bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sinorhizobium meliloti Regulator MucR Couples Exopolysaccharide Synthesis and Motility
Authors: Bahlawane Christelle , McIntosh Matthew , Krol Elizaveta , Becker Anke
Published: October 2008

In order to enter symbiosis with its legume partner, Sinorhizobium meliloti requires regulatory systems for the appropriate responses to its environment. For example, motility is required for the chemotactic movement of bacteria toward the compounds released by its host, and exopolysaccharides (EPS) are required for bacterial attachment to the root or for invasion of the infection thread. Previous research has shown that ExoR/ExoS/ChvI as well as the ExpR/Sin quorum-sensing system inversely regulate both motility and EPS production, although the regulation mechanisms were unknown. We were able to attribute the ExpR-mediated regulation of motility to the ability of ExpR to bind a DNA sequence upstream of visN when activated by N-acyl-homoserine lactone. Furthermore, MucR, previously characterized as a regulator of EPS production, also affected motility. MucR inhibited expression of rem encoding an activator of motility gene expression and, consequently, the expression of Rem-regulated genes such as flaF and flgG. Binding of MucR to the rem promoter region was demonstrated and a sequence motif similar to the previously identified MucR binding consensus was identified within this region. The swarming ability of S. meliloti Rm2011 was shown to depend on a functional ExpR/Sin quorum-sensing system and the production of both flagella and EPS. Finally, we propose a model for the coordination of motility and EPS synthesis in S. meliloti.
Coleosporium telekiae, a New Member of the Norwegian Rust Flora
Authors: Gjærum Halvor B. , Semb Lars , Talgø Venche
Published: October 2008

A rust was found on a 20-year-old ornamental perennial Telekia speciosa in Ås, Akershus Co., Norway. The morphological characteristics of the fungus were consistent with the description of Coleosporium telekiae Thüm. except that the telia were more orange-coloured and had slightly shorter teliospores. This is the first report of C. telekiae in Norway.

Accepted for publication 24 July 2008. Published 6 October 2008.
Evaluating the Pathogenicity of Pythium vexans Isolates from Fraser Fir in North Carolina
Authors: Ivors Kelly L. , Abad Z. Gloria , Benson D. Michael
Published: October 2008

The pathogenicity of Pythium vexans isolates collected from fir samples with typical root rot symptoms in North Carolina was evaluated on Fraser fir seedlings (Abies fraseri). Two replicated pathogenicity trials involving seven treatments were conducted in the lath house and greenhouse. Although the P. vexans isolates examined in these trials were able to colonize Fraser fir root systems, they did not cause mortality or incite root rot symptoms. In comparison, Phytophthora cinnamomi, a known aggressive pathogen of Fraser fir, caused severe root rot symptoms in all plants. These experiments provided no evidence that P. vexans is a pathogen of Fraser fir.

Accepted for publication 12 July 2008. Published 6 October 2008.
Identification of Bacterial Plant Pathogens Using Multilocus Polymerase Chain Reaction/Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Postnikova E. , Baldwin C. , Whitehouse C. A. , Sechler A. , Schaad N. W. , Sampath R. , Harpin V. , Li F. , Melton R. , Blyn L. , Drader J. , Hofstadler S. , Schneider W. L.
Published: October 2008

Polymerase chain reaction/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS, previously known as “TIGER”) utilizes PCR with broad-range primers to amplify products from a wide array of organisms within a taxonomic group, followed by analysis of PCR amplicons using mass spectrometry. Computer analysis of precise masses allows for calculations of base compositions for the broad-range PCR products, which can then be compared to a database for identification. PCR/ESI-MS has the benefits of PCR in sensitivity and high-throughput capacity, but also has the distinct advantage of being able to detect and identify organisms with no prior characterization or sequence data. Existing broad range PCR primers, designed with an emphasis on human pathogens, were tested for their ability to amplify DNA of well characterized phytobacterial strains, as well as to populate the existing PCR/ESI-MS bacterial database with base counts. In a blinded panel study, PCR/ESI-MS successfully identified 93% of unknown bacterial DNAs to the genus level and 73% to the species/subspecies level. Additionally, PCR/ESI-MS was capable of detecting and identifying multiple bacteria within the same sample. The sensitivity of PCR/ESI-MS was consistent with other PCR based assays, and the specificity varied depending on the bacterial species. Preliminary tests with real life samples demonstrate a high potential for using PCR/ESI-MS systems for agricultural diagnostic applications.
A New Strain ofMelon necrotic spot virusthat Is Unable to Systemically InfectCucumis melo
Authors: Ohki Takehiro , Sako Isamu , Kanda Ayami , Mochizuki Tomofumi , Honda Yohachiro , Tsuda Shinya
Published: October 2008

We report a new strain of Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV) that is unable to systemically infect Cucumis melo. A spherical virus (W-isolate), about 30 nm in diameter like a carmovirus, was isolated from watermelons with necrotic symptoms. The W-isolate had little serological similarity to MNSV, and it did not cause any symptoms in six melon cultivars susceptible to MNSV; however, the host range of the W-isolate was limited exclusively to cucurbitaceous plants, and transmission by O. bornovanus was confirmed. Its genomic structure was identical to that of MNSV, and its p89 protein and coat protein (CP) showed 81.6 to 83.2% and 74.1 to 75.1% identity to those of MNSV, respectively. Analysis of protoplast showed that the W-isolate replicated in melons at the single-cell level. Furthermore, chimeric clones carrying the CP of MNSV induced necrotic spots in melons. These results suggested that the absence of symptoms in melons was due to a lack of ability of the W-isolate to move from cell to cell. In view of these findings, we propose that the new isolate should be classified as a novel MNSV watermelon strain.
Visualization of Localized Pathogen-Induced pH Modulation in Almond Tissues Infected byColletotrichum acutatumUsing Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy
Authors: Diéguez-Uribeondo J. , Förster H. , Adaskaveg J. E.
Published: October 2008

Modulation of pH within the host during infection of almond by the anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum acutatum was studied using confocal scanning laser microscopy and the dual emission fluorescence indicator SNARF-1. This highly sensitive method allowed visualization of the spatial distribution of localized pathogen-induced pH modulation within and in proximity to fungal infection structures in host tissue at the cellular level. Ratiometric measurement of fluorescence at two emission wavelengths and in situ calibration allowed the quantification of pH ranges. After incubation of leaf epidermal tissue with SNARF-1, distinct alkaline (pH 8 to ≥9), red-spectrum (650 nm wave length) fluorescent zones developed as partial or complete halos around many fungal appressoria and in infection vesicles at 24 to 36 h after inoculation. In samples taken after 48 to 72 h, colonizing hyphae in the biotrophic phase and subsequently in the necrotrophic phase were also emitting the red fluorescence that extended into the surrounding host tissue, as also verified by depth analyses. Host epidermal cells were intact and apparently alive during the fungal alkalization process, with no visible disruption of cell structure. Generally, the pH of epidermal cells in noninoculated samples or in areas away from the infection in inoculated samples was lower than pH 7 with green (i.e., 500 to 550 nm wave length) fluorescence detected. Using standard electrodes, a significant increase in pH and ammonia concentration in leaf and fruit tissue was also measured but only at advanced stages of disease. In contrast, hyphae of the pathogen Alternaria alternata were mostly acidic and no change in fluorescence was found inside invaded host cells. The sequence of events in the C. acutatum–almond interaction includes penetration, production of ammonia by C. acutatum, and subsequent pH modulation within almond epidermal tissue to an alkaline environment that leads to further colonization of the host.
Soybean Root Suberin and Partial Resistance to Root Rot Caused by Phytophthora sojae
Authors: Ranathunge Kosala , Thomas Raymond H. , Fang Xingxiao , Peterson Carol A. , Gijzen Mark , Bernards Mark A.
Published: October 2008

Phytophthora sojae is the causal agent of root and stem rot of soybean (Glycine max). Various cultivars with partial resistance to the pathogen have been developed to mitigate this damage. Herein, two contrasting genotypes, the cultivar Conrad (with strong partial resistance) and the line OX760-6 (with weak partial resistance), were compared regarding their amounts of preformed and induced suberin components, and to early events during the P. sojae infection process. To colonize the root, hyphae grew through the suberized middle lamellae between epidermal cells. This took 2 to 3 h longer in Conrad than in OX760-6, giving Conrad plants more time to establish their chemical defenses. Subsequent growth of hyphae through the endodermis was also delayed in Conrad. This cultivar had more preformed aliphatic suberin than the line OX760-6 and was induced to form more aliphatic suberin several days prior to that of OX760-6. However, the induced suberin was formed subsequent to the initial infection process. Eventually, the amount of induced suberin (measured 8 days postinoculation) was the same in both genotypes. Preformed root epidermal suberin provides a target for selection and development of new soybean cultivars with higher levels of expression of partial resistance to P. sojae.
Infection withRhizoctonia solaniInduces Defense Genes and Systemic Resistance in Potato Sprouts Grown Without Light
Authors: Lehtonen M. J. , Somervuo P. , Valkonen J. P. T.
Published: October 2008

Rhizoctonia solani is an important soilborne and seedborne fungal pathogen of potato (Solanum tuberosum). The initial infection of sprouts prior to emergence causes lesions and may be lethal to the sprout or sprout tip, which results in initiation and compensatory growth of new sprouts. They emerge successfully and do not suffer significant damage. The mechanism behind this recovery phenomenon is not known. It was hypothesized that infection may induce pathogen defense in sprouts, which was investigated in the present study. Tubers were sprouted in cool and moist conditions in darkness to mimic conditions beneath soil. The basal portion of the sprout was isolated from the apical portion with a soft plastic collar and inoculated with highly virulent R. solani. Induction of defense-related responses was monitored in the apical portion using microarray and quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques at 48 and 120 h postinoculation (hpi) and by challenge-inoculation with R. solani in two experiments. Differential expression of 122 and 779 genes, including many well-characterized defense-related genes, was detected at 48 and 120 hpi, respectively. The apical portion of the sprout also expressed resistance which inhibited secondary infection of the sprouts. The observed systemic induction of resistance in sprouts upon infection with virulent R. solani provides novel information about pathogen defense in potato before the plant emerges and becomes photosynthetically active. These results advance our understanding of the little studied subject of pathogen defense in subterranean parts of plants.
Citrus viroid V: Occurrence, Host Range, Diagnosis, and Identification of New Variants
Authors: Serra P. , Eiras M. , Bani-Hashemian S. M. , Murcia N. , Kitajima E. W. , Daròs J. A. , Flores R. , Duran-Vila N.
Published: October 2008

The recently described Citrus viroid V (CVd-V) has been proposed as a new species of the genus Apscaviroid within the family Pospiviroidae. Analysis of 64 samples from different citrus-growing areas has shown that CVd-V is present in the United States, Spain, Nepal, and the Sultanate of Oman. CVd-V found in six sweet orange sources from the Sultanate of Oman was identical to the reference CVd-V variant, whereas three new variants with sequence identities of 98.6% (CVd-VCA), 97.3% (CVd-VST), and 94.9% (CVd-VNE) were identified in sources from California, Spain, and Nepal, respectively. These results suggest that this viroid has not emerged recently and that it is relatively widespread. Transmission assays to sweet orange, mandarin, and mandarin hybrids, clementine, satsuma, lemon, sour orange, Tahiti lime, Palestine sweet lime, calamondin, bergamot, and kumquat have shown that all these citrus species and citrus relatives are hosts for CVd-V. Several indexing approaches, including slot blot, northern blot hybridization, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, have been evaluated for detecting CVd-V, either using Etrog citron as an amplification host or directly from commercial species and cultivars.
Genetic Variability of Cercospora coffeicola from Organic and Conventional Coffee Plantings, Characterized by Vegetative Compatibility
Authors: Martins R. B. , Maffia L. A. , Mizubuti E. S. G.
Published: October 2008

Cercospora leaf spot is a destructive fungal disease that has become a threat to the coffee industry in Brazil. Nevertheless, little is known about populations of its causal agent, Cercospora coffeicola. We evaluated the potential of using nitrogen-nonutilizing (nit) mutants and vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) to characterize the genetic variability of the C. coffeicola population associated with coffee plantings in Minas Gerais state (MG), Brazil. A total of 90 monosporic isolates were obtained from samples collected according to a hierarchical sampling scheme: (i) state geographical regions (Sul, Mata, and Triângulo), and (ii) production systems (conventional and organic). Nit mutants were obtained and 28 VCGs were identified. The 10 largest VCGs included 72.31% of all isolates, whereas each of the remaining 18 VCGs included 1.54% of the isolates. Isolates of the largest VCGs were found in the three regions sampled. Based on the frequencies of VCGs at each sampled level, we estimated the Shannon diversity index, as well as its richness and evenness components. Genetic variability was high at all hierarchical levels, and a high number of VCGs was found in populations of C. coffeicola associated with both conventional and organic coffee plantings.
Curly Top Survey in the Western United States
Authors: Strausbaugh C. A. , Wintermantel W. M. , Gillen A. M. , Eujayl I. A.
Published: October 2008

Curly top in sugar beet continues to be a challenging disease to control in the western United States. To aid in development of host resistance and management options, the curtovirus species composition was investigated by sampling 246 commercial fields along with nursery and field trials in the western United States. DNA was isolated from leaf samples and the species were identified using species-specific polymerase chain reaction primers for the C1 gene. Amplicons from 79 isolates were also sequenced to confirm identifications. Beet severe curly top virus (BSCTV) and Beet mild curly top virus (BMCTV) were widely distributed throughout the western United States, while only a few isolates of Beet curly top virus (BCTV) were found. In phylogenetic analysis, BSCTV, BMCTV, and BCTV isolates formed distinct groups in the dendrogram. Seven isolates not amplifiable with species-specific primers did amplify with curly top coat protein primers, indicating novel curtovirus species or strains may be present. Given the wide host range of the viruses responsible for curly top, frequent co-infections, and genetic diversity within and among species, establishing better host resistance, and controlling curly top will continue to be a challenge.
Transmission Efficiency of Cucumber mosaic virus by Aphids Associated with Virus Epidemics in Snap Bean
Authors: Gildow F. E. , Shah D. A. , Sackett W. M. , Butzler T. , Nault B. A. , Fleischer S. J.
Published: October 2008

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is a major component of the virus complex that has become more pronounced in snap bean in the midwestern and northeastern United States since 2001. Multiple-vector-transfer tests were done to estimate the CMV transmission efficiencies (p) of the main aphid species identified in commercial snap bean fields in New York and Pennsylvania. The four most efficient vectors (p > 0.05) were Aphis gossypii, A. glycines, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and Therioaphis trifolii, which were all significant species in the migratory aphid populations in snap bean. Moderately efficient vectors (0.01 < p < 0.04) were A. spiraecola, A. craccivora, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, and Rhopalosiphum maidis. Poor vectors (p < 0.01) included A. fabae, Nearctaphis bakeri, and Myzus persicae. Only one species, Sitobion avenae, failed to transmit CMV in replicated tests. Estimates of p were consistent between different clones of the same aphid species and among three different field isolates of CMV tested. Single-vector-transfer test results for a subset of the species supported those obtained via the multiple-vector-transfer approach. Our results are consistent with the notion that A. glycines is a major vector of recent CMV epidemics in snap bean, but that species is only one of several that are involved.
Transgenic Production of Cytokinin Suppresses Bacterially Induced Hypersensitive Response Symptoms and Increases Antioxidative Enzyme Levels in Nicotiana spp.
Authors: Barna B. , Smigocki A. C. , Baker J. C.
Published: October 2008

Responses of cytokinin overproducing transgenic Nicotiana plants to infections with compatible and incompatible Pseudomonas syringae pathovars were compared. Plants used were transformed with the ipt(isopentenyl transferase) gene that catalyzes the synthesis of cytokinin. In cytokinin overproducing lines that carry the ipt gene fused to the CaMV 35S (Nt+ipt), the wound-inducible proteinase inhibitor II (Ntx+ipt), or the light-inducible Rubisco small subunit protein (Npl+ipt) promoter, development of the hypersensitive response (HR) after infection with incompatible bacteria (P. syringae pv. tomato) was significantly inhibited as compared to the untransformed (Nt) controls. Over a 12 h period following inoculation, P. syrinage pv. tomato populations were slightly reduced in leaves of the cytokinin-overproducing Nt-ipt line compared with the Nt control. When the compatible P. syringae. pv. tabaci was used to infect the ipt transformed lines, slight or no significant differences in necrosis development were observed. Following infection, the titer of P. syringae pv. tabaci increased rapidly in both the transgenic and control lines but was higher in Nt+ipt plants. Leaf superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities were about 60% higher in ipt leaf extracts than in the controls. This augmented antioxidant capacity likely decreased the amount of H2O2 that may be associated with the higher tolerance of plants to pathogen-induced necrosis. In addition, the Nt+ipt lines had a significantly lower molar ratio of free sterols to phospholipids. The more stable membrane lipid composition and the higher antioxidant capacity likely contributed to the suppressed HR symptoms in the cytokinin overproducing Nt+ipt plants. In conclusion, the overproduction of cytokinins in tobacco appears to suppress the HR symptoms induced by incompatible bacteria.
On the use of cellular automata algorithm for the atomic-based simulation of carbon nanotubes
Authors: He X.Q , Huang X.H
Published: October 2008

A new method is developed for the simulation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based on the molecular mechanics (MM) and cellular automata (CA) algorithms. The proposed atomic-based CA algorithm (ACAA) is as accurate as the MM method, but much faster for the simulation of CNTs. In the ACAA model, a CNT is treated as a discrete system in which the interaction between atoms is described by using Tersoff–Brenner's many-body potential, but the solution framework is based on the conventional continuum mechanics. The buckling and post-buckling behaviours of defective CNTs are studied by using the ACAA. The numerical results show that the buckling occurs at the vacancy defect site. This phenomenon indicates that vacancy defects lead to a geometrical imperfection of CNTs. The study demonstrates that vacancy defects can significantly reduce the buckling load of CNTs.
Notes on identity of some Indian species of Agapetes (Ericaceae)
Authors: Banik Dipanwita , Sanjappa Munivenkatappa
Published: October 2008

Agapetes variegata (Roxb.) D. Don ex G. Don var. bhareliana Airy Shaw is treated here as a separate species; A. bhareliana (Airy Shaw) D. Banik & M. Sanjappa. Resurrected A. macrantha (Hook.) Hook. f., earlier treated as a variety under A. variegata (Roxb.) D. Don ex G. Don as A. variegata var. macrantha (Hook. f.) Airy Shaw. Two new combinations A. macrantha var. grandiflora (Hook.f.) Q.Banik & M.Sanjappa and A. macrantha var. oblanceolata (Airy Shaw) D. Banik & M. Sanjappa are proposed here. A. macrantha var. macrantha and A. macrantha var. oblanceolata are reported for the first time from India.
Morphological cladistic analysis of Ligusticum (Umbelliferae) in China
Authors: Sun Na , He Xing‐Jin , Zhou Song‐Dong
Published: October 2008

Ligusticum L. consists of over 60 species which are widely distributed in Eurasia and North America, with 40 of these species found in China. This paper attempts to carry out a cladistic analysis on all 40 Chinese Ligusticum species and several species from the allies of Ligusticum, such as Selinum L, Conioselinum Fisch., and Cnidium Cuss. using their floral and vegetative morphological characters. The cladistic analysis does not support Ligusticum as a monophyletic genus. Instead, the 40 species are divided into five clades according to the MP (maximum parsimony) tree. With discussion revolving on each of the clades, Tilingia Regel is suggested to be restored, Ligusicopsis Leute is confirmed not to be a natural genus, and some useful clues about the relationship between Ligusticum, Selinum, and Conioselinum are discovered. The taxonomic significance and evolutionary trends of bracteoles and pollen grain characters are discussed.
Six new synonyms in the central Asian Cruciferae (Brassicaceae)
Authors: German Dmitry A.
Published: October 2008

Six taxa of the central Asian Cruciferae: Chorispora tianschanica Z. X. An, Draba denserosulata Pobed., Erysimum brevifolium Z. X. An, Malcolmia humilis Z. X. An, Solms‐laubachia pamirica Z. X. An, and Yinshania albiflora Ma & Y. Z. Zhao var. gobica Z. X. An, are reduced to synonymy of Parrya beketovii Krassn., Draba lanceolata Royle, Erysimum cheiranthoides L. subsp. transiliense (M. Pop.) D. German, Strigosella brevipes (Bunge) Botsch., Chorispora macropoda Trautv. and Smelowskia micrantha (Botsch. & Vved.) Al‐Shehbaz & S. I. Warwick, respectively.
Dilemmas in harm minimization
Authors: Weatherburn Don
Published: October 2008

This paper discusses the dilemmas inherent in pursuing a philosophy of (drug) harm minimization. The dilemmas arise (i) because all drug control policies produce harms as well as benefits; (ii) because many of these harms and benefits cannot be measured; and (iii) because even when they can be measured, judgements about what harms matter the most are irreducibly political. The paper concludes by proposing that the interests of drug policy might be better served if we abandoned the idea of an overarching goal in favour of a set of goals dealing with specific identifiable problems.
Comparing topiramate with naltrexone in the treatment of alcohol dependence*
Authors: Baltieri Danilo Antonio , Daró Fabio Ruiz , Ribeiro Philip Leite , De Andrade Arthur Guerra
Published: October 2008

Aim To compare the efficacy of topiramate with naltrexone in the treatment of alcohol dependence.

Design The investigation was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, 12‐week study carried out at the University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Sample A total of 155 patients, 18–60 years of age, with an International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐10) diagnosis of alcohol dependence.

Methods After a 1‐week detoxification period, patients were assigned randomly to receive topiramate (induction to 300 mg/day), naltrexone (50 mg/day) or placebo.

Measurements Time to first relapse (consumption of >60 g ethyl alcohol), cumulative abstinence duration and weeks of heavy drinking.

Findings In intention‐to‐treat analyses, topiramate was statistically superior to placebo on a number of measures including time to first relapse (7.8 versus 5.0 weeks), cumulative abstinence duration (8.2 versus 5.6 weeks), weeks of heavy drinking (3.4 versus 5.9) and percentage of subjects abstinent at 4 weeks (67.3 versus 42.6) and 8 weeks (61.5 versus 31.5), but not 12 weeks (46.2 versus 27.8). Results remained significant after controlling for Alcoholics Anonymous attendance, which was higher in topiramate than in other groups. There were no significant differences between naltrexone versus placebo or naltrexone versus topiramate groups, but naltrexone showed trends toward inferior outcomes when compared to topiramate.

Conclusions The results of this study support the efficacy of topiramate in the relapse prevention of alcoholism. Suggestive evidence was also obtained for superiority of topiramate versus naltrexone, but this needs to be verified in future research with larger sample sizes.
The association of persistent pain with out‐patient addiction treatment outcomes and service utilization
Authors: Caldeiro Ryan M. , Malte Carol A. , Calsyn Donald A. , Baer John S. , Nichol Paul , Kivlahan Daniel R. , Saxon Andrew J.
Published: October 2008

Aims  To estimate the prevalence of persistent pain among veterans in out‐patient addiction treatment and examine associated addiction treatment outcomes and medical and psychiatric service use.

Design, setting and participants  Analysis of data from a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing on‐site versus referral primary care of veterans with substance dependence (n = 582), excluding opioid dependence who had at least one follow‐up interview during the 12‐month study period in a Veterans Affairs (VA) out‐patient addiction treatment center.

Measurements  Pain status was classified as persistent (pain was rated moderate to very severe at all time‐points), low (pain was rated none to mild at all time‐points) or intermittent (all others). Main outcome measures were addiction treatment retention, addiction severity index (ASI) alcohol and drug composite scores, VA service utilization and treatment costs.

Findings  A total of 33.2% of veterans reported persistent pain and 47.3% reported intermittent pain. All groups benefited from addiction treatment, but veterans with persistent pain were in treatment for an estimated 35.1 fewer days [95% confidence interval (CI) = −64.1, −6.1, P = 0.018], less likely to be abstinent from alcohol or drugs at 12 months [odds ratio (OR)adj = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.30,0.89; P = 0.018], had worse ASI alcohol composite scores at 12 months (βadj = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.02,0.15; P = 0.007), were more likely to be medically hospitalized (ORadj = 2.70; 95% CI = 1.02,7.13; P = 0.046) and had higher total service costs compared to those with low pain ($17 766 versus $13 261, P = 0.012).

Conclusions  Persistent pain is common among veterans in out‐patient addiction treatment and is associated with poorer rates of abstinence, worse alcohol use severity and greater service utilization and costs than those with low pain.
Chimeras between Oilseed rape mosaic virus and Tobacco mosaic virus highlight the relevant role of the tobamoviral RdRp as pathogenicity determinant in several hosts
Authors: MANSILLA CARMEN , SÁNCHEZ FLORA , PADGETT HAL S. , POGUE GREGORY P. , PONZ FERNANDO
Published: October 2008

Oilseed rape mosaic virus (ORMV) is a tobamovirus taxonomically distinct from the type member of the genus, Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Both viruses display a specific host range, although they share certain hosts, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana benthamiana and N. tabacum, on which they induce different symptoms. Using a gain‐of‐symptom approach, we generated chimeric viruses, starting from a TMV infectious clone, over which different regions of ORMV were exchanged with their corresponding regions in the TMV genome. This approach allowed the association of pathogenicity determinants to certain genes within the ORMV genome. A general trend was observed associating the viral origin of the RNA‐dependent RNA‐polymerase (RdRp) gene and the gain of symptoms. In A. thaliana and N. benthamiana, chimeric viruses were unable to reproduce the symptoms induced by the parental viruses, leading to disease states which could be described as intermediate, and variable in some cases. In contrast, a hypersensitive reaction caused by both of these viruses on N‐gene‐bearing tobaccos could be found in resistance reactions to all chimeric viruses, suggesting that the avirulence determinant maps similarly in both viruses. A systemic necrotic spotting typical of non‐N‐gene tobaccos infected with ORMV was associated with the polymerase domain of RdRp. To our knowledge, this is the first time that this controversial portion of the tobamovirus genome has been identified directly as a pathogenicity determinant. None of the reactions of the chimeric viruses could be correlated with increases or decreases in virus titres in the infections.
Stratigraphic evolution of the Triassic–Jurassic succession in the Western Southern Alps (Italy): the record of the two‐stage rifting on the distal passive margin of Adria
Authors: Berra Fabrizio , Galli Maria Teresa , Reghellin Federico , Torricelli Stefano , Fantoni Roberto
Published: October 2008

The Triassic–Lower Jurassic succession of the Southern Alps is characterized by rapid thickness changes, from an average of about 5000 m east of Lago Maggiore to about 500 m in the Western Southern Alps. The stratigraphy reflects the Triassic evolution of the Tethyan Gulf and the Early Jurassic rifting responsible for the Middle Jurassic break‐up of Adria from Europe. The succession of the Western Southern Alps starts with Lower Permian volcanics directly covered by Anisian sandstones. The top of the overlying Ladinian dolostones (300 m) records subaerial exposure and karstification. Locally (Gozzano), Upper Sinemurian sediments cover the Permian volcanics, documenting pre‐Sinemurian erosion. New biostratigraphic data indicate a latest Pliensbachian–Toarcian age for the Jurassic synrift deposits that unconformably cover Ladinian or Sinemurian sediments. Therefore, in the Western Southern Alps, the major rifting stage that directly evolved into the opening of the Penninic Ocean began in the latest Pliensbachian–Toarcian. New data allowed us to refine the evolution of the two previously recognized Jurassic extensional events in the Southern Alps. The youngest extensional event (Western Southern Alps) occurred as tectonic activity decreased in the Lombardy Basin. During the Sinemurian the Gozzano high represents the western shoulder of a rift basin located to the east (Lombardy). This evolution documents a transition from diffuse early rifting (Late Hettangian–Sinemurian), controlled by older discontinuities, to rifting focused along a rift valley close to the Pliensbachian–Toarcian boundary. This younger rift bridges the gap between the Hettangian–Sinemurian diffuse rifting and the Callovian–Bathonian break‐up. The late Pliensbachian–Toarcian rift, which eventually lead to continental break‐up, is interpreted as the major extensional episode in the evolution of the passive margin of Adria. The transition from diffuse to focused extension in the Southern Alps is comparable to the evolution of the Central Austroalpine during the Early Jurassic and of the Central and Northern Atlantic margins.
‘I am almost like a fish’: an investigation of how children with congenital heart disease experience and perform movement in daily life
Authors: Bjorbækmo W. , Engelsrud G.
Published: October 2008

Background  Because of dramatic medical improvements, most children with congenital heart disease (CHD) survive into adulthood. Nevertheless, they remain in need of long‐term health care. Living with CHD implies having diminished aerobic capacity. As far as we know, no previous study within healthcare research has focused on how children with CHD experience movement and activity in daily life.

Methods  In order to examine this topic, a qualitative approach was employed that combined both interviews and observation of 11 children between 7 and 12 years of age and interviews with their parents. The theoretical base of the article is inspired by the philosopher Maurice Merleau‐Ponty and his theory of movement. We use his descriptions of movement as intentional expressions to illuminate how children with CHD move in daily life.

Results  The study shows how the children use different strategies to participate in play and that they move to fulfill their first priority: to be together with other children. Despite having limited physical endurance, the children perceive themselves as having the same capabilities as other children and as acting as they do. At the same time, they are not unaware of their own limitations. They adjust and respond to the challenges they face in the different situations to which they are exposed. On one hand, they want others to take their limitations into consideration, while, on the other hand, they do not want others to know about these limitations.

Conclusions  In our analysis, we interpret that living with CHD creates situations where the children constantly face their limitations, the gazes of others and their own wish to participate.
Graves' Disease Following Hypothyroidism Due To Hashimoto's Disease: Studies Of Eight Cases
Authors: Takasu N. , Yamada T. , Sato A. , Nakagawa M. , Komiya I. , Nagasawa Y. , Asawa T.
Published: October 2008

Hashimoto's and Graves' diseases represent the main two types of autoimmune thyroid disease. The combination of these two is well known. However, occurrence of Graves' disease after primary hypothyroidism is rare. We report seven patients with hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's disease, who developed Graves' disease with hyperthyroidism. We also report one patient with hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's disease, who continued to be hypothyroid even in the presence of TSAb (thyroid stimulating antibody). These patients were divided into three groups according to the changes in thyroid function and clinical course: (1) transient hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease following hypothyroidism; (2) persistent hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease following hypothyroidism; and (3) persistent hypothyroidism with positive TSAb. Such changes in thyroid function and clinical course seem to be decided by three factors: (1) TSAb and (2) TSBAb (thyroid stimulation blocking antibody) activities in the blood and (3) the responsiveness of the thyroid gland to TSAb. Seven patients had hyperthyroidism, when they had TSAb, which stimulated the thyroid gland; one of these seven patients had TSBAb during the hypothyroid state and TSAb during the hyperthyroid state, indicating that the alterations in the thyroid state related to the balance between the activities of TSAb and TSBAb. Another patient continued to be hypothyroid despite the presence of TSAb; his thyroid gland was not palpable and could not respond to TSAb.
Follow‐Up Study Of Thyroid Stimulating‐Blocking Antibodies In Hypothyroid Patients
Authors: Tamai Hajime , Kasagi Kanji , Hara Takeshi , Hidaka Akinari , Morita Tetsuya , Kuma Kanji , Konishi Junji , Kumagai Lindy F. , Nagataki Shigenobu
Published: October 2008

It has been shown that hypothyroidism of some patients may be associated with increased activity of thyroid stimulating‐blocking antibodies (TSBAb). The present study was undertaken to follow the course of thyroid blocking, stimulating immunoglobulins and TSH‐binding inhibitor immunoglobulins (TBII) in six hypothyroid patients who had elevated TSBAb and were treated with T4. Four of the six had Graves' disease previously treated with antithyroidal drugs, one had Graves' disease treated with 131I and one had subacute thyroiditis and subsequently became hypothyroid. The patients were followed for 1–5 years. Blocking activity and TBII normalized in four of the six during T4 therapy, so T4 was discontinued and they remained euthyroid. These data indicate that it is important to monitor carefully thyroid function in hypothyroid patients treated with a fixed amount of T4 to avoid subclinical hyperthyroidism and its consequence, e.g. osteoporosis.
The Immunoreactive Inhibin Secretion Pattern In The Midluteal Phase: Relationships With Luteinizing Hormone And Progesterone
Authors: Nakajima Steven T. , McLachlan Robert I. , Cohen Nancy L. , Clifton Donald K. , Bremner William J. , Soules Michael R.
Published: October 2008

With the development of a sensitive radioimmunoassay for inhibin, luteal phase inhibin levels have been noted to parallel progesterone levels and be acutely dependent upon luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation. To define the midluteal secretory pattern of immunoreactive inhibin and its relationships with LH and progesterone, blood samples were obtained from five normal women every 20 min for a period of 24 h. Individual data series of LH, progesterone and inhibin were analysed for pulsatile secretion using an adaptive‐threshold method. Inhibin levels exhibited a relatively frequent, low‐amplitude pulsatile secretory pattern (14.6 ± 6.9 pulses/24 h (mean ± SE), amplitude = 17% of the mean inhibin level). In contrast, LH levels demonstrated an infrequent high amplitude secretory pattern (6.2 ± 0.7 pulses/24 h, amplitude = 139% of the mean LH level). The average progesterone pulse frequency and amplitude were intermediate to LH and inhibin (9.2 ± 1.2 pulses/24 h, amplitude = 36% of the mean progesterone level). In addition, each individual's hormone data were analysed for coincident pulsatile secretion and cross‐correlations were performed on the data, with one hormone pattern shifted relative to another by 20‐min time intervals. None of the individual inhibin data series showed significant pulse coincidence when compared to the LH or progesterone data series. The cross‐correlation analysis, however, revealed a significant (P < 0.05) relationship in general trends between the inhibin and LH data series, and the inhibin and progesterone data series in three subjects. These findings suggest that (1) inhibin exhibits a relatively frequent low‐amplitude pulsatile secretory pattern in comparison to LH and progesterone in the midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and (2) while the secretion of these three hormones is interrelated, there is not a strong coupling between secretory pulses of inhibin and either LH or progesterone pulses.
Pulsatile Gnrh‐Stimulated Lh Release From The Human Fetal Pituitary In Vztro: Sex‐Associated Differences
Authors: Rossmanith W. G. , Swartz W. H. , Tueros V. S. , Yen S. S. C. , Rasmusse D. D.
Published: October 2008

An in‐vitro perifusion system was utilized to examine LH release from human fetal (19–24 weeks gestation) anterior pituitaries during repetitive GnRH stimulations. Pituitaries (five male, four female) were dissected into halves, and one hemipituitary of each pair was stimulated with 10‐min pulses of 1 nm GnRH administered at 60‐min intervals over 24h, whereas the matching hemipituitary received pulses of medium alone. Basal (no GnRH stimulation) LH release from female hemipituitaries was significantly (P < 0.01) greater than from male hemipituitaries, and the amplitude of LH release associated with GnRH pulses was sixfold greater (P < 0.001) with female hemipituitaries. Furthermore, the magnitude of LH release associated with individual GnRH pulses was significantly (P < 0.001) enhanced during the course of female hemipituitary perifusions, but not during perifusion of male hemipituitaries. These studies demonstrate that LH secretion by the female, but not male, mid‐gestational human fetal pituitary is increased in response to a physiological pattern and interval of repeated pulsatile GnRH stimulation in vitro.
Detection Of Autoantibodies To Recombinant Human Thyroid Peroxidase By Sensitive Enzyme Immunoassay
Authors: Kendler D. L. , Martin A. , Magnusson R. P. , Davies T. F.
Published: October 2008

Autoantibodies to thyroid peroxidase (TPO), the thyroid ‘microsomal’ antigen, are widely utilized in the diagnosis of human autoimmune thyroid disease. Crude human thyroid preparations of TPO are of differing potency, contain residual thyroglobulin (Tg) and other human membrane antigens, and are available in only limited amounts. Hence, immunoassays for anti‐TPO are unstandardized and of variable sensitivity and specificity. We co‐transfected the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line with a full‐length human TPO cDNA expression plasmid. We selected a high expressing recombinant TPO positive cell population (CHO‐TPO) by Northern blot analysis, then fluorescence laser flow cytometry using both human polyclonal and murine monoclonal anti‐TPO antibodies. Solubilized 100 000g membrane preparations from both CHO‐TPO and CHO cells were used as antigens in a specific ELISA with CHO antigen serving as background control. In a selected series of known anti‐TPO positive (n = 46) and negative (n = 73) sera there was a high correlation between ELISAs utilizing recombinant or natural‐TPO antigen (r = 0.93). There appeared to be no difference in the affinity of high titre human anti‐TPO for recombinant and natural‐TPO antigen with both ELISAs able to detect 0.05 U/ml of anti‐TPO activity (reference preparation NIBSC 66/387). These data predict a new era in standardized thyroid autoantibody testing utilizing recombinant antigen preparations.
The Responses Of Arginine Vasopressin And Adrenocorticotrophin To Nausea Induced By Ipecacuanha
Authors: Page S. R. , Peterson D. B. , Crosby S. R. , Ang V. T. Y. , White A. , Jenkins J. S. , Nussey S. S.
Published: October 2008

Ipecacuanha syrup induces emesis by an early peripheral (gastric irritant) action and a later central effect at the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). We have studied the responses of plasma AVP, ACTH and ACTH‐precursors to early and late ipecacuanha‐induced nausea in nine healthy male subjects. Symptom severity was assessed using a linear analogue scale. All subjects reported ‘early’ nausea (N1) with a latency of 16 ± 2 min (mean ± SEM) and eight subjects vomited. Six subjects experienced recurrent nausea (N2) (latency 106 ±10.4 min) of whom five also vomited. The interval between the cessation of N1 and the onset of N2 was 55 ±10.8 min (range 25–80 min). The severity of nausea at the onset of N1 or N2 was similar but the AVP and ACTH responses were highly variable. Thus, while mean plasma AVP concentrations increased during both symptom periods, in three subjects during N1 and in three subjects during N2 plasma AVP concentrations did not rise above the normal range, despite marked symptoms. No clear pattern of AVP response to distinguish early peripheral from late central ipecacuanha‐induced emesis was demonstrated. Whilst mean plasma ACTH concentrations increased during both N1 and N2 there were no changes in mean plasma ACTH‐precursor concentrations. Analysis of pooled data for N1 and N2 demonstrated direct correlations between the nausea score and the peak incremental plasma responses of either AVP or ACTH and, despite the variability, peak incremental concentrations of AVP and of ACTH were also correlated. The data indicate that there is no difference in the AVP responses to peripherally or centrally stimulated ipecacuanha‐induced nausea. In addition, though ACTH precursors were present in the circulation of normal subjects, the lack of response of ACTH precursors to emetic stress suggests that their release is regulated by a different mechanism from that of ACTH.
Screening For Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 In Patients With Recognized Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Andersen Henrik ørbæEk , Jørgensen Per Erik , Bardram Linda , Hilsted Linda
Published: October 2008

A total of 79 consecutive patients with pituitary tumours were screened for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN‐1). The 79 patients included 21 patients with acromegaly, nine with Cushing's disease, 18 with prolactinomas, three with mixed pituitary adenomas (GH and PRL), and 28 patients with no detectable hypersecretion of hormones. The screening consisted of: (1) a family history, (2) a uniform medical history of the patient using a standard questionnaire, and (3) hormonal evaluation including measurements of the serum levels of insulin, gastrin, glucagon, somatostatin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and pancreatic polypeptide. Ionized calcium and glucose concentration in serum were also measured. We found no patients with the MEN‐1 syndrome. In one patient, we found a transient elevation of serum concentrations of pancreatic polypeptide for which we have no explanation. In another patient, the serum gastrin concentration was elevated secondary to achlorhydria. No other endocrine disorders were found, and no patients had relatives with recognized endocrine pancreatic tumours, primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT), or pituitary adenomas.
The May 2008 Sichuan, China earthquake: a herald of things to come.
Authors: Jackson James
Published: October 2008

The terrible disaster of the May 2008 Sichuan earthquake, which killed 70 000 people, is an example of a catastrophe that is likely to become more common in the future, particularly in Asia. Much of the population of Asia is now concentrated in poorly constructed cities that have grown very rapidly in places whose locations are closely related to their geological context, and specifically to the proximity of active earthquake‐generating faults. With the extreme vulnerability of many Asian megacities, a catastrophe even larger in scale now seems inevitable.