Sporulation and Dispersal of the Biological Control Agent Aspergillus flavus AF36 Under Field Conditions.

Aflatoxins are carcinogens produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus that contaminate pistachio crops. International markets reject pistachio when aflatoxins exceed permitted maximum levels. Releasing the atoxigenic strain AF36 of A. flavus is the leading aflatoxin pre-harvest control method. The product AF36 Prevail, sorghum grains coated with AF36 propagules, has been used in California since 2017. However, a high percentage of grains of the Prevail fail to sporulate in orchards. Here, the effect of soil moisture on the percentage of AF36 product grains sporulating (SG) and the quantity of spores per grain using a sporulation index (SI) was determined. Under controlled conditions, SG was higher than 85% when soil moisture was 13% or more, and SI increased with increasing soil moisture from 8.4 to 21%. The highest AF36 sporulation occurred near the micro-sprinklers when the grains were not impacted by the irrigation water drops. Arthropod predation was responsible for lost product grains, which was more pronounced in non-tilled soil than in tilled soil. Dispersal of the AF36 spores decreased markedly with the height and distance from the inoculum source, following a pattern of diffusion equations. However, AF36 spores easily reached canopies of pistachios located 10 m from the inoculum source. Our results indicate that AF36 Prevail should be applied close to the irrigation line in the moist soil area but avoiding the areas where excess irrigation causes water accumulation. The biocontrol of aflatoxins in California's pistachio production areas was optimized by improving the field realization of the biological control agent.

Free automatic software for quality assurance of computed tomography calibration, edges and radiomics metrics reproducibility.

PURPOSE: To develop a QA procedure, easy to use, reproducible and based on open-source code, to automatically evaluate the stability of different metrics extracted from CT images: Hounsfield Unit (HU) calibration, edge characterization metrics (contrast and drop range) and radiomic features. METHODS: The QA protocol was based on electron density phantom imaging. Home-made open-source Python code was developed for the automatic computation of the metrics and their reproducibility analysis. The impact on reproducibility was evaluated for different radiation therapy protocols, and phantom positions within the field of view and systems, in terms of variability (Shapiro-Wilk test for 15 repeated measurements carried out over three days) and comparability (Bland-Altman analysis and Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test or Kendall Rank Correlation Coefficient). RESULTS: Regarding intrinsic variability, most metrics followed a normal distribution (88% of HU, 63% of edge parameters and 82% of radiomic features). Regarding comparability, HU and contrast were comparable in all conditions, and drop range only in the same CT scanner and phantom position. The percentages of comparable radiomic features independent of protocol, position and system were 59%, 78% and 54%, respectively. The non-significantly differences in HU calibration curves obtained for two different institutions (7%) translated in comparable Gamma Index G (1 mm, 1%, >99%). CONCLUSIONS: An automated software to assess the reproducibility of different CT metrics was successfully created and validated. A QA routine proposal is suggested.

Pistachio Male Inflorescences as an Alternative Substrate for the Application of Atoxigenic Strains of Aspergillus flavus.

Aflatoxins are carcinogens mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus in susceptible crops, including pistachio. The primary inoculum sources of these pathogens are plant debris in the orchard soils. In Californian fields, one approach to controlling aflatoxin contamination is based on releasing the atoxigenic strain of A. flavus AF36 in inoculated (coated) sorghum grains (AF36 Prevail). However, this control method can fail due to poor sporulation of the AF36 strain or sorghum grain losses due to predation. In 2008 and 2018, we showed that toxigenic and atoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus spp. frequently colonized fallen inflorescences of male pistachio trees. Under controlled conditions, strain AF36 profusely colonized pistachio male inflorescences when humidity was higher than 90%. However, there were significant differences between types of inflorescence (aerial > fallen). In 2016, we considerably (P = 0.015) increased the population of AF36 on the canopies of trees when fallen inflorescences were inoculated with AF36, compared with untreated trees. In 2017 and 2018, these differences were not detected (P > 0.05) due to cross-contamination of strain AF36 between seasons and neighboring plots. In any case, the density of AF36 spores on the canopy of the inflorescence-treated trees was similar (P > 0.05) to that on trees treated with the commercial product. Here, we present a new method for applying strain AF36 based on using a natural, abundant, and uniformly distributed substrate in pistachio fields, and we discuss how it can be improved. Furthermore, our results indicate that, in pistachio orchards where biocontrol practices are not conducted, eliminating this important source of toxigenic Aspergillus inoculum is recommended.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and the associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Northern Peru: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There are approximately 72,000 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Peru. Non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the most important factor for therapeutic failure and the development of resistance. Peru has achieved moderate progress in meeting the 90-90-90 targets, but only 60% of PLHIV receiving ART are virally suppressed. The purpose of this study was to understand ART adherence in the Peruvian context, including developing sociodemographic and clinical profiles, evaluating the clinical management strategies, and analyzing the relationships between the variables and adherence of PLHIV managed at a regional HIV clinic in Lambayeque Province (Northern Peru). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 180 PLHIV adults, non-randomly but consecutively selected with self-reported ART compliance (78.2% of the eligible population). The PLHIV profile (PLHIV-Pro) and the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ) were used to collect sociodemographic information, clinical variables, and data specific to ART adherence. Descriptive analysis of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics was performed. Bivariate analysis was performed with the Mann-Whitney test, Chi square test, and Yates correction. RESULTS: The 180 PLHIV sample included 78.9% men, 49.4% heterosexual, 45% with a detectable HIV-1 viral load less than 40 copies/ml, 58.3% not consistently adherent, and only 26.1% receiving Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Efavirenz. Risk factors significant for non-adherence included concurrent tuberculosis, discomfort with the ART regime, and previous pauses in ART. Multivariate analysis of nested models indicated having children is a protector factor for adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported adherence appeared to be low and the use of first-line therapy is not being prescribed homogeneously. Factors associated with nonadherence are both medical and behavioral, such as having tuberculosis, pausing ART, or experiencing discomfort with ART. The Peruvian government needs to update national technical standards, monitor medication availability, and provide education to health care professionals in alignment with evidence-based guidelines and international recommendations. Instruments to measure adherence need to be developed and evaluated for use in Latin America.

Efectividad de una intervención para reducir el miedo a caer en las personas mayores / Effectiveness of an Intervention to Reduce the Fear of Falling in Elderly Persons / Efetividade de uma intervenção para reduzir o medo de cair nas pessoas idosas

Objetivo: las caídas y el miedo a caerse se relacionan entre sí, siendo cada uno de ellos factor de riesgo del otro. Este trabajo pretende analizar la efectividad de una intervención para reducir el miedo a caer y sus consecuencias dado que la aplicación de este tipo de tratamientos ha mostrado resultados satisfactorios. Método: mediante un diseño cuasi-experimental, con medidas pre-pos, se evaluó a 53 sujetos, con edades comprendidas entre 65 y 89 años y que habían sufrido una caída anterior. La muestra fue dividida en grupo control y tratamiento, poniéndose en marcha un método combinado de ejercicios y educación sanitaria para la prevención de caídas. Resultados: se obtuvieron resultados significativos en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, el equilibrio y el miedo a caer, observándose mejoras en el grupo tratamiento. Conclusión: la aplicación de intervenciones para la reducción del miedo a caerse en población anciana se plantea como un tratamiento cuyos efectos serían dobles, pues no solo se reduciría el propio miedo sino que, dada la asociación existente, se reduciría la posible caída por repetición.

Objective: Falling and the fear of falling are interrelated, with each being a risk factor of the other. This study is an attempt to analyze the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce the fear of falling and its consequences, since treatments of this type have demonstrated satisfactory results. Method: A quasi-experimental study with pre-post measurements was used to evaluate 53 subjects between the ages of 65 and 89 who had suffered a prior fall. The sample was divided into a control group and a treatment group. The latter was subject to treatment featuring a combination of exercises and health education to prevent falling. Results: The results obtained with respect to quality of life were significant for health, balance and fear of falling, with the treatment group showing progress. Conclusion: The application of interventions to reduce the fear of falling in the elderly population is proposed as a treatment with a twofold effect, not only on reducing fear itself, but also - given the association that exists - on reducing the potential for falling through repetition.

Objetivo: as quedas e o medo de cair se relacionam entre si, sendo cada um deles fator de risco do outro. Este trabalho pretende analisar a efetividade de uma intervenção para reduzir o medo de cair e suas consequências, já que a aplicação desse tipo de tratamentos vem mostrando resultados satisfatórios. Método: mediante um desenho quase experimental, com medidas pré e pós, avaliaram-se 53 sujeitos, na faixa de 65 a 89 anos, que sofreram uma queda. A amostra foi dividida em grupo controle e tratamento, iniciando-se um método combinado de exercícios e educação sanitária para a prevenção de quedas. Resultados: obtiveram-se resultados significativos na qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde, o equilíbrio e o medo de cair, e observaram-se melhoras no grupo tratamento. Conclusão: a aplicação de intervenções para a redução do medo de cair em população idosa se propõe como tratamento cujos efeitos seriam duplos, uma vez que não só se reduziria o próprio medo, mas também, dada a associação existente, se reduziria a possível queda por repetição.

Comparación entre ancianos sanos con alta y baja reserva cognitiva y ancianos con deterioro cognitivo / Comparison between Healthy Elderly with High and Low Cognitive Reserve and Cognitive Impairment Elderly

Este trabajo presenta la comparación de las características de sujetos con alta y baja reserva cognitiva, y sujetos con baja reserva cognitiva y deterioro cognitivo, diferenciados a partir del desarrollo de una medida ponderada de reserva cognitiva. Mediante un diseño correlacional se evaluaron 200 personas con edad superior a 65 años, no institucionalizados. Los resultados mostraron, por un lado, que el grupo de alta reserva cognitiva obtuvo mejores puntuaciones tanto en el nivel de deterioro cognitivo como en la medida ponderada de reserva que el grupo de baja reserva cognitiva y, por otro lado, el grupo de baja reserva cognitiva mostró un perfil similar al del grupo de deterioro cognitivo, existiendo solamente diferencias en cuanto a la edad. Las diferencias observadas permiten plantear la medida como una variable que se debe tener en cuenta en el diagnóstico de enfermedades neurodegenerativas y su utilidad para establecer posibles tratamientos.

This paper presents the comparison of the characteristics of subjects with high and low cognitive reserve and subjects with low cognitive reserve and cognitive impairment, differentiated from the development of a weighted measure of cognitive reserve. Using a correlational design was evaluated 200 people aged over 65, not institutionalized. The results showed, firstly that high cognitive reserve group performed better on both the level of cognitive impairment as the weighted average of reserves that the group of low cognitive reserve and on the other hand the low cognitive reserve group showed a similar profile to the group of cognitive impairment, existing differences only in age. The observed differences would support the measure as a variable to be considered in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, and its usefulness to determine possible treatments.

Efecto moderador de la institucionalización en las actividades de la vida diaria y bienestar en el envejecimiento / Moderator effect of living in nursing homes on well-being and activities of daily life in the elderly

OBJETIVO: El envejecimiento con éxito es un concepto multidimensional que se puede evaluar a partir de componentes objetivos y subjetivos como el funcionamiento físico, psicológico y social. El objetivo de este trabajo es comparar el funcionamiento en variables relacionadas con el envejecimiento exitoso en ancianos institucionalizados y no institucionalizados. MÉTODO: Se realizó un diseño de dos grupos independientes, institucionalizados (N=242) y no institucionalizados (N=607), todos de más de 65 años, evaluándose sus actividades de la vida diaria (AVD) y el bienestar psicológico. RESULTADOS: El Índice de Barthel mostró diferencias significativas, siendo inferior la media de los institucionalizados que la de los no institucionalizados. En relación al bienestar, el MANOVA mostró diferencias entre grupos para todas las escalas. En los posteriores ANOVA's la variable crecimiento personal mostró las mayores diferencias y porcentaje de varianza explicada. Se obtuvieron correlaciones significativas de la edad con el Índice de Barthel, y con las siguientes escalas de bienestar psicológico de Ryff: autoaceptación, relaciones positivas con otros, dominio del ambiente y propósito en la vida. CONCLUSIONES: Los institucionalizados muestran puntuaciones significativamente inferiores en AVD y en bienestar psicológico, actuando como variable moderadora, que puede empeorar su situación. La edad afecta de forma más clara al bienestar de los institucionalizados, reafirmándose la necesidad de generar estrategias que mejoren la adaptación de las personas.

OBJECTIVES: Successful aging is a multidimensional concept that can be evaluated from objective and subjective components, such as physical, psychological and social functioning. This study aimed to compare the performance on variables related to successful aging in elderly institutionalized and non-institutionalized. METHODS: We conducted a design of two independent groups, institutionalized (N = 242) and non-institutionalized (N = 607), all aged over 65 years, evaluating their activities of daily living (ADL) and psychological well being. RESULTS: The Barthel index showed significant differences, being the mean of the institutionalized group lower than the mean of the non- institutionalized group. Regarding well-being, MANOVA showed differences between groups for all the scales. In subsequent ANOVA's, the variable personal growth showed the greatest differences and the percentage of explained variance. There were significant correlations between age and the Barthel Index, and the following scales Ryff's psychological well-being: self-acceptance, positive relations with others, environmental mastery and purpose in life. CONCLUSIONS: The institutionalized group has significantly lower scores in ADL and psychological well-being, and therefore living in nursing homes acts as a moderating variable that can worsen the situation. Additionally, age clearly affects the well-being of the institutionalized group, strengthening the need for generating strategies that improve the adaptation of the elderly.

Análisis de las redes sociales en la vejez a través de la entrevista Manheim / Analyses of the social networks for the elderly through the Manheim interview

OBJETIVO: Reconocer quiénes son las figuras suministradoras de apoyo, psicológico e instrumental, en la vejez, así como precisar si existen diferencias en función de la edad y el sexo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se utilizó la entrevista Manheim de apoyo social y se recogieron las opiniones de 101 personas mayores (>65 años) de la provincia de Valencia (España), entre enero y mayo de 2006. RESULTADOS: Se han encontrado diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el apoyo psicológico y el instrumental y tanto en relación con la edad como con el sexo del entrevistado. CONCLUSIONES: Respecto del género, los datos muestran que los hombres reciben más apoyo de sus parejas, mientras que las mujeres tienden a priorizar a los hijos como suministradores de apoyo. Acerca de la edad, las parejas son más importantes en la primera de las franjas de edad consideradas (65-75 años) y a medida que la edad aumenta los hijos las reemplazan.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse who are the people giving psychological and instrumental support to the elderly, as well as potential differences among these caregivers according to age and/or sex of the elderly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Manheim interview for social support was used to gather the opinions of 101 elder people (>65 years) living in Valencia (Spain), from January to May, 2006. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found on both psychological and instrumental support depending on age and sex of the interviewed elderly. CONCLUSIONS: With respect to sex differences old men seek for support mainly from their partners, while son and daughters are the main source of support for old women. With respect to age, there are changes in the figures giving support as age increases. Partners are the main figure to give support within the 65-75 years, but its importance decreases with age, while sons and daughters became more important as age of the elderly increases.

[Terminally ill patients. Control of gastrointestinal symptoms: constipation, nausea, and vomiting]. / Enfermos terminales.

According to medical literature, gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, nausea or vomiting are common complications/side effects a large number of cancer patients suffer. To provide good nursing care regarding these aforementioned problems is fundamental in order to improve the quality of life for these patients and their families. The objective of this project is to explore available medical literature to be able to summarize the most effective procedures for control of gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, nausea or vomiting in terminally ill patients. Knowledge about the mechanisms which produce constipation, nausea and vomiting is crucial for their posterior treatment and prevention. Nursing plays a fundamental role in precocious detection, prophylaxis and treatment of these problems. However medical articles suggest that not all professionals know how to act when faced with these symptoms and, even worse, on occasions the results of studies provide contradictory results. All studies coincide in some bases for treatment and prevention of these so very bothersome symptoms patients and their families endure. This project proves it is evident that more and better research regarding the treatment of these symptoms is necessary.

[The effectiveness of larval therapy in the debridement of chronic wounds; a bibliographical review]. / Eficacia de la terapia larval en el desbridamiento de heridas crónicas. Revisión bibliográfica.

Larval therapy or bio-surgery has been reintroduced in Spain after it has been observed that the secretion of the "Lucilla sericatta" (Phaenicia sericatti) fly favour the growth of granulation tissue and have an anti-bacterial effect. The objective of this bibliographical review is to analyze the effectiveness of larval therapy to remove necrotic tissue in ulcers having diverse etiology. The author checked the following data bases in order to obtain scientific evidence: PubMed, AMED, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and OVID Full Text. The search was limited to articles written in English or Spanish between 1995 and 2005.