Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections in children and adolescents: risk factors associated with carbapenem resistance and mortality.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections (PA-BSIs) are a serious disease and a therapeutic challenge due to increasing resistance to carbapenems. Our objectives were to describe the prevalence and risk factors associated with carbapenem resistance (CR) and mortality in children with PA-BSI. METHODS: Retrospective, multicentre study including patients aged <20 years with PA-BSI in 4 tertiary hospitals in Madrid (Spain) during 2010-2020. Risk factors for CR PA-BSIs and 30-day mortality were evaluated in a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: In total, 151 patients with PA-BSI were included, with a median age of 29 months (IQR: 3.5-87.1). Forty-five (29.8%) cases were CR, 9.9% multidrug-resistant and 6.6% extensively drug-resistant. The prevalence of CR remained stable throughout the study period, with 26.7% (12/45) of CR mediated by VIM-type carbapenemase. Patients with BSIs produced by CR-PA were more likely to receive inappropriate empiric treatment (53.3% vs 5.7%, p<0.001) and to have been previously colonized by CR-PA (8.9% vs 0%, p=0.002) than BSIs caused by carbapenem-susceptible PA. CR was associated with carbapenem treatment in the previous month (adjusted OR [aOR] 11.15) and solid organ transplantation (aOR 7.64). The 30-day mortality was 23.2%, which was associated with mechanical ventilation (aOR 4.24), sepsis (aOR 5.72), inappropriate empiric antibiotic therapy (aOR 5.86), and source control as a protective factor (aOR 0.16). CONCLUSION: This study shows a concerning prevalence of CR in children with PA-BSIs, leading to high mortality. Inappropriate empiric treatment and sepsis were associated with mortality. The high prevalence of CR with an increased risk of inappropriate empiric treatment should be closely monitored.

T-Cell Immune Responses in Newborns and Long-Term Sequelae in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection (CYTRIC Study).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of T-lymphocyte immune responses in newborns with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (cCMV) and their potential association with the development of long-term sequelae. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective study from 2017 to 2022 was conducted across eight hospitals in Spain. Blood samples were collected within the first month of life from neonates diagnosed with cCMV. Intracellular cytokine staining was employed to evaluate the presence of CMV-specific interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-producing CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes (CMV-IFN-γ-CD8+ / CD4+) using flow cytometry. The development of sequelae, including hearing loss and neurologic impairment, was assessed during follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 64 newborns were included; 42 infants (65.6%) had symptomatic cCMV. The median age at last follow-up visit was 25.3 months (IQR 20.1-34.4). Eighteen infants had long-term sequelae (28.1%), predominantly hearing loss (20.3%) and neurologic disorders (15.6%). No relationship was observed between total count or percentage of CMV-specific IFN-γ-CD8+ or CD4+ lymphocytes and long-term sequelae. Multivariable analysis demonstrated an association between lower total lymphocyte count and long-term sequelae (aOR 0.549, 95% CI: 0.323-0.833), which requires further study. CONCLUSIONS: CMV-specific IFN-γ-CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte responses in neonates with cCMV were not predictive of long-term sequelae.

QuantiFERON-TB reversion in children and adolescents with tuberculosis.

We analyzed 136 children with tuberculosis disease or infection and a positive QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) assay, followed-up for a median of 21 months (0.4-11years). QFT reversed in 16.9% of cases, with significant decreases in TB1 (-1.72 vs. -0.03 IU/ml, p=0.001) and TB2 (-1.65 vs. -0.43 IU/ml, p=0.005) levels compared to non-reverters. We found a higher QFT reversion rate among children under 5 years (25.0% vs 11.9%, p=0.042), and those with TST induration <15mm (29% vs 13.3%, p=0.055). Our data reveal that, although QFT test remained positive in the majority of children, reversion occurred in 16% of cases in a progressive and stable pattern. Younger age and reduced TST induration were associated with QFT reversion.

Clinical, microbiological, and molecular characterization of pediatric invasive infections by Streptococcus pyogenes in Spain in a context of global outbreak.

In December 2022, an alert was published in the UK and other European countries reporting an unusual increase in the incidence of Streptococcus pyogenes infections. Our aim was to describe the clinical, microbiological, and molecular characteristics of group A Streptococcus invasive infections (iGAS) in children prospectively recruited in Spain (September 2022-March 2023), and compare invasive strains with strains causing mild infections. One hundred thirty isolates of S. pyogenes causing infection (102 iGAS and 28 mild infections) were included in the microbiological study: emm typing, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and sequencing for core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST), resistome, and virulome analysis. Clinical data were available from 93 cases and 21 controls. Pneumonia was the most frequent clinical syndrome (41/93; 44.1%), followed by deep tissue abscesses (23/93; 24.7%), and osteoarticular infections (11/93; 11.8%). Forty-six of 93 cases (49.5%) required admission to the pediatric intensive care unit. iGAS isolates mainly belonged to emm1 and emm12; emm12 predominated in 2022 but was surpassed by emm1 in 2023. Spread of M1UK sublineage (28/64 M1 isolates) was communicated for the first time in Spain, but it did not replace the still predominant sublineage M1global (36/64). Furthermore, a difference in emm types compared with the mild cases was observed with predominance of emm1, but also important representativeness of emm12 and emm89 isolates. Pneumonia, the most frequent and severe iGAS diagnosed, was associated with the speA gene, while the ssa superantigen was associated with milder cases. iGAS isolates were mainly susceptible to antimicrobials. cgMLST showed five major clusters: ST28-ST1357/emm1, ST36-ST425/emm12, ST242/emm12.37, ST39/emm4, and ST101-ST1295/emm89 isolates. IMPORTANCE: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a common bacterial pathogen in the pediatric population. In the last months of 2022, an unusual increase in GAS infections was detected in various countries. Certain strains were overrepresented, although the cause of this raise is not clear. In Spain, a significant increase in mild and severe cases was also observed; this study evaluates the clinical characteristics and the strains involved in both scenarios. Our study showed that the increase in incidence did not correlate with an increase in resistance or with an emm types shift. However, there seemed to be a rise in severity, partly related to a greater rate of pneumonia cases. These findings suggest a general increase in iGAS that highlights the need for surveillance. The introduction of whole genome sequencing in the diagnosis and surveillance of iGAS may improve the understanding of antibiotic resistance, virulence, and clones, facilitating its control and personalized treatment.

Ampliación de variables de la eficacia del entrenamiento del diafragma en pacientes con EPOC. Revisión sistemática / Expansion of variables of the effectiveness of diaphragm training in patients with COPD. Systematic review

Antecedentes: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) produce una obstrucción al flujo de aire de los pulmones que genera tos, mucosidad y dificultad respiratoria. Presenta una alta morbimortalidad y tiene una prevalencia del 10,3% en todo el mundo. Recientemente se ha sugerido el uso del entrenamiento diafragmático en estos pacientes. Objetivo: El objetivo fue examinar la evidencia disponible sobre la eficacia del entrenamiento del diafragma sobre el FEV1, la prueba de la marcha de 6 minutos, la saturación de oxígeno, el tiempo inspiratorio, el tiempo espiratorio y la escala de supervivencia de la EPOC (BODE). Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática siguiendo la declaración PRISMA. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que el entrenamiento del diafragma es efectivo en pacientes con EPOC para mejorar el FEV1. Conclusiones: La prueba de la marcha de 6 minutos y la saturación de oxígeno; sin embargo, no es efectivo para las variables tiempo inspiratorio, tiempo espiratorio y escala de supervivencia de la EPOC (BODE). (AU)

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes an obstruction to the airflow of the lungs, causing coughing, mucus, and difficulty breathing. It has a high morbidity and mortality with a prevalence of 10.3% worldwide. The use of diaphragmatic training in these patients has recently been suggested. Objective: The objective was to examine the available evidence on the effectiveness of diaphragm training on FEV1, 6-minute walk test, oxygen saturation, inspiratory time, expiratory time and COPD survival scale (BODE). Material and methods: A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA regulations. Results: The results showed that diaphragm training is effective in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to improve FEV1. Conclusion: 6-minute walk test and oxygen saturation; however, it is not effective for the variables inspiratory time, expiratory time and the COPD survival scale (BODE). (AU)

Rinofototerapia como tratamiento adyuvante en la rinitis alérgica. Revisión de la literatura / Rhinophototherapy as adjuvant treatment in allergic rhinitis. Literature review

Introducción y objetivo: La rinitis alérgica es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica de la mucosa nasal, mediada por inmunoglobulina E. Afecta a uno de cada seis individuos, con una prevalencia del 10% al 40 % en la población. En los últimos años se ha propuesto el uso de la rinofototerapia para reducir sus síntomas en pacientes que no pueden beneficiarse de los corticosteroides intranasales o los antihistamínicos orales; así como tratamiento adyuvante a los mismos. El objetivo de esta revisión es analizar la eficacia de la rinofototerapia como tratamiento adyuvante en la rinitis alérgica. Método: Se realizó una revisión siguiendo las directrices PRISMA. Se consultaron las bases de datos de PubMed, Cinahl, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Complete, Lilacs, IBECS, CENTRAL, SciELO, y WOS. Se utilizó la herramienta Cochrane para valorar el riesgo de sesgo y la calidad de la evidencia se evaluó GRADE. Resultados: La rinofototerapia es un tratamiento adyuvante eficaz en la rinitis alérgica. La muestra total fue de 251 pacientes. En todos los estudios fue segura la aplicación de rinofototerapia y la duración del tratamiento osciló entre dos y seis semanas, con una media de tres veces por semana. Discusión: En el futuro sería necesario continuar investigando para establecer un protocolo unificado en cuanto a la frecuencia, duración y número de sesiones. Así como analizar el posible efecto sinérgico de este tratamiento con otras terapias. Conclusiones: La rinofototerapia fue eficaz en pacientes con rinitis alérgica. Esta terapia mejora los síntomas clínicos de estornudos, rinorrea, obstrucción nasal, prurito nasal, prurito de paladar, las mediciones del flujo máximo inspiratorio nasal, la calidad de vida del paciente y la severidad de los síntomas. (AU)

Introduction and objective: Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa, mediated by immunoglobulin E. It affects one in six individuals, with a prevalence of 10% to 40% in the population. In recent years, the use of rhinophototherapy has been proposed to reduce its symptoms in patients who cannot benefit from intranasal corticosteroids or oral antihistamines; as well as adjuvant treatment to them. The objective of this review is to analyze the efficacy of rhinophototherapy as adjuvant treatment in allergic rhinitis. Method: A review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Cinahl, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Complete, Lilacs, IBECS, CENTRAL, SciELO, and WOS databases were consulted. The Cochrane tool was used to assess the risk of bias and the quality of the evidence was assessed GRADE. Results: Rhinophototherapy is an effective adjuvant treatment in allergic rhinitis. The total sample was 251 patients. In all studies, the application of rhinophototherapy was safe and the duration of treatment ranged from two to six weeks, with an average of three times per week. Discussion: In the future it would be necessary to continue researching to establish a unified protocol regarding the frequency, duration and number of sessions. As well as analyzing the possible synergistic effect of this treatment with other therapies. Conclusions: Rhinophototherapy was effective in patients with allergic rhinitis. This therapy improves clinical symptoms of sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, nasal itching, palate itching, nasal inspiratory peak flow measurements, patient quality of life, and symptom severity. (AU)

Executive summary: Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of septic arthritis in adults and children, developed by the GEIO (SEIMC), SEIP and SECOT.

Infection of a native joint, commonly referred to as septic arthritis, is a medical emergency because of the risk of joint destruction and subsequent sequelae. Its diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion. These guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of septic arthritis in children and adults are intended for use by any physician caring for patients with suspected or confirmed septic arthritis. They have been developed by a multidisciplinary panel with representatives from the Bone and Joint Infections Study Group (GEIO) belonging to the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), the Spanish Society of Paediatric Infections (SEIP) and the Spanish Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (SECOT), and two rheumatologists. The recommendations are based on evidence derived from a systematic literature review and, failing that, on the opinion of the experts who prepared these guidelines. A detailed description of the background, methods, summary of evidence, the rationale supporting each recommendation, and gaps in knowledge can be found online in the complete document.

Identification and antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida haemulonii complex isolated from clinical samples.

Candida haemulonii complex (Candida haemulonii [I], Candida duobushaemulonii [II], and Candida haemulonii var. vulnera [III]) has become relevant in recent times, not so much because of a high incidence in human clinical sample cultures but because of its remarkable antifungal resistance. The objective of this study was to evaluate several methods for the identification of this uncommon species of Candida. Ten isolates of C. haemulonii were identified by biochemical and proteomic methods, and their antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by both commercial and reference methods. MALDI-TOF MS (Vitek MS and Vitek MS PRIME) and Vitek2 correctly identified these genera but API method did not. There was a good correlation between the commercial methods and the reference methods for the AST. In conclusion Vitek MS, Vitek MS PRIME, and Vitek2 systems, but not API32C, are reliable for identification of C. haemulonii complex. Furthermore, MALDI-TOF MS systems could identify to the subspecies level. Commercial methods for antifungal susceptibility testing are valid for the study of this species and confirm amphotericin B and to azole resistance.

From Metagenomics to Ecogenomics: NGS-Based Approaches for Discovery of New Circular DNA Single-Stranded Viral Species.

Viruses comprise the most abundant genetic material in the biosphere; however, global viral genomic population (virome) has been largely underestimated. Recently, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) has provided a powerful tool for the detection of known viruses and the discovery of novel viral species from environmental and individual samples using metagenomics and ecogenomics approaches, respectively. Viruses with circular DNA single-stranded (ssDNA) genomes belonging to the begomovirus genera (family Geminiviridae) constitute the largest group of emerging plant viruses worldwide. The knowledge of begomoviruses viromes is mostly restricted to crop plant systems; nevertheless, it has been described that noncultivated plants specifically at the interface between wild and cultivated plants are important reservoirs leading to viral evolution and the emergence of new diseases. Here we present a protocol that allows the identification and isolation of known and novel begomoviruses species infecting cultivated and noncultivated plant species. The method consists of circular viral molecules enrichment by rolling circle amplification (RCA) from begomovirus-positive total plant DNA, followed by NGS-based metagenomic sequencing. Subsequently, metagenomic reads are processed for taxonomic classification using Viromescan software and a customized Geminiviridae family database, and begomovirus-related reads are used for contigs assembly and annotation using Spades software and Blastn algorithm, respectively. Then, the obtained begomovirus-related signatures are used as templates for specific primers design and implemented for PCR-based ecogenomic identification of individual samples harboring the corresponding viral species. Lastly, full-length begomovirus genomes are obtained by RCA-based amplification from total plant DNA of selected individual samples, cloning, and viral molecular identity corroborated by Sanger sequencing. Conclusively, the identification and isolation of a novel monopartite begomovirus species native to the New World (NW) named Gallium leaf deformation virus (GLDV) is shown.

Beneficios de la hipoterapia en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple. Revisión narrativa / Benefits of hippotherapy in patients with multiple sclerosis. Narrative review

Introducción: La esclerosis múltiple es una enfermedad autoinmune desmielinizante y neurodegenerativa. Actualmente hay 2.800.000 personas con esclerosis múltiple, suponiendo la enfermedad discapacitante no traumática más común que afecta a los adultos jóvenes. En los últimos años se ha propuesto el uso de la hipoterapia en estos pacientes. La hipoterapia utiliza el movimiento del caballo para proporcionar retroalimentación sensorial. El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una revisión de la literatura sobre la eficacia de la hipoterapia en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple. Método: Se realizó una revisión siguiendo la normativa PRISMA. Se consultaron las bases de datos de PubMed, Cinahl, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Complete, Lilacs, IBECS, CENTRAL, SciELO, y WOS. Se utilizó la herramienta Cochrane para valorar el riesgo de sesgo y la calidad de la evidencia se evaluó GRADE Resultados: La hipoterapia es eficaz en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple. La muestra fue de 179 pacientes de un total de seis estudios. El número total de sesiones osciló entre 10 y 36, con una frecuencia de una o dos veces por semana, 30 minutos sesión y una duración total de la terapia entre 8 y 24 semanas Conclusiones: La hipoterapia mejora el equilibrio, las actividades de la vida diaria, la movilidad, la fatiga, la espasticidad, la fuerza muscular y la calidad de vida en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple. (AU)

Eficacia del entrenamiento del diafragma sobre la disnea en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica: revisión sistemática / Efficacy of diaphragm training on dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) provoca tos, disnea y falta de energía, y es la tercera causa de muerte en todo el mundo. El entrenamiento del diafragma se muestra como una opción útil y poco agresiva en estos pacientes. El objetivo fue analizar la evidencia existente acerca de los efectos del entrenamiento del diafragma sobre la disnea en pacientes con EPOC. Se realizó una revisión sistemática siguiendo la declaración PRISMA. Se consultaron las bases de datos PubMed, Cinahl, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Complete, Lilacs, IBECS, CENTRAL, SciELO y WOS. Se seleccionaron ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados centrados en el efecto del entrenamiento del diafragma sobre la disnea en pacientes con EPOC. Se utilizó la herramienta propuesta por Cochrane para la valoración del riesgo de sesgo, y la calidad de la evidencia se valoró con el sistema GRADE. Se seleccionaron tres ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados (n = 88; rango-edad: 60-69 años) considerados de bajo riesgo de sesgo. Se concluye que el entrenamiento del diafragma no es una terapia efectiva para mejorar la disnea. (AU)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes cough, dyspnea, and lack of energy, being the third cause of death worldwide. Diaphragm training appears to be a useful and non-aggressive treatment in these patients. The objective was to analyze the existing evidence on the effects of diaphragm training on dyspnea in patients with COPD. A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA statement. The PubMed, Cinahl, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Complete, Lilacs, IBECS, CENTRAL, SciELO, and WOS databases were searched. Randomized controlled clinical trials focusing on the effect of diaphragm training on breathlessness in patients with COPD were selected. The tool proposed by Cochrane was used for the assessment of risk of bias and the quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. Three randomized controlled clinical trials (n = 88; age range: 60–69 years) considered to be of low risk of bias were selected. Diaphragm training is not an effective therapy to treat dyspnea. (AU)

Factor XI in Carriers of Antiphospholipid Antibodies: Elevated Levels Associated with Symptomatic Thrombotic Cases, While Low Levels Linked to Asymptomatic Cases.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a thromboinflammatory disorder caused by circulating antiphospholipid autoantibodies (aPL) and characterized by an increased risk of thrombotic events. The pathogenic mechanisms of these antibodies are complex and not fully understood, but disturbances in coagulation and fibrinolysis have been proposed to contribute to the thrombophilic state. This study aims to evaluate the role of an emerging hemostatic molecule, FXI, in the thrombotic risk of patients with aPL. Cross-sectional and observational study of 194 consecutive and unrelated cases with aPL recruited in a single center: 82 asymptomatic (AaPL) and 112 with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Clinical and epidemiological variables were collected. The profile of aPL was determined. Plasma FXI was evaluated by Western blotting and two coagulation assays (FXI:C). In cases with low FXI, molecular analysis of the F11 gene was performed. FXI:C levels were significantly higher in patients with APS than in patients with AaPL (122.8 ± 33.4 vs. 104.5 ± 27.5; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between symptomatic patients with aPL (APS) and high FXI (>150%) (OR = 11.57; 95% CI: 1.47-90.96; p = 0.020). In contrast, low FXI (<70%), mostly caused by inhibitors, was less frequent in the group of patients with APS compared to AaPL (OR = 0.17; 95%CI: 0.36-0.86; p = 0.032). This study suggests that FXI levels may play a causal role in the prothrombotic state induced by aPLs and holds the promise of complementary treatments in APS patients by targeting FXI.

In vitro activity of ceftobiprole and dalbavancin against a collection of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolates from clinical samples with reduced susceptibility to daptomycin and/or resistant to linezolid or glycopeptides / Evaluación de la actividad in vitro de ceftobiprol y dalbavancina frente a estafilococos coagulasa negativos con sensibilidad disminuida a daptomicina y/o resistentes a linezolid o glucopéptidos aislados de muestras clínicas

Introduction:The aim was to investigate the in vitro activity of ceftobiprole and dalbavancin against a collection of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolates with reduced susceptibility to daptomycin or resistant to linezolid and/or glycopeptides. Methods: A total of 228 CoNS were tested using the Vitek-2 AST-626 cards (bioMérieux) and MIC of daptomycin, linezolid, vancomycin and teicoplanin were confirmed by Etest Strips (bioMérieux). Susceptibility testing for ceftobiprole and dalbavancin were performed by CLSI broth microdilution methodology. Results were interpreted according to 2021 EUCAST clinical breakpoints. Results: Ceftobiprole and dalbavancin were active against 96.0% and 93.0% of CoNS, respectively, MIC90 were 2 and 0.125mg/L. MICs of ceptobiprole were higher against S. hominis and S. haemolyticus (MIC90 4mg/L). Dalbavancin exhibited higher MICs against S. haemolyticus and CoNS with reduced susceptibility to daptomycin and resistant to teicoplanin. Conclusion: Ceftobiprole and dalbavancin demonstrated a high in vitro activity against our collection of CoNS isolates.(AU)

Introducción: El objetivo fue evaluar la actividad in vitro de dalbavancina y ceftobiprol frente a estafilococos coagulasa negativos (ECN) con sensibilidad disminuida a daptomicina y/o resistentes a linezolid o glucopéptidos. Métodos: Se testó la sensibilidad de 228 ECN con tarjetas VITEK®2 AST-626 (bioMérieux) y las CMI de daptomicina, linezolid, vancomicina y teicoplanina fueron confirmadas con tiras Etest® (bioMérieux). El ensayo de sensibilidad frente a ceftobiprol y dalbavancina se realizó mediante microdilución en caldo (metodología CLSI). Los resultados se interpretaron siguiendo los puntos de corte de EUCAST 2021. Resultados: Ceftobiprol y dalbavancina fueron activos en el 96,0 y 93% de ECN, las CMI90 fueron 2 y 0,125mg/L, respectivamente. Las CMI de ceftobiprol fueron superiores en Staphylococcus hominis y Staphylococcus haemolyticus (CMI90 4mg/L). Dalbavancina exhibió mayores CMI en S. haemolyticus y en ECN con sensibilidad disminuida a daptomicina o resistentes a teicoplanina. Conclusión: Ceftobiprol y dalbavancina han demostrado una potente actividad in vitro frente a esta colección de ECN.(AU)

Design of a Multisensory Device for Tomato Volatile Compound Detection Based on a Mixed Metal Oxide-Electrochemical Sensor Array and Optical Reader.

Insufficient control of tomato ripening before harvesting and infection by fungal pests produce large economic losses in world tomato production. Aroma is an indicative parameter of the state of maturity and quality of the tomato. This study aimed to design an electronic system (TOMATO-NOSE) consisting of an array of 12 electrochemical sensors, commercial metal oxide semiconductor sensors, an optical camera for a lateral flow reader, and a smartphone application for device control and data storage. The system was used with tomatoes in different states of ripeness and health, as well as tomatoes infected with Botrytis cinerea. The results obtained through principal component analysis of the olfactory pattern of tomatoes and the reader images show that TOMATO-NOSE is a good tool for the farmer to control tomato ripeness before harvesting and for the early detection of Botrytis cinerea.

First report of Pectobacterium polaris causing aerial stem rot of potato in Mexico.

In Mexico, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops for local consumption and industry. More than 1.8 million tons of potatoes are produced annually, of which the state of Sinaloa contributes with 21.5% (SIAP. 2022). In January 2020, potato plants (cv. FL1867) showing aerial stem rot symptoms were observed in a commercial field from the Santa Rosa Valley, in Northern Sinaloa with an incidence of 36%. Putative pectolytic bacteria showing pitting on crystal violet pectate (CVP) plates were restreaked and purified onto Nutritive Agar (NA) medium at 28°C. Four independent isolates were obtained (L25F-83, L25F-105, L25F-115, and L25F-125) from four symptomatic stems with biochemical and morphological characteristics related to Pectobacterium, such as catalase positive, oxidase negative, pectinolytic activity, Gram-negative and non-fluorescent in B-King medium. Bacterial gDNA was used for amplification and sequencing of two housekeeping genes (dnaX and leuS) (Portier et al. 2019). The nucleotide sequence identity between our isolates was 100% with both housekeeping genes (dnaX, OP376536-OP376539 and leuS, OP376540-OP376543). The BLASTn analysis of dnaX gene shared 98.98% and 99.19% identity with two soft-rot-causing bacterial strains NIBIO1006T (CP017481) and NIBIO1392 (CP017482) of Pectobacterium polaris, respectively; and with leuS gene shared 99.56% identity with P. polaris type strain NIBIO1006T. To further validate the identification, two strains, S5 (isolate L25F-105) and S6 (L25F-125), were selected for whole genome sequencing (WGS). The ANI values for closely related species were calculated using the Orthologous Average Nucleotide Identity (Ortho-ANI) Software Tool (OAT) (Lee et al. 2016). The Type (Strain) Genome Server (TYGS) was used for accurate genome-based taxonomy (https://tygs.dsmz.de) (Meier-Kolthoff et al. 2019). The genomes of P. polaris strains S5 (4811345 pb, GC=52%, AULSZ000000000) and S6 (4809754 pb, GC=52%, JAULTA000000000) revealed 96.86% and 96.07% Ortho-ANI and 73.6% and 66.5% dDDH with P. polaris type strain NIBIO1006T and P. parvum strain CFBP8630, respectively. The MLSA was performed on concatenated complete sequences of dnaX (OR470476, OR470477), leuS (OR470484, OR470485), recA (OR470488, OR470488), acnA (OR470474, OR470475), gapA (OR470478, OR470479), gyrA (OR470480, OR470481), icdA (OR470482, OR470483), proA (OR470486, OR470487), and rpoA genes (OR470490, OR470491). The consensus tree, constructed using the maximum likelihood method (MEGA 7.0), clustered strains S5 and S6 with P. polaris strains NIBIO1006T and NIBIO1392. The four isolates resulted pathogenic in tuber slices and potato seedlings (cv. Fianna) 24 and 72 h, respectively, after being inoculated with 30 µL bacterial suspension (1 X 108 CFU/ml) and incubated at 28 °C and 85% relative humidity. Bacterial colonies were reisolated from the affected tissue and identified with the same PCR primers as described above. Accordingly, P. polaris isolates S5 and S6, fulfill Koch's postulates for aerial stem rot of potato. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. polaris causing aerial stem rot of potato in Mexico. This bacterium could be a significant threat to the local potato producers; therefore, an accurate and sensitive method of detection and epidemiological studies are needed to support an effective disease diagnosis and management program.

A novel tomato spotted wilt virus isolate encoding a noncanonical NSm C118F substitution associated with Sw-5 tomato gene resistance breaking.

The nonstructural protein NSm of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) has been identified as the avirulence determinant of the tomato single dominant Sw-5 resistance gene. Although Sw-5 effectiveness has been shown for most TSWV isolates, the emergence of resistance-breaking (RB) isolates has been observed. It is strongly associated with two point mutations (C118Y or T120N) in the NSm viral protein. TSWV-like symptoms were observed in tomato crop cultivars (+Sw-5) in the Baja California peninsula, Mexico, and molecular methods confirmed the presence of TSWV. Sequence analysis of the NSm 118-120 motif and three-dimensional protein modelling exhibited a noncanonical C118F substitution in seven isolates, suggesting that this substitution could emulate the C118Y-related RB phenotype. Furthermore, phylogenetic and molecular analysis of the full-length genome (TSWV-MX) revealed its reassortment-related evolution and confirmed that putative RB-related features are restricted to the NSm protein. Biological and mutational NSm 118 residue assays in tomato (+Sw-5) confirmed the RB nature of TSWV-MX isolate, and the F118 residue plays a critical role in the RB phenotype. The discovery of a novel TSWV-RB Mexican isolate with the presence of C118F substitution highlights a not previously described viral adaptation in the genus Orthotospovirus, and hence, the necessity of further crop monitoring to alert the establishment of novel RB isolates in cultivated tomatoes.

Environmental Engineering Applications of Electronic Nose Systems Based on MOX Gas Sensors.

Nowadays, the electronic nose (e-nose) has gained a huge amount of attention due to its ability to detect and differentiate mixtures of various gases and odors using a limited number of sensors. Its applications in the environmental fields include analysis of the parameters for environmental control, process control, and confirming the efficiency of the odor-control systems. The e-nose has been developed by mimicking the olfactory system of mammals. This paper investigates e-noses and their sensors for the detection of environmental contaminants. Among different types of gas chemical sensors, metal oxide semiconductor sensors (MOXs) can be used for the detection of volatile compounds in air at ppm and sub-ppm levels. In this regard, the advantages and disadvantages of MOX sensors and the solutions to solve the problems arising upon these sensors' applications are addressed, and the research works in the field of environmental contamination monitoring are overviewed. These studies have revealed the suitability of e-noses for most of the reported applications, especially when the tools were specifically developed for that application, e.g., in the facilities of water and wastewater management systems. As a general rule, the literature review discusses the aspects related to various applications as well as the development of effective solutions. However, the main limitation in the expansion of the use of e-noses as an environmental monitoring tool is their complexity and lack of specific standards, which can be corrected through appropriate data processing methods applications.

Epidemiology and clinical features of Streptococcus pyogenes bloodstream infections in children in Madrid, Spain.

Studies have shown increased invasive Group A Streptococcus (GAS) disease, including bloodstream infections (GAS-BSI). However, the epidemiological data of GAS-BSI are limited in children. We aimed to describe GAS-BSI in children in Madrid, over 13 years (2005-2017). Multicenter retrospective cohort study from 16 hospitals from Madrid, Spain. Epidemiology, symptomatology, laboratory, treatment, and outcome of GAS-BSI in children ≤ 16 years were analyzed. 109 cases of GAS-BSI were included, with incidence rate of 4.3 episodes/100,000 children attended at the emergency department/year. We compared incidence between two periods (P1: 2005-June 2011 vs P2: July 2011-2017) and observed a non-significant increase along the study period (annual percentage change: + 6.0% [95%CI: -2.7, + 15.4]; p = 0.163). Median age was 24.1 months (IQR: 14.0-53.7), peaking during the first four years of life (89/109 cases; 81.6%). Primary BSI (46.8%), skin and soft tissue (21.1%), and osteoarticular infections (18.3%) were the most common syndromes. We compared children with primary BSI with those with a known source and observed that the former had shorter hospital stay (7 vs. 13 days; p = 0.003) and received intravenous antibiotics less frequently (72.5% vs. 94.8%; p = 0.001) and for shorter duration of total antibiotic therapy (10 vs. 21 days; p = 0.001). 22% of cases required PICU admission. Factors associated with severity were respiratory distress, pneumonia, thrombocytopenia, and surgery, but in multivariate analysis, only respiratory distress remained significant (adjusted OR:9.23 [95%CI: 2.16-29.41]). Two children (1.8%) died.   Conclusion: We observed an increasing, although non-significant, trend of GAS-BSI incidence within the study. Younger children were more frequently involved, and primary BSI was the most common and less severe syndrome. PICU admission was frequent, being respiratory distress the main risk factor. What is known: • In recent decades, several reports have shown a worldwide increase in the incidence of invasive Group A streptococcal disease (GAS), including bloodstream infection (BSI). Recently, there have been a few reports showing an increase in severity as well. • There needs to be more information on the epidemiology in children since most studies predominantly include adults. What is new: • This study, carried out in children with GAS-BSI in Madrid, shows that GAS-BSI affects mostly younger children, with a broad spectrum of manifestations, needing PICU admission frequently. Respiratory distress was the leading risk factor for severity, whereas primary BSI seemed to be less severe. • We observed an increasing, although non-significant, trend of GAS-BSI incidence in recent years (2005-2017).