Effect of agricultural microplastic and mesoplastic in the vermicomposting process: Response of Eisenia fetida and quality of the vermicomposts obtained.

This work evaluates the effect of agricultural plastic waste (APW) in two particle sizes, microplastic and film debris, and subjected to a pre-treatment by exposure to UV-C, in the development of the vermicomposting process. Eisenia fetida health status and metabolic response and the vermicompost quality and enzymatic activity were determined. The environmental significant of this study is mainly related to how can affect plastic presence (depending on plastic type, size and/or if it is partially degraded) not only to this biological process of organic waste degradation, but also to the vermicompost characteristics, since these organic materials will be reintroduced in the environment as organic amendments and/or fertilizers in agriculture. The plastic presence induced a significant negative effect in survival and body weight of E. fetida with an average decrease of 10% and 15%, respectively, and differences on the characteristics of the vermicomposts obtained, mainly related with NPK content. Although the plastic proportion tested (1.25% f. w.) did not induce acute toxicity in worms, effects of oxidative stress were found. Thus, the exposure of E. fetida to AWP with smaller size or pre-treated with UV seemed to induce a biochemical response, but the mechanism of oxidative stress response did not seem to be dependent on the size or shape of plastic fragments or pre-treated plastic.

Role of proteins and soluble peptides as limiting components during the co-composting of agro-industrial wastes.

The agri-food industry is at the centre of the circular economy, since the co-composting of its residual flows allows their management and adds value producing fertilisers. In this work, six composting piles were prepared combining agri-food sludge (AS), different fresh vegetable wastes (pepper waste (P), tomato waste (T), and leek waste (L), and, as bulking agents, vine shoot pruning (VS), garlic stalks (GS) and avocado leaves (AL)). Classical physico-chemical and chemical determinations and advanced instrumental methods (excitation-emission fluorescence (EEM) and gravimetric (TG, DTG and DTA) techniques) were used and compared to assess organic matter evolution and evaluate the quality of the composts obtained. The thermal profiles of the composting processes were viable to show the stabilization of the agri-food sludge with the different materials tested in the mixtures, reaching adequate levels of stabilization of organic matter. Preferential degradation of peptides and proteins was observed by fluorescence. This seemed to induce a limitation in the biodegradation of the remaining organic matter, indicating that these biomolecules are key in composting dynamics, acting as limiting components during the process. The results from thermogravimetric analysis indicated the degradation of labile compounds (e.g., carbohydrates and proteins), the most recalcitrant material becoming predominant at the maturity stage of the composting process. The rise in the thermogravimetric parameter R2 was associated with the increase in the concentration of more refracting compounds, which need more energy for their decomposition.

Comprehensive management of dog faeces: Composting versus anaerobic digestion.

The objective of this work was to study the possibilities to manage and recycle dog faeces (DF) using biological processes, using two approaches: composting (C) and anaerobic digestion (AD). Thus, different experiments have been carried out: i) two laboratory/pilot scale experiments (self-heating and composting tests) and one, on a commercial scale; ii) two AD experiments. In both approaches, municipal waste such as the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OMSW) and urban pruning waste (GW) were used as co-substrates. The results obtained regarding the optimization of the composting process indicated that the best strategy was the use of a 1:2 ratio of DF, a 1:4 ratio of OMSW, and a 1:4 ratio of GW, according to the thermal parameters studied (temperature and cumulative quadratic exothermic index (EXI2)), and the quality of the compost obtained. A potentially limiting factor of the process was the high salinity of the DF waste. In addition, AD experiments were performed on DF, OMSW, and GW wastes in controlled anaerobic systems at a laboratory scale. In these experiments, the biogas production obtained was 229 mL biogas/g total solids for the DF residue, 248 mL biogas/g total solids for GW, and 263 mL biogas/g total solids for OMSW. The co-digestion yields a clear improvement in the efficiency of the process against the use of a single residue, increasing the production of biogas by up to 27% with respect to that of the DF waste alone during the first 25 days of AD. The results obtained with these procedures have shown the possibilities to add value to this waste in an urban context where the circular economy represents an increasingly favourable scenario, including the generation of fertilisers and/or energy at a local scale, provided that the collection of dog faeces is optimized.

Composting of the invasive species Arundo donax with sewage and agri-food sludge: Agronomic, economic and environmental aspects.

This work evaluates several co-composting scenarios based on the use of Arundo donax biomass (AD) as bulking agent for the co-composting of sewage sludge (MS) and agri-food sludge (AS), to manage these organic wastes and to produce balanced organic fertilizers by optimizing the process. For this, six piles were prepared in commercial composting conditions, using AD in a range of 40%-80% (on a dry weight basis). Physico-chemical and chemical parameters and the thermal behaviour were evaluated during the process, as were the physical and chemical parameters of the final composts. The proportion of AD in the mixtures has a significant effect on the development of the thermophilic stage of composting, showing the piles with higher proportion of AD a quicker organic matter degradation. In addition, the evolution of the thermal indices R1 and R2 was different depending on the origin of the sludge used, indicating an increase in the relative concentration of more recalcitrant materials in the piles prepared with AS. The estimation of the global warming potential showed that the use of higher proportion of AD in the composting mixture may be a strategy to mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases during the composting process. Moreover, the end-products obtained had an additional marketable value, with a balanced nutrient content and a good degree of maturity, which indicates the viability of the composting process as a method for the stabilization of these organic wastes.

Autoevaluación de salud mental en pacientes con psoriasis moderada a grave: un estudio multicéntrico observacional de 1.164 pacientes en España (el estudio VACAP) / Mental Health Self-Assessment in Patients With Moderate to Severe Psoriasis: An Observational, Multicenter Study of 1164 Patients in Spain (The VACAP Study)

Antecedentes: La gravedad de la psoriasis parece estar relacionada con una pobre autoevaluación de la salud mental. Objetivos: Evaluar el impacto que tiene la gravedad de la psoriasis sobre los trastornos de ansiedad y del estado de ánimo. Metodología: Estudio prospectivo, observacional y multicéntrico realizado por 123 dermatólogos en España. Los pacientes con psoriasis moderada a grave (n = 164; edad media [DE] 45,11 [13,92] años; 60,8% hombres) fueron valorados al inicio del estudio y 4 meses más tarde. Para medir la gravedad de la psoriasis se usó el Índice de Severidad y Área de Psoriasis (PASI) con un rango de puntuación entre 0 (leve) y 72 (grave); el área de superficie corporal afectada (BSA) y las puntuaciones de la evaluación global del médico (PGA) entre 1 (leve) y 7 (grave). La salud mental se evaluó utilizando la escala hospitalaria de ansiedad y depresión (HADS), con una puntuación total entre 0 y 42 (los valores más altos representan peor salud mental). Se compararon la media de las puntuaciones obtenidas en la primera y segunda visita. Resultados: La media (DE) de las puntuaciones mejoraron entre la primera y la segunda visita de la siguiente manera: de 13,24 (9,50) a 5,07 (6,03) para el PASI; de 12,52 (7,92) a 10,78 (7,32) para el HADS global, de 7,83 (4,55) a 6,85 (4,21) para el HADS subescala de ansiedad y de 4,72 (4,12) a 3,95 (3,76) para el HADS subescala de depresión (P < 0,001 en todos los casos). El análisis multivariante mostró que los principales factores relacionados con la ansiedad fueron la gravedad de la psoriasis, el género y la finalización de los estudios de licenciatura. Las variables independientes incluidas en el modelo de estudio para la depresión fueron la gravedad de la psoriasis, el género y la psoriasis localizada en la cabeza. Conclusiones: La reducción en la gravedad de la enfermedad mejora la autoevaluación de los trastornos del estado de ánimo y de la ansiedad en pacientes con psoriasis de moderada a grave (AU)

Background: Poor self-assessed mental health appears to be related to the severity of psoriasis. Objective: To evaluate the impact of psoriasis severity on mood and anxiety disorders. Methods: A prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted by 123 dermatologists in Spain. Patients (n = 164; mean [SD] age, 45.11 [13.92] years; 60.8% males) with moderate to severe psoriasis were evaluated at baseline and 4 months later. Psoriasis severity was measured using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), with a score range of 0 (mild) to 72 (severe); body surface area involvement (BSA); and physician global assessment (PGA) scores, with a range of 1 (mild) to 7 (severe). Mental health was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), with a total possible score of 0–42 (higher scores representing worse mental health). Mean first and second visit scores were compared. Results: Mean (SD) scores improved between the first and second visit as follows: 13.24 (9.50) to 5.07 (6.03) for PASI, 12.52 (7.92) to 10.78 (7.32) for overall HADS, 7.83 (4.55) to 6.85 (4.21) for the HADS anxiety subscale, and 4.72 (4.12) to 3.95 (3.76) for the HADS depression subscale (P < 0.001 in all cases). Multivariate analyses showed that the main factors related to anxiety were psoriasis severity, sex, and completion of graduate studies. The independent variables included in the model for depression were psoriasis severity, sex, and psoriasis located on the head. Conclusions: Reductions in disease severity improve self-assessed mood and anxiety disorders in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis (AU)

Características demográficas y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en pacientes con psoriasis moderada a grave: Estudio vacap / Demographic characteristics and health-related quality of life of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis: The VACAP study

Antecedentes: La psoriasis se asocia a un deterioro de la Calidad de Vida Relacionada con la Salud (CVRS) de los pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue valorar la CVRS en pacientes con psoriasis moderada a grave. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo observacional (Estudio VACAP) sobre 1217 pacientes distribuidos en 123 centros de España. Los pacientes fueron evaluados al inicio del estudio (visita 1 [V1]) y de nuevo 4 meses más tarde (visita 2 [V2]). Para determinar la gravedad de la psoriasis se emplearon los siguientes índices: a) el índice de gravedad y de área de la psoriasis (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI]) (valores entre 0-72, las puntuaciones más altas indican una mayor gravedad de la enfermedad); b) el índice de superficie corporal afectada (Body Surface Area [BSA]), y c) la evaluación general efectuada por el médico (Physicians Global Assessment [PGA]) (intervalo entre 1–7: los valores más altos son indicativos de una enfermedad más grave). Para evaluar la CVRS se utilizaron 4 tipos de cuestionarios: a) el Cuestionario de Calidad de Vida SF-36 (SF-36) (escala entre 0–100, los valores más altos indican una mejor CVRS); b) el EuroQol (EQ-5D) (intervalo comprendido entre 1–3, cuanto más bajos sean los resultados obtenidos mejor es la CVRS); c) el Índice de Calidad de Vida en Dermatología (Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]) (intervalo entre 0–30; de mejor a peor CVRS); y d) el Índice de Discapacidad de la Psoriasis (Psoriasis Disability Index [PDI]) (escala de puntuación entre 0–45, los datos más altos muestran una mejor CVRS). Resultados: La edad media de los pacientes (desviación estándar [DS]) en la V1 fue de 45,11 (13,92) años. La edad media de inicio de la psoriasis fue de 26,08 (14,19) años. La mayoría de los pacientes eran mujeres (61%) y trabajadoras (68%). El valor medio del PASI fue de 13,24 (9,59) en la V1 y de 5,07 (6,03) en la V2 (p < 0,001). Las puntuaciones de los cuestionarios de CVRS genéricos (EQ-5D, SF-36) mejoraron significativamente en todas las dimensiones evaluadas entre las 2 visitas (p < 0,001). Los cuestionarios específicos de enfermedad también revelaron la mejoría general de la calidad de vida a lo largo del tiempo: la puntuación media total del DLQI fue de 8,97 (7,28) en la V1 y de 4,76 (5,72) en la V2 (p < 0,001), y los valores medios totales del PDI fueron de 9,24 (8,76) en la V1 y 4,88 (6,65) en la V2 (p < 0,001). El análisis multivariado, siendo el PDI la variable dependiente, mostró que los principales factores relacionados con la CVRS eran la gravedad de la psoriasis, medida por PASI, (p < 0,001) y el sexo (p = 0,048). Conclusiones: El principal factor relacionado con la CVRS en pacientes con psoriasis es la gravedad de la enfermedad (AU)

Background: Psoriasis is associated with a deterioration in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of affected patients. The aim of this study was to assess the HRQoL of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Methods: A prospective observational study (the VACAP Study) was carried out in 123 centers in Spain with 1217 patients. Patients were evaluated at baseline (visit 1 [V1]) and again four months later (visit 2 [V2]). The severity of psoriasis was determined using the following indices: (I) Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (score range 0–72, higher score indicates more severe disease), (II) the body surface area (BSA) affected, and (III) the Physicians Global Assessment (PGA) (range 1–7, higher score indicates more severe disease). Four questionnaires were used for the assessment of the HRQoL: (I) the Short-Form 36 quality-of-life questionnaire (SF-36) (score range 0–100, higher score indicates better HRQoL); (II) Euroqol (EQ-5D) (range from 1 to 3, lower score indicates better HRQoL); (III) Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) (ranges 0–30; from best to worst HRQoL); and (IV) Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) (ranges 0–45; higher score indicates better HRQoL). Results: The mean (SD) age of the patients was 45.11 ( 13.92) years at V1. The mean age at the onset of psoriasis was 26.08 (14.19) years. The majority of patients were female (61%) and were employed (68%). The mean PASI score was 13.24 (9.50) at V1 and 5.07 (6.03) at V2 (P < 0.001). Scores from the generic HRQoL questionnaires (EQ-5D, SF-36) showed significant improvement between visits in all dimensions measured (P < 0.001). The disease-specific questionnaires also revealed overall improvements in quality of life over time: the DLQI mean total score was 8.97 (7.28) at V1 and 4.76 (5.72) at V2 (P < 0.001), and the PDI mean total score was 9.24 (8.76) V1 and 4.88 (6.65) at V2 (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis using PDI as the dependent variable showed that the principal factors related to HRQoL were severity of psoriasis as measured by PASI (P < .001), and gender (P = 0.048). Conclusions: The principal factor related to HRQoL in patients with psoriasis is the severity of the disease (AU)

Mental health self-assessment in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: an observational, multicenter study of 1164 patients in Spain (the VACAP Study).

BACKGROUND: Poor self-assessed mental health appears to be related to the severity of psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of psoriasis severity on mood and anxiety disorders. METHODS: A prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted by 123 dermatologists in Spain. Patients (n=164; mean [SD] age, 45.11 [13.92] years; 60.8% males) with moderate to severe psoriasis were evaluated at baseline and 4 months later. Psoriasis severity was measured using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), with a score range of 0 (mild) to 72 (severe); body surface area involvement (BSA); and physician global assessment (PGA) scores, with a range of 1 (mild) to 7 (severe). Mental health was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), with a total possible score of 0-42 (higher scores representing worse mental health). Mean first and second visit scores were compared. RESULTS: Mean (SD) scores improved between the first and second visit as follows: 13.24 (9.50) to 5.07 (6.03) for PASI, 12.52 (7.92) to 10.78 (7.32) for overall HADS, 7.83 (4.55) to 6.85 (4.21) for the HADS anxiety subscale, and 4.72 (4.12) to 3.95 (3.76) for the HADS depression subscale (P<.001 in all cases). Multivariate analyses showed that the main factors related to anxiety were psoriasis severity, sex, and completion of graduate studies. The independent variables included in the model for depression were psoriasis severity, sex, and psoriasis located on the head. CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in disease severity improve self-assessed mood and anxiety disorders in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Demographic characteristics and health-related quality of life of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis: The VACAP study.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is associated with a deterioration in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of affected patients. The aim of this study was to assess the HRQoL of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. METHODS: A prospective observational study (the VACAP Study) was carried out in 123 centers in Spain with 1217 patients. Patients were evaluated at baseline (visit 1 [V1]) and again four months later (visit 2 [V2]). The severity of psoriasis was determined using the following indices: (i) Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (score range 0-72, higher score indicates more severe disease), (ii) the body surface area (BSA) affected, and (iii) the Physicians Global Assessment (PGA) (range 1-7, higher score indicates more severe disease). Four questionnaires were used for the assessment of the HRQoL: (i) the Short-Form 36 quality-of-life questionnaire (SF-36) (score range 0-100, higher score indicates better HRQoL); (ii) Euroqol (EQ-5D) (range from 1 to 3, lower score indicates better HRQoL); (iii) Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) (ranges 0-30; from best to worst HRQoL); and (iv) Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) (ranges 0-45; higher score indicates better HRQoL). RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the patients was 45.11 (13.92) years at V1. The mean age at the onset of psoriasis was 26.08 (14.19) years. The majority of patients were female (61%) and were employed (68%). The mean PASI score was 13.24 (9.50) at V1 and 5.07 (6.03) at V2 (P<.001). Scores from the generic HRQoL questionnaires (EQ-5D, SF-36) showed significant improvement between visits in all dimensions measured (P<.001). The disease-specific questionnaires also revealed overall improvements in quality of life over time: the DLQI mean total score was 8.97 (7.28) at V1 and 4.76 (5.72) at V2 (P<.001), and the PDI mean total score was 9.24 (8.76) V1 and 4.88 (6.65) at V2 (P<.001). Multivariate analysis using PDI as the dependent variable showed that the principal factors related to HRQoL were severity of psoriasis as measured by PASI (P<.001), and gender (P=.048). CONCLUSIONS: The principal factor related to HRQoL in patients with psoriasis is the severity of the disease.

Análisis del impacto presupuestario del tratamiento en primera línea de la esclerosis múltiple remitente recurrente en España. Réplica / No disponible

No disponible

[Budget impact analysis of the first-line treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in Spain]. / Analisis del impacto presupuestario del tratamiento en primera linea de la esclerosis multiple remitente recurrente en Espana.

AIM: To assess the budget impact of the treatment for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), interferons, and glatiramer acetate, from the National Health System perspective in Spain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A budget impact model was designed to compare the cost of RRMS treatment in different settings, using a five year time-horizon, considering different percentages of administration of each medication. A reference setting o base case using all the available first line treatments (interferons and glatiramer acetate) was compared with five alternatives scenarios excluding each one of these treatments. The cost analysis (euros, year 2010) includes direct medical resources (drugs, administration, visits, disease management, diagnostic tests). Unitary cost data was obtained from the health costs database e-Salud and drugs catalogue. RESULTS: Considering a cohort of 22 255 patients with RRMS, the mean global budget impact per year would be 260 775 470 euros in the base case. The setting that excluded glatiramer acetate increases the budget impact in a 3.23% (372 euros per patient per year). Pharmacological costs were the key drivers of total cost (90%). CONCLUSION: The use of glatiramer acetate in the first-line-treatment of RRMS patients is a cost-saving strategy, which may decrease the budget impact from the National Health System perspective in Spain.

Efficacy of taxanes as adjuvant treatment of breast cancer: a review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the magnitude of benefit obtained by taxanes as adjuvant treatment of breast cancer and to assess the best method for their administration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a systematic search of phase III randomised clinical trials that included patients with non-metastatic breast cancer in whom comparisons were chemotherapy (CT) containing a taxane (docetaxel or paclitaxel) vs. CT without taxanes (first-generation trials), or CT with taxane in both treatment arms (second-generation trials), administered after surgery. The parameters of efficacy evaluated were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The data obtained in the first-generation trials (number of relapses and deaths) were submitted to a meta-analysis. The odds ratio (OR) combined with DerSimonian and Laird (OR DL) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated. Further, an analysis was performed of those trials that included only patients with nodal involvement (N+). In both cases, the results were also analysed as a function of the taxane used, and with indirect comparisons between the two. The second-generation trials were analysed to assess the optimum method of administration. RESULTS: A total of 17 trials were selected for the meta-analysis (30,672 patients). The OR DL was 0.82 (95%CI: 0.76-0.88) for DFS and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75-0.91) for OS. In N+ patients the results were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.74-0.86) and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.69-0.89), respectively. Docetaxel and paclitaxel significantly increased the DFS and OS. In our indirect comparison, the benefit of docetaxel on OS was significantly superior to that obtained with paclitaxel in N+ patients (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.63-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of adjuvant CT-based taxanes reduces the risk of relapse and death. This reduction is superior in clinical trials that included only N+ patients. With the available evidence, it would appear that the best method of administering paclitaxel is weekly and for docetaxel tri-weekly (AU)

The potential of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for the estimation of agroindustrial compost quality.

Composting is an environmentally friendly alternative for the recycling of organic wastes and its use is increasing in recent years. An exhaustive monitoring of the composting process and of the final compost characteristics is necessary to certify that the values of compost characteristics are within the limits established by the legislation in order to obtain a safe and marketable product. The analysis of these parameters on each composting batch in the commercial composting plant is time-consuming and expensive. So, their estimation in the composting facilities based on the use of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) could be an interesting approach in order to monitor compost quality. In this study, more than 300 samples from 20 different composting procedures were used to calibrate and validate the NIRS estimation of compost properties (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total organic matter (TOM), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and C/N ratio, macronutrient contents (N, P, K) and potentially pollutant element concentrations (Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn)). The composts used were elaborated using different organic wastes from agroindustrial activities (GS: grape stalk; EGM: exhausted grape marc; GM: grape marc; V: vinasse; CJW: citrus juice waste; Alpeorujo: olive-oil waste; AS: almond skin; EP: exhausted peat; TSW: tomato soup waste; SMS: spent mushroom substrate) co-composted with manures (CM: cattle manure; PM: poultry manure) or urban wastes (SS: sewage sludge) The estimation results showed that the NIRS technique needs to be fitted to each element and property, using specific spectrum transformations, in order to achieve an acceptable accuracy in the prediction. However, excellent prediction results were obtained for TOM and TOC, successful calibrations for pH, EC, Fe and Mn, and moderately successful estimations for TN, C/N ratio, P, K, Cu and Zn.

Estimation of phosphorus content and dynamics during composting: use of near infrared spectroscopy.

The content and chemical forms of P in compost are essential variables for its proper management with an agricultural purpose, especially considering the increasing P over-fertilization in agrosystems. In this study, the estimation of P content and dynamics in different composting scenarios was developed using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) coupled with a statistical tool for calibration, a penalized signal regression. Samples were analyzed on total P and partitioned using NaOH-solution (31)P NMR spectroscopy quantifying pyrophosphate, orthophosphate, orthophosphate diesters, phospholipids, and orthophosphate monoesters pools. According to the results obtained, total P content (r(2)=0.99 and root mean square error of cross-validation=0.53) and P forms can be estimated during composting using NIRS, as well as in the mature product, orthophosphate and orthophosphate monoesters being the most abundant P forms throughout the experiment. Penalized signal regression allows detecting the significant wavenumbers in each composting period, and also with the different P pools in the composting pile depending on time.

Dissolved organic matter fractions formed during composting of winery and distillery residues: evaluation of the process by fluorescence excitation-emission matrix.

The aim of the present paper is to assess the maturity degree reached by different samples of several mixtures from winery and distillery residues composted using the Rutgers composting system, by means of excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy. The composts were sampled once a week for about 200d. EEM spectra indicate the presence of different fluorophores. The fluorescence intensities of these peaks show trends related to the maturity of the composting samples selected. The "contour density" of EEM maps is strongly modified through time. We have used the quantitative method of fluorescence regional integration (FRI). The EEMs were delineated into five excitation-emission regions. The degree of compost maturity could be correlated with the percentage of the volumetric integration under the EEM within each region. Further refinement of these techniques should provide a relatively rapid method for assessing the suitability of the compost to soil application.

Monoclonal antibodies to amoxicillin express different idiotypes determined by anti-idiotype antibodies production.

Penicillins are beta-lactam antibiotics able to generate several antigenic determinants that are recognized by the immune system. To study the differences in the antigen binding site of two monoclonal antibodies (Mab) specific to amoxicillin, polyclonal rabbit anti-idiotypic antibodies were produced. One Mab, AO3.2 (IgG2a), specific to a structure formed by the acyl-side chain structure and a part of the nuclear region of amoxicillin. The second one, AO6.2 (IgE), is specific to the side chain of amoxicillin, although it also recognizes the side chain of other penicillins (penicillin G and ampicillin). These antibodies were used to immunize rabbits in order to produce polyclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies, which were purified in several steps by affinity chromatography. The specificity and cross-reactivity studies were made by ELISA and ELISA inhibition. The results suggest that the anti-Id antibodies produced are the internal image of the antigen, since the binding to their specific idiotype is blocked mainly by the original hapten (amoxicillin): in 98% of the cases with anti-id-1 (induced against AO3.2) and in 59% with anti-id-2 (induced against AO6.2). The absence of cross-reactivity of each anti-idiotypic antibody with the different Mabs specific to amoxicillin shows that the idiotypes induced by the same hapten have differences that are reflected by the nonrecognition of these anti-idiotypes. We conclude that such a small molecule as amoxicillin can present several antigenic determinants that induce a panel of antibody specificities especially directed against the side chain.

Percutaneous transhepatic endoluminal biliary biopsy with use of a 19-gauge gun.

A technique was developed to perform endoluminal biliary biopsy with use of a commercially available 19-g gun. In 18 patients, a biopsy set consisting of an outer 7-F, 50-cm sheath, an inner curved 14-g metal cannula, and a 60-cm, 19-g biopsy gun with a 20-mm throw was employed to obtain tissue from suspicious-appearing biliary strictures via preexisting transhepatic tracts. The endoluminal biopsy was positive for neoplasm in 13 of 18 cases with three false negatives, one true negative, and one patient with insufficient follow-up. One biopsy was complicated by a hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, which was successfully treated with coil embolization.

Polyarteritis nodosa: spectrum of angiographic findings.

The purpose of this study was to review the positive angiographic findings in patients with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). The authors reviewed the angiograms of 56 consecutive patients (25 women and 31 men; age range, 18-81 years; mean age, 55 years) with PAN and arterial abnormalities consistent with necrotizing vasculitis. Aneurysms were present in 27 patients and segments of ectasia were present in seven patients, for a total of 34 (61%) of 56 patients with aneurysmal lesions. The remaining 22 (39%) patients had arterial lesions that were occlusive: luminal irregularity, stenosis, or occlusion. All but one of the patients with an aneurysm also had occlusive lesions. Therefore, 55 (98%) of the 56 patients were found to have occlusive lesions. Skeletal muscle arteries were affected in 18 patients, nine in the extremities. The most frequent finding in patients with PAN was occlusive arterial lesions. Although the presence of aneurysms increases specificity for the diagnosis of PAN, many patients have only occlusive lesions. Involvement of skeletal muscle arteries was common.

Genetic variability in morphine sensitivity and tolerance between different strains of rats.

The development of tolerance, the sensitivity to morphine and the effective morphine plasma concentrations have been studied in Sprague-Dawley (SD-U) and Wistar (W) rats. Daily administration of morphine (10 mg/kg/12 h for 9 days) in W rats produced a reduction in morphine antinociception from day 1 (12+/-0 s) to day 9 (6.7+/-1. 9 s). Morphine antinociception in the SD-U rats did not change over the period of treatment. Naloxone abolished the antinociception of morphine in both opiate naive and chronically treated SD-U rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters of morphine and morphine-3-glucuronide did not differ significantly between strains. Both naive and chronically treated SD-U rats required smaller doses of morphine than W rats to obtain a maximum antinociceptive effect. Plasma concentrations following administration of the same dose of morphine, did not differ between strains or days of treatment. The range of morphine concentrations required to obtain a maximum effect were lower in SD-U rats, both on day 1 and day 8 when compared to W rats. These results show differences between the two strains with regard to both morphine sensitivity and development of tolerance, whilst also suggesting that the differences do not have a kinetic basis.

Protein hydrolysis and proteinase activity during the ripening of salted anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus l.). A microassay method for determining the protein hydrolysis.

The protein hydrolysis and proteinase activity during the ripening of salted anchovy were studied. A rapid, simple, and inexpensive microassay method for determining the protein hydrolysis by trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) has been developed. A linear relationship was observed between proteolysis determination by the TNBS method and ripening time in the fish muscle and in the brine (r = 0.99). A linear relationship was also observed between the ratio nonprotein nitrogen and total nitrogen (NPN/TN) and ripening time (r = 0.98). Proteolysis by the TNBS method and NPN/TN determination could be considered as objective methods to follow and assess the ripening process of an anchovy. A value of proteolysis by the TNBS method of 240 mM leucine in the fish muscle and/or 200 mM leucine in the brine would indicate the ripening point. The crude enzyme prepared of fish muscle and brine showed that alkaline proteinases dominate.

Magnetic immunoseparation PCR assay (MIPA) for detection of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in American oyster (Crassostrea virginica).

In order to detect the low numbers of hepatitis A viral (HAV) particles which may potentially be present in food and cause a serious illness, an original procedure which combines immunomagnetic separation and PCR is described. The use of streptavidin magnetic beads coated with biotinylated human anti-HAV IgG allows virus capture and the removal of the RT-PCR inhibitory compounds which usually are present in shellfish extracts. Following immunomagnetic capture, the separated HAV were lysed, the beads discarded, and the supernatant containing the viral RNA subjected to the RT-PCR protocol. Levels of HAV ranging from 10 to 10(5) pfu were successfully detected in artificially contaminated samples of shucked American oyster (Crassostrea virginica).