Bio-Insecticidal Potential of Nucleopolyhedrovirus and Granulovirus Mixtures to Control the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The ability of the isolate VG008 of S. frugiperda granulovirus (SpfrGV) to enhance the infectivity of the isolate SfCOL of S. frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpfrMNPV) was evaluated on S. frugiperda larvae. Bioassays were performed with mixtures by using different proportions 90%:10% (M1), 95%:5% (M2) and 97.5%:2.5% (M3) of SfCOL:VG008, respectively. All mixtures showed higher insecticidal activity that SfCOL. The mixture M3 showed the highest enhancement of SfCOL reducing 11.40 times the Mean Lethal Concentration and 96 h in the Mean Time to Death. The enhancer activity of proteins derived from VG008 (GVPs) were also evaluated in mixture with SfCOL. The GVPs increased 27% larval mortality caused by SfCOL and damaged the peritrophic membrane of S. litura larvae, suggesting that the key point in this enhancing activity is the initial step of the larva colonization, the midgut infection. M3 was formulated and evaluated under greenhouse conditions in maize plants using different doses. The highest efficacy was obtained with the highest dose of M3 (8 × 1011 OBs/ha), which was similar to that found when formulated SfCOL was applied using an approximately twofold higher dose. The viral mixture M3 was selected as the active ingredient for developing a new biopesticide for a more efficient management of the pest in the field.

Assistive technology based on client-centered for occupational performance in neuromuscular conditions.

Knowledge of the patient's own perception of functioning and dependence, and of environmental factors, is of significant value. The main goals of this study are (1) to obtain a general profile of the occupational performance of persons with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) and their needs related to that performance and (2) to determine the support resources (assistive technologies [AT], adjustment, and/or caregiver) required to improve or maintain their level of independence.This cross-sectional study involved 24 persons with NMD. The functional independence measure (FIM), the checklist of a home's accessibility level, and a specific questionnaire were administered.The sample included 14 women (58.3%) and 10 men (41.7%). A mean of 61.7 (standard deviation = 17.2) was obtained for FIM motor, over 91, indicating a moderate level of dependence. The AT most frequently used was a wheelchair (70.8%). Architectural barriers were detected in the majority of users' homes (87.5%).Concise assessment of the independence needs of people with NMD, according to their occupational performance, and prescription of resources to meet those needs are required. This procedure should be implemented in healthcare programs, including care to a caregiver.

Microencapsulation of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii with guar gum: Preliminary approach using spray drying.

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv trifolii strains TA1 and CC275e have been widely used as effective nitrogen fixing strains for white clover in New Zealand, but rhizobia survival on seeds is usually poor due to different stress conditions. The aim of this study was to select one of those commercial strains grown in a solid carrier (core) and study the influence of the core:polymer ratio in a microencapsulation process by spray drying using guar gum as coating material. First, strains TA1 and CC275e grown on peat and diatomaceous earth were exposed to temperature and desiccation stress. Both strains were stable at 40 °C and completely died after five minutes at 80 °C, while CC275e was more stable than TA1 at 60 °C. TA1 and CC275e slightly decreased viability after six hours drying with either carriers, with no differences between strains. A central composite design was used to develop the microencapsulation process. Independent variables were: inlet temperature (130 °C) and feed flow rate (5 mL/min). Microparticles presented rhizobia loading in 107 CFU/g and mean particle size between 10 and 30 µm. Optimized process reached 50% yield and 107 CFU/g loading. Rhizobia viability dropped two logarithmic units during the microencapsulation/drying process, possibly due to the negative effects of dehydration and high outlet temperature (≈70 °C), suggesting the need to continue optimizing the process by improving the thermal profile in the drying chamber.

Experiencia en pacientes operados de roncopatía y apnea obstructiva del sueño / Clinical experience in patients with surgery of rhonchopathy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

RESUMEN Introducción: La uvulopalatofaringoplastía (UPPP) es un procedimiento ampliamente difundido en el tratamiento del ronquido y el síndrome de apnea e hipopnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS), ya que permite aumentar el área de sección transversal de la vía aérea superior y eliminar tejidos obstructivos. Conocer el grado de satisfacción de los pacientes con la cirugía es importante para nuestro desempeño. Objetivo: Evaluar la satisfacción de los pacientes con el procedimiento UPPP con cirugía nasal con datos subjetivos mediante la aplicación de una encuesta para ser respondida de forma anónima. Material y método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo. Se envió vía email una encuesta de 4 preguntas cerradas creada en la plataforma online MonkeySurvey a los pacientes que fueron sometidos a UPPP (faringoplastía de relocalización) con cirugía nasal entre 2015 y 2016. Resultados: 27 pacientes respondieron la encuesta. Sesenta y seis coma seis por ciento tenían ronquido primario y/o SAHOS leve, 33,3% SAHOS severo. La edad media al momento de la cirugía fue 41 años. El tiempo de seguimiento medio fue 10 meses (324 meses). Noventa y dos coma cinco por ciento de los pacientes están satisfechos con la cirugía UPPP; 81,4% refieren que recomendarían la cirugía a otra persona. Noventa y dos coma cinco por ciento refieren mejoría en los ronquidos. Noventa y cinco coma seis por ciento de los pacientes con somnolencia diurna refiere mejoría. Conclusión: La cirugía UPPP con técnica faringoplastía de relocalización combinada con cirugía nasal en pacientes con ronquido primario y SAHOS ha demostrado una alta tasa de satisfacción según la percepción de los pacientes en el seguimiento desde los 3 meses hasta los 2 años posoperatorios.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is a widely used surgical procedure for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), since it allows to increase of the cross-sectional area of the upper airway and elimination of obstructive tissues. Knowing the degree of satisfaction of patients with surgery is important for our performance. Aim: To evaluate patient satisfaction with UPPP procedure (relocation pharyngoplasty) with nasal surgery with subjective data through the application of a survey to be answered anonymously. Material and method: Observational, descriptive study. A survey of 4 closed questions created in the MonkeySurvey online platform was sent to patients who underwent UPPP with nasal surgery between 2015 and 2016 via email. Results: 27 patients answered the survey. 66.6% had primary snoring and/or mild OSAS, 33.3% severe OSAS. The average age at the time of surgery was 41 years. The mean follow-up time was 10 months (3-24 months). 92.5% of patients are satisfied with UPPP surgery; 81.4% reported that they would recommend surgery to another person. 92.5% reported improvement in snoring. 95.6% of patients with daytime somnolence reported improvement. Conclusion: UPPP surgery with relocation pharyngoplasty technique combined with nasal surgery in patients with primary snoring and OSAS has shown a high satisfaction rate according to the perception of patients at follow-up from 3 months to 2 years postoperative.

Efecto del estrés térmico y la radiación ultravioleta durante la producción masiva de Nomuraea rileyi / Effect of thermal stress and ultraviolet radiation during massive production of Nomuraea rileyi

Resumen El hongo entomopatógeno Nomuraea rileyi (aislamiento Nm006) ha demostrado un alto potencial para ser utilizado en el control biológico de gusano cogollero del maíz Spodoptera frugiperda. Sin embargo, este microorganismo es altamente susceptible a condiciones abióticas de estrés, lo que dificulta el desarrollo tecnológico de un bioplaguicida. Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior, el objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el efecto individual de temperatura y luz ultravioleta mediante choques de estrés implementados en el proceso de fermentación sólida. Los conidios obtenidos de los diferentes tratamientos se caracterizaron microbiológicamente (rendimiento y germinación), enzimática (β-esterasa, N-acetilglucosaminidasa y quimoelastasa proteasa Pr1) y biológicamente mediante un bioensayo. Los choques de temperatura no afectaron el rendimiento, germinación y actividad biológica del aislamiento, pero si potenciaron la actividad β-esterasa y la actividad N-acetilglucosaminidasa en comparación con los conidios no expuestos. Con respecto a los choques con luz UV, éstos no mejoraron las características de los conidios de N. rileyi. Con base en los resultados, los choques térmicos a 5 °C y 45 °C, se seleccionaron para la fermentación del hongo, porque no afectaron negativamente ninguna característica y aumentaron las actividades enzimáticas β-esterasa y N-acetilglucosaminidasa de los conidios, lo que podría mejorar la actividad insecticida sobre S. frugiperda.

Abstract The entomopathogenic fungus Nomuraea rileyi (isolate Nm006) is a possible microbial control agent against "fall armyworm" Spodoptera frugiperda. However, this fungus is affected by abiotic stress conditions that cause a slow development of the biopesticide. The objective of this study was to assess the individual effect of abiotic stress (temperature and UV light) during solid fermentation of Nomuraea rileyi Nm006. Conidia were produced under different stress conditions and then characterized microbiologically (yield and germination), enzymatically (β-esterese, N-acetylglucosaminidase and subtilin-like protease Pr1) and biologically against Spodoptera frugiperda. All the treatments were compare with conidia produced without stress. Yield and N-acetylglucosaminidase activity did not improve in conidia produced under temperature stress. Germination, efficacy and β-esterase activity were significantly higher in conidia exposed to thermal shock compared to unexposed conidia. UV light shocks did not improve any characteristics of Nm006. Thermal stress at 5 °C and 45 °C were select for fungus fermentation because conidia had higher enzymatic activity (β-esterase y N-acetilglucosaminidase) and any characteristic was negatively affect. This thermal stress could be a strategy to improve the insecticidal activity against S. frugiperda.

Exploring the Psychosocial Impact of Wheelchair and Contextual Factors on Quality of Life of People with Neuromuscular Disorders.

Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are a group of heterogeneous diseases that show differences in incidence, hereditary, etiology, prognosis, or functional impairments. Wheelchair use (manual or powered) is influenced by several factors, including personal and contextual factors, and comprehensive evaluation of their impact is required in order to optimize prescription and provision of wheelchairs. The authors therefore assessed the influence of wheelchair use on the quality of life (QoL) of 60 participants with NMD using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS). The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and a specially developed questionnaire were used to obtain information about contextual factors and participants' activity profile of activities of the participants. The results showed that using a wheelchair has psychosocial benefits, with the main determinants of benefit being type of wheelchair (powered), non-ambulation ability, and independence in mobility. Ensuring a good match between user and assistive technology (AT; e.g., wheelchair), as well as the effectiveness of the particular device, will increase the likelihood that the user will adopt it and use it effectively in daily life. Clinical prescription of AT would be improved by making appropriate use of outcome measures.

Microencapsulation of a Colombian Spodoptera frugiperda Nucleopolyhedrovirus with Eudragit® S100 by spray drying

A Colombian Spodoptera frugiperda nucleopolyhedrovirus NPV003 with high potential for the development of an efficient biopesticide was microencapsulated by spray drying with a pH dependent polymer (Eudragit® S100). Conditions for microparticles production were standardized and microencapsulation process was validated. Physical properties, insecticide activity and photo-stability of microencapsulated virus were determined. The microparticles were spherical and irregular shaped, with sizes between 17.64 and 19.47 µm. Moisture content was 10.38 ± 0.87%; encapsulation efficiency 84.61± 13.09% and process yield was 91.20 ± 6.40%. Microencapsulation process did not affect viral insecticidal activity and provided efficient protection against UVB radiation. Results demonstrated technological feasibility of spray drying process to be used in formulating a biopesticide based on NPV003.

High prevalence of Pneumocystis jiroveci colonization among young HIV-infected patients.

BACKGROUND: Pneumocystis colonization in young HIV-infected patients has been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of P jiroveci colonization in a cohort of young HIV-infected patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a basal cross-sectional study in 20 young HIV-infected patients to determine the prevalence of P jiroveci colonization in oropharyngeal wash samples studied by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Subsequently, patients were followed up during 50 weeks to observe the development of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). RESULTS: P jiroveci colonization was detected in eight (40%) of the 20 oropharyngeal wash samples. Genotype 85C/248C was the most frequent. After 50 weeks of follow-up, one colonized patient with advanced immunodepression developed PCP. CONCLUSIONS: We have found a high prevalence of P jiroveci colonization in young HIV-infected patients with a major prevalence of genotype 1 (85C/248C). Further studies are necessary to clarify if Pneumocystis colonization could be a potential risk factor of developing PCP in young HIV infected patients.

La historia clínico-laboral en los servicios de prevención de riesgos laborales: Actualizacion / Case-working history at risk management units: An update

La historia clínico-laboral es el documento que recoge toda la información y documentación relativa ala vigilancia y control de la salud de los trabajadores; por lo que debe contemplar no solo los datos quehabitualmente recoge la historia médica; sino también los distintos puestos y riesgos a que haya podido estarexpuesto el trabajador a lo largo de su vida laboral, tratando de establecer la posible relación causa-efectocon la patología que en un momento dado presente.Su utilidad es múltiple: análisis epidemiológico, pericia médica, docencia.Debe hacer suya la no discriminación en general y particularmente de los trabajadores emigrantes, ensintonía con los principios generales de la vigilancia de la salud.El acceso a la historia clínico-laboral está establecido en la normativa vigente. Es un documentoconfidencial que debe permanecer bajo la custodia del personal sanitario y tiene la consideración de fichero;debiendo conservarse, con carácter general, hasta cinco años después que el trabajador haya causado bajaen la empresa por finalización de la relación laboral, salvo en casos reglamentados por riesgos especiales (AU)

A case-working history is a document which contains all the information about workers’ surveillanceand health control, so it should take in account not only those data which are often collected in a casehistory, but also the posts and risks the worker could have been exposed to during their working life in orderto establish a relationship between cause and effect with the pathology they may present at a given time.It has a multiple usability: epidemiologic analysis, health surveillance and teaching.It should defend no discrimination in general, and particularly to immigrant workers following theguidelines given for health surveillance. The access to the data in a case-working history is established bylaw. It is not only a confidential document, which should be under the control of health staff, but it is alsoconsidered to be a file which should be kept for five years after the worker has resigned, except for thosesituations in which workers are exposed to special risks (AU)

Pneumocystis jirovecii transmission from immunocompetent carriers to infant.

We report a case of Pneumocystis jirovecii transmission from colonized grandparents to their infant granddaughter. Genotyping of P. jirovecii showed the same genotypes in samples from the infant and her grandparents. These findings support P. jirovecii transmission from immunocompetent carrier adults to a susceptible child.

Systemic inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who are colonized with Pneumocystis jiroveci.

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high levels of airway and systemic inflammatory markers are associated with a faster decrease in lung function. Our study shows that patients colonized by Pneumocystis jiroveci have higher proinflammatory cytokine levels than do noncolonized patients. This suggests that Pneumocystis may play a role in disease progression.

Riesgo de enfermedad coronaria en dos poblaciones laborales diferentes / No disponible

Objetivo: Estimar el riesgo coronario en dos poblaciones laborales diferentes para establecer programas de prevención de enfermedades coronarias en el medio laboral según los respectivos perfiles de riesgo. Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo de factores de riesgo coronario (presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, índice de masa corporal, colesterol total sérico, tabaco y antecedentes familiares de coronariopatía en menores de 55 años) recogidos en el examen de salud de 3857 trabajadores de dos colectivos (ejecutivos y peones de construcción) aplicando una escala de riesgo cardiovascular. Los datos se analizaron con el paquete G-STAT y se usaron pruebas de Chi cuadrado y t de Student. Resultados: El riesgo coronario es más alto en hombres mayores en los dos grupos estudiados; moderado en peones de construcción y moderadobajo en ejecutivos. En mujeres es más alto en ejecutivas en el mismo grupo de edad aunque sea bajo, según la clasificación utilizada. Globalmente es mas alto en el grupo de edad mayor de 51 años, tanto en ejecutivos cómo en peones. Por género y sin valorar la edad el riesgo es siempre mayor en hombres aunque en el nivel bajo Conclusiones: Hay diferencias en riesgo coronario por genero siendo más alto, independientemente del puesto, en hombres que en mujeres. Los ejecutivos hombres tienen menor riesgo coronario que los peones hombres. En mujeres el riesgo coronario es mayor en las ejecutivas. Hubo además diferencias importantes entre los dos grupos en la prevalencia de los factores de riesgo coronario

Goal: Evaluate the coronary risk in two different working populations to establish programmes to prevent coronary disease in the workplace adapted to their risk profiles. Methodology: We developed a retrospective study of coronary risk factors (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index (B.M.I.), seric cholesterol rate, tobacco consumption and history of relatives previously affected by coronary disease in workers who are under 55). These data were collected after having checked the health of 3857 workers belonging to two different working populations, executives and unskilled construction workers. The data were processed and analysed with G-STAT and we also applied ?2 and t- Student. Results: Coronary risk is higher for the oldest male workers belonging to both groups. It is considered to be average for unskilled construction workers and average- low for executives. As far as female workers are concerned, it is higher for executives belonging to the same age group, although it is low according to the rating used in the sample. All in all, it is higher for both groups of workers who are older than 51. As regards gender, the risk is always higher for male workers, though it is on the lower level of the scale. Conclusion: There are differences in coronary risk according to gender as the risk is higher for male workers no matter their working place. Male executives present a lower degree of coronary risk than male unskilled construction workers. Female executives have a higher degree of coronary risk when compared to female unskilled construction workers. We have noticed remarkable and important differences on the prevalence of coronary risk factors in both working populations

Immunity in HIV-1-infected adults with a previous state of moderate-severe immune-suppression and more than 500 CD4+ T cell after highly active antiretroviral therapy.

We evaluated phenotypic and functional parameters of immune restoration of 27 HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) (HIV-cases) with HIV-RNA levels below detectable limits at least during 18 months, and CD4+ cell per microliter higher than 500 at the moment of the study and lower than 300 anytime before. These patients were compared with 11 HIV-controls that never had less than 500 CD4+ cell per microliter and 20 healthy-controls (HIV seronegative subjects) in a cross-sectional study. HIV-cases had lower counts of naïve CD4+ than HIV-controls and healthy-controls. HIV-patients (both HIV-cases and HIV-controls) showed higher values of naïve and memory CD8+ counts than healthy-controls. TREC-bearing cell levels were significantly lower in HIV-cases than in healthy-controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cultures, HIV-cases had lower values in proliferation to streptokinase (SK) and tetanus toxin (TT) than in healthy-controls. HIV-cases had lower IFN-gamma and higher IL-5 production with pokeweed than healthy-controls ( P < 0.01). However, IL-5 production of HIV-cases after TT stimulation was lower than in HIV-controls and healthy-controls. Total IgG and IgG1 levels were significantly higher in HIV-cases than in HIV-controls and healthy-controls. Also, IgM levels were significantly higher in HIV-cases than in healthy-controls. Nevertheless, IgG2 levels were significantly lower in HIV-cases and HIV-controls than in healthy-controls. The levels of specific Igs antipneumococcal capsular polysaccharide and TT were significantly lower in HIV-cases than in healthy-controls. HIV-patients with a previous state of severe-moderate immunosuppression normalizing their CD4+ counts have a incomplete immune reconstitution after HAART. Long-term consequences of this subclinical immune deficiency remain to be determined.

Long-term virological outcome and resistance mutations at virological rebound in HIV-infected adults on protease inhibitor-sparing highly active antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the durability of the undetectability of HIV plasma viraemia (pV) and to determine the factors associated with virological rebound (VR) in HIV-infected adults on protease inhibitor (PI)-sparing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The development of resistance mutations during virologically successful therapy and VR was also analysed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six HIV-infected adults on PI-sparing HAART were prospectively followed from April 1998 to December 2002: Group 1, naive for antiretroviral drugs (n = 26); Group 2, previously PI-HAART-exposed patients (n = 19); Group 3, previously exposed to suboptimal therapy (n = 81). Genotypic resistance tests on peripheral blood mononuclear cells or on plasma RNA (when feasible) were carried out when undetectable HIV pV was demonstrated for at least 48 weeks. Additionally, patients showing a therapy adherence >95% developing VR were also tested at rebound, at simplification and during previous suboptimal therapy exposure. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 630 [329-903] days. VR was considered as two consecutive pV levels >50 copies/mL. Twenty-two (17.5%) patients developed VR. Only therapy adherence <95% was independently associated with VR (adjusted hazard ratio: 8.42; 95% CI: 3.33-21.27). Twenty (40%) of the 50 patients with pV < 50 copies/mL for at least 48 weeks showed at least one thymidine-associated mutation (TAM) but none had NNRTI-resistance mutations. Ten (83.3%) of 12 available adherent patients showing VR harboured NNRTI-resistance-associated mutations; 50% of them were considered as wild-type strains at simplification time. However, the TAM number and resistance mutations profile found on suboptimal exposure were very similar to those found at VR on simplification therapy. CONCLUSIONS: PI-sparing HAART allows maintenance of successful long-term control of HIV replication, adherence to therapy being the main factor associated with VR. However, a small proportion of patients on simplification regimen may develop VR regardless of therapy compliance. VR on PI-sparing HAART is characterized by the emergence of NNRTI cross-resistance mutations. Finally, TAMs 'archived' during previous suboptimal exposures are partially involved in subsequent VR on simplification HAART.