Prospecting bacterial consortia from a geothermal site for metals biotransformation.

Biomats that flourished in a fumarole located on the geothermal site Los Azufres (Mexico) were used as inocula to select aerobic and sulfate-reducing bacteria consortia for studying their capacity to reduce hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], aiming to use these consortia in biotransformation technologies. The sample site is characterized by slightly warm (nearly 27 [Formula: see text]C), acid (pH 3) and about hypoxic (1.8 mg L[Formula: see text] of dissolved oxygen) conditions. Four culture systems (2 aerobic and 2 anaerobic) were investigated, including their enzymatic activity, capacity to produce biofilms, and an analysis of the total bacterial populations. For the anaerobic condition (using sulfate and sulfur as electron acceptors), four pH values (from 2 to 8) and four carbon sources (pyruvate, glycerol, Na-lactate and Na-acetate) were probed. Significant biological Cr(VI) removal was observed for all the pH values probed, particularly during the first 12 h, being more effective at the most acid conditions. At a pH value of 4 and using pyruvate as carbon source, 100 mg L[Formula: see text] of Cr(VI) were completely depleted in less than 12 h, while the use of Na-lactate was less effective but still reasonable. These results indicate that sulfate-reducing bacteria consortia from geothermal sites like the one studied here are capable of biotransforming Cr(VI) and have the potential to provide metal bioremediation technologies.

Does fitness attenuate the relationship between changes in sitting time and health-related quality of life over time in community-dwelling older adults? Evidence from the EXERNET multicenter longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between fitness levels and components, sitting time and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), over time among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Three different sitting trajectories were calculated: (i) no change; (ii) decrease; and (iii) increase in ST, between baseline and follow-up. Fitness was assessed using the aerobic capacity, upper and lower limb strength, and total fitness. Participants were classified into higher (75th percentile or above) or lower (below 75th percentile) fitness levels, using the fitness tests. HRQoL scores at follow-up were compared to the three different sitting time trajectories within and across both the higher and the lower fitness groups for each of the three fitness indexes. RESULTS: Greater HRQoL scores were observed in those participants that decreased their ST as compared with those increasing their sitting time over time for participants classified in the lower end of their aerobic capacity or total fitness index. No differences were detected in HRQoL scores in people classified in the higher fitness level group for any of the fitness indexes. Participants that increased or did not change their sitting time and who were classified in the higher fitness end of aerobic capacity and total fitness index self-reported higher HRQoL scores when compared with those in the lower fitness end. CONCLUSION: Increased sitting time over time is associated with poorer HRQoL in older adults. Higher fitness levels could help attenuate the negative impact of sitting over time.

Quantification of pericaudal adipocyte diameter in dairy cattle during peripartum: a complementary method to study energetic status using conventional histology.

The energetic status of high-yielding Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle was studied during peripartum under field conditions using body condition score (BCS), glycemia, seric ß-hydroxybutyrate and adipose tissue cellularity. This last method was tested as a complementary tool for energetic status assessment. Biopsies of pericaudal subcutaneous adipose tissue were obtained from 25 multiparous animals at 28 days before and 21 days after parturition. Samples were routinely processed for histological examination and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The mean diameter of adipocytes (MDA) was measured with the aid of a digital image processor. During the same period, blood samples were collected weekly for metabolite determinations. The MDA at 28 days pre-partum and 21 days post-partum were 72.1 vs. 66.2 µm respectively (p = 0.055), and the corresponding BCS at these moments was 3.32 vs. 3.19 (p = 0.068). At -28 days pre-partum, the BCS was positively correlated with MDA (Pearson's r = 0.521, p = 0.016) and with glycemia (Pearson's r = 0.404, p = 0.056). Correlations between BCS and MDA, and between BCS and glycemia, with ß-hydroxybutyrate although not significant, suggest that routine histological preparations of biopsies from subcutaneous adipose tissue could be included as an easy and valuable tool for research purposes to evaluate metabolic adaptation of dairy cows to peripartum, as well as the incidence of metabolic disorders and productive performance.

Presence of SARS-CoV-2 on food surfaces and public space surfaces in three districts of Lima, Peru.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on food surfaces and surfaces in public spaces in 3 districts of Lima, Peru. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in three districts of the Lima metropolitan area. Surfaces that were most exposed to users were selected. Samples were swabbed for 4 weeks and transported to the laboratory to determine the presence of the virus. One thousand ninety-five inert surface samples and 960 food surface samples were evaluated for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 by the real time-PCR molecular test, whereby only one sample from an automated teller machine was positive. Most of the inert and food surfaces evaluated did not show the presence of SARS-CoV-2 during the time of sample collection. Despite the negative results, the frequency of disinfection and hygiene measures on high-contact surfaces should be maintained and increased to prevent other highly contagious infectious diseases.

Chromosomal region 16p13: further evidence of increased predisposition to immune diseases.

OBJECTIVE: Genome-wide studies have identified the chromosomal region 16p13 in the susceptibility to type 1 diabetes (T1D) and multiple sclerosis (MS). This region includes the CLEC16A/KIAA0350 gene and an adjacent gene, MHC2TA (MHC class II transactivator), previously associated with susceptibility to MS and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The role of CLEC16A polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of T1D, MS and RA and its relationship with the association reported with a MHC2TA haplotype were investigated. METHODS: CLEC16A (rs2903692/rs6498169/rs11074956) polymorphisms were analysed in 435 patients with MS, 316 with T1D and 600 with RA and in 550 ethnically matched controls. The MHC2TA rs3087456G/rs4774C risk haplotype was studied in an independent RA cohort. RESULTS: rs2903692 conferred a protective effect on patients with T1D, MS and RA. The described association of rs6498169 with MS was replicated in MS and RA cohorts. The effect of the MHC2TA rs3087456G/rs4774C haplotype on RA susceptibility was confirmed, and the haplotype was found to be in negative linkage disequilibrium with the CLEC16A rs2903692A/rs6498169A haplotype. CONCLUSIONS: Associations of CLEC16A polymorphisms with T1D and MS were successfully replicated in a Spanish population. A novel association of rs6498169 with a predisposition to RA was described which is consistent with previous MHC2TA results. These data provide evidence for the influence of variants within this chromosomal region on the development of complex diseases.

Association of the STAT4 gene with increased susceptibility for some immune-mediated diseases.

OBJECTIVE: The STAT4 gene encodes a transcription factor involved in the signaling pathways of several cytokines, including interleukin-12 (IL-12), the type I interferons, and IL-23. Recently, the association of a STAT4 haplotype marked by rs7574865 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus was reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of this STAT4 tagging polymorphism in other immune-mediated diseases. METHODS: The study group comprised 2,776 consecutively recruited Spanish individuals: 575 with RA, 440 with multiple sclerosis, 700 with inflammatory bowel disease, 311 with type 1 diabetes, and 723 ethnically matched healthy control subjects. The STAT4 polymorphism rs7574865 was genotyped using a predesigned TaqMan assay. Allele and genotype frequencies in patients and control subjects were compared by chi-square test. RESULTS: The association of STAT4 polymorphism rs7574865 with RA was validated in patients of Spanish origin (for T versus G, P = 1.2 x 10(-6), odds ratio [OR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.31-1.92), and the association was described for the first time in both clinical forms of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (for T versus G, P = 0.006, OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.07-1.55), and in type 1 diabetes mellitus (for T versus G, P = 0.008, OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.07-1.71). In contrast, the genotypic distribution of this polymorphism showed no difference between patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy control subjects (for T versus G, P = 0.83, OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.82-1.28). CONCLUSION: The STAT4 gene is emerging as a novel common risk factor for diverse complex diseases.

Effect of planting date on Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) density-yield relationship on rice in southeastern Texas.

Results of planting date and insecticide efficacy experiments targeting Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on rice, Oryza sativa L., in southeastern Texas between 2002 and 2007 were used to determine density-yield relationships as a function of planting date. Soil core samples were collected on two dates during main crop development to estimate immature L. oryzophilus populations followed by main and ratoon crop harvests. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that planting date did not affect the density-main crop yield relationship during most years and that these relationships varied substantially among years. For ratoon crop yield, an effect of main crop L. oryzophilus immature infestation was detected during some years, but the real effect of these populations on ratoon crop yield remains unclear. Using estimates of yield reduction per L. oryzophilus immature, economic injury levels were calculated. Main crop yields from treated plots and first soil core sample L. oryzophilus immature populations from untreated plots were significantly higher in plots planted at recommended dates than in plots planted earlier or later. This suggests that the presence of high populations of reproductive L. oryzophilus coincides with the period when rice fields planted at optimum dates are flooded. Results from this study reinforce the importance of managing L. oryzophilus populations when planting rice at recommended dates in southeastern Texas.

Is Sitting Time Related with Physical Fitness in Spanishelderly Population? The EXERNET Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Older adults spend most of their waking hours performing sedentary activities. The influence of these lifestyle patterns on the physical fitness (PF) levels of this population has not yet been sufficiently investigated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine whether sedentary behavior (SB) (h•d-1sitting) is associated with PF, and specifically to analyze whether sitting >4 h•d-1 is associated with higher risk of having lower levels of fitness in seniors. DESIGN: EXERNET multi-center study. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS: A representative sample of 3136 non-institutionalized elderly (aged 72.2±5.3 years), from 6 Regions of Spain were included in the study. MEASUREMENTS: PF was assessed using 8 different tests from the EXERNET battery. Lifestyle patterns were collected using a validated questionnaire. ANOVA was used to compare the groups according to the hours of sitting. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate the association between the SB and low levels of fitness. RESULTS: For both genders, those who spent sitting >4 h•d-1 had lower levels of balance, agility, walking speed and aerobic endurance (p<0.001). Sedentary men also had less strength of lower extremities (p<0.05), whereas, sedentary women were less flexible in the lower extremities (p<0.001). More than 4 h•d-1 sitting was associated, in men, to higher odds for having low strength (lower extremities), agility, flexibility (lower extremities) and aerobic endurance (p<0.05); and in women, to higher risk of low balance, strength (lower and upper extremities), flexibility (lower extremities), agility, walking speed and aerobic endurance (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Seniors that sit >4 h•d-1 have lower levels of fitness and this behavior is related with an increased risk of having low levels of PF in this population.

Attractiveness of stages of rice panicle development to Oebalus pugnax (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Greenhouse experiments were conducted during 2004 and 2005 with male and female Oebalus pugnax (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) caged on rice plants at different stages of panicle development with the objective of determining the most attractive stage to O. pugnax. Field-collected insects were released inside cages containing potted plants and observed during morning and afternoon hours for 5 d. Results showed that attractiveness of male and female O. pugnax to plants with panicles at milk and soft dough stages was greater than plants at preheading and heading stages. Preheading plants were the least attractive to the insects, confirming field observations. Results imply that insecticide applications during the preheading stage are likely ineffective and that monitoring efforts during the milk and soft dough stages of panicle development should be intensified.

Determination of Oebalus pugnax (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) spatial pattern in rice and development of visual sampling methods and population sampling plans.

Commercial rice, Oryza sativa L., fields in southeastern Texas were sampled during 2003 and 2004, and visual samples were compared with sweep net samples. Fields were sampled at different stages of panicle development, times of day, and by different operators. Significant differences were found between perimeter and within field sweep net samples, indicating that samples taken 9 m from the field margin overestimate within field Oebalus pugnax (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) populations. Time of day did not significantly affect the number of O. pugnax caught with the sweep net; however, there was a trend to capture more insects during morning than afternoon. For all sampling methods evaluated during this study, O. pugnax was found to have an aggregated spatial pattern at most densities. When comparing sweep net with visual sampling methods, one sweep of the "long stick" and two sweeps of the "sweep stick" correlated well with the sweep net (r2 = 0.639 and r2 = 0.815, respectively). This relationship was not affected by time of day of sampling, stage of panicle development, type of planting or operator. Relative cost-reliability, which incorporates probability of adoption, indicates the visual methods are more cost-reliable than the sweep net for sampling O.

Effects of medetomidine on Doppler variables of major abdominal arteries in normal dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of medetomidine administration on the Doppler variables of abdominal arteries. The study population consisted of 20 healthy dogs. The haemodynamic effects of the medetomidine were defined using Doppler variables of the abdominal aorta, renal arteries, cranial mesenteric artery and celiac artery. The dogs were monitored continuously and different measurements were performed before medetomidine injection, at 10, 40 and 80 minutes after medetomidine medication and after atipamezole administration. Changes in the characteristic Doppler spectra of different vessels were more marked in the abdominal aorta, in which a greater reverse flow was found. There was a significant decrease in peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and mean velocity (MV) at ten minutes in every vessel studied and this effect persisted until atipamezole administration. Pulsatility index (PI) increased significantly in the abdominal aorta at ten minutes and persisted during the study until atipamezole administration. Resistive index (RI) did not vary significantly in any vessel. A significant decrease was found in flow volume of the abdominal aorta, the cranial mesenteric artery and the celiac artery at ten minutes, persisting until atipamezole administration. We conclude that medetomidine can be a good sedative in aiding sonographic evaluation of RI in all the abdominal vessels studied. On the other hand, the changes in other Doppler variables suggest that medetomidine administration causes significant hemodynamic differences between sedated and non-sedated dogs.

Most susceptible stage of rice panicle development to Oebalus pugnax (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Oebalus pugnax (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) damage to rice, Orya savita L., reduces rough and head rice yields, and grain quality. O. pugnax feeds on developing kernels, introducing pathogenic fungi and causing a discoloration of the grain known as "peck." The objective of this study was to determine the stage of rice panicle development most susceptible to O. pugnax attack. During 2005 and 2006, in greenhouse and field experiments, rice plants were caged at the boot stage and then infested with adult or nymphal O. pugnax. Plants were infested during one of three stages of panicle development: heading, milk, or soft dough. Insects were allowed to feed on the plants for the duration of each stage and then killed. After maturation, panicles were harvested, and grain was hulled and milled. Grain weight, percentage of pecky grain, and percentage of whole grain after milling were recorded. No differences were found in the weight of rough, brown, or milled rice infested with O. pugnax during different stages of panicle development. Number of filled grains per cage was not affected by O. pugnax, and number of empty grains per cage was affected in two of four experiments. Higher percentage of peck was found in grain from panicles infested during dough and milk than in grain from panicles infested during heading. Adult O. pugnax caused higher percentage of peck than nymphs in all stages of panicle development. An inverse relationship was found between percentage of peck and percentage of whole grain weight only in one of the experiments.

Presence of SARS-CoV-2 on food surfaces and public space surfaces in three districts of Lima, Peru

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on food surfaces and surfaces in public spaces in 3 districts of Lima, Peru. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in three districts of the Lima metropolitan area. Surfaces that were most exposed to users were selected. Samples were swabbed for 4 weeks and transported to the laboratory to determine the presence of the virus. One thousand ninety-five inert surface samples and 960 food surface samples were evaluated for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 by the real time-PCR molecular test, whereby only one sample from an automated teller machine was positive. Most of the inert and food surfaces evaluated did not show the presence of SARS-CoV-2 during the time of sample collection. Despite the negative results, the frequency of disinfection and hygiene measures on high-contact surfaces should be maintained and increased to prevent other highly contagious infectious diseases.

Meningoencephalitis associated with Staphylococcus warneri in a dog.

A case of meningoencephalitis in a dog caused by Staphylococcus warneri is reported here. The history and clinical signs were suggestive of possible central nervous system infection. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid documented a neutrophilic pleocytosis (890 cells/mul) and the presence of occasional intracellular cocci. Staphylococcus warneri was isolated from the microbiological culture of the cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment consisted of intravenous antibiotics, supportive care and anticonvulsants for the generalised seizures that developed after admission. Histological assessment confirmed the location and extension of bacterial meningoencephalitis. Thrombotic meningoencephalitis associated with Staphylococcus warneri infection has not, to the authors' knowledge, been previously reported in dogs.

Higher levels of physical fitness are associated with a reduced risk of suffering sarcopenic obesity and better perceived health among the elderly: the EXERNET multi-center study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the associations between physical fitness levels, health related quality of life (HRQoL) and sarcopenic obesity (SO) and to analyze the usefulness of several physical fitness tests as a screening tool for detecting elderly people with an increased risk of suffering SO. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of a population-based sample. SETTING: Non-institutionalized Spanish elderly participating in the EXERNET multi-centre study. PARTICIPANTS: 2747 elderly subjects aged 65 and older. MEASUREMENTS: Body weight, height and body mass index were evaluated in each subject. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Four SO groups were created based on percentage of body fat and relative muscle mass; 1) normal group, 2) sarcopenic group, 3) obesity group and 4) SO group. Physical fitness was evaluated using 8 tests (balance, lower and upper body strength, lower and upper body flexibility, agility, walking speed and aerobic capacity). Three tertiles were created for each test based on the calculated scores. HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Participants with SO showed lower physical fitness levels compared with normal subjects. Better balance, agility, and aerobic capacity were associated to a lower risk of suffering SO in the fittest men (odds ratio < 0.30). In women, better balance, walking speed, and aerobic capacity were associated to a lower risk of suffering SO in the fittest women (odds ratio < 0.21) Superior perceived health was associated with better physical fitness performance. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of physical fitness were associated with a reduced risk of suffering SO and better perceived health among elderly. SO elderly people have lower physical functional levels than healthy counterparts.

Electrocardiogram reference values for the buzzard in Spain.

Electrocardiographic reference values were established on apparently healthy buzzards (Buteo buteo) in Lugo (Spain) from March 1997 to June 1999. All birds were anesthetized with isofluorane and placed in dorsal recumbence. The standard and augmented unipolar limb leads electrocardiograms were recorded in 65 buzzards. The wave forms were analyzed in lead II at 50 mm/sec and at 1 cm = 1 mV to determine P, PR, QRS, T and QT durations and P, QRS and T amplitudes. The polarity of each wave form was tabulated in all leads. The mean electrical axis (MEA) for the frontal plane was calculated using leads II and III. The mean heart rate was 325.2 +/- 52.9 beats/min. In lead II, the P wave was positive, the dominant pattern of QRS complex was QS and the T wave was always positive. The average value of the MEA was -99.2 +/- 7.7 degrees. Establishment of normal electrocardiogram (EKG) values will facilitate a better understanding of EKG changes seen in many diseases of these birds.

Partial atrioventricular canal defect in a dog.

A case of a partial atrial canal defect is described in a nine-month-old female English setter. The patient had a large ostium primum atrial septal defect and a concurrent malformation of the mitral valve. Electrocardiographic and radiographic findings were suggestive of marked enlargement of the right heart and pulmonary overcirculation. Definitive diagnosis and assessment of the haemodynamic consequences were made using echocardiography. The magnitude of the left-to-right intracardiac shunt was estimated by measuring the pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs) from Doppler-derived pulmonary and aortic blood flow. The results of this report suggest that dogs with a partial atrioventricular canal defect and concurrent mild mitral regurgitation may exhibit no clinical signs during the first years of life, even in cases with a Qp/Qs ratio of greater than 2.

Urinary tract infection caused by Corynebacterium urealyticum in a dog.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by Corynebacterium urealyticum is a rarely recognised condition in veterinary medicine. This report describes a case in a 13-month-old dog which presented with a history of dysuria and haematuria. C urealyticum was identified as the cause of UTI. The clinical, radiological and ultrasonographic features and the results of urinalysis and urine bacteriological culture are described, as are the therapeutic challenges presented by this particular infection.

Electrocardiographic parameters of free-ranging roe deer (Capreolus capreolus).

Electrocardiographic parameters were measured in 28 free-ranging roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). The electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded in base-apex lead, standard bipolar limb leads (I, II, III), and augmented unipolar limb leads (aVR, aVL, aVF). Morphology and amplitude of P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves were analyzed in all seven leads. Cardiac rhythm, heart rate, and durations of P, QRS, and T waves, PR interval, QTc interval, and ST segment were calculated in the base-apex lead. The mean electrical axis for each individual was determined from the net amplitude of the QRS complex in leads I and II. All of the animals had a sinus rhythm. Heart rates ranged from 60-180 beats per minute, with a mean +/- SD of 104.8 +/- 44.1. The electrical axis was 100 degrees-220 degrees, with a mean +/- SD of 169.5 degrees +/- 40.8 degrees. The base-apex lead provided the most uniform ECG patterns and higher mean amplitudes than did standard leads.

Physical fitness levels among independent non-institutionalized Spanish elderly: the elderly EXERNET multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: Physical fitness is gaining in importance in all population groups, including elderly, but data are still scarce. The aim of this study was to report gender and age specific physical fitness levels in non-institutionalized Spanish elderly. METHODS: A representative sample of 3136 elderly (≥ 65 y), 724 men and 2412 women, from 6 Regions of Spain: Madrid, Aragón, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura and Canarias were assessed in the elderly EXERNET multi-center study between 2008 and 2009. The authors assessed static balance, muscular strength, flexibility, agility, walking speed and cardiorespiratory fitness using eight different fitness tests: one leg balance, chair stand, arm curl, chair sit-and-reach, back scratch, 8-foot up-and-go, 30-m walk, and 6 min walk tests. RESULTS: The authors derived gender and age-specific normative values for physical fitness in the non-institutionalized Spanish elderly. The figures showed greater physical fitness in the elderly men than in women, except for the flexibility test, and a trend toward decreased physical fitness in both genders as their age increased. CONCLUSIONS: The normative values hereby provided will enable evaluation and correct interpretation of independent non-institutionalized Spanish elderly fitness status.