the water content of soil is sufficient for maize growth.

Effect of different tumbling marinade treatments on the water status and protein properties of prepared pork chops.

Recently, in consideration of the rapidly increasing demand for meat products and the trend towards fast food consumption, the prepared boneless pork chop, as a new style of value-added product, is cut from pork loins and welcomed by consumers after marinating or further cooking. The effect of different tumbling marinade treatments (control group, CG; conventional static marinade, SM; vacuum continuous tumbling marinade, CT; vacuum intermittent tumbling marinade, IT) on the water status and protein properties of prepared pork chops was investigated. The CT treatment significantly increased T22 peak area ratio compared with other treatments (P < 0.05). Histological microstructure results showed that CT treatment significantly increased solubility of salt-soluble proteins and decreased muscle fiber diameter compared with other treatments (P < 0.05). The net enthalpy (ΔH) of IT treatment was significantly lower than SM treatment (P < 0.05), whereas the protein denaturation temperature (Tm3 ) and ΔH3 of CT treatment were lower than IT treatment. These results suggest that CT treatment was more effective in improving the water mobility and distribution, promoting the denaturation of muscle protein and accelerating the marinade efficiency of pork chops compared with other treatments. Thus CT treatment should be adopted.

Influence of Long-Term (9 yr) Composted and Stockpiled Feedlot Manure Application on Selected Soil Physical Properties of a Clay Loam Soil in Southern Alberta

ABSTRACTLand application of composted feedlot cattle (Bos taurus) manure may have differential effects on soil physical properties compared to stockpiled manure because of the differences in the composition, particle size, and decomposability of these materials. Our objective was to determine the effect of long-term (9 yr) composted (CM) versus stockpiled (SM) manure application on selected soil physical properties. Intact soil cores were taken from CM, SM, and unamended control treatments from a long-term field experiment in the fall of 2007. Soil bulk density, plant available water (PAW), and soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity at low (0–34 kPa) water potentials were determined on the soil cores. Water retention at the 0 to 10 cm depth was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater for SM than CM between -5 and -34 kPa, suggesting an increase in transmission and storage pores in the SM treatment. In contrast, water retention at the 10 to 20 cm depth was greater for CM than SM at -1 and -5 kPa, indicating an increase in transmission pores for this treatment. Based on the results of our study, application of CM instead of SM will likely not improve most soil physical properties measured, with the exception of water retention at certain water potentials in the top two depths. However, organic amendments will likely improve most soil properties measured compared to unamended soils.

Influence of monensin fed with a starch-based energy supplement on forage digestibility and intake by range cows during drought

Management strategies that maintain livestock performance while reducing intake in times of low forage availability, such as drought, are valuable. The hypotheses of this experiment were that a grain-based supplement would decrease forage intake and digestibility, whereas a grain-based supplement plus monensin would decrease forage intake and increase forage digestibility. Crossbred cows (n = 36) grazing native range pasture during the late summer were used in a randomized complete block design for 2 yr (average forage quality for yr 1 = 8.7% CP, 77% NDF, 47% ADF; for yr 2 = 8.0% CP, 76% NDF, 45% ADF). Treatments were control (no supplement; NS), cracked corn (S; 0.91 kg/cow per day, as-fed basis), and S with monensin added at 385 mg/kg of corn (SM). Diet samples were collected from 6 ruminally cannulated cows to calculate digestibility. Cows were dosed with Cr2O3 boluses to determine fecal output, OM intake, and digestible OM intake during 2 sampling periods each year. Forage intake and digestible OM intake as percentages of BW were greater (P 0.05) in yr 2. Starch-based supplement alone reduced OM and NDF digestibility in period 1 of both years compared with NS or SM treatments (P < 0.001). In period 2 of both years, OM digestibility was greatest for the SM treatment (P < 0.001). In period 2 of yr 1, NDF digestibility was greatest in SM (P < 0.001), but similar between SM and NS in yr 2. Under our experimental conditions, monensin fed with a starch-based energy supplement did not decrease forage intake during drought; however, moderate forage quality and type and amount of supplement provided may have affected responses.

유산균 발효 와송이 알코올성 유발 지방간 흰쥐의 조직 과산화지질 및 혈중 지질농도에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect on plasma levels of lipid and lipid peroxidation by administration of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus) fermented Orostachys malacophyllus (FOM) in alcohol fed rats. Male Sprague-dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups: normal diet group (N), alcohol treated group (C), 2.5% (w/w) or 5% (w/w) OM treated group (2.5OM, 5OM), 2.5% (w/w) or 5% (w/w) fermented OM treated group (2.5FOM, 5FOM) and silymarin treated group (SM) as a positive control. As a result of measuring serum total lipid, C group were increased total lipid, free fatty acid content and were decreased HDL-cholesterol content, but 5FOM group were significantly decreased lipid content and were increased HDL-cholesterol content and accordingly reduced the incidence of atherosclerosis. Serum total protein content was similarly measured in all groups and serum albumin content was decreased in alcohol feeding groups compared to the N group. The 5FOM group had significantly decreased liver and serum triglycerides compared to the C group. The TBARS content in the liver, serum, testis, kidney, spleen, and heart were slightly decreased in the 5FOM group compared to the C group and the 5FOM group had an increased glutathione concentration. The 5FOM treatment was showed analogous results to those of the SM treatment, suggesting that FOM is can improve the lipid profiles of alcohol-fed rats.

Immunomodulation induced by the aqueous extract obtained from Ampelozizyphus amazonicus

Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke (Rhamnaceae) (popularly known as “Saracura-mirá”) is a medicinal plant from Amazonia (Brazil). An aqueous drink is prepared from its barks and roots which displays a very bitter taste and forms abundant foam when shaken, due to the high content of dammarane-type saponins in the species. The plant is used in the region to treat and prevent malaria, as well as a stimulant and energetic. Previous studies did not show a direct action of this plant on Plasmodium blood forms, however, it is effective on controlling infection induced by sporozoite forms. In this study, we investigated whether the aqueous extract (SM) obtained from the stem barks of A. amazonicus collected in “quilombola” communities of Oriximiná (Para), Brazil, could control malaria infection through an overall augmentation of the immunological response. Daily oral treatment and dose of SM was based on its traditional use (Peçanha et al. 2013). Oral treatment with SM induces an increase in both IgM and IgG antibody titers in mice immunized with the T-independent type 2 (TI-2) antigen TNP-ficoll. We investigated the effect of SM treatment on the course of B cell response in P. chabaudi-infected mice and observed that SM treatment induced an increase in the levels of circulating total IgM and IgG in Plasmodium-infected mice when compared to infected untreated animals. There was, however, a decrease in the number of antibody-producing plasma cells (CD138+ cells) in the spleen of P. chabaudi-infected SM-treated mice. The data obtained in our study indicates that SM could amplify the response of murine B cells to a TI-2 antigen and could also increase immunoglobulin production during malaria infection and regulate the emergence of antibody secreting cells. Future studies on the role of saponins isolated from SM on both B cell response and resistance to malaria infection will be performed.

Multitargeted inhibition of hepatic fibrosis in chronic iron-overloaded mice by Salvia miltiorrhiza

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSalvia miltiorrhiza (SM, also known as Danshen) is a well-known Chinese medicinal herb, which has shown hepatoprotective effects with anti-fibrotic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. To explore the effects and potential mechanism of SM against hepatic fibrosis induced by chronic iron overload in mice. Materials and methodsSixty male mice were randomized into five groups (n=12 in each group): control (saline), iron overload, iron overload with low-dose SM (3g/kg/day), iron overload with high-dose SM (6g/kg/day) and iron overload with deferoxamine (100mg/kg/day) groups. The iron overload model was established by intraperitoneal injection with iron dextran at 50mg/kg body weight/day, and the entire course lasted for 7 weeks. The major constituents of SM injection were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. Changes of hepatic iron, hydroxyproline (Hyp), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed by standard procedures. Protein expression levels of type I collagen, type III collagen, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1α (IL-1α) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and mRNA levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), matrix metal proteinase-9 (MMP-9) and caspase-3 were detected by RT-PCR. Morphological changes were observed with Prussian blue, Masson's trichrome and hematoxylin–eosin staining. ResultsTreatment of chronic iron-overloaded mice with SM dose-dependently ameliorated changes in hepatic morphology and coefficient, reduced iron deposition and Hyp content, suppressed overexpression of type I collagen and type III collagen, downregulated expression of TGF-β mRNA, and upregulated expression of MMP-9 mRNA in the liver. Moreover, SM treatment contributed to decreased MDA content, increased SOD activity and GSH content, while it reduced expression of TNF-α, IL-1α and caspase-3. ConclusionsSM displayed anti-fibrotic activity in the liver induced by chronic iron overload, which may be attributed to multitargeted inhibition of iron deposition and collagen accumulation, as well as oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Effects of methionine hydroxy copper supplementation on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood biochemical parameters in lactating cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of methionine hydroxy Cu [(HMTBA)2-Cu] supplementation on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood biochemical parameters in lactating cows. Thirty lactating Holstein cows were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments in a randomized block design: (1) Cu sulfate only (S): 12mg of Cu provided by CuSO4 per kilogram of concentrate; (2) Cu sulfate and (HMTBA)2-Cu (SM): 6mg of Cu provided by CuSO4 and 6mg of Cu provided by (HMTBA)2-Cu per kilogram of concentrate; or (3) (HMTBA)2-Cu only (M): 12mg of Cu provided by (HMTBA)2-Cu per kilogram of concentrate. The level of dietary Cu was determined according to the NRC (2001) requirement. This experiment lasted for 120 d, with the first 20 d for adaptation and with sample and data collection beginning on d 21. The milk yield and 4% fat-corrected milk yield of cows in the SM treatment tended to increase compared with those in the S and M treatments. Cows fed SM also tended to have higher NDF and ADF apparent digestibility values than did cows fed S or M. Plasma Cu concentration significantly increased for the SM treatment compared with the S and M treatments. Cows fed S had higher plasma K concentration than did cows in the other 2 treatments. In conclusion, replacing one-half of the dietary Cu sulfate with (HMTBA)2-Cu increased plasma Cu concentration and tended to improve the neutral and acid detergent fiber apparent digestibility values and the lactation performance of lactating dairy cattle.

Seed removal and survival in Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus faeces: effect of rodents as secondary seed dispersers

We investigated the fate of seeds of five tree species hill cherry Prunus jamasakura, Korean hill cherry P. verecunda, Japanese bird cherry P. grayana, giant dogwood Swida controversa and crimson glory vine Vitis coignetiae in the faeces of the Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus in a temperate forest in central Japan. Clarifying the fate of seeds dispersed by endozoochorous seed dispersers will enhance assessments of their roles as primary seed dispersers. We established several experimental treatments in the field. Each faeces sample was covered by cages with different mesh sizes which limited accessibility by animals (NM: no mesh, SM: 1 mm mesh and MM: 10 mm mesh). We examined whether seed removal varied among tree species and between mesh‐size treatments from 2004 to 2007 (N = 625 samples). We set up an automatic camera trap 1.5 m above the ground at all NM treatments. In the NM treatments, the number of seeds of all tree species decreased immediately after the faeces were set. In June of the following year, &lt; 1% of the seeds from any species remained in the vicinity of the faeces. However, we found 3.0‐13.2% intact seeds of all species in the soil below the faeces, as well as within a 10‐m radius around the faeces. In the NM treatments, most seed removals were observed within four days after the faeces were set. For all tree species in the MM treatment, most of the seeds were present on the surface of the soil, and 1‐2% of the seeds germinated at the location where faeces were set. In the SM treatment, none of the seeds from any of the tree species disappeared and germinated. We took a total of 415 photographs at the NM sites, 97.8% of which were of rodents either holding or eating seeds. Many of the seeds contained in the bear faeces were removed and eaten by rodents. However, 2.1‐5.1% of the seeds survived and germinated, which implies that rodents may also act as secondary seed dispersers.

Neurophysiologic effects of spinal manipulation in patients with chronic low back pain

BackgroundWhile there is growing evidence for the efficacy of SM to treat LBP, little is known on the mechanisms and physiologic effects of these treatments. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to determine whether SM alters the amplitude of the motor evoked potential (MEP) or the short-latency stretch reflex of the erector spinae muscles, and whether these physiologic responses depend on whether SM causes an audible joint sound.MethodsWe used transcranial magnetic stimulation to elicit MEPs and electromechanical tapping to elicit short-latency stretch reflexes in 10 patients with chronic LBP and 10 asymptomatic controls. Neurophysiologic outcomes were measured before and after SM. Changes in MEP and stretch reflex amplitude were examined based on patient grouping (LBP vs. controls), and whether SM caused an audible joint sound.ResultsSM did not alter the erector spinae MEP amplitude in patients with LBP (0.80 ± 0.33 vs. 0.80 ± 0.30 μV) or in asymptomatic controls (0.56 ± 0.09 vs. 0.57 ± 0.06 μV). Similarly, SM did not alter the erector spinae stretch reflex amplitude in patients with LBP (0.66 ± 0.12 vs. 0.66 ± 0.15 μV) or in asymptomatic controls (0.60 ± 0.09 vs. 0.55 ± 0.08 μV). Interestingly, study participants exhibiting an audible response exhibited a 20% decrease in the stretch reflex (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that a single SM treatment does not systematically alter corticospinal or stretch reflex excitability of the erector spinae muscles (when assessed ~ 10-minutes following SM); however, they do indicate that the stretch reflex is attenuated when SM causes an audible response. This finding provides insight into the mechanisms of SM, and suggests that SM that produces an audible response may mechanistically act to decrease the sensitivity of the muscle spindles and/or the various segmental sites of the Ia reflex pathway.

Effect of mulch and irrigation practices on soil water, soil temperature and the grain yield of maize (Zea mays L) in Loess Plateau, China

Agricultural management practices, such as mulching and irrigation can change the characteristics of the soil surface and hence influence the hydrothermal properties of the soil. A two-year field experiment was conducted at the Changwu agro-ecosystem research station to evaluate the effects of mulch and irrigation practices on moisture and temperature in the upper layers of the soil and on crop growth and yield performance in spring maize (Zea mays L) fields. Four mulching and irrigation treatments were examined: supplementary irrigation (SI), film mulching (FM), straw mulching (SM; in 2008 only) and a rain-fed (RF) control. The soil water (0 - 15 cm depth range) and soil temperature (0 - 5 cm depth range) were studied during the crop growing season and the treatments' yield performances were compared. Over the whole season, the average topsoil water content was significantly higher (P < 0.05) under the SM (23.3% in 2008), SI (21.4% in 2007, 22.5% in 2008) and FM (20.0% in 2007, 21.6% in 2008) treatments than under RF (17.1% in 2007, 19.6% in 2008). The seasonal trends in atmospheric and soil temperatures were similar under all treatments. The seasonally-averaged soil temperature at 07:00 and 14:00 h was highest under the FM treatment and lowest under the SM treatment. Plant height and leaf and stem biomass were significantly higher (P < 0.05) under the SI treatment than under the RF and FM treatments from silking to physiological maturity. Both the FM and SI treatments significantly improved (P < 0.05) the crop grain yield (GY) and yield components. Key words: Loess Plateau, soil water, soil temperature, spring maize.

Cytokine mRNA Expression After Exposure to Fatty Acids is Differently Modulated in Macrophages From Small Intestine and Colon

G A A b st ra ct s confirmed by Nile red staining of the lipids and metabolism of SM to ceramide was proved by immunofluorescence. Cathepsin D protein levels and Bid activation were analyzed by Western blot. Apoptosis of HT-29 was measured by annexin V / propidium iodide (PI) staining and cell death of human IEC was quantified by flow cytometric cell cycle analysis of PI stained cells and TUNEL. RESULTS: Uptake of SM and PC was confirmed by Nile red staining of the liposomal formulations. SM treatment of IFN-γ and TNF pre-stimulated HT-29 resulted in a dose-dependent and, for 100 μM SM, significant increase of apoptosis. In contrast, incubation of pre-stimulated HT-29 with PC dose-dependently decreased the number of apoptotic cells with significant results for 100 μM PC. Without pre-stimulation, SM and PC did not alter the level of apoptosis. Western blot analysis clearly revealed increased amounts of pro and intermediate forms of cathepsin D as well as activation of Bid in a dose-dependent manner upon 48 h stimulation with SM. SM-induced activation of cathepsin D reproduced the effects of stimulation with 100 ng/ml TNF In Vitro. Treatment of isolated and pelleted human IEC with 100 μM SM resulted in a significantly increased number of apoptotic cells, whereas 100 μM PC significantly decreased apoptosis of IEC kept in suspension. CONCLUSION: SM initiates apoptosis mediated via cathepsin D and Bid activation in human IEC. In contrast, PC lacks this cell death-inducing function and even has protective effects. Thus, lipids may induce or abolish apoptosis in IEC. Local lipid compositions or concentrations may play a role for the decision, whether cell death is induced or not.

Current Concepts in the Management of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) poses a serious threat to public health throughout the world but disproportionately afflicts low-income nations. Persons in close contact with a patient with active pulmonary TB and those from endemic regions of the world are at highest risk of primary infection, whereas patients with compromised immune systems are at highest risk of reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI). Tuberculosis can affect any organ system. Clinical manifestations vary accordingly but often include fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Positive results on either a tuberculin skin test or an interferon-γ release assay in the absence of active TB establish a diagnosis of LTBI. A combination of epidemiological, clinical, radiographic, microbiological, and histopathologic features is used to establish the diagnosis of active TB. Patients with suspected active pulmonary TB should submit 3 sputum specimens for acid-fast bacilli smears and culture, with nucleic acid amplification testing performed on at least 1 specimen. For patients with LTBI, treatment with isoniazid for 9 months is preferred. Patients with active TB should be treated with multiple agents to achieve bacterial clearance, to reduce the risk of transmission, and to prevent the emergence of drug resistance. Directly observed therapy is recommended for the treatment of active TB. Health care professionals should collaborate, when possible, with local and state public health departments to care for patients with TB. Patients with drug-resistant TB or coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus should be treated in collaboration with TB specialists. Public health measures to prevent the spread of TB include appropriate respiratory isolation of patients with active pulmonary TB, contact investigation, and reduction of the LTBI burden.

Growth and Yield Responses to Mulches and Cover Crops under Low Potassium Conditions in Drip-irrigated Apple Orchards on Coarse Soils

Fertigated ‘Gala’ apple trees on M.9 (Malus domestica Borkh.) rootstock, planted in 1998, were grown on a coarse soil for 6 years (1998 to 2003) and exposed to eight orchard floor vegetation management treatments within the tree row. These consisted of a glyphosate control; three waste paper mulch treatments [spray-on mulch paper mulch (SM), SM incorporated with dichlobenil, SM applied over uniformly spread shredded office paper (SOP)]; and four living cover crop mulch treatments [dwarf white clover (WC), sweet clover (SC), hairy vetch (HV), and annual rye]. There were no significant treatment effects on leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) status; however, leaf potassium (K) levels were negatively affected by the living mulch treatments in 2 of 5 years. Tree vigor was diminished by several of the orchard floor vegetation management systems in 5 of 6 years. Trees receiving an SM treatment grew more rapidly than trees receiving the ground cover treatments and trees receiving a glyphosate treatment had relatively poor but comparable growth to several of the cover crop treatments. Growth response in trees receiving SM were observed in all production years. After 6 years, cumulative yields were highest from trees receiving any of the three SM or glyphosate treatments and significantly less for any of the ground cover treatments. Weed growth within the rye cover crop was significantly reduced in comparison with the other living mulches; however, it remained sufficiently competitive to contribute to diminished overall yield and tree growth in comparison with the SM and gylphosate control treatments. Overall, response of leaf K concentration to mulch treatments was insufficient to prevent low K levels after 5 years. The addition of K through the organic mulches or recycling of K by cover crops was insufficient to avoid the development of low leaf K levels. Annual fertigation of K, in addition to N and P, appears necessary to maintain adequate vigor and yield when using mulches or cover crops in intensive, drip-irrigated apple orchards grown on coarse soils.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE INCIDENCE OF 'RUSSET BROWNING' DISORDER IN 'COX'S ORANGE PIPPIN' APPLES

The ethylene antagonist, 1-methylcyclopropene, is used commercially as SmartFresh SM to retain firmness during shipping and storage of 'Cox's Orange Pippin' apples. However, the application of SmartFresh SM can result in an unsightly darkening of the russeted area in the stem cavity. The symptoms have been termed 'russet browning' disorder. Several studies have been undertaken over the last five seasons. In initial studies, fruit held in bins or cartons were treated with a full or reduced rate of SmartFresh SM to determine the effects of maturity at harvest, time after harvest, SmartFresh SM dose and pack type on the incidence of 'russet browning' after storage. Results indicated that the incidence of 'russet browning' could be reduced by reducing the rate of 1-methylcyclopropene without a significant loss in firmness retention, and that delaying treatment from three days after harvest to seven days after harvest increased the incidence. Pack type, i.e., treating fruit in bins or cartons, had no consistent effect on 'russet browning'. In subsequent studies, the incidence of 'russet browning' was decreased if fruit were treated with a reduced rate of 1-methylcyclopropene after cooling rather than before cooling, and the disorder could be avoided if fruit were treated after cooling and kept cold throughout storage. However, if fruit were given a warming treatment to simulate packing after treatment and short-term storage, the incidence of 'russet browning increased the earlier and longer the fruit were warmed after SmartFresh SM treatment. It is concluded that 'russet browning' disorder can be avoided if fruit are treated with a reduced rate of SmartFresh SM after packing and cooling and then keeping the fruit cold throughout subsequent storage. Avoiding excessive warming in the first two weeks after treatment is likely to be useful in reducing the incidence of 'russet browning', but the disorder could be totally avoided if treated fruit were held at storage temperatures for 6-8 weeks before packing or marketing.

Inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinases restores immunocompetence and improves immune-dependent chemotherapy against experimental leishmaniasis in mice

Receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in multiple cellular processes, and drugs that inhibit their action are used in the clinic to treat several types of cancer. However, the value of receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKIs) for treating infectious disease has yet to be explored. Here, we have shown in mice that administration of the broad-spectrum RTKI sunitinib maleate (Sm) blocked the vascular remodeling and progressive splenomegaly associated with experimental visceral leishmaniasis. Furthermore, Sm treatment restored the integrity of the splenic microarchitecture. Although restoration of splenic architecture was accompanied by an increase in the frequency of IFN-gamma+CD4+ T cells, Sm treatment alone was insufficient to cause a reduction in tissue parasite burden. However, preconditioning by short-term Sm treatment proved to be successful as an adjunct therapy, increasing the frequency of IFN-gamma+ and IFN-gamma+TNF+CD4+ T cells, enhancing NO production by splenic macrophages, and providing dose-sparing effects when combined with a first-line immune-dependent anti-leishmanial drug. We propose, therefore, that RTKIs may prove clinically useful as agents to restore immune competence before the administration of chemo- or immunotherapeutic drugs in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis or other diseases involving lymphoid tissue remodeling, including cancer.