Phylogeography of the vector nematode Xiphinema index using mitochondrial and microsatellite markers highlights its Eastern origin closely linked to grapevine domestication.

The economic impact of the dagger nematode Xiphinema index is high in Western vineyards by transmitting the damaging Grapevine fanleaf virus. Our phylogeographical study based on mitochondrial sequences and microsatellite loci used more than 80 X. index representative samples collected from the Middle- and Near East, the Eastern-, Central- and Western Mediterranean, and the Western countries (Europe and the Americas). In this mainly (meiotic) parthenogenetic species, the mitochondrial marker CytB was first considered for comparison of X. index with the related amphimictic vector species X. diversicaudatum. Xiphinema index exhibits a significantly lower intraspecific molecular variability than X. diversicaudatum, in agreement with the respective reproduction modes of both nematodes. We then showed that CytB, concatenated with additional mitochondrial genes ATP6, ND4 and COI, display a robust phylogeographical pattern consisting in three clades grouping Eastern Mediterranean, Nearand Middle Eastern samples and a single clade grouping samples from Western Mediterranean, Europe and the Americas. The highest mitochondrial polymorphism is observed in one clade of Middle- and Near-East samples that overlaps the Transcaucasia and Southern Caspian Sea region from where grapevine has been presumably domesticated and that likely overlaps the nematode native area. East-to-west nematode dissemination appears to match that of its domesticated grapevine host during the Antiquity mainly by the Greeks and then the Romans. In Western Mediterranean, Europe and the Americas, two close and almost exclusive mitochondrial haplotypes were detected. The first haplotype, found in vineyards from the Southern Iberian Peninsula, Bordeaux and Provence, exhibits a high microsatellite polymorphism. By contrast, the second haplotype contains a single predominant microsatellite genotype surprisingly widespread in most Western countries. This is almost certainly due to its recent dispersal during the massive grapevine replants following the 19th century phylloxera crisis. Our data provide an improved knowledge of X. index diversity for future pest control strategies

Cancer-related fatigue: clinical practice versus practice guidelines

Purpose This study investigated adherence to treatment guidelines on cancer-related anaemia and fatigue (CRA/CRF) and factors influencing the choice of intervention. Methods In this prospective, observational study, 136 cancer patients being treated with chemotherapy in a large community hospital completed a questionnaire at consecutive outpatient visits assessing fatigue (the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Fatigue) and fatigue-related counselling and advice received. Data on administration of chemotherapy and use of epoetin or blood transfusions were abstracted from the medical records. Results Fifty-three percent of patients with severe anaemia (Hb<10 g/dl) and 6% of patients with less severe anaemia (Hb levels 10-12 g/dl) received treatment (epoetin and/or blood transfusions). Half of the patients with less severe anaemia reported clinically relevant levels of fatigue. More than 50% of all patients received fatigue-related counselling, primarily at the start of chemotherapy. Most counselling was directed at energy conservation. Fatigue was not associated significantly with the use of epoetin or blood transfusion. Patients receiving palliative treatment (17%), male patients (16%) and patients with a low Hb level (<6.2 g/dl, 38%) were treated significantly more often with epoetin. Conclusions In daily clinical practice, guidelines concerning the use of epoetin or blood transfusion in severe CRA are adhered to in about half of the cases. In patients with less severe anaemia, the level of fatigue did not play a significant role in the use of epoetin. According to current guidelines, counselling on CRF should be directed primarily at activity enhancement. However, only a minority of patients receive such counselling