Unusual outbreaks of curly top disease in processing tomato fields in northern California in 2021 and 2022 were caused by a rare strain of beet curly top virus and facilitated by extreme weather events.

In the western United States, curly top disease (CTD) is caused by beet curly top virus (BCTV). In California, CTD causes economic loss to processing tomato production in central and southern areas but, historically, not in the north. Here, we document unusual CTD outbreaks in processing tomato fields in the northern production area in 2021 and 2022, and show that these were caused by the rare spinach curly top strain (BCTV-SpCT). These outbreaks were associated with proximity of fields to foothills and unusually hot, dry, and windy spring weather conditions, possibly by altering migrations of the beet leafhopper (BLH) vector from locations with BCTV-SpCT reservoirs. Support for this hypothesis came from the failure to observe CTD outbreaks and BLH migrations in 2023, when spring weather conditions were cool and wet. Our results show the climate-induced emergence of a rare plant virus strain to cause an economically important disease in a new crop and location.

Research Progress on Microbial Community Succession in the Postmortem Interval Estimation.

The postmortem interval (PMI) estimation is a key and difficult point in the practice of forensic medicine, and forensic scientists at home and abroad have been searching for objective, quantifiable and accurate methods of PMI estimation. With the development and combination of high-throughput sequencing technology and artificial intelligence technology, the establishment of PMI model based on the succession of the microbial community on corpses has become a research focus in the field of forensic medicine. This paper reviews the technical methods, research applications and influencing factors of microbial community in PMI estimation explored by using high-throughput sequencing technology, to provide a reference for the related research on the use of microbial community to estimate PMI.

Impact of MAFLD on the complications after hepatectomy in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a term that was proposed in 2020 by a group of international experts. However, the impact of MAFLD on complications after hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is not clear. The aim of this study is to explore the influence of MAFLD on the complications after hepatectomy in patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC). Patients with HBV-HCC who underwent hepatectomy between January 2019 and December 2021 were consecutively enrolled. The predictors of complications after hepatectomy in HBV-HCC patients were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 514 eligible HBV-HCC patients, 117 (22.8%) were diagnosed with concurrent MAFLD. Post hepatectomy complications occurred in 101 patients (19.6%), including 75 patients (14.6%) with infectious complications and 40 patients (7.8%) with major complications. Univariate analysis showed that MAFLD was not the risk factor for complications after hepatectomy in patients with HBV-HCC (P > .05). However, univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that lean-MAFLD was an independent risk factor for post hepatectomy complications in patients with HBV-HCC (odds ratio 2.245; 95% confidence interval 1.243-5.362, P = .028). Similar results were found in the analysis of predictors for infectious and major complications after hepatectomy in patients with HBV-HCC. MAFLD commonly coexists with HBV-HCC and is not directly associated with complications after hepatectomy, but lean-MAFLD is an independent risk factor for post hepatectomy complications in patients with HBV-HCC.

The impact of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after radical resection.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is recently proposed an entity by a group of international experts. However, the impact of MAFLD on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not clear. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of MAFLD for the prognosis of HCC after radical resection. METHODS: HCC patients who received radical resection were enrolled. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between MAFLD and non-MAFLD. RESULTS: A total of 576 HCC patients were included, and among them 114 (19.8%) met the diagnostic criteria of MAFLD. The median RFS was 34.0 months in the MAFLD group and 19.0 months in the non-MAFLD group. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS rates were 64.9%, 49.1% and 36.1% in the MAFLD group, which were higher than those of the non-MAFLD group (59.4%, 35.3% and 26.5%, respectively, P = 0.01). The mean OS was 57.0 months in the MAFLD group and 52.2 months in the non-MAFLD group. There was no statistical difference in OS rate between the MAFLD group and non-MAFLD group. Similar results were found in HBV-related HCC patients in the subgroup analysis. Univariate analysis revealed that MAFLD was a protective factor for RFS in HCC patients after radical resection (P < 0.05), and there was no association between MAFLD and OS rate (P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that MAFLD was not an independent protective factor for HCC patients with radical resection. CONCLUSIONS: MAFLD improves RFS rate in HCC patients with radical resection, but is not an independent protective factor and not associated with OS rate.

Theoretical study on ferroelectric nitrides with super-wurtzite structures for solar energy conversion applications.

Polarized structured nitride semiconductors are attractive due to their unique and environment-friendly electronic properties. The stability, ferroelectricity and photocatalytic and photovoltaic properties of super-wurtzite Mg2XN3 (X = Bi, Mo, Nb, Sb, Ta, Tc and W) were determined based on first principles calculations in this study. The calculated results indicate that Mg2XN3 (X = Sb, Ta, Bi and Nb) are stable polar nitrides by phonon frequencies, elastic coefficients and ferroelectric analysis. Mg2XN3 (X = Sb, Ta and Nb) with large ferroelectric polarization strength could absorb ultraviolet light to promote photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production. Mg2BiN3 is a new excellent photovoltaic candidate due to its ideal energy band, high electron mobility, high absorption coefficient and large ferroelectric polarization strength.

Theoretical study on the ferroelectric and light absorption properties of Li2SbBiO6 for harvesting visible light.

Ferroelectric oxides with large bandgaps have restricted applications in photovoltaic and photocatalytic fields. Based on recent experiments with the ferroelectric compound, LiSbO3, the stability and optoelectronic properties of a new ferroelectric compound, namely Li2SbBiO6, are investigated in this study. The calculated results demonstrate that Li2SbBiO6 satisfies the stability conditions of the elastic coefficients and phonon dynamics. Li2SbBiO6 maintains the ferroelectric polarization strength of LiSbO3 and significantly reduces the bandgap, and thus has been explored for applications in photovoltaic and photocatalytic fields. Li2SbBiO6 is a new potential ferroelectric oxide for harvesting visible light owing to its suitable bandgap and a large hole-electron effective mass ratio.

Theoretical study on the stability, ferroelectricity and photocatalytic properties of CaBiO3.

Materials with high ferroelectric polarization strength and sufficient absorption of visible light have unique advantages in photocatalysis. Based on the results of structure search, phonon frequency, and elasticity coefficient calculations, CaBiO3 has a stable R3 polar structure. First-principles calculations indicate that R3-CaBiO3 is a potentially efficient ferroelectric visible-light photocatalytic material for hydrogen production. CaBiO3 under slight strain can maintain high ferroelectric polarization strength, strong visible light absorption capacity and small effective mass. CaBiO3 under tensile strain has potentially ferroelectric photogeneration of hydrogen with a band edge position that crosses the redox potential of water. These results can expand the application of Bi-based materials in photocatalytic hydrogen production.

How To Be a Successful Monopartite Begomovirus in a Bipartite-Dominated World: Emergence and Spread of Tomato Mottle Leaf Curl Virus in Brazil.

Begomoviruses are members of the family Geminiviridae, a large and diverse group of plant viruses characterized by a small circular single-stranded DNA genome encapsidated in twinned quasi-icosahedral virions. Cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is particularly susceptible and is infected by >100 bipartite and monopartite begomoviruses worldwide. In Brazil, 25 tomato-infecting begomoviruses have been described, most of which are bipartite. Tomato mottle leaf curl virus (ToMoLCV) is one of the most important of these and was first described in the late 1990s but has not been fully characterized. Here, we show that ToMoLCV is a monopartite begomovirus with a genomic DNA similar in size and genome organization to those of DNA-A components of New World (NW) begomoviruses. Tomato plants agroinoculated with the cloned ToMoLCV genomic DNA developed typical tomato mottle leaf curl disease symptoms, thereby fulfilling Koch's postulates and confirming the monopartite nature of the ToMoLCV genome. We further show that ToMoLCV is transmitted by whiteflies, but not mechanically. Phylogenetic analyses placed ToMoLCV in a distinct and strongly supported clade with other begomoviruses from northeastern Brazil, designated the ToMoLCV lineage. Genetic analyses of the complete sequences of 87 ToMoLCV isolates revealed substantial genetic diversity, including five strain groups and seven subpopulations, consistent with a long evolutionary history. Phylogeographic models generated with partial or complete sequences predicted that the ToMoLCV emerged in northeastern Brazil >700 years ago, diversifying locally and then spreading widely in the country. Thus, ToMoLCV emerged well before the introduction of MEAM1 whiteflies, suggesting that the evolution of NW monopartite begomoviruses was facilitated by local whitefly populations and the highly susceptible tomato host. IMPORTANCE Worldwide, diseases of tomato caused by whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses (begomoviruses) cause substantial economic losses and a reliance on insecticides for management. Here, we describe the molecular and biological properties of tomato mottle leaf curl virus (ToMoLCV) from Brazil and establish that it is a NW monopartite begomovirus indigenous to northeastern Brazil. This answered a long-standing question regarding the genome of this virus, and it is part of an emerging group of these viruses in Latin America. This appears to be driven by widespread planting of the highly susceptible tomato and by local and exotic whiteflies. Our extensive phylogenetic studies placed ToMoLCV in a distinct strongly supported clade with other begomoviruses from northeastern Brazil and revealed new insights into the origin of Brazilian begomoviruses. The novel phylogeographic analysis indicated that ToMoLCV has had a long evolutionary history, emerging in northeastern Brazil >700 years ago. Finally, the tools used here (agroinoculation system and ToMoLCV-specific PCR test) and information on the biology of the virus (host range and whitefly transmission) will be useful in developing and implementing integrated pest management (IPM) programs targeting ToMoLCV.

Effects of Digestive Temperature and Time on Diatom Test.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of temperature and time for diatoms digestion and find out suitable digestive temperature and time. METHODS: Eighty pieces of liver tissues were collected, each piece of tissue was 2 g, and 2 mL Pearl River water was added to each piece of tissue. The digestion temperature was set at 100 ℃, 120 ℃, 140 ℃, 160 ℃, 180 ℃ and the digestion time was set at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 min. The liver tissue and water mixture were divided into 8 portions in each group. All the samples were tested by microwave digestive - vacuum filtration - automated scanning electron microscopy method. The quantity of diatom recovered and the quality of residue on the membrane were recorded. RESULTS: When the digestion time was set to 60 min, there were statistically significant differences in the number of diatoms recovered at different temperatures (P<0.05). The maximum number of diatoms recovered was (28 797.50±6 009.67) at 140 ℃, and the minimum residue was (0.60±0.28) mg at 180 ℃. When the digestion temperature was set at 140 ℃, there were statistically significant differences in the number of diatoms recovered at different digestion times (P<0.05). The number of diatoms recovered was the highest at 40 min, it was up to (20 650.88±1 950.29), and the residue quality of each group had no statistical significance among different digestion time groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The effect of diatom digestion is related to temperature and time. When the digestion temperature was 140 ℃ and the digestion time was 40, 50 and 60 min, it is favorable for diatom test.

Curly Top Disease of Hemp (Cannabis sativa) in California Is Caused by Mild-Type Strains of Beet curly top virus Often in Mixed Infection.

Interest in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) as a potential crop led to the establishment of commercial fields in a number of counties in California in 2019 and 2020. Plants in these fields developed different types of virus-like symptoms. The most prevalent type was stunted and bushy plants with distorted, upcurled, and yellowed leaves, which were similar to those associated with curly top disease (CTD) caused by the beet curly top virus (BCTV). This beet leafhopper-vectored virus is endemic in California and can cause economic losses to processing tomato production. Using a multiplex PCR test, BCTV infection was detected in 89% of hemp samples with CTD-like symptoms from Fresno, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. Other symptom types had low incidence of BCTV infection and were associated with other factors. Hemp plants in California were infected only with the mild-type strains, BCTV-CO and BCTV-Wor, and often in mixed infection (43% of samples). Finally, using an infectious clone of a BCTV-CO isolate from hemp, we demonstrated that agroinoculated hemp plants developed these CTD-like symptoms, thereby fulfilling Koch's postulates for the disease.

Development of an IPM Strategy for Thrips and Tomato spotted wilt virus in Processing Tomatoes in the Central Valley of California.

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV; species Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus; genus Orthotospovirus; family Tospoviridae) is a thrips-transmitted virus that can cause substantial economic losses to many crops, including tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Since 2005, TSWV emerged as an economically important virus of processing tomatoes in the Central Valley of California, in part due to increased populations of the primary thrips vector, western flower thrips (WFT; Frankliniella occidentalis). To develop an understanding of the epidemiology of TSWV in this region, population densities of WFT and incidence of TSWV were monitored in California's processing tomato transplant-producing greenhouses and associated open fields from 2007 to 2013. Thrips were monitored with yellow sticky cards and in tomato flowers, whereas TSWV incidence was assessed with indicator plants and field surveys for virus symptoms. All thrips identified from processing tomato fields were WFT, and females were three-fold more abundant on sticky cards than males. Symptoms of TSWV infection were observed in all monitored processing tomato fields. Incidences of TSWV ranged from 1 to 20%, with highest incidence found in late-planted fields. There was no single primary inoculum source, and inoculum sources for thrips/TSWV varied depending on the production region. These results allowed us to develop a model for TSWV infection of processing tomatoes in the Central Valley of California. The model predicts that low levels of primary TSWV inoculum are amplified in early-planted tomatoes and other susceptible crops leading to highest levels of infection in later-planted fields, especially those with high thrips populations. Based upon these findings, an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for TSWV in processing tomatoes in California was devised. This IPM strategy focuses on strategic field placement (identification of high-risk situations), planting TSWV- and thrips-free transplants, planting resistant varieties, monitoring for TSWV symptoms and thrips, roguing infected plants, thrips management targeting early generations, extensive sanitation after harvest, and strategic cropping to avoid overlap with winter bridge crops.

[Herb-separated moxibustion on dysmenorrhea in ovarian endometriosis: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of herb-separated moxibustion on dysmenorrhea in ovarian endometriosis. METHODS: A total of 54 patients with ovarian endometriosis dysmenorrhea were randomized into a herb-separated moxibustion group and a waiting-list group, 27 cases in each one (3 cases dropped off in the herb-separated moxibustion group, 4 cases dropped off in the waiting-list group). Herb-separated moxibustion was applied at hypogastrium and lumbosacral area for 30 min in the herb-separated moxibustion group, once a week for 3 months, and oral ibuprofen sustained-release capsule was given to relieve pain when necessary. Excepting giving ibuprofen sustained-release capsule when necessary, no more intervention was adopted in the waiting-list group. Before and after treatment and in 3 months follow-up, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, days of dysmenorrhea, total dose of oral painkiller were observed. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the VAS scores after tratment and in follow-up were decreased in the herb-separated moxibustion group (P<0.05), and were less than those in the waiting-list group (P<0.05); the days of dysmenorrhea and the total doses of oral painkiller after tratment and in follow-up were decreased in the herb-separated moxibustion group (P<0.05), and were less than those in the waiting-list group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Herb-separated moxibustion can effectively improve dysmenorrhea symptom and shorten dysmenorrhea days in patients with ovarian endometriosis.

[Dry eye syndrome of deficient lacrima production treated with the acupoint thread-embedding therapy: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effects on the relevant symtoms in the patients with dry eye syndrome treated with the acupoint thread-embedding therapy versus topical artificial tears eye drops. METHODS: A total of 88 patients with dry eye syndrome of deficiency lacrima production were randomized into an acupoint thread-embedding therapy group (thread-embedding group) and a control group with topical artificial tears eye drops (medication group), 44 cases in each one. In the thread-embedding group, 3 cases were dropped out. In the thread-embedding group, Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu (BL 23) etc. were selected and the acupoint thread-embedding therapy was operated once every 30 days, totally for two treatments. In the medication group, the topical artificial tears eye drops was used, 4 to 6 times a day, one drop each time, for 8 weeks totally. Separately, before treatment, after 4-week treatment and 8-week treatment as well as in 8 weeks and 12 weeks of the follow-up, the levels of lactoferrin in tears were determined and the scores of the relevant symptoms of ocular surface such as eye dryness, foreign body sensation in the eyes and eye fatigue were evaluated. RESULTS: In the thread-embedding group, after 4-week and 8-week of treatment as well as in 8-week and 12-week follow-up, the scores of eye dryness, foreign body sensation, burning sensation of eye, phengophobia and eye fatigue were reduced significantly as compared with those before treatment (all P<0.05). In the medication group, the relevant symptoms of ocular surface were reduced after 4-week and 8-week treatment as compared with those before treatment (all P<0.05). In the follow-up, the scores of the relevant symptoms of ocular surface in the thread-embedding group were significantly lower than the medication group (all P<0.05). Separately, after 4-week treatment and 8-week treatment as well as in 8 weeks and 12 weeks of the follow-up, the levels of lactoferrin in tears in the thread-embedding group were significantly increased as compared with those before treatment (all P<0.05). The change was not obvious as compared with that before treatment in the medication group (P>0.05). The levels of lactoferrin in tears at each time point after treatment in the thread-embedding group were higher than the medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The acupoint thread-embedding therapy effectively improves in the relevant symptoms of ocular surface, such as eye dryness, foreign body sensation, burning sensation of eye, phengophobia and eye fatigue, and increases the level of lactoferrin in tears in the patients with dry eye syndrome of deficiency aqueous production. In the follow-up, the therapeutic effects of the acupoint thread-embedding therapy are significantly better than artificial tears eye drops.

Association between tumor necrosis factor-α -308 Gauss/A polymorphism and risk of silicosis and coal workers pneumoconiosis in Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have attempted to clarify the association between TNF-a -308G/A polymorphism and pneumoconiosis, but there has been no definite consensus to date. To further assess the effects of TNF-a -308G/A polymorphism on the risk of pneumoconiosis, a meta-analysis was performed in Chinese population. METHODS: We searched the related literature in PubMed and Chinese databases through June 2018. The strength of the associations was assessed used pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Nine case-control studies including 730 silicosis cases, 457 coal workers pneumoconiosis cases and 2429 controls were identified according to the inclusion criteria. In the total analyses, a significantly elevated risk was found in allelic model (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.16-1.71). In the subgroup analyses by geographic area and type of pneumoconiosis, significant results were found both in North China (A versus G, OR = 1.33, CI = 1.05-1.69) and South China (A versus G, OR = 1.56, CI = 1.14-2.15); significant results were also found in silicosis (A versus G, OR = 1.40, CI = 1.11-1.78) and coal worker pneumoconiosis (A versus G, OR = 1.42, CI = 1.03-1.96). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggested that TNF-a gene -308 G/A polymorphism is associated with increased silicosis and coal workers pneumoconiosis risk in the Chinese population, and further studies in other ethnic groups are required for definite conclusions.

The anxiolytic-like effects of estazolam on a PTSD animal model.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychiatric disorder. Estazolam has been shown to produce anxiolytic-, hypnotic-, amnestic-, and sedative-like effects. However, few studies are concerned about its anti-PTSD-like effects. The anti-PTSD-like effects of estazolam were evaluated by single prolonged stress animal model. After exposure to single prolonged stress, rats (Sprague-Dawley, male, 8 weeks) were administered by estazolam (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) from day 2 to 13 once daily. The behavioral assessments were performed during treatment with drugs. After the behavioral evaluation, the role of allopregnanolone in the anti-PTSD-like effects of estazolam was also evaluated via astrocyte cells and brain tissues (e.g. prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala). The PTSD-like behavioral deficits were significantly blocked by estazolam (1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) without affecting locomotor activity. Consistently, the levels on allopregnanolone were increased by estazolam (1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. The levels of allopregnanolone were increased by sertraline (1 µmoL/L) and estazolam (4 µmoL/L), while the effects were antagonized by trilostane (1 µmoL/L) and finasteride (1 µmoL/L) in astrocyte cells, respectively. Collectively, the anxiety-like behavior deficits were ameliorated by estazolam in the single prolonged stress animal model that was associated with biosynthesis of allopregnanolone.

The anxiolytic-like effects of ginsenoside Rg3 on chronic unpredictable stress in rats.

The present study is to evaluate the anxiolytic-like activities underlying ginsenoside Rg3 (GRg3). The anxiolytic-like activities were induced by GRg3 (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.g), evidenced by blocking the decreased time and entries in the open arms in elevated plus maze test and by reversing the increased latency to feed in novelty-suppressed feeding test. In addition, the decreased levels on progesterone, allopregnanolone, serotonin (5-HT) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) were blocked by GRg3 (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.g). Furthermore, the increased corticotropin releasing hormone, corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone were blocked by GRg3 (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.g). Collectively, the anxiolytic-like effects produced by GRg3 were associated with the normalization of neurosteroids biosynthesis, serotonergic system as well as HPA axis dysfunction.

Targeting microbubbles-carrying TGFß1 inhibitor combined with ultrasound sonication induce BBB/BTB disruption to enhance nanomedicine treatment for brain tumors.

The clinical application of chemotherapy for brain cancer tumors remains a challenge due to difficulties in the transport of therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier/blood-tumor barrier (BBB/BTB). In this study, we developed des-octanoyl ghrelin-conjugated microbubbles (GMB) loaded with TGFß1 inhibitor (LY364947) (GMBL) to induce BBB/BTB disruption for ultrasound (US) sonication with GMBL. The in-vitro stability study showed that GMB was pretty stable over one month. The in-vivo study showed that the accumulation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) in the sonicated tumor was significantly higher for focused US sonication in the presence of GMBL, indicating that GMBL/US can locally disrupt BBB/BTB to promote vascular permeability of nanoparticles. In addition, the combination of folate-conjugated polymersomal doxorubicin (FPD) and GMBL/US (FPD+GMBL/US) achieved the best anti-glioma effect and significant improvement in the overall survival time for brain tumor-bearing mice. When combined with focused US, GMBL facilitated local BBB/BTB disruption and simultaneously released LY364947 to decrease the pericyte coverage of the endothelium at the targeted brain tumor sites, resulting in enhanced accumulation and antitumor activity of FPD. The overall results indicate that GMBL/US owns a great potential for non-invasive targeting delivery of nanomedicine across the BBB to treat central nervous system (CNS) diseases.

Preservation of viral genomes in 700-y-old caribou feces from a subarctic ice patch.

Viruses preserved in ancient materials provide snapshots of past viral diversity and a means to trace viral evolution through time. Here, we use a metagenomics approach to identify filterable and nuclease-resistant nucleic acids preserved in 700-y-old caribou feces frozen in a permanent ice patch. We were able to recover and characterize two viruses in replicated experiments performed in two different laboratories: a small circular DNA viral genome (ancient caribou feces associated virus, or aCFV) and a partial RNA viral genome (Ancient Northwest Territories cripavirus, or aNCV). Phylogenetic analysis identifies aCFV as distantly related to the plant-infecting geminiviruses and the fungi-infecting Sclerotinia sclerotiorum hypovirulence-associated DNA virus 1 and aNCV as within the insect-infecting Cripavirus genus. We hypothesize that these viruses originate from plant material ingested by caribou or from flying insects and that their preservation can be attributed to protection within viral capsids maintained at cold temperatures. To investigate the tropism of aCFV, we used the geminiviral reverse genetic system and introduced a multimeric clone into the laboratory model plant Nicotiana benthamiana. Evidence for infectivity came from the detection of viral DNA in newly emerged leaves and the precise excision of the viral genome from the multimeric clones in inoculated leaves. Our findings indicate that viral genomes may in some circumstances be protected from degradation for centuries.

[Nursing workplace bullying and turnover intention: an exploration of associated factors at a medical center in Southern Taiwan].

BACKGROUND: The chronic shortage of nursing staffs in hospitals continues to increasingly and negatively impact the ability of medical care systems to deliver effective care and ensure the safety of patients. Bullying is one factor known to exacerbate turnover in the nursing workplace. PURPOSE: This study explores workplace bullying and turnover intention among nurses working at a medical center in Southern Taiwan. METHODS: A cross-sectional and correlation research design was conducted using the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) and the Turnover Intention Questionnaire. A convenience, purposive sample of 708 nurses was recruited. Inclusion criteria included: holding an RN license, able to communicate in both Mandarin and Hokkienese, >6 months of clinical experience, and an NAQ-R score higher than 23. Data were analyzed using SPSS19.0 software. RESULTS: Approximately 85% of participants had experienced some degree of workplace bullying during the previous 6-month period. The trend of the turnover intention tended to the right at a high degree. A moderate, positive, and significant correlation was found between turnover intention and bullying total scores (r=.39, p<.05). Multiple regression showed bullying as the most important predicator of turnover intention (15.10%). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Based on our findings, we suggest that nurses should enhance their awareness of the negative consequences of workplace bullying. Furthermore, hospitals should implement appropriate mechanisms to decrease the phenomenon of inter-staff bullying, improve the nursing workplace environment, and reduce the rate of turnover intention.

[Motor dysfunction in stroke of subacute stage treated with acupuncture: multi-central randomized controlled study].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the clinical efficacy of acupuncture on motor dysfunction in ischemic stroke of subacute stage. METHODS: The multi-central randomized controlled trial was adopted. One hundred and twenty-six cases of ischemic stroke of subacute stage were randomized into an acupuncture group (61 cases) and a conventional treatment group (65 cases). The basic treatment of western internal medicine and rehabilitation training were applied to the patients of the two groups. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was supplemented at the body points located on the extensor of the upper limbs and the flexor of the lower limbs. In combination, scalp acupuncture was applied to NS5, MS6 and MS6 on the affected side. The treatment was given 5 times a week and totally 8 weeks were required. The follow-up observation lasted for 3 months. The scores in Fugl-Meyer scale and NIHSS scale and Barthel index were compared between the two groups before treatment, in 4 and 8 weeks of treatment and the 3-month follow-up observation after treatment separately. RESULTS: In 4 and 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, Fugl-Meyer scale score was improved obviously in the patients of the two groups (all P<0. 01). In 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, Fugl-Meyer scale score in the acupuncture groupwas im proved much apparently as compared with that in the conventional treatment group [68. 0 (43. 0,86. 5) vs 52. 5 (30.3, 77.0), 77.0 (49.5, 89.0) vs 63. 0 (33.0, 84.0), both P<0. 05]. Except that NIHSS scale score was not reduced apparently in 4 weeks of treatment in the conventional treatment group (P>0.05), the results of NIHSS scale at the other time points were all decreased obviously as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P<0. 01). In 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, the results in the acupuncture group were reduced much apparently as compared with those in the conventional treatment group [5. 0 (3.0,8.0) vs 7. 0 (3.0,13.8), 4. 0 (1.5,7.0) vs 6.0 (2.0,11.7) ,both P<0. 05]. In 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, Barthel index was improved obviously as compared with that before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P<0. 05). The improvement in the acupuncture group was much more significant as compared with the conventional treatment group [75. 0 (60. 0,87. 5) vs 65. O (36. 3, 87. 5), P<0. 051. CONCLUSION: Based on the conventional treatment, Acupuncture achieves the satisfactory clinical efficacy on motor dysfunction in ischemic stroke of subacute stage.