HBeAg-positive individuals with chronic HBV infection are generally divided into two groups: immune-tolerant (IT) carriers and immune-activated (IA) patients. The former group is characterized by minimal liver damage, normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and active viral

replication; the latter, generally after the IT phase, have increased liver injury and decreased viral replication.1, 20 In this study, we comprehensively characterized the hepatic NK cells in these HBV-infected individuals and demonstrated that NK cell–mediated liver pathogenesis Temsirolimus ic50 depended on an imbalanced cytokine milieu in the livers of these IA patients. Our findings may facilitate the rational development of immunotherapeutic strategies for enhancing viral control while limiting or blocking liver injury and inflammation. 7-AAD, 7-aminoactinomycin D; ALS, antilymphocyte serum; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; CFSE, carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester; CHB, chronic hepatitis

B; E:T, check details effector to target; FasL, Fas ligand; HAI, histological activity index; HBeAg, hepatitis B e antigen; HBV, hepatitis B virus; HC, healthy control; HCV, hepatitis C virus; HLA, human leukocyte antigen; hpf, high-power field; IA, immune-activated; IFN, interferon; IL, interleukin; IT, immune-tolerant; LIL, liver-infiltrating lymphocyte; MFI, mean fluorescence intensity; mRNA, messenger RNA; NCR, natural cytotoxicity receptor; NK, natural killer; NKG2A, natural killer group 2 member A; NKG2D, natural killer group 2 member D; NKT, natural killer T; PBMC, peripheral blood mononuclear cell; PMA, phorbol myristate acetate; TRAIL, tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand. Fifty-one IA patients and 27 IT carriers were recruited for this study. All patients were diagnosed according to our previously described criteria21 and were not

taking antiviral therapy or immunosuppressive drugs within 6 months before the sampling. Twenty-six age-matched and sex-matched healthy individuals were enrolled as healthy controls (HCs). Individuals with a concurrent HCV, hepatitis D virus, or human immunodeficiency virus infection, an autoimmune liver disease, or alcoholic liver disease medchemexpress were excluded. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of our unit, and written informed consent was obtained from each subject. The basic characteristics of these enrolled subjects are listed in Supporting Information Table 1. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from all enrolled subjects. Liver biopsy samples were collected from 29 IA patients and 15 IT carriers, and 12 healthy liver tissue samples were obtained from healthy donors whose livers were used for transplantation.

HBeAg-positive individuals with chronic HBV infection are generally divided into two groups: immune-tolerant (IT) carriers and immune-activated (IA) patients. The former group is characterized by minimal liver damage, normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and active viral

replication; the latter, generally after the IT phase, have increased liver injury and decreased viral replication.1, 20 In this study, we comprehensively characterized the hepatic NK cells in these HBV-infected individuals and demonstrated that NK cell–mediated liver pathogenesis selleckchem depended on an imbalanced cytokine milieu in the livers of these IA patients. Our findings may facilitate the rational development of immunotherapeutic strategies for enhancing viral control while limiting or blocking liver injury and inflammation. 7-AAD, 7-aminoactinomycin D; ALS, antilymphocyte serum; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; CFSE, carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester; CHB, chronic hepatitis

B; E:T, selleck compound effector to target; FasL, Fas ligand; HAI, histological activity index; HBeAg, hepatitis B e antigen; HBV, hepatitis B virus; HC, healthy control; HCV, hepatitis C virus; HLA, human leukocyte antigen; hpf, high-power field; IA, immune-activated; IFN, interferon; IL, interleukin; IT, immune-tolerant; LIL, liver-infiltrating lymphocyte; MFI, mean fluorescence intensity; mRNA, messenger RNA; NCR, natural cytotoxicity receptor; NK, natural killer; NKG2A, natural killer group 2 member A; NKG2D, natural killer group 2 member D; NKT, natural killer T; PBMC, peripheral blood mononuclear cell; PMA, phorbol myristate acetate; TRAIL, tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand. Fifty-one IA patients and 27 IT carriers were recruited for this study. All patients were diagnosed according to our previously described criteria21 and were not

taking antiviral therapy or immunosuppressive drugs within 6 months before the sampling. Twenty-six age-matched and sex-matched healthy individuals were enrolled as healthy controls (HCs). Individuals with a concurrent HCV, hepatitis D virus, or human immunodeficiency virus infection, an autoimmune liver disease, or alcoholic liver disease MCE公司 were excluded. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of our unit, and written informed consent was obtained from each subject. The basic characteristics of these enrolled subjects are listed in Supporting Information Table 1. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from all enrolled subjects. Liver biopsy samples were collected from 29 IA patients and 15 IT carriers, and 12 healthy liver tissue samples were obtained from healthy donors whose livers were used for transplantation.

Results: Initially we performed transgastric endoscopic cholecystectomy in porcine models. Next we progressed to perform surgery with endoscopic accessories with endoscopy placed in the umbilicus, performed large human series of appendectomy and cholecystectomy. After gaining good experience of performing trans-umbilical endoscopic appendectomy and cholecystectomy, we advanced to vaginal route and performed large series of appendectomy and cholecystectomy. During this process, if difficulty was encountered it was converted to standard laparoscopy without selleck chemicals any added morbidity. Finally we proceeded

to transgastric cholecystectomy and appendectomy, at completion requires standard laparoscopic gastrotomy closure until we get a good tool to close the gastrostomy by endoscope. TRANSUMBILICAL ACCESS – Number of cases = 20 (12 appendectomies and 8 cholecystectomies) Age group = 27 ? 52 years Duration of hospital stay = 2 ? 4 days Operative time = 30 ? 110 minutes TRANSVAGINAL ACCESS – Number of cases = 80 (55 appendectomies and 25 cholecystectomies) Age group = 32 to 58 years Duration of hospital stay = 2 to 4 days Operative time = 35 to 110 minutes TRANSGSTRIC ACCESS Number Atezolizumab of cases = 5 (3 appendectomies and 2 cholecystectomies) Age group 27 to 44 years Duration of hospital stay = 4 to 6 days Operative time = 90 to 135 minutes Conclusion: Since NOTES being

a complex procedure needing both laparoscopic surgical experience and therapeutic endoscopy, this method of step by step learning approach in performing this endoscopic surgical procedures is safe without any morbidity associated with new techniques. Key Word(s): 1. NOTES; 2. Transumbilical; 3. Transvaginal; 4. Transgastric; Presenting Author: ENQIANG 上海皓元 LINGHU Additional Authors: ZHICHU QIN, ZHI QUN LI, YOU ZHANG, MAN MENG Corresponding Author: ENQIANG LINGHU Affiliations: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the PLA General Hospital Objective: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a new treatment for achalasia. The aim of our study was to investigate the healing

of esophageal tunnel incision and the falling of titanium clips after POEM. Methods: The time of esophageal tunnel incision healing and titanium clips falling of 30 patients with achalasia using PPI (proton pump inhibitors) for 1 month after POEM were retrospectively analyzed between May to December 2012, The follow-up time of endoscopic examination is 1 weeks, 2 weeks, 1months and 3 months. Results: 232 titanium clips had been used, the rate of all titanium clips falling off is 16.8% (39/232), 41.4% (96/232), 65.1% (151/232), and 83.2 (193/232) at 1 week, 2 week, 1 month and 3 month, Moreover the rate of esophageal incision healing 20% (6/30), 86.7% (26/30), 96.7% (29/30) and 100%. Conclusion: Most of esophageal incisions after POEM will heal from 2 weeks to 1 months, but falling completely of the titanium clips will require a longer time.

Results: Initially we performed transgastric endoscopic cholecystectomy in porcine models. Next we progressed to perform surgery with endoscopic accessories with endoscopy placed in the umbilicus, performed large human series of appendectomy and cholecystectomy. After gaining good experience of performing trans-umbilical endoscopic appendectomy and cholecystectomy, we advanced to vaginal route and performed large series of appendectomy and cholecystectomy. During this process, if difficulty was encountered it was converted to standard laparoscopy without learn more any added morbidity. Finally we proceeded

to transgastric cholecystectomy and appendectomy, at completion requires standard laparoscopic gastrotomy closure until we get a good tool to close the gastrostomy by endoscope. TRANSUMBILICAL ACCESS – Number of cases = 20 (12 appendectomies and 8 cholecystectomies) Age group = 27 ? 52 years Duration of hospital stay = 2 ? 4 days Operative time = 30 ? 110 minutes TRANSVAGINAL ACCESS – Number of cases = 80 (55 appendectomies and 25 cholecystectomies) Age group = 32 to 58 years Duration of hospital stay = 2 to 4 days Operative time = 35 to 110 minutes TRANSGSTRIC ACCESS Number Ruxolitinib of cases = 5 (3 appendectomies and 2 cholecystectomies) Age group 27 to 44 years Duration of hospital stay = 4 to 6 days Operative time = 90 to 135 minutes Conclusion: Since NOTES being

a complex procedure needing both laparoscopic surgical experience and therapeutic endoscopy, this method of step by step learning approach in performing this endoscopic surgical procedures is safe without any morbidity associated with new techniques. Key Word(s): 1. NOTES; 2. Transumbilical; 3. Transvaginal; 4. Transgastric; Presenting Author: ENQIANG MCE公司 LINGHU Additional Authors: ZHICHU QIN, ZHI QUN LI, YOU ZHANG, MAN MENG Corresponding Author: ENQIANG LINGHU Affiliations: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the PLA General Hospital Objective: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a new treatment for achalasia. The aim of our study was to investigate the healing

of esophageal tunnel incision and the falling of titanium clips after POEM. Methods: The time of esophageal tunnel incision healing and titanium clips falling of 30 patients with achalasia using PPI (proton pump inhibitors) for 1 month after POEM were retrospectively analyzed between May to December 2012, The follow-up time of endoscopic examination is 1 weeks, 2 weeks, 1months and 3 months. Results: 232 titanium clips had been used, the rate of all titanium clips falling off is 16.8% (39/232), 41.4% (96/232), 65.1% (151/232), and 83.2 (193/232) at 1 week, 2 week, 1 month and 3 month, Moreover the rate of esophageal incision healing 20% (6/30), 86.7% (26/30), 96.7% (29/30) and 100%. Conclusion: Most of esophageal incisions after POEM will heal from 2 weeks to 1 months, but falling completely of the titanium clips will require a longer time.

5 The contribution of persons from Central America to the FB population with CHB was larger than expected. However, because of the large number of FB in the United States from this region (i.e., 14.4 million), small differences in CHB rates result in large differences in the number with CHB. Few studies were found documenting HBsAg seroprevalence in Central America outside Mexico, and rates in blood donors were used for El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Belize. Additional seroprevalence data for these

countries are needed. These prevalence estimates have limitations and should be viewed as a systematic attempt to make the best use of available data. First, literature searches Selleckchem GDC 0068 were limited to PubMed, and additional potentially relevant articles may have been found had we also searched EMBASE and CINAHL databases. In addition,

potentially relevant surveys reported in languages other than English were omitted because not all non-English papers were acquired and translated. Another concern is whether the country-specific CHB rates from the meta-analyses are representative of the FB who migrated to the United States and were living there in 2009. Because no seroprevalence data in emigrants were available for more than half the countries, we combined prevalence data from emigrants with data from populations still living in the countries of origin. Nationally representative surveys were included, but were available for only a few countries. Most in-country surveys were done in population subgroups at “average risk” for HBV infection (e.g., pregnant women, school children, Trametinib supplier clerical and factory workers, and military recruits). Biases introduced

by using data from these subgroups likely vary from country to country and depend on factors such as dominant routes of HBV MCE公司 transmission, attendance rates at antenatal clinics and schools, whether military service is mandatory, and the particular array of surveys available for each country. We excluded surveys in persons at higher risk for HBV (e.g., sex workers, injection drug users, and homeless) because these persons are less representative of emigrants. Comparison of RE pooled prevalence rates in emigrants with those in in-country populations did not reveal a systematic bias toward higher rates in either group, although this analysis had large uncertainty. It is likely that emigrants from some countries have lower CHB rates (e.g., because they have higher socioeconomic status and resources to emigrate) or higher rates (e.g., because they lived in refugee camps) than in-country populations. If only data from surveys in emigrants are used for the 52 countries for which data are available, the estimate of the number of FB living with CHB is still significantly higher than estimates from NHANES-based studies (Fig. 2).

5 The contribution of persons from Central America to the FB population with CHB was larger than expected. However, because of the large number of FB in the United States from this region (i.e., 14.4 million), small differences in CHB rates result in large differences in the number with CHB. Few studies were found documenting HBsAg seroprevalence in Central America outside Mexico, and rates in blood donors were used for El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Belize. Additional seroprevalence data for these

countries are needed. These prevalence estimates have limitations and should be viewed as a systematic attempt to make the best use of available data. First, literature searches VX-765 were limited to PubMed, and additional potentially relevant articles may have been found had we also searched EMBASE and CINAHL databases. In addition,

potentially relevant surveys reported in languages other than English were omitted because not all non-English papers were acquired and translated. Another concern is whether the country-specific CHB rates from the meta-analyses are representative of the FB who migrated to the United States and were living there in 2009. Because no seroprevalence data in emigrants were available for more than half the countries, we combined prevalence data from emigrants with data from populations still living in the countries of origin. Nationally representative surveys were included, but were available for only a few countries. Most in-country surveys were done in population subgroups at “average risk” for HBV infection (e.g., pregnant women, school children, selleck chemicals clerical and factory workers, and military recruits). Biases introduced

by using data from these subgroups likely vary from country to country and depend on factors such as dominant routes of HBV MCE transmission, attendance rates at antenatal clinics and schools, whether military service is mandatory, and the particular array of surveys available for each country. We excluded surveys in persons at higher risk for HBV (e.g., sex workers, injection drug users, and homeless) because these persons are less representative of emigrants. Comparison of RE pooled prevalence rates in emigrants with those in in-country populations did not reveal a systematic bias toward higher rates in either group, although this analysis had large uncertainty. It is likely that emigrants from some countries have lower CHB rates (e.g., because they have higher socioeconomic status and resources to emigrate) or higher rates (e.g., because they lived in refugee camps) than in-country populations. If only data from surveys in emigrants are used for the 52 countries for which data are available, the estimate of the number of FB living with CHB is still significantly higher than estimates from NHANES-based studies (Fig. 2).

Conclusion: VEGF-C and Smad4 may play vital role in lymph selleck chemicals llc node metastasis in colon carcinoma. Smad4 expression showed negative correlation with VEGF-C expression. VEGF-C and Smad4 expression may be clinically useful indicators for prognostic evaluation in patients with colon carcinoma. Key Word(s): 1. VEGF-C; 2. colon carcinoma; 4. Smad4; Presenting Author: HANQING LUO Additional Authors: DONG WU, GUIJUN FEI, HUIJUN SHU, JINGNAN LI, JIAMING QIAN Corresponding Author: DONG WU Affiliations: none Objective: Three consecutive fecal

occult blood tests (FOBT) are widely used for noninvasive screening of organic gastrointestinal diseases. However, its diagnostic yield for colorectal polyps and cancer has not been fully studied. We aim to evaluate this screening strategy for colorectal

polyps and for cancer in a tertiary teaching hospital. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 303 patients in our department who had undergone standard colonoscopy and three FOBT priorly. The sensitivity and specificity of variable positive FOBTs (0,1,2 or 3) for diagnosing colorectal polyps and cancer were calculated. The impact of colorectal polyps’ location, amount, size, and histological characters on FOBT results were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: The mean age of these patients was 59.5 ± 15.0. Among these 303 patients (male 154), colorectal see more polyps were recognized in 169 patients by colonoscopy, and 46 patients were diagnosed with cancer. Compared to patients with normal colonoscopy results, the positive times of FOBT were significantly higher in patients with colorectal cancer (2.3 ± 1.0 vs. 1.2 ± 1.1), and also higher in patients with colorectal polyps (1.6 ± 1.2 vs. 0.6 ± 1.0). As to colorectal polyps, the sensitivity and specificity of positive FOBT were 75.1% and 66.4% for one time, 50.9% and 82.8% for two times, 30.8% and 91.0% for three times. Separately, as to colorectal cancer, the sensitivity and specificity were 91.3% and 34.3% for one time, 80.4% and 63.8% for two times, 54.3% and 80.9% for three times. The amount, size, and histology of colorectal polyps weren’t related to positive FOBT. MCE Polyps located in the left half colon were

more likely to yield positive FOBT (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Three consecutive FOBT can be used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer and polyps. Location of polyps may influence FOBT results. Key Word(s): 1. FOBT; 2. colorectal polyps; 3. colorectal cancer; Presenting Author: GUANGMING FENG Additional Authors: NAIZHONG HU Corresponding Author: NAIZHONG HU Affiliations: the Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University; the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University Objective: To investigate the expression of Cox-2 and p53 in colorectal adenomas(CRA), and preliminary investigate the significance of expression on the recurrence of CRA. Methods: Collected 108 cases of CRA paraffinembedded tissue specimens, the department of pathology in our hospital from June 2005 to December 2009.

Conclusion: VEGF-C and Smad4 may play vital role in lymph Sotrastaurin concentration node metastasis in colon carcinoma. Smad4 expression showed negative correlation with VEGF-C expression. VEGF-C and Smad4 expression may be clinically useful indicators for prognostic evaluation in patients with colon carcinoma. Key Word(s): 1. VEGF-C; 2. colon carcinoma; 4. Smad4; Presenting Author: HANQING LUO Additional Authors: DONG WU, GUIJUN FEI, HUIJUN SHU, JINGNAN LI, JIAMING QIAN Corresponding Author: DONG WU Affiliations: none Objective: Three consecutive fecal

occult blood tests (FOBT) are widely used for noninvasive screening of organic gastrointestinal diseases. However, its diagnostic yield for colorectal polyps and cancer has not been fully studied. We aim to evaluate this screening strategy for colorectal

polyps and for cancer in a tertiary teaching hospital. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 303 patients in our department who had undergone standard colonoscopy and three FOBT priorly. The sensitivity and specificity of variable positive FOBTs (0,1,2 or 3) for diagnosing colorectal polyps and cancer were calculated. The impact of colorectal polyps’ location, amount, size, and histological characters on FOBT results were analyzed by logistic regression. Results: The mean age of these patients was 59.5 ± 15.0. Among these 303 patients (male 154), colorectal Hydroxychloroquine polyps were recognized in 169 patients by colonoscopy, and 46 patients were diagnosed with cancer. Compared to patients with normal colonoscopy results, the positive times of FOBT were significantly higher in patients with colorectal cancer (2.3 ± 1.0 vs. 1.2 ± 1.1), and also higher in patients with colorectal polyps (1.6 ± 1.2 vs. 0.6 ± 1.0). As to colorectal polyps, the sensitivity and specificity of positive FOBT were 75.1% and 66.4% for one time, 50.9% and 82.8% for two times, 30.8% and 91.0% for three times. Separately, as to colorectal cancer, the sensitivity and specificity were 91.3% and 34.3% for one time, 80.4% and 63.8% for two times, 54.3% and 80.9% for three times. The amount, size, and histology of colorectal polyps weren’t related to positive FOBT. medchemexpress Polyps located in the left half colon were

more likely to yield positive FOBT (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Three consecutive FOBT can be used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer and polyps. Location of polyps may influence FOBT results. Key Word(s): 1. FOBT; 2. colorectal polyps; 3. colorectal cancer; Presenting Author: GUANGMING FENG Additional Authors: NAIZHONG HU Corresponding Author: NAIZHONG HU Affiliations: the Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University; the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University Objective: To investigate the expression of Cox-2 and p53 in colorectal adenomas(CRA), and preliminary investigate the significance of expression on the recurrence of CRA. Methods: Collected 108 cases of CRA paraffinembedded tissue specimens, the department of pathology in our hospital from June 2005 to December 2009.

scabiei isolate #20 used as inoculum. The first experiment (trial 1) was planted

on 23rd April 2007 and the second (trial 2) on 10th August 2007. Plant establishment, tuber selection and inoculum preparation was as described for the preliminary experiment. In trial 1, there were three inoculation treatments: 10, 20 and 30 DAT, with each treatment consisting of a single spray of pathogen spore suspension. In trial 2, there were three inoculation treatments, each consisting of LY2157299 order two sprays at 5 day intervals. The first was at 3 and 8 DAT, the second 13 and 18 DAT and the third at 23 and 28 DAT. A control treatment of water only was included in both trials. Treated tubers were harvested at plant senescence and the proportion of tubers showing any disease lesions in each treatment was recorded. Each tuber was then assessed for the estimated tuber surface coverage by lesions and the depth of the deepest lesion present using the methods of Wilson et al. (1999). In the preliminary trial, occasional lesions were noted on treated tubers of ‘Desiree’, ‘Shepody’ and ‘Russet Burbank’ buy GDC-0068 following both inoculation techniques. Spore suspension sprays produced approximately twofold more lesions than the droplet inoculation method. Varieties

‘Desiree’ and ‘Shepody’ had comparable infection rate being approximately twofold greater than ‘Russet Burbank’. Subsequent experiments utilized the susceptible cultivar ‘Desiree’ with the most effective inoculation method (spore suspension spray). In both trials, individual tubers of cultivar ‘Desiree’ were successfully infected with S. scabiei

isolate #20 and typical common scab disease symptoms expressed (Fig. 2). All tubers from control treatments remained healthy. Whilst S. scabiei infection of seedling shoots and roots has been demonstrated in soil-less media (Leiner et al. 1996; Goyer et al. 1998), here we report successful infection of developing tubers in a soil-less medchemexpress media. Tuber infection rates were higher in trial 2 where double inoculations per treatment were used. The highest percentage infection and scab surface coverage was 36.6 and 3.8%, respectively, when inoculated 20 DAT in trial 1, and 66.6 and 4.6%, respectively, when inoculated at 3 and 8 DAT in trial 2 (Table 1). Inoculation of more mature tubers (trial 1 – 30 DAT, trial 2 – 23 and 28 DAT) showed a reduction in symptom expression suggesting reduced susceptibility perhaps due to increased physical resistance e.g. suberization of lenticels (Adams 1975). Whilst the mean lesion depth of the deepest lesion on infected tubers did not significantly vary between inoculation date treatments, trends suggest lesion depth increased the earlier tubers were inoculated. These results showing infection greatest during the early stage of tuber formation is in agreement with others (McIntosh 1970; Loria et al.

scabiei isolate #20 used as inoculum. The first experiment (trial 1) was planted

on 23rd April 2007 and the second (trial 2) on 10th August 2007. Plant establishment, tuber selection and inoculum preparation was as described for the preliminary experiment. In trial 1, there were three inoculation treatments: 10, 20 and 30 DAT, with each treatment consisting of a single spray of pathogen spore suspension. In trial 2, there were three inoculation treatments, each consisting of Selleckchem Caspase inhibitor two sprays at 5 day intervals. The first was at 3 and 8 DAT, the second 13 and 18 DAT and the third at 23 and 28 DAT. A control treatment of water only was included in both trials. Treated tubers were harvested at plant senescence and the proportion of tubers showing any disease lesions in each treatment was recorded. Each tuber was then assessed for the estimated tuber surface coverage by lesions and the depth of the deepest lesion present using the methods of Wilson et al. (1999). In the preliminary trial, occasional lesions were noted on treated tubers of ‘Desiree’, ‘Shepody’ and ‘Russet Burbank’ click here following both inoculation techniques. Spore suspension sprays produced approximately twofold more lesions than the droplet inoculation method. Varieties

‘Desiree’ and ‘Shepody’ had comparable infection rate being approximately twofold greater than ‘Russet Burbank’. Subsequent experiments utilized the susceptible cultivar ‘Desiree’ with the most effective inoculation method (spore suspension spray). In both trials, individual tubers of cultivar ‘Desiree’ were successfully infected with S. scabiei

isolate #20 and typical common scab disease symptoms expressed (Fig. 2). All tubers from control treatments remained healthy. Whilst S. scabiei infection of seedling shoots and roots has been demonstrated in soil-less media (Leiner et al. 1996; Goyer et al. 1998), here we report successful infection of developing tubers in a soil-less medchemexpress media. Tuber infection rates were higher in trial 2 where double inoculations per treatment were used. The highest percentage infection and scab surface coverage was 36.6 and 3.8%, respectively, when inoculated 20 DAT in trial 1, and 66.6 and 4.6%, respectively, when inoculated at 3 and 8 DAT in trial 2 (Table 1). Inoculation of more mature tubers (trial 1 – 30 DAT, trial 2 – 23 and 28 DAT) showed a reduction in symptom expression suggesting reduced susceptibility perhaps due to increased physical resistance e.g. suberization of lenticels (Adams 1975). Whilst the mean lesion depth of the deepest lesion on infected tubers did not significantly vary between inoculation date treatments, trends suggest lesion depth increased the earlier tubers were inoculated. These results showing infection greatest during the early stage of tuber formation is in agreement with others (McIntosh 1970; Loria et al.