Compost Tea Reduces the Susceptibility of Pinus radiata to Fusarium circinatum in Nursery Production.

Nutrition is one of the factors that most limits forestry plant growth; thus, current production in nurseries is based on conventional fertilization focused on enhancing vigor. However, an excessive intake of mineral nitrogen can cause morphological imbalances and the formation of more succulent tissues which, consequently, increase susceptibility to plant pathogens. Fusarium circinatum is the causal agent of pitch canker in plants of the Pinus genus, with Pinus radiata being the species most susceptible to this disease. This study compares the response of P. radiata seedlings to infection by F. circinatum as influenced by two fertilizers-conventional and aerated compost tea (ACT)-applied during the nursery phase. The potential of ACT against F. circinatum was first tested in vitro, where it was found to inhibit the pathogen's mycelial growth and conidial germination. In the greenhouse, infected plants fertilized with ACT exhibited less severe internal and external symptoms of pitch canker and lower levels of pathogen colonization of both stems and needles than with conventional fertilizer. An analysis of the hormone content and defense-related gene expression shows greater salicylic acid production and phenylalanine ammonium-lyase and chalcone synthase expression in ACT-fertilized pine. All of the parameters assessed are consistent in showing that biofertilization with ACT reduces the susceptibility of pine seedlings to the disease compared with conventional fertilization.

Outcomes of the PIRASOA programme, an antimicrobial stewardship programme implemented in hospitals of the Public Health System of Andalusia, Spain: an ecologic study of time-trend analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Inappropriate antimicrobial use favours the spread of resistance, and multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDR) are currently of major concern. Antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) are essential for improving antibiotic use in hospitals. However, their impact on entire healthcare systems has not been thoroughly assessed. Our objective was to provide the results of an institutionally supported ASP involving 31 public hospitals in Andalusia, Spain. METHODS: We designed an ecologic time-series study from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017. Quarterly, data on indicators were collected prospectively, and feedback reports were provided. PIRASOA is an ongoing clinically based quality-improvement programme whose key intervention is the educational interview, regular peer-to-peer interventions between advisors and prescribers to reinforce the appropriate use of antibiotics. Seventy-two indicators were monitored to measure prescribing quality (inappropriate treatments), antimicrobial consumption (defined daily doses per 1000 occupied bed-days), incidence density of MDR per 1000 occupied bed-days and crude mortality rate associated with bloodstream infections. We used Joinpoint regression software to analyse the trends. RESULTS: The quality of antimicrobial prescribing improved markedly, and the inappropriate treatment rate was significantly lower, with quarterly percentage change (QPC) = -3.0%, p < 0.001. Total antimicrobial consumption decreased (QPC = -0.9%, p < 0.001), specifically carbapenems, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, quinolones and antifungal agents, whereas antipseudomonal cephalosporin use increased. While the incidence of MDR showed a sustained decreasing trend (QPC = -1.8%; p 0.002), the mortality of patients with bloodstream infections remained stable (QPC = -0.2%, p 0.605). CONCLUSIONS: To date, the PIRASOA programme has succeeded in optimizing the use of antimicrobial agents and has had a positive ecologic result on bacterial resistance at level of an entire healthcare system.

Zinc(ii), cobalt(ii) and manganese(ii) networks with phosphoserine ligand: synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic and proton conductivity properties.

A series of zinc(ii), cobalt(ii) and manganese(ii) coordination networks with phosphoserine ligand (H3PSer) are synthesized and characterized. Whereas in compounds 1 and 2 with the general formula [M(HPser)]n [M = Zn (1) and Co (2)], the metal(ii) ion presents a tetrahedral geometry, in [Co(HPSer)(H2O)2]n (3) and [Mn(HPSer)(H2O)]n (4), the metal(ii) ions are in a distorted octahedral geometry. The 3D frameworks are formed by inorganic layers built up from MO4 or MO6 polyhedra and phosphate groups. These layers are linked by the carboxylate groups of the phosphoserine ligand. The presence of extended hydrogen bonding stabilizes the 3D network and favours the proton transfer leading to moderate proton conductors. The highest proton conductivity, 2.70 × 10-5 S cm-1 (at 80 °C and 95% RH), is obtained for compound 3. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements for 2-4 reveal predominant antiferromagnetic interactions between the paramagnetic metal(ii) ions.

Duodenal membranes: a late diagnosis evidenced by foreign bodies.

One of the causes of congenital incomplete duodenal obstruction is the presence of duodenal membranes. This condition requires a high index of suspicion for an early and accurate diagnosis. We present two cases of duodenal obstruction with initial diagnosis of foreign bodies that were surgically intervened and where incomplete duodenal membranes were an incidental finding. The clinical course of these patients had a different pattern than expected and thus, it is imperative to use a multidisciplinary approach in this group of patients and separate them from other subtypes of duodenal obstruction.

Post-treatment of refinery wastewater effluent using a combination of AOPs (H2O2 photolysis and catalytic wet peroxide oxidation) for possible water reuse. Comparison of low and medium pressure lamp performance.

The main aim of this work was to study the feasibility of multi-barrier treatment (MBT) consisting of filtration, hydrogen peroxide photolysis (H2O2/UVC) and catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) for post-treatment of petroleum refinery effluent. Also the possibility of water reuse or safe discharge was considered. The performance of MBT using medium (MP) and low (LP) pressure lamps was compared as well as operation and maintenance (O&M) cost. Decomposition of organic compounds was followed by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), total organic carbon (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) analysis. After filtration step (25 µm) turbidity and concentration of suspended solids decreased by 92% and 80%, respectively. During H2O2/UVC process with LP lamp at optimal conditions (H2O2:TOC ratio 8 and UVC dose received by water 5.28 WUVC s cm(-2)) removal of phenolic compounds, TOC and COD was 100%, 52.3% and 84.3%, respectively. Complete elimination of phenolic compounds, 47.6% of TOC and 91% of COD was achieved during H2O2/UVC process with MP lamp at optimal conditions (H2O2:TOC ratio 5, UVC dose received by water 6.57 WUVC s cm(-2)). In order to compare performance of H2O2/UVC treatment with different experimental set up, the UVC dose required for removal of mg L(-1) of COD was suggested as a parameter and successfully applied. The hydrophilicity of H2O2/UVC effluent significantly increased which in turn enhanced the oxidation of organic compounds during CWPO step. After H2O2/UVC treatment with LP and MP lamps residual H2O2 concentration was 160 mg L(-1) and 96.5 mg L(-1), respectively. Remaining H2O2 was fully consumed during subsequent CWPO step (6 and 3.5 min of contact time for LP and MP, respectively). Total TOC and COD removal after MBT was 94.7% and 92.2% (using LP lamp) and 89.6% and 95%, (using MP lamp), respectively. The O&M cost for MBT with LP lamp was estimated to be 0.44 € m(-3) while with MP lamp it was nearly five times higher. Toxicity assessment was performed using two marine species (Vibrio fischeri and Paracentrotus lividus sea-urchin) after each treatment step. The highest toxicity was attributed to H2O2/UVC effluent for both tested species. After MBT a drastic decrease of toxicity was achieved.

Soil chemical changes under irrigated mango production in the Central São Francisco River Valley, Brazil.

Irrigated areas in Brazil's Central São Francisco River Valley have experienced declines in productivity, which may be a reflection of changes in soil chemical properties due to management. This study was conducted to compare the chemical composition of soil solutions and cation exchange complexes in a five-year-old grove of irrigated mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Tommy Atkins) with that of an adjacent clearing in the native caatinga vegetation. A detailed physiographic characterization of the area revealed a subsurface rock layer, which was more undulating than the current land surface, and identified the presence of a very saline and sodic (1045 microS cm(-1), sodium adsorption ratio [SAR] = 5.19) ground water table. While changes in concentrations of Ca, Mg, and K could be attributed to direct management inputs (fertilization and liming with dolomite), increases in Na suggested average annual capillary rise from the ground water table of 28 L m(-2). Accordingly, soil salinity levels appeared to be more dependent on surface elevation than the elevation of the rock layer or sediment thickness. The apparent influence of land surface curvature on water redistribution and the solution chemistry was more pronounced under irrigated mango production. In general, salinity levels had doubled in the mango grove and nearly tripled under the canopies, after only five years of irrigation. Though critical saline or sodic conditions were not encountered, the changes observed indicate a need for more adequate monitoring and management of water and salt inputs despite the excellent water quality of the São Francisco River.

[Is microalbuminuria a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy?]. / La microalbuminurie est-elle un facteur de risque épidémiologique de la rétinopathie diabétique?

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between microalbuminuria and diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: A prospective 10-year study of 104 younger-onset diabetic patients. The diabetic retinopathy diagnosis was made by fundus retinography, and determination of microalbuminuria was made from urine samples. RESULTS: The incidence of diabetic retinopathy in this group of patients was 39 (37.5%). The epidemiological factors implicated were diabetes duration, higher levels of HbA(1c), male sex, and diastolic arterial hypertension. The incidence of microalbuminuria was 21 patients (20.2%), with high levels of HbA(1c) the epidemiological factor implicated. The association between microalbuminuria and diabetic retinopathy grouped the patients as follows: 56 patients without microalbuminuria or retinopathy, 16 patients who developed microalbuminuria and diabetic retinopathy, 23 patients who developed retinopathy but not microalbuminuria, and nine patients who developed only microalbuminuria. The discriminant analysis showed that the high levels of HbA(1c) were associated with microalbuminuria and diabetes duration and high levels of HbA(1c) were associated with diabetic retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: In the population studied, microalbuminuria was not a good marker for diabetic retinopathy.

[Anterior optic neuritis do to ulcerative colitis]. / Neuritis óptica anterior por colitis ulcerosa.

PURPOSE/METHODS: We present the case of a 27 year old woman with acute bilateral loss of vision associated with abdominalgia, bloody diarrhea and arthralgia. In the present article, the different forms of ocular complications in relationship to chronic intestinal inflammations and their possible causes are discussed. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: On examination, bilateral anterior uveitis associated to a picture of optic nerve lesion compatible with a bilateral anterior optic neuritis was observed. The patient was diagnosed of ulcerative colitis by intestinal biopsy. The ocular affectation resolved after the ulcerative colitis was treated with systemic mesalamine.

[Results in the treatment of acute endophthalmitis by vitrectomy using limbal incision]. / Resultados obtenidos en el tratamiento de la endoftalmitis aguda mediante vitrectomía vía limbar.

PURPOSE: To describe the results obtained in the treatment of acute onset endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in our center using vitrectomy with corneal limbal incisions. METHODS: Study carried out in 12 patients with acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in whom a posterior vitrectomy by limbic incisions was performed followed by intravitreal injections of antibiotics (vancomycin + ceftazidime/amikacin) with systemic and topical antibiotic and corticosteroid treatment in the post-operative period. RESULTS: The incidence of endophthalmitis in our center was 0.92%. The most frequently isolated microorganism was Staphylococcus epidermidis (4 cases, 33.33%). Four cases were negative (33.33%). A visual acuity equal to or greater than 0.5 at three months was obtained in 6 patients (50%). Only one case required a second administration of intravitreal injections. One patient suffered vitreal hemorrhaging in the post-operative period, and no other complications were observed in the remaining patients. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that vitrectomy through limbal incisions is a valid alternative for acute onset endophthalmitis treatment.

[Tuberculous retinitis with associated periphlebitis]. / Retinitis por tuberculosis asociada a periflebitis.

CASE REPORT: A female 23 years old, from Equador, was referred to us because of a vision decrease in her left eye. Fundus exploration demonstrated an inflammatory chorioretinal lesion with associated periphlebitis. Serology results showed positive for PPD. A vitreous biopsy was carried out together with tuberculosis prophylactic treatment with isoniacide (300 mg/day); the clinical findings improved. Finally, PCR test was positive for mycobacterium tuberculosis. In consequence, therapeutic treatment for tuberculosis was initiated. DISCUSSION: Due to the current increase in prevalence of tuberculosis, we should always take this into account as a possible etiology when dealing with cases of chorioretinitis.

[Objective evaluation of applying eye drops by elderly patients]. / Evaluación objetiva de la aplicación de colirios en personas mayores de 65 años.

OBJECTIVE: To objectively evaluate the ability and skills of patients older than 65 years to successfully administer a topical ocular eye drop. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on a group of 25 patients with a diagnosis of dry eye or glaucoma, undergoing daily treatment with eye drops for at least one year. The procedure was recorded with a video camera at the time of the application. RESULTS: Of the total, 64% were diagnosed with glaucoma and 36% with dry eye. Almost half (44%) needed a single attempt to apply the drop, and 56% required 2 attempts. In terms of the number of eye drops applied, 52% managed with a single drop, 16% 2 drops, a 12% 3 drops, and 20% 4 or more eye drops. Areas where the eye drop was deposited in the first attempt was, 32% into the conjunctival sac, 32% on the outer corner of the eye, 8% in the inner angle, 8% in the nose, 12% on the cheek, 8% in other areas. CONCLUSIONS: Self-administration of eye drops by the elderly is a complex activity that can have an effect on the expected results.

Release kinetics of 5-aminosalicylic acid from halloysite.

This paper investigates desorption of 5-aminosalicilyc acid (5-ASA) adsorbed onto halloysite (HL). Desorption isotherms were fitted according to kinetic laws obtained considering release of 5-ASA from HL as the phase of desorption of the previously adsorbed drug molecules both inside the nanotubes of HL as onto the surface of clay particles and/or in the inter-particle spaces of their aggregates. Desorption isotherms has been also fitted with other equations frequently used in drug release kinetics studies. The best fitting corresponded to the kinetic model proposed; in agreement with the results of adsorption.

Prescribing prophylactic antibiotics to users of therapeutic contact lenses.

BACKGROUND: To describe the benefits and optimum use of prophylactic antibiotics in users of therapeutic contact lenses (TCL). METHODS: A microbiological study was carried out on samples from 33 patients who continuously wore TCL. The resistance to antibiotics of bacteria isolated in our health region was also reviewed. An assessment was also made on whether there were microorganisms of a higher pathogenic potential in TCL than conventional contact lenses, as reported in the literature. RESULTS: No bacteria were isolated from 17 (52%) of the 33 lenses studied. From the 16 (48%) remaining lenses, coagulase negative Staphylococci were isolated from 10 (62%), Propionibacterium acnes from 4 (25%), and Corynebacterium from 2 (13%). CONCLUSIONS: The high number of negative cultures and the presence of saprophytic bacteria indicate that prophylactic antibiotic treatment is not precise. The most frequent pathogenic bacteria found in contact lenses are strongly resistant to the current commercially available antibiotics.

New kinetic model for predicting the photoreactivation of bacteria with sunlight.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a disinfection process that is used worldwide for the treatment of wastewater in order to minimize microbial contamination caused by wastewater discharge to natural waters. Once organisms have been exposed to ultraviolet radiation, they are able to repair the damage through two processes - dark repair and photoreactivation. In the work described here, the photoreactivation process after ultraviolet disinfection has been studied in pure culture of Escherichia coli ATCC 11229, ATCC 15597 and in real wastewater, using both a laboratory plant and a pilot plant. A new kinetic model is proposed that is a modification of the model proposed by Kashimada et al. [15] including a first order decay phase. This model was applied to the photoreactivation process with sunlight. The new model incorporates a decay rate constant (M(s)) for solar reactivation in order to explain correctly the decay phase detected in the experimental data for photoreactivation with sunlight. The new model fits the data obtained in reactivation experiments, thus allowing the interpretation of the kinetic parameters S(m), S(m)-S(o), k(s), and M(s) and their relationship with UV dose.

[Experimental study of pig dislocated intraocular lens shift after Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy]. / Estudio experimental en ojos de cerdo sobre el desplazamiento de las lentes intraoculares subluxadas tras una capsulotomía láser Nd: YAG.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the movement from their initial set position of subluxated intraocular lenses (IOL) in pig eyes following Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy. METHODS: An extracapsular surgical intervention of the transparent crystalline lens was performed on 15 pig eyes. After the introduction of an intraocular lens into the capsular sac, a zonular dialysis was carried out to observe the shift of the IOL. We carried out a high intensity Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy in a 3.5mm cross shape in the central optical axis and then measured the final displacement of the IOL using a millimetre ruler. RESULTS: We did not observe a significant shift of the lens in any of the eyes studied. CONCLUSIONS: Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy is a safe short-term operation for static and subluxated intraocular lenses.

Photoreactivation and dark repair in UV-treated microorganisms: effect of temperature.

Because of the lack of readily available information about the influence of temperature on microorganism reactivation processes subsequent to inactivation with UV radiation, a series of batch reactivation studies were performed at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 degrees C. A special effort was made to model the reactivation process to enable the effect of the temperature variable to be quantified. Because an earlier-proposed kinetic model (K. Kashimada, N. Kamiko, K. Yamamoto, and S. Ohgaki, Water Sci. Technol. 33:261-269, 1996), a first-order saturation type, does not adequately fit the data obtained in experiments of reactivation in conditions of light and darkness, a modification of that model is proposed. The new model, which actually coincides with the classical logistic equation, incorporates two kinetic parameters: the maximum survival ratio (Sm) and the second-order reactivation rate constant (k2). In order to interpret correctly the reactivation occurring in conditions of darkness, a new term for the decay is added to the logistic equation. The new model accurately fits the data obtained in reactivation experiments, permitting the interpretation of the kinetic parameters Sm, k2, and M (for only repair in darkness), where M is mortality, a zero-order decay rate constant, and their relationship with various environmental conditions, such as microbial type, light, and temperature. The parameters Sm and k2 (and M for reactivation in conditions of darkness) show exponential dependence on the reactivating temperature, and it is possible to predict their values and hence the reactivation curve from the equations proposed in this work.

Estudio experimental en ojos de cerdo sobre el desplazamiento de las lentes intraoculares subluxadas tras una capsulotomía láser Nd: YAG / Experimental study of pig dislocated intraocular lens shift after Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy

Objetivos: Valorar en los ojos del cerdo el desplazamiento de las lentes intraoculares subluxadasrespecto a la posición inicial tras la realización de una capsulotomía láser Nd: YAG.Métodos: Se utilizaron 15 ojos de cerdo a los que les realizamos una cirugía extracapsular decristalino transparente. Tras la introducción de una lente intraocular (LIO) dentro del sacocapsular se provocó una diálisis zonular hasta objetivar un desplazamiento de la LIO de unvalor mínimo de 4mm. Efectuamos una capsulotomía láser Nd: YAG en forma de cruz enlos 3,5mm centrales del eje óptico a elevadas energías. Se midió el desplazamiento final dela LIO con la ayuda de una regla milimetrada.Resultados: En ninguno de los ojos estudiados se objetivó un desplazamiento significativo enrelación a la situación inicial.Conclusiones: La capsulotomía láser Nd: YAG en LIOs subluxadas se presenta para ojos estáticoscomo una maniobra segura a corto plazo(AU)

Objectives: To evaluate the movement from their initial set position of subluxated intraocularlenses (IOL) in pig eyes following Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy.Methods: An extracapsular surgical intervention of the transparent crystalline lens was performedon 15 pig eyes. After the introduction of an intraocular lens into the capsular sac,a zonular dialysis was carried out to observe the shift of the IOL. We carried out a high intensity Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy in a 3.5mmcross shape in the central optical axis andthen measured the final displacement of the IOL using a millimetre ruler.Results: We did not observe a significant shift of the lens in any of the eyes studied.Conclusions: Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy is a safe short-term operation for static and subluxatedintraocular lenses(AU)

Multimode analysis of compound parabolic concentrators with flat absorber.

We introduce the concept of the reflection mode in the analysis of data generated by ray tracing for the study of the overall optical behavior of compound parabolic concentrators (CPC's) for beam radiation. The light ray paths in two classical CPC cavities with a flat absorber, full and truncated, were simulated by a system of two recurrent series derived for this purpose. The optical behavior of the cavities is summarized by two sets of functions, P(k)(θ(i)) and S(k)(a, θ(i)), each with an infinite number of terms, that depends on the incident angle θ(i) and on the aperture position a traversed by a light ray. These functions satisfy general properties of symmetry, inclusion, and convergence, either in the angular or in the spatial domains of the aperture and absorber. The use of those functions for calculating the angular acceptance, local and average optical efficiency, and flux density distribution is illustrated. Applications to the design of gaps are also discussed. Although this method of analysis is exemplified for the classical CPC's, the properties and applications of these functions are likely to extend to other types of nonimaging concentrators.