Removal of malachite green from water: Comparison of adsorption in a residue-derived AC versus photocatalytic oxidation with TiO2 and study of the adsorption-photocatalysis synergy.

The literature rarely compiles studies devoted to the removal of pollutants in aqueous media comparing adsorption and photocatalytic degradation, and does not pay enough attention to the analysis of combined adsorption-photocatalytic oxidation processes. In the present manuscript, the removal of malachite green (MG) from aqueous solutions has been investigated in three different sustainable scenarios: i) adsorption on activated carbon (AC) derived from a residue, luffa cylindrica, ii) photocatalytic oxidation under simulated solar light using titanium dioxide (TP) and iii) combined adsorption-photocatalytic oxidation using TP-AC (70/30 wt./wt.) under simulated solar light. The study has revealed that in the three scenarios and studied conditions, the total removal of this endocrine-disrupting dye from the solution takes place in the assayed time, 2 h, in some cases just in a few minutes. MG adsorption in the AC is a very fast and efficient removal method. MG photocatalytic oxidation with TP also occurs efficiently, although the oxidized MG is not totally mineralized. MG removal using the TP-AC composite under simulated solar light occurs only slightly faster to the MG adsorption in the AC, being adsorption the dominating MG removal mechanism for TP-AC. Thus, more than 90% of the removed MG with TP-AC under simulated solar light is adsorbed in this carbon-containing composite. The obtained results highlight the interest in adsorption, being the selection of the most suitable removal method dependent on several factors (i.e., the cost of the AC regeneration, for adsorption, or the toxicity of the intermediate oxidation species, for photooxidation). Paying attention to MG photooxidation with TiO2, comparison of two working photodegradation schemes shows that the direct photodegradation of MG from solution, avoiding any initial dark equilibrium period, is more efficient from a time perspective. The use of scavengers has proved that MG photodegradation occurs via an oxidation mechanism dominated by superoxide anion radicals.

Investigating the activation of passive metals by a combined in-situ AFM and Raman spectroscopy system: a focus on titanium.

Understanding the main steps involved in the activation of passive metals is an extremely important subject in the mechanical and energy industry and generally in surface science. The titanium-H2SO4 system is particularly useful for this purpose, as the metal can either passivate or corrode depending on potential. Although several studies tried to hypothesise the surface state of the electrode, there is no general consensus about the surface state of Ti in the active-passive transition region. Here by combining in-situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy, operating in an electrochemical cell, we show that the cathodic electrification of Ti electrodes causes the dissolution of the upper TiO2 portion of the passive film leaving the electrode covered by only a thin layer of titanium monoxide. Fast anodic reactions involved the acidification of the solution and accumulation of sulphur containing anions. This produces a local increase of the solution turbidity, allowing to distinguish favourable regions for the precipitation of TiOSO4·2H2O. These results give a clear answer to the long-stated question of the physical origin behind the formation of negative polarization resistances, sometimes occurring in corroding systems, and a rationale about the proton-induced degradation of passive surfaces in presence of sulphur containing species.

Surface-Enriched Boron-Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles as Photocatalysts for Propene Oxidation.

A series of nanostructured boron-TiO2 photocatalysts (B-X-TiO2-T) were prepared by sol-gel synthesis using titanium tetraisopropoxide and boric acid. The effects of the synthesis variables, boric acid amount (X) and crystallization temperature (T), on structural and electronic properties and on the photocatalytic performance for propene oxidation, are studied. This reaction accounts for the remediation of pollution caused by volatile organic compounds, and it is carried out at low concentrations, a case in which efficient removal techniques are difficult and costly to implement. The presence of boric acid during the TiO2 synthesis hinders the development of rutile without affecting the textural properties. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis reveals the interstitial incorporation of boron into the surface lattice of the TiO2 nanostructure, while segregation of B2O3 occurs in samples with high boron loading, also confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The best-performing photocatalysts are those with the lowest boron loading. Their high activity, outperforming the equivalent sample without boron, can be attributed to a high anatase and surface hydroxyl group content and efficient photo-charge separation (photoelectrochemical characterization, PEC), which can explain the suppression of visible photoluminescence (PL). Crystallization at 450 °C renders the most active sample, likely due to the development of a pure anatase structure with a large surface boron enrichment. A shift in the wavelength-dependent activity profile (PEC data) and the lowest electron-hole recombination rate (PL data) are also observed for this sample.

Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in swine wastes and farm surface waters.

Hog production takes place mostly in large concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) where waste is managed by storing in lagoons prior to land application of lagoon liquid. Salmonella, including antibiotic-resistant Salmonella, have been found in the farm environment and lagoons. The objective of this research was to determine whether Salmonella resistant to clinically relevant antibiotics were present in wastewaters and surface waters from hog CAFOs. Samples of hog waste and on farm environmental waters were analysed for Salmonella, which were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. The highest percentage of resistant isolates were found in raw waste flushed from hog houses and in lagoon wastewater; few resistant isolates were found in on-farm surface water. Resistance to sulphamethoxazole was most common, mostly in waste samples and less commonly in surface water, followed by chloramphenicol and ampicillin. No resistance to cephalosporin or fluoroquinolones was found. Resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics was commonly found in Salmonella from hog waste but was less extensive in farm surface waters. Management of wastes from hog CAFOs should be designed to further reduce the risk of human exposures resulting from environmental contamination with Salmonella. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study suggests antibiotic-resistant Salmonella were common in hog wastes and present in environmental waters associated with hog CAFOs. Low levels of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in on-farm stream waters suggest surface waters could have been contaminated, potentially serving as a mechanism of off-farm transport. Since the study, there have been multiple economic, regulatory and practice changes at the federal, state and industry level. These include regulation of antibiotic use and animal waste treatment, vertical integration in the industry and changes in antibiotic use practice. This study is a useful historical baseline against which current antibiotic resistance trends can be measured.

Evolución del estado nutricional y de la función pulmonar en una cohorte de pacientes con fibrosis quística seguidos en un centro de atención integral / Change over time of nutritional status and lung function in a cohort of patients with cystic fibrosis followed in a multidisciplinary care center

Cystic Fibrosis is a multisystemic inherited disease that requires ongoing care by multidisciplinary teams. The objective of this study is to describe changes on nutrition and lung function in a cohort of patients in a Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Care Center at the Hospital Infantil Universitario San José in Bogotá (HIUSJ), between 2010 and 2013.Is a descriptive study in a cohort of CF patients during four years of follow-up. The quantitative variables were described using medians and interquartile ranges, and the qualitative variables with absolute frequencies and percentages. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the findings. Of the 63 patients in the initial group, 47 (74.6%) completed the follow-up time. The age range was between 3 to 30 years. The median BMI increased as follows: 17.9 (RIQ: 12.5-25.6) in 2010, 18.6 (RIQ: 12.9-24.8) in 2011, 18.9 RIQ (13.6-26.5) in 2012 and 19.0 (RIQ: 13.5-25.8) in 2013, with lower values in men. The forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) at admission was classified as severe (FEV1 <40%) in 7.1%, moderate (FEV1 40-69%) in 35.7%, mild (FEV1 70-79%) in 7.1% and as normal (FEV1> 80%) in 50%. It is concluded that during the 4 years of follow-up at the HIUSJ CF Center there is an improvement in BMI and a deterioration in lung function in the whole group. The importance of establishing more reference centers to improve clinical outcomes and of implement a National registry to follow up over time are highlighted.

La fibrosis quística es una enfermedad hereditaria, multisistémica, cuyo manejo continuo requiere de equipos multidisciplinarios de salud. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la evolución nutricional y de la función pulmonar en una cohorte de pacientes en el centro de atención integral de la fibrosis quística (FQ), del Hospital Infantil Universitario San José de Bogotá (HIUSJB), entre 2010 y 2013. Estudio descriptivo, en una cohorte de pacientes, en seguimiento durante cuatro años. Las variables cuantitativas fueron descritas mediante medianas y rangos intercuartílicos y las cualitativas con frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes. De los 63 pacientes del grupo inicial, 47 (74.6%), completaron el tiempo de seguimiento. El rango de edad fue de 3 a 30 años. La mediana del IMC (índice de masa corporal) se incrementó así: 17.9 (RIQ:12.5-25.6) en el 2010, 18.6 (RIQ:12.9-24.8) en el 2011, 18.9 ( RIQ(13.6-26.5) en el 2012 y 19.0 (RIQ:13.5-25.8) en el 2013, con menores valores en los hombres. El volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (VEF1) al ingreso fue clasificado como severo (VEF1<40%) en el 7.1%, moderado (VEF1 40-69%) en el 35.7%, leve (VEF1 70-79%) en el 7.1% y como normal (VEF1>80%) en el 50%. Se concluye que durante los 4 años de seguimiento en el programa de FQ del HIUSJ, ocurre una mejoría del IMC en todo el grupo y un deterioro de la función pulmonar. Se resalta la importancia de constituir más centros de referencia para mejorar los desenlaces clínicos e implementar un registro Nacional para hacer seguimiento a través del tiempo.

Effects of environmental storage conditions on survival of indicator organisms in a blend of surface water and dual disinfected reclaimed water.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of temperature, mixing and sunlight exposure on the 5-day survival of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp., F+/male-specific coliphages, somatic coliphages and Clostridium perfringens spores in an 80/20 blend of surface water and reclaimed water approved for potable reuse in North Carolina. METHODS AND RESULTS: Grab samples of tertiary treated, dual disinfected North Carolina 'Type 2' reclaimed water were collected and mixed with ambient surface waters to create the 80/20 mix and then spiked with naturally occurring organisms present in the blended water or organisms isolated from sewage. Organism survival over the 5-day period was evaluated at 4 and 20°C, 0, 60 and 120 rev min-1 mixing speeds and exposure to sunlight or darkness. The log10 survival ratio was then calculated for each organism at each condition. CONCLUSIONS: There were measurable differences between the log10 survival ratios at 5 days for most organisms; indicating that storage can decrease microbial concentrations. Mixing conditions were not a significant factor in microbe survival over the 5-day storage period. Sunlight was the most effective treatment factor to decrease log10 survival during 5-day storage. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: No previous studies have evaluated the survival of micro-organisms in the NC approved 80/20 blend of surface and reclaimed water over the 5-day storage. This study provides the first results on the survival of regulated faecal indicator organisms stored for 5 days in blended water under different environmental conditions.

Seed removal in a tropical North American desert: an evaluation of pre- and post-dispersal seed removal in Stenocereus stellatus.

To determine seed removal influence on seed populations, we need to quantify pre- and post-dispersal seed removal. Several studies have quantified seed removal in temperate American deserts, but few studies have been performed in tropical deserts. These studies have only quantified pre- or post-dispersal seed removal, thus underestimating the influence of seed removal. We evaluated pre- and post-dispersal seed removal in the columnar cactus Stenocereus stellatus in a Mexican tropical desert. We performed selective exclosure experiments to estimate percentage of seeds removed by ants, birds and rodents during the pre- and post-dispersal phases. We also conducted field samplings to estimate abundance of the most common seed removers. Birds (10-28%) removed a higher percentage of seeds than ants (2%) and rodents (1-4%) during pre-dispersal seed removal. Melanerpes hypopolius was probably the main bird removing seeds from fruits. Ants (62-64%) removed a higher percentage of seeds than birds (34-38%) and rodents (16-30%) during post-dispersal seed removal. Pogonomyrmex barbatus was probably the main ant removing seeds from soil. Birds and ants are the main pre- and post-dispersal seed removers in S. stellatus, respectively. Further studies in other S. stellatus populations and plants with different life forms and fruit types will contribute to evaluate seed removal in tropical American deserts.

[Trends in social inequities in diabetes care in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region of France between 2008 and 2011]. / Évolution des inégalités sociales de suivi du diabète en région Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur entre 2008 et 2011.

BACKGROUND: Social inequities in healthcare are known to exist for the management of many chronic diseases in France, including diabetes. The recession that began in 2008 has led to increased income disparities but has it also exacerbated health inequities. The aim of this study was to describe trends in inequities in diabetes-related healthcare between 2008 and 2011 in the PACA region (Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur). METHODS: This analysis used two sources of data: the regional national health insurance fund (PACA region) reimbursement database and the socio-demographic databases of the national statistics office (INSEE) for four full years (2008 to 2011). It included individuals who had been reimbursed for three purchases of oral diabetes drugs during the previous year and assessed the association between the median household income (weighted by number and age of household members) of each patient's municipality of residence and seven indicators of diabetes monitoring and care. Using adjusted mixed logistic models, including an interaction term between time (number of years) and the median household income of the municipality, we examined the performance of the indicators for each year. RESULTS: The total number of patients with diabetes in the 941 municipalities of the PACA region varied by year from 142,055 to 164,929. Models showed that living in a town with a high or intermediate household income was significantly associated with better performance of the seven indicators and that the interaction term was significant for six of them. The effect of the municipal median income decreased significantly between 2008 and 2011 for five indicators: HbA1c, LDL-cholesterol, microalbuminuria, ophthalmoscopy and diabetes specialist visit. CONCLUSION: Social inequities in diabetes-related healthcare persisted between 2008 and 2011 but appeared to be decreasing, despite the recession.

Responses of Crepis japonica induced by supplemental blue light and UV-A radiation.

Crepis japonica (L.) D.C. (Asteraceae), a weed with antioxidant, antiallergenic, antiviral and antitumor properties displays both medicinal properties and nutritional value. This study aims to assess the effects of a supplementation of blue light and UV-A radiation on the growth, leaf anatomical structure and phenolic profile of the aerial parts of Crepis japonica. Plants were grown under two light treatments: W (control - white light), W + B (white light supplemented with blue light) and W + UV-A (white light supplemented with UV-A radiation). We recorded the length, width, and weight of fresh and dry leaves, the thickness of the epidermis and mesophyll, and stomata density. The phenolic profiles of the aqueous extracts of the aerial parts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. There was an increase in the leaf size, stomatal density, and phenolic production, and a thickening of the mesophyll and epidermis. UV-A radiation increased the phenolic production more than blue light. Blue light and UV-A radiation both improved the production of caffeic acid by about 6 and 3 times, respectively, in comparison to control. This compound was first reported as a constituent of the extract from the aerial parts together with caftaric acid. UV-A also promoted the production of chlorogenic acid (about 1.5 times in comparison to the control). We observed that the morphological and chemical parameters of C. japonica are modified in response to blue light and UV-A radiation, which can be used as tools in the cultivation of this species in order to improve its medicinal properties and nutritional value.

Characteristics of patients and physicians correlated with regular influenza vaccination in patients treated for type 2 diabetes: a follow-up study from 2008 to 2011 in southeastern France.

We studied a cohort of 110 823 patients treated with oral hypoglycaemic agents for type 2 diabetes in southeastern France from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2011, to identify influenza vaccination coverage trends and the patient and physician correlates of influenza vaccine (IFV) uptake. We used French national health insurance fund (NHIF) databases to identify these patients and collect data on their IFV reimbursement claims (IFVC) and patient and physician characteristics. We used multilevel multivariate polytomous logistic regressions to test the correlates of IFVC. Between 2008 and 2011 the annual IFVC rate varied from 33.7% to 32.3% in the 18-64 age group and from 69.5% to 61.1% in the 65 + age group, among whom we saw a clear trend towards reduced vaccination after 2008. In the younger group, the probability of regular vaccination each year from 2008 to 2011 increased with diabetes severity and duration, comorbidities, and the number of general practitioner and nurse visits; it was higher among patients seeing endocrinologists and lower among low-income patients than in other patients. In the older group, there was no association with either diabetes severity or physician specialty. These results suggest different patterns of correlates of influenza vaccination according to age. Endocrinologists might help to improve IFV uptake in the younger group of patients with type 2 diabetes. Communication strategies regarding influenza vaccination should be adapted to age, and collaboration between healthcare professionals should be reinforced to achieve vaccination objectives for these patients.

Evaluation of eluents for the recovery of an enveloped virus from hands by whole-hand sampling.

AIMS: The objective of this research is to evaluate eluents for recovery of an enveloped bacteriophage, Φ6, using whole-hand sampling. METHODS AND RESULTS: Virus was applied to the hands of volunteers and sampled by the glove juice method with 1.5% beef extract (BE), phosphate buffered saline (PBS), 0.01 and 0.1% Tween 80, tryptic soy broth (TSB) and 9% NaCl. Each volunteer underwent multiple rounds application and hand sampling. Mean log10 virus loss across trials was 2.6 for BE, 2.8 for PBS, 2.4 for TSB, 3.8 for NaCl, 3.0 for 0.1% Tween 80, and 2.9 for 0.01% Tween 80. Within each volunteer, there was a decline in viral loss from the first to last trial. CONCLUSIONS: These eluents can recover Φ6 from hands with approx. 2-3 log10 loss, comparable to recoveries previously reported for influenza. Protein and detergent-based eluents may have similar recoveries, but recovery may still vary across repeated sampling. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Based on current work, protein-based eluents such as beef extract can maximize recovery of enveloped viruses during hand sampling, providing methods for evaluating survival and transmission of enveloped viruses on hands. Further exploration is needed of the effect of repeated sampling on recovery from whole-hand sampling.

Diabetes and periodontal disease: a two-way relationship.

Periodontitis and diabetes are common, complex, chronic diseases with an established bidirectional relationship. That is, diabetes (particularly if glycaemic control is poor) is associated with an increased prevalence and severity of periodontitis, and, severe periodontitis is associated with compromised glycaemic control. Periodontal treatment (conventional non-surgical periodontal therapy) has been associated with improvements in glycaemic control in diabetic patients, with reductions in HbA1c of approximately 0.4% following periodontal therapy. For these reasons, management of periodontitis in people with diabetes is particularly important. The dental team therefore has an important role to play in the management of people with diabetes. An emerging role for dental professionals is envisaged, in which diabetes screening tools could be used to identify patients at high risk of diabetes, to enable them to seek further investigation and assessment from medical healthcare providers.

[To maintain or to withdraw life support? Variations on the methods of ending life in a pediatric intensive care unit over a period of 6 years]. / Continuer, limiter ou arrêter? Évolution des modalités de décès sur une période de 6ans en réanimation pédiatrique.

Since 2005, forgoing live-support (FLS) is allowed by the French law (known as the Leonetti law) for end-of-life patients only. This study aims at describing the variations over time in the use of the following methods to end life: FLS, brain death and cardiopulmonary resuscitation failure (CPR failure). It is a single retrospective study from 2007 to 2012. The Cochran-Armitage trend test is used in the statistical analysis. Over six years, 263 of the 5100 children who were hospitalized in our intensive care unit died, which represents a 5.2% mortality rate. FLS increased yearly from 31% of the deaths in 2007, to 71% in 2012 (P=0.0008). The rate of CPR failure decreased over the same period (P=0.0015). The rate of brain death remained constant. Following to the Leonetti law, FLS increase, and palliative cares develop without any increase of mortality.

[BCG vaccination: survey among children less than 5 years of age in an emergency department]. / Vaccination par le BCG : enquête auprès d'enfants de moins de 5 ans consultant dans un service d'urgences hospitalières.

UNLABELLED: France is a country with a low incidence of tuberculosis. However, there are important local variations: some parts of the city of Marseilles (southern France) presented a yearly incidence greater than 30/100,000 in 2010. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the BCG vaccine coverage among at-risk children younger than 5 years consulting in one of the city's pediatric emergency departments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This descriptive study took place in February 2013 and used a semi-directive questionnaire distributed to parents. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-five children were included, 98 (72.6 %) were considered as being at risk of tuberculosis and among them 75 (76.5 %, 95 % CI [68.0-85.1]) were vaccinated with BCG. Parents' knowledge of tuberculosis was relevant in 48 % of the respondents. Only 19 % of the parents reported that BCG protects against tuberculosis, but 73 % were in favor of this vaccination. Two criteria significantly increased vaccine coverage among at-risk children: birth in Marseilles and age more than 6 months on the consultation day. The child living in a poor family and type of medical follow-up did not significantly influence BCG vaccine coverage. CONCLUSION: BCG coverage was high in at-risk children younger than 5 years born in Marseilles. Cooperation between private physicians, maternity hospitals and mothers, and children's public health services probably facilitates this high level of protection.

First Report of Colletotrichum karstii Causing Glomerella Leaf Spot on Apple in Santa Catarina State, Brazil.

Glomerella leaf spot (GLS) is an emerging disease of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) that has been reported in regions with a humid subtropical climate, such as southern Brazil, the southeastern United States, and more recently eastern China. GLS is favored by high humidity and temperatures between 23 and 28°C and can result in extensive defoliation when the severity is high. The disease was first reported 1988 in Brazil on cvs. Gala and Golden Delicious in orchards in Paraná State (3), but now is widespread in the country's producing areas. Two Colletotrichum species of different complexes have been associated with GLS, C. gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. and its sexual stage Glomerella cingulata (Stoneman) Spaulding & Scherenk, and C. acutatum J. H. Simmonds, although GLS is more commonly associated with the former. In the summer of 2012, necrotic spots were observed on apple leaves (cv. Gala) in Santa Catarina state, Brazil. The first symptoms were reddish-brown spots, evolving to small necrotic lesions 1 to 10 mm long at 7 to 10 days after symptoms were first noted. Pure cultures were obtained by monosporic isolation and grown on PDA at 25°C and with a 12-h photoperiod under fluorescent light. The color of the upper surface of the colony varied from white to gray and the reverse was pink. The conidia length and width ranged from 9.1 to 17.1 µm ( = 12.8) and from 2.9 to 6.8 µm ( = 4.9), respectively, and were cylindrical, hyaline, and straight. After germination, conidia formed oval or circular appressoria measuring between 4.0 and 10.0 ( = 6.3) × 3.0 and 9.0 ( = 5.7). To confirm pathogenicity, susceptible apple seedlings (cv. Gala) were inoculated with a suspension of 1 × 106 conidia.mL-1. Seedlings sprayed with sterile distilled water served as controls. Seedlings were incubated in a moist chamber at 25°C and 100% RH for 48 h. First symptoms appeared 4 days after inoculation and were similar to those observed in the field. The control treatment remained symptomless. The pathogen was reisolated from lesions, confirming Koch's postulates. Fungus was molecularly characterized by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and the nucleotide sequence was deposited in the GenBank database (KC876638 and KC875408). C. karstii, considered as part of the C. boninense species complex (1), was identified with 100% sequence homology. This species was previously reported in China (4), Thailand, and the United States, affecting Orchidaceae plants (2), and in Brazil it has been reported affecting Carica papaya, Eugenia uniflora, and Bombax aquaticum (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. karstii causing GLS on apple in Brazil. The development of pre-harvest management practices may be warranted to manage this disease. References: (1) U. Damm et al. Stud. Mycol. 73:1, 2012. (2) I. Jadrane. Plant Dis. 96:1227, 2012. (3) T. B. Sutton. Plant Dis. 82:267, 1998. (4) Y. Yang. Cryptogamie Mycologie 32:229, 2011.

First Report of Colletotrichum nymphaeae Causing Apple Bitter Rot in Southern Brazil.

Bitter rot (BR) is a common disease on apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) worldwide. Fruit infection often occurs in warmer weather (25 to 32°C) where high temperatures and humidity strongly favor disease development. Three species causing BR have been reported: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. and its sexual stage Glomerella cingulata (Stoneman) Spaulding & Schrenk, C. acutatum J. H. Simmonds, and recently C. fragariae in Uruguay (1). In February 2012, typical BR symptoms were observed on apple fruits (cv. Gala) in two orchards located in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Initial symptoms were light brown, slightly sunken lesions that enlarged over time, becoming dark brown and forming sunken or saucer-shaped depressions that extended toward the fruit core in a V-shaped pattern. Acervuli were sparse and the conidia masses varied from dark gray to pale orange in color. To attempt to identify the causal organism, isolations were made from lesions on fully ripened fruits. Pure cultures were obtained following monosporic isolation and grown on PDA at 25°C with a 12-h photoperiod under fluorescent light for 7 to 15 days. The color of the upper surface of the colony varied from white to gray and was orange on the underside. One hundred conidia for each isolate were measured and each was one-celled, hyaline, fusiform, and with a length and width ranging between 8.0 and 25.9 µm (avg. 14.7), and between 2.4 and 9.9 µm (avg. 5.6), respectively. After germination, conidia formed oval appressoria between 5.1 and 9.9 µm (avg. 7.3) × 3.4 and 7.8 µm (avg. 5.2). These morphological characters are consistent with the description of C. nymphaeae (Pass.) Aa (2). To examine pathogenicity, eight 'Pink Lady' apples were inoculated with isolates MANE 25, 137, 143, and 144. A isolate treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. Fruits were inoculated with two drops of 10 µl (1 × 106 conidia per ml) using wounded and non-wounded sterile fruit surfaces. Sterile distilled water drops served as controls. Fruit were incubated in a moist chamber at 25°C with a 12-h photoperiod for 10 days. Symptoms were observed at the inoculation site 3 to 4 days after inoculation (DAI) on wounded and 5 to 6 DAI on non-wounded fruits. All of the isolates produced symptoms identical to those observed in Santa Catarina, and each isolate was re-isolated from the apple lesions, confirming Koch's postulates. Fungal isolates were also characterized by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA using ITS1/IT4 primers and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) using GDF/GDR primers. Isolate sequences had 100% homology to C. nymphaeae. The nucleotide sequences were deposited in GenBank (KC840351, KC840352, KC840353, KC840354, KC875404, KC875405, KC875406, and KC875407). Species identified as C. nymphaeae are considered as part of the C. acutatum species complex and have been reported to occur on water lilies (Nymphaea alba) (3) and causing bitter rot on apples in Korea (2,4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. nymphaeae causing bitter rot of apples in southern Brazil. References: (1) S. Alaniz et al. Plant Dis 96:458, 2012 (2) U. Damm et al. Stud. Mycol. 73:37, 2012. (3) D. A. Johnson et al. Mycol. Res. 101:641, 1997. (4) D. H. Lee et al. Plant Pathol. J. 23:37, 2007.

Experiencia inicial en el diagnóstico de patologías distintas al carcinoma broncogénico por ecobroncoscopia / Non bronchogenic carcinoma diseases diagnosis by endobronchial ultrasound initial experience

La ecobroncoscopia es una técnica que ha demostrado su utilidad en el estudio y estadificación del carcinoma broncogénico. Su utilidad en otro tipo de lesiones, especialmente en procesos granulomatosos y linfoproliferativos es más discutida. Presentamos nuestra experiencia en el diagnóstico de este tipo de lesiones en los primeros meses de actividad en nuestro centro y una breve revisión de los últimos artículos publicados en esta línea (AU)

Endobronchial ultrasound is highly accurate procedure for the examination and staging of lung carcinoma. Its usefulness in other diseases like granulomatous and linfoproliferative illness is less clear. We show our initial experience in the diagnosis of these type of diseases and a short review of the recent articles published (AU)

Kill the Killers: terapia con células Natural Killer en pacientes pediátricos con cáncer refractario / Kill the Killers: Natural Killer cells therapy against paediatric refractory solid tumours

Introducción: En el momento actual, los tumores sólidos refractarios al tratamiento convencional constituyen la principal causa de muerte en la edad pediátrica. Por tanto, es necesario desarrollar y consolidar nuevos tratamientos. Las células Natural Killer (NK) constituyen la primera línea de defensa del sistema inmune frente al desarrollo de células tumorales. Planteamos una nueva estrategia de terapia celular antitumoral en niños con cánceres refractarios, inmunoterapia con células NK estimuladas con interleucina 15 (IL-15). Pacientes y Métodos: En 22 pacientes pediátricos con tumores sólidos refractarios y en controles sanos determinamos mediante citometría de flujo multiparamétrica y fluorescencia resuelta en el tiempo, el fenotipo y la actividad citotóxica de las células NK, respectivamente. En ratones inmunodeficientes desarrollamos un modelo de neuroblastoma metastático muy agresivo y terapia de rescate con células Natural Killer estimuladas con IL-15. Resultados: Los pacientes pediátricos con cáncer refractario tienen un mayor porcentaje de células NK bright y una menor actividad citotóxica. La estimulación con IL-15 mejora la citotoxicidad in vitro y disminuye la carga tumoral in vivo. Conclusiones: Las células NK estimuladas con IL-15 constituyen una prometedora estrategia antitumoral (AU)

Introduction: Refractory solid tumours lead children deaths. To change this statement, new treatments should be developed. Natural Killer cells constitute the first line of defence against tumour cells. We propose a new strategy for antitumor cell therapy in children with refractory solid malignancies: IL-15 stimulated NK cells. Patients and methods: 22 paediatric patients suffering refractory solid tumours participate in this study. We compare NK cell subsets and K562 cytotoxicity in patients and sex-age pair’s healthy controls. We use multiparametric flow and time-resolved fluorescent, respectively. In immunocompromised mice we developed an aggressive human metastatic neuroblastoma model and IL-15 stimulated NK cells rescue. Results: Patients had higher NK bright cells subset and lower NK cytotoxicity than healthy controls. IL-15 stimulated NK cells improved NK cell cytotoxicity in vitro and decreased tu-mour burden in vivo. Conclusions: IL-15 stimulated NK cells may constitute a new cell therapy tool for paediatric refractory tumours (AU)

Línea básica de susceptibilidad y efecto sinérgico a los insecticidas malation y pirmifos-metil en adultos de Culex spp. Say, 1823 (Díptera: Culicidae) del municipio Mario Briceño Iragorry del estado Aragua, Venezuela / Baseline susceptibility and synergistic effect to the insecticides malathion and pirmiphos-methyl in adults of Culex spp. Say, 1823 (Diptera: Culicidae) Mario Briceño Iragorry municipality, Aragua state, Venezuela

Se evaluó la respuesta a los insecticidas organofosforados malatión y pirimifos-metil en poblaciones de campo de adultos Culex spp. del Municipio Mario Briceño Iragorry del Estado Aragua. Se realizaron los bioensayos en botellas tratadas con insecticidas. La determinación del tiempo-mortalidad, permitió obtener la línea base de susceptibilidad de los insecticidas evaluados. Se definió la dosis diagnóstica como la menor dosis que mata el mayor porcentaje de los insectos expuestos. El número de sobrevivientes a los 60 minutos de exposición a dichas dosis fue considerado como criterio de resistencia definiéndose dicho tiempo, como el umbral de resistencia. Los mosquitos resultaron resistentes a malatión a las concentraciones 0,1; 1 y 5 μg/mL con valores de TL100= 90; 90 y 75 minutos respectivamente y susceptibles a pirimifos-metil a las concentraciones 1 y 5 μg/mL con valores TL100= 30 y 15 minutos respectivamente, a la concentración 0,1 μg/mL se obtuvo TL100= 75 lo cual no se estimó por ser una dosis baja. Las concentraciones 5 μg/mL de malatión, 0, μg/ml de pirimifos-metil se sugieren como dosis referenciales. Se identificaron mecanismos de resistencia con el sinergista butóxido de piperonilo (PB) a las concentraciones de malatión 1 y 5 μg/mL con FS = 2 y 2,5 respectivamente. Las enzimas de multifunción oxidasa (MFO) juegan un papel importante en la resistencia al insecticida malation. Los resultados obtenidos, aportan información básica para futuros programas de control de Culex spp., si fuese necesario, debido a su importancia como plaga de ambientes turísticos y como vector de Filariasis (bancroftiasis) y Fiebre del Nilo.

We evaluated the response to the organophosphorus insecticides malathion and pirimiphos-methyl in field populations of adult Culex spp. Mario Briceño Iragorry Municipality Aragua state. Bioassays were carried out using the bottles treated with insecticides. The time-mortality determination allowed us to obtain the baseline susceptibility of the insecticides evaluated. Diagnostic dose was defined as the lowest dose that kills the highest percentage of exposed insects. Survivors after 60 minutes of exposure to these doses was considered as resistance criterion defining this time, as the threshold of resistance. The mosquitoes were resistant to malathion at concentrations 0.1; 1 and 5 μg/mL with values of TL100= 90; 90 and 75 minutes respectively and susceptible to pirimiphos-methyl at concentrations 1 and 5 μg/mL with values of TL100= 30 and 15 minutes respectively, was obtained at the concentration 0.1 μg /mL TL100= 75 which was not considered to be a low dose. The concentrations 5 μg /mL of malathion, 0.1 μg / ml of pirimiphos-methyl are suggested as a reference dose. Resistance mechanisms were identified with the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PB) at concentrations of malathion 1 and 5 μg/mL with FS = 2 and 2.5 respectively. Multifunction oxidase enzymes (MFO) play an important role in resistance to the insecticide malathion. The obtained results provide basic information for future monitoring programs of Culex spp, if necessary, due to its importance as a pest of tourist environments and as a vector of Filariasis (bacroftiosis) and West Nile Fever.

Clinically important molecular features of Peruvian colorectal tumours: high prevalence of DNA mismatch repair deficiency and low incidence of KRAS mutations.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Peru has been increasing, and no data have been published on the molecular features. We explored the most relevant genetic events involved in colorectal carcinogenesis, with clinical implications. METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry for mismatch-repair (MMR) proteins (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) and microsatellite instability analysis, we evaluated the status of 90 non-selected CRC Peruvian patients followed in a nationwide reference hospital for cancer (INEN, Lima). Tumours with loss of hMLH1 were evaluated further for hMLH1 promoter hypermethylation and all cases were evaluated for the presence of KRAS and BRAF-V600E mutations. RESULTS: MMR deficiency was found in 35 (38.8%) patients. We identified an unexpected association between MMR deficiency and older age. Among the 14 cases with loss of MLH1, 10 samples exhibited hypermethylation. Of the 90 cases evaluated, 15 (16.7%) carried KRAS mutations; we found one previously unreported mutation (G13R). CONCLUSIONS: Peruvian CRC tumours exhibited the highest prevalence of MMR deficiency reported to date. The expected hereditary component was also high. The age of onset of these MMR deficient tumours was greater than that observed for non-MMR deficient cases, suggesting the ineffectiveness of the Bethesda criteria for Lynch syndrome screening in Peru. Prospective studies are warranted to define the molecular characteristics of CRC in this population.