bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Objective and subjective hardness of a test item used for evaluating food mixing ability
Authors: SALLEH N. M. , FUEKI K. , GARRETT N. R. , OHYAMA T.
Published: February 2007

Summary  The aim of this study was to compare objective and subjective hardness of selected common foods with a wax cube used as a test item in a mixing ability test. Objective hardness was determined for 11 foods (cream cheese, boiled fish paste, boiled beef, apple, raw carrot, peanut, soft/hard rice cracker, jelly, plain chocolate and chewing gum) and the wax cube. Peak force (N) to compress each item was obtained from force–time curves generated with the Tensipresser. Perceived hardness ratings of each item were made by 30 dentate subjects (mean age 26·9 years) using a visual analogue scale (100 mm). These subjective assessments were given twice with a 1 week interval. High intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for test–retest reliability were seen for all foods (ICC > 0·68; P < 0·001). One‐way anova found a significant effect of food type on both the objective hardness score and the subjective hardness rating (P < 0·001). The wax cube showed significant lower objective hardness score (32·6 N) and subjective hardness rating (47·7) than peanut (45·3 N, 63·5) and raw carrot (82·5 N, 78·4) [P < 0·05; Ryan–Einot–Gabriel–Welsch (REGW)‐F]. A significant semilogarithmic relationship was found between the logarithm of objective hardness scores and subjective hardness ratings across twelve test items (r = 0·90; P < 0·001). These results suggest the wax cube has a softer texture compared with test foods traditionally used for masticatory performance test, such as peanut and raw carrot. The hardness of the wax cube could be modified to simulate a range of test foods by changing mixture ratio of soft and hard paraffin wax.
Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐J)
Authors: YAMAZAKI M. , INUKAI M. , BABA K. , JOHN M. T.
Published: February 2007

Summary The objective of the study was to develop a Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). The original 49 items were translated using a forward–backward method following accepted cultural adaptation guidelines. Ade novodevelopment of Japanese items was conducted to establish content validity. The associations between the OHIP summary score and self‐reported oral health (n = 220) and self‐reported denture quality (n = 155) were investigated for construct validity. The association between the OHIP summary score and six oral conditions (n = 227) were also tested. The responsiveness of the instrument was established by comparing the score before and after using newly fabricated removable partial dentures (n = 30). The test‐retest reliability (n = 37) and internal consistency (n = 251) were also calculated. After thede novodevelopment, five new items were added to the OHIP. The priori hypothesized associations between the OHIP score and oral health conditions were confirmed (P < 0·001). The change in the OHIP scores from 63·6 to 40·6 (P < 0·001) supports the responsiveness of the instrument. Intra‐class correlation coefficients of 0·81 and Cronbach's alpha of 0·98 indicate high test‐retest reliability and internal consistency of the instrument's summary score. Sufficient discriminative and evaluative psychometric properties of the currently developed Japanese version of the OHIP in typical target populations make the instrument suitable for assessing the oral health‐related quality of life in cross‐sectional as well as longitudinal studies.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibition increases gastric tone and delays gastric emptying in rats1
Authors: Santos C. L. , Medeiros B. A. , Palheta‐junior R. C. , Macedo G. M. , Nobre‐e‐souza M. A. , Troncon L. E. A. , Santos A. A. , Souza M. H. L. P.
Published: February 2007

Abstract  We evaluated the effects of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) selective inhibitors, COX‐1 selective inhibitor, or COX non‐selective inhibitor on gastric emptying and intestinal transit of liquids, and evaluated the effect of a COX‐2 selective inhibitor on gastric tonus (GT). Male Wistar rats were treated per os with saline (control), rofecoxib, celecoxib, ketorolac, rofecoxib + ketorolac, celecoxib + ketorolac, or indomethacin. After 1 h, rats were gavage‐fed (1.5 mL) with the test meal (5% glucose solution with 0.05 g mL−1 phenol red) and killed 10, 20 or 30 min later. Gastric, proximal, medial or distal small intestine dye recovery (GDR and IDR, respectively) were measured by spectrophotometry. The animals of the other group were treated with i.v. valdecoxib or saline, and GT was continuously observed for 120 min using a pletismomether system. Compared with the control group, treatment with COX‐2 inhibitors, alone or with ketocolac, as well as with indomethacin increased GDR (P < 0.05) at 10‐, 20‐ or 30‐min postprandial intervals. Ketorolac alone did not change the GDR, but increased the proximal IDR (P < 0.05) at 10 min, and decreased medial IDR (P < 0.05) at 10 and 20 min. Valdecoxib increased (P < 0.01) GT 60, 80 and 100 min after administration. In conclusion, COX‐2 inhibition delayed the gastric emptying of liquids and increased GT in rats.
Paternal occupation and neural tube defects: a case–control study based on the Oxford Record Linkage Study register
Authors: Fear Nicola T. , Hey Kate , Vincent Tim , Murphy Michael
Published: February 2007

Certain paternal occupations and related exposures have been suggested as possible risk factors for neural tube defects (NTD). We analysed data collected as part of a case–control study to investigate the relationship between paternal occupational exposures and NTD. Cases were 694 NTD‐affected pregnancies diagnosed between 1970 and 1987 in Oxfordshire or West Berkshire, England. Controls were randomly selected from a computerised maternity database individually matched to cases on maternal year of birth and year of index pregnancy. Data on paternal occupation were abstracted from hospital antenatal records. Associations between paternal occupational exposures and NTD were assessed using odds ratios adjusted for maternal year of birth, year of index pregnancy, gender of baby, multiplicity of birth and number of previous obstetric events.

Statistically significant positive associations were observed for paternal occupational exposure to agrochemicals and animals. Analysis by occupational title revealed that more case than control fathers were farmers, gardeners and butchers. Statistically significant negative associations were seen for paternal occupational exposure to inhaled hydrocarbons and metal‐working oil mists. The findings from this population‐based study for paternal agricultural and animal‐related occupations overlap and have been previously observed. The apparent protective effects of fathers working with inhaled hydrocarbons and metal‐working oil mists have not been previously described. No underlying biological mechanisms have been identified, therefore other explanations cannot be excluded.
Review: secular tectonic evolution of Archean continental crust: interplay between horizontal and vertical processes in the formation of the Pilbara Craton, Australia
Authors: Van Kranendonk Martin J. , Hugh Smithies R. , Hickman Arthur H. , Champion D.C.
Published: February 2007

The Archean Pilbara Craton contains five geologically distinct terranes – the East Pilbara, Karratha, Sholl, Regal and Kurrana Terranes – all of which are unconformably overlain by the 3.02‐ to 2.93‐Ga De Grey Superbasin. The 3.53–3.17 Ga East Pilbara Terrane (EP) represents the ancient nucleus of the craton that formed through three distinct mantle plume events at 3.53–3.43, 3.35–3.29 and 3.27–3.24 Ga. Each plume event resulted in eruption of thick dominantly basaltic volcanic successions on older crust to 3.72 Ga, and melting of crust to generate first tonalite‐trondhjemite‐granodiorite (TTG), and then progressively more evolved granitic magmas. In each case, plume magmatism was accompanied by uplift and crustal extension. The combination of conductive heating from below, thermal blanketing from above, and internal heating of buried granitoids during these events led to episodes of partial convective overturn of upper and middle crust. These mantle melting events caused severe depletion of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle, making the EP a stable, buoyant, unsubductable continent by c. 3.2 Ga. Extension accompanying the latest event led to rifting of the protocontinent margins at between 3.2 and 3.17 Ga. After 3.2 Ga, horizontal tectonic forces dominated over vertical forces, as revealed by the geology of the three terranes (Karratha, Sholl and Regal) of the West Pilbara Superterrane. The c. 3.12‐Ga Whundo Group of the Sholl Terrane is a fault bounded, 10‐km‐thick volcanic succession with geochemical characteristics of modern oceanic arcs (including boninites and evidence for flux melting) that indicate steep Archean subduction. At 3.07 Ga, the 3.12‐Ga Sholl Terrane, 3.27‐Ga Karratha Terrane and c. 3.2‐Ga Regal Terrane accreted together and onto the EP during the Prinsep Orogeny. This was followed by development of the De Grey Superbasin – an intracontinental sag basin and widespread plutonism (2.99–2.93 Ga) as a result of orogenic relaxation and slab break off. Craton‐wide compressional deformation at 2.95–2.93 Ga culminated with 2.91‐Ga accretion of the 3.18 Ga Kurrana Terrane with the EP. This compression caused amplification of the dome‐and‐keel structure in the EP. Final cratonization was effected by emplacement of 2.89–2.83 Ga post‐tectonic granites.
Identification of an arsenic tolerant double mutant with a thiol‐mediated component and increased arsenic tolerance in phyA mutants
Authors: Sung Dong‐Yul , Lee David , Harris Hugh , Raab Andrea , Feldmann Jörg , Meharg Andrew , Kumabe Bryan , Komives Elizabeth A. , Schroeder Julian I.
Published: February 2007

A genetic screen was performed to isolate mutants showing increased arsenic tolerance using an Arabidopsis thaliana population of activation tagged lines. The most arsenic‐resistant mutant shows increased arsenate and arsenite tolerance. Genetic analyses of the mutant indicate that the mutant contains two loci that contribute to arsenic tolerance, designated ars4 and ars5. The ars4ars5 double mutant contains a single T‐DNA insertion, ars4, which co‐segregates with arsenic tolerance and is inserted in the Phytochrome A (PHYA) gene, strongly reducing the expression of PHYA. When grown under far‐red light conditions ars4ars5 shows the same elongated hypocotyl phenotype as the previously described strong phyA‐211 allele. Three independent phyA alleles, ars4, phyA‐211 and a new T‐DNA insertion allele (phyA‐t) show increased tolerance to arsenate, although to a lesser degree than the ars4ars5 double mutant. Analyses of the ars5 single mutant show that ars5 exhibits stronger arsenic tolerance than ars4, and that ars5 is not linked to ars4. Arsenic tolerance assays with phyB‐9 and phot1/phot2 mutants show that these photoreceptor mutants do not exhibit phyA‐like arsenic tolerance. Fluorescence HPLC analyses show that elevated levels of phytochelatins were not detected in ars4, ars5 or ars4ars5, however increases in the thiols cysteine, γ‐glutamylcysteine and glutathione were observed. Compared with wild type, the total thiol levels in ars4, ars5 and ars4ars5 mutants were increased up to 80% with combined buthionine sulfoximine and arsenic treatments, suggesting the enhancement of mechanisms that mediate thiol synthesis in the mutants. The presented findings show that PHYA negatively regulates a pathway conferring arsenic tolerance, and that an enhanced thiol synthesis mechanism contributes to the arsenic tolerance of ars4ars5.
Can magnetic resonance angiogram be a reliable alternative for donor evaluation for laparoscopic nephrectomy?
Authors: Kim Jun‐Chul , Kim Chan‐Duck , Jang Min‐Hwa , Park Sun‐Hee , Lee Jong‐Min , Kwon Tae‐Gyun , Yoo Eun‐Sang , Huh Seung , Kim Yong‐Lim
Published: February 2007

Abstract:  Background:  While hand‐assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HLDN) is less invasive, which can encourage kidney donation, it requires more exact information about the renal vascular anatomy because of its limited visual field during nephrectomy. MRA is also an attractive choice because of its minimal invasiveness; further, it is an outpatient‐based procedure, it uses non‐nephrotoxic contrast material and it has no radiation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of gadolinium enhanced three‐dimensional MRA (GdE‐3D MRA) in a group of potential live donors who were candidates for HLDN.

Methods:  From September 2002 to December 2004, 40 potential live renal donors were evaluated prospectively with GdE‐3D MRA, and this imaging modality was performed before the gold standard, the intra‐arterial digital subtraction angiogram (IA‐DSA), was carried out. All the images were reviewed in a blinded manner by the attending vascular radiologist. The MRA findings were compared with the DSA findings and the surgical findings as the reference methods. We evaluated the accuracy of MRA for imaging the renal architectures, and especially for imaging the renal accessory arteries and the early branching arteries that are important determinants for selection of the donor kidney.

Results:  Both the MRA and DSA images showed consistent findings with the surgical findings in 92.5% of the 40 donors. There were no discrepant cases in depicting the main renal artery. MRA showed 100% specificity for imaging both the renal accessory arteries and the early branching arteries, when compared with the surgical findings. The kappa values for the MRA and DSA for the accessory arteries were all 0.66 compared with the intraoperative findings. MRA also depicted one huge renal cyst in one donor and many small renal cysts in the other donors that could not be imaged by DSA. There were no adverse events during the MRA procedure. None of the findings missed by MRA resulted in deleterious consequences at laparoscopic nephrectomy for the donor and graft.

Conclusions:  Our limited experience with GdE‐3D MRA for imaging the renal structures in kidney donor evaluation for HLDN has been quite satisfactory.
Divergence in symbiotic interactions between same genotypic PCR–RFLP Frankia strains and different Casuarinaceae species under natural conditions
Authors: Nasr Hafedh , Domenach Anne‐Marie , Ghorbel Mohamed Habib , Benson David R.
Published: February 2007

The symbiotic interactions between Frankia strains and their associated plants from the Casuarinaceae under controlled conditions are well documented but little is known about these interactions under natural conditions. We explored the symbiotic interactions between eight genotypically characterized Frankia strains and five Casuarinaceae species in long‐term field trials. Characterization of strains was performed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for the nifD–nifK intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) and 16S–23S ITS. Assessments of the symbiotic interactions were based on nodulation patterns using nodule dry weight and viability, and on actual N2 fixation using the δ15N method. The PCR–RFLP patterns showed that the analyzed strains belonged to the same genotypic group (CeD group), regardless of the host species and environment of origin. The nodule viability index is introduced as a new tool to measure the viability of perennial nodules and to predict their effectiveness. The host Casuarinaceae species was a key factor influencing both the actual N2‐fixing activity of the associated Frankia strain and the viability of nodules within a location. This is the first study providing information on the symbiotic interactions between genotypically characterized Frankia strains and actinorhizal plants under natural conditions. The results revealed a way to improve a long‐term management of the Casuarinaceae symbiosis.
Multiple isoforms of UDP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase in rice
Authors: Chen Rongzhi , Zhao Xiao , Shao Zhe , Zhu Lili , He Guangcun
Published: February 2007

Uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐glucose pyrophosphorylases (UGPases, EC 2.7.7.9) are key enzymes in plant carbohydrate metabolism and cell‐wall biosynthesis, catalyzing the reversible production of glucose‐1‐phosphate and uridine triphosphate from UDP‐glucose and pyrophosphate. In the study presented here, two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by peptide sequencing analysis using nanospray electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry showed that rice (Oryza sativa L.) UGPase undergoes N‐terminal acetylation, which may be a conserved modification of plant UGPases. We also obtained indications, using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis in combination with western blot analysis, that multiple isoforms of UGPase are present in rice in vivo and are regulated tissue‐specifically. The rice genome contains two homologous UGPase genes, OsUgp1 and OsUgp2. We present evidence that both OsUgp1 and OsUgp2 are ubiquitously expressed throughout rice development, and that OsUgp1 is expressed at much higher levels than OsUgp2. In accordance with the gene expression patterns, the UGPase isoform derived from the OsUgp1 gene predominated in various rice tissues and exhibited qualitative variations (position shifts and presence/absence) between rice varieties B5 and Taichung native 1 (TN1). Our results demonstrate that these qualitative variations are attributable to a single amino acid substitution of Asp‐462 in B5 by His in TN1, corresponding to the allelic difference in the OsUgp1 gene between B5 and TN1.
Preparation of Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts with high rates of photosynthesis
Authors: Riazunnisa Khateef , Padmavathi Lolla , Scheibe Renate , Raghavendra Agepati S.
Published: February 2007

A simple and quick method is described for rapid isolation of metabolically active mesophyll protoplasts from leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana. The optimal composition of the digestion medium, period of digestion and stability of protoplast preparation were examined. A large number of protoplasts could be prepared within an hour. The isolated protoplasts were intact, stable and metabolically very active, as indicated by their high rates of photosynthetic oxygen evolution. The important factors during the preparation of protoplasts are short time of digestion, composition of medium, use of nylon nets for filtration, centrifugation at low speed and use of pH 7.0 for storage. The highest rate of photosynthesis obtained in these experiments was 130 ± 4 μmol O2 evolved mg−1 Chl h−1, at 1 mM sodium bicarbonate and at a light intensity of 600 μE m−2 s−1. The present technique of isolation can be very useful for making Arabidopsis protoplasts for studies on not only metabolic processes, such as photosynthesis, but also metabolomics, proteomics and genomics.
Methodological considerations of measuring disability in bipolar disorder: validity of the Multidimensional Scale of Independent Functioning
Authors: Berns Stefanie , Uzelac Sarah , Gonzalez Cristina , Jaeger Judith
Published: February 2007

Objective:  Recent studies have highlighted the prevalence, severity and persistence of the disability associated with bipolar disorder (BPD). Reliable instruments are needed to support research into the factors associated with disability and treatment response. Contextual factors (e.g., availability of supported employment programs) can affect functionality, posing a challenge to such investigations. We present preliminary findings regarding the validity of the Multidimensional Scale of Independent Functioning (MSIF) in BPD. The MSIF provides discrete ratings of support separate from both role responsibility and performance quality in work, residential and educational environments. These distinctions allow the ‘correction’ for variability explained by contextual factors that allows the comparison of studies conducted in different environments and time.

Methods:  Participants with BPD were administered the MSIF, the Social Adjustment Scale II (SAS‐II) and an interview recording objective data regarding work, school and residential activities as part of an ongoing longitudinal study of BPD disability.

Results:  Construct validity estimated using standardized Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.76 (n = 58). MSIF global ratings were significantly lower (reflecting higher functionality) for subjects engaged in productive activity compared with participants who were not active (t = −3.6, p = 0.001) demonstrating external validity. Inter‐rater reliability estimates ranged from 0.86 to 0.99 (n = 49). Significant, high correlations were demonstrated between comparable MSIF and SAS‐II global ratings (criterion validity = 0.70–0.79) and low correlations were found between non‐comparable ratings (discriminant validity = −0.07 to −0.35) (n = 14).

Conclusion:  We conclude that the MSIF is a valid and reliable instrument optimally designed for studying determinants of disability and treatment response in BPD.
Developing core sets for persons with bipolar disorder based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Vieta E , Cieza A , Stucki G , Chatterji S , Nieto M , Sánchez‐Moreno J , Jaeger J , Grunze H , Ayuso‐Mateos JL
Published: February 2007

Introduction:  Functioning is increasingly being taken into account when assessing the impact of bipolar disorder (BD) on the individual, as well as the effectiveness of treatments. With the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), we can now rely on a globally agreed‐upon framework and system for classifying the typical spectrum of problems in functioning, given the environmental context in which subjects live. ICF Core Sets are subgroups of ICF items selected to capture those aspects of functioning that are most likely to be affected by specific disorders. Within a given disorder, both Brief and Comprehensive Core Sets can be established to serve specific purposes.

Objective:  The aim of this paper is to outline the development process of the ICF Core Sets for BD.

Methods:  The final definition of ICF Core Sets for BD will be determined at an ICF Core‐Sets Consensus Conference, which will integrate evidence from preliminary studies, namely (a) semi‐structured interviews with people with BD in different countries, (b) a Delphi exercise with international experts participating and (c) a cross‐sectional study.

Conclusion:  ICF Core Sets are being designed with the goal of providing useful standards for research, clinical practice and teaching. We believe that these ICF Core Sets for BD will stimulate research leading to improved understanding of functioning, disability and health in BD. Such research, we hope, will lead to interventions and accommodations to improve restoration and maintenance of functioning and minimise disability among people with BD throughout the world.
Employment functioning and disability among community residents with bipolar affective disorder: results from an Australian community survey
Authors: Waghorn Geoffrey , Chant David , Jaeger Judith
Published: February 2007

Objectives: To compare employment functioning and disability among people with bipolar affective disorder in comparison to adults with schizophrenia.

Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing 1997–1998. Participants were aged 18–64 years with a DSM‐III‐R diagnosis of either bipolar affective disorder (BPD, n = 156) or schizophrenia (n = 385) and were community residents with either outpatient or short‐stay inpatient status. The survey began by screening 5,710 people for psychosis, hence the sample consists mostly of bipolar disorder with psychotic features. Those with BPD were examined both in aggregation with and in contrast to people with schizophrenia on 24 independent variables covering demographic, clinical, and functioning characteristics with respect to two employment status variables and a global rating of social and occupational functioning.

Results: The unadjusted and fully adjusted models revealed key functioning differences between BPD and schizophrenia. Adjusted correlates of employment functioning unique to people with BPD were: age, course of disorder, insight into positive symptoms, impairment attributed to medication, family history of schizophrenia, lifetime substance dependence, and lifetime repeated use of illicit or non‐prescription drugs.

Conclusions: The population‐level correlates of employment functioning among people with BPD warrant special attention when providing both clinical and vocational assistance. Employment functioning in both BPD and schizophrenia is partly explained by demographic, clinical and functioning correlates, which can be independent of global assessments of social and occupational functioning.
Neurocognitive test performance predicts functional recovery from acute exacerbation leading to hospitalization in bipolar disorder
Authors: Jaeger Judith , Berns Stefanie , Loftus Shay , Gonzalez Cristina , Czobor Pál
Published: February 2007

Objective:  Bipolar disorder (BPD) is associated with significant functional morbidity at a rate which is particularly elevated among patients discharged from hospital. The aim of this study was to examine the degree to which neurocognitive test performance, measured following hospitalization for an acute affective episode, is predictive of functional recovery 1 year later.

Methods:  Seventy‐eight Zucker Hillside Hospital patients aged 18–59 years and having Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV diagnosis of bipolar I disorder (BPD I), bipolar II disorder (BPD II) or BPD not otherwise specified (NOS) confirmed through a rigorous diagnosis consensus procedure, underwent a comprehensive neurocognitive test battery after initial stabilization (baseline) and were followed for at least 12 months (follow‐up). Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D) and Clinician‐Administered Rating Scale for Mania (CARS‐M) ratings were made at baseline and follow‐up. At follow‐up, functionality was assessed using the Multidimensional Scale for Independent Functioning (MSIF). Logistic regression was used to examine the predictive value of each of six validated neurocognitive domains for determining functionality (MSIF) at follow‐up. Baseline and follow‐up HAM‐D and CARS‐M were entered as covariates as was number of days between baseline and follow‐up.

Results:  Attention and Ideational Fluency were significantly predictive of functional recovery 12 months later. Residual mania but not depression was associated with 12‐month MSIF rating. Lithium and benzodiazepine treatment at the time of neurocognitive testing did not affect the results.

Conclusions:  This is the first study examining the predictive value of neurocognitive deficits, independent of residual mania or depression, for long‐term functional recovery following hospitalization. Selective neurocognitive deficits are predictive of long‐term functional recovery and, as such, should be candidate targets in treatment and rehabilitation programs.
Neuropsychological symptom dimensions in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
Authors: Czobor Pál , Jaeger Judith , Berns Stefanie M , Gonzalez Cristina , Loftus Shay
Published: February 2007

Background:  While neurocognitive (NC) impairments have been well documented in schizophrenia (SZ), there is limited data as to whether similar impairments are present in other persistent mental illnesses. Recent data indicate that NC impairments may be manifested in bipolar disorder (BPD) and that they persist across disease states, including euthymia. An important question is whether a comparable structure of NC impairments is present in the 2 diagnostic groups.

Objective:  In a previous factor analytic study, we identified 6 factors to describe the basic underlying structure of neuropsychological (NP) functioning in SZ: Attention, Working Memory, Learning, Verbal Knowledge, Non‐Verbal Functions, Ideational Fluency. The goal of this study was to investigate whether this factor structure is generalizable for BPD.

Methods:  The BPD sample included patients (n = 155) from an ongoing longitudinal study evaluating BPD at the time of hospitalization for relapse and at multiple time points over the following 2 years. The SZ sample included patients (n = 250) from a 3‐year study. For the current examination the baseline NP evaluations were selected for both samples.

Results:  Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in the BPD sample yielded factors similar to those identified in the SZ sample. The coefficients of congruence ranged between 0.66–0.90 for the individual factors, indicating a good overall correspondence between the factor structures in the 2 diagnostic groups. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) analysis with education level, full scale‐IQ, gender and ethnicity as covariates indicated that SZ patients had markedly worse performance on the Attention and Non‐Verbal Functioning factors compared to the BPD patients.

Conclusions:  Together, these data suggest that while the same underlying factor structure describes NP functioning in both groups, the profile of impairments appears to vary with the diagnosis.
Working, receiving disability benefits, and access to mental health care in individuals with bipolar disorder
Authors: Elinson Lynn , Houck Patricia , Pincus Harold Alan
Published: February 2007

Objective:  The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which people in a bipolar disorder (BPD) registry were working, factors associated with working and obtaining disability benefits, and the impact disability benefits have on work.

Methods:  We compared the socio‐demographic, disease, treatment, and health insurance characteristics among three work disability groups – working, not working, and not working and receiving disability benefits – using a chi‐square statistical test on categorical data, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare means, and a Kruskal–Wallis non‐parametric test of significance with skewed data.

Results:  Among 1,855 individuals, 49.4% reported they were working. Those working were younger, more frequently self‐identified as Caucasian, were more highly educated, had a higher income, were more often married, had a shorter duration of illness, and reported the shortest illness duration, the lowest percentage of suicide attempts, and manic and mixed or rapid symptoms in the past 6 months compared to the two non‐working groups. Working individuals least often reported receiving electroconvulsive therapy and being hospitalized and had the longest median duration since last hospitalization and the lowest percentage with treatment in the past 6 months. They were currently likelier to be treated by a primary care physician or other health professional than a psychiatrist compared to non‐working groups. Finally, compared to the non‐working groups, the working group had the highest percentage with no health insurance and private health insurance, the highest percentage using managed care, and the lowest percent under a fee‐for‐service plan. All work disability groups had similar perceptions of their mental health care plan in terms of the number of doctors or clinics from which to choose, the location of their health care providers, and the quality of mental health care. Those in the working group were least satisfied with the range of mental health services provided in their health plan.

Conclusions:  Disability benefits are rarely awarded when a person is working. Moreover, receipt of disability benefits increases the likelihood that a person with BPD will be receiving health care benefits and, in many cases, those benefits provide greater access to treatment compared to health care insurance received through an employer. We conclude that the incentives to work run counter to access to treatment among people with BPD.
Virulence Analysis and Race Classification of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in China
Authors: Liu H. , Yang W. , Hu B. , Liu F.
Published: February 2007

Two hundred and eighty‐five isolates of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae were randomly collected from 22 rice‐growing provinces in China. Ninety‐one representative isolates were chosen to assess the differential characteristics of 24 near‐isogenic rice lines containing a single resistance gene or two to four genes. Most isolates were avirulent on pyramided lines, except IRBB51, and hence, the pyramided lines cannot be used as differentials for the virulence analysis of X. oryzae pv. oryzae in China. The 13 rice lines with a single gene were used further to establish a system of races classification of X. oryzae pv. oryzae in China. IR24 and IRBB10 were susceptible to the isolates with several exceptions, whereas IRBB5, IRBB7 and IRBB21 were resistant. Based on the interactions between the isolates of X. oryzae pv. oryzae and the 13 near‐isogenic rice lines, six single‐gene rice cultivars (IRBB5, IRBB13, IRBB3, IRBB14, IRBB2 and IR24) were chosen as differentials, and the 285 tested isolates were classified into nine races. The reaction patterns of the nine races in order were: RRRRRR, RRRRRS, RRRRSS, RRRSSS, RRSSSS, RSRRRS, RSSRRS, RSSSSS and SSSSSS. The race frequencies were 10.18%, 10.53%, 4.91%, 10.18%, 24.21%, 5.96%, 11.23%, 22.46% and 0.35% respectively. The virulence of representative strains of eight Philippine races on 13 rice lines with a single gene was determined and compared with the Chinese races. The frequency distributions of X. oryzae pv. oryzae races were primarily described for the different regions in China.
Genetic Diversity of Fusarium oxysporum Populations Isolated from Tomato Plants in Tunisia
Authors: Hibar K. , Edel‐Herman V. , Steinberg Ch. , Gautheron N. , Daami‐Remadi M. , Alabouvette C. , El Mahjoub M.
Published: February 2007

Fusarium crown and root rot of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis‐lycopersici is a new devastative disease of tomato greenhouse crops in Tunisia. Nothing is known neither about the population of this pathogen in this region, nor about the population of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of tomato. In order to examine the genetic relatedness among the F. oxysporum isolates by intergenic spacer restriction fragment length polymorphism (IGS‐RFLP) analysis and to elucidate the origin of the formae specialesradicis‐lycopersici in Tunisia by looking for genetic similarity of Tunisians isolates with isolates from a foreign source, the genetic diversity among F. oxysporum f. sp. radicis‐lycopersici and F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici populations was investigated. A total of 62 isolates of F. oxysporum, obtained from symptomless tomato plants, were characterized using IGS typing and pathogenicity tests on tomato plants. All Fusarium isolates were highly pathogenic on tomato. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis‐lycopersici isolates were separated into five IGS types. From the 53 F. oxysporum f. sp. radicis‐lycopersici isolates, 34 isolates have the same IGS types (IGS type 25), and the remaining 19 isolates were distributed into four IGS types. However, the only nine isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici have six different IGS types. This difference of diversity between the two formae speciales suggests that F. oxysporum f. sp. radicis‐lycopersici isolates have a foreign origin and may have been accidentally introduced into Tunisia.
Variation of Fungicide Resistance in Czech Populations of Pseudoperonospora cubensis
Authors: Urban J. , Lebeda A.
Published: February 2007

During the growing seasons between the years 2001 and 2004, 98 isolates of Pseudoperonospora cubensis from nine regions of Czech Republic were collected and screened for tolerance/resistance to the three frequently used fungicides (propamocarb, fosetyl‐Al, metalaxyl). Fungicides were tested in five different concentrations, using a floating disc bioassay. Fungicide effectiveness varied considerably. Propamocarb appeared most effective and all the isolates collected in the years 2001–2003 were found sensitive to all tested concentrations [607–9712 μg active ingredient (a.i.)/ml]. In 2004, some strains with increased resistance to propamocarb were detected. These strains were characterized by tolerance at the lowest concentrations (607 μg a.i./ml, eventually on 1214 μg a.i./ml); however, they were controlled by 2428 μg a.i./ml. Fosetyl‐Al was effective at the recommended concentration of 1600 μg a.i./ml against all isolates. However, the occurrence of isolates (collected in 2001) which sporulated at low concentrations (400 and 800 μg a.i./ml) indicated that the selection for tolerance occurs in the pathogen population. Nevertheless, this phenomenon was not confirmed with the P. cubensis isolates collected between the years 2002 and 2004. Metalaxyl was found ineffective, because 97% of the isolates showed the resistance to the recommended concentration (200 μg a.i./ml), and the other 3% of isolates expressed tolerant response. The majority of the isolates showed profuse and/or limited sporulation at higher concentrations (400 and 800 μg a.i./ml). A substantial shift to highly metalaxyl resistant strains was evident in the Czech P. cubensis populations during 2001–2004.
Molecular Characterization of a Totivirus and a Partitivirus from the Genus Ophiostoma
Authors: Doherty M. , Sanganee K. , Kozlakidis Z. , Coutts R. H. A. , Brasier C. M. , Buck K. W.
Published: February 2007

Two fungal isolates of the genus Ophiostoma (O. minus and O. quercus) contain double‐stranded RNA elements which, when partially cloned and sequenced, represent fragments of RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase genes which are most closely related to those found in viruses in the families Totiviridae and Partitiviridae, respectively. This is the first description of a totivirus in the genus Ophiostoma. The partitivirus in O. quercus is distantly related to a partitivirus recently identified in O. himal‐ulmi.
Detection, Survival and Transmission of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis and X. axonopodis pv. vignicola, Causal Agents of Cassava and Cowpea Bacterial Blight, respectively, in/by Insect Vectors
Authors: Zandjanakou‐Tachin M. , Fanou A. , Le Gall P. , Wydra K.
Published: February 2007

Populations of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis and X. axonopodis pv. vignicola, causal agents of cassava and cowpea bacterial blight, respectively, were quantified in insects. The pathogens were found in the faeces, the intestines, and on the legs and mandibles of Zonocerusvariegatus. Additionally, X. axonopodis pv. manihotis was localized in the insect gut by immunofluorescence microscopy. Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis survived at least 1 week in the insect intestines and at least 5 weeks in faeces kept under controlled conditions, while survival in faeces exposed to sunlight was <2 weeks. Five percentage [e.g. 5.8 × 107 colony‐forming units (CFU)/g faeces] of the fed population of X. axonopodis pv. manihotis in cassava leaves were recovered viable in the faeces after passage through the insect. The transmission of cassava bacterial blight by pathogen‐contaminated insect faeces to intact, healthy cassava leaves was demonstrated for the first time. Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola was isolated from organs and faeces of the grasshopper Pyrgomorpha cognata, the Senegalese grasshopper (Oedaleus senegalensis), bee (Apis mellifera) and three Coleoptera (Ootheca mutabilis, Mylabris spp., Exochomus troberti) collected in bacterial blight‐infected cowpea fields. Cowpea belonged to the diet of 19 grasshopper species collected in cowpea fields as demonstrated by residues in their faeces. Pathogen‐contaminated Z. variegatus initiated an epiphytic population of 8.9 × 104 CFU/g on healthy cowpea leaves. Spraying cassava and cowpea leaves with 102 and 104 CFU/ml of their respective pathogen was sufficient to evoke symptoms. A possible role of insects in the transmission of X. axonopodis pvs. vignicola and manihotis is discussed.
Immunodetection of Venturia inaequalis Ascospores with Phage Antibodies
Authors: Ribbert M. , Wolters A. , Barth S. , Stoecker M. , Schaeffer A. , Fischer R. , Finnern R.
Published: February 2007

We describe the bacterial expression of single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies that bind specifically to the ascospores of Venturia inaequalis (Cooke). A scFv phage display library was prepared from the expressed V‐gene repertoire of a mouse immunized with whole V. inaequalis ascospores. Affinity selection was then carried out using intact, non‐germinated ascospores. The binding of selected phage antibodies was monitored by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Several scFv antibodies were found to bind specifically to V. inaequalis ascospores. No cross‐reactivity was detected with spores from other phytopathogenic fungi, such as Plectosphaerella cucumerina, Cladosporium spp. and Alternaria brassicicola. Moreover, the scFvs did not bind to V. inaequalis conidiospores or mycelia. This is the first report describing the immunodetection of V. inaequalis ascospores by phage‐derived scFv antibody fragments. The degree of specificity of the antibodies is sufficiently high to allow rapid detection of ascospores within environmental probes such as those from particle samplers.
Characterization of a New Strain of Capsicum chlorosis virus from Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in China
Authors: Chen K. , Xu Z. , Yan L. , Wang G.
Published: February 2007

A new strain of Capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV) from peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in China, designated CaCV‐CP, was characterized. CaCV‐CP causes yellow spots and necrosis on the leaves of affected peanut plants. Of 31 plant species inoculated mechanically, 24 were susceptible to this strain. Quasi‐spherical virions were present in ultrathin section of diseased leaves. The complete sequence of S RNA of CaCV‐CP consisted of 3399 nucleotides (nts). The NSs and N genes of the virus contained 1320 nts and 828 nts, respectively; these two open reading frames were in an ambisense arrangement. The N gene of CaCV‐CP shared 84.7–86.4% and 92.4–93.1% identity with that of CaCV strains from Thailand and Australia at nt and amino acid levels, respectively (the GenBank accession number of the sequence reported in this study is DQ355974).
Microsatellite and Morphological Markers Reveal Genetic Variation within a Population of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum from Oilseed Rape in the Çanakkale Province of Turkey
Authors: Mert‐Türk F. , Ipek M. , Mermer D. , Nicholson P.
Published: February 2007

The genetic variation among a population of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum collected from oilseed rape fields in the Çanakkale Province of Turkey was assessed using molecular and morphological markers. Seven microsatellite primer pairs (out of eight) revealed 32 clear polymorphic alleles among the 36 fungal isolates examined. An unweighted pair‐group mean analysis dendrogram was generated using the genetic distance matrix with the 32 microsatellite alleles. The level of similarity was as low as 15% between some isolates indicating a high level of genetic diversity within the fungal population; 23 distinct isolates were found (at a genotypic diversity level of 63%). Among the collection of 36 isolates, 19 mycelial compatibility groups (MCGs) were identified; 10 MCGs included at least two isolates. Molecular and morphological data suggest that most of the isolates within a single MCG were identical; however, the isolates belonging to the MCG2 and MCG4 had variable microsatellite haplotypes and were morphologically dissimilar. The data suggest that there is possibly a high rate of outcrossing as well as evolutionary potential within the population of the pathogen in oilseed rape fields. This is the first report demonstrating the genetic and morphological variation within a population of S. sclerotiorum in Turkey.
Sunken wood from the Vanuatu Islands: identification of wood substrates and preliminary description of associated fauna
Authors: Pailleret Marie , Haga Takuma , Petit Patricia , Privé‐Gill Catherine , Saedlou Nima , Gaill Françoise , Zbinden Magali
Published: February 2007

Two trawl samples of natural sunken wood collected near Vanuatu were identified based on histological studies. Detailed descriptions were made and microphotographs of the cell types were taken, using the three classical sections (cross, tangential and radial). The botanical characters were compared first to the native flora of Vanuatu, then also to the introduced species. The possibility of transportation by ocean currents with a mainly southern and eastern direction is discussed. The first sample lacks apparent colonization marks. Its main histologic character is the presence of ‘paedomorphic type I rays’ which relates it to the shrubby genera Fitchia (Asteraceae) and Fuchsia (Onagraceae): both are known in Polynesia but they seem not to be recorded from Vanuatu. The second wood sample is densely colonized by molluscs and other fauna. It comes from a tree close to the Fabaceae‐Mimosoideae, possibly belonging to the genera Leucaena or Serianthes, both known from Vanuatu. Our work shows for the first time that, even after prolonged submergence in water at substantial depth (>500 m), the wood structure may be well preserved. Therefore, the botanical identification and the determination of the origin of the sunken wood were possible. The two selected samples show completely different colonization patterns, which could be related to differences in chemical composition or to time elapsed since sinking.
Double immunostaining with p63 and high‐molecular‐weight cytokeratins distinguishes borderline papillary lesions of the breast
Authors: Ichihara Shu , Fujimoto Takuya , Hashimoto Katsunori , Moritani Suzuko , Hasegawa Masaki , Yokoi Toyoharu
Published: February 2007

Papillary breast lesions remain a source of diagnostic confusion because the full range of epithelial proliferations may arise within, or secondarily involve, papilloma. The expression of p63 and high‐molecular‐weight cytokeratins (HMWCK) was studied simultaneously in 33 papillary lesions including intraductal papilloma (IP, n = 10), atypical papilloma (AP, n = 8) and intraductal papillary carcinoma (IPC, n = 15) by double immunostaining. The myoepithelial cell nuclei were stained dark brown whereas the cytoplasms of usual ductal hyperplasia (UDH) and myoepithelium were stained purple. The myoepithelial layer was recognized as a dark brown dotted line at the epithelial stromal junction in all IP (10/10), most AP (7/8) and some IPC (7/15), suggesting that the retained myoepithelial layer in the papillary processes does not necessarily guarantee benignity. However, the malignant epithelial cells in AP and IPC were typically recognized as monotonous populations unstained with either chromogen. These monotonous cells contrasted with the proliferating cells of UDH in papilloma, which had intense purple cytoplasm in a mosaic‐like fashion. The present data suggest that the double immunostaining with the two popular antibodies p63 and HMWCK is a useful tool for reproducible classification of papillary breast lesions.
Angiogenic factors in normal endometrium and endometrial adenocarcinoma
Authors: Saito Mayumi , Sato Yuichi , Watanabe Jun , Kuramoto Hiroyuki , Kaba Sadayuki , Fukuda Toshio
Published: February 2007

In the endometrium, angiogenesis plays important roles not only in tumor growth but also in the menstrual cycle. The purpose of the present paper was to investigate immunohistochemically the correlation between angiogenic factor expression and angiogenic score in normal and neoplastic endometrium. Immunohistochemical staining for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin (Ang)‐1, Ang2, Tie2, CD34 and CD105 was performed on formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissues from 31 normal endometrium and 85 endometrial adenocarcinoma. VEGF, Ang1, Ang2 and Tie2 expression was localized in the cytoplasm of glandular and tumor cells. The levels of each angiogenic factor were different in the phases of the menstrual cycle and each layer of normal endometrium. In general, VEGF and Tie2 expression was higher in adenocarcinoma than in normal epithelial cells. Conversely, Ang1 and Ang2 expression was higher in normal epithelium than in adenocarcinoma. The angiogenic score (CD105/CD34) tended to be higher in the adenocarcinoma than in the normal epithelium. It is suggested that the angiogenic pathway and the role of these factors seem to differ between normal tissue and carcinoma of the endometrium.