Determination of emission factors from a landfill through an inverse methodology: Experimental determination of ambient air concentrations and use of numerical modelling.

The application of numeric modelling for determining the impact of landfills needs for reliable emission source data. In this study, a methodology for the characterization of the emission profiles of the different sources present in landfills for emission factors determination, applying an indirect methodology, is presented. Ambient air concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) were determined in three potentially emission sources in Can Mata landfill (Hostalets de Pierola, Catalonia, Spain): dumping areas, pre-closed zone and leachate reservoir as well as in biogas, for the determination of emission factors. Multi-sorbent bed and Tenax TA tubes were used for a wide range of VOCs sampling, and analysis was conducted through TD-GC/MS. H2S and NH3 were sampled and analysed using Radiello passive samplers. The highest total VOC (TVOC) concentrations were found in dumping areas (0.7-3.5 mg m-3), followed by leachate reservoir (0.3-0.6 mg m-3) and pre-closed area (77-165 µg m-3). On the other hand, the highest H2S and NH3 concentrations were found in leachate reservoir, presenting values of 0.8-1.1 mg m-3 and 1.7-1.8 mg m-3, respectively. With the application of odour thresholds to the concentrations obtained, the most critical compounds regarding odour annoyances were determined. The highest odour units (O.U.) were found in leachate reservoir due to H2S concentrations, whereas VOCs contributed mainly to O.U. in the dumping areas. The obtained ambient air concentrations were used for the indirect determination of the emission factors through numerical modelling using a Eulerian dispersion model. The emission factors obtained for the landfill for TVOC, H2S and NH3 were in the range of 0.44-10.9 g s-1, 0.16-1.02 g s-1 and 0.23-1.82 g s-1, respectively, depending on the emission source. Reliable emission factors are crucial to obtain landfill impact maps, which are essential for the correct management of these facilities.

Use of CT-scan in pediatric patients with thoraco-abdominal trauma: experience at a latin-american trauma facility. / Uso de la TAC en pacientes pediátricos con trauma toraco-abdominal: experiencia de un centro de trauma latinoamericano.

INTRODUCTION: CT-scan is the method of choice for major trauma assessment. However, it significantly increases radiation exposure in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to analyze differences in clinical outcomes according to the preoperative use of CT-scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study of pediatric patients admitted for trauma and requiring surgery was carried out. Patients were classified according to the previous use of CT-scan. ICU stay, re-admissions, and deaths were assessed. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2017, 737 patients under 18 years of age with external lesions were treated, 174 of whom required surgery. 48 patients (27.6%) underwent CT-scan prior to the procedure (Group 1), while the remaining 126 patients (72.4%) were directly scheduled for surgery (Group 2). Penetrating trauma occurred in 81% of patients, the proportion being significantly higher in Group 2 (p= 0.001). Median age was 15 years (interquartile range: 12-17), with no differences between groups. No significant differences were found in terms of hemodynamic instability at admission between groups (p= 0.596). At surgery, 3 out of 48 patients (6.3%) had no evident lesion. No significant differences were found in terms of re-admissions (p= 0.476), mortality (0.994), and ICU stay (0.466). CONCLUSION: The use of CT-scan as a diagnostic tool in pediatric trauma does not reduce mortality, ICU stay, or number of re-admissions. The use of tools such as ultrasound examination and simple X-ray should be protocolized to avoid unnecessary exposure to higher radiation doses. Prospective studies confirming this hypothesis are required.

INTRODUCCION: La tomografía axial computarizada (TAC) es el método de elección en la evaluación del trauma mayor, sin embargo, aumenta significativamente la exposición a radiación en la población pediátrica. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar diferencias en los desenlaces clínicos de acuerdo con el uso preoperatorio de la TAC. METODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes pediátricos ingresados por trauma que necesitaron manejo quirúrgico, y se clasificaron de acuerdo con el uso previo de TAC. Se evaluó tiempo en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), readmisiones, y muerte. RESULTADOS: Durante 2011 a 2017, 737 pacientes menores de 18 años consultaron por lesiones de causa externa, 174 requirieron intervención quirúrgica. A 48 (27,6%) se les realizó TAC previo al manejo quirúrgico (Grupo 1); los restantes 126 pacientes (72,4%) fueron llevados directamente a cirugía (Grupo 2). El trauma penetrante se presentó en un 81% de los pacientes, siendo significativamente mayor en el grupo 2 (p= 0,001). La mediana de edad fue 15 años (rango intercuartílico 12-17) sin diferencia entre los grupos. No hubo diferencias significativas en inestabilidad hemodinámica al ingreso entre los grupos (p= 0,596). Al momento de la cirugía, tres de 48 pacientes (6,3%) no presentaron ninguna lesión evidente. No hubo diferencias significativas en las readmisiones (p= 0,476), la mortalidad (0.994) y estancia en UCI (0,466). CONCLUSION: El uso de TAC como herramienta diagnóstica en trauma pediátrico no disminuye la mortalidad, días de estancia en UCI, ni el número de readmisiones. Debe protocolizarse el uso de herramientas como la ecografía y radiografía simple para evitar exposición innecesaria a dosis más altas de radiación. Se requieren estudios prospectivos que confirmen esta hipótesis.

Comparison of neutron and secondary gamma dose assessment using polygon mesh and voxel computational phantoms.

The newly developed mesh-type reference computational phantoms (MRCPs) represent the evolution of the previous reference phantoms and a more detailed description of the human body, addressing the voxel reference phantom limitations. These allow for a more accurate dose calculation in the human body, which in some cases results in a significant difference of the calculated quantities. In this work, the absorbed dose calculation due to neutrons and gammas was calculated using a voxel and a mesh-type computational phantom. The goal was to understand how a more accurate description of the human body affects the estimated neutron dose. The phantoms were tested in a real-case scenario: they were placed in front of a neutron Howitzer container model using PHITS. This model corresponds to the neutron Howitzer container at the Neutron Measurements Laboratory of the Energy Engineering Department of the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), and at the time of measurement it was equipped with a 241Am-Be neutron source of 74 GBq in its center. The container allows the source to be in either the irradiation or the storage position. Results show that when dealing with neutrons, the dose deviation when using GOLEM or the MRCP leads to a general 20%-30% deviation that goes up to above 400% in small thin structures such as the eye.

Women's Ecofeminist Spirituality: Origins and Applications to Psychotherapy.

The aim of this paper is to theoretically explore the origins and possible psychotherapeutic applications of some neo-pagan, neo-shamanic, or psycho-spiritual women's movements that are currently spreading in Western countries. In spite of their great diversity, they are all encompassed within the term "ecofeminist spirituality." This article analyzes their ideological, historical, and cultural origins, placing special emphasis on their psychotherapeutic role and describing the main tools and fields of application.

The work programme of NERIS in post-accident recovery.

NERIS is the European platform on preparedness for nuclear and radiological emergency response and recovery. Created in 2010 with 57 organisations from 28 different countries, the objectives of the platform are to: improve the effectiveness and coherency of current approaches to preparedness; identify further development needs; improve 'know how' and technical expertise; and establish a forum for dialogue and methodological development. The NERIS Strategic Research Agenda is now structured with three main challenges: (i) radiological impact assessments during all phases of nuclear and radiological events; (ii) countermeasures and countermeasure strategies in emergency and recovery, decision support, and disaster informatics; and (iii) setting up a multi-faceted framework for preparedness for emergency response and recovery. The Fukushima accident has highlighted some key issues for further consideration in NERIS research activities, including: the importance of transparency of decision-making processes at local, regional, and national levels; the key role of access to environmental monitoring; the importance of dealing with uncertainties in assessment and management of the different phases of the accident; the use of modern social media in the exchange of information; the role of stakeholder involvement processes in both emergency and recovery situations; considerations of societal, ethical, and economic aspects; and the reinforcement of education and training for various actors. This paper emphasises the main issues at stake for NERIS for post-accident management.

Is mitotic rate still useful in the management of patients with thin melanoma?

BACKGROUND: T1 melanoma substaging was recently modified by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). Although sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity is the most important prognostic factor in melanoma, there is a lack of consensus on whether SLN biopsy should be performed in patients with thin melanoma (≤1 mm). OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to investigate predictors of SLN positivity in patients with thin melanoma, with a special emphasis on mitotic rate. A secondary aim was to evaluate survival in this group of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective multicenter observational study with analysis of age, sex, tumour location, thickness, mitotic rate, regression and microscopic satellites. Predictive factors were identified using a classification and regression tree (CART) approach. Melanoma-specific survival according to SLN status was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: We analysed 203 patients with a melanoma ≤1 mm. Using the new AJCC staging criteria, the CART algorithm identified a 7.5% likelihood of SLN positivity in T1a patients. In the case of T1b melanoma, there was a 14.3% likelihood of SLN positivity in patients with a mitotic rate >1 mitosis/mm2 and a 3.2% likelihood in those with ≤1 mitoses/mm2 . None of the patients with T1b disease who had ≤1 mitoses/mm2 and regression had SLN positivity. In T1b patients, 5-year melanoma-specific survival was 98.7% in the SLN-negative group and 75% in the SLN-positive group (P = 0.05). When stratified by mitotic rate, survival was 100% for patients with a mitotic rate of ≤1 mitoses/mm2 and 91.4% for those with >1 mitosis/mm2 (P = 0.022). There were no deaths in the T1a subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Sentinel lymph node metastasis was less common in patients with T1b melanoma who had a mitotic rate of ≤1 mitoses/mm2 . Performance of SLN biopsy should be carefully considered in this subgroup of patients, particularly considering the good prognosis.

HLA-B*57 and IFNL4-related polymorphisms are associated with protection against HIV-1 disease progression in controllers.

Background: HIV-1-controllers maintain HIV-1 viremia at low levels (normally <2000 HIV-RNA copies/mL) without antiretroviral treatment. However, some HIV-1-controllers have evidence of immunologic progression with marked CD4+T-cell decline. We investigated host genetic factors associated with protection against CD4+T-cell loss in HIV-1-controllers. Methods: We analysed the association of interferon lambda 4 (IFNL4)-related polymorphisms and HLA-B haplotypes within Long Term Non-Progressor HIV-1-controllers ((LTNP-C), defined by maintaining CD4+T-cells counts >500 cells/mm3 for more than 7 years after HIV-1 diagnosis) versus non-LTNP-C, who developed CD4+T-cells counts <500 cells/mm3 Both a Spanish study cohort (n=140) and an international validation cohort (n=914) were examined. Additionally, in a subgroup of individuals HIV-1-specific T-cell responses and soluble cytokines were analysed RESULTS: HLA-B*57 was independently associated with the LTNP-C phenotype (OR=3.056 (1.029-9.069) p=0.044 and OR=1.924 (1.252-2.957) p=0.003) while IFNL4 genotypes represented independent factors for becoming non-LTNP-C (TT/TT, ss469415590, OR=0.401 (0.171-0.942) p=0.036 or A/A, rs12980275, OR=0.637 (0.434-0.934) p=0.021) in the Spanish and validation cohort, respectively, after adjusting for sex, age at HIV-1 diagnosis, IFNL4-related polymorphisms and different HLA-B haplotypes. LTNP-C showed lower plasma IP-10 (p=0.019) and higher IFN-γ (p=0.02) levels than the HIV-1-controllers with diminished CD4+T-cell numbers. Moreover, LTNP-C exhibited higher quantities of IL2+CD57- and IFN-γ+CD57- HIV-1-specific CD8+T-cells (p=0.002 and 0.041, respectively) than non-LTNP-C. Conclusions: We have defined genetic markers able to segregate stable HIV-1-controllers from those who experience CD4+T-cell decline. These findings allow for identification of HIV-1-controllers at risk for immunologic progression, and provide avenues for personalized therapeutic interventions and precision medicine for optimizing clinical care of these individuals.

The role of daily physical activity and nutritional status on bone turnover in cystic fibrosis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional status and daily physical activity (PA) may be an excellent tool for the maintenance of bone health in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between nutritional status, daily physical activity and bone turnover in cystic fibrosis patients. METHOD: A cross-sectional study of adolescent and adult patients diagnosed with clinically stable cystic fibrosis was conducted. Total body, femoral neck, and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) were determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and bone metabolism markers ALP, P1NP, PICP, and ß-CrossLaps. PA monitoring was assessed for 5 consecutive days using a portable device. Exercise capacity was also determined. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and vitamin K were also determined in all participants. RESULTS: Fifty patients (median age: 24.4 years; range: 16-46) were included. BMI had positive correlation with all BMD parameters, with Spearman's coefficients ranging from 0.31 to 0.47. Total hip bone mineral density and femoral neck BMD had positive correlation with the daily time spent on moderate PA (>4.8 metabolic equivalent-minutes/day; r=0.74, p<0.001 and r=0.72 p<0.001 respectively), daily time spent on vigorous PA (>7.2 metabolic equivalent-minutes/day; r=0.45 p<0.001), body mass index (r=0.44, p=0.001), and muscle mass in limbs (r=0.41, p=0.004). Levels of carboxy-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen were positively associated with the daily time spent on moderate (r=0.33 p=0.023) and vigorous PA (r=0.53, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: BMI and the daily time spent on moderate PA were found to be correlated with femoral neck BMD in CF patients. The association between daily PA and biochemical markers of bone formation suggests that the level of daily PA may be linked to bone health in this patient group. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

The role of daily physical activity and nutritional status on bone turnover in cystic fibrosis: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background Nutritional status and daily physical activity (PA) may be an excellent tool for the maintenance of bone health in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Objective To evaluate the relationship between nutritional status, daily physical activity and bone turnover in cystic fibrosis patients. Method A cross-sectional study of adolescent and adult patients diagnosed with clinically stable cystic fibrosis was conducted. Total body, femoral neck, and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) were determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and bone metabolism markers ALP, P1NP, PICP, and ß-CrossLaps. PA monitoring was assessed for 5 consecutive days using a portable device. Exercise capacity was also determined. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and vitamin K were also determined in all participants. Results Fifty patients (median age: 24.4 years; range: 16-46) were included. BMI had positive correlation with all BMD parameters, with Spearman’s coefficients ranging from 0.31 to 0.47. Total hip bone mineral density and femoral neck BMD had positive correlation with the daily time spent on moderate PA (>4.8 metabolic equivalent-minutes/day; r=0.74, p<0.001 and r=0.72 p<0.001 respectively), daily time spent on vigorous PA (>7.2 metabolic equivalent-minutes/day; r=0.45 p<0.001), body mass index (r=0.44, p=0.001), and muscle mass in limbs (r=0.41, p=0.004). Levels of carboxy-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen were positively associated with the daily time spent on moderate (r=0.33 p=0.023) and vigorous PA (r=0.53, p<0.001). Conclusions BMI and the daily time spent on moderate PA were found to be correlated with femoral neck BMD in CF patients. The association between daily PA and biochemical markers of bone formation suggests that the level of daily PA may be linked to bone health in this patient group. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Depression and anxiety symptoms in Spanish adult patients with cystic fibrosis: associations with health-related quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic disease with an impact on the quality of life. Self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed in the Spanish cohort of the International Epidemiological Study on Depression and Anxiety in patients with CF (International Depression-Anxiety Epidemiological Study) and their relationship with health status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was evaluated. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited adult patients with CF at 10 Spanish centers. Patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Revised Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire. Demographic and health data were recorded from medical charts. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety (HADS≥8). RESULTS: Of the 336 participants recruited (mean age, 28.1years; 48.2% women), 41 (12.2%) had elevated depression-related scores, and 100 (29.7%) had elevated anxiety-related scores (HADS≥8). After adjusting for confounders, only less education, intravenous antibiotics, psychiatric medications and psychotherapy were significantly associated with elevated psychological symptoms. Specifically, regardless of lung function, patients who were depressed or anxious reported worse HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety was high in Spanish adult patients with CF, and these symptoms were associated with a decreased HRQoL.

Predictors of sentinel lymph node status in cutaneous melanoma: a classification and regression tree analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to identify predictors of sentinel lymph node (SN) metastasis in cutaneous melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 818 patients in 2 tertiary-level hospitals. The primary outcome variable was SN involvement. Independent predictors were identified using multiple logistic regression and a classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. RESULTS: Ulceration, tumor thickness, and a high mitotic rate (≥6 mitoses/mm(2)) were independently associated with SN metastasis in the multiple regression analysis. The most important predictor in the CART analysis was Breslow thickness. Absence of an inflammatory infiltrate, patient age, and tumor location were predictive of SN metastasis in patients with tumors thicker than 2mm. In the case of thinner melanomas, the predictors were mitotic rate (>6 mitoses/mm(2)), presence of ulceration, and tumor thickness. Patient age, mitotic rate, and tumor thickness and location were predictive of survival. CONCLUSIONS: A high mitotic rate predicts a higher risk of SN involvement and worse survival. CART analysis improves the prediction of regional metastasis, resulting in better clinical management of melanoma patients. It may also help select suitable candidates for inclusion in clinical trials.

Mapping of the circulating metabolome reveals α-ketoglutarate as a predictor of morbid obesity-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Obesity severely affects human health, and the accompanying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Rapid and non-invasive methods to detect this condition may substantially improve clinical care. METHODS: We used liquid and gas chromatography-quadruple time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC/GC-QTOF-MS) analysis in a non-targeted metabolomics approach on the plasma from morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery to gain a comprehensive measure of metabolite levels. On the basis of these findings, we developed a method (GC-QTOF-MS) for the accurate quantification of plasma α-ketoglutarate to explore its potential as a novel biomarker for the detection of NAFLD. RESULTS: Plasma biochemical differences were observed between patients with and without NAFLD indicating that the accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes decreased ß-oxidation energy production, reduced liver function and altered glucose metabolism. The results obtained from the plasma analysis suggest pathophysiological insights that link lipid and glucose disturbances with α-ketoglutarate. Plasma α-ketoglutarate levels are significantly increased in obese patients compared with lean controls. Among obese patients, the measurement of this metabolite differentiates between those with or without NAFLD. Data from the liver were consistent with data from plasma. Clinical utility was assessed, and the results revealed that plasma α-ketoglutarate is a fair-to-good biomarker in patients (n=230). Other common laboratory liver tests used in routine application did not favourably compare. CONCLUSION: Plasma α-ketoglutarate is superior to common liver function tests in obese patients as a surrogate biomarker of NAFLD. The measurement of this biomarker may potentiate the search for a therapeutic approach, may decrease the need for liver biopsy and may be useful in the assessment of disease progression.

Units related to radiation exposure and radioactivity in mass media: the Fukushima case study in Europe and Russia.

Using an analysis of the way European newspapers covered the Fukushima nuclear accident, this article explores how the mass media transmit information about radiation risks from experts to the general public. The study applied a media content analysis method on a total of 1340 articles from 12 leading newspapers in 6 countries: Belgium (N = 260), Italy (N = 270), Norway (N = 133), Russia (N = 172), Slovenia (N = 190) and Spain (N = 315). All articles analysed were selected as being directly or indirectly related to the Fukushima accident by containing the word 'nuclear' and/or 'Fukushima' and were published between the 11th March and the 11th May 2011. The data presented here focus specifically on a cross-cultural comparison of the way the media use quantitative units. Results suggest that although experts are accustomed to communicating about radiological risks in technical language, often using quantitative units to describe the risks, mass media do not tend to use these units in their reporting. Although the study found a large variation in the measurement units used in different countries, it appeared that journalists in all the analysed countries preferred to describe radioactivity by comparing different radiation exposures, rather than reporting the actual measured units. The paper concludes with some practical guidelines for sound public communication about radiation risks.

Surface emission determination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from a closed industrial waste landfill using a self-designed static flux chamber.

Closed landfills can be a source of VOC and odorous nuisances to their atmospheric surroundings. A self-designed cylindrical air flux chamber was used to measure VOC surface emissions in a closed industrial landfill located in Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain. The two main objectives of the study were the evaluation of the performance of the chamber setup in typical measurement conditions and the determination of the emission rates of 60 different VOC from that industrial landfill, generating a valuable database that can be useful in future studies related to industrial landfill management. Triplicate samples were taken in five selected sampling points. VOC were sampled dynamically using multi-sorbent bed tubes (Carbotrap, Carbopack X, Carboxen 569) connected to SKC AirCheck 2000 pumps. The analysis was performed by automatic thermal desorption coupled with a capillary gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry detector. The emission rates of sixty VOC were calculated for each sampling point in an effort to characterize surface emissions. To calculate average, minimum and maximum emission values for each VOC, the results were analyzed by three different methods: Global, Kriging and Tributary area. Global and Tributary area methodologies presented similar values, with total VOC emissions of 237 ± 48 and 222 ± 46 g day(-1), respectively; however, Kriging values were lower, 77 ± 17 gd ay(-1). The main contributors to the total emission rate were aldehydes (nonanal and decanal), acetic acid, ketones (acetone), aromatic hydrocarbons and alcohols. Most aromatic hydrocarbon (except benzene, naphthalene and methylnaphthalenes) and aldehyde emission rates exhibited strong correlations with the rest of VOC of their family, indicating a possible common source of these compounds. B:T ratio obtained from the emission rates of the studied landfill suggested that the factors that regulate aromatic hydrocarbon distributions in the landfill emissions are different from the ones from urban areas. Environmental conditions (atmospheric pressure, temperature and relative humidity) did not alter the pollutant emission fluxes.

First Report of Fusarium equiseti Causing Damping-Off Disease on Aleppo Pine in Algeria.

The Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) is a conifer native to the Mediterranean region. In 2008 and 2009, a survey of Aleppo pine seedling diseases was performed in three forest nurseries from Relizane, Sidi Bel Abbes, and Tlemcen provinces in northwestern Algeria. Aleppo pine seedlings showed symptoms of pre- and post-emergence damping-off disease, with an incidence of 64 to 77%. Four composite samples were taken from each location. Disinfested root and root collar segments, approximately 5 mm in length, were cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25°C, and hyphal tips were transferred to PDA. Fusarium equiseti (Corda) Sacc. (teleomorph: Gibberella intricans Wollenw.) was identified from roots of two seedlings from the Sidi Bel Abbes nursery. Morphological identification was done according to Fusarium keys (2). PDA colonies with abundant, loosely floccose, whitish aerial mycelium and beige pigmentation were observed. Macroconidia with usually 5 to 6 septa, 31 to 45 µm long. A pronounced dorsiventral curvature, tapered and elongated apical cell, and prominent foot shape were observed. Microconidia were absent. Chlamydospores were produced in hyphae, most often intercalary, solitary, in pairs, frequently forming chains or clusters, globose (7 to 13 µm). To confirm the identity of this fungus, the internal transcribed spacer of F3RS1 and F19RS1 isolates of F. equiseti were amplified and sequenced using ITS1 and ITS4 primers (4), GenBank accession nos. JX114784 and JX114791, respectively. Those sequences bore 100% (HQ671182) similarity with sequences of F. equiseti in GenBank. Pathogenicity tests were performed to fulfill Koch's postulates. Inoculum was produced by adding a 5-mm-diameter plug from a 7-day-old CMA petri dish culture to a previously sterilized 500 ml flask (237.5 g sand, 12.5 g cornmeal, 80 ml sterile distilled water), shaken over 9 days at 25°C, and mixed with sterile sandy clay soil at 1:3 (v:v). Infested soil was then transferred to 500 ml pots, and 10 Aleppo pine seeds were planted per pot. A completely randomized design was used with three replicates per isolate and three control pots with a similar non-infested soil. After 1 month at 25°C the two tested isolates caused typical damping-off symptoms (collar rot) on seedlings and were re-isolated from recently infected tissues. The percentages of the inoculated plants that became infected were 59 to 65% among isolates (0% in control pots). To our knowledge, infection by F. equiseti is a first report on Aleppo pine in northwestern Algeria, Northern Africa, and globally, and on conifers in the Mediterranean region (1,3). In Algeria, F. equiseti is associated with black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) (3). These findings highlight the moderate impact of F. equiseti on the production of Aleppo seedling stock for reforestation activities in northwestern Algeria. References: (1) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory. ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD. Retrieved from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ , February 20, 2013. (2) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, IA, 2006. (3) D. W. Minter. Cybertruffle's Robigalia, Observations of Fungi and their Associated Organisms. Retrieved from http://www.cybertruffle.org.uk/robigalia/eng/ , February 20, 2013. (4) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.

Narcolepsy and odor: preliminary report.

OBJECTIVES: This study has been carried out to test the clinical hypothesis of personal smell as a hint to the diagnosis of narcoleptic patients. METHODS: Sweat samples from narcoleptic and healthy controls were tested independently by two trained dogs and their positive or negative detection compared to the gold standard diagnosis for narcolepsy. Neither trainer nor dog knew the source of the sample selected or its placement in the search device. Twelve narcoleptic patients, both sexes and various ages, recruited from April 2011 to June 2012 and diagnosed according to standard criteria, through their clinical records and nocturnal polysomnography plus multiple sleep latency test, made up the patient group. The control group was made up of 22 healthy volunteer without sleep disorders, both sexes and various ages. Sweat samples from both patients and controls were collected following the same protocol to avoid contamination, and tested independently by two trained dogs. RESULTS: Eleven narcoleptic were detected positive by the dogs while only three controls. CONCLUSION: It seems that narcoleptic patients have a distinct typical odor that trained dogs can detect. The development of olfactory test could be a useful method in the screening of narcolepsy while opens a new research area.

First Report of Fusarium chlamydosporum Causing Damping-Off Disease on Aleppo Pine in Algeria.

The Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) is a conifer native to the Mediterranean region. In 2008 and 2009, a survey of Aleppo pine seedling diseases was performed in three forest nurseries from the Relizane, Sidi Bel Abbes, and Tlemcen departments in northwestern Algeria. One- to two-month-old Aleppo pine seedlings showed symptoms of damping-off in pre- and post-emergence (typical seedling collar rot). The problem was widespread with a disease incidence of 64 to 77% and an annual impact of US$50,000. Disinfested root and root collar segments (from four composite samples per location), approximately 5 mm in length, were cultured on PDA and incubated at 25°C and day/night light. Two (from 21) isolates were identified morphologically (2) as the anamorph Fusarium chlamydosporum Wollenw. & Reinking and isolated from collar rots of Relizane forest nursery seedlings. Colony development on PDA media was fast; 32 mm diameter colonies developed after 3 days. Colonies were white. Mycelia were floccose, fairly dense, off-white, and turned a lilac color in older portions of the colony. Macroconidia were thick-walled and moderately curved with unequal dorsiventral curvature (the lower wall is almost straight), short, curved and pointed apical cell, usually notched, but occasionally foot shaped basal cell, 3- to 5-septate, and 2 × 8 to 21 µm. Microconidia were abundant, 0-septate, and 2 × 6 to 9 µm. Chlamydospores were abundant, formed rapidly in single chains or clusters, and 8 to 15 µm diameter. To confirm the identity of this fungus, the internal transcribed spacer of F12RR and F4SR isolates of F. chlamydosporum were amplified and sequenced using ITS1 and ITS4 primers (4). Sequences were deposited in GenBank under accessions JX114795 and JX114789, respectively. Those sequences bore 99% similarity with reference sequence AY213655 (2) and 100% with HQ671187, also found 99 to 100% similarity with F. equiseti (Corda) Sacc. but with different conidia. Pathogenicity tests were performed to fulfill Koch's postulates. Inoculum was produced by adding a 5 mm diam. plug from a 7-day-old CMA petri dish culture to a previously sterilized 500 ml flask (237.5 g sand, 12.5 g cornmeal, 80 ml SDW), shaken over 9 days, and mixed with sterile soil at 1:3 (v:v). Infested soil was then transferred to 500 ml pots, and 10 seeds were planted. A completely randomized design was used with three replicates per isolate and three control pots. After 1 month, two tested isolates caused typical damping-off symptoms on seedlings. The percentage of the plants that became infected was 65 to 77%. To our knowledge (1,3), this is the first report of F. chlamydosporum on Aleppo pine in northwestern Algeria. It is also the first report of this fungal species affecting the Aleppo pine throughout the world, and on conifers in Africa and the Mediterranean region (1,3). References: (1) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab. ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD. Retrieved from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ , February 20, 2013. (2) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, IA, 2006. (3) D. W. Minter. Cybertruffle's Robigalia, Observations of Fungi and their Associated Organisms. Retrieved from http://www.cybertruffle.org.uk/robigalia/eng/ , February 20, 2013. (4) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.