Detection and Quantification of Potato virus Y Genomes in Single Aphid Stylets

Typically, the detection of a plant virus within its vector is carried out on the entire insect body. This process can be a possible source of confusion in the quantification of transmissible virus particles for styletborne viruses such as Potato virus Y (PVY), since the transmissible virus fraction is the one only retained in the aphid vector's mouthparts. The objective of this study was to develop and validate the quantitative PCR method for the detection and quantification of PVY in the vector's stylet. Using a specific method based on TaqMan chemistry with higher sensitivity than conventional reverse transcription PCR, this study reveals that a significant amount of the virus is enclosed within the dissected stylets of Myzus persicae. Because this quantification only concerns the portion of the virus attached to the stylets, uniformity was observed in the recorded numbers of virus targets. This novel assay is applicable to several PVY strains as a rapid and sensitive detection method for use in PVY research and offers a convenient tool for deciphering the mechanism of Potyvirus acquisition.

The Development of the Dementia Screening Battery-100: Instrument Presentation, Reliability, and Construct Validity

Background/Aim

The screening of dementia in non-Westerners has so far relied on translations and adaptations of reputed instruments. Other efforts focused on developing culturally appropriate tests or tests in touch with new developments in the field. This study presents the rationale behind the construction of a new dementia screening test: the Dementia Screening Battery-100 (DSB-100).

Methods

The DSB-100 was administered to 46 demented individuals and 159 healthy matched controls. All demented participants met the DSM-IV criteria for dementia. The healthy controls showed no cognitive impairment and were independent in activities of daily living. The DSB-100 was administered as part of a larger neuropsychological assessment to collect additional indices on the severity of patients' dementia, depression, and frontal dysfunctions. The same information was used for comparisons with DSB-100 scores.

Results

Multiple regression analysis suggested that age and education, but not the variable sex, are essential in predicting cognitive performance. Construct validation yielded 4 factors, namely attention-visuospatial factors, memory, language, and executive functions. The results showed that the DSB-100 has a high interrater reliability and an acceptable overall internal homogeneity.

Conclusion

These results validate the DSB-100 and suggest its appropriateness for dementia screening in Tunisian elderly and possibly elderly people from other cultures with modifications to some subscales.

[Prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus in Sjögren's syndrome in Tunisia]

PURPOSE

The cause of Sjögren's syndrome is unclear. Several studies suggested the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the pathogenesis of this syndrome, but this always remains a subject of numerous controversies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of EBV in Sjögren's syndrome in Tunisia.

METHODS

A series of 31 paraffin-embedded biopsies of salivary glands from patients with Sjögren's syndrome were studied in comparison with 19 control glands. EBV was investigated by PCR, EBERs in situ hybridization and by immunohistochemistry for the detection of LMP1, EBNA2 and ZEBRA.

RESULTS

EBV DNA was detected by PCR in 3 of 22 PCR beta-globin positive Sjögren's syndrome cases (13.6%) and in 2 of 17 PCR beta-globin positive control glands (11.7%); in situ hybridization positivity was noted in rare lymphocytes in the 3 EBV positive cases of Sjögren's syndrome, but not in control glands; immunohistochemical study was negative in all cases.

CONCLUSION

EBV infection does not appear to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome in Tunisia.

Psychological issues in sport injury rehabilitation: current knowledge and practice

OBJECTIVE

The importance of addressing psychological issues in athletic injury rehabilitation has been recognized by the medical community. When and how to address psychological ramifications of injury, however, have not been given sufficient attention.

BACKGROUND

VARIOUS FACTORS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH ATHLETIC INJURY: models of adjustment to athletic injury, a 10-point assessment inventory, and some techniques employed by sport psychologists to address psychological responses to injury will be discussed.

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this paper is to outline specific guidelines to follow when assessing athletes and counseling them following athletic injuries. By implementing these guidelines, the athletic trainer can: 1)establish trust and rapport, 2) become familiar with the athlete's perception of the injury, and 3) attempt to get the athlete to commit to treatment. CLINICAL ADVANTAGE: Often, athletes are treated for their physical complaints without giving attention to their psychological needs. These techniques can be used for athletes who have suffered an injury so that they may return safely both physically and psychologically to competition.