bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of European mountain ash ringspot-associated virus in Sorbus aucuparia from Eastern Karelia, Russia
Authors: Valkonen J. P. T. , Rännäli M.
Published: June 2010

Mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia L.) is a tree that is native to northern Europe. It was recently found to be infected with European mountain ash ringspot-associated virus (EMARaV) in Germany and Finland (2,3). EMARaV is not transmitted mechanically and no vector is known, but it is related to negative-sense RNA viruses transmitted by eriophyid mites (3) and represents a new viral species of the genus Emaravirus, which is not assigned to any family. In Finland, EMARaV is common, widely distributed, and detected in all tested ringspot disease-affected and symptomless mountain ash trees (2). Ringspot symptoms occur in mountain ash also in Sweden (west from Finland). In this study, ringspot-affected mountain ash trees were found in Ustreka, which marks the eastern edge of the geologically defined Baltic Shield and the eastern geobotanical borderline of Fennoscandia in eastern Karelia, Russia (1). This border zone can be recognized by changes in vegetation, including occurrence of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.), which does not belong to Fennoscandian flora. Three young mountain ash trees (4 to 5 years old and 2 to 3 m tall) displayed symptoms characteristic of EMARaV at Lake Tsumba (61°50′58″N, 37°45′34″E) in August 2009. EMARaV was detected in collected leaves by reverse transcription-PCR using virus-specific primers as described (2). The nucleocapsid protein genes (944 nucleotides) of the three isolates (Rus1, Rus2, and Rus3) were 97 to 99% identical (GenBank Accession Nos. GU563317, GU563318, and GU563319). On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, the Russian isolates, and three previously characterized isolates from Finland (Ris60, Ris61, and Kuo 12) formed a distinct cluster separate from the remaining 14 previously characterized isolates from Finland and one isolate from Germany. Division of EMARaV to two genetically distinguishable groups was realized for the first time. EMARaV-infected mountain ash trees suffer from chlorosis and growth reduction of varying severity, which impairs their value as an ornamental and for carpentry. To our knowledge, this is the first report in Russia on definite identification of a virus and virus disease in an economically important native plant of northern Europe in the natural habitat as far east as the geobotanical border zone of Fennoscandia.

References: (1) T. Ahti and M. Boychek. The Botanical Journeys of A. K. Cajander and J. I. Lindroth to Karelia and Onega River in 1898 and 1899. Finnish Museum of Natural History, Helsinki, Finland, 2006. (2) A. K. Kallinen et al. Phytopathology 99:344, 2009. (3) N. Mielke and H. P. Muehlbach. J. Gen. Virol. 88:1337, 2007.
First Report of Tobacco etch virus Infection in Coleus in the United States
Authors: Lockhart B. E. L. , Mason S. L. , Johnson D. A. , Mollov D. S.
Published: June 2010

Virus-like disease symptoms consisting of foliar and veinal necrosis similar to those caused by Coleus vein necrosis virus (CVNV) (2) were observed in plants of coleus (Coleus blume Benth.) ‘Rustic Orange’ obtained from retail greenhouse outlets in Missouri and Minnesota. Flexuous, filamentous, 750 to 770 nm virus-like particles (vlps) were observed by transmission electron microscopy in negatively stained partially purified leaf tissue extracts from symptomatic ‘Rustic Orange’ leaf tissue. No other virus-like particles were observed and none were detected in extracts from asymptomatic leaves. These vlps were longer than those of CVNV (640 nm) (2) and were not detected by immunosorbent electron microscopy (ISEM) using antibodies to CVNV (2). Degenerate potyvirus primers PNIbF1 (5′GGBAAYAATAGTGGNCAACC3′) and PCPR1 (5′GGGGAGGTGCCGTTCTCDATRCACCA3′) (1) and total RNA extracted from ‘Rustic Orange’ leaf tissue with a Qiagen RNeasy Kit were used for reverse transcription-PCR with Ready-To-Go RT-PCR Beads (GE Healthcare). A 950-bp amplicon was obtained from total RNA from diseased but not from healthy leaf tissue. The nucleotide sequence of the amplicon (GenBank Accession No. GQ268818) had levels of identity to published Tobacco etch virus (TEV) sequences comprising portions of the nuclear inclusion body (NIb) and coat protein (CP) gene regions ranging from 89% (L38714) to 93% (M15239, M11458). The identity of the virus occurring in ‘Rustic Orange’ was further confirmed by ISEM. Virions were trapped and decorated by antibodies to TEV (ATCC PVAS 32). Systemically infected leaf tissue from Datura stramonium in which the coleus TEV isolate was propagated was used to mechanically inoculate Carborundum-dusted leaves of virus-free test plants of ‘Rustic Orange’ (Park Seed, Greenwood, SC). Inoculated plants developed foliar necrosis symptoms similar to those observed originally, and the presence of TEV was confirmed by ISEM and RT-PCR and nucleotide sequence analysis as described above. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a disease of coleus caused by TEV. Many of approximately 30 ‘Rustic Orange’ plants in one nursery in Minnesota showed similar necrotic foliar symptoms and randomly selected plants tested positive for TEV by ISEM. This suggests that TEV infection in this variety may be spread by vegetative propagation from infected stock plants.

References: (1) Y.-C. Hsu et al. J. Virol. Methods 128:54. 2005. (2) D. S. Mollov et al. Plant Dis. 91:754. 2007.
The Effect of Landscape Pattern on the Optimal Eradication Zone of an Invading Epidemic
Authors: Parnell S. , Gottwald T. R. , Gilligan C. A. , Cunniffe N. J. , van den Bosch F.
Published: June 2010

A number of high profile eradication attempts on plant pathogens have recently been attempted in response to the increasing number of introductions of economically significant nonnative pathogen species. Eradication programs involve the removal of a large proportion of a host population and can thus lead to significant social and economic costs. In this paper we use a spatially explicit stochastic model to simulate an invading pathogen and show that it is possible to identify an optimal control radius, i.e., one that minimizes the total number of hosts removed during an eradication campaign that is effective in eradicating the pathogen. However, by simulating the epidemic and eradication processes in multiple landscapes, we demonstrate that the optimal radius depends critically on landscape pattern (i.e., the spatial configuration of hosts within the landscape). In particular, we find that the optimal radius, and also the number of host removals associated with it, increases with both the level of aggregation and the density of hosts in the landscape. The result is of practical significance and demonstrates that the location of an invading epidemic should be a key consideration in the design of future eradication strategies.
Alteration in Lignin Biosynthesis Restricts Growth of Fusarium spp. in Brown Midrib Sorghum
Authors: Funnell-Harris Deanna L. , Pedersen Jeffrey F. , Sattler Scott E.
Published: June 2010

To improve sorghum for bioenergy and forage uses, brown midrib (bmr)6 and -12 near-isogenic genotypes were developed in different sorghum backgrounds. The bmr6 and bmr12 grain had significantly reduced colonization by members of the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex compared with the wild type, as detected on two semiselective media. Fusarium spp. were identified using sequence analysis of a portion of the translation elongation factor (TEF) 1-α gene. The pathogens Fusarium thapsinum, F. proliferatum, and F. verticillioides, G. fujikuroi members, were commonly recovered. Other frequently isolated Fusarium spp. likely colonize sorghum asymptomatically. The χ2 analyses showed that the ratios of Fusarium spp. colonizing bmr12 grain were significantly different from the wild type, indicating that bmr12 affects colonization by Fusarium spp. One F. incarnatum-F. equiseti species complex (FIESC) genotype, commonly isolated from wild-type and bmr6 grain, was not detected in bmr12 grain. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that this FIESC genotype represents a previously unreported TEF haplotype. When peduncles of wild-type and near-isogenic bmr plants were inoculated with F. thapsinum, F. verticillioides, or Alternaria alternata, the resulting mean lesion lengths were significantly reduced relative to the wild type in one or both bmr mutants. This indicates that impairing lignin biosynthesis results in reduced colonization by Fusarium spp. and A. alternata.
Trichoderma harzianum and Glomus intraradices Modify the Hormone Disruption Induced by Fusarium oxysporum Infection in Melon Plants
Authors: Martínez-Medina Ainhoa , Pascual Jose Antonio , Pérez-Alfocea Francisco , Albacete Alfonso , Roldán Antonio
Published: June 2010

The plant hormones salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), ethylene (ET), and abscisic acid (ABA) are known to play crucial roles in plant disease and pest resistance. Changes in the concentrations of these plant hormones in melon plant shoots, as a consequence of the interaction between the plant, the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum, the antagonistic microorganism Trichoderma harzianum, and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices were investigated. Attack by F. oxysporum activated a defensive response in the plant, mediated by the plant hormones SA, JA, ET, and ABA, similar to the one produced by T. harzianum. When inoculated with the pathogen, both T. harzianum and G. intraradices attenuated the plant response mediated by the hormones ABA and ET elicited by the pathogen attack. T. harzianum was also able to attenuate the SA-mediated response. In the three-way interaction (F. oxysporum–T. harzianum–G. intraradices), although a synergistic effect in reducing disease incidence was found, no synergistic effect on the modulation of the hormone disruption induced by the pathogen was observed. These results suggest that the induction of plant basal resistance and the attenuation of the hormonal disruption caused by F. oxysporum are both mechanisms by which T. harzianum can control Fusarium wilt in melon plants; while the mechanisms involving G. intraradices seem to be independent of SA and JA signaling.
Genetic Variability of Natural Populations of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2 in Pacific Northwest Vineyards
Authors: Jarugula Sridhar , Alabi Olufemi J. , Martin Robert R. , Naidu Rayapati A.
Published: June 2010

Genetic variability of field populations of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2 (GLRaV-2) in Pacific Northwest (PNW) vineyards was characterized by sequencing the entire coat protein (CP) and a portion of the heat-shock protein-70 homolog (HSP70h) genes. Phylogenetic analysis of CP and HSP70h nucleotide sequences obtained in this study and corresponding sequences from GenBank revealed segregation of GLRaV-2 isolates into six lineages with virus isolates from PNW distributed in ‘PN’, ‘H4’, and ‘RG’ lineages. An estimation of the ratio of nonsynonymous substitutions per nonsynonymous site to synonymous substitutions per synonymous site indicated that different selection pressures may be acting on the two genomic regions encoding proteins with distinct functions. Multiple alignments of CP amino acid sequences showed lineage-specific differences. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results indicated that GLRaV-2-specific antibodies from a commercial source are unable to reliably detect GLRaV-2 isolates in the RG lineage, thereby limiting antibody-based diagnosis of all GLRaV-2 isolates currently found in PNW vineyards. A protocol based on reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was developed for differentiating GLRaV-2 isolates belonging to the three lineages present in the region. The taxonomic status of GLRaV-2 is discussed in light of the current knowledge of global genetic diversity of the virus.
Contrasting Patterns of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure ofArmillaria melleasensu stricto in the Eastern and Western United States
Authors: Baumgartner Kendra , Travadon Renaud , Bruhn Johann , Bergemann Sarah E.
Published: June 2010

Armillaria mellea infects hundreds of plant species in natural and managed ecosystems throughout the Northern hemisphere. Previously reported nuclear genetic divergence between eastern and western U.S. isolates is consistent with the disjunct range of A. mellea in North America, which is restricted mainly to both coasts of the United States. We investigated patterns of population structure and genetic diversity of the eastern (northern and southern Appalachians, Ozarks, and western Great Lakes) and western (Berkeley, Los Angeles, St. Helena, and San Jose, CA) regions of the United States. In total, 156 diploid isolates were genotyped using 12 microsatellite loci. Absence of genetic differentiation within either eastern subpopulations (θST= –0.002, P = 0.5 ) or western subpopulations (θST= 0.004, P = 0.3 ) suggests that spore dispersal within each region is sufficient to prevent geographic differentiation. In contrast to the western United States, our finding of more than one genetic cluster of isolates within the eastern United States (K = 3), revealed by Bayesian assignment of multilocus genotypes in STRUCTURE and confirmed by genetic multivariate analyses, suggests that eastern subpopulations are derived from multiple founder sources. The existence of amplifiable and nonamplifiable loci and contrasting patterns of genetic diversity between the two regions demonstrate that there are two geographically isolated, divergent genetic pools of A. mellea in the United States.
Ab initio
calculations of scytonemin derivatives of relevance to extremophile characterization by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Varnali Tereza , Edwards Howell G. M.
Published: June 2010

The recognition that scytonemin, the radiation protectant pigment produced by extremophilic cyanobacterial colonies in stressed terrestrial environments, is a key biomarker for extinct or extant life preserved in geological scenarios is critically important for the detection of life signatures by remote analytical instrumentation on planetary surfaces and subsurfaces. The ExoMars mission to seek life signatures on Mars is just one experiment that will rely upon the detection of molecules such as scytonemin in the Martian regolith. Following a detailed structural analysis of the parent scytonemin, we report here for the first time a similar analysis of several of its methoxy derivatives that have recently been extracted from stressed cyanobacteria.
Ab initio
calculations have been carried out to determine the most stable molecular configurations, and the implications of the structural changes imposed by the methoxy group additions on the spectral characteristics of the parent molecule are discussed. The calculated electronic absorption bands of the derivative molecules reveal that their capability of removing UVA wavelengths is removed while preserving the ability to absorb the shorter wavelength UVB and UVC radiation, in contrast to scytonemin itself. This is indicative of a special role for these molecules in the protective strategy of the cyanobacterial extremophiles.
A Raman spectroscopic study of a fulgurite
Authors: Carter Elizabeth A. , Hargreaves Michael D. , Kee Terence P. , Pasek Matthew A. , Edwards Howell G. M.
Published: June 2010

A Raman microspectroscopic study of several fulgurites has been undertaken. A fulgurite is an amorphous mineraloid, a superheated glassy solid that is formed when a lightning bolt hits a sandy or rocky ground and thermal energy is transferred. The Raman spectra revealed several forms of crystalline and fused silica and also the presence of polyaromatic hydrocarbons found in an interfacial zone of a glass bubble. This, together with the presence of anatase, a low-temperature polymorph of TiO
2
, suggested that some regions of the fulgurite specimen were not subjected to temperatures of 1800°C, which are attained when lightning hits the surface of sand or a rock.
Raman spectroscopy of the Dukhan sabkha: identification of geological and biogeological molecules in an extreme environment
Authors: Edwards Howell G. M. , Sadooni Fadhil , Vítek Petr , Jehlička Jan
Published: June 2010

The characterization of minerals and biogeological deposits in a terrestrial Arabian sabkha has a direct relevance for the exploration of Mars since the discovery by the NASA rovers
Spirit
and
Opportunity
of evaporate minerals on Mars that could have arisen from aquifers and subsurface water movement. The recognition of carbonates and sulphates in Gusev Crater has afforded an additional impetus to these studies, as relict or extant microbial extremophilic organisms could have colonized these geological matrices, as has been recorded on Earth. Here, we describe the Raman spectroscopic analysis of specimens of evaporitic materials sampled from the Dukhan sabkha, the largest inland sabkha in the Persian Gulf. With daily temperatures reaching in excess of 60
°
C and extreme salinity, we have identified the characteristic Raman signatures of key biomolecular compounds in association with evaporitic minerals and geological carbonate and sulphate matrices, which indicate that extremophilic cyanobacterial colonies are existent there. This evidence, the first to be acquired spectroscopically from such a region, establishes a platform for further studies using remote, portable Raman instrumentation that will inform the potential of detection of similar systems on the Martian surface or subsurface in future space missions. A comparison is made between the results from this study and the previous analysis of a gypsum/halite sabkha where the extremophilic molecular signatures were better preserved.
Raman spectroscopic study of four Spanish shocked ordinary chondrites: Cañellas, Olmedilla de Alarcón, Reliegos and Olivenza
Authors: Rull F. , Muñoz-Espadas M. J. , Lunar R. , Martínez-Frías J.
Published: June 2010

Shock metamorphism in chondritic parent bodies produces typical textures, visible under the microscope, which are a consequence of structural deformation of the crystals. Such deformations can be studied with Raman spectroscopy. The vibrational characteristics of olivines and pyroxenes, structurally deformed by weak-to-moderate shock metamorphism, have been determined on four Spanish ordinary chondrites (Cañellas, Olmedilla de Alarcón, Reliegos and Olivenza). Such deformations would affect, in principle, the band positions and widths of the Raman spectra peaks. The measured band positions and relative intensities are consistent with chemical composition for olivines and pyroxenes, but show little influence on the degree of shock. However, the full spectral band width of the silicate internal modes shows some dependence on the impact grade, which could be attributed to inhomogeneous effects produced by the impacts.
Variation in fat content and fatty‐acid composition of the Baltic herring Clupea harengus membras
Authors: Szlinder‐Richert J. , Usydus Z. , Wyszyński M. , Adamczyk M.
Published: June 2010

The fat content and fatty‐acid profiles of herring, Clupea harengus membras, from the southern Baltic Sea varied depending on when (fishing season) and where (fishing grounds) the fish were caught as well as on their size and sex. The fat, protein and dry matter content and the fatty‐acid profiles were assayed in C. h. membras muscle tissue. The changes observed in fatty‐acid profiles were determined by factors such as specimen mass and fat content, which, in turn, depended on fishing season. This is explained by dietary differences between juvenile and older fish. Gonad maturation and spawning in the latter are also factors. The study results provide confirmation of the hypothesis that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), play vital roles in the sexual maturation of C. h. membras.
Influence of moderate and severe hypoxia on the diurnal activity pattern of lesser sandeel Ammodytes tobianus
Authors: Behrens J. W. , Petersen J. K. , ÆRtebjerg G. , Steffensen J. F.
Published: June 2010

The influence of prolonged moderate (c. 60% oxygen saturation) and severe hypoxia (c. 35% oxygen saturation) on the diurnal activity pattern of sandeel Ammodytes tobianus was examined. In moderate hypoxia, the emerging and burying rates were significantly higher compared to that in normoxia, whereas fewer fish (c. 10%) were present in the water column. In contrast, severe hypoxia resulted in twice as many or more fish being present in the water column compared to that in normoxia. The increased number of swimming fish was not just a relative change due to an effect from hypoxia treatment, but the behaviour of the fish was also changed. The summed activity (emerging plus burying events) was lower in severe hypoxia compared to normoxia except during hours of dim light. All fish were buried during night‐time, regardless of treatment, with the exception of some in severe hypoxia during the first couple of hours of darkness.
Sprouty2 protein enhances the response to gefitinib through epidermal growth factor receptor in colon cancer cells
Authors: Feng Yin‐Hsun , Tsao Chao‐Jung , Wu Chao‐Liang , Chang Jan‐Gowth , Lu Pei‐Jung , Yeh Kun‐Tu , Shieh Gia‐Shing , Shiau Ai‐Li , Lee Jeng‐Chang
Published: June 2010

Sprouty2 (Spry2) is known to increase the expression of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) by conjugating with c‐Casitas B‐lineage lymphoma (C‐Cbl) to decrease protein degradation. The effect of Spry2 on the treatment of gefitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of EGFR, with regards to colon cancer is still unclear. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of gefitinib in six colon cancer cell lines were assessed. HCT116 and C2BBel cells expressed lower levels of Spry2 protein and were less sensitive to gefitinib, whereas HT29 cells that expressed high levels of Spry2 protein were more sensitive to gefitinib. The sensitivity to gefitinib was increased after overexpression of Spry2 in HCT116 cells, whereas it was decreased after Spry2 knockdown in HT29 cells. The levels of both phosphorylated and total EGFR were increased when HCT116 cells ectopically overexpressed Spry2, with concomitant increase in phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression. Inhibition of EGFR by cetuximab reduced sensitivity to gefitinib in HCT116 cells overexpressing Spry2. However, knockdown of PTEN or K‐ras failed to diminish the effect of Spry2 on gefitinib sensitivity. Of note, Spry2 enhanced the antitumor effect of gefitinib in a xenograft model of HCT116 tumors, which harbored K‐ras codon 13 mutation. In conclusion, Spry2 can enhance the response of colon cancer cells to gefitinib by increasing the expression of phosphorylated and total EGFR. These results suggest that Spry2 may be a potential biomarker in predicting the response to anti‐EGFR treatment in colon cancer and that it is necessary to conduct clinical studies to incorporate Spry2 into the network of cancer treatment. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Modeling the effect of high dead‐space syringes on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic among injecting drug users
Authors: Bobashev Georgiy V. , Zule William A.
Published: June 2010

Aims  To illustrate the impact of different proportions of injecting drug users (IDUs) sharing high dead‐space syringes (HDSS) or low dead‐space syringes (LDSS) on the probability of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission; and thus the impact on injection‐related HIV prevalence and incidence.

Design  A stochastic mathematical model was used to evaluate the impact of HDSS use in high‐ and low‐risk IDU populations. Model parameters were obtained from peer‐reviewed publications. Analytical solutions of a simplified deterministic model were obtained to explain the effect of HDSS on HIV endemic states.

Findings  Simulation analysis shows that the HIV epidemic could be sustained even when a small percentage of sharing (10%) involved HDSS. The effect is much stronger in high‐risk compared with low‐risk populations. Steady state HIV prevalence increases with the proportion of HDSS, and for high‐ and low‐risk populations reaches around 80% and 20%, respectively. For low‐risk populations, the use of LDSS could result in the virtual elimination of HIV. These results are dependent upon an evidence‐supported assumption of a significant difference in HIV transmission risk associated with HDSS versus LDSS.

Conclusions  Our models suggest that injection‐related HIV epidemics may not occur when most (e.g. 95% or more) IDUs use LDSS. While these results are based on indirect risk measures and a number of simplifying assumptions, the effect of blood retained in high dead‐space syringes on HIV prevalence seems to be very strong, even using relatively conservative assumptions. The findings have potential implications for needle exchange programs and the types of syringes produced and distributed world‐wide.
Alcohol use and non‐adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV‐infected patients in West Africa
Authors: Jaquet Antoine , Ekouevi Didier K. , Bashi Jules , Aboubakrine Maiga , Messou Eugène , Maiga Moussa , Traore Hamar Alassane , Zannou Marcel Djimon , Guehi Calixte , Ba‐Gomis Franck Olivier , Minga Albert , Allou Gérard , Eholie Serge Paul , Bissagnene Emmanuel , Sasco Annie J. , Dabis Francois
Published: June 2010

Aim  To investigate the association between alcohol use and adherence to highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients in subSaharan Africa.

Design and setting  Cross‐sectional survey conducted in eight adult HIV treatment centres from Benin, Côte d'Ivoire and Mali.

Participants and measurements  During a 4‐week period, health workers administered the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test to HAART‐treated patients and assessed treatment adherence using the AIDS Clinical Trials Group follow‐up questionnaire.

Findings  A total of 2920 patients were enrolled with a median age of 38 years [interquartile range (IQR) 32–45 years] and a median duration on HAART of 3 years (IQR 1–4 years). Overall, 91.8% of patients were identified as adherent to HAART. Non‐adherence was associated with current drinking [odds ratio (OR) 1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–2.0], hazardous drinking (OR 4.7; 95% CI 2.6–8.6) and was associated inversely with a history of counselling on adherence (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.5–0.9).

Conclusions  Alcohol consumption and hazardous drinking is associated with non‐adherence to HAART among HIV‐infected patients from West Africa. Adult HIV care programmes should integrate programmes to reduce hazardous and harmful drinking.
Substance use and common child mental health problems: examining longitudinal associations in a British sample
Authors: Goodman Anna
Published: June 2010

Aims  To examine the longitudinal associations in both directions between mental health and substance use in adolescence.

Design  Three‐year longitudinal cohort.

Setting  Britain (nationally representative sample).

Participants  3607 youths aged 11–16 years at baseline.

Measurements  Externalizing and internalizing mental health problems were measured using brief questionnaires (parent‐reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) and diagnostic interviews, including clinician‐rated diagnoses of mental disorder. Substance use was measured by youth self‐report, and included regular smoking, frequent alcohol consumption, regular cannabis use and ever taking other illicit drugs.

Findings  Externalizing (specifically behavioural) problems at baseline independently predicted all forms of substance use, with a particularly strong effect on smoking. In all cases this association showed a dose–response relationship. In contrast, although internalizing problems had a strong univariable association with smoking, this disappeared after adjusting for comorbid externalizing problems. There was little or no evidence that baseline substance use predicted mental health at follow‐up.

Conclusions  Externalizing problems predict adolescent substance use, and adjusting for comorbid externalizing problems is vital when investigating the effects of internalizing problems. A dose–response effect of externalizing problems is seen across the full range. Programmes seeking to prevent adolescent substance use by reducing externalizing problems may therefore wish to consider population‐wide interventions rather than targeting individuals only at the negative extreme.
Individual, partner and relationship factors associated with non‐medical use of prescription drugs
Authors: Homish Gregory G. , Leonard Kenneth E. , Cornelius Jack R.
Published: June 2010

Aims  The objective of the current report was to examine individual, partner and relationship factors (e.g. relationship satisfaction) associated with the non‐medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) in a community sample of married adults.

Design  The current report used two waves of data from an ongoing study of couples who were recruited at the time they applied for their marriage license and are now in the 10th year of follow‐up. Logistic regression models examined the relation between individual, partner and relationship factors and NMUPD.

Participants  This report is based on 273 couples.

Measurements  Participants completed questionnaires that assessed prescription drug use, alcohol use, other substance use, depression, marital satisfaction and socio‐demographic factors.

Findings  Among wives, there was evidence that a partner's prescription drug use and relationship factors were associated with increased risk for NMUPD. There was some evidence suggesting that it was the increased access or availability, and not the partner's use per se, that was related to the NMUPD. These results persisted after controlling for other illicit drug use, heavy drinking, depressive symptomatology and socio‐demographic factors. Among men, neither partner use nor relationship factors were associated with NMUPD after considering the impact of individual‐level risk factors.

Conclusion  Prevention and intervention efforts directed at reducing the risk for NMUPD should consider the influence of partner and relationship factors in addition to individual‐level risk factors.
Pre‐cessation nicotine replacement therapy: pragmatic randomized trial
Authors: Bullen Chris , Howe Colin , Lin Ruey‐Bin , Grigg Michele , Laugesen Murray , McRobbie Hayden , Glover Marewa , Walker Natalie , Wallace‐Bell Mark , Whittaker Robyn , Rodgers Anthony
Published: June 2010

Aims  To determine the effectiveness of 2 weeks' pre‐cessation nicotine patches and/or gum on smoking abstinence at 6 months.

Design  Pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

Setting  New Zealand.

Participants  Eleven hundred adult, dependent smokers who called the New Zealand Quitline between March 2006 and May 2007 for support to stop smoking were randomized to 2 weeks of nicotine patches and/or gum prior to their target quit day followed by usual care (8 weeks of patches and/or gum plus support calls from a Quitline adviser), or to usual care alone.

Measurements  The primary outcome was self‐reported 7‐day point prevalence smoking abstinence 6 months after quit day. Secondary outcomes included continuous abstinence, cotinine‐verified abstinence, daily cigarette consumption, withdrawal symptoms and adverse events.

Findings  Six months after quit day 125 (22.7%) participants in the pre‐cessation group and 116 (21.0%) in the control group reported 7‐day point prevalence abstinence (relative risk 1.08 95% CI: 0.86, 1.35, P = 0.4, risk difference 1.7%, 95% CI: −3.2%, 6.6%). However, when pooled in a meta‐analysis with other pre‐cessation trials a moderate benefit of about a one‐quarter increase in cessation rates was evident. There was no difference in adverse events between groups.

Conclusions  In this, the largest pre‐cessation NRT trial to date, using NRT 2 weeks before the target quit day was safe and well tolerated but offered no benefit over usual care. However, in conjunction with previous pre‐cessation trials there appears to be a moderate benefit, but not as large as that seen in most smaller trials.
Building resilience in a children's home: results from an action research project
Authors: Houston Stan
Published: June 2010

This paper reports on the findings of an action research project aimed at building resilience in young people in a residential children's home. Daniel and Wassell's six domains for promoting resilience in young people were adopted as a conceptual framework to guide the residential social workers as they engaged in successive cycles of reflection and action. Two core areas were explored: (a) the approaches deemed to be helpful in building resilience; and (b) the background factors that enabled and constrained the social workers' interventions. The findings showed that the participants acted creatively to use resources and tools both within the system of State‐mandated parenting and the informal, meaning‐oriented world of the young people.
Molecular and immunological characterization of Can f 4: a dog dander allergen cross‐reactive with a 23 kDa odorant‐binding protein in cow dander
Authors: Mattsson L. , Lundgren T. , Olsson P. , Sundberg M. , Lidholm J.
Published: June 2010

Background
Dog dander is an important cause of respiratory allergy but its content of allergenic components is still incompletely known. While Can f 1, 2, 3 and 5 have been studied in detail, only fragmentary information is available on the lipocalin Can f 4.

Objective
To purify, clone and characterize dog dander allergen Can f 4.

Methods
Can f 4 was purified from dog dander extract by size exclusion, ion exchange and reverse phase chromatography. A cDNA encoding Can f 4 was cloned and used to produce recombinant Can f 4 in Escherichia coli. A 23 kDa protein from cow dander, displaying cross‐reactivity with Can f 4, was purified and identified by amino acid sequencing and mass spectrometry. IgE antibody binding to dog and cow dander extract and to individual dog allergens among 37 dog allergic subjects and 44 pollen allergic controls was studied using ImmunoCAP.

Results
A dog genome segment containing the Can f 4 gene was bioinformatically identified and enabled the cloning of Can f 4 cDNA. Recombinant Can f 4 displayed close immunological and biochemical similarity to purified natural Can f 4 and bound IgE antibodies from 13/37 (35%) sera of dog allergic subjects. Can f 4 reactive sera showed IgE binding to a 23 kDa protein present in cow dander extract, related to a family of odorant‐binding proteins. The dog and cow proteins shared 37% sequence identity and their cross‐reactivity was demonstrated by IgE inhibition experiments.

Conclusion
Recombinant Can f 4 brings the panel of available dog allergens closer to completion and will be important in component‐resolved diagnostics in allergy to animal epithelial allergens.

Cite this as: L. Mattsson, T. Lundgren, P. Olsson, M. Sundberg and J. Lidholm, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1276–1287.
Narrowband ultraviolet B versus psoralen plus ultraviolet A therapy for severe plaque psoriasis: an Indian perspective
Authors: Chauhan P. S. , Kaur I. , Dogra S. , De D. , Kanwar A. J.
Published: June 2010

There is a dearth of studies comparing the efficacy of psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) and narrowband (NB)-UVB in psoriasis in South Asian patients. Patients having plaque psoriasis with > 20% body surface area involvement were randomly assigned to one of two groups (group A: NB-UVB, group B: PUVA). The response to treatment was assessed by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) at baseline and every 2 weeks thereafter. The maximum possible treatment duration was 16 weeks. In total, 43 patients (21 NB-UVB, 22 PUVA) completed the study. Marked improvement was seen in 80.9% of the patients in group A and 81.8% in group B (NS: P > 0.05). The mean ± SD time taken to achieve marked improvement was 9.9 ± 3.3 and 9.9 ± 3.5 weeks, respectively. In total, 29 patients were available for the analysis of the remission data at 6 months after treatment completion; 26.7% of the patients in group A and 42.8% in group B were in remission (NS: P > 0.05). Both methods seem to be equally effective in achieving clearance and maintaining remission of severe chronic plaque psoriasis in patients with Fitzpatrick skin type 4 and 5.
Addictive-like behaviours to ultraviolet light among frequent indoor tanners
Authors: Harrington C. R. , Beswick T. C. , Leitenberger J. , Minhajuddin A. , Jacobe H. T. , Adinoff B.
Published: June 2010

Background. Frequent, purposeful exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light may induce a compulsive desire to tan despite the negative consequences being known, suggesting a behavioural complex similar to addictive disorders.

Aim. To assess the presence of addictive-like behaviours in subjects using indoor tanning salons.

Methods. Subjects (n = 100) were surveyed by two questionnaires: a modified CAGE questionnaire to assess behaviours consistent with problem tanning and a modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) (‘substance dependence’ criteria) to assess behaviours consistent with a dependence-like disorder.

Results. In total, 41% of subjects met criteria consistent with a ‘tanning addictive disorder’, and an additional 33% met criteria for problematic tanning behaviour based on the modified CAGE criteria or subthreshold criteria on the modified DSM-IV criteria. Female gender and early age of onset were associated with meeting tanning addiction criteria.

Conclusion. A high percentage of subjects who tan frequently in indoor salons experience behaviours and consequences to their tanning consistent with other identified addictive disorders.
Structural changes in exon 11 of MEF2A are not related to sporadic coronary artery disease in Han Chinese population
Authors: Dai Da‐Peng , Zhou Xiao‐Yang , Xiao Yao , Xu Feng , Sun Fu‐Cheng , Ji Fu‐Sui , Zhang Zhi‐Xin , Hu Ji‐Hong , Guo Jian , Zheng Jun‐De , Dong Jia‐Mei , Zhu Wei‐Guo , Shen Yan , Qian Yi‐Jian , He Qing , Cai Jian‐Ping
Published: June 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (8): 669–677

Background  A mutation in MEF2A (myocyte enhancer factor‐2A) had been reported to be the first gene linked directly to coronary artery disease (CAD). However, an opposing opinion was proposed recently that MEF2A mutations are not a common cause of sporadic CAD. In this study, we screened exon 11 of the MEF2A gene in people of the Han nationality in China and finished some functional analysis of found variations.

Materials and methods  A gene structural investigation of MEF2A in 257 CAD patients and 154 control individuals were developed in this study. Subsequently, typical MEF2A variations were cloned and expressed in HeLa or 293T cell line to illustrate whether found structure changes could influence the main biological functions of these proteins. At last, another set of gene structural screen was initialized to get more reliable conclusions.

Results  Totally 16 different variations were detected in exon 11 of this gene in the first set of gene structural screen. By cloning and expressing typical MEF2A proteins in cultured cells, all the acquired MEF2A variations had transcriptional activation capabilities and subcellular localization patterns similar to those of the wild‐type protein. Further larger scale genetic screening also revealed that the reported genetic variations of MEF2A did not differ significantly between CAD patients and healthy controls.

Conclusions  Our results reveal that structural changes of exon 11 in MEF2A are not involved in sporadic CAD in the Han population of China.
Electrical optimization of cardiac resynchronization in chronic heart failure is associated with improved clinical long‐term outcome
Authors: Adlbrecht Christopher , Hülsmann Martin , Gwechenberger Marianne , Graf Senta , Wiesbauer Franz , Strunk Guido , Khazen Cesar , Brodnjak Isabella , Neuhold Stephanie , Binder Thomas , Maurer Gerald , Pacher Richard
Published: June 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (8): 678–684

Background  Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment option for symptomatic chronic heart failure (CHF) patients with pharmacological baseline therapy, but not all patients benefit from device therapy. One reason for this may be inadequate device settings. In real‐world practice, echocardiographic evaluation of atrioventricular (AV) delay is not performed in a high proportion of patients, as the effect of electrical optimization of CRT is an issue open for investigation.

Materials and methods  We performed a retrospective observational study analysing the effect of AV‐interval evaluation with echocardiography on long‐term [32 (23?43) months] clinical outcome in 205 CHF patients. A stepwise Cox regression model including a co‐morbidity score, failed AV‐interval evaluation, satisfactory device function after the first implantation attempt, failure to reach 100% of the recommended renin‐angiotensin system inhibitor and beta‐blocker dose at follow‐up and CRT device implantation compared with CRT in combination with an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was applied.

Results  In the total study cohort, 124 (60·5%) patients had reached the primary combined endpoint death or cardiac hospitalization and 59 (28·8%) had died. Cox regression analysis revealed that failed AV‐interval evaluation [HR = 1·72 (1·19–2·49), P = 0·004] non‐optimized CHF pharmacotherapy dosages [HR = 2·12 (1·32–3·42), P = 0·002], the presence of a CRT/ICD combination device [HR = 1·87 (1·28–2·71), P = 0·001] and satisfactory device function after the first implantation attempt [HR = 0·44 (0·25–0·77), P = 0·004] were associated with the primary endpoint.

Conclusion  Echocardiographic evaluation of the AV‐interval in patients with CRT was independently associated with improved clinical outcome, impacting on daily clinical practice of HF patient care.
Interference in thyroid‐stimulating hormone determination
Authors: Imperiali Mauro , Jelmini Paola , Ferraro Biagio , Keller Franco , Della Bruna Roberto , Balerna Marco , Giovanella Luca
Published: June 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (8): 756–758

Background  Thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement plays a major role in the diagnosis of thyroid disorders. Despite the good quality of immunochemical tests measuring TSH levels, the presence of interfering substances can sometimes alter the TSH results.

Design  We reported the case of a 79‐year‐old man affected by primary autoimmune hypothyroidism hospitalized for pneumonia. A TSH value > 100 mIU L‐1 (reference: 0.44 mIU L‐1) was found at admission. No signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism were found upon clinical examination and serum concentration of the free thyroxine (FT4) was normal.

Results  Serum treatment in heterophile antibody blocking tubes did not change the TSH result in our assay, while normal levels were found in a different immunoassay method. An abnormal pattern was found in protein electrophoresis at admission, with IgG / j and IgM / k monoclonal bands proved in immunofixation. Interestingly, the disappearance of monoclonal bands was paralleled with a normalization of the TSH value.

Conclusions  We suggest in this study that the TSH determination might be influenced by the presence of transient paraproteins.
Plant–soil associations in a lower montane tropical forest: physiological acclimation and herbivore‐mediated responses to nitrogen addition
Authors: Andersen Kelly M. , Corre Marife D. , Turner Benjamin L. , Dalling James W.
Published: June 2010

1. Soil nutrients influence plant productivity and community composition in tropical forests. In lower montane tropical forests in western Panama, the distribution of understory palm species over a scale of 1–20 km correlates with differences in soil nitrogen (N). We hypothesized that soil N determines seedling performance in the forest understory, and, may therefore influence species distributions along the soil N gradient.

2. We explored the potential for N availability to generate species‐habitat associations through species‐specific differences in biomass allocation, photosynthetic capacity, N use‐efficiency, and susceptibility to herbivory. Seedlings of nine palm species from two sub‐families and four habitat types were transplanted into N‐addition and control plots at a low N site. Growth, mortality, biomass allocation, photosynthesis, foliar N content and herbivory were measured over 21 months.

3. Foliar N increased for all species (15–68%) following N addition. Most species showed strong (20–200%) increases in photosynthetic rates with N addition except two species with marginal decreases in photosynthetic rates (5–15%). However, shifts in physiological traits did not increase relative growth rate or change in biomass allocation for any species or N treatment combination. Rather, increased leaf quality contributed to greater levels of herbivory in species associated with soils of intermediate and high inorganic N availability.

4. Thus, potential increases in overall growth with N addition were masked by herbivory, resulting in no apparent growth response with increased N. We suggest that for understory palms, and potentially other montane forest plants, distribution patterns are driven by a combination of physiological and herbivore‐mediated responses to soil nutrient availability.
Nucleoporin Nup98: a gatekeeper in the eukaryotic kingdoms
Authors: Iwamoto Masaaki , Asakawa Haruhiko , Hiraoka Yasushi , Haraguchi Tokuko
Published: June 2010

The nucleoporin Nup98 is an essential component of the nuclear pore complex. This peripheral nucleoporin with its Gly‐Leu‐Phe‐Gly (GLFG) repeat domain contributes to nuclear‐cytoplasmic trafficking, including mRNA export. In addition, accumulating studies indicate that Nup98 plays roles in several important biological events such as gene expression, mitotic checkpoint, and pathogenesis. Nup98 is well conserved among organisms belonging to the fungi and animal kingdoms. These kingdoms belong to the eukaryotic supergroup Opisthokonta. However, there is considerable diversity in the Nup98 orthologs expressed in organisms belonging to other eukaryotic supergroups. Intriguingly, in ciliates, a unicellular organism having two functionally distinct nuclei, GLFG‐Nup98 is present in one of the nuclei and a distinct Nup98 ortholog is present in the other nucleus, and these different Nup98s participate in a nucleus‐selective transport mechanism. In this review, we focus on Nup98 function and discuss how this nucleoporin has evolved in eukaryotic kingdoms.
Chromatin remodeling protein INO80 has a role in regulation of homeotic gene expression in Drosophila
Authors: Bhatia Shipra , Pawar Hema , Dasari Vasanthi , Mishra Rakesh K. , Chandrashekaran Shanti , Brahmachari Vani
Published: June 2010

The homologues of yeast INO80 are identified across phyla from Caenorhabditis elegans to human. In Drosophila it has been shown that dINO80 forms a complex with Pleiohomeotic but does not interact with Hox PRE (polycomb responsive element). As some proteins of the INO80 complex are implicated in homeotic gene regulation, we examined if dINO80 is involved in regulation of homeotic genes. We find that dINO80 null mutants generated by imprecise excision of P‐element are late embryonic lethals and show homeotic transformation. We detect misexpression of homeotic genes like Sex‐comb reduced, Antennapedia, Ultrabithorax and Abdominal‐B in dIno80 mutant embryos by immunostaining which is further substantiated by quantitative PCR. Polycomb phenotype in dIno80‐Pc is enhanced in double mutants. Concurrently, the localization of dINO80 to sequences upstream of misexpressed genes in vivo shows that dINO80 is involved in homeotic gene regulation and probably through its interactions with PcG‐trxG complexes.