Infection by the semi-persistently transmitted Tomato chlorosis virus alters the biology and behaviour of Bemisia tabaci on two potato clones.

Insect-borne plant viruses usually alter the interactions between host plant and insect vector in ways conducive to their transmission ('host manipulation hypothesis'). Most studies have tested this hypothesis with persistently and non-persistently transmitted viruses, while few have examined semi-persistently transmitted viruses. The crinivirus Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is semi-persistently transmitted virus by whiteflies, and has been recently reported infecting potato plants in Brazil, where Bemisia tabaci Middle East Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) is a competent vector. We investigated how ToCV infection modifies the interaction between potato plants and B. tabaci in ways that increase the likelihood of ToCV transmission, in two clones, one susceptible ('Agata') and the other moderately resistant (Bach-4) to B. tabaci. Whiteflies alighted and laid more eggs on ToCV-infected plants than mock-inoculated plants of Bach-4. When non-viruliferous whiteflies were released on ToCV-infected plants near mock-inoculated plants, adults moved more intensely towards non-infected plants than in the reverse condition for both clones. Feeding on ToCV-infected plants reduced egg-incubation period in both clones, but the egg-adult cycle was similar for whiteflies fed on ToCV-infected and mock-inoculated plants. Our results demonstrated that ToCV infection in potato plants alters B. tabaci behaviour and development in distinct ways depending on the host clone, with potential implications for ToCV spread.

[Assessment of a Chilean Spanish version of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care Questionnaire]. / Adaptación y validación de la versión chilena del cuestionario "Evaluación de la Atención de Enfermedades Crónicas para pacientes".

BACKGROUND: The Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) questionnaire is a widely used instrument to assess chronic disease care from a patient's perspective. AIM: To adapt the PACIC questionnaire to Chilean Spanish and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the translation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional design with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The PACIC questionnaire was applied, throughout an external client, to 200 users who received health care at the cardiovascular program in a Family Health Center in Concepción, Chile. RESULTS: The confirmatory factor analysis did not show a good adjustment with the proposed structure in the original instrument. An exploratory factor analysis revealed five factors explaining 58% of total data variability. The distribution of the factor-items of the original questionnaire underwent some modifications, which are explained when analyzing the theoretical construct. A good reliability of the global scale was obtained (Cronbach's α 0.886). CONCLUSIONS: The PACIC questionnaire, Chilean version does not replicate the proposed structure of the original questionnaire. Therefore, further research about its validity, incorporating a higher number or diversity of participants is recommended.

Context-dependent effects of yolk androgens on nestling growth and immune function in a multibrooded passerine.

Female birds may adjust their offspring phenotype to the specific requirements of the environment by differential allocation of physiologically active substances into yolks, such as androgens. Yolk androgens have been shown to accelerate embryonic development, growth rate and competitive ability of nestlings, but they can also entail immunological costs. The balance between costs and benefits of androgen allocation is expected to depend on nestling environment. We tested this hypothesis in a multibrooded passerine, the spotless starling, Sturnus unicolor. We experimentally manipulated yolk androgen levels using a between-brood design and evaluated its effects on nestling development, survival and immune function. Both in first and replacement broods, the embryonic development period was shorter for androgen-treated chicks than controls, but there were no differences in second broods. In replacement broods, androgen-treated chicks were heavier and larger than those hatched from control eggs, but this effect was not observed in the other breeding attempts. Androgen exposure reduced survival with respect to controls only in second broods. Regarding immune function, we detected nonsignificant trends for androgen treatment to activate two important components of innate and adaptive immunity (IL-6 and Ig-A levels, respectively). Similarly, androgen-treated chicks showed greater lymphocyte proliferation than controls in the first brood and an opposite trend in the second brood. Our results indicate that yolk androgen effects on nestling development and immunity depend on the environmental conditions of each breeding attempt. Variation in maternal androgen allocation to eggs could be explained as the result of context-dependent optimal strategies to maximize offspring fitness.

Social avoidance and altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in a mouse model of anxious depression: The role of LPA1 receptor.

Anxious depression is a prevalent disease with devastating consequences. Despite the lack of knowledge about the neurobiological basis of this subtype of depression, recently our group has identified a relationship between the LPA1 receptor, one of the six characterized G protein-coupled receptors (LPA1-6) for lysophosphatidic acid, with a mixed depressive-anxiety phenotype. Dysfunctional social behaviors, which have been related to increased activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, are key symptoms of depression and are even more prominent in patients with comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders. Social behavior and HPA functioning were assessed in animals lacking the LPA1 receptor. For these purposes, we first examined social behaviors in wild-type and LPA1 receptor-null mice. In addition, a dexamethasone (DEX) suppression test was carried out. maLPA1-null mice exhibited social avoidance, a blunted response to DEX administration and an impaired circadian rhythm of corticosterone levels, which are features that are consistently dysregulated in many mental illnesses including anxious depression. Here, we have strengthened the previous experimental evidence for maLPA1-null mice to represent a good animal model of anxious depression, providing an opportunity to explore new therapeutic targets for the treatment of mood disorders, particularly this subtype of depression.

The hilum of the lung: Two classical radiological signs to decipher it.

Assessing the hilum of the lung is a common challenge in daily practice because various structures converge in this complex anatomic region. Because chest X-rays are widely available and deliver relatively low doses of radiation, they continue to be the most common imaging test, although new imaging modalities have decreased the use of chest X-rays for differentiating between true abnormalities and superimposed lung opacities. This article reviews the literature and describes the principal anatomic relations of the lung hilum through illustrative cases to enable the two most important radiologic signs to be identified: "hilum overlay" and "hilum convergence". In the initial imaging evaluation of patients with cardiothoracic disease, knowledge of these basic principles facilitates the three-dimensional location of lesions in a single-plane image, optimizing time and resources.

Comparison of histological measures of skin photoaging.

BACKGROUND: Dermal elastosis is considered the histological 'gold standard' for evaluation of skin photoaging, but the relation of the level of dermal elastosis to other histological indicators of photoaging is not clear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how various proposed histological measures of photoaging compare with the level of dermal elastosis. METHODS: Prospective, community-based study in Southeast Queensland, Australia, among 89 participants aged 40-82 years. Quantitative histology was used to evaluate 8 biomarkers of photoaged skin, and associations between grades of dermal elastosis and each of the other 7 biomarkers were analysed using ordinal logistic regression models with proportional odds assumption, using histological grades of elastosis as the outcome. RESULTS: Older age, male sex and high outdoor exposure levels were confirmed as predictors of high levels of dermal elastosis. After adjustment for age and sex, the only significant positive association with increasing elastosis grades was the proportion of p53-positive cells. Epidermal thickness, interdigitation index proportion of surface covered with melanin (% Fontana-Masson staining) and glycosaminoglycan content were not associated with elastosis in either crude or adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: Among a range of suggested biomarkers of photoaged skin, only p53-positive cells appear to be strongly associated with the level of dermal elastosis.

The hilum of the lung: two classical radiological signs to decipher it. / El hilio pulmonar, dos signos radiológicos clásicos para descifrarlo.

Assessing the hilum of the lung is a common challenge in daily practice because various structures converge in this complex anatomic region. Because chest X-rays are widely available and deliver relatively low doses of radiation, they continue to be the most common imaging test, although new imaging modalities have decreased the use of chest X-rays for differentiating between true abnormalities and superimposed lung opacities. This article reviews the literature and describes the principal anatomic relations of the lung hilum through illustrative cases to enable the two most important radiologic signs to be identified: "hilum overlay" and "hilum convergence". In the initial imaging evaluation of patients with cardiothoracic disease, knowledge of these basic principles facilitates the three-dimensional location of lesions in a single-plane image, optimizing time and resources.

Immunologic parameters evaluations in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to sublethal concentrations of diazinon.

Fish resistance to microorganisms depends basically on the immune response. Although there are several studies on the diazinon mammalian immunotoxicity, in the case of fish there are only few. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of diazinon on immunological parameters (relative spleen weight, splenocytes count, lysozyme activity, respiratory burst and IgM concentration) in Nile tilapia. Diazinon at sublethal concentrations (0.39 and 0.78 mg/L) did not alter RSW, splenocytes count or lysozyme activity. However, at the highest concentration tested (1.96 mg/L) diazinon significantly increased respiratory burst and IgM concentration. In summary, diazinon (and perhaps other pesticides) could alter immunological response and induce oxidative stress.

Influence of Trichomes in Strawberry Cultivars on the Feeding Behavior of Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is the predominant aphid in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) production systems in Brazil. This pest species directly damages the plants and is also responsible for spreading viruses. Further, C. fragaefolii often renders strawberry cultivation unviable, because of its high reproductive rate, as well as the large number of individuals generated through parthenogenesis. The present study aimed to (1) evaluate the feeding behavior of C. fragaefolii in four strawberry cultivars (Albion, Aromas, Camarosa, and San Andreas) and (2) identify the resistance factors associated with the number and type of trichomes in the cultivars, and also its effect on the feeding behavior of C. fragaefolii, using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique. The results revealed an intrinsic relationship between the number of trichomes on the cultivar and feeding behavior of C. fragaefolii. A higher number of trichomes, both tector and glandular, was observed in Albion compared to that of other cultivars, resulting in a longer no probing (Np) period per insect, and a longer Np phase. A relatively short phloem phase and ingestion time of the phloem sieve elements were also observed in Albion. These results suggest that the trichomes act as a physical barrier creating difficulties for C. fragaefolii to feed, thereby altering its feeding behavior in the four cultivars studied.

Development of real-time RT-PCR assays for the detection of Cucumber vein yellowing virus (CVYV) and Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) in the whitefly vector Bemisia tabaci.

Reverse transcription followed by real-time PCR assays based on TaqMan chemistry have been developed for the detection and quantification of Cucumber vein yellowing virus (CVYV) and Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) in individual adults of the whitefly vector Bemisia tabaci. The method includes an internal control for the detection of a gene from B. tabaci to compensate for variations in extraction efficiency. The assays designed were used to estimate proportions of viruliferous whiteflies collected from commercial greenhouse-grown crops in Spain. In a significant number of whiteflies, both viruses were detected and their amounts were estimated. The assays could be used to assist risk assessment of CVYV and CYSDV which constitute limiting factors in cucurbit crops. They are also suited to investigating the epidemiology and plant-virus-vector relationships in these diseases.

El hilio pulmonar, dos signos radiológicos clásicos para descifrarlo / The hilum of the lung: two classical radiological signs to decipher it

El análisis del hilio pulmonar es un reto frecuente en la práctica diaria, por tratarse de una región anatómica compleja donde confluyen varias estructuras. La radiografía de tórax, por su alta accesibilidad y baja dosis de radiación, se mantiene como la primera técnica de imagen solicitada, pese a que las nuevas modalidades han disminuido su uso en el momento de diferenciar verdaderas anormalidades de opacidades pulmonares superpuestas. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica que ilustra mediante casos didácticos sus principales relaciones anatómicas, lo que permite identificar los signos radiológicos que revisten mayor importancia: “sobreposición hiliar” y “convergencia hiliar”. En la valoración inicial del paciente con patología cardiotorácica, tener conocimiento de estos principios básicos facilita localizar tridimensionalmente lesiones en una imagen planar, optimizando tiempo y recursos.(AU)

Assessing the hilum of the lung is a common challenge in daily practice because various structures converge in this complex anatomic region. Because chest X-rays are widely available and deliver relatively low doses of radiation, they continue to be the most common imaging test, although new imaging modalities have decreased the use of chest X-rays for differentiating between true abnormalities and superimposed lung opacities. This article reviews the literature and describes the principal anatomic relations of the lung hilum through illustrative cases to enable the two most important radiologic signs to be identified: “hilum overlay” and “hilum convergence”. In the initial imaging evaluation of patients with cardiothoracic disease, knowledge of these basic principles facilitates the three-dimensional location of lesions in a single-plane image, optimizing time and resources.(AU)

Are taxonomic distinctness measures compliant to other ecological indicators in assessing ecological status?

Assessing the ecological status, a concept implemented in the European Water Framework Directive [EC, 2000. Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy PE-CONS 3639/1/00, p. 72], requires the application of methods capable of distinguishing different levels of ecological quality. The Average Taxonomic Distinctness has been used as tool in this context, and we tested the robustness of Taxonomic Distinctness measures applying it in different scenarios (estuarine eutrophication, organic pollution, and re-colonisation after physical disturbance), analysing simultaneously its compliance to other types of ecological indicators. Results show that, in most of the case studies, only Total Taxonomic Distinctness was relatively satisfactory in discriminating between disturbed situations. Other Taxonomic Distinctness measures have not proved to be more sensitive than other ecological indicators (Shannon-Wiener, Margalef, and Eco-Exergy indices). Therefore, this approach does not seem to be particularly helpful in assessing systems' ecological status with regard to the WFD implementation.

Are taxonomic distinctness measures compliant to other ecological indicators in assessing ecological status?

Assessing the ecological status, a concept implemented in the European Water Framework Directive [Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy PE-CONS 3639/1/00, 72 p.], requires the application of methods capable of distinguishing different levels of ecological quality. Somerfield and Clarke [Marine Environmental Research 43 (2003) 145-156] proposed Average Taxonomic Distinctness to be used as tool in this context. We tested the robustness of Taxonomic Distinctness measures applying it in different scenarios (estuarine eutrophication, organic pollution, and re-colonisation after physical disturbance), analysing simultaneously its compliance to other types of ecological indicators. Results show that, in most of the case studies, only Total Taxonomic Distinctness was relatively satisfactory in discriminating between disturbed situations. Other Taxonomic Distinctness measures have not proved to be more sensitive than other ecological indicators (Shannon-Wiener, Margalef, and Eco-Exergy indices). Therefore, this approach does not seem to be particularly helpful in assessing systems' ecological status with regard to the WFD implementation.

[Prevalence of hip, femur and knee fractures at the High Specialty Medical Unit, Hospital de Traumatología y Ortopedia "Lomas Verdes", Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social]. / Prevalencia de fracturas de cadera, fémur y rodilla en la Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad Hospital de Traumatología y Ortopedia "Lomas Verdes" del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.

BACKGROUND: Lower limb fractures are more frequent among older patients with osteopenia after a low energy fall and/or among young patients who sustain a high energy trauma. The prevalence of hip, femur and knee fractures at the High Specialty Medical Unit, Hospital de Traumatología y Ortopedia "Lomas Verdes" is unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study, descriptive and retrospective design. Cases with low extremity fractures treated from January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2013 at the Hip, Femur and Knee Service, High Specialty Medical Unit, Hospital de Traumatología y Ortopedia "Lomas Verdes", were reviewed. RESULTS: Most patients (52.2%) were females; 64.1% of patients were over 60 years of age. Fracture distribution according to the segment involved was as follows: 73.4% (n = 1,327) were femur fractures, 13.5% (n = 244) tibial plateau fractures, and 13.2% (n = 238) patellar fractures. 66.8% (n = 1,209) of patients had a long hospital stay (more than 10 days). According to the anatomical location of fractures, transtrochanteric fractures (49.1%) were the most frequent ones, followed by patellar fractures (13.2%), and femur shaft fractures (12.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of lower limb fractures at our hospital corresponds to what has been reported internationally.

Analysis of herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 infection in women with high risk sexual behaviour in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: This paper describes the seroprevalence and risk factors of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in a group of female prostitutes from Mexico City. METHODS: Women who consented to participate in the study voluntarily attended a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic during 1992. A standardized questionnaire was administered and a blood sample was obtained from each participant. Type-specific Western blot serology was performed to determine the serostatus of HSV-1 and HSV-2 for participants. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were applied to identify variables associated with an increased risk for HSV infection. RESULTS: Prevalences of infection among the 997 prostitutes studied were 93.9% for HSV-1 and 60.8% for HSV-2. Only 1.8% of the women were seronegative for both viruses. The only variable associated with HSV-1 seropositivity was crowding index. The following variables were associated with an increased risk for infection with HSV-2: age, level of education, working site, born outside Mexico City and increasing time as a prostitute. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first assessment of HSV infection in Mexico and may be useful for the development and application of control and preventive measures among the prostitute population at risk of acquiring and transmitting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other STD.

Risk factors for herpes simplex virus type 2 infection among female commercial sex workers in Mexico City.

A scarce number of studies have been carried out to determine the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in female sex workers (FSWs). The objective of this study was to examine the correlates of infection for HSV-2 with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour and history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among FSWs in Mexico City. A sample frame of commercial sex work sites was constructed during the fall of 1992. Sites identified were streets, bars and massage parlours. During 1993 we surveyed 757 FSWs aged 18-76 years, from a random sample of sites. Participating women provided a blood sample and answered a standardized questionnaire. HSV-2 antibodies were identified based on a Western blot assay, using type-specific recombinant glycoprotein gG2. In a multivariate analysis, the presence of HSV-2 antibodies was correlated (P < 0.005) with increasing age and time working as prostitutes, low education, street working site and positive serology for syphilis. The results showed that the working site and the education level are contextual variables related to the risk of HSV-2 infection, where poorly educated and street FSWs had the highest probability of infection. Characteristics that represent periods of exposure to the virus as age and time working in prostitution were predictors of the HSV-2 infection.

PIP: The authors investigated the relationship between herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, sexual behavior, and history of STDs among female prostitutes in Mexico City. During 1993, 757 female prostitutes aged 18-76 years, of mean age 28.5 years, from a random selection of prostitution sites provided blood samples and answered a standardized questionnaire. The presence of HSV-2 antibodies was identified through Western blot assay, using type-specific recombinant glycoprotein gG2. Overall seroprevalences for the study population were 65.1%, 0.6%, 3%, and 6.4% for HSV-2, HIV, hepatitis B virus, and syphilis, respectively. There was no significant correlation between HIV and HSV-2 serological results, although all 5 HIV-seropositive women were HSV-2 seropositive. In a multivariate analysis, the presence of HSV-2 antibodies was correlated with relatively higher age and longer time working as prostitutes, low education, prostitution at a street site, and positive serology for syphilis.

Factors associated with condom use in the male population of Mexico City.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are an important public health problem, due to their medical, social and economic repercussions. Therefore, more knowledge is needed about the sexual behaviour that promotes their spread, in order to improve control and prevention strategies. Our aim was to determine the frequency of male condom use associated with sexual behaviour factors, a history of and knowledge about STDs in a sample of the male population in Mexico City. During 1994 a cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out, using multi-stage sampling with conglomerates, in 1377 men from 15 to 49 years old. The mean age was 34.5 years (SD 7.5 years). Mean age at first sexual relations was 17.7 years (SD 2.8 years). The global proportion of condom use during the last sexual relation was 24.6%; use according to type of female sex partner in the last year was 18.8% with regular partners and 62.5% with occasional partners. The principal predictors of male condom use, identified through statistical modelling, were: younger age (<25 years), middle and high education level (>9 years), middle and high socioeconomic level and type of sexual partners (occasional and regular). This population has risk factors for acquiring and transmitting some STDs, such as occasional sexual partners and a history of STDs. Characteristics which are important in relation to male condom use were identified, such as age (younger than 35), education (complete junior high school or more) and type of sexual partners (occasional and regular).

PIP: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in 1994 to determine the frequency of condom use in Mexico City among sexually active men aged 15-49 years old, and the association with sexual behavior and a history of or knowledge about STDs. The 1377 men interviewed were of mean age 34.5 years, and experienced their first sexual intercourse at mean age 17.7 years. 47% of the men reported using a condom at least once in their lives and 81.6% were married. 79.4% reported having a formal partner, 14.6% had relations with occasional partners, and 6.1% with both regular and informal partners. 26.4% used a condom during their most recent sexual intercourse, 18.8% with formal partners and 62.5% with casual partners. Condom use with formal partners was largely to prevent pregnancy, while condom use with casual partners was to prevent the transmission of STDs. Young and single men were almost twice as likely to use condoms as older married men. The main predictors of male condom use were therefore being under 25 years old, having more than 9 years of formal education, being of middle to high socioeconomic status, and type of sex partners.

First Report of Southern bean mosaic virus Infecting French Bean in Morocco.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is grown on approximately 1,500 ha in commercial greenhouses and is of major economic importance in the Souss-Massa Region, Agadir, Morocco. Since October 2003, symptoms resembling a viral disease, consisting of pod mosaic and distortion and mild to severe mosaic in leaves, have been observed on bean plants in several greenhouses. Mechanical inoculation with symptomatic leaf extracts produced necrotic local lesions on P. vulgaris 'Pinto' and systemic symptoms similar to those observed in the naturally infected bean plants P. vulgaris 'Donna' (five plants per cultivar). Inoculated and naturally infected samples reacted positively using a double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) to Southern bean mosaic virus (SBMV) (DSMZ, Braunschweig, Germany), a member of the Sobemovirus genus that is transmitted by contact, soil, beetles, and seeds (1). Virions purified from a naturally infected 'Donna' plant contained a 30-kDa polypeptide that reacted positively using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blot analysis with SBMV antiserum (DSMZ). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction amplification with SMBV primers as described by Verhoeven et al. (2) produced an expected 870-bp band. The amplicon was cloned, sequenced (GenBank Accession No. AJ748276), and compared to those isolates available in GenBank and had a nucleotide sequence identity of 87% and a derived amino acid sequence identity of 95% with an SBMV isolate from Spain (2). During a survey in different areas of the Souss-Massa Region, 20 symptomatic leaf and pod samples were randomly collected from 12 greenhouses (50 ha) where significant commercial losses were suffered because of this virus disease, and all samples were positive using DAS-ELISA for SBMV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SBMV in Morocco. References: (1) J. H. Tremaine and R. I. Hamilton. Southern bean mosaic virus. No. 274 in: Descriptions of Plant Viruses. CMI/AAB, Kew, Surrey, England, 1983. (2) J. Th. J. Verhoeven et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 109:935, 2003.

[Conventional percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty as the form of treatment of complex intra-stent restenosis]. / Angioplastia coronaria transluminal percutánea convencional como forma de tratamiento de reestenosis compleja intra-stent.

We report the case of a patient with unstable refractory angina due to a coronary narrowing because of in-stent restenosis affecting the first diagonal, first septal and left anterior descending coronary artery. The lesions were successfully dilated with a conventional balloon catheter and a triple guide-wire system was placed through the inter-filaments space of the stent, to protect and recanalize the branch vessels involved. The patient evolved well and was discharged asymptomatic.