Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the revised patients' attitudes towards deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire in Romanian older adults.

BACKGROUND: Deprescribing is part of ensuring appropriate medication use and may reduce medication-related harm. Capturing the beliefs and attitudes of patients towards deprescribing by using a validated tool may support optimizing medication use in practice. OBJECTIVES: To translate, culturally adapt and validate the revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire in Romanian and to investigate the attitudes and beliefs of older adults towards deprescribing. METHODS: The rPATD questionnaire was translated using forward-backward translation into Romanian and culturally adapted. The psychometric properties were evaluated in older adults ≥65 years of age. Structural validity was assessed by item load on factors using an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) which was compared to the original English version and the internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was evaluated by calculating the Spearman's rank correlation coefficients between the factor scores obtained using the revised version of the Romanian rPATD and scores on the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) Specific Concerns Romanian version. Floor and ceiling effect were also examined. RESULTS: We translated the questionnaire and administered it to 224 participants (median age 72 years [interquartile range: 68.0; 77.0]). In the EFA individual items loaded onto 4 factors, grouped similarly to the English version (Involvement, Burden, Appropriateness, Concerns about Stopping factors). Two items from each of the Involvement and Appropriateness factors were removed to improve factor loading and avoid cross-loading. The Cronbach's alpha values for the 4 factors ranged between 0.522 and 0.773. The scores for Burden and Concerns about Stopping factors were found to be positively correlated with BMQ Specific Concerns score. We identified a ceiling effect for one of the four factors (Involvement) and no floor effects. CONCLUSIONS: The Romanian rPATD was validated in 4 factor structure similar to the original English questionnaire. The Romanian version of the questionnaire may support the health care professionals in Romania to initiate and support patient-centered deprescribing.

AMINO ACIDS METABOLOMIC SIGNATURE OF BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY In Type 2 Diabetes.

Context: Accumulating data supports the key role of disrupted amino acids (AAs) metabolism in diabetes. Conflicting data regarding the relevance of serum AAs in diabetes and hypertension suggest that their relationship needs further investigation. Objective: To investigate serum AAs as biomarkers of increased BP variability evaluated during 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring in the presence of type 2 diabetes. Design: Cross-sectional. Subjects and Methods: We analyzed serum AAs using targeted metabolomics (ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry) in patients with type 2 diabetes (n=80). BP variability was assessed using 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Participants were divided into two groups based on the 24-hour diastolic BP variability median value. Results: Aspartic acid, isoleucine, leucine, and phenylalanine were significantly lower, while glutamine was significantly higher in the group with higher diastolic BP variability (p-value <0.05 and variable importance in the projection >1). Corresponding pathways identified as disrupted in patients with diabetes and a higher 24-hour diastolic BP variability were phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism (pathway impact value >0). Conclusions: We identified specific changes in serum AAs and target AAs pathways in relation to increased 24-hour diastolic BP variability in patients with type 2 diabetes.

ENDOCRINE DISTURBANCES INDUCED BY LOW-DOSE ORGANOPHOSPHATE EXPOSURE IN MALE WISTAR RATS.

BACKGROUND: Organophosphate exposure induces many endocrine effects. AIM: In this study we observed the effects of acute stress induced by cholinesterase inhibition on the main hormonal axes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included thirteen weanling Wistar rats that were subjected to organophosphate exposure. They were first tested for baseline levels of butyrylcholinesterase, cortisol, free triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin. Secondly, chlorpyrifos was administered. Next samples were taken to determine the level of all the above-mentioned parameters. RESULTS: Butyrylcholinesterase was significantly decreased after exposure (p<0.001). Cortisol levels were significantly higher after clorpyrifos administration (358.75±43 vs. 241.2±35 nmoL/L)(p<0.01). Although prolactin had a growing trend (450.25±24.65 vs. 423±43.4 uI/mL), the results were not statistically significant. Both free triiodothyronine and thyroxine were significantly higher after exposure. Surprisingly, thyroid-stimulating hormone level almost doubled after exposure with high statistical significance (p<0.001), suggesting a central stimulation of thyroid axis. Butyrylcholinesterase level was proportional with thyroid-stimulating hormone level (p=0.02) and thyroxine level was inversely correlated to the cortisol level (p=0.01). Acute cholinesterase inhibition may induce high levels of cortisol, free triiodothyronine, thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone. From our knowledge this is the first study dedicated to the assessment of acute changes of hormonal status in weanling animals after low-dose organophosphate exposure.Conclusion. Acute cholinesterase inhibition may cause acute phase hormonal disturbances specific to shocked patients.

METABOLOMIC ANALYSIS OF NORMAL WEIGHT, HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY OBESITY: AMINO ACID CHANGE ACROSS THE SPECTRUM OF METABOLIC WELLBEING IN WOMEN.

Context: Obesity is a complex and heterogeneous disorder with multiple phenotypes described. Although metabolomic biomarkers of obesity have been extensively studied, biomarkers of obesity phenotypes and differences between these phenotypes and normal-weight (NW) persons have been less investigated. Objective: The objective of this cross-sectional analysis was to investigate serum amino acids (AA) as markers of metabolic alterations in obesity phenotypes and NW. Design: Cross-sectional. Subjects and Methods: By targeted metabolomics we analyzed serum samples of 70 women using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Participants were divided into 3 groups: NW, metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUHO). Results: Five AAs were significantly different between study groups: cysteine, methionine, asparagine, glutamine, and lysine (p-value <0.05 and variable importance in the projection >1). Cysteine increased linearly with metabolic unwellness from NW to MUHO. Lysine and glutamine were significantly higher, and asparagine was significantly lower in NW and MHO than in MUHO. Conclusions: By trend and group analysis we identified specific changes in serum AAs along with the progression of metabolically unwellness.

DIETARY PATTERNS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH OBESITY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

CONTEXT: Scarce data on dietary habits in Eastern European countries is available and reports investigated individual food items and not dietary patterns in these populations. OBJECTIVE: To identify dietary patterns and to explore their association with obesity in a sample from Romanian population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was an analysis of data collected from 1398 adult participants in ORO study. Data on lifestyle, eating habits and food frequency consumption were collected. RESULTS: By principal component analysis we identified 3 dietary patterns explaining 31.4% of the diet variation: High meat/High fat pattern, Western pattern and Prudent pattern. High meat/High fat pattern was associated with male gender, lower educational level, living in a rural, smoking and a higher probability for the presence of obesity (OR 1.2 [95%CI: 1.1-1.4]). Western pattern was associated with younger age, a higher level of physical activity and smoking. Prudent pattern was associated with older age, female gender, a higher level of physical activity, not smoking status and a lower probability for the presence of obesity (OR 0.8 [95%CI: 0.7-0.9]). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides for the first-time information on the association between dietary patterns in adults from an Eastern European country and the presence of obesity.

Multifunctional hybrid 3D network based on hyaluronic acid and a copolymer containing pendant spiroacetal moieties.

The elasticity, soft consistency and similarity to the human body are important characteristics of the gels. Such similarities allow the hydrogels to be biocompatible and, as a consequence, they are very attractive to be applied as biomaterials. This study presents a new strategy for developing a biohybrid complex based on a natural/synthetic polymer conjugate as gel type structure enriched with quercetin, which can be a relevant biomaterial for its antimicrobial properties. There are evidenced the preparation possibilities for the natural/synthetic structure as complex gel based on hyaluronic acid conjugated with poly(itaconic anhydride­co­3,9­divinyl­2,4,8,10­tetraoxaspiro[5.5] undecane) copolymer decorated with quercetin. The effects of the composition on various properties were assessed. The chemical composition of bioconjugate gels was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. It was established that the new gel structures have enhanced swelling capacity and a typical gel-like behavior. The investigations evidenced the gels responsiveness to stimuli and their high elasticity. The new structures were tested as drug delivery systems. The in vitro release shows the dependence of the mechanism of release on the composition of the gels, evidencing a transport behavior which varies from the Fickian to super case II. In vivo investigations demonstrated a good biocompatibility after systemic administration in mice.

[Avoidance-endurance fast screening (AE-FS) : Content and predictive validity of a 9­item screening instrument for patients with unspecific subacute low back pain]. / Avoidance-Endurance Fast-Screen (AE-FS) : Inhalts- und Vorhersagevalidität eines 9­Item-Screeninginstruments für Patienten mit unspezifischen subakuten Rückenschmerzen.

BACKGROUND: Among screening measures to assess psychosocial risk factors (yellow flags) for chronic low back pain (LBP) economic tools which address dysfunctional endurance pain responses besides emotional distress and fear-avoidance pain processing are rare. Targeting contrasting types of pain processing might improve stratified patient counselling. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to develop a short screening method, based on the avoidance-endurance model of pain and to investigate the prognostic validity for pain intensity, disability and physical function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out on 144 patients with subacute LBP (<3 months) from 7 general practitioners and 5 orthopedic practices. The 9­item avoidance-endurance fast screening (AE-FS) was derived from a previous 37-item screening using correlational and receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses and the agreement of subgrouping was calculated using Cohen's kappa. Primary outcomes were assessed after 6 months by mail in 124 patients (86%). Endpoints were pain intensity and disability. RESULTS: The classification of subgroups as high and low risk by both measures had considerable agreement with a value of 0.71 (Cohen's Kappa). The sensitivity to predict pain intensity >2 was high (82%) as was the positive predictive value (80%) but the negative predictive value was moderate (61%). The ROC (AUC) characteristics (95% confidence interval CI) were 0.70 (0.60-0.80) for pain intensity and for limitations in the pain disability index (PDI) 0.70 (0.55-0.87). DISCUSSION: The 9­item AE-FS displayed sufficient prognostic validity for all three outcomes in a sample of primary care patients with subacute LBP. The differentiation of the high-risk patients into fear-avoidance and endurance-related pain processing enables the physician to provide an individualized counselling with the aim of a healthy balance between stress and relaxation.

[Cognitive bias research and depression in chronic pain]. / Cognitive-bias-Forschung und Depressivität bei chronischem Schmerz.

Chronic back pain is of enormous health and economic relevance for industrialized countries because a small group of patients with chronic disease is responsible for a large proportion of medical costs. The prevention of chronic disease is therefore a primary goal in the treatment of patients with acute low back pain. Psychological factors are the central risk factors for later chronification. Above all, especially depressive symptoms and occupational distress, as well as various maladaptive forms of pain management are central risk factors. It remains unclear which exact cognitive mechanisms are involved in the maintenance and reinforcement of depression and pain-related disability. In this review, the current results of cognitive bias research and theoretical models are presented and summarized regarding the relationship between chronic pain and depression. Finally, the clinical implications and recommendations for clinical research will be presented.

Brain structural alterations associated with dysfunctional cognitive control of pain in patients with low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence has shown that chronic back pain (CBP) can lead to functional alterations in the circuitry underlying the cognitive control of pain. Thought suppression (TS) is a common type of cognitive control of pain. Previous research has shown that TS has paradoxical effects that may increase the awareness of pain. Pain-related TS may also increase individuals' attention to pain, which may also increase pain sensation, but thus far, the relationship between pain-related TS and structural brain alterations is unknown. METHODS: In this study, we investigated a group of 30 patients 6 months after lumbar disc surgery by applying voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to identify brain regions correlated with TS scores. RESULTS: Since pain-related TS has been positively correlated with depression, all calculations were controlled for depression and age. VBM revealed a negative correlation between the TS score and regional grey matter volume (GMV) in the left superior temporal gyrus (LSTG) and the left middle temporal gyrus (L MTG), which is part of the left temporoparietal junction (L TPJ). In addition, a mediation analysis revealed a significant mediation effect of the pain-related TS on the association between GMV of the left TPJ and reported pain intensity in the last 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consistent with previous research on the dysfunctional cognitive control of pain and may therefore provide potential insights into the neural substrates of obstructive cognitive control in chronic low back pain, with a special emphasis on pain-related TS. SIGNIFICANCE: The link between pain-related thought suppression and brain morphology may provide a new perspective on the understanding of cognitive control of pain in chronic low back pain, which may help improve cognitive behavioural therapy.

EATING PATTERNS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS IN THE POPULATION INCLUDED IN THE OBESITY STUDY IN ROMANIA (ORO STUDY).

CONTEXT: Four major modifiable behavioral risk factors are considered responsible for the current burden of the non-communicable diseases: tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and excessive alcohol consumption. Limited data on the lifestyle habits in Romanian population is currently available. OBJECTIVE: To assess the eating patterns and physical activity habits and other lifestyle components in various age groups in the population included in the ORO study. DESIGN: ORO was a cross-sectional, epidemiologic, multicenter non-interventional study conducted from January 2014 until August 2014 in 8 study centers spread in the main historical regions of Romania. RESULTS: Eating 3 meals/day every day was more frequently reported in the 60-79 years and ≥ 80 years age groups (53.0% and 51.7%) than in the 18-39 years and 40-59 years age groups (26.8% and 35.8%), p <0.001. The frequency of eating breakfast every day increased with age from 43.5% in the youngest age group to 79.3% in the oldest one (p <0.001). Intense and moderate leisure-time physical activity was more frequent among participants in the 18- 39 years age group. Leisure time physical activities were associated with younger age groups, male sex, rural area, higher educational level and non-smoking status. Regular breakfast and regular consumption of 3 meals/day was associated with older age group, male sex and non-smoking status. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis showed a high frequency of unhealthy lifestyle habits among the younger age groups as compared to the older ones, with the highest frequency of these unhealthy behavior reported in the 18-39 years age group.

Adiponectin predicts cardiovascular events in diabetes dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVES: Adiponectin is an insulin-sensitizing, anti-inflammatory adipokine with anti-atherogenic actions in the general population. In dialysis patients it is unclear whether adiponectin conserves its protective value or is, on the contrary, associated to worse prognosis. We assessed the predictive value of adiponectin for atherosclerosis related cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetic dialysis patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: Prevalent diabetic dialysis patients from three dialysis units (n=77) were enrolled in a 3years' prospective observational study. Serum adiponectin, clinical and laboratory parameters were determined at baseline; new occurrence of atherosclerosis related events (coronary events, atherosclerosis obliterans, and stroke) was recorded. RESULTS: Baseline adiponectin was 17.25(9.53-31.97) µg/mL and significantly correlated to HDL cholesterol (r=0.29, p=0.01), triglycerides (r=-0.40, p=0.0004), ferritin (r=-0.29, p=0.02), transferrin (r=-0.28, p=0.02), and uric acid (r=-0.24, p=0.04). In multivariate analysis association to triglycerides (p=0.001), HDL cholesterol (p=0.01) and ferritin (p=0.04) remained significant. 36 new fatal and non-fatal new cardiovascular events occurred, 29 patient died. Cox proportional regression analysis showed that adiponectin below or above a ROC-derived cut-off of 27.33µg/mL significantly influenced event-free survival: hazard ratio (HR) 2.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.09-5.66), p=0.031 along with fasting glucose HR 1.01, 95%CI(1.00-1.02), p=0.01 and history of cardiovascular events at inclusion HR 3.16, 95%CI(1.36-7.32), p=0.007. In multivariate analysis baseline adiponectin HR 5.02, 95%CI(0.98-25.06), p=0.05 and glycemia HR 1.01, 95%CI(1.00-1.02), p=0.01 influenced event-free survival. Adiponectin also predicted cardiovascular events in patients without cardiovascular disease at inclusion but was not associated to overall mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In diabetes dialysis patients low adiponectin favors occurrence of atherosclerosis related cardiovascular events.

A single active nanoelectromechanical tuning fork front-end radio-frequency receiver.

Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) offer the potential to revolutionize fundamental methods employed for signal processing in today's telecommunication systems, owing to their spectral purity and the prospect of integration with existing technology. In this work we present a novel, front-end receiver topology based on a single device silicon nanoelectromechanical mixer-filter. The operation is demonstrated by using the signal amplification in a field effect transistor (FET) merged into a tuning fork resonator. The combination of both a transistor and a mechanical element into a hybrid unit enables on-chip functionality and performance previously unachievable in silicon. Signal mixing, filtering and demodulation are experimentally demonstrated at very high frequencies ( > 100 MHz), maintaining a high quality factor of Q = 800 and stable operation at near ambient pressure (0.1 atm) and room temperature (T = 300 K). The results show that, ultimately miniaturized, silicon NEMS can be utilized to realize multi-band, single-chip receiver systems based on NEMS mixer-filter arrays with reduced system complexity and power consumption.

[Pilot study on pain response patterns in chronic low back pain. The influence of pain response patterns on quality of life, pain intensity and disability]. / Schmerzverarbeitungspattern bei chronischen Rückenschmerzen Pilotstudie. Der Einfluss von "Avoidance-Endurance"-Modell-Pattern auf die Lebensqualität, Schmerzintensität und Beeinträchtigung.

BACKGROUND: The variables pain intensity (SI), disability (DS) and quality of life (QoL) belong to a set of primary patient-based outcomes in chronic low back pain (CLBP). The avoidance-endurance model (AEM) assumes three maladaptive and one adaptive pain response pattern. The purpose of this study was to study the level and course of the outcomes with regard to the four AEM patterns. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 52 CLBP inpatients were investigated at 2 points in time: during the first days after admission and 6 months after the acute exacerbation of pain. Differences between AEM patterns were analyzed with repeated measurement analyses of variance. RESULTS: Groups differences were found for SI (F((3, 48))=2.82, p<0.05), general (F((3, 48))=6.78, p<0.05) and health-related QoL (F((3, 48))=5.99, p <0.05). In contrast, for the variable disability only a significant time effect was found. CONCLUSION: The results show differences in the level and process of SI, DS and QoL between the subgroups. An AEM-based classification of subgroups is also reasonable for CLPB patients.

Biomonitoring using the lichen Hypogymnia physodes and bark samples near Zlatna, Romania immediately following closure of a copper ore-processing plant.

Lichen transplants were established along a 40km transect centred on a large mine waste dump close to Zlatna town centre, two weeks after closure of a major industrial source, to compare spatial patterns of element concentrations in lichen and bark samples. After 3 months of exposure, spatial patterns of 4 element concentrations (Pb, Cu, Zn and Fe) in transplants confirmed deposition due to a point source 'Zlatna influence'. Cu and Pb reached concentrations 8 and 4 times, respectively, higher than samples transplanted in the 'background' site, and over 200 (Cu) and 2000 (Pb) times higher relative to 'background' bark. Ten out of 15 elements analysed reached highest concentrations in bark. Spatial patterns confirmed long-term pollution for 6 elements (Pb, S, Fe, Cu, Zn and Ba). The study provides a model baseline to monitor recovery following closure of major industrial sources and highlights the importance of considering biogeochemical processes when interpreting metal concentrations.

CgDN3: an essential pathogenicity gene of colletotrichum gloeosporioides necessary to avert a hypersensitive-like response in the host Stylosanthes guianensis.

A gene of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides that is induced by nitrogen starvation in axenic culture and is expressed at the early stages of infection of the host Stylosanthes guianensis has been identified and its role in pathogenicity tested. The sequence of this gene, named CgDN3, indicated that it encodes a protein of 74 amino acids that contains a predicted 18 amino acid signal sequence for secretion of a basic 54 amino acid mature protein with weak homology to an internal region of plant wall-associated receptor kinases. Mutants of C. gloeosporioides were produced by homologous recombination in which part of the coding sequence and promoter region of the CgDN3 gene was replaced with a hygromycin-resistance gene cassette. Mutations in the CgDN3 gene were confirmed in two independent transformants and Northern (RNA) analysis demonstrated the disrupted CgDN3 gene was not expressed. The mutants had faster mycelial growth rates in vitro but produced spores that germinated to form appressoria normally on the leaf surface. However, the CgDN3 mutants were unable to infect and reproduce on intact host leaves. Microscopic analysis revealed small clusters of necrotic host cells at inoculation sites on leaves, suggesting that these mutants elicited a localized, host hypersensitive-like response. The mutants were able to grow necrotrophically and reproduce on leaves when conidia were inoculated directly onto wound sites. The putative promoter region of the CgDN3 gene was fused to a gene encoding a modified jellyfish green fluorescent protein and introduced into the fungus. Following inoculation, strong expression of green fluorescent protein was observed in primary infection vesicles in infected epidermal cells with weaker expression evident in hyphae growing within infected leaf tissue. These findings indicate that CgDN3 encodes a novel pathogenicity determinant associated with the biotrophic phase of primary infection and required to avert a hypersensitive-like response by a compatible host.

Analytical characterisation of a capacitively coupled plasma torch with a central tube electrode.

A new type of radiofrequency capacitively coupled plasma torch is presented. The torch electrode geometry is coaxial with a tubular central electrode and one or two outer ring electrodes. The argon plasma is generated at 275 W radiofrequency power and 27.12 MHz and it has a very good stability and a low gas consumption of 0.4 l min(-1). The nebulized sample is introduced through the tubular electrode into the core of the annular shaped plasma thus achieving a better atomisation and a lower background. The limits of detection for 20 elements are in the range of ng ml(-1) and the dynamic range between 2.5 and 3.5. The best results are obtained with the torch with two outer ring electrodes.

Transfer of a supernumerary chromosome between vegetatively incompatible biotypes of the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

Two biotypes (A and B) of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides infect the tropical legumes Stylosanthes spp. in Australia. These biotypes are asexual and vegetatively incompatible. However, field isolates of biotype B carrying a supernumerary 2-Mb chromosome, thought to originate from biotype A, have been reported previously. We tested the hypothesis that the 2-Mb chromosome could be transferred from biotype A to biotype B under laboratory conditions. Selectable marker genes conferring resistance to hygromycin and phleomycin were introduced into isolates of biotypes A and B, respectively. A transformant of biotype A, with the hygromycin resistance gene integrated on the 2-Mb chromosome, was cocultivated with phleomycin-resistant transformants of biotype B. Double antibiotic-resistant colonies were obtained from conidia of these mixed cultures at a frequency of approximately 10(-7). Molecular analysis using RFLPs, RAPDs, and electrophoretic karyotypes showed that these colonies contained the 2-Mb chromosome in a biotype B genetic background. In contrast, no double antibiotic colonies developed from conidia obtained from mixed cultures of phleomycin-resistant transformants of biotype B with biotype A transformants carrying the hygromycin resistance gene integrated in chromosomes >2 Mb in size. The results demonstrated that the 2-Mb chromosome was selectively transferred from biotype A to biotype B. The horizontal transfer of specific chromosomes across vegetative incompatibility barriers may explain the origin of supernumerary chromosomes in fungi.

A peroxidase gene promoter induced by phytopathogens and methyl jasmonate in transgenic plants.

The expression of two closely related peroxidase isogenes, Shpx6a and Shpx6b, of the legume Stylosanthes humilis was studied using isogene-specific reverse transcriptase PCR techniques. Results indicated that transcripts of both genes were rapidly induced following inoculation with the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, wounding and treatment with the defense regulator methyl jasmonate (MeJA). In contrast treatment of leaves of S. humilis with abscisic acid (ABA) and salicylic acid (SA) did not induce transcripts of either isogene. A genomic clone containing the Shpx6b gene was isolated and 594 bp of 5' sequence upstream of the translation start was fused in frame to the coding region of the uidA reporter gene and introduced into tobacco. Expression from the Shpx6b promoter in transgenic plants was determined by histochemical staining and quantitative assays of beta-glucuronidase (GUS). In transgenic tobacco, GUS expression was detected in cotyledons, vascular cells of young leaves, anthers, pollen, and the stigma and style. Wounding of the tobacco plants produced very localized GUS staining. Much more extensive staining for GUS was observed following inoculation of tobacco leaves with conidia of the fungal pathogen Cercospora nicotianae and the inoculation of wound sites with mycelium of the Oomycete pathogen Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae. Treatment of mature leaves with methyl jasmonate induced GUS activity while treatment with ABA, SA, and H2O2 had no effect. A similar strong induction of GUS activity was measured in young transgenic seedlings germinated on MeJA while some, but much weaker, induction of GUS activity was observed in seedlings treated with SA. The sequence of the promoter contained motifs homologous to putative cis elements in other plant genes responsive to MeJA. The Shpx6b gene is the first plant peroxidase gene shown to be induced by both microbial pathogens and MeJA and its promoter will be useful for investigations of signaling processes during fungal infection and for the expression of foreign gene products at infection sites.

Characteristic temperatures and electron number densities in an R.F. capacitively coupled plasma.

The excitation temperatures of Ar and Fe, the ionization temperatures of Ar and Ca and the electron number densities have been determined for a radiofrequency capacitively coupled plasma in the tip-ring electrode geometry. The temperatures and the electron number densities possess their maximum value close to the electrodes.