Using Culturally Adapted Theater Outreach to Promote Cancer Screening Among Medically Underserved Minority Communities.

Black, Hispanic, and Asian individuals, the three largest US racial/ethnic minorities, continue to suffer disproportionately from breast, cervical, and colon cancers largely because cancer screening continues to be underutilized even after decades of availability. This study examined the utility of theoretically grounded and culturally adapted in-person theater monologues aimed at promoting early detection screening among the three highest population racial/ethnic groups in Harris County, Houston, TX. Nine monologues were created to promote cancer screening and early detection for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers in three different languages (English, Spanish, Vietnamese) and targeting underserved Black, Hispanic, and Vietnamese adult Harris County residents. From January 2014 to March 2020, 265 live monologue outreach events were held with 110 focused on prevention and screening for breast cancer, 75 for colorectal cancer, and 80 for cervical cancer. A total of 5989 individuals attended these outreach events and 86.3% completed the post-performance evaluation survey. Overall for all monologues, 6.6% of participants reported a positive change in their intent to screen from 75.7 to 82.3% after intervention (p < 0.001) and audience member scores on knowledge questions for all three cancers were mostly positive. Importantly, early detection questions for all three cancers were over 90% correct for all respondents, and well over 70% for the various groups. The findings revealed opportunities for improving monologue content to cultivate cancer early detection and screening knowledge. Results suggest that a theater-based approach may be an effective strategy to disseminate cancer screening education, improve knowledge, and increase intent to obtain screening among medically underserved communities.

A mixed-methods study to inform development of a caregiver-specific problem list for cancer distress screening.

OBJECTIVE: Oncology guidelines for distress management recommend use of the single-item distress thermometer (DT) and accompanying Problem List (PL) to identify patients with high distress levels and their potential sources of distress. However, oncology practices have yet to establish standardized protocols to screen and triage caregivers with high distress levels. With an eye toward integrating caregiver-centered support services into cancer care, this mixed-methods study sought to assess caregiver distress and challenges that may contribute to their distress. METHODS: Nineteen caregivers of metastatic breast cancer patients (60% female, 47% ethnic/racial minority) completed an interview and a survey comprised of the DT, the original 39-item PL, and five additional caregiver-specific PL items. RESULTS: Caregivers reported moderate distress levels and more than half exceeded the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) cut-off, denoting significant distress. There was no association between caregiver distress and the number of items endorsed on the original PL. Qualitative analysis identified nine problem domains as areas of caregiver unmet need needs (i.e., practical challenges, caregiving responsibilities, social/relationship issues, caregiver and patient emotional well-being, caregiver and patient physical well-being, spiritual well-being, and communication). Two of the problem domains (caregiving responsibilities and communication) were not captured in any way by the original PL. CONCLUSION: With further research and development, the identified domains could serve as the basis for a caregiver-specific PL to facilitate triage and referral when incorporated as part of routine distress screening.

Reverse Transfection of Functional RNA Rings into Cancer Cells Followed by in Vitro Irradiation.

RNA nanoparticles are promising therapeutic platforms to improve radiotherapy since they can be functionalized with multiple small interfering RNAs (RNAi) to simultaneously silence critical radioresistance genes. Here we describe the transfer of RNA rings to mammalian cancer cells through reverse transfection, followed by in vitro irradiation and biological assays as surrogates' endpoints for radiotherapy efficacy.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis and Spectral Properties of Pyrrolidine-Fused Chlorin Derivatives.

In this work we pursued research involving the microwave-assisted N-alkylation of a NH pyrrolidine-fused chlorin with methyl 4-(bromomethyl) benzoate and subsequent ester hydrolysis as a straightforward strategy to obtain carboxylic acid functionality in the pyrrolidine-fused chlorin, as a single reaction product. We studied the reaction's scope by extending the N-alkylation of the free-base chlorin and its corresponding Zn(II) complex to other alkyl halides, including 1,4-diiodobutane, N-(2-bromoethyl)phthalimide, and 2-bromoethanaminium bromide. In addition, two new chlorin-dansyl dyads were synthesized by reacting dansyl chloride with the 2-aminoethyl pyrrolidine-fused chlorin (dyad 6) and NH pyrrolidine-fused chlorin (dyad 7). According to spectral studies, the linker length between the two fluorophores influences the response of the dyads to the solvent polarity. Because of the simplicity of these approaches, we believe it will enable access to a vast library of custom-tailored N-functionalized chlorins while preserving their important absorption and emission spectra as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer and photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of microorganisms.

Sulforaphane: An emergent anti-cancer stem cell agent.

Cancer is a major public health concern worldwide responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates. Alternative therapies have been extensively investigated, and plant-derived compounds have caught the attention of the scientific community due to their chemopreventive and anticancer effects. Sulforaphane (SFN) is one of these naturally occurring agents, and studies have shown that it is able to target a specific cancer cell population displaying stem-like properties, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). These cells can self-renewal and differentiate to form highly heterogeneous tumor masses. Notably, most of the conventional chemotherapeutic agents cannot target CSCs once they usually exist in a quiescent state and overall, the available cytotoxic drugs focus on highly dividing cells. This is, at least in part, one of the reasons why some oncologic patients relapse after standard therapy. In this review we bring together studies supporting not only the chemopreventive and anticancer properties of SFN, but especially the emerging anti-CSCs effects of this natural product and its potential to be used with conventional antineoplastic drugs in the clinical setting.

Non-transferrin-bound iron determination in blood serum using microsequential injection solid phase spectrometry- proof of concept.

Non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) is a group of circulating toxic iron forms, which occur in iron overload or health conditions with dysregulation of iron metabolism. NTBI is responsible for increased oxidative stress and tissue iron loading. Despite its relevance as a biochemical marker in several diseases, a standardized assay is still lacking. Several methods were developed to quantify NTBI, but results show high inter-method and even inter-laboratory variability. Thus, the development of a consistent NTBI assay is a major goal in the management of iron overload and related clinical conditions. In this work, a micro sequential injection lab-on-valve (µSI-LOV) method in a solid phase spectrophotometry (SPS) mode was developed for the quantification of NTBI, using a bidentate 3,4-hydroxypyridinone (3,4-HPO) ligand anchored to sepharose beads as a chromogenic reagent. To attain SPS, the functionalized beads were packed into a column in the flow cell, and the analyte, NTBI retained as iron (III), formed a colored complex at the beads while eliminating the sample matrix. The dynamic concentration range was 1.62-7.16 µmol L-1 of iron (III), with a limit of detection of 0.49 µmol L-1 and a limit of quantification of 1.62 µmol L-1. The proposed µSI-LOV-SPS method is a contribution to the development of an automatic method for the quantification of the NTBI in serum samples.

The (Bio)Chemistry of Non-Transferrin-Bound Iron.

In healthy individuals, virtually all blood plasma iron is bound by transferrin. However, in several diseases and clinical conditions, hazardous non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) species occur. NTBI represents a potentially toxic iron form, being a direct cause of oxidative stress in the circulating compartment and tissue iron loading. The accumulation of these species can cause cellular damage in several organs, namely, the liver, spleen, and heart. Despite its pathophysiological relevance, the chemical nature of NTBI remains elusive. This has precluded its use as a clinical biochemical marker and the development of targeted therapies. Herein, we make a critical assessment of the current knowledge of NTBI speciation. The currently accepted hypotheses suggest that NTBI is mostly iron bound to citric acid and iron bound to serum albumin, but the chemistry of this system remains fuzzy. We explore the complex chemistry of iron complexation by citric acid and its implications towards NTBI reactivity. Further, the ability of albumin to bind iron is revised and the role of protein post-translational modifications on iron binding is discussed. The characterization of the NTBI species structure may be the starting point for the development of a standardized analytical assay, the better understanding of these species' reactivity or the identification of NTBI uptake mechanisms by different cell types, and finally, to the development of new therapies.

Comparison of the Effect of Hydrostatic and Dynamic High Pressure Processing on the Enzymatic Activity and Physicochemical Quality Attributes of 'Ataulfo' Mango Nectar.

The effects of hydrostatic (HHP) and dynamic (HPH) high-pressure treatments on the activity of pectin methylesterase (PME) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) as well as the physicochemical quality attributes of 'Ataulfo' mango nectar were assessed. HHP reduced PME relative activity by 28% at 100 MPa for 5 min but increased PPO activity almost five-fold. Contrarily, HPH did not affect PME activity, but PPO was effectively reduced to 10% of residual activity at 300 MPa and at three passes. Color parameters (CIEL*a*b*), °hue, and chroma were differently affected by each type of high-pressure processing technology. The viscosity and fluid behavior were not affected by HHP, however, HPH changed the apparent viscosity at low dynamic pressure levels (100 MPa with one and three passes). The viscosity decreased at high shear rates in nectar samples, showing a shear-thinning effect. The results highlight how different effects can be achieved with each high-pressure technology; thus, selecting the most appropriate system for processing and preserving liquid foods like fruit beverages is recommended.

Active Living After Cancer: Adaptation and evaluation of a community-based physical activity program for minority and medically underserved breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: An expanding body of research documents the benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors' physical functioning and quality of life, but few successful models provide community-based physical activity programs to cancer survivors. This report presents an evaluation of Active Living After Cancer, an evidence-based physical activity program for breast cancer survivors, adapted for community delivery to minority and medically underserved survivors. METHODS: Survivors were recruited from health care and community settings. The program consisted of 12 weekly group sessions providing training in cognitive and behavioral skills for behavior change, brief physical activity, and cancer survivorship-related content. At the baseline and follow-up, participants completed assessments of their physical activity, quality of life, and physical functioning (6-minute walk and 30-second sit-to-stand test). At follow-up, they also completed questionnaires to measure program content mastery and satisfaction. RESULTS: The outcome analysis included 127 participants. Physical activity and quality of life (mental and physical) improved from the baseline to follow-up (all P < .01). Physical functioning improved, with increases in sit-to-stand repetitions (mean, 12.5 at the baseline vs 14.9 at the follow-up; P < .01) and 6-minute walk distances (mean, 428 m at the baseline vs 470 m at the follow-up; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the effectiveness of an evidence-based program adapted for community-based delivery to minority and medically underserved breast cancer survivors. The program could be delivered to improve outcomes in diverse survivor populations. LAY SUMMARY: Physical activity in breast cancer survivors is related to better quality of life and longer cancer-free survival. However, there are few community-based programs to help breast cancer survivors to become more physically active. The Active Living After Cancer program was adapted from an evidence-based program and delivered in community-based settings to minority and medically underserved breast cancer survivors. It consisted of 12 weekly group sessions in which participants learned skills to increase their physical activity. The program participants increased their physical activity and improved their mental and physical well-being and physical functioning.

Sequential injection method for bi-parametric determination of iron and manganese in soil leachates.

The aim of this work was to develop a sequential injection (SI) method for the determination of the micronutrients iron and manganese, in soil leachates, as a tool to assess potential groundwater contamination. The described sequential injection method was based on the reaction of iron with chelator MRB12, a greener alternative chromogenic reagent, and the reaction of manganese with zincon, within a single manifold. The developed SI method enabled the determination of iron in the range 0.10-1.00 mg L-1, and manganese in the range 0.25-2.5 mg L-1 with a limit of detection of 0.08 mg L-1 for iron and 0.24 mg L-1 for manganese. The determination of both parameters was made in 6 minutes, in triplicate. The application to monitor laboratory scale soil core columns (LSSCs), as a simulation of the soil leaching process, proved its efficiency to assess potential contamination of ground waters. Iron and manganese contents were effectively analysed in two different scenarios to mimic the leaching process with rainwater and fertilizer.

Disfunción miocárdica y su utilidad pronóstica en sepsis y choque séptico / Myocardial dysfunction and its prognostic utility in sepsis and septic shock

Introducción: la sepsis es una disfunción orgánica poten- cialmente mortal que está asociada a una infección; tiene alta morbilidad y mortalidad. La disfunción miocárdica aso- ciada a sepsis es frecuente y se asocia con desenlaces desfavorables. Objetivo: describir la distribución de la disfunción miocárdica por ecocardiografía transtorácica y estimar su utilidad pronóstica en sepsis y choque séptico. Material y métodos: estudio de cohorte multicéntrico prospectivo, realizado en cuatro centros de referencia de Bucaramanga y su área metropolitana. Se incluyeron 271 pacientes con diagnóstico de sepsis y choque séptico, a quienes se les realizó ecocardiograma transtorácico y se les dio seguimiento por 30 días. Resultados: no hubo diferencias en la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo entre sobrevivientes a los 30 días y no sobrevivientes. Se registraron 51 pacientes (48.7%) con disfunción diastólica grado I, 14.5% con disfunción grado II y 36.75% con disfunción grado III. Los pacientes con disfunción diastólica grado I tuvieron una mortalidad más alta que aquellos con disfunción diastólica de grado II (p = 0.023). Conclusiones: la mayor mortalidad registrada en la disfunción diastólica grado I sugiere que los pacientes con bajas presiones de llenado tienen peores desenlaces. Por otra parte, la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo por sí sola no se relaciona con mayor mortalidad en sepsis.

Background: Sepsis is a potentially mortal infection which is related to multiple organ dysfunction; it has a high morbidity and mortality. Myocardial dysfunction is frequent in sepsis and it is related to unfavorable outcomes. Objective: To describe by transthoracic echocardiography the clinical distribution of myocardial dysfunction in sepsis and septic shock and estimate its prognostic utility. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study based on a multi-centric prospective cohort study in 4 reference centers in Bucaramanga, Colombia, and its metropolitan area. 271 patients with sepsis and septic shock were included; they underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography and a 30-day follow-up. Results: There was no difference in the left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.061) between survivors and non-survivors. 51 patients (48.71%) had grade I diastolic dys-function, 48 patients (14.52%) had grade II dysfunction and 21 patients (36.75%) had grade III diastolic dysfunction. Mortality was higher in patients with grade I diastolic dysfunction when compared to those with grade II dysfunction (p = 0.023). Conclusions: The higher mortality in grade I diastolic dysfunction suggests that patients with low filling pressures have worst outcomes. On the other hand, left ventricular ejection fraction per se is not associated with a higher mortality in sepsis.

Synthesis, characterization, and cellular investigations of porphyrin- and chlorin-indomethacin conjugates for photodynamic therapy of cancer.

Indomethacin is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with a strong selective inhibitor activity towards cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme that is highly overexpressed in various tumour cells, being involved in tumourigenesis. Concomitantly, porphyrins have gained much attention as promising photosensitizers (PSs) for the non-invasive photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Herein, we report the design, and determine the singlet oxygen generation capacity and in vitro cellular toxicity of porphyrin- and chlorin-indomethacin conjugates (P2-Ind and C2-Ind). Both the conjugates were obtained in high yields and were characterized by 1H, 19F and 13C NMR as well as by high resolution mass spectrometry. The singlet oxygen generation properties were assessed by the 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran singlet oxygen trap method, which showed that C2 and C2-Ind are the best singlet oxygen photosensitizers. In addition, it was found that the presence of indomethacin did not influence the singlet oxygen generation of porphyrin or chlorin. Cytotoxicity studies of the conjugate in human HEp2 cells revealed that the porphyrin- and chlorin-indomethacin conjugates have similar dark cytotoxicities, while chlorin C2 was shown to be the most phototoxic. Despite having lower cellular uptake than C2-Ind after 24 hours, chlorin C2 had a broad localization in HEp2 cells while the chlorin-indomethacin conjugate C2-Ind could be detected in the form of small aggregates. DFT calculations were performed to shed light on the reaction energy involved in the formation of the indomethacin conjugates and to compare the relative stability of selected isomers in solution. Moreover, the calculated energy of their first excited triplet state structures confirmed their use as suitable photosensitizers to generate singlet oxygen for PDT.

Simultaneous silencing of lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferases 1-4 by nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) improves radiation response of melanoma cells.

Radiation induces the generation of platelet-activating factor receptor (PAF-R) ligands, including PAF and oxidized phospholipids. Alternatively, PAF is also synthesized by the biosynthetic enzymes lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferases (LPCATs) which are expressed by tumor cells including melanoma. The activation of PAF-R by PAF and oxidized lipids triggers a survival response protecting tumor cells from radiation-induced cell death, suggesting the involvement of the PAF/PAF-R axis in radioresistance. Here, we investigated the role of LPCATs in the melanoma cell radiotherapy response. LPCAT is a family of four enzymes, LPCAT1-4, and modular nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) allowed for the simultaneous silencing of all four LPCATs. We found that the in vitro simultaneous silencing of all four LPCAT transcripts by NANPs enhanced the therapeutic effects of radiation in melanoma cells by increasing cell death, reducing long-term cell survival, and activating apoptosis. Thus, we propose that NANPs are an effective strategy for improving radiotherapy efficacy in melanomas.

Foliar application of 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinone Fe-chelate [Fe(mpp)3 ] induces responses at the root level amending iron deficiency chlorosis in soybean.

Iron (Fe) deficiency chlorosis (IDC) affects the growth of several crops, especially when growing in alkaline soils. The application of synthetic Fe-chelates is one of the most commonly used strategies in IDC amendment, despite their associated negative environmental impacts. In a previous work, the Fe-chelate tris(3-hydroxy-1-(H)-2-methyl-4-pyridinonate) iron(III) [Fe(mpp)3 ] has shown great potential for alleviating IDC in soybean (Glycine max) in the early stages of plant development under hydroponic conditions. Herein, its efficacy was verified under soil conditions in soybean grown from seed to full maturity. Chlorophyll levels, plant growth, root and shoot mineral accumulation (K, Mg, Ca, Na, P, Mn, Zn, Ni, and Co) and FERRITIN expression were accessed at V5 phenological stage. Compared to a commonly used Fe chelate, FeEDDHA, supplementation with [Fe(mpp)3 ] led to a 29% higher relative chlorophyll content, 32% higher root biomass, 36% higher trifoliate Fe concentration, and a twofold increase in leaf FERRITIN gene expression. [Fe(mpp)3 ] supplementation also resulted in increased accumulation of P, K, Zn, and Co. At full maturity, the remaining plants were harvested and [Fe(mpp)3 ] application led to a 32% seed yield increase when compared to FeEDDHA. This is the first report on the use of [Fe(mpp)3 ] under alkaline soil conditions for IDC correction, and we show that its foliar application has a longer-lasting effect than FeEDDHA, induces efficient root responses, and promotes the uptake of other nutrients.

Emerging Autophagy Functions Shape the Tumor Microenvironment and Play a Role in Cancer Progression - Implications for Cancer Therapy.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex environment where cancer cells reside and interact with different types of cells, secreted factors, and the extracellular matrix. Additionally, TME is shaped by several processes, such as autophagy. Autophagy has emerged as a conserved intracellular degradation pathway for clearance of damaged organelles or aberrant proteins. With its central role, autophagy maintains the cellular homeostasis and orchestrates stress responses, playing opposite roles in tumorigenesis. During tumor development, autophagy also mediates autophagy-independent functions associated with several hallmarks of cancer, and therefore exerting several effects on tumor suppression and/or tumor promotion mechanisms. Beyond the concept of degradation, new different forms of autophagy have been described as modulators of cancer progression, such as secretory autophagy enabling intercellular communication in the TME by cargo release. In this context, the synthesis of senescence-associated secretory proteins by autophagy lead to a senescent phenotype. Besides disturbing tumor treatment responses, autophagy also participates in innate and adaptive immune signaling. Furthermore, recent studies have indicated intricate crosstalk between autophagy and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), by which cancer cells obtain an invasive phenotype and metastatic potential. Thus, autophagy in the cancer context is far broader and complex than just a cell energy sensing mechanism. In this scenario, we will discuss the key roles of autophagy in the TME and surrounding cells, contributing to cancer development and progression/EMT. Finally, the potential intervention in autophagy processes as a strategy for cancer therapy will be addressed.

Manejo perioperatorio de paciente con COVID-19 / Perioperative management of the patient with COVID-19

Resumen: En la actualidad, la pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 ha puesto a prueba los sistemas de salud en toda su extensión a lo largo del mundo. Se desconoce el impacto del estrés quirúrgico y de la anestesia sobre la predisposición a una nueva infección por COVID-19, o la exacerbación de la infección en un paciente infectado por este virus que se va a operar. Aunque la mortalidad de COVID-19 está entre 1-5%, la mayoría de las muertes han ocurrido en pacientes de edad avanzada con afecciones cardiopulmonares subyacentes, la mayoría de ellos hipertensos, diabéticos y con obesidad, por lo cual, se debe poner especial atención en su manejo. La preparación y planeación perioperatoria cuidadosa es clave para lograr con éxito una adecuada atención clínica y mantener la seguridad del equipo de salud en un momento difícil y de alto riesgo. Un papel adicional del anestesiólogo, considerando que es el médico con mayor experiencia en el manejo de la vía aérea, consiste en apoyar a los servicios de emergencia para la intubación endotraqueal de los pacientes que requieren apoyo ventilatorio, siendo un procedimiento con recomendaciones de protección muy específicas. Por lo tanto, existe un compromiso como especialistas de conocer el tema a fondo y protegernos, así como al equipo de profesionales de la salud que se exponen salvando vidas durante esta contingencia.

Abstract: Currently, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has put health systems to the test throughout their world. The impact of surgical stress and anesthesia on predisposition to a new COVID-19 infection or exacerbation of the infection in a COVID-19 infected patient to be operated on is unknown. Although COVID-19 mortality is between 1-5%, most deaths have occurred in elderly patients with underlying cardiopulmonary conditions, most of them hypertensive, diabetic and obese, therefore, it should be specially attention in its handling. Carefull perioperative preparation and planning is key in successfully achieving adequate clinical care and maintaining the safety of the health team in a difficult and high risk moment. An additional role for the anesthesiologist, considering that he has the most experience in the management of the airway, is to support the emergency services for endotracheal intubation of patients who require ventilatory support, being a procedure with very specific protection recommendations. Therefore, there is a commitment as specialists, to know the subject thoroughly and protect ourselves along with the health team involved in saving lives during this contingency.

Greener and wide applicability range flow-based spectrophotometric method for iron determination in fresh and marine water.

A flow-based method for the spectrophotometric determination of iron in recreational waters, both fresh and marine (variable salinity content), was developed. For that purpose, 3-hydroxy-4-pyrydinone ligand functionalized with an ether function was synthetized and used as chromogenic chelator (1-(3'-methoxypropyl)-2-methyl-3-benzyloxy-4-(1H)pyridinone - MRB13) for iron quantification. This water-soluble reagent was previously reported as a greener alternative to quantify iron, due to its low toxicity and a more environmental friendly synthesis. Furthermore, it also displayed a high affinity and specificity for iron. With the main objective of quantifying iron in a variety of water types (different matrices and iron content), two strategies were developed, one of them including on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE), and the other without resorting to a SPE process. Water matrix clean-up and iron enrichment was achieved using a nitrilotriacetic acid resin column. The potential interference of metal ions usually present in water samples was assessed and no significant interference (<10%) was observed. The limits of detection were 11 and 2.9 µg L-1 without and with SPE, respectively. For one determination (three replicates), the corresponding consumption of MRB13 is 90 µg, sodium hydroxide is 1.4 mg, and boric acid is 5.6 mg. The method was applied to certified water samples and the results were in agreement with certified values. The developed method was also applied to fresh and marine water, and recovery ratios of 103 ± 4 and 101 ± 7 without and with SPE, respectively, were achieved.

Use of an ether-derived 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinone chelator as a new chromogenic reagent in the development of a microfluidic paper-based analytical device for Fe(III) determination in natural waters.

This article reports on the development and validation of a disposable microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) for on-hand, in-situ, and cheap Fe(III) determination in natural waters complying with World Health Organization guidelines. The developed µPAD used 3-hydroxy-4-pyridinone (3,4-HPO) as a colour reagent due to its considerably lower toxicity than traditionally used iron analytical reagents. It was selected among a group of hydrophilic 3,4-HPO chelators containing ether-derived chains in their structure which were prepared using green methods. The relatively high water solubility of these chelators improved the detection limit and applicability as µPAD reagents. Under optimal conditions, the µPAD is characterised by a quantification range between 0.25 and 2.0 mg/L, a detection limit of 55 µg/L and 15 min of analysis time. The signal stability extends up to 4 h and the device is stable for at least one month. The reagent consumption is below 0.2 mg per analysis and the µPAD method was validated by analysis certified reference materials and by comparison with atomic absorption results (RD < 10%). The newly developed µPAD was successfully applied to the determination of iron in river, well and tap waters with no need of any prior sample pre-treatment.

Identification of two novel adenoviruses in smooth-billed ani and tropical screech owl.

Avian adenoviruses (AdVs) are a very diverse group of pathogens causing diseases in poultry and wild birds. Wild birds, endangered by habitat loss and habitat fragmentation in the tropical forests, are recognised to play a role in the transmission of various AdVs. In this study, two novel, hitherto unknown AdVs were described from faecal samples of smooth-billed ani and tropical screech owl. The former was classified into genus Aviadenovirus, the latter into genus Atadenovirus, and both viruses most probably represent new AdV species as well. These results show that there is very limited information about the biodiversity of AdVs in tropical wild birds, though viruses might have a major effect on the population of their hosts or endanger even domesticated animals. Surveys like this provide new insights into the diversity, evolution, host variety, and distribution of avian AdVs.

Susceptibility of Multidrug-Resistant and Biofilm-Forming Uropathogens to Mexican Oregano Essential Oil.

Antibiotic resistance along with biofilm formation increases the difficulty for antibiotic therapy in urinary tract infections. Bioactive molecules derived from plants, such as those present in essential oils, can be used to treat bacterial infections. Oregano is one of the spices to have antimicrobial activity. Therefore, three Mexican oregano essential oils (two Lippia berlandieri Schauer and one Poliomintha longiflora) were tested for antimicrobial capacity against multidrug-resistant, biofilm-forming bacterial isolates. Clinical isolates from urinary tract infections were tested for antibiotic resistance. Multidrug-resistant isolates were evaluated for biofilm formation, and Mexican oregano antimicrobial effect was determined by the minimal inhibitory (CMI) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (CMB). The selected isolates were identified by molecular phylogenetic analysis. Sixty-one isolates were included in the study; twenty were characterized as multidrug-resistant and from those, six were strong biofilm formers. Three isolates were identified as Escherichia coli, two as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and one as Enterococcus faecalis based on the phylogenetic analysis of 16 S rRNA gene sequences. The antimicrobial effect was bactericidal; E. faecalis was the most susceptible (<200 mg/L CMI/CMB), and P. aeruginosa was the most resistant (>2,000 mg/L CMI/CMB). There was a range of 500-1000 mg/L (CMI/CMB) for the E. coli isolates. Mexican oregano essential oils demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates.