Rehearsal Sound Exposure and Choir Singers' Hearing: A Pilot Field Study.

Exposure to high- and moderate-intensity sound is inevitable for professional singers during their working day, the majority of which is spent in rehearsal, preparing for a performance. The impact of self-produced sound exposure on singers' hearing within the rehearsal setting has not been examined. OBJECTIVES: This original pilot field study investigates the feasibility of data collection and hypothesis testing of singers' hearing within the rehearsal environment. METHODS: 18 professional choir singers are examined for hearing threshold changes following routine rehearsal sound exposure. Pure Tone Audiometry is measured before, immediately after, and approximately 24 hours after rehearsal. RESULTS: This study does not identify definitive Temporary Threshold Shift in this population under these conditions. That said, mean temporary threshold shift was found 3.61 dB higher than the recovery threshold shift in the right ear at 3000 Hz (P = 0.06), and this may be important to look at for future studies. CONCLUSIONS: Methodological challenges of this field study include dynamic experimental conditions intrinsic to the rehearsal process, environmental and musical influence on Pure Tone Audiometry results and estimation of sound intensity exposure.

Challenges in Noninvasive Skin Biomarker Measurements in Daily Practice: A Longitudinal Study on Skin Surface Protein Detection by the Transdermal Analysis Patch in Pediatric Psoriasis.

INTRODUCTION: Skin surface proteins are potential biomarkers in psoriasis and can be measured noninvasively with the transdermal analysis patch (TAP). This study aimed to assess markers measured by TAP over time in daily clinical practice, explore their correlation with disease severity in pediatric psoriasis, and compare the TAP and tape stripping detection capability. METHODS: In this prospective observational daily clinical practice study, pediatric psoriasis patients (aged >5 to <18 years) were followed during 1 year. At each visit, TAPs were applied to lesional (n = 2), peri-lesional (n = 2), and non-lesional (n = 1) sites. Post-lesional skin was sampled if all lesions on the arms, legs, or trunk cleared. Treatment and psoriasis severity data were collected. IL-1RA, hBD-2, IL-1α, IL-8, VEGF, CXCL-1/2, CCL-27, IL-23, hBD-1, IL-22, IL-17A, KLK-5, and IL-4 levels were quantified by spot-ELISA. For the statistical analysis, Wilcoxon signed rank tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Spearman correlations were used. Detection capability of the TAP was compared to tape stripping in a separate cohort of adult psoriasis patients. RESULTS: 32 patients (median age 15.0 years, median Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] 5.2) were followed for a mean of 11.3 (±3.4) months with a total of 104 visits. In lesional skin (n = 197), significantly higher IL-1RA, hBD-2, IL-8, VEGF, CXCL-1/2, IL-23, hBD-1, IL-22, CCL-27, and IL-17A levels were found compared to non-lesional skin (n = 104), while IL-1α was higher in non-lesional skin. Marker levels were highly variable over time and did not correlate with disease severity measured by PASI or SUM scores. Comparison of the TAP and tape strip detection capability in adult psoriasis patients (n = 10) showed that lesional hBD-2, IL1-α, IL-8, and VEGF and non-lesional IL-1RA, hBD-2, IL-8, and VEGF were more frequently detected in tape extracts than TAPs. CONCLUSION: Due to the lack of correlation with clinical disease severity and the current detection capability of the markers measured by TAP in psoriasis, its use in regular practice is still a bridge too far.

Real-world Methotrexate Use in a Prospective Cohort of Paediatric Patients with Plaque Psoriasis: Effectiveness, Adverse Events and Folic Acid Regimen.

In paediatric psoriasis, few studies have evaluated methotrexate effectiveness, adverse events and folic acid regimen. Therefore this study prospectively assessed methotrexate adverse events and effectiveness in paediatric patients with psoriasis in a real-world setting. Furthermore, gastrointestinal adverse events and methotrexate effectiveness were compared between folic acid regimens (5 mg once weekly vs 1 mg 6 times weekly). Data for paediatric patients with psoriasis treated with methotrexate from September 2008 to October 2020 were extracted from Child-CAPTURE, a prospective, daily clinical practice registry. Effectiveness was determined by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Comparison of persistent gastrointestinal adverse events between folic acid regimens were assessed through Kaplan-Meier analysis. A total of 105 paediatric patients with plaque psoriasis (41.0% male, mean age 14.1 years) were included. At week 24 and 48, an absolute PASI ≤ 2.0 was achieved by approximately one-third of all patients. During follow-up, 46.7% reported ≥ 1 persistent adverse events. After 1 and 2 years, approximately one-quarter of patients achieved a PASI ≤ 2.0 without persistent adverse events. Although non-significant, a possible trend towards lower occurrence of gastrointestinal adverse events was found for folic acid 1 mg 6 times weekly (p = 0.196), with similar effectiveness between folic acid regimens. These findings show that a subgroup of paediatric patients with psoriasis responded well to methotrexate treatment without considerable side-effects during a 2-year follow-up.

Skin Surface Protein Detection by Transdermal Analysis Patches in Pediatric Psoriasis.

INTRODUCTION: Transdermal analysis patches (TAPs) noninvasively measure soluble proteins in the stratum corneum. Ultimately, such local protein profiles could benefit the search for biomarkers to improve personalized treatment in psoriasis. This study aimed to explore the patient friendliness and protein detection by TAP in pediatric psoriasis in daily clinical practice. METHODS: In this observational study, TAPs measuring CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)-1/2, CC chemokine ligand (CCL)-27, interleukin (IL)-1RA, IL-23, IL-1α, IL-8, IL-4, IL-22, IL-17A, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), human beta-defensin (hBD)-2, hBD-1, and kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK)-5 were applied on lesional, peri-lesional, and non-lesional skin sites of psoriasis patients aged >5 to <18 years. Discomfort during TAP removal as an indicator for patient friendliness was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS; range 0-10). RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (median age 14.0 years) were included, of which 19 were treated with solely topical agents and 13 with systemic treatment. The median VAS of discomfort during TAP removal was 1.0 (interquartile range 1.0). Significantly higher levels in lesional versus non-lesional skin were found for IL-1RA, VEGF, CXCL-1/2, hBD-2, and IL-8, whereas lower levels were found for IL-1α. Skin surface proteins were measured in both treatment groups, with significant higher lesional levels of KLK-5, IL-1RA, hBD-2, IL-1α, IL-23, and CCL-27 in the systemic treatment group. CONCLUSION: The TAP platform holds the potential for patient-friendly and noninvasive monitoring of skin-derived proteins in pediatric psoriasis patients in daily clinical practice.

Treatment of irritant contact dermatitis in healthcare settings during the COVID19 pandemic: The emollient Dermol 500 exhibits virucidal activity against influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2.

ObjectivesTo investigate whether the antimicrobial emollient Dermol 500 and its active components, benzalkonium chloride (BAK) and chlorhexidine dihydrochloride (CD), exhibit virucidal activity thus informing whether Dermol 500 is a suitable soap substitute for use during the COVID19 pandemic, to combat the increased incidence of work-related contact dermatitis in clinical settings that we report here. MethodsInactivation of influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 by Dermol 500 and the independent and combined virucidal activity of the Dermol 500 components BAK and CD was assessed by influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 infectivity assays. Viruses were treated with concentrations of BAK and CD comparable to Dermol 500, and lower, and infectivity of the viruses assessed by titration. ResultsDermol 500 exhibits comparable virucidal activity to alcohol-based sanitisers against influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the Dermol 500 components BAK and CD exhibit independent and synergistic virucidal activity against influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID19. ConclusionsThe synergistic virucidal activity of the Dermol 500 components BAK and CD makes Dermol 500 suitable as a soap substitute to treat and prevent work-related contact dermatitis in healthcare settings. KEY MESSAGESO_LIWhat is already known about this subject? O_LIWork-related contact dermatitis is a prominent issue among healthcare workers, and likely exacerbated by the enhanced hand hygiene and personal protective equipment required to control infection during the COVID19 pandemic. C_LIO_LIThe antimicrobial lotion Dermol 500 is frequently prescribed as an emollient and soap substitute to help prevent and treat dermatitis, but its use during the COVID19 pandemic was not advised as its capacity to inactivate viruses was unknown. C_LI C_LIO_LIWhat are the new findings? O_LIIncreased incidence of irritant contact dermatitis was recorded amongst healthcare workers at Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in 2020 compared to 2019. C_LIO_LIDermol 500 lotion and its antimicrobial components, benzalkonium chloride (BAK) and chlorhexidine dihydrochloride (CD), exhibit virucidal activity against influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID19 pandemic. C_LI C_LIO_LIHow might this impact policy or clinical practice in the foreseeable future? O_LIOur results demonstrate that Dermol 500 can be safely used as a soap substitute to treat work-related contact dermatitis in clinical care settings during the COVID19 pandemic. C_LIO_LIEmployers can meet their obligations under COSHH to eliminate workplace exposure to a harmful substance and substitute with an alternative product for hand hygiene. C_LI C_LI

Association Between Quality of Life and Improvement in Psoriasis Severity and Extent in Pediatric Patients.

Importance: Treatment of psoriasis is associated with improved quality of life (QOL) in those with the disease. However, in daily clinical practice, the association between the degree of psoriasis clearance and QOL has not been studied to date, especially in the pediatric population. Objectives: To identify the association between the degree of psoriasis improvement (as measured by the Psoriasis Area Severity Index [PASI] and body surface area [BSA] response) and QOL (as measured by the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index [CDLQI]) in pediatric psoriasis, and to assess the association of treatment type with QOL, independent of psoriasis improvement. Design, Setting, and Participants: Data used in this single-center cohort study were extracted from the Child-CAPTURE (Continuous Assessment of Psoriasis Treatment Use Registry), a prospective, observational, daily clinical practice cohort of all children (aged <18 years) with a psoriasis diagnosis who attended the outpatient clinic of the Department of Dermatology at the Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, between September 3, 2008, and May 4, 2018. All records of treatment episodes with CDLQI, PASI, and BSA scores were included in the analysis. Exposures: Patients were treated according to daily clinical care. Treatments were clustered into topical, dithranol, conventional systemic, and biological treatments. Because of low numbers of UV-B phototherapy, this treatment was not assessed. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were mean change of CDLQI scores per PASI and BSA response categories (0 to <50, 50 to <75, 75 to <90, and ≥90) and mean CDLQI change per treatment categories. Results: In total, 319 patients (median [interquartile range] age, 10.0 [7.0] years; 183 female [57.4%]) were analyzed for PASI score improvement (399 treatment episodes) and improvement in BSA involvement (366 treatment episodes). The greatest improvements in CDLQI scores were seen in the PASI ≥90 response category, with an estimated marginal mean change in CDLQI score of -6.6 (95% CI, -7.5 to -5.7). The greatest improvements in CDLQI scores were also observed in the BSA ≥90 response category, with an estimated marginal mean change in CDLQI score of -6.8 (95% CI, -7.5 to -6.1). Systemic treatment demonstrated a greater degree of improvement of CDLQI compared with topical treatment, independent of PASI response categories. Conclusions and Relevance: This cohort study in a real-world setting found that the greatest improvements in QOL were associated with PASI 90 or greater, a decrease in BSA involvement of 90% or greater, and systemic treatments. These findings suggest that reaching PASI 90 or greater and decreasing BSA involvement by at least 90% may be clinically meaningful treatment goals that will help pediatric patients with psoriasis reach optimal QOL.

Nail Involvement as a Predictor of Disease Severity in Paediatric Psoriasis: Follow-up Data from the Dutch ChildCAPTURE Registry.

Little is known about the relationship between nail psoriasis and psoriasis severity in children, and there has been no longitudinal assessment of psoriasis severity related to nail psoriasis. The aim of this study was to assess whether nail psoriasis could serve as a predictor for a more severe disease course. De-identified data were obtained from the ChildCAPTURE registry, a daily clinical practice cohort of children with psoriasis, from September 2008 to November 2015. Cross-sectional analyses were performed at baseline. Longitudinal data until 2-year follow-up were analysed by linear mixed models. Nail psoriasis was present in 19.0% of all 343 patients at baseline and cross-sectionally associated with higher Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (p = 0.033). Longitudinal analysis demonstrated higher PASI (p <0.001) during 2-year follow-up in patients with nail involvement at baseline. These findings suggest that nail psoriasis is a potential clinical predictor for more severe disease course over time in paediatric psoriasis.

Evidence for the association of Hashimoto's thyroiditis with psoriasis: a cross-sectional retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Current information indicates that psoriasis is a metabolic disorder with systemic manifestations. Reports have revealed an association between psoriasis and several chronic autoimmune disorders. For one of these disorders, Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), there are scarce, and relatively unconfirmed, reports of an association with psoriasis. We sought to determine if such an association is detectable in a large medical record data repository. METHODS: We searched one institution's electronic medical record data repository from January 2010 to December 2013. Patients were identified by ICD-9 codes (psoriasis: 696.0; 696.1, HT: 245.2). Only data from patients with laboratory-confirmed HT (anti-thyroid peroxidase [anti-TPO] antibodies; thyroglobulin antibodies; serum thyroid-stimulating hormone; and free T3) were eligible for inclusion. Logistic regression analysis was used to obtain an odds ratio (OR) to establish an association between psoriasis and HT. Stratified analyses were performed to test for confounding variable and effect modification. RESULTS: Medical records for 856,615 individuals with documented encounters between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2013, were detected. A total of 9654 had a diagnosis of psoriasis, and 1745 had a diagnosis of HT. Of these, 41 subjects were diagnosed with both conditions. A significant association existed for psoriasis and HT, even after adjusting for confounding variables that included gender, age, psoriatic arthropathy, and the use of systemic anti-psoriatic agents (OR = 2.49; 95% CI 1.79-3.48; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This association has broad clinical impact and deserves further attention with regard to patient care, clinical research, and developmental therapeutics.

Interventions for prevention of herpes simplex labialis (cold sores on the lips).

BACKGROUND: Herpes simplex labialis (HSL), also known as cold sores, is a common disease of the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is found throughout the world. It presents as a painful vesicular eruption, forming unsightly crusts, which cause cosmetic disfigurement and psychosocial distress. There is no cure available, and it recurs periodically. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of interventions for the prevention of HSL in people of all ages. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases up to 19 May 2015: the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, the Oral Health Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL in the Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2015), MEDLINE (from 1946), EMBASE (from 1974), LILACS (from 1982), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, Airiti Library, and 5 trial registers. To identify further references to relevant randomised controlled trials, we scanned the bibliographies of included studies and published reviews, and we also contacted the original researchers of our included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions for preventing HSL in immunocompetent people. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently selected trials, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. A third author was available for resolving differences of opinion. MAIN RESULTS: This review included 32 RCTs, with a total of 2640 immunocompetent participants, covering 19 treatments. The quality of the body of evidence was low to moderate for most outcomes, but was very low for a few outcomes. Our primary outcomes were 'Incidence of HSL' and 'Adverse effects during use of the preventative intervention'.The evidence for short-term (≤ 1 month) use of oral aciclovir in preventing recurrent HSL was inconsistent across the doses used in the studies: 2 RCTs showed low quality evidence for a reduced recurrence of HSL with aciclovir 400 mg twice daily (risk ratio (RR) 0.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13 to 0.51; n = 177), while 1 RCT testing aciclovir 800 mg twice daily and 2 RCTs testing 200 mg 5 times daily found no similar preventive effects (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.87; n = 237; moderate quality evidence and RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.20 to 1.07; n = 66; low quality evidence, respectively). The direction of intervention effect was unrelated to the risk of bias. The evidence from 1 RCT for the effect of short-term use of valaciclovir in reducing recurrence of HSL by clinical evaluation was uncertain (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.28; n = 125; moderate quality evidence), as was the evidence from 1 RCT testing short-term use of famciclovir.Long-term (> 1 month) use of oral antiviral agents reduced the recurrence of HSL. There was low quality evidence from 1 RCT that long-term use of oral aciclovir reduced clinical recurrences (1.80 versus 0.85 episodes per participant per a 4-month period, P = 0.009) and virological recurrence (1.40 versus 0.40 episodes per participant per a 4-month period, P = 0.003). One RCT found long-term use of valaciclovir effective in reducing the incidence of HSL (with a decrease of 0.09 episodes per participant per month; n = 95). One RCT found that a long-term suppressive regimen of valaciclovir had a lower incidence of HSL than an episodic regimen of valciclovir (difference in means (MD) -0.10 episodes per participant per month, 95% CI -0.16 to -0.05; n = 120).These trials found no increase in adverse events associated with the use of oral antiviral agents (moderate quality evidence).There was no evidence to show that short-term use of topical antiviral agents prevented recurrent HSL. There was moderate quality evidence from 2 RCTs that topical aciclovir 5% cream probably has little effect on preventing recurrence of HSL (pooled RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.72; n = 271). There was moderate quality evidence from a single RCT that topical foscarnet 3% cream has little effect in preventing HSL (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.40; n = 295).The efficacy of long-term use of topical aciclovir cream was uncertain. One RCT found significantly fewer research-diagnosed recurrences of HSL when on aciclovir cream treatment than on placebo (P < 0.05), but found no significant differences in the mean number of participant-reported recurrences between the 2 groups (P ≥ 0.05). One RCT found no preventive effect of topical application of 1,5-pentanediol gel for 26 weeks (P > 0.05). Another RCT found that the group who used 2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclo dextrin 20% gel for 6 months had significantly more recurrences than the placebo group (P = 0.003).These studies found no increase in adverse events related to the use of topical antiviral agents.Two RCTs found that the application of sunscreen significantly prevented recurrent HSL induced by experimental ultraviolet light (pooled RR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.33; n = 111), but another RCT found that sunscreen did not prevent HSL induced by sunlight (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.25 to 5.06; n = 51). These RCTs did not report adverse events.There were very few data suggesting that thymopentin, low-level laser therapy, and hypnotherapy are effective in preventing recurrent HSL, with one to two RCTs for each intervention. We failed to find any evidence of efficacy for lysine, LongoVital® supplementation, gamma globulin, herpes simplex virus (HSV) type I subunit vaccine, and yellow fever vaccine in preventing HSL. There were no consistent data supporting the efficacy of levamisole and interferon, which were also associated with an increased risk of adverse effects such as fever. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence demonstrates that long-term use of oral antiviral agents can prevent HSL, but the clinical benefit is small. We did not find evidence of an increased risk of adverse events. On the other hand, the evidence on topical antiviral agents and other interventions either showed no efficacy or could not confirm their efficacy in preventing HSL.

Global burden of skin disease as reflected in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

IMPORTANCE: Research prioritization should be guided by impact of disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether systematic reviews and protocol topics in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) reflect disease burden, measured by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010 project. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Two investigators independently assessed 15 skin conditions in the CDSR for systematic review and protocol representation from November 1, 2013, to December 6, 2013. The 15 skin diseases were matched to their respective DALYs from GBD 2010. An official publication report of all reviews and protocols published by the Cochrane Skin Group (CSG) was also obtained to ensure that no titles were missed. There were no study participants other than the researchers, who worked with databases evaluating CDSR and GBD 2010 skin condition disability data. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Relationship of CDSR topic coverage (systematic reviews and protocols) with percentage of total 2010 DALYs, 2010 DALY rank, and DALY percentage change from 1990 to 2010 for 15 skin conditions. RESULTS: All 15 skin conditions were represented by at least 1 systematic review in CDSR; 69% of systematic reviews and 67% of protocols by the CSG covered the 15 skin conditions. Comparing the number of reviews/protocols and disability, dermatitis, melanoma, nonmelanoma skin cancer, viral skin diseases, and fungal skin diseases were well matched. Decubitus ulcer, psoriasis, and leprosy demonstrated review/protocol overrepresentation when matched with corresponding DALYs. In comparison, acne vulgaris, bacterial skin diseases, urticaria, pruritus, scabies, cellulitis, and alopecia areata were underrepresented in CDSR when matched with corresponding DALYs. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Degree of representation in CDSR is partly correlated with DALY metrics. The number of published reviews/protocols was well matched with disability metrics for 5 of the 15 studied skin diseases, while 3 skin diseases were overrepresented, and 7 were underrepresented. Our results provide high-quality and transparent data to inform future prioritization decisions.

Drugs for discoid lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic form of cutaneous (skin) lupus which can cause permanent scarring if treatment is inadequate. Many drugs have been used to treat this disease and some of these are potentially very toxic. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of drugs for discoid lupus erythematosus. SEARCH STRATEGY: In June 2009 we updated our searches of the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2009), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and online ongoing trials registers. The reference lists of relevant reviews were searched. Index Medicus (1956 to 1966) was handsearched and we approached authors for information about unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomised trials of drugs to treat people with discoid lupus erythematosus. Drugs included in the search were azathioprine, chloroquine, clofazimine, corticosteroids, (oral and topical), dapsone, gold, interferon alpha-2a, methotrexate, phenytoin, retinoids, sulphasalazine, thalidomide, topical calcineurin blockers (pimecrolimus and tacrolimus), and biological agents (etanercept, efalizimab, infliximab, and rituximab). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently examined each retrieved study for eligibility. MAIN RESULTS: Two trials involving 136 participants were included. No new trials were included in this update.In a cross-over study of 12 weeks duration, fluocinonide 0.05% cream (a potent topical corticosteroid), appeared to be better than hydrocortisone 1% cream (a mild corticosteroid) when the first arm of the trial involving 78 participants was analysed at 6 weeks. Clearing or excellent improvement was seen in 27% of people using fluocinonide and in 10% of those using hydrocortisone, giving a 17% absolute benefit in favour of fluocinonide (95% CI 0.0 to 0.34, NNT (Number needed to treat) 6).In the second trial, acitretin (50mg/day) was compared with hydroxychloroquine (400mg/day) in 58 people in a parallel trial of 8 weeks duration. There was marked improvement or clearing in 46% of people using acitretin and in 50% of those on hydroxychloroquine but there was no significant difference between the 2 interventions. The adverse effects were more frequent and more severe in the acitretin group. In this trial clearing of erythema was measured and found to be better in the hydroxychloroquine group (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.06). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Fluocinonide cream may be more effective than hydrocortisone in treating people with discoid lupus erythematosus. Hydroxychloroquine and acitretin appear to be of equal efficacy, although adverse effects are more frequent and more severe with acitretin. There is not enough reliable evidence about other drugs used to treat discoid lupus erythematosus.

Monitoreo de reservorios del centro de Córdoba (Argentina) como base para una adecuada gestión ambiental

La actividad agroganadera produce impacto sobre la calidad del agua superficial y subterránea, y es una causa importante de eutroficación en los reservorios de agua. Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron evaluar las fluctuaciones bacteriológicas y fitoplanctónicas temporales de la calidad de agua, para uso recreacional y protección de la vida acuática, en los embalses Piedras Moras (32º 12S, 64º 19O) y La Viña (31º 47 S, 65º 01 W) en la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina. Se investigaron bacterias patógenas y de riesgo para la salud pública y animal. Se determinó el NMP/100 ml de coliformes totales y termotolerantes, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus faecalis, Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp. y Aeromonas spp. y se realizaron estudios taxonómicos sobre las especies de algas fitoplanctónicas, especialmente las bioindicadoras de eutroficación.Se evaluaron variables físico-químicas y biológicas según metodología estandarizada. El aislamiento de especies del grupo Aeromonas móviles, A. hydrophila, A. caviae, A. media, P. aeruginosa y E. coli, requiere monitoreos periódicos de los embalses que conduzcan a profundizar estudios en virtud de su interrelación con el ambiente, la salud pública y animal. En el embalse de Piedras Moras pudo observarse que la dispersión del nitrógeno total fue diferente según la estación del año. El fósforo total en primavera presentó sus mayores niveles en las estaciones del río Soconcho y el Balneario. Los riesgos de florecimientos de algas disminuirían en otoño, encuadrándose a los embalses como eutrófico-hipereutrófico. Hubo también una dominancia alternada entre Cianofíceas (representadas principalmente por los géneros Microcystis y Anabaena) y Dinofíceas (representadas por Ceratium hirundinella), condicionada por las variaciones en el estado trófico de los lagos

Monitoreo de reservorios del centro de Córdoba (Argentina) como base para una adecuada gestión ambiental

La actividad agroganadera produce impacto sobre la calidad del agua superficial y subterránea, y es una causa importante de eutroficación en los reservorios de agua. Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron evaluar las fluctuaciones bacteriológicas y fitoplanctónicas temporales de la calidad de agua, para uso recreacional y protección de la vida acuática, en los embalses Piedras Moras (32º 12S, 64º 19O) y La Viña (31º 47 S, 65º 01 W) en la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina. Se investigaron bacterias patógenas y de riesgo para la salud pública y animal. Se determinó el NMP/100 ml de coliformes totales y termotolerantes, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus faecalis, Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp. y Aeromonas spp. y se realizaron estudios taxonómicos sobre las especies de algas fitoplanctónicas, especialmente las bioindicadoras de eutroficación.Se evaluaron variables físico-químicas y biológicas según metodología estandarizada. El aislamiento de especies del grupo Aeromonas móviles, A. hydrophila, A. caviae, A. media, P. aeruginosa y E. coli, requiere monitoreos periódicos de los embalses que conduzcan a profundizar estudios en virtud de su interrelación con el ambiente, la salud pública y animal. En el embalse de Piedras Moras pudo observarse que la dispersión del nitrógeno total fue diferente según la estación del año. El fósforo total en primavera presentó sus mayores niveles en las estaciones del río Soconcho y el Balneario. Los riesgos de florecimientos de algas disminuirían en otoño, encuadrándose a los embalses como eutrófico-hipereutrófico. Hubo también una dominancia alternada entre Cianofíceas (representadas principalmente por los géneros Microcystis y Anabaena) y Dinofíceas (representadas por Ceratium hirundinella), condicionada por las variaciones en el estado trófico de los lagos

[Gastrointestinal bacteriology of the earthworm Eisenia foetida grown in composted broiler litter]. / Bacteriología gastrointestinal de la lombriz Eisenia foetida cultivada en cama de pollos parrilleros compostada.

The high animal concentration in intensive production brings about problems due to the volume of excreta and environmental pollution with the consequent risk for animal and human health. Therefore, previous to the application of any strategy of organic wastes recycling it is necessary to know possible sanitary risks. Farm organic wastes can be recycled through the intensive breeding of earthworms from species Eisenia foetida (Annelida, Oligochaeta) which can break down the consumed organic substance into humus. E. foetida is able to accelerate biodegrading wastes decomposition. It has been selected for recycling because its self productivity, its capacity to live in high concentrations, its feeding habits as well as its resistance to stress. The aim of this work is to study the microbial flora potentially pathogenic and their survival in the intestinal tract in sexually mature earthworms cultivated in composted broiler litter. Total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Salmonella, Pseudomonas and other enteric bacteria were sought in accordance with the recommended methodology. In E. foetida no positive results were obtained in the MPN/g (most probable number) of total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Salmonella, Pseudomonas and other Enterobacteriaceae family bacteria. These results suggest an antimicrobial response upon Gram negative bacteria from the gizzard and through the intestinal tract.

Organization of carbamoyl-phosphate synthase genes in Neisseria gonorrhoeae includes a large, variable intergenic sequence which is also present in other Neisseria species.

The carbamoyl-phosphate synthase (CPS) enzyme in prokaryotes is a heterodimer, encoded by genes commonly called carA and carB. In most prokaryotes examined, these genes are separated by up to 24 bp and are cotranscribed. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, carA and carB are also co-transcribed, but are separated by 682 bp. We have determined the complete DNA sequence of the carA and carB genes of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain CH811. carA (1125 bp) and carB (3237 bp) are similar in size and sequence to other prokaryotic CPS genes, however they are separated by an intervening sequence of 3290 bp which has no similarity to the intervening sequence between other CPS genes; furthermore, putative transcription terminators are found downstream of both carA and carB. Several neisserial repetitive sequences were identified within the 9 kb sequenced, as well as novel 120 and 150 bp repeats (designated RS6 and RS7, respectively) which were found within the intervening sequence between carA and carB. To determine whether the intervening sequence observed in N. gonorrhoeae CH811 was not unusual, the sequence between carA and carB was amplified by PCR from 30 isolates of N. gonorrhoeae. The intervening sequence was found to vary in size, from approximately 2.2 to 3.7 kb, although the carA and carB genes themselves did not vary in size in isolates with functional CPS enzyme. A similar large, variably sized intervening sequence was also found between the carA and carB genes of 12 isolates of N. meningitidis and 18 commensal Neisseria isolates comprising nine species. This unexpected organization of the CPS genes in N. gonorrhoeae is therefore widespread throughout the genus Neisseria.

Bacteriología gastrointestinal de la lombriz Eisenia foetida cultivada en cama de pollos parrilleros compostada / [Gastrointestinal bacteriology of the earthworm Eisenia foetida grown in composted broiler litter]

The high animal concentration in intensive production brings about problems due to the volume of excreta and environmental pollution with the consequent risk for animal and human health. Therefore, previous to the application of any strategy of organic wastes recycling it is necessary to know possible sanitary risks. Farm organic wastes can be recycled through the intensive breeding of earthworms from species Eisenia foetida (Annelida, Oligochaeta) which can break down the consumed organic substance into humus. E. foetida is able to accelerate biodegrading wastes decomposition. It has been selected for recycling because its self productivity, its capacity to live in high concentrations, its feeding habits as well as its resistance to stress. The aim of this work is to study the microbial flora potentially pathogenic and their survival in the intestinal tract in sexually mature earthworms cultivated in composted broiler litter. Total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Salmonella, Pseudomonas and other enteric bacteria were sought in accordance with the recommended methodology. In E. foetida no positive results were obtained in the MPN/g (most probable number) of total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Salmonella, Pseudomonas and other Enterobacteriaceae family bacteria. These results suggest an antimicrobial response upon Gram negative bacteria from the gizzard and through the intestinal tract.

Bacteriología gastrointestinal de la lombriz Eisenia foetida cultivada en cama de pollos parrilleros compostada. / [Gastrointestinal bacteriology of the earthworm Eisenia foetida grown in composted broiler litter]

The high animal concentration in intensive production brings about problems due to the volume of excreta and environmental pollution with the consequent risk for animal and human health. Therefore, previous to the application of any strategy of organic wastes recycling it is necessary to know possible sanitary risks. Farm organic wastes can be recycled through the intensive breeding of earthworms from species Eisenia foetida (Annelida, Oligochaeta) which can break down the consumed organic substance into humus. E. foetida is able to accelerate biodegrading wastes decomposition. It has been selected for recycling because its self productivity, its capacity to live in high concentrations, its feeding habits as well as its resistance to stress. The aim of this work is to study the microbial flora potentially pathogenic and their survival in the intestinal tract in sexually mature earthworms cultivated in composted broiler litter. Total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Salmonella, Pseudomonas and other enteric bacteria were sought in accordance with the recommended methodology. In E. foetida no positive results were obtained in the MPN/g (most probable number) of total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Salmonella, Pseudomonas and other Enterobacteriaceae family bacteria. These results suggest an antimicrobial response upon Gram negative bacteria from the gizzard and through the intestinal tract.

Klebocin activity of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains and its heterologous effect on Staphylococcus sp.

Thirty six Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were assayed in a test to determine bacterial interference; two of them had bacteriocinic effects on homologous species, strains 6 and 150 inhibited sensitive K. pneumoniae and they also acted on positive and negative Staphylococci coagulase. All cocci were sensitive to the bacteriocinogenic K. pneumoniae and none of the non-bacteriocinogenic strains inhibited them. Klebocin with homologous activity on K. pneumoniae seemed to be undistinguishable from the compound with heterologous action on Staphylococci in the aspects that were characterized in this work; both were heat labile to the same degree; optimum pH was 7, acidity decreased klebocin activity more intensely than alkaline pH. The antagonistic substance was not produced in the synthetic medium employed and was developed in tryptic soy, nutrient agar, brain heart agar and blood agar; tryptone-beef extract agar complex medium neither permitted the homologous activity nor allowed the interference on Staphylococci. The compound (or compounds) responsible for homologous antimicrobial effect had a low molecular weight as demonstrated by the fact that it pierces a dialysis membrane with molecular weight of 10,000 D cut-offs. Ethidium bromide treatment of strains 6 and 150 produced five strains without bacteriocinic activity which simultaneously lost their homologous and heterologous inhibitory capacity.

[Klebocins K6 and K150: production and activity in various experimental conditions]. / Klebocinas K6 y K150: producción y actividad en diferentes condiciones experimentales.

Klebsiella is a common agent in hospital-acquired infections and its importance in disease transmission was evident in the isolation obtained in a health center in the city of Rio Cuarto. Bacteriocinogenic strains by the cross-streak method in tryptic-soy agar were investigated. Two Klebsiella produced bacteriocins with broad patterns of sensitivity among the tested strains. The K150 klebocin was more active than the K6 klebocin, but this one was more heat-stable than K150. The klebocins were not detected in the synthetic media employed and they caused inhibitory areas in complex media, except in triptose-beef extract. K150 was not active in eosine-methylene blue and nutrient agar. The bacteriocins were associated to lipase activity and hemolytic effect on chicken erythrocytes. The strains 6 and 150 were multiresistant to antimicrobial agents, with a pattern of sensitivity different from that of other multiresistant strains.