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Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV), a member of the genus Comovirus in the family Comoviridae, is widespread in the major soybean-growing areas in the United States. Soybean yield losses of 10-40% have been reported as a consequence of BPMV infection. The complete nucleotide sequences of two strains, K-Ha1 and K-Ho1, were determined. Field isolates of BPMV were classified into two distinct subgroups (I and II) based on slot blot hybridization and sequence analyses. Full-length cDNA clones from which infectious transcripts can be produced were constructed for strains K-G7, K-Ho1 and K-Ha1. Whereas strains K-Ha1 and K-G7 induced mild or moderate symptoms in infected soybean plants, strain K-Ho1 produced very severe symptoms. Symptom severity was mapped to RNA1. Chimeric RNA1 constructs were generated by exchanging full or partial coding regions of the five RNA1-encoded mature proteins between the full-length cDNA clones of the three RNA1s and the resultant transcripts were inoculated onto soybean. The results showed that the coding regions of the protease co-factor (Co-pro) and the putative helicase (Hel) are determinants of symptom severity. Although symptom severity correlated well with accumulation of viral RNA, neither the Co-pro nor Hel protein could be demonstrated as a suppressor of RNA silencing. Furthermore, separate expression of the Co-pro or Hel proteins from a PVX vector induced necrosis on the inoculated leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana. Characterization of BPMV K-Ho1 indicated that it is a diploid reassortant, containing two distinct types of RNA1s and one type of RNA2. Examination of field isolates from various locations in the United States and Canada revealed that diploid reassortants are of frequent occurrence in natural populations of BPMV. The vary severe symptoms induced by BPMV K-Ho1 can be mimicked by inoculation of plants with a mixture of RNA1 transcripts from two distinct strain subgroups and RNA2 transcript from either subgroup. Plants inoculated with a mixture of transcripts containing two types of RNA1 from the same strain subgroup did not produce very severe symptoms. These are due to interactions between two distinct types of RNA1s. At present, no soybean cultivars with resistance to BPMV are commercially available. Therefore, the feasibility of cross protection as an alternative disease management strategy was studied. Two mild strains of BPMV (K-Da1 and K-Ha1), belonging to subgroup II, were tested for their ability to protect infected plants against a severe strain (K-Ho1). Inoculation of the soybean cultivar Essex on the primary leaves with either of the two mild strains conferred complete protection against challenge inoculation with the severe strain K-Ho1, regardless of the timing of challenge inoculation. Cross-protection was evident regardless of whether virions or BPMV-RNA were used as inocula. Cross protection was independent of the soybean cultivar used and method of virus inoculation, sap-inoculation or by the bean leaf beetle, vector of BPMV. Protection was complete and durable.

The National Institutes of Health recommends the development of conceptual models to increase rigor and improve evaluation in research. Validated models are essential to guide conceptualizations of phenomena, selection of variables and development of testable hypotheses. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a methodology useful in model testing due to its ability to account for measurement error and test latent variables. The purpose of this study was to test a model of The Geriatric Cancer Experience in End of Life as adapted from Emanuel and Emanuel's framework for a good death using SEM. It was hypothesized that the model was a five-factor structure composed of clinical status, physical, psychological, spiritual and quality of life domains and that quality of life is dependent on the other factors. The sample was comprised of 403 hospice homecare patients. Fifty six percent were male, 97% were white with a mean age of 77.7. Testing of the model used AMOS statistical software. The initial five-factor model was rejected when fit indices showed mis-specification. A three-factor model with quality of life as an outcome variable showed that 67% of the variability in quality of life is explained by the person's symptom experience and spiritual experience. As the number of symptoms and the associated severity and distress increase, the person's quality of life significantly decreases (ß -0.8). As the spiritual experience increases (the expressed need for inspiration, spiritual activities, and religion) the person's quality of life significantly increases (ß 0.2). This is significant to nursing because the model provides a useful guide for understanding the relationships between symptoms, spiritual needs, and quality of life in end of life geriatric cancer patients and suggests variables and hypotheses for research. This study provides evidence for a strong need for symptom assessment and spiritual assessment, development of plans of care inclusive of symptom control and spiritual care, and implementation and evaluation of those plans utilizing quality of life as an indicator for the outcome of care provided by nurses.

Although Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered to be a lifelong condition, some toddlers experience diagnostic instability over time. In particular, some toddlers’ diagnosis changes between ASD and Global Developmental Delay (GDD). However, little is known about the subset of children who change diagnosis. In a total of 424 toddlers who either maintained or changed diagnosis, the current study identified predictors of change in diagnosis and severity in those who change from ASD to non-ASD (ASD-NON), ASD to GDD (ASD-GDD), non-ASD to ASD (NON-ASD), and GDD to ASD (GDD-ASD) between two years old and four years old. Initial ASD symptom severity and participation in intervention services were predictive of all transitions. Additionally, receptive language predicted ASD-NON transition and socioeconomic status predicted ASD-GDD transition. Implications for informing prognosis of children, identifying targets of intervention, refining of screening and diagnostic measures, and measuring change in severity regardless of categorical change are discussed.

Introduction The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is very common. The main objective of the study was to identify any association between the severity of musculoskeletal symptoms and treatment choice by workers in automobile manufacturing plants. Methods A cross-sectional study of 1017 production workers in six automobile manufacturing plants was performed. The study included the structured interviews to determine symptoms, preexisting personal risk factors, treatment choices (health care provider or no treatment sought), job strain, and job satisfaction. Nordic style questionnaire for symptoms, Karasek’s Demand Control Model and three job satisfaction questions were used to assign symptom severity, job strain, and job satisfaction, respectively. The case definition was that the person sought treatment from plant clinic or personal health care provider. The independent variables were symptom severity (2 levels), job strain (2 levels), job satisfaction (3 levels). The logistic analysis was used for data analysis. Results The Whole Body symptoms severity score was taken as the highest symptoms severity for any body region. Those with High symptoms were more likely to seek treatment than those with Low symptoms, OR=2.3 (1.23-4.27, 95%CI). There was no effect associated with job strain and job satisfaction. Those with osteoarthritis, neurological disorders and hypertension sought more treatment, OR= 3.32 (1.55-7.11, 95%CI), OR=30.5 (5.37-173, 95%CI) and OR=2.97 (1.19-7.44, 95%CI). Sex was significant, where women were more likely to seek treatment than men, OR=2.3 (1.33-3.07, 95%CI). There were no significant findings for BMI, diabetes, rheumatologic disorder, thyroid problems, and smoking. Conclusion The study found an association between the severity of the symptoms for a musculoskeletal disorder and the decision to seek treatment from a health care provider (either plant clinic or private provider). Participants with osteoarthritis, neurological disease and hypertension were also more likely to seek treatment more than those without the conditions. Women were more likely to seek treatment than men.

Introduction: The notion that depression is a disorder that moves along a continuum is well-established. Similarly, the belief in the continuity of mental illness is considered an important element in the stigma process. Against this background, it is the aim of this study to examine whether public continuum beliefs vary with the severity of depressive symptoms. Methods: Analyses were based on computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATIs) conducted in winter 2019/2020 in Germany (N = 1,009, response rate 46.8%). Using three vignettes representing mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms, beliefs regarding the continuity of symptoms, specifically a fundamental difference, were assessed with seven items. Sociodemographic characteristics and own experiences with depression (affliction and contact) were introduced as covariates. Results: Significant differences between the three groups of severity were found for the majority of the items measuring continuum beliefs or perceived fundamental difference. However, only few items showed a linear trend indicating a parallel between symptom severity and beliefs. Multivariate regression models showed that a moderate degree of depression was positively associated with stronger continuum beliefs but also with greater perceived difference compared to the mild degree, while no significant associations emerged for the severe vignette. Limitations: Although a comparison of our sample with official statistics supports the external validity, we cannot rule out a selection bias. It is arguable in how far short case vignettes convey a holistic picture of a person affected by depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Our results do not indicate a parallel between symptom severity and public continuum beliefs.

Background: The treatment outcome of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can be assessed with Symptom Severity Index (SSI). In addition to this self-report measure, Patients’ Global Impression of Change (PGIC) provides information about the overall impression of change. The use of SSI and PGIC when assessing treatment outcome in the field of TMD, and their correlation, has not previously been reviewed. Aim: The aims of this study were to investigate the correlation between the scales SSI and PGIC, to gain knowledge about which factors that contribute to the impression of change and to identify the diagnoses that have the most improvement. Methods: Data from 193 patients was analyzed. The percentage change in symptoms between baseline and follow up was compared to PGIC. The patients were divided into three groups based on main diagnoses, for further analysis. PGIC categories “much improved” and “very much improved” were set as successful treatment outcome. Different factors impact on PGIC were analyzed.  Results: Majority of the patients had a successful treatment outcome. A higher mean percentage change correlated with a better PGIC value. Patients with articular related diagnoses needed a greater reduction in SSI to rate the impression of change as improved. According to the regression analysis, diagnosis group, age, number of treatment visits and SSI-baseline were associated with treatment outcome. Conclusions: The present study supports the use of both SSI and PGIC for assessment of the treatment outcome when treating TMD. However, a possible discrepancy between the scales addresses the need for further examination and change of treatment approach.

No description available.

Background: According to Grawe’s psychological therapy approach, conflict reduction can be expected not only in psychodynamic, but also in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This was tested in an effectiveness study. Changes in cognitive conflicts, along with those of symptom severity and well-being were analyzed during alcohol inpatient treatment. Methods: Four times during treatment, groups of patients receiving psychodynamic therapy (n = 45 patients) or CBT (n = 49 patients) were measured and compared. Lauterbach’s Online Conflict Test was used to measure conflict. Symptom severity and well-being were measured using questionnaires. Results: Results showed significant conflict decrease in both groups with a tendency towards faster reduction under CBT. There was also significant change in symptom severity and well-being in both groups with no difference regarding reduction gradient. Moreover, patients in the psychodynamic treatment group exhibited lower symptom scores at treatment begin which may be a consequence of clinical group assignment. Conclusions: In general, the findings confirmed Grawe’s theoretical assumptions. Generalizability to other diagnostic groups and other clinical settings remains to be tested. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.

Women with histories of interpersonal trauma (physical, sexual, or psychological abuse experienced during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood) are more likely to experience posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and to develop physical health problems than women without trauma histories. In fact, PTSS and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been established in the literature as mediators of the relation between interpersonal trauma and physical health outcomes (e.g., Resnick et al., 1997; Schnurr & Green, 2004). What remains to be determined is a clear understanding of the various mechanisms explaining why individuals with trauma histories, and subsequently PTS symptoms, go on to develop physical health problems. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of health risk behaviours, specifically sexual risk taking and substance use, as possible mechanisms through which interpersonal trauma and PTSS might influence physical health. These relations were examined, through structural equation modelling, in a sample of 475 women currently attending university. Models were tested separately for sexual traumas (childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault experienced during adolescence and adulthood) and nonsexual interpersonal traumas (physical and psychological maltreatment by parents in childhood, witnessing violence between parents, and intimate partner violence in their own relationships). Results indicated that PTSS severity partially mediated pathways from both types of interpersonal trauma, sexual and nonsexual, to adverse health outcomes, contributing to the existing theory that one’s psychological response to a trauma may be more important in determining physical health outcomes than the trauma itself. Furthermore, a significant indirect pathway was found to link nonsexual trauma to risky sexual behaviours through PTSS severity. In addition, PTSS severity fully mediated the relation between nonsexual trauma and substance use behaviours. These latter findings suggest that the likelihood of engaging in substance use and/or risky sexual behaviours may be greater in trauma survivors who are suffering from posttraumatic stress symptoms. Contrary to hypotheses, no significant pathways were found from risky sexual behaviours or substance use to physical health outcomes in the context of trauma variables and PTSS severity. Consequently, these health risk behaviours were not found to operate as mechanisms explaining the link from PTSS severity to physical health outcomes. Limitations and alternative hypotheses are presented. Implications for clinical interventions and recommendations for future research are discussed. / Graduate / 0621 / 0622 / 0384