The Gender Gap in Surgical Literature: Are We Making Progress?

INTRODUCTION: The percentage of women in surgical leadership roles is not commensurate with percent of women in field of surgery. Citation indexes are used as proxy for scholarly impact and may serve as an indicator of women's progress in academic surgery. We aimed to evaluate gender disparities in authorship of surgery manuscripts in high-impact journals. METHODS: In this bibliometric analysis of original research articles from four high-impact surgical journals from 2008 to 2010 (period A) and 2018-2020 (period B), the gender of primary and senior authors was assigned by Genderize.io. Number of citations per article was identified via Web of Science. Number of citations by gender of authors was compared across time periods. RESULTS: Of the 3575 articles (Period A = 1915; Period B = 1660), 962 (26.9%) had women as primary authors and 590 (17.2%) as senior authors. Over time, significant increases in women primary and senior authorship were noted from 22.8% to 31.7% (P < 0.001) and 13.9% (254/11,915) to 21% (336/1660), respectively (P < 0.001). Articles written with women primary authors had fewer median (interquartile range) citations than those by men as primary author in period A (39 [17-69.5] versus 42 [20.0-84.0]; P = 0.005). Gender parity was noted in period B (9 [4-19] versus 9 [4-20] citations; P = 0.307). In period A, articles written by women as both primary and senior authors had approximately 25% fewer median citations compared with those by men (34 [17-62] versus 44 [21-86]); P < 0.011), and this reached parity in period B (9 [4-20] versus 9 [4-21]); P < 0.658). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, gender authorship and citations parity are improving in high-impact surgery journals.

Fusarium: more than a node or a foot-shaped basal cell.

Recent publications have argued that there are potentially serious consequences for researchers in recognising distinct genera in the terminal fusarioid clade of the family Nectriaceae. Thus, an alternate hypothesis, namely a very broad concept of the genus Fusarium was proposed. In doing so, however, a significant body of data that supports distinct genera in Nectriaceae based on morphology, biology, and phylogeny is disregarded. A DNA phylogeny based on 19 orthologous protein-coding genes was presented to support a very broad concept of Fusarium at the F1 node in Nectriaceae. Here, we demonstrate that re-analyses of this dataset show that all 19 genes support the F3 node that represents Fusarium sensu stricto as defined by F. sambucinum (sexual morph synonym Gibberella pulicaris). The backbone of the phylogeny is resolved by the concatenated alignment, but only six of the 19 genes fully support the F1 node, representing the broad circumscription of Fusarium. Furthermore, a re-analysis of the concatenated dataset revealed alternate topologies in different phylogenetic algorithms, highlighting the deep divergence and unresolved placement of various Nectriaceae lineages proposed as members of Fusarium. Species of Fusarium s. str. are characterised by Gibberella sexual morphs, asexual morphs with thin- or thick-walled macroconidia that have variously shaped apical and basal cells, and trichothecene mycotoxin production, which separates them from other fusarioid genera. Here we show that the Wollenweber concept of Fusarium presently accounts for 20 segregate genera with clear-cut synapomorphic traits, and that fusarioid macroconidia represent a character that has been gained or lost multiple times throughout Nectriaceae. Thus, the very broad circumscription of Fusarium is blurry and without apparent synapomorphies, and does not include all genera with fusarium-like macroconidia, which are spread throughout Nectriaceae (e.g., Cosmosporella, Macroconia, Microcera). In this study four new genera are introduced, along with 18 new species and 16 new combinations. These names convey information about relationships, morphology, and ecological preference that would otherwise be lost in a broader definition of Fusarium. To assist users to correctly identify fusarioid genera and species, we introduce a new online identification database, Fusarioid-ID, accessible at www.fusarium.org. The database comprises partial sequences from multiple genes commonly used to identify fusarioid taxa (act1, CaM, his3, rpb1, rpb2, tef1, tub2, ITS, and LSU). In this paper, we also present a nomenclator of names that have been introduced in Fusarium up to January 2021 as well as their current status, types, and diagnostic DNA barcode data. In this study, researchers from 46 countries, representing taxonomists, plant pathologists, medical mycologists, quarantine officials, regulatory agencies, and students, strongly support the application and use of a more precisely delimited Fusarium (= Gibberella) concept to accommodate taxa from the robust monophyletic node F3 on the basis of a well-defined and unique combination of morphological and biochemical features. This F3 node includes, among others, species of the F. fujikuroi, F. incarnatum-equiseti, F. oxysporum, and F. sambucinum species complexes, but not species of Bisifusarium [F. dimerum species complex (SC)], Cyanonectria (F. buxicola SC), Geejayessia (F. staphyleae SC), Neocosmospora (F. solani SC) or Rectifusarium (F. ventricosum SC). The present study represents the first step to generating a new online monograph of Fusarium and allied fusarioid genera (www.fusarium.org).

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1284-1382.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Antartica, Cladosporium austrolitorale from coastal sea sand. Australia, Austroboletus yourkae on soil, Crepidotus innuopurpureus on dead wood, Curvularia stenotaphri from roots and leaves of Stenotaphrum secundatum and Thecaphora stajsicii from capsules of Oxalis radicosa. Belgium, Paraxerochrysium coryli (incl. Paraxerochrysium gen. nov.) from Corylus avellana. Brazil, Calvatia nordestina on soil, Didymella tabebuiicola from leaf spots on Tabebuia aurea, Fusarium subflagellisporum from hypertrophied floral and vegetative branches of Mangifera indica and Microdochium maculosum from living leaves of Digitaria insularis. Canada, Cuphophyllus bondii from a grassland. Croatia, Mollisia inferiseptata from a rotten Laurus nobilis trunk. Cyprus, Amanita exilis on calcareous soil. Czech Republic, Cytospora hippophaicola from wood of symptomatic Vaccinium corymbosum. Denmark, Lasiosphaeria deviata on pieces of wood and herbaceous debris. Dominican Republic, Calocybella goethei among grass on a lawn. France (Corsica), Inocybe corsica on wet ground. France (French Guiana), Trechispora patawaensis on decayed branch of unknown angiosperm tree and Trechispora subregularis on decayed log of unknown angiosperm tree. Germany, Paramicrothecium sambuci (incl. Paramicrothecium gen. nov.) on dead stems of Sambucus nigra. India, Aureobasidium microtermitis from the gut of a Microtermes sp. termite, Laccaria diospyricola on soil and Phylloporia tamilnadensis on branches of Catunaregam spinosa. Iran, Pythium serotinoosporum from soil under Prunus dulcis. Italy, Pluteus brunneovenosus on twigs of broadleaved trees on the ground. Japan, Heterophoma rehmanniae on leaves of Rehmannia glutinosa f. hueichingensis. Kazakhstan, Murispora kazachstanica from healthy roots of Triticum aestivum. Namibia, Caespitomonium euphorbiae (incl. Caespitomonium gen. nov.) from stems of an Euphorbia sp. Netherlands, Alfaria junci, Myrmecridium junci, Myrmecridium juncicola, Myrmecridium juncigenum, Ophioceras junci, Paradinemasporium junci (incl. Paradinemasporium gen. nov.), Phialoseptomonium junci, Sporidesmiella juncicola, Xenopyricularia junci and Zaanenomyces quadripartis (incl. Zaanenomyces gen. nov.), from dead culms of Juncus effusus, Cylindromonium everniae and Rhodoveronaea everniae from Evernia prunastri, Cyphellophora sambuci and Myrmecridium sambuci from Sambucus nigra, Kiflimonium junci, Sarocladium junci, Zaanenomyces moderatricis-academiae and Zaanenomyces versatilis from dead culms of Juncus inflexus, Microcera physciae from Physcia tenella, Myrmecridium dactylidis from dead culms of Dactylis glomerata, Neochalara spiraeae and Sporidesmium spiraeae from leaves of Spiraea japonica, Neofabraea salicina from Salix sp., Paradissoconium narthecii (incl. Paradissoconium gen. nov.) from dead leaves of Narthecium ossifragum, Polyscytalum vaccinii from Vaccinium myrtillus, Pseudosoloacrosporiella cryptomeriae (incl. Pseudosoloacrosporiella gen. nov.) from leaves of Cryptomeria japonica, Ramularia pararhabdospora from Plantago lanceolata, Sporidesmiella pini from needles of Pinus sylvestris and Xenoacrodontium juglandis (incl. Xenoacrodontium gen. nov. and Xenoacrodontiaceae fam. nov.) from Juglans regia. New Zealand, Cryptometrion metrosideri from twigs of Metrosideros sp., Coccomyces pycnophyllocladi from dead leaves of Phyllocladus alpinus, Hypoderma aliforme from fallen leaves Fuscopora solandri and Hypoderma subiculatum from dead leaves Phormium tenax. Norway, Neodevriesia kalakoutskii from permafrost and Variabilispora viridis from driftwood of Picea abies. Portugal, Entomortierella hereditatis from a biofilm covering a deteriorated limestone wall. Russia, Colpoma junipericola from needles of Juniperus sabina, Entoloma cinnamomeum on soil in grasslands, Entoloma verae on soil in grasslands, Hyphodermella pallidostraminea on a dry dead branch of Actinidia sp., Lepiota sayanensis on litter in a mixed forest, Papiliotrema horticola from Malus communis, Paramacroventuria ribis (incl. Paramacroventuria gen. nov.) from leaves of Ribes aureum and Paramyrothecium lathyri from leaves of Lathyrus tuberosus. South Africa, Harzia combreti from leaf litter of Combretum collinum ssp. sulvense, Penicillium xyleborini from Xyleborinus saxesenii, Phaeoisaria dalbergiae from bark of Dalbergia armata, Protocreopsis euphorbiae from leaf litter of Euphorbia ingens and Roigiella syzygii from twigs of Syzygium chordatum. Spain, Genea zamorana on sandy soil, Gymnopus nigrescens on Scleropodium touretii, Hesperomyces parexochomi on Parexochomus quadriplagiatus, Paraphoma variabilis from dung, Phaeococcomyces kinklidomatophilus from a blackened metal railing of an industrial warehouse and Tuber suaveolens in soil under Quercus faginea. Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Inocybe nivea associated with Salix polaris. Thailand, Biscogniauxia whalleyi on corticated wood. UK, Parasitella quercicola from Quercus robur. USA, Aspergillus arizonicus from indoor air in a hospital, Caeliomyces tampanus (incl. Caeliomyces gen. nov.) from office dust, Cippumomyces mortalis (incl. Cippumomyces gen. nov.) from a tombstone, Cylindrium desperesense from air in a store, Tetracoccosporium pseudoaerium from air sample in house, Toxicocladosporium glendoranum from air in a brick room, Toxicocladosporium losalamitosense from air in a classroom, Valsonectria portsmouthensis from air in men's locker room and Varicosporellopsis americana from sludge in a water reservoir. Vietnam, Entoloma kovalenkoi on rotten wood, Fusarium chuoi inside seed of Musa itinerans, Micropsalliota albofelina on soil in tropical evergreen mixed forests and Phytophthora docyniae from soil and roots of Docynia indica. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Crous PW, Osieck ER, Jurjevic Z, et al. 2021. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1284-1382. Persoonia 47: 178-374. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2021.47.06.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1284-1382.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Antartica, Cladosporium austrolitorale from coastal sea sand. Australia, Austroboletus yourkae on soil, Crepidotus innuopurpureus on dead wood, Curvularia stenotaphri from roots and leaves of Stenotaphrum secundatum and Thecaphora stajsicii from capsules of Oxalis radicosa. Belgium, Paraxerochrysium coryli (incl. Paraxerochrysium gen. nov.) from Corylus avellana. Brazil, Calvatia nordestina on soil, Didymella tabebuiicola from leaf spots on Tabebuia aurea, Fusarium subflagellisporum from hypertrophied floral and vegetative branches of Mangifera indica and Microdochium maculosum from living leaves of Digitaria insularis. Canada, Cuphophyllus bondii from a grassland. Croatia, Mollisia inferiseptata from a rotten Laurus nobilis trunk. Cyprus, Amanita exilis on calcareous soil. Czech Republic, Cytospora hippophaicola from wood of symptomatic Vaccinium corymbosum. Denmark, Lasiosphaeria deviata on pieces of wood and herbaceous debris. Dominican Republic, Calocybella goethei among grass on a lawn. France (Corsica), Inocybe corsica on wet ground. France (French Guiana), Trechispora patawaensis on decayed branch of unknown angiosperm tree and Trechispora subregularis on decayed log of unknown angiosperm tree. Germany, Paramicrothecium sambuci (incl. Paramicrothecium gen. nov.) on dead stems of Sambucus nigra. India, Aureobasidium microtermitis from the gut of a Microtermes sp. termite, Laccaria diospyricola on soil and Phylloporia tamilnadensis on branches of Catunaregam spinosa. Iran, Pythium serotinoosporum from soil under Prunus dulcis. Italy, Pluteus brunneovenosus on twigs of broadleaved trees on the ground. Japan, Heterophoma rehmanniae on leaves of Rehmannia glutinosa f. hueichingensis. Kazakhstan, Murispora kazachstanica from healthy roots of Triticum aestivum. Namibia, Caespitomonium euphorbiae (incl. Caespitomonium gen. nov.) from stems of an Euphorbia sp. Netherlands, Alfaria junci, Myrmecridium junci, Myrmecridium juncicola, Myrmecridium juncigenum, Ophioceras junci, Paradinemasporium junci (incl. Paradinemasporium gen. nov.), Phialoseptomonium junci, Sporidesmiella juncicola, Xenopyricularia junci and Zaanenomyces quadripartis (incl. Zaanenomyces gen. nov.), from dead culms of Juncus effusus, Cylindromonium everniae and Rhodoveronaea everniae from Evernia prunastri, Cyphellophora sambuci and Myrmecridium sambuci from Sambucus nigra, Kiflimonium junci, Sarocladium junci, Zaanenomyces moderatricis-academiae and Zaanenomyces versatilis from dead culms of Juncus inflexus, Microcera physciae from Physcia tenella, Myrmecridium dactylidis from dead culms of Dactylis glomerata, Neochalara spiraeae and Sporidesmium spiraeae from leaves of Spiraea japonica, Neofabraea salicina from Salix sp., Paradissoconium narthecii (incl. Paradissoconium gen. nov.) from dead leaves of Narthecium ossifragum, Polyscytalum vaccinii from Vaccinium myrtillus, Pseudosoloacrosporiella cryptomeriae (incl. Pseudosoloacrosporiella gen. nov.) from leaves of Cryptomeria japonica, Ramularia pararhabdospora from Plantago lanceolata, Sporidesmiella pini from needles of Pinus sylvestris and Xenoacrodontium juglandis (incl. Xenoacrodontium gen. nov. and Xenoacrodontiaceae fam. nov.) from Juglans regia. New Zealand, Cryptometrion metrosideri from twigs of Metrosideros sp., Coccomyces pycnophyllocladi from dead leaves of Phyllocladus alpinus, Hypoderma aliforme from fallen leaves Fuscopora solandri and Hypoderma subiculatum from dead leaves Phormium tenax. Norway, Neodevriesia kalakoutskii from permafrost and Variabilispora viridis from driftwood of Picea abies. Portugal, Entomortierella hereditatis from a biofilm covering a deteriorated limestone wall. Russia, Colpoma junipericola from needles of Juniperus sabina, Entoloma cinnamomeum on soil in grasslands, Entoloma verae on soil in grasslands, Hyphodermella pallidostraminea on a dry dead branch of Actinidia sp., Lepiota sayanensis on litter in a mixed forest, Papiliotrema horticola from Malus communis, Paramacroventuria ribis (incl. Paramacroventuria gen. nov.) from leaves of Ribes aureum and Paramyrothecium lathyri from leaves of Lathyrus tuberosus. South Africa, Harzia combreti from leaf litter of Combretum collinum ssp. sulvense, Penicillium xyleborini from Xyleborinus saxesenii, Phaeoisaria dalbergiae from bark of Dalbergia armata, Protocreopsis euphorbiae from leaf litter of Euphorbia ingens and Roigiella syzygii from twigs of Syzygium chordatum. Spain, Genea zamorana on sandy soil, Gymnopus nigrescens on Scleropodium touretii, Hesperomyces parexochomi on Parexochomus quadriplagiatus, Paraphoma variabilis from dung, Phaeococcomyces kinklidomatophilus from a blackened metal railing of an industrial warehouse and Tuber suaveolens in soil under Quercus faginea. Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Inocybe nivea associated with Salix polaris. Thailand, Biscogniauxia whalleyi on corticated wood. UK, Parasitella quercicola from Quercus robur. USA, Aspergillus arizonicus from indoor air in a hospital, Caeliomyces tampanus (incl. Caeliomyces gen. nov.) from office dust, Cippumomyces mortalis (incl. Cippumomyces gen. nov.) from a tombstone, Cylindrium desperesense from air in a store, Tetracoccosporium pseudoaerium from air sample in house, Toxicocladosporium glendoranum from air in a brick room, Toxicocladosporium losalamitosense from air in a classroom, Valsonectria portsmouthensis from air in men's locker room and Varicosporellopsis americana from sludge in a water reservoir. Vietnam, Entoloma kovalenkoi on rotten wood, Fusarium chuoi inside seed of Musa itinerans, Micropsalliota albofelina on soil in tropical evergreen mixed forests and Phytophthora docyniae from soil and roots of Docynia indica. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Crous PW, Osieck ER, Jurjevic Z, et al. 2021. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1284-1382. Persoonia 47: 178-374. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2021.47.06.

Distribution and Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum Species Associated With Mango Anthracnose in Mexico.

Mango anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum spp., is the most significant disease of mango (Mangifera indica L.) in almost all production areas around the world. In Mexico, mango anthracnose has only been attributed to C. asianum and C. gloeosporioides. The aims of this study were to identify the Colletotrichum species associated with mango anthracnose symptoms in Mexico by phylogenetic inference using the ApMat marker, to determine the distribution of these species, and to test their pathogenicity and virulence on mango fruits. Surveys were carried out from 2010 to 2012 in 59 commercial orchards in the major mango growing states of Mexico, and a total of 118 isolates were obtained from leaves, twigs, and fruits with typical anthracnose symptoms. All isolates were tentatively identified in the C. gloeosporioides species complex based on morphological and cultural characteristics. The Bayesian inference phylogenetic tree generated with Apn2/MAT intergenic spacer sequences of 59 isolates (one per orchard) revealed that C. alienum, C. asianum, C. fructicola, C. siamense, and C. tropicale were associated with symptoms of mango anthracnose. In this study, C. alienum, C. fructicola, C. siamense, and C. tropicale are reported for the first time in association with mango tissues in Mexico. This study represents the first report of C. alienum causing mango anthracnose worldwide. The distribution of Colletotrichum species varied among the mango growing states from Mexico. Chiapas was the only state in which all five species were found. Pathogenicity tests on mango fruit cultivar Manila showed that all Colletotrichum species from this study could induce anthracnose lesions. However, differences in virulence were evident among species. C. siamense and C. asianum were the most virulent, whereas C. alienum and C. fructicola were considered the least virulent species.

Azospirillum brasilense Az39, a model rhizobacterium with AHL quorum-quenching capacity.

AIMS: The aim of this research was to analyse the quorum-sensing (QS) and quorum-quenching (QQ) mechanisms based on N-acyl-l-homoserine lactones (AHLs) in Azospirillum brasilense Az39, a strain with remarkable capacity to benefit a wide range of crops under agronomic conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed an in silico and in vitro analysis of the quorum mechanisms in A. brasilense Az39. The results obtained in vitro using the reporter strains Chromobacterium violaceum and Agrobacterium tumefaciens and liquid chromatography coupled with mass-mass spectrometry analysis showed that although Az39 does not produce AHL molecules, it is capable of degrading them by at least two hypothetical enzymes identified by bioinformatics approach, associated with the bacterial cell. In Az39 cultures supplemented with 500 nmol l-1 of the C3 unsubstituted AHLs (C4, C6, C8, C10, C12, C14), AHL levels were lower than in noninoculated LB media controls. Similar results were observed upon the addition of AHLs with hydroxy (OH-) and keto (oxo-) substitutions in C3. These results not only demonstrate the ability of Az39 to degrade AHLs. They also show the wide spectrum of molecules that can be degraded by this bacterium. CONCLUSIONS: Although A. brasilense Az39 is a silent bacterium unable to produce AHL signals, it is able to interrupt the communications between other bacteria and/or plants by a QQ activity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report confirming by unequivocal methodology the ability of A. brasilense, one of the most agriculturally used benefic bacteria around the world, to degrade AHLs by a QQ mechanism.

Hot topic: Selecting cattle for low residual feed intake did not affect daily methane production but increased methane yield.

Reducing enteric methane (CH4) production and improving feed conversion efficiency of dairy cows is of high importance. Residual feed intake (RFI) is one measure of feed efficiency, with low RFI animals being more efficient in feed conversion. Enteric CH4 is an important source of digestible energy loss in ruminants and, because research in beef cattle has reported a positive relationship between RFI and daily CH4 production, we hypothesized that low RFI dairy heifers, which are more feed efficient, would produce less CH4/d. We measured the daily methane production (g of CH4/d), methane yield [g of CH4/kg of dry matter intake (DMI)], and CH4 per kilogram of body weight (BW) gain for 56 heifers (20-22 mo old) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: factors included 2 breeds (Holstein-Friesian and Jersey; n = 28/breed), with equal numbers of animals previously determined as being either high [+2.0 kg of dry matter (DM)/d] or low RFI (-2.1 kg of DM/d; n = 28/RFI category). All heifers were commingled and offered unrestricted access to the same diet of dried alfalfa cubes. Between RFI categories, heifers did not differ in BW or BW gain but low RFI heifers had 9.3 and 10.6% lower DMI and DMI/kg of BW, respectively, than high RFI heifers. Similarly, RFI category did not affect CH4/d or CH4/kg of BWg, but CH4/kg of DMI was higher in low RFI heifers because of their lower DMI. These results might reflect more complete digestion of ingested feed in the more efficient, low RFI heifers, consistent with previous reports of greater apparent digestibility of organic matter. Holstein-Friesian heifers were heavier and consumed more total DM than Jersey heifers, but breed did not affect DMI/kg of BW or BWg. Jersey heifers produced less CH4/d, but not CH4/kg of DMI or CH4/kg of BWg. We detected no interaction between breed and RFI category in any of the variables measured. In conclusion, differences in RFI in dairy heifers did not affect daily CH4 production (g/d); however, low RFI heifers had a greater CH4 yield (g/kg of DMI) on a high forage diet.

Criterion-related validity of self-report walking time from the EPIC questionnaire in older adults.

Tools for measuring walking time make use of objective and subjective methods. One subjective approach is to administer physical activity questionnaires (PAQ), mainly because they are inexpensive and easy to give to large groups. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study has a brief PAQ (EPIC-PAQ) and includes one question referencing walking time. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of the question about time spent walking included in the EPIC-PAQ. The sample included 200 older adults (113 women). To assess daily walking time, participants responded to the EPIC-PAQ in an interview and wore a portable gait analysis system and physical activity monitor for 48 consecutive hours in free-living condition. Results indicated that the mean of bias between the EPIC-PAQ and objetive measurement was -64.6 min/day. Also, the correlation was low compared to an objective measurement (rho = 0.196) and was positively correlated with the time spent at speeds below 2.5 mph but the correlation was low (slow walking rho = 0.154 and pace walking rho = 0.163). The EPIC-PAQ shows low correlations with the objective measurement of walking time, that suggests it may be inaccurate and affecting the estimate of the EPIC-PAQ's PA energy expenditure in this age group.

On-line identification of fermentation processes for ethanol production.

A strategy for monitoring fermentation processes, specifically, simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of corn mash, was developed. The strategy covered the development and use of first principles, semimechanistic and unstructured process model based on major kinetic phenomena, along with mass and energy balances. The model was then used as a reference model within an identification procedure capable of running on-line. The on-line identification procedure consists on updating the reference model through the estimation of corrective parameters for certain reaction rates using the most recent process measurements. The strategy makes use of standard laboratory measurements for sugars quantification and in situ temperature and liquid level data. The model, along with the on-line identification procedure, has been tested against real industrial data and have been able to accurately predict the main variables of operational interest, i.e., state variables and its dynamics, and key process indicators. The results demonstrate that the strategy is capable of monitoring, in real time, this complex industrial biomass fermentation. This new tool provides a great support for decision-making and opens a new range of opportunities for industrial optimization.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteremic Patients Exhibit Nonprotective Antibody Titers Against Therapeutic Antibody Targets PcrV and Psl Exopolysaccharide.

BACKGROUND: The type 3 secretion protein PcrV and Psl exopolysaccharide are promising therapeutic antibody targets against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We examined P. aeruginosa bloodstream infection (BSI) isolates for the ability to express PcrV and Psl and evaluated corresponding patient serum for active titers to these targets. METHODS: We identified 114 patients with acute P. aeruginosa BSI; 56 cases were accompanied by acute sera. Serum was evaluated for PcrV- and Psl-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and for cytotoxicity and opsonophagocytosis. Isolates were evaluated for susceptibility to antibiotics, expression of PcrV and Psl, and susceptibility to the anti-PcrV/Psl bispecific antibody and clinical candidate MEDI3902. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality for patients with P. aeruginosa BSI was 39%. A total of 26% of isolates were resistant to ≥3 antibiotic classes. Although PcrV and/or Psl were detected in 99% of isolates, a majority of patients lacked active titers to PcrV (100%) and Psl (98%). In addition, MEDI3902 was active against all tested isolates. CONCLUSIONS: A vast majority of P. aeruginosa BSI isolates express PcrV and Psl; however, patient sera most often lacked IgG and functionally active responses to these targets. These results suggest that therapies directed at PcrV and Psl could be a promising approach for combating P. aeruginosa bloodstream infections.

Tsetse diversity and abundance in Southern Burkina Faso in relation with the vegetation.

The increase of human population, combined with climatic changes, contributed to the modification of spatial distribution of tsetse flies, main vector of trypanosomiasis. In order to establish and compare tsetse presence and their relationship with vegetation, entomological survey was performed using biconical traps deployed in transects, simultaneously with phyto-sociological study, on the Comoe river at its source in the village of Moussodougou, and in the semi-protected area of Folonzo, both localities in Southern Burkina Faso. In Folonzo, the survey revealed a diversity of tsetse with 4 species occurring with apparent densities as follows: Glossina tachinoides (8.9 tsetse/trap/day); G. morsitans submorsitans (1.8 tsetse/trap/day); G. palpalis gambiensis (0.6/trap/day) and G. medicorum (0.15 tsetse/trap/day). In Moussodougou, a highly anthropized area, mainly G. p. gambiensis was caught (2.06 tsetse/trap/day), and rarely G. tachinoides. The phyto-sociological study allowed discrimination of 6 types of vegetation in both localities, with 3 concordances that are riparian forest, shrubby and woody savannah. In Moussodougou, all tsetse were caught in the riparian forest. That was also the case in Folonzo where a great proportion (95 to 99 % following the season) of G. p. gambiensis and G. tachinoides were caught in the gallery, while G. m. submorsitans was occurring as well in the gallery as in the savannah, and G. medicorum in the forest gallery. This study showed that although G. tachinoides and G.p. gambiensis are both riparian, they do not have the same preference in terms of biotope.

Effects of region of birth, educational level and age on late presentation among men who have sex with men newly diagnosed with HIV in a network of STI/HIV counselling and testing clinics in Spain.

This paper analyses late presentation (LP) of HIV infection, and its determinants, among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Spain, newly diagnosed with HIV (2003-2011) in 15 sexually transmitted infection/HIV counselling and testing clinics. LP was defined as <350 CD4 cells/µL or AIDS. In total, 3,081 MSM were included (2,499 having CD4/AIDS); overall LP was 25.3%. LP was higher in men older than 34 years, those not previously HIV-tested (adjusted odds ratio (aOR):3.1; 95% confidence intervals (CI):2.3-4.2) , and those tested > 12 months before diagnosis (12-24 months (aOR:1.4; 95% CI:1.0-2.0); > 24 months (aOR:2.2; 95% CI:1.7-3.0)). LP was less likely in MSM reporting a known HIV-infected partner as infection source or symptoms compatible with acute retroviral syndrome. 'Region of birth' interacted with 'educational level' and 'steady partner as infection source': only African and Latin-American MSM with low educational level were more likely to present late; Latin-American men attributing their infection to steady partner, but no other MSM, had LP more frequently. In Spain, HIV testing among MSM should be promoted, especially those > 34 years old and migrants with low educational level. The current recommendation that MSM be tested at least once a year is appropriate.

[Microbiological diagnosis of emerging arboviral and rodent borne diseases]. / Diagnóstico microbiológico de arbovirosis y robovirosis emergentes.

Vector borne viruses (VBV) include viruses transmitted by arthropods, rodents and other animals. In Spain the three main autochthonous VBVs causing human diseases are: Toscana, West Nile and Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis viruses. There are also other imported viruses that are potential threats to our public health, due to the presence of competent transmission vectors (dengue and chikungunya viruses in areas infested with Aedes albopictus), or due to the potential person-to-person transmission (Lassa and other viruses causing haemorrhagic fever). The Spanish Society for Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology has responded to the emergence of VBVs by publishing a special issue of Microbiological Proceedings focused on the diagnosis of those emerging vector borne viruses of major concern in our country.

The Hidden Dangers of Beaches: Cardiorespiratory Arrest Induced by Thermal Shock.

Thermal shock is widely recognized by modern medicine. Its pathophysiological mechanisms are known, as are its possible consequences, but scientific reports in the literature about clinical cases with severe consequences are sparse. The authors present a case of cardiorespiratory arrest after prolonged sun exposure followed by a dive in the ocean. Other aetiological causes were ruled out, by exclusion, leading to the diagnosis of cardiorespiratory arrest caused by thermal shock. It is important to inform the public in general of the risks of negligent behaviour on the beach.

Trastuzumab or lapatinib with standard chemotherapy for HER2-positive breast cancer: results from the GEICAM/2006-14 trial.

BACKGROUND: The addition of trastuzumab (T) and lapatinib (L) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy increases the pathological complete response (pCR) rate in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive early breast cancer. We investigated the efficacy of T or L with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and specific efficacy biomarkers. METHODS: Patients with stages I-III (including inflammatory) HER2-positive breast cancer were randomised to receive epirubicin (E) plus cyclophosphamide (C) × 4 cycles followed by docetaxel (D) plus either T (EC-DT) or L (EC-DL). End points included pCR (primary), clinical response, toxicity, and pCR-predictive biomarkers. RESULTS: We randomised 102 patients to EC-DT (50) and EC-DL (52). Median age was 48, 56% were premenopausal and 58% had oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumours. Pathological complete response in breast was 52.1% (95% CI:38.0-66.2%) for EC-DT and 25.5% (95% CI:13.5-37.5%) for EC-DL (P=0.0065). Pathological complete response in breast and axilla was 47.9% for EC-DT and 23.5% for EC-DL (P=0.011). Grade 3-4 toxicity did not differ across treatments, except for diarrhoea (2% in EC-DT vs 13.5% in EC-DL, P=0.030). Multivariate analyses showed that treatment (P=0.036) and ER (P=0.014) were the only predictors of pCR in both groups. CONCLUSION: EC-DT exhibited higher efficacy and lower toxicity than EC-DL. Of the different biomarkers studied, only the absence of ER expression was associated with increased pCR.

Trends in HIV testing, prevalence among first-time testers, and incidence in most-at-risk populations in Spain: the EPI-VIH Study, 2000 to 2009.

During 2000 to 2009, data on people undergoing HIV testing and on those newly diagnosed with HIV were collected in a network of 20 Spanish clinics specialising in sexually transmitted infections and/or HIV testing and counselling. The number of tests performed, overall and disaggregated by different variables, was obtained. HIV prevalence among first-time testers and HIV incidence among repeat testers were calculated. To evaluate trends, joinpoint regression models were fitted. In total, 236,939 HIV tests were performed for 165,745 individuals. Overall HIV prevalence among persons seeking HIV testing was 2.5% (95% CI: 2.4 to 2.6). Prevalence was highest in male sex workers who had sex with other men (19.0% (95% CI: 16.7 to 21.4)) and was lowest in female sex workers (0.8% (95% CI: 0.7 to 0.9)). Significant trends in prevalence were observed in men who have sex with men (MSM) (increasing) and heterosexual individuals (decreasing). The incidence analysis included 30,679 persons, 64,104 person-years (py) of follow-up and 642 seroconversions. The overall incidence rate (IR) was 1.0/100 py (95% CI: 0.9/100 to 1.1/100). Incidence was significantly higher in men and transgender females than in women (1.8/100 py (95% CI: 1.6 to 1.9), 1.2/100 py (95% CI: 0.5 to 2.8) and 0.1/100 py (95% CI: 0.09 to 0.2) respectively) and increased with age until 35­39 years. IRs in MSM and people who inject drugs were significantly greater than in heterosexual individuals (2.5/100 py (95% CI: 2.3 to 2.7), 1.6/100 py (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.2) and 0.1/100 py (95% CI: 0.09 to 0.2) respectively), and an upward trend was observed in MSM. Our results call for HIV prevention to be reinforced in MSM and transgender women in Spain.

First Report of Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum spaethianum on Hemerocallis flava in Brazil.

In January 2011, leaves of several daylily (Hemerocallis flava L.) plants in nurseries in Vitória da Conquista, northeastern Brazil, showed typical anthracnose symptoms. Reddish brown lesions with a yellow halo were first observed at the tip leaves. As the disease progressed, the lesions rapidly expanded down the leaves, resulting in severe blight. Small pieces up to 5 mm in diameter were removed from the lesion margins, surface sterilized for 1 min in 1.5% NaOCl, washed twice with sterile distilled water, and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 0.5 g liter-1 streptomycin sulfate. Macroscopic colony characters and microscopic morphology characteristics of two isolates were developed after growth on PDA for 7 days at 25°C under a 12-h light/dark cycle. Colonies presented effuse mycelium, initially white and becoming pale gray, with numerous black structures like sclerotia, setae, and acervuli absent in culture media. Conidia were hyaline, aseptate, curved or slightly curved, round or somewhat acute apex, base truncate, 13.4 to 22.7 (18.2 ± 2.16) µm length, and 3.2 to 5.8 (4.24 ± 0.62) µm width, length/width ratio 4.37, and were typical of Colletotrichum spp. DNA sequencing of partial sequence of actin (ACT), chitin synthase (CHS-1), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) genes and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rRNA gene cluster) were conducted to accurately identify the species. Sequences of two daylily isolates were highly similar to those of C. spaethianum (Allesch.) Damm, P.F. Cannon & Crous. A phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian inference and including published ACT, CHS-1, GPDH, and ITS data for C. spaethianum and other Colletotrichum species associated with daylily anthracnose (1,3) showed that the isolated fungi belong to the C. spaethianum clade. Sequences of the isolates obtained in this study were deposited in GenBank (ACT Accession Nos. KC598114 and KC598115; CHS-1 Accession Nos. KC598116 and KC598117; GPDH Accession Nos. KC598118 and KC598119; ITS Accession Nos. KC598120 and KC598121). Cultures are deposited in the Culture Collection of Phytopathogenic Fungi of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil (CMM1224 and CMM1225). Pathogenicity tests were conducted with the two C. spaethianum strains on daylily leaves. Mycelial plugs taken from the margin of actively growing colonies (PDA) of each isolate were applied in shallow wounds near the tip leaves. Four detached leaves were inoculated for each isolate, and PDA discs without fungal growth were used as controls. The leaves were maintained in humid chamber for 2 days at 25°C under a 12-h photoperiod. Anthracnose symptoms that closely resembled those observed in the affected nurseries were developed up to 5 days after inoculation. No symptoms developed on the control plants. C. spaethianum was successfully re-isolated from symptomatic plants to fulfill Koch's postulates. C. spaethianum was described from H. fulva and H. citrina in China, Hosta sielbodiana in Germany, and Lilium sp. in South Korea (3), and from Peucedanum praeruptorum in China (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. spaethianum in Brazil and the first report on H. flava. References: (1) U. Damm et al. Fungal Divers. 39:45, 2009. (2) M. Guo et al. Plant Dis. 97:1380, 2013. (3) Y. Yang et al. Trop. Plant Pathol. 37:165, 2012.

First Report of Stem Rot of Papaya Caused by Fusarium solani Species Complex in Brazil.

In October 2010, 2-year-old papaya (cv. Hawaii) trees with high incidence of stem rot were observed during a survey conducted in Rio Grande do Norte state, northeastern Brazil. Stems showing reddish brown-to-dark brown symptoms were collected and small pieces (4 to 5 mm) of necrotic tissues were surface sterilized for 1 min in 1.5% NaOCl, washed twice with sterile distilled water, and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 0.5 g liter-1 streptomycin sulfate. Plates were incubated at 25°C with a 12-h photopheriod for 4 days. Pure cultures with white, fluffy aerial mycelia were obtained by subculturing hyphal tips onto PDA. Identification was made using morphological characteristics and DNA based molecular techniques. Colonies grown on PDA and Spezieller Nährstoffarmer agar (SNA) for 10 days at 25°C with a 12-h photoperiod were used for morphological identification (3). The fungus produced cream sporodochia and two types of spores: microconidia were thin-walled, hyaline, ovoid, one-celled, and 6.8 to 14.6 × 2.3 to 4.2 µm; macroconidia were thick walled, hyaline, slightly curved, 3- to 5-celled, and 25.8 to 53.1 × 3.9 to 5.7 µm. Fifty spores of each type were measured. Rounded, thick-walled chlamydospores were produced, with two to four arranged together. On the basis of morphological characteristics (1), three fungal isolates (CMM-3825, CMM-3826, and CMM-3827) were identified as Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. and were deposited in the Culture Collection of Phytopathogenic Fungi of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (Recife, Brazil). Single-spore isolates were obtained and genomic DNA of the isolates was extracted and a portion of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α) gene of the isolates was amplified and sequenced (2). When compared with sequences available in the GenBank and Fusarium-ID databases, DNA sequences of the three isolates shared 99 to 100% sequence identity with F. solani species complex (GenBank Accession Nos. JF740784.1, DQ247523.1, and DQ247017.1). Representative sequences of the isolates were deposited in GenBank (Accession Nos. JQ808499, JQ808500, and JQ808501). Pathogenicity tests were conducted with four isolates on 3-month-old papaya (cv. Hawaii) seedlings. Mycelial plugs taken from the margin of actively growing colonies (PDA) of each isolate were applied in shallow wounds (0.4 cm in diameter) on the stem (center) of each plant. Inoculation wounds were wrapped with Parafilm. Control seedlings received sterile PDA plugs. Inoculated and control seedlings (10 each) were kept in a greenhouse at 25 to 30°C. After 2 weeks, all inoculated seedlings showed reddish brown necrotic lesions in the stems. No symptoms were observed in the control plants. The pathogen was successfully reisolated from symptomatic plants to fulfill Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. solani species complex causing papaya stem rot in Brazil. Papaya is an important fruit crop in the northeastern Brazil and the occurrence of this disease needs to be taken into account in papaya production. References: (1) C. Booth. Fusarium Laboratory Guide to the Identification of the Major Species. CMI, Kew, England, 1977. (2) D. M. Geiser et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 110:473, 2004. (3) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, IA, 2006.

First Report of Mango Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum karstii in Brazil.

From April to June 2010, mango fruits (Mangifera indica L.) (cv. Tommy Atkins) showing post-harvest anthracnose symptoms were collected during a survey conducted in São Francisco Valley, northeastern Brazil. Fruits affected by anthracnose showed sunken, prominent, dark brown to black decay spots. Small pieces (4 to 5 mm) of necrotic tissues were surface sterilized for 1 min in 1.5% NaOCl, washed twice with sterile distilled water, and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 0.5 g liter-1 streptomycin sulfate. Plates were incubated at 25°C in the dark for 5 to 7 days and colonies that were morphologically similar to species of Colletotrichum were transferred to PDA (1). Identification was made using morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. Two isolates (CMM 4101 and CMM 4102) presented colonies that had white aerial mycelia and orange conidial mass, varying between colorless and pale orange in reverse. Conidia were hyaline, cylindrical, and aseptate 14.52 (10.40 to 20.20) µm long and 4.90 (3.80 to 6.50) µm wide, length/width ratio = 3.0. Mycelial growth rate was 5.20 mm per day at 25°C. Morphological and cultural characterizations were consistent with the description of Colletotrichum karstii (3). PCR amplification by universal primers (ITS1/ITS4) and DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rRNA gene cluster) were conducted to confirm the identifications. Analysis of representative sequences (GenBank Accession Nos. HM585409 and HM585406) suggested that the isolated pathogen was C. karstii. Using published ITS data for C. karstii (3), a phylogenetic analysis was made via Bayesian inference, which shows that the isolated fungi belong to the C. karstii clade. Sequences of the isolates obtained in this study were deposited in GenBank (KC295235 and KC295236), and cultures were deposited in the Culture Collection of Phytopathogenic Fungi of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (CMM, Recife, Brazil). Pathogenicity tests were conducted with the C. karstii strains on mango fruits cv. Tommy Atkins. Mycelial plugs taken from the margin of actively growing colonies (PDA) of each isolate were applied in shallow wounds (0.4 cm in diameter) at the medium region of the each fruit. PDA discs without fungal growing were used as controls. Inoculated fruits were placed in plastic containers lined with paper towels wetted in distilled water. The containers were partially sealed with plastic bags to maintain high humidity and incubated at 25°C in the dark. The plastic bags and paper towels were removed after 24 h, and fruits were kept at the same temperature. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replicates per treatment (isolate) and four fruits per replicate. Typical anthracnose symptoms were observed after 10 days in mango fruits. C. karstii was successfully reisolated from symptomatic mango fruits to fulfill Koch's postulates. C. karstii was previously described from Orchidaceae in southwest China and the United States (2,3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. karstii causing mango anthracnose in Brazil and worldwide. References: (1) U. Damm et al. Stud. Mycol. 73:1, 2012. (2) I. Jadrane et al. Plant Dis. 96:1227, 2012. (3) Yang et al. Cryptogamie Mycol. 32:229, 2011.

First Report of Papaya Fruit Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum brevisporum in Brazil.

Papaya fruits (Carica papaya L.) (cv. Golden) showing post-harvest anthracnose symptoms were observed during surveys of papaya disease in northeastern Brazil from 2008 to 2012. Fruits affected by anthracnose showed sunken, prominent, dark brown to black lesions. Small pieces (4 to 5 mm) of necrotic tissue were surface sterilized for 1 min in 1.5% NaOCl, washed twice with sterile distilled water, and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 0.5 g liter-1 streptomycin sulfate. Macroscopic colony characters and microscopic morphology characteristics of four isolates were observed after growth on PDA (2) for 7 days at 25°C under a 12-hr light/dark cycle. Colonies varied between colorless and pale brown in reverse, with orange conidial mass. Conidia were hyaline, aseptate, cylindrical with round ends, slightly flattened, smooth-walled, guttulate, and 13.5 (10.5 to 17.1) µm × 3.8 (2.1 to 4.8) µm (l/w ratio = 3.5, n = 50), typical of Colletotrichum spp. DNA sequencing of partial sequences of actin (ACT) gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rRNA) were conducted to accurately identify the species. Sequences of the papaya isolates were 99% similar to those of Colletotrichum brevisporum (GenBank Accession Nos. JN050216, JN050217, JN050238, and JN050239). A phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian inference and including published ACT and ITS data for C. brevisporum and other Colletotrichum species was carried out (1). Based on morphological and molecular data, the papaya isolates were identified as C. brevisporum. Conidia of the papaya isolates were narrower than those described for C. brevisporum (2.9 to 4.8 µm and 5 to 6 µm, respectively) (1), which may be due to differences in incubation temperature or a typical variation in conidial size in Colletotrichum species (3). Sequences of the isolates obtained in this study are deposited in GenBank (ACT Accession Nos. KC702903, KC702904, KC702905, and KC702906; ITS Accession Nos. HM163181, HM015851, HM015854, and HM015859). Cultures are deposited in the Culture Collection of Phytopathogenic Fungi of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil (CMM 1672, CMM 1702, CMM 1822, and CMM 2005). Pathogenicity testing was conducted with all four strains of C. brevisporum on papaya fruits (cv. Golden). Fruits were wounded at the medium region by pushing the tip of four sterile pins through the surface of the skin to a depth of 3 mm. Mycelial plugs taken from the margin of actively growing colonies (PDA) of each isolate were placed in shallow wounds. PDA discs without fungal growth were used as control. Inoculated fruits were maintained in a humid chamber for 2 days at 25°C in the dark. After 6 days, anthracnose symptoms developed that were typical of diseased fruit in the field. C. brevisporum was successfully reisolated from symptomatic fruits to fulfill Koch's postulates. C. brevisporum was described from Neoregalia sp. and Pandanus pygmaeus in Thailand (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. brevisporum in Brazil and the first report of this species causing papaya fruit anthracnose. References: (1) P. Noireung et al. Cryptogamie Mycol., 33:347, 2012. (2) B. C. Sutton. The Genus Glomerella and its anamorph Colletotrichum. CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 1992. (3) B. S. Weir et al. Stud. Mycol. 73:115, 2012.