Many agricultural species have undergone selection for traits that are consistent with those that increase the probability that a species will become invasive. However, the risk of invasion may be accurately predicted for the majority of plant species tested using the Australian Weed Risk Assessment (WRA). This system has been tested in multiple climates and geographies and, on average, correctly identifies 90% of the major plant invaders as having high invasion risk, and 70% of the noninvaders as having low risk. We used this tool to evaluate the invasion risk of 38Eucalyptustaxa currently being tested and cultivated in the USA for pulp, biofuel, and other purposes. We predict 15 taxa to have low risk of invasion, 14 taxa to have high risk, and 9 taxa to require further information. In addition to a history of naturalization and invasiveness elsewhere, the traits that significantly contribute to a high invasion risk conclusion include having prolific seed production and a short generation time. Selection against these traits should reduce the probability that eucalypts cultivated in the USA will become invasive threats to natural areas and agricultural systems.

No abstract

Nonnative invasive plant species pose a significant threat to Florida’s natural areas. The UF/IFAS Assessment of Nonnative Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas (hereafter, UF/IFAS Assessment) uses literature-based risk assessment tools to predict the invasion risk of both nonnative species that occur in the state as well as species proposed for introduction. The UF/IFAS Assessment team has evaluated more than 770 species, including 97 species proposed for introduction or new uses. The team is actively identifying and evaluating potentially problematic nonnative species (and sub-specific or hybrid taxa). Recommendations and supporting information from the UF/IFAS Assessment can be found at http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/assessment. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Deah Lieurance, S. Luke Flory, Aimee L. Cooper, Doria R. Gordon, Alison M. Fox, Joan Dusky, and Linda Tyson, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, November 2013. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag376

Learning objectives Present a case of toxic epidermal necrolysis in the UAE who was found to have mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory infection. Case summary A 4-year-old girl, previously healthy, presented with fever of 3 days with a rash for 1 day. The rash was erythematous, sand paper like involving her chest, back, upper and lower extremities. She was found to have streptococcal pharyngitis, treated as a case of scarlet fever and discharged home on Amoxicillin-Clavulanate acid and ibuprofen.The next day, she presented again with fever and increasing rash that is now involving the eyes and mouth (lips an oral mucosa). The rash was evolving to erosions and sloughing of the skin on the chest and back.Considering that her skin involvement was tremendous (> 30%), she was diagnosed as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). She was admitted to the pediatrics intensive care unit (PICU).When looking for the underlying cause, the triggering factor was suspected to be either drug related or infection related. She was tested for mycoplasma infection that turned out to be positive, and she was managed with azithromycin.Throughout her illness she was hemodynamically stable, on the 4 th day of illness she started to improve in sense of settling fever and tachycardia, Her inflammatory markers were decreasing as well.She continued her medical care in the hospital for 20 days and discharged home with follow-ups. Methods Case report and literature review Discussion We believe as clinicians that in the UAE we rarely encounter such critical cases that warrant a multidisciplinary approach, aiming to deliver the best care and maintain the well being of the patient. In reviewing the literature there was no reported case in the UAE. Moreover, etiological underlying factors are clearly known in the medical history. We believe that three factors were implied in this case; Amoxicillin use, mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory infection and the possibility of genetic predisposition. Conclusion SJS/TEN is a challenging diagnosis, that merits prompt recognition and management hoping to prevent its sequelae. Many factors contribute to the development of these unpleasant and eventful diagnoses. Pediatricians need to be alerted regarding this diagnosis and the available management modalities.

Revised! SS-AGR-86, an 8-page fact sheet by A. M. Fox, D. R. Gordon, J. A. Dusky, L. Tyson, R. K. Stocker, K. A. Langeland, and A. L. Cooper, provides a history, justification, and summary of the IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Agronomy, November 2009.