Biological characteristics of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AK-0 and suppression of ginseng root rot caused by Cylindrocarpon destructans.

AIMS: The effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AK-0 (AK-0) on ginseng root rot disease caused by Cylindrocarpon destructans was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: From 190 ginseng rhizosphere bacteria, AK-0 was selected for further analysis; its morphological characteristics were investigated by microscopy. AK-0 was identified as B. amyloliquefaciens using the Biolog system, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and examination of morphological and biochemical characteristics. Bacterial population and media optimization were estimated by the bacterial growth curve. The number of AK-0 cells was relatively higher in brain-heart infusion (BHI) medium than in other media. The potential antifungal effect of AK-0 culture filtrate on the in vitro conidial germination of C. destructans and root rot development on root discs and 4-year-old ginseng roots were assessed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of antibiotic biosynthesis gene expression suggested that the release of antibiotic compounds is involved in the antifungal effect of AK-0 and the suppression of ginseng root rot. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the CF of AK-0 has antifungal effects on fungal pathogens of ginseng, resulting in the suppression of root rot disease caused by C. destructans. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: AK-0 is a potential source of novel bioactive metabolites. AK-0 CF exhibited antifungal effects against C. destructans on ginseng roots. PCR analysis indicated that the AK-0 harbours genes involved in the biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds.

Psychiatric referrals in a neuropsychiatric centre.

Consecutive new cases were screened to identify those referred by other specialties. The referred cases were compared with a randomly selected control group from the non referred cases. Referred cases constituted 16.4% of all the clinic new cases but the demographic characteristics were similar to those of the other clinic cases. Functional somatic complaints were significantly more often (p less than 0.01) reported by the referred cases. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were also significantly more often observed in the referred group (p less than 0.01). Most of the referred cases had identifiable psychiatric problems which could be managed in an out-patient setting. Studies on referral patterns and modes of clinical presentation are useful in planning and organising consultation liaison services in general and specialist centres.

Prior neurologic illness and the syndrome of irreversible lithium-effectuated neurotoxicity (SILENT).

Prior neurologic illness or CNS insult of any kind is known to increase the vulnerability to neurotoxicity of lithium. In this event the occurrence of neurotoxicity does not correlate with serum lithium levels. The authors describe a patient with hemiparesis who developed the syndrome of irreversible lithium-effectuated neurotoxicity (SILENT) while being treated with lithium for a manic episode. The authors review the literature on this aspect and highlight the dangers of starting lithium treatment in patients with neurologic impairment.