Improvement of Mueller-Kauffman Tetrathionate-Novobiocin (MKTTn) enrichment medium for the detection of Salmonella enterica by the addition of ex situ-generated tetrathionate.

The detection of Salmonella in food is based on the use of a selective enrichment broth such as Muller-Kauffman Tetrathionate-Novobiocin (MKTTn), in which tetrathionate plays a key role by providing Salmonella with a growth advantage. As sodium tetrathionate is unstable, it is generated in situ by the addition of iodine (Lugol's solution) before seeding. This step is cumbersome as the solution is easily spilled, compromising the performance of the medium and hindering the work of technicians. The aim of this study was to optimize MKTTn broth by generating tetrathionate ex situ through an external reaction between iodine and thiosulphate followed by lyophilization. Quality control procedures were performed to compare the modified and original media, testing pure productivity (enrichment with 50-120 CFU of Salmonella Thyphimurium ATCC 14028 and Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076 and plating on Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar, XLD), mixed productivity (50-120 CFU of Salmonella strains and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli at ≥104 CFU and XLD plating) and selectivity (≥104 CFU of P. aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis and plating on Tryptone Casein Soy agar, TSA). The modified MKTTn medium (S/L) performed comparably with the original medium in terms of growth of both Salmonella strains (>300 colonies in XLD), alone or with P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Quantitative assays showed no statistically significant differences in the number of colonies grown on XLD after 10-5 dilution (p = 0.7015 with S. Thyphimurium ATCC 14028 and p = 0.2387 with S. Enteritidis ATCC 13076; ANOVA test). MKTTn medium (S/L) was also selective against E. coli (≤100 colonies) and E. faecalis (<10 colonies). These results suggest that adding tetrathionate as a lyophilisate (S/L) is a feasible alternative to the use of Lugol's solution for the preparation of MKTTn enrichment broth and does not affect the properties of the medium.

Sexual dysfunction in drug- naïve first episode nonaffective psychosis patients. Relationship with prolactin and psychotic symptoms. Gender differences.

BACKGROUND: Our aim is to examine differences in sexual functioning (SF) between patients with drug-naïve first episode psychosis (FEP) and healthy controls (HC). We will also examine correlations between prolactin levels, testosterone levels and psychotic symptomatology with SF from a gender perspective. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. We included 68 FEP patients and 50 HC. A blood sample was extracted. We used the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale to assess symptom severity, using the five factor structure according to Emsley. The Changes in Sexual Function Questionnaire (CSFQ) was administered. RESULTS: We found significantly better SF in HC than in patients (in CSFQ total score (p = 0.032) and in CSFQ Desire (p = 0.032)). A significant correlation between prolactin or testosterone and SF was not observed. We found a negative significant correlation between the disorganised subscale of the EMSLEY and total CSFQ (p = 0.027; r = -0.329), CSFQ Desire (p = 0.028; r = -0.329) and CSFQ Arousal (p = 0.026; r = -0.332) in the patient sample. In a regression model, we found sex (p = 0.003) and disorganized symptoms (p = 0.034) as significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence for better SF in HC than in FEP patients. We could not confirm an association between prolactin or testosterone and SF. Disorganized symptomatology could be a relevant factor in SF.

New record of Akashiwo sanguinea (Dinophyta) in the tropical estuarine waters of Northeastern Brazil (Western Atlantic).

This study reports the occurrence and the effect of the environmental factors on the spatial and temporal distribution of the dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea (Hirasaka) Hansen & Moestrup in estuarine waters of northeastern Brazil. Samples were collected at seven stations from March 2007 to February 2008 during high tide and low tide, using Van Dorn bottles. The samples were immediately fixed with Lugol and analyzed with the Utermöhl method. Water samples were also collected for the identification of the hydrological characteristics of the area. Akashiwo sanguinea occurred throughout the annual cycle and at all sampling sites with densities ranging between 5 and 410 x 103 cells.L-1. The highest densities were recorded at low tide, especially during the months of the rainy season (July: 210 x 103 cells.L-1; August: 410 x 103 cells.L-1). Density values were within the normal range and blooms were not detected. Despite being common in the area, the species showed preference for sites with high concentrations of orthophosphate and total dissolved phosphorus and with salinity in the mesohaline regime.

Should anorectal ultrasonography be included as a diagnostic tool for chronic anal pain?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficiency of endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) in the study of chronic idiopathic anal pain (CIAP). MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a prospective and descriptive study in which 40 patients, 18 men and 22 women with an average of 47 years, were included. They had chronic anal pain of at least 3 months duration. A complete colonoscopy was performed in all patients, which found no abnormalities to explain clinical symptoms. Patients with anal fissure and internal hemorrhoids of any degree, perianal suppurative processes, and pelvic surgery were excluded from the study. An ALOKA ProSound SSD-4000 ultrasound console attached to a multifrequency radial transductor ASU-67 (7.5 and 10 MHz) was used. RESULTS: One patient could not tolerate the examination. In 8 patients (20% of cases) alterations were detected during ultrasonography: in 4 patients (10% of the cases; 1 man and 3 women) internal anal sphincter (IAS) hypertrophy, and in 5 patients (4 women and 1 man) a torn sphincter complex. A tear in the upper IAS canal and hypertrophy of the middle anal canal were observed in one patient (1 woman). CONCLUSIONS: ERUS is a simple, economic and useful test to study anorectal pathologies. Although in most studied cases no damage to the anal canal or rectal wall was detected, in a considerable number of patients we observed a thickening of the IAS, a probable cause of anal pain. Therefore, we understand that ERUS should be included in the study of CIAP.

Cereal cyst nematode resistance conferred by the Cre7 gene from Aegilops triuncialis and its relationship with Cre genes from Australian wheat cultivars.

Cereal cyst nematode (CCN; Heterodera avenae Woll.) is a root pathogen of cereal crops that can cause severe yield losses in wheat (Triticum aestivum). Differential host-nematode interactions occur in wheat cultivars carrying different CCN resistance (Cre) genes. The objective of this study was to determine the CCN resistance conferred by the Cre7 gene from Aegilops triuncialis in a 42-chromosome introgression line and to assess the effects of the Cre1, Cre3, Cre4, and Cre8 genes present in Australian wheat lines on Spanish pathotype Ha71. Inhibition of nematode reproduction was rank-ordered as Cre1 >or = Cre4 > or = Cre7 >> Cre8 > Cre3. Lines carrying Cre1, Cre4, or Cre7 exhibited a significantly higher level of resistance than those carrying Cre8 or Cre3. Allelism tests indicated that Cre7 segregated independently of Cre1 on chromosome 2BL and Cre4 on chromosome 2DL, and these genes could consistently be combined in the same genotype, inducing a more durable resistance. Tests to determine the chromosomal location of Cre7 using addition lines were inconclusive.

Effect of incubation temperature on growth parameters of Pseudoalteromonas antarctica NF and its production of extracellular polymeric substancesdagger.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of temperature on growth parameters and on extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production for Pseudoalteromonas antarctica NF(3). METHODS AND RESULTS: For this purpose, three growth parameters, lag time (lambda), maximum growth rate (mu) and maximum population density (A), were calculated with the predictive Gompertz model. To evaluate the variations in mu with respect to temperature, the secondary Arrhenius and the square root models were used. Below the optimal growth temperature (17.5 degrees C), the growth of P. antarctica was separated into two domains at the critical temperature of 12 degrees C. Within the suboptimal domain (12-17.5 degrees C), the temperature characteristic was the lowest (5.29 kcal mol(-1)). Growth population densities were maintained over the entire physiological portion assayed (5-17.5 degrees C). Higher crude EPS production was found at temperatures included in the cold domain (5-12 degrees C). CONCLUSIONS: All calculated parameters revealed an optimal adaptation of this strain to cold temperatures. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The knowledge of the influence of temperature on growth parameters of P. antarctica NF(3) and on EPS production could improve the production of this extracellular polymeric substance that is currently being used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

[Is capsule endoscopy useful in children with chronic abdominal pain?]. / Es útil la cápsula endoscópica en niños con dolor abdominal crónico?

Chronic abdominal pain is highly prevalent in school-aged children and is one of the most frequent disorders in our environment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of capsule endoscopy (CE) in patients with chronic abdominal pain. Sixteen patients (nine boys and seven girls), aged between 5 and 16 years old, with chronic abdominal pain for at least 12 months were studied. In all patients the results of hemograms, biochemical investigations, urine sediment test, Helicobacter pylori breath test and celiac serology were normal. In all children, gastroscopy, small bowel follow-through, abdominal ultrasound and colonoscopy were normal. All patients received CE by mouth. In 43.75 % of the patients studied (7/16), the capsule showed evidence of nodular lymphoid hyperplasia, mainly located in the ileum. In one girl, oxyuriasis was observed in the cecum and in another girl aphthous lesions were observed in the ileum. These lesions suggested small bowel Crohn's disease. CE mainly showed images compatible with nodular lymphoid hyperplasia, with unknown clinical significance. Consequently, we conclude that CE does not provide useful information in patients with abdominal pain without other symptoms.

Modulation of antigenic phenotype by IL-1beta, IFNgamma and TGFbeta on cultured human decidual stromal cells.

Decidual stromal cells (DSC) constitute the most abundant population in normal human decidua together with leukocytes. Both populations may be involved in the immunological role of the decidua by favoring gestational functions, participating in physiological mechanisms to eliminate the fetus, or providing local defense against infection. Using flow cytometry, we investigated whether different cytokines modulate the expression on cultured DSC of antigen-presenting molecules. The treatment with IFNgamma or IL-1beta enhanced the expression of CD54. The percentage of expression of HLA-DR was enhanced by IL-1beta treatment but was not modified by IFNgamma. The expression of CD80 and CD86 was enhanced by IFNgamma treatment but was not modified by IL-1beta; the expression of CD86 and HLA-DR was reduced by TGFbeta1 treatment. The response of DSC and dendritic cells to these cytokines appears to be similar, suggesting a phenotypic and functional relationship between these cell types.

Incidence and factors influencing on Helicobacter pylori infection recurrence.

OBJECTIVES: a) To determine the rate of H. pylori reinfection after successful eradication in a 4-year follow-up study; and b) To evaluate the contribution of different factors in the infection relapse. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 208 patients (age range 18-81 years; average 50 years; 87 women) who had been successfully treated for H. pylori infection were included. Annually, urea breath test was assessed to determine H. pylori status after eradication. Age, sex, rural/urban environment, smoking habit, treatment regimens against H. pylori and urea breath test values were evaluated. RESULTS: reinfection occurred in 9,6% of patients observed, 6,7% (14/208) in the first year, 1,9% (4/208) in the second year, 1% (2/208) in the third and 0% in the forth. Risk factors for infection recurrence were younger age and higher values of urea breath test in the multivariante analysis. CONCLUSIONS: annual reinfection rate was 2,4 pacients-year. Younger patients and higher values of urea breath test were factors associated with a higher rate of reinfection relapse. Annually, urea breath test should be performed to detect reinfection in order to avoid ulcer complications.

Phytoplankton nyctemeral variation at a tropical river estuary (Itamaracá-Pernambuco-Brazil).

The Botafogo estuary is of socio-economical importance for Pernambuco State. It is located at the north of Santa Cruz Channel, Itamaracá, Pernambuco, Brazil (07 degrees 42' 50 "S and 34 degrees 52' 10" W). There is a critical need to understand its functioning because of the rate at which this area is being converted to land uses. The phytoplankton dynamics was studied to enhance the knowledge of and verify the possible changes which have occurred in this ecosystem. Sampling was carried out with a plankton net 65 micrometers mesh size for qualitative data, and a Van Dorn bottle for quantitative data. Concurrent hydrological and chlorophyll-a data were collected. Samplings were made in one fixed station in July 1996 (rainy season) and December 1996 (dry season), at 3-hour intervals during 24 hours. Eighty-seven specific and infra-specific taxa were identified from net plankton samples. Diatoms were most frequent, mainly Coscinodiscus centralis and Odontella regia in the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Phytoplankton density varied from 205,000 to 1,210,000 cell.L-1 in the dry season, and from 230,000 to 2,510,000 cell.L-1 in the rainy season, indicating eutrophic conditions. Most numerically abundant were the diatoms Cyclotella meneghiniana and Cylindrotheca closterium and the phytoflagellates. The ecosystem is polluted, and deleterious effects are minimized by the marine influence which allows periodic water renewal.

Phytoplankton nyctemeral variation at a tropical river estuary (Itamaracá - Pernambuco - Brazil)

O estuário do rio Botafogo tem grande importância socioeconômica para o Estado de Pernambuco. Esse estuário está localizado ao norte do Canal de Santa Cruz, em Itamaracá, Pernambuco, Brasil (07º42'50"S e 34º52'10"W). Há uma necessidade crítica de entender seu funcionamento em razão de a área ser convertida em outros usos. A dinâmica do fitoplâncton foi estudada para aumentar o conhecimento sobre o grupo e verificar as possíveis mudanças ocorridas no ecossistema. Para o estudo qualitativo foram realizadas amostragens com uma rede de plâncton com abertura de malha de 65 micrômetros e, para o quantitativo, utilizou-se uma garrafa de Van Dorn. Paralelamente foram coletados dados de hidrologia e clorofila-a. As amostragens foram feitas em uma estação fixa em julho/1996 (período chuvoso) e dezembro de 1996 (período seco), em intervalos de 3 horas, durante 24 horas. Foram identificados 87 táxons específicos e infra-específicos no plâncton de rede. As diatomáceas foram as mais frequentes, principalmente Coscinodiscus centralis e Odontella regia, respectivamente, nos períodos chuvoso e seco. A densidade fitoplanctônica variou de 205.000 a 1.200.000 céls.Lû1 no período seco, e de 230.000 a 2.510.000 céls.Lû1 no chuvoso, indicando condições eutróficas. A maior abundância numérica foi das diatomáceas Cyclotella meneghiniana e Cylindrotheca closterium e dos fitoflagelados. O ecossistema é poluído e os efeitos negativos são minimizados pela influência marinha, permitindo renovação periódica.

A new Hessian fly resistance gene (H30) transferred from the wild grass Aegilops triuncialis to hexaploid wheat.

A new Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor Say) resistance gene from Aegilops triuncialis and its transfer to hexaploid wheat via interspecific hybridisation is described. The transfer line TR-3531 (42 chromosomes), derived from the cross [(Triticum turgidum x Ae. triuncialis) x Triticum aestivum] and carrying the Heterodera avenae resistance gene Cre7, showed a high level of resistance to the M. destructor biotype prevailing in the SW of Spain. A single dominant gene (H30) seems to determine the Hessian fly resistance in this introgression line, and its linkage with an isozyme marker (Acph-U1) has also been studied. It has been demonstrated that the resistance gene H30 in the TR-3531 line is non-allelic with respect to the genes H3, H6, H9, H11, H12, H13, H18 and H21, present in wheat cultivars from the Uniform Hessian Fly Nursery (UHFN), as well as to H27, carried by the introgression line H-93-33. Advanced lines with the H30 gene were obtained by backcrossing the transfer line and different commercial wheats as recurrent parents. Several of them showed a high yield in tests carried out in the infested field. Electronic Supplementary Material is available if you access this article at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00122-002-1182-z. On that page (frame on the left side), a link takes you directly to the supplementary material.

Biochemical and genetic studies of two Heterodera avenae resistance genes transferred from Aegilops ventricosa to wheat.

Two Heterodera avenae resistance genes, Cre2 from Aegilops ventricosa AP-1 and Cre5 from Ae. ventricosa #10, were shown to confer a high level of resistance to the Spanish pathotype Ha71. No susceptible plants were found in the F(2) progeny from the cross between the two accessions of Ae. ventricosa, suggesting that their respective resistance factors were allelic. However, genes Cre2 and Cre5 apparently were transferred to a different chromosomal location in the wheat line H-93-8 and in the 6M(v)(6D) substitution, respectively, as proved by F(2) segregation of their cross progeny. The induction of several defence responses during early infection by the same H. avenae pathotype in resistant lines carrying Cre2 or Cre5 genes was studied. Isoelectrofocusing (IEF) isozyme analysis revealed that peroxidase, esterase and superoxide dismutase activity increased after nematode infection, in roots of resistant lines in comparison with their susceptible parents. Differential induced isoforms were also identified when IEF patterns of resistant lines were compared. A DNA marker, absent in Cre5-carrying genotypes, was found to be linked, thought not very tightly, to the Cre2 gene in the H-93-8 line. The differences observed between the Cre2 and Cre5 genes with respect to their chromosomal location in wheat introgression lines, de-toxificant enzyme induction and behaviour against different pathotypes, suggest they are different H. avenae resistance sources for wheat breeding.

[Implementation and evaluation of case management in Catalonia: the ISP-SMD program]. / La implementación y evaluación del modelo de gestión de casos (case management) en Cataluña: el programa PSI-TMS.

INTRODUCTION: The pilot study of the Individualized Service Program for people with Severe Mental Disorders (ISP-SMD) consists of the implementation of case management services in Catalonia. METHODOLOGY: The ISP-SMD has been implemented in two health care sectors and will be expanded to the rest of Catalonia in the next years. The program serves people with persistent mental disorders who have serious social or family problems and/or who have inadequate mental health service use (high use of inpatient services, no use of community services). The ISP-SMD is a community intervention program that focuses its activities on direct care and coordination between services. Thirty patients have been included in the evaluation. RESULTS: The results of the pilot study have shown that, compared to the year before entering the program, the patients show better clinical status, they decrease their unmet need level, they have more appropriate use of health services and have lower treatment costs. Satisfaction of the patients, family members and professionals with the program is very high. CONCLUSION: It is possible to adapt and implement case management services in Catalonia. When implemented, they improve patient quality of life.

Secondary metabolites from a Streptomyces strain isolated from Livingston Island, Antarctica.

The producing strain Streptomyces sp. 1010 was isolated from a shallow sea sediment from the region of Livingston Island, Antarctica. From the culture broth of this strain naturally active secondary metabolites were isolated identical to phthalic acid diethyl ester (C12H14O4, MW. 222); 1, 3-bis (3-phenoxyphenoxy)benzene (C30H22O4, MW.446); hexanedioic acid dioctyl ester (C22H42O4, MW.370) and the new substance 2-amino- 9, 13 -dimethyl heptadecanoic acid (C19H39NO2, MW.313). These compounds represent diverse classes of chemical structures and provide evidence for the untapped biosynthetic potential of marine bacteria from Antarctica.

Seguimiento de un programa de naltrexona tras antagonización rápida de opiáceos / Follow-up of a naltrexone program after rapid antagonization of opiates

Objetivo: se realiza un estudio de seguimiento de 91 pacientes en programa de deshabituación con naltrexona tras antagonización rápida de opiáceos. Material y métodos: fue evaluada la retención de 91 pacientes a las 24 horas del alta del tratamiento de desintoxicación así como la retención a los 3 y 6 meses. Se analizan las variables sociodemográficas, de historia de consumo, clínicas y de tratamiento asociadas a la retención en los diferentes momentos de medida. Resultados: las cifras de retención son del 85,6 por ciento (77/91) a las 24 horas, 60,4 por ciento (55/91) a los 3 meses y 59,3 por ciento (54/91) a los 6 meses. Estas cifras difieren significativamente de las aportadas por otros estudios realizados en el mismo ámbito. Conclusiones: las variables que sugieren retención son preferentemente las relacionadas con un mayor período del consumo de heroína y una experiencia previa en programas de naltrexona. (AU)

Expression of molecules involved in antigen presentation and T cell activation (HLA-DR, CD80, CD86, CD44 and CD54) by cultured human osteoblasts.

BACKGROUND: Osteoblasts express the CD44 antigen and HLA class II antigens, molecules which, together with other costimulatory molecules such as CD80, CD86, and CD54, are involved in antigen presentation and T cell activation. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of these molecules in human osteoblasts. METHODS: Human osteoblastic cells obtained from samples of normal bone obtained during mandibular osteotomy were isolated, maintained in culture, and characterized. The identity of the cells was confirmed by their alkaline phosphatase activity and their capacity to produce osteocalcin. Flow cytometry was used to examine the expression HLA-DR, CD80, CD86, CD44, and CD54 molecules involved in immune activities. RESULTS: We detected the expression of CD10, CD44, and HLA-DR antigens, molecules involved in antigen presentation in cultured osteoblastic cells. Although the cells were negative for CD45, the leukocyte common antigen and CD14 (an antigen detected on macrophages), they expressed CD54, CD80, and CD86 antigens, which are also involved in the mechanisms of antigen presentation to and activation of T cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that osteoblastic cells or a subpopulation of these cells may have immune functions in bone. Further studies in which immune functions are assessed will be needed to test this hypothesis.

Atmospheric correction algorithm for hyperspectral remote sensing of ocean color from space.

Existing atmospheric correction algorithms for multichannel remote sensing of ocean color from space were designed for retrieving water-leaving radiances in the visible over clear deep ocean areas and cannot easily be modified for retrievals over turbid coastal waters. We have developed an atmospheric correction algorithm for hyperspectral remote sensing of ocean color with the near-future Coastal Ocean Imaging Spectrometer. The algorithm uses look-up tables generated with a vector radiative transfer code. Aerosol parameters are determined by a spectrum-matching technique that uses channels located at wavelengths longer than 0.86 mum. The aerosol information is extracted back to the visible based on aerosol models during the retrieval of water-leaving radiances. Quite reasonable water-leaving radiances have been obtained when our algorithm was applied to process hyperspectral imaging data acquired with an airborne imaging spectrometer.