Quasifree (p, 2p) Reactions on Oxygen Isotopes: Observation of Isospin Independence of the Reduced Single-Particle Strength.

Quasifree one-proton knockout reactions have been employed in inverse kinematics for a systematic study of the structure of stable and exotic oxygen isotopes at the R^{3}B/LAND setup with incident beam energies in the range of 300-450 MeV/u. The oxygen isotopic chain offers a large variation of separation energies that allows for a quantitative understanding of single-particle strength with changing isospin asymmetry. Quasifree knockout reactions provide a complementary approach to intermediate-energy one-nucleon removal reactions. Inclusive cross sections for quasifree knockout reactions of the type ^{A}O(p,2p)^{A-1}N have been determined and compared to calculations based on the eikonal reaction theory. The reduction factors for the single-particle strength with respect to the independent-particle model were obtained and compared to state-of-the-art ab initio predictions. The results do not show any significant dependence on proton-neutron asymmetry.

Strong Neutron Pairing in core+4n Nuclei.

The emission of neutron pairs from the neutron-rich N=12 isotones ^{18}C and ^{20}O has been studied by high-energy nucleon knockout from ^{19}N and ^{21}O secondary beams, populating unbound states of the two isotones up to 15 MeV above their two-neutron emission thresholds. The analysis of triple fragment-n-n correlations shows that the decay ^{19}N(-1p)^{18}C^{*}→^{16}C+n+n is clearly dominated by direct pair emission. The two-neutron correlation strength, the largest ever observed, suggests the predominance of a ^{14}C core surrounded by four valence neutrons arranged in strongly correlated pairs. On the other hand, a significant competition of a sequential branch is found in the decay ^{21}O(-1n)^{20}O^{*}→^{18}O+n+n, attributed to its formation through the knockout of a deeply bound neutron that breaks the ^{16}O core and reduces the number of pairs.

Assessing natural infection with Zika virus in the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, during 2016 in Puerto Rico.

The epidemic of Zika in the Western hemisphere has led to intense investigations of all species important in the transmission of Zika virus (ZikV), including putative mosquito vectors. Although evidence points to Stegomyia (= Aedes) (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes as the primary vectors in nature among humans, there remains the possibility that other common mosquito species may be implicated in the rapid spread of the virus. Herein, field-caught Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) collected during June 2016 in different neighbourhoods in San Juan, Puerto Rico were examined for the presence of natural infection with ZikV. Stegomyia aegypti (= Aedes aegypti) from the same locations were also analysed. None of the Cx. quinquefasciatus tested showed natural infection for ZikV, whereas S. aegypti tested positive at seven sites. The present results suggest that Cx. quinquefasciatus was not involved in the transmission of ZikV in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2016.

Long-term results after treatment of pertrochanteric femoral fractures with percutaneous compression plate (PCCP).

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the long-term osteosynthesis results for AO/OTA 31.A1-A2 pertrochanteric fractures treated with the percutaneous compression plate (PCCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This investigation was a retrospective observational descriptive study of 335 patients, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years and a maximum follow-up of 8 years (2004-2011). RESULTS: The average post-operative hospital stay was 6.2 days, and the average decrease in haemoglobin levels after the intervention was 2.7 mg/dL, with transfusion required for one-third of the patients. Complications related to the implant were observed in 4.2 % of patients; the most notable complication was cut-out (2.4 % of patients), and 3 cases involved pseudarthrosis with breakage of the implant (0.9 % of patients). CONCLUSIONS: From the results obtained in this study and an analysis of previously published work, we believe that the PCCP may be the implant of choice for AO/OTA 31.A1-A2 fractures.

Use of semi-constrained total knee arthroplasty in gonarthrosis with collateral ligament insufficiency: Clinical and functional outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Achieving stability in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is crucial for long-term implant survival. In cases of severe deformity or ligament laxity, constrained implants may be required. Traditionally, increasing constraint involved intramedullary stems. However, there are intermediary alternatives, including employing a constrained polyethylene insert without stems, thereby avoiding complications related to them. The study aims to evaluate our experience with a non-modular constrained (NMC) implant in primary TKA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 108 non-stemmed primary TKAs performed at our institution between 2013 and 2021 in patients with at least 10° deformity or 10mm ligament laxity. Data included demographics, preoperative and postoperative deformities, clinical outcomes and revision rates. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients (108 knees) with a mean age of 74 were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. The mean postoperative range of motion was 105°/0°. The median Oxford Knee Score, Knee Society Score and Knee Society Function Score were 43.5, 92 and 90, respectively. 17 knees had varus deformity (mean tibiofemoral angle of 2.7°), and 87 knees had excessive valgus deformity (mean tibiofemoral angle of 15.1°). The remaining 4 knees had a neutral alignment. The mean postoperative tibiofemoral angle was 6.8°. The overall revision rate was 6.5% (7 patients): 3 deep periprosthetic infections, 2 patellar dislocations, 1 stiffness and 1 aseptic loosening. CONCLUSION: Our experience demonstrates favorable mid-term outcomes with the NMC implant, providing a safe alternative to stemmed implants in primary TKA, particularly in cases of severe deformity or ligament laxity.

Study of biochemical biomarkers in freshwater prawn Macrobrachium borellii (Crustacea: Palaemonidae) exposed to organophosphate fenitrothion.

Several agrochemicals like organophosphates are extensively used to control pests in agricultural practices but they also adversely affect non-target fauna. The effect of organophosphorous fenitrothion on the prawn Macrobrachium borellii was evaluated. The 96-h LC50 was determined. Activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and lipid oxidation levels, were evaluated in the hepatopancreas from adults exposed to sublethal fenitrothion concentrations for 1, 2, 4 and 7 days. In addition, superoxide dismutase mRNA expression, acetylcholinesterase inhibition and haemocyte DNA damage were determined. The 96-h LC50 was 4.24µg/l of fenitrothion. Prawn exposed to sublethal FS concentrations showed an increase of both catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, mainly after 2 and 4 days exposure and an increase of glutathione-S-transferase activity from day 2 to day 7 while lipid oxidation levels increased mainly on day 1. Superoxide dismutase transcripts were significantly higher in fenitrothion -treated prawns, indicating an induction mechanism. Hemolymph analysis showed that while acetylcholinesterase activity decreased after 2 days, haemocytes displayed most DNA damage after 7-day exposure to fenitrothion. These results indicate that prawn enzymes are highly sensitive to fenitrothion exposure, and these biological responses in M. borellii could be valuable biomarkers to monitor organophosphorous contamination in estuarine environments.

Establishment of Age-Specific Whole Blood Biochemistry and Gas Reference Intervals in Broiler Chickens using the i-STAT and the Vetscan VS2 Portable Analyzers.

Whole blood biochemistry and blood gas analysis are uncommonly used in poultry, but their use could improve the diagnosis of certain diseases or aid in monitoring flock health. To create preliminary reference intervals for selected blood analytes in broilers using the i-STAT and Vetscan VS2 (VS2) portable analyzers, we tested broilers at 7, 21, and 35 days of age. A total of 134 venous blood samples from healthy chickens of two different flocks were analyzed. There were significant age-related increases in concentration for glucose, hematocrit, ionized calcium, sodium, and carbon dioxide partial pressure on the i-STAT and for aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, total calcium, phosphorus, and total protein on the VS2. Conversely, significant decreases in concentration were observed for pH, oxygen partial pressure, oxygen saturation on the i-STAT and for uric acid and albumin on the VS2. Additionally, significant differences were found on some blood parameters among the two flocks. Extremely high CK values were found on broilers after 21 days of age, indicating a possible degree of muscle injury during the grow-out. Preliminary reference intervals for all the analytes at each of the age groups were obtained. This study's data provide a starting point for the interpretation of blood analysis in broiler chickens at different ages and offer a new approach to investigate certain metabolic diseases that affect commercial poultry.

Nota de investigación- Establecimiento de intervalos de referencia de gases y bioquímica de sangre completa específicos por edad en pollos de engorde utilizando los analizadores portátiles i-STAT y Vetscan VS2. La bioquímica de sangre completa y el análisis de gases sanguíneos se usan con poca frecuencia en avicultura, pero su uso podría mejorar el diagnóstico de ciertas enfermedades o ayudar a monitorear la salud de las parvadas. Para crear intervalos de referencia preliminares para componentes sanguíneos selectos en pollos de engorde utilizando los analizadores portátiles i-STAT y Vetscan VS2 (VS2), se analizaron muestras de pollos de engorde a los 7, 21 y 35 días de edad. Se analizaron un total de 134 muestras de sangre venosa de pollos sanos de dos parvadas diferentes. Hubo aumentos significativos relacionados con la edad en la concentración de glucosa, hematocrito, calcio ionizado, sodio y presión parcial de dióxido de carbono en el i-STAT, y para aspartato aminotransferasa, creatina quinasa (CK), calcio total, fósforo y proteína total en el VS2. Por otro lado, se observaron disminuciones significativas en la concentración para el pH, la presión parcial de oxígeno, la saturación de oxígeno en el i-STAT y para el ácido úrico y la albúmina en el VS2. Además, se encontraron diferencias significativas para los parámetros sanguíneos entre las dos parvadas. Se encontraron valores de creatina quinasa extremadamente altos en pollos de engorde después de los 21 días de edad, lo que indica un posible grado de lesión muscular durante el engorde. Se obtuvieron los intervalos de referencia preliminares para todos los componentes en cada uno de los grupos de edad. Los datos de este estudio proporcionan un punto de partida para la interpretación del análisis de sangre en pollos de engorde a diferentes edades y ofrecen un nuevo enfoque para investigar ciertas enfermedades metabólicas que afectan a las aves comerciales.

Geraniol and simvastatin show a synergistic effect on a human hepatocarcinoma cell line.

Simvastatin is a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity, whereas geraniol is a monoterpene with multiple pharmacologic effects on mevalonate metabolism. Both of them inhibit growth and proliferation of many cell lines. The present study was designed to determine the action of geraniol, in combination with simvastatin, by assessing their effects in vitro on human hepatocarcinoma cell line (Hep G2). The treatment of Hep G2 cells with concentrations of simvastatin or geraniol that did not inhibit cell proliferation (5 µmol·l⁻¹ of simvastatin and 50 µmol·l⁻¹ of geraniol) resulted in a significant inhibition of cell proliferation. We also examined the effect of simvastatin, geraniol and the combination of both on the biosynthesis of lipids from [¹4C]-acetate. Our results demonstrate that the combination of simvastatin and geraniol synergistically inhibited cholesterol biosynthesis and proliferation of Hep G2 cell line, contributing to a better understanding of the action of a component of essential oils targeting a complex metabolic pathway, which would improve the use of drugs or their combination in the fight against cancer and/or cardiovascular diseases.

Risk factors associated to noninvasive ventilation failure in primary influenza A pneumonia in the critical care setting.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk factors associated to noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) failure in patients with primary pneumonia due to influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and to demonstrate the association of NIV failure to increased mortality and longer stays. DESIGN: A cohort study was carried out. SCOPE: A mixed ICU (16 beds) in a teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Adult patients admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of pneumonia due to influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus requiring mechanical ventilation. MEASUREMENTS: Age, sex, severity scores, administration of corticosteroids, oseltamivir within 72h of symptoms onset, days of symptoms prior to admission, affected quadrants, hemodynamic parameters, renal failure, laboratory test data on admission, mortality and stay in ICU and in hospital. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were admitted to the ICU and 49 were ventilated; 29 were females (59.2%), and the mean age±standard deviation was 66.77±14.77 years. Forty-three patients (87.75%) were ventilated with NIV, and 18 (41.9%) of them failed. Patients with NIV failure were younger (63 vs. 74 years; p=0.04), with a higher SOFA score (7 vs. 4; p=0.01) and greater early hemodynamic failure (61.1 vs. 8%; p=0.01). In addition, they presented longer ICU (26.28 vs. 6.88 days; p=0.01) and hospital stay (32.78 vs. 18.8 days; p=0.01). The ICU mortality rate was also higher in the NIV failure group (38.9 vs. 0%; p=0.02). In the multivariate analysis, corticosteroid therapy (OR 7.08; 95% CI 1.23-40.50) and early hemodynamic failure (OR 14.77; 95% CI 2.34-92.97) were identified as independent risk factors for NIV failure. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with corticosteroids and early hemodynamic failure were associated to NIV failure in patients with primary pneumonia due to influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus infection admitted to the ICU. The failure of NIV was associated to increased mortality.

Pyloric atresia and Down's syndrome: prenatal double bubble false sign. / Atresia pilórica y síndrome de Down: falso signo de la doble burbuja prenatal.

Pyloric atresia is a rare malformation, with an incidence of 1:100,000 live newborns. Male to female ratio is 1/1. Typically, it is an isolated malformation, with a good prognosis, but 20-40% of cases present epidermolysis bullosa, and to a lesser extent, multiple intestinal atresias. We present the case of a pre-term newborn prenatally diagnosed with polyhydramnios, duodenal atresia with "double bubble" sign, and suspected Down's syndrome, who eventually had pyloric atresia.

La atresia pilórica es una malformación rara, presenta una incidencia de 1:100.000 recién nacidos vivos y la ratio hombre/mujer es de 1/1. Generalmente es una malformación aislada, con buen pronóstico, pero entre el 20-40% de los casos se asocia a epidermólisis bullosa y en menor frecuencia a otras atresias intestinales múltiples. Presentamos un caso de recién nacido pretérmino con atresia pilórica con el diagnóstico prenatal de polihidramnios, atresia duodenal con signo de 'doble burbuja' y sospecha de síndrome de Down.

Retrospective study of myocarditis associated with reovirus in turkeys.

The myocarditis associated with reovirus in commercial turkeys was studied retrospectively. Fifty-two cases were identified between 1991 and 2009. The lesions occurred in four different poultry companies in California and affected male and female turkeys with an average age of 19 days. Increased mortality in the turkey flocks ranged from 0.35% to 3% per week in 47 cases. Reovirus was isolated from the heart in 14 out of 19 cases. Twenty-four out of 28 birds from nine cases had low vitamin E levels in the liver ranging from 0.29 to 2.5 ppm (normal 3.0 to > or = 15 ppm). Transmission electron microscopy of the heart revealed degenerative changes in the myocardial cells. Reovirus has been suggested as a probable etiology of this condition. Vitamin E deficiency might also contribute to the development of the lesions.

[Pandemic COVID-19, the new health emergency of international concern: A review]. / Pandemia COVID-19, la nueva emergencia sanitaria de preocupación internacional: una revisión.

In late December 2019, some cases of atypical pneumonia, at that time of unknown origin, were reported in Wuhan, China. Days later, the etiologic agent was identified as a new coronavirus. This new coronavirus was called SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it produces was named COVID-19. The origin of this new virus is presumed zoonotic, with bats being its probable vector. Due to the rapid number of infections and deaths that occurred first in China and later around the world, the infection of this virus quickly went from being an isolated outbreak in a Chinese region to becoming a health emergency of international concern and later, a pandemic. The purpose of this review is to study the most relevant and current information on the pathogen, as well as epidemiology, pathology, clinical features, transmission, prevention, and treatment of the disease.

Effect of broiler genetics, age, and gender on performance and blood chemistry.

A total of 640 broilers were used to determine the effects of strain, sex, and age on hematology and blood chemistry using rapid detection devices. Day old chicks from two genetic lines of common fast-growing and high-yield broiler strains were sexed and allocated to 40 pens (16 birds per pen) containing either male or female and Ross or Cobb strains (n = 10). Venous blood was analyzed weekly using 2 broilers from each pen (n = 20) using the i-STAT® Alinity Handheld Clinical Analyzer, Zoetis Vetscan VS2, and iCheck™ Carotene devices at 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 d, as well as growth performance. Post-mortem health tracking metrics were also recorded on 42 d. Broilers were deemed healthy based on posting data results and performed in accordance with industry standards with males presenting greater BW and reduced FCR than female broilers. Ross broilers displayed greater BW to 14 d with similar FCR compared with Cobb birds. Day of age had a highly significant impact on blood calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, carotene, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, bile acids, uric acid, total protein, albumin, globulin, total carbon dioxide, hematocrit, and malondialdehyde. Male broilers had reduced blood sodium, chloride, carotene, uric acid, albumin, and increased total protein, glucose, and total carbon dioxide. Ross broilers had greater blood potassium, and sodium, as well as reduced uric acid, total protein, globulin, and malondialdehyde, compared with Cobb birds. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of point-of-care devices in measuring blood chemistry and hematology in modern broilers. These data can be utilized to determine normal healthy blood ranges in these types of broilers when accounting for strain, sex, and age.

Effect of coccidial challenge and vaccination on the performance, veterinary postmortem scores, and blood biochemistry of broiler chickens.

A total of 960 male Cobb 500 broilers were used in a growth performance study to explore the effect of coccidial vaccination and/or coccidial challenge on blood biochemistry and veterinary postmortem metrics. Day-old chicks were randomly divided into one of the 4 experimental treatments. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with the factors being without or with vaccination (administered on day 1) or coccidial challenge (oral gavage on day 7). Growth performance was monitored on a weekly basis. Blood sample collection, as well as full veterinary necropsies, were carried out on days 6, 8, 13, 20, 27, and 34. Birds that did not receive the vaccination but were challenged with coccidiosis had higher feed conversion ratio, lower body weights, and higher mortality than the other experimental groups, and this effect was particularly evident from day 13 to day 20. Birds challenged with coccidiosis had lower plasma sodium and total carotenoid concentrations and higher potassium and globulin concentrations than nonchallenged birds. Significant interactions between age and experimental treatment for these blood parameters were observed, particularly on day 13. The necropsy results confirmed the effectiveness of the challenge and vaccination treatments, wherein birds that were challenged had higher coccidiosis scores on day 13 and day 27 than birds that were not challenged. These results demonstrate the potential for plasma sodium, potassium, total protein, total carbon dioxide, globulin, and carotenoid analysis for early diagnosis of coccidiosis in growing broiler chickens. Further work is necessary to establish whether the changes in blood biochemistry observed in the present study are transferable to alternative flocks of chicken and whether early diagnosis and intervention may mitigate performance losses associated with this disease.

Intervention strategies for laryngotracheitis: impact of extended downtime and enhanced biosecurity auditing.

An outbreak of vaccinal infectious laryngotracheitis (LT) began in 2005 involving 57 ranches of two broiler companies in California. Standard biosecurity, and cleaning and disinfection programs along with vaccination, did not stop the outbreak. Due to the close proximity and number of birds in the same geographic area, the decision was made by both companies to attempt a joint regional and zonal depopulation strategy. The strategy involved extended downtime between flock placements on ranches located within close proximity to one another. This extended downtime on each ranch ranged from 30 to 91 days. An extensive biosecurity audit, with more than 70 items, was implemented. Briefly, this included heating all houses to 37 C for 100 hr, removing the litter, cleaning and disinfecting everything on the ranches, then again heating the houses to 37 C for 100 hr. Used litter was spread on crops away from poultry, or was sent to a litter processor for pasteurization. Extensive surveillance for LT at 28, 35, and 42 days of age was performed on the initial flocks, which had been placed immediately after the extended downtime. Since completion of this plan in early 2008, LT was diagnosed on only two of the previously 57 affected ranches. Those two ranches, and those within close proximity, went through the extended downtime program and biosecurity audit a second time. Currently, both companies are free of LT. This program lends credence to the importance of cooperation between companies to consider all the ranches within close proximity as the population at risk. In the control of LT in broilers, the program also highlights the necessity for extended downtime and enhanced biosecurity auditing of all flocks.

Flood protection ecosystem services in the coast of Puerto Rico: Associations between extreme weather, flood hazard mitigation and gastrointestinal illness.

Floods are becoming increasingly influential in coastal cities due to the intensification of extreme weather events. The impacts of flooding go beyond damages to infrastructure, it also affects human health. During floods, discharge of sewage into streets increases exposure to pathogens causing gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses. A potential strategy for coastal protection during weather hazards is the use of flood protection ecosystem services, but their effectiveness at ameliorating the impact of floods on GI illnesses remain understudied. Here we explore the relationship between extreme rainfall, flood protection ecosystem services, and the occurrence of Medicare claims for gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses in Puerto Rico. We first conducted model averaging to detect variables explaining flood impact for the years (1999-2014), and then used these variables as predictors in a spatio-temporal analysis of GI illness in the same period (1999-2013). Our results show that flood impact varies proportionally with extreme rainfall, and inversely with flood protection ecosystem services, particularly due to the presence of karst soils. The protective effect of karst soils is lost when there is a high percentage of people living in flood prone areas, as suggested by a significant interaction effect between these two variables. In support of our hypotheses, cases of GI illness also spike after extreme rainfall events and are affected by the interaction effect of karst soils and people living in flood prone areas. Our results support the linkage between extreme weather events, flood damages and GI illnesses, and suggests a buffering role of ecosystem services that promote rainfall infiltration. The relevance of these ecosystem services, however, is affected by planning decisions such as residential development in flood prone areas. Our results help inform planning strategies for future weather hazards, accounting for the role of natural and built infrastructure on minimizing flood impacts and human health effects.

DNA and chromosomal damage in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) as side effects of ozone-based water treatment - Contribution to optimization of fish-farming practices.

The progressive growth of aquaculture implicates a dependence on large water amounts, which are submitted to disinfection processes, namely ozonation. Considering the importance of genomic integrity, it is critical to improve the knowledge on ozone-related genotoxic hazard to organisms reared in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) applying ozonation. Therefore, genetic damage induced by ozone exposure in the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) was assessed, combining the comet and the erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) assays, reflecting different damage levels, i.e. DNA and chromosomal damage, respectively. Fish were subjected to a daily 6-h ozone (0.15 mg L-1) exposure, repeated for 3 consecutive days, simulating a short-term event of overozonation. To assess the temporal impact of the previous event, the progression of damage was evaluated 7 days later, following transference to ozone-free water or to 0.07 mg L-1 ozone, a routinely adopted level in RAS. Both endpoints pointed to the ozone genotoxic potential, displaying DNA oxidation as a possible mechanism of damage. Overall, the present findings pointed out the genotoxic hazard of ozone to fish, highlighting the importance of these types of studies and contributing to improve aquaculture practices, namely in RAS systems. These early genotoxic signals may be a prelude to negative repercussions on fish health, which may affect the aquaculture productivity. The present findings recommend precautions in relation to accidental or intentional overozonation in fish-farming, even when short-term events are considered. The strategies to mitigate the impact of ozonation in S. senegalensis may include a dietary extra supplementation of antioxidants (regularly, or punctually in cases of overozonation).

Coxiella-like infection in psittacines and a toucan.

Seven psittacine birds and a toucan (Ramphastos toco) were diagnosed as infected with Coxiella-like bacteria, based on polymerase chain reaction and bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequence obtained from each bird's liver tissue. Most of the birds exhibited lethargy and weakness for several days prior to death. Gross lesions included mild to moderate emaciation and severely enlarged and mottled pale livers and spleens. Microscopically, there was multifocal necrosis of hepatocytes with infiltration of a mixed population of inflammatory cells, including lymphocytes, heterophils, plasma cells, and macrophages randomly scattered throughout in most birds. In several birds within the macrophages there were vacuoles containing basophilic small cocco-bacilli organisms measuring about 0.5-1 microm. The spleens had increased numbers of mononuclear phagocytic system cells, some of which had vacuoles that contained similar organisms, as observed in the liver. There was inflammation in the epicardium and endocardium, interstitium of the lungs, kidney, adrenal and thyroid glands, lamina propria of the intestine, and in occasional birds in the brain, bursa of Fabricius, and bone marrow associated with similar organisms in the macrophages. Transmission electron microscopy of the liver and lungs in most birds and in the thyroid glands of one bird revealed pleomorphic round to elongated bacteria measuring about 0.45 microm in diameter and more than 1.0 microm in length. Most of these organisms contained a peripheral zone of loosely arranged electron dense material that was located immediately beneath a trilaminar membrane. Occasional organisms contained nucleoids. This is the first documentation of disease presumptively associated with Coxiella-like bacteria in birds.

Volatile organic compounds released by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana.

The composition of volatile organic compounds (VOC) released by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Hyphomycete: Deuteromycotina) utilizing two different carbon sources was investigated. Analyses were performed by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to capillary gas chromatography (CGC) and CGC-mass spectrometry (MS). Major components in glucose-grown cultures were diisopropyl naphthalenes, ethanol, and sesquiterpenes. Alkane-grown fungal VOC switched to a fingerprint with prevalence of n-decane. This is the first report on the volatiles released by entomopathogenic fungi.