Changes in volatile compounds and aromatic series in sherry wine with high gluconic acid levels subjected to aging by submerged flor yeast cultures

Volatile compounds of sherry wine containing gluconic acid under aging by submerged flor yeast cultures were analyzed. The aroma profile was obtained by grouping the compounds in nine aromatic series. The balsamic, fatty, herbaceous and empyreumatic series increased significantly as consequence of the increase of pantolactone, acids (butanoic, 2-methylbutanoic and 3-methylbutanoic), methionol and gamma-butyrolactone compounds, respectively. The decrease of higher alcohols promoted solvent series diminished. These changes are consistent with those observed in the production of commercial sherry wine using traditional biological aging.

Effect of co-substrate, biomass and sulfate concentration on the performance of a control strategy used to determine the anaerobic stage length of an anaerobic/aerobic SBR degrading p-nitrophenol

The effect of the p-nitrophenol to propionic acid ratio, the biomass concentration, and the presence of sulfates on the performance of a control strategy of an anaerobic/aerobic SBR degrading p-nitrophenol was studied. The duration of the anaerobic stage was controlled by an algorithm based on the on-line measurement of the oxidation-reduction potential, which indicates the end of the reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol. It was observed that no significant influence on the performance of the algorithm was found when the co-substrate, the biomass concentration and the presence of sulfates were varied, indicating the robustness of the control strategy. Only for the case when a low concentration of cosubstrate was used, was there no transformation of p-nitrophenol.

Flycatcher song in allopatry and sympatry--convergence, divergence and reinforcement

The theory of reinforcement predicts that natural selection against the production of unfit hybrids favours traits that increase assortative mating. Whether culturally inherited traits, such as bird song, can increase assortative mating by reinforcement is largely unknown. We compared songs of pied (Ficedula hypoleuca) and collared flycatchers (F. albicollis) from two hybrid zones of different ages with songs from allopatric populations. Previously, a character divergence in male plumage traits has been shown to reinforce premating isolation in sympatric flycatchers. In contrast, we find that the song of the pied flycatcher has converged towards that of the collared flycatcher (mixed singing). However, a corresponding divergence in the collared flycatcher shows that the species differences in song characters are maintained in sympatry. Genetic analyses suggest that mixed song is not caused by introgression from the collared flycatcher, but rather due to heterospecific copying. Circumstantial evidence suggests that mixed song may increase the rate of maladaptive hybridization. In the oldest hybrid zone where reinforcement on plumage traits is most pronounced, the frequency of mixed singing and hybridization is also lowest. Thus, we suggest that reinforcement has reduced the frequency of mixed singing in the pied flycatcher and caused a divergence in the song of the collared flycatcher. Whether a culturally inherited trait promotes or opposes speciation in sympatry may depend on its plasticity. The degree of plasticity may be genetically determined and accordingly under selection by reinforcement.

Accumulation of astaxanthin and lutein in Chlorella zofingiensis (Chlorophyta)

When grown photoautotrophically, Chlorella zofingiensis strain CCAP 211/14 accumulates a significant amount of valuable carotenoids, namely astaxanthin and lutein, of increasing demand for use as feed additives in fish and poultry farming, as colorants in food, and in health care products. Under standard batch-culture conditions, this microalgal strain exhibits high values of both growth rate (about 0.04 h(-1)) and standing cell population (over 10(11) cells l(-1), or 7 g dry weight l(-1)). Lutein, in a free (unesterified) form, was the prevalent carotenoid during early stages of cultivation (over 0.3 pg cell(-1), equal to 4 mg g(-1) dry weight, or 20 mg l(-1) culture), whereas esterified astaxanthin accumulated progressively, to reach a maximum (over 0.1 pg cell(-1), equal to 1.5 mg g(-1) dry weight, or 15 mg l(-1) culture) in the late stationary phase. A differential response of lutein and astaxanthin accumulation was also recorded with regard to the action of some environmental and nutritional factors. C. zofingiensis CCAP 211/14 represents a unique model system for analyzing the differential regulation of the levels of primary (lutein) and secondary (astaxanthin) carotenoids. Relevant also from the biotechnological viewpoint, this photosynthetic organism, with outstanding attributes for fast photosynthetic growth and carotenoid accumulation, might prove most valuable for its application to the mass production of either or both lutein and astaxanthin.

Changes in gluconic acid, polyols and major volatile compounds in sherry wine during aging with submerged flor yeast cultures

The traditional biological process by which sherry wines are aged can be accelerated by using submerged Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. capensis (G1) strain cultures previously grown in glycerol. The used controlled shaking conditions raise the acetaldehyde, acetoin, and meso 2,3-butanediol contents in the wine, and increases the consumption of gluconic acid by flor yeast relative to traditional biological aging under flor yeast velum.

Isolation of microorganisms for biological detoxification of lignocellulosic hydrolysates

Acid pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass releases furan and phenolic compounds, which are toxic to microorganisms used for subsequent fermentation. In this study, we isolated new microorganisms for depletion of inhibitors in lignocellulosic acid hydrolysates. A sequential enrichment strategy was used to isolate microorganisms from soil. Selection was carried out in a defined mineral medium containing a mixture of ferulic acid (5 mM), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF, 15 mM), and furfural (20 mM) as the carbon and energy sources, followed by an additional transfer into a corn stover hydrolysate (CSH) prepared using dilute acid. Subsequently, based on stable growth on these substrates, six isolates--including five bacteria related to Methylobacterium extorquens, Pseudomonas sp, Flavobacterium indologenes, Acinetobacter sp., Arthrobacter aurescens, and one fungus, Coniochaeta ligniaria--were chosen. All six isolates depleted toxic compounds from defined medium, but only C. ligniaria C8 (NRRL 30616) was effective at eliminating furfural and 5-HMF from CSH. C. ligniaria NRRL 30616 may be useful in developing a bioprocess for inhibitor abatement in the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to fuels and chemicals.

The pathogenesis of Leishmania/HIV co-infection: cellular and immunological mechanisms

The intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania have been recognized as opportunistic pathogens in immunosuppressed individuals, including those infected with human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1). Leishmaniasis and AIDS overlap in several sub-tropical and tropical regions around the world, including the Mediterranean area. In 1994, 3%-7% of HIV-1-infected individuals in southern Europe developed visceral leishmaniasis. In humans, interestingly, both HIV-1 and Leishmania interact with, invade, and multiply within cells of myeloid or lymphoid origin. The combined modulation of Leishmania - and HIV-1-related pathogenesis in the co-infected cases is therefore probably a realistic goal. In the light of the recent demonstration that L. donovani can up-regulate HIV-1 replication, both in monocytoid and lymphoid cells in vitro and in co-infected individuals, it is clear from the epidemiological data available that Leishmania can probably act as a powerful co-factor in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. In those who are co-infected, complex mechanisms involving cytokine secretion and cellular-signalling events play pivotal roles in the Leishmania-mediated activation and pathogenesis of HIV-1. An overview of the recent findings concerning this Leishmania/HIV-1 interaction is presented here.

Changes associated with laboratory rearing in antennal sensilla patterns of Triatoma infestans, Rhodnius prolixus, and Rhodnius pallescens (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)

We examined changes in the array of antennal sensilla of three species of Triatominae (Triatoma infestans, Rhodnius prolixus, and R. pallescens) following their establishment for different periods in laboratory culture. In each case, the laboratory colonies were compared with conspecific samples taken directly from the field, by quantitative analysis of the sensilla arrays on the three distal segments of the antenna in terms of the densities of three types of chemoreceptors (basiconics and thick and thin walled trichoids) and one type of mechanoreceptor (bristles). Sensilla densities were compared by ANOVA or non-parametric tests, and by multivariate discriminant analysis. Strains of the same species reared in different laboratories showed significant differences in their sensilla arrays, especially when compared to field-collected material from the same geographic origin. A Bolivian strain of T. infestans reared in the laboratory for 15 years and fed at monthly intervals, showed greatest differences from its conspecific wild forms, especially in terms of reductions in the number of chemoreceptors. By contrast, an Argentine strain of T. infestans reared for 25 years in the laboratory and fed weekly, showed a relative increase in the density of mechanoreceptors. A Colombian strain of R. prolixus reared for 20 years and fed weekly or fortnightly, showed only modest differences in the sensilla array when compared to its wild populations from the same area. However, a Colombian strain of R. pallescens reared for 12 years and fed fortnightly, did show highly significant reductions in one form of chemoreceptor compared to its conspecific wild populations. For all populations, multivariate analysis clearly discriminated between laboratory and field collected specimens, suggesting that artificial rearing can lead to modifications in the sensory array. This not only supports the idea of morphological plasticity in these species, but also suggests caution in the use of long-established laboratory material for experimental studies designed to extrapolate the natural behaviour and physiology of these species.

Modeling of the acclimation/deacclimation process of a mixed culture degrading 4-chlorophenol

The variation of concentration of the toxic substrate has a negative effect on the sludge activity. Although this loss of activity of the microorganisms under toxic starvation has been reported, this variable is not taken into account in the operation of biological wastewater treatment plants. In order to monitor and control the biological plant with a certain confidence it is necessary to consider the acclimation and deacclimation processes to avoid the reactor malfunctioning, resulting in loss of efficiency or in false data acquisition during monitoring. This paper proposes a model for the acclimation/deacclimation process. The experiments have been done in a sequencing batch reactor during the 4-chlorophenol degradation. The basic idea of the model is to consider the variation of the kinetic parameters of the Haldane law in terms of the acclimation and deacclimation state. The idea is discussed, and the results obtained are presented.

[Peripartum cardiomyopathy and preeclampsia: an association with fatal outcome]

A 33-year-old obese gypsy woman was admitted in labor with signs of preeclampsia followed by sudden pulmonary edema and cardiac arrest. Cesarean delivery was performed during resuscitation maneuvers, but both mother and fetus died. The diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy was confirmed by pathology. The association of latent peripartum cardiomyopathy and episodes of hypertension greatly increases the risk of maternal and fetal death. Careful management of anesthesia and rigorous measures are necessary with a view to possible litigation.

Accuracy of endometrial biopsy with the Cornier pipelle for diagnosis of endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

To establish the accuracy of endometrial biopsy with the Cornier pipelle in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer and atypical endometrial hyperplasia in our milieu.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We reviewed 1,535 anatomopathologic reports on endometrial biopsies taken from outpatients using the Cornier pipelle between 1997 and 2000, in pre- and postmenopausal patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding. In 168 patients (10.9%), curettage and/or hysterectomy was subsequently carried out. In these cases, the anatomopathologic reports were compared to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and likelihood ratio (LR).

RESULTS

Sensitivity was 84.2%, specificity was 99.1%, accuracy was 96.9%, PPV was 94.1%, NPV was 93.7% and LR was 93.5. In 249 cases (16.09%) the material was insufficient for study.

CONCLUSION

We determined that endometrial biopsy taken with the Cornier pipelle is, as we practice it, an accurate method for diagnosis of endometrial cancer and its precursor, atypical hyperplasia.

Lack of association between hyperprolactinemia and soluble IL-2 receptor levels in systemic lupus erythematosus

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between hyperprolactinemia and T lymphocyte activation through the soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Seventy SLE patients, 18 of them with hyperprolactinemia (HPRL), were compared with 18 normoprolactinemic (NPRL) patients and 10 age-matched healthy blood-bank donor women. Patients were evaluated by means of the SLE activity index (SLEDAI). Total serum IgG and sIL-2R levels were determined by an ELISA assay. Differences between sIL-2R and IgG serum levels in patients and controls were examined by Kruskal-Wallis analysis and a Spearman r correlation to determine the association between sIL-2R, IgG and prolactin (PRL) levels. IgG and sIL-2R serum levels did not differ significantly between HPRL and NPRL patients: 1827.3 (1428-2226) vs 2028.8 (1586-2467) mg/dl and 882.2 (511-1254) vs 740.1 (534-946.4) U/ml, respectively (confidence interval 95%). In the total SLE group, sIL-2R and IgG serum levels were positively associated (P = 0.0009), however, this was not the case for sIL-2R and PRL (P > 0.49). We did not demonstrate an association between HPRL and lymphocyte activation measured through serum sIL-2R in female patients with SLE.

Results of percutaneous revascularization in cardiac allograft vascular disease

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the outcome of transplant patients with CGD treated by PTCA in our center.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all PTCA procedures performed on heart transplant patients in our hospital.

RESULTS

Among 13 patients (11 men, 52.9+/-9.7 years), 20 lesions were treated with PTCA with 95% initial angiographic success. The indications for PTCA was heart failure or ventricular systolic dysfunction (n=4), of ischemia (n=4) and angiographic criteria alone (n=5). Ten lesions were treated with balloon angioplasty. A stent was implanted in 10 lesions, including one patient with a previous atherectomy. There were no complications. Angiographic follow-up was performed on 11 patients, four of whom (36%) showed restenosis. Mean follow-up was 33 months. Four patients (30.8%) are alive without retransplantation, two (15.4%) are alive after retransplantation, and seven (53.4%) died, all from cardiac causes. Graft survival rates estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method were 62% in the first year and 46% in the second year.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that PTCA represents a palliative method of treatment for heart transplant patients with CGD.

Humoral immune response and hematologic evaluation of pregnant Jersey cows after vaccination with Anaplasma centrale

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the safety of an Anaplasma centrale vaccine in pregnant pure bred Jersey cows selected from a herd located at Miranda State, Venezuela. Ten cows of 3-5 months of gestation were chosen and previous vaccination all cows were tested for Anaplasma antibodies by the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), so only seronegative cows were included in the group, and for blood parameters, rectal temperature, and pregnancy. Selected cows were vaccinated intramuscularly with 1ml of an A. centrale live vaccine which had 10(8) A. centrale per ml. Over the next 2 months cows were checked weekly for hematological parameters and Anaplasma antibodies, and then for the next 2 months these evaluations were performed monthly. Among the values monitored were: A. centrale parasitemia, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and white blood cells (WBCs) (neutrophil, lymphocyte and eosinophil counts). Levels of Anaplasma antibodies were measured by IFA. Anaplasma were observed for the first time in blood films of two vaccinated cows at 14 days post-vaccination (PV), 6 out of 10 cows were A. centrale positive at 30 days PV, and all cows were A. centrale positive at 42 days PV. A. centrale often showed low parasitemia, 1-3%. Anaplasma antibodies were detected at day 14 PV in all vaccinated cows with a mean group titre of 360 (range: 80-1280). All vaccinated cows showed few changes in their hematologic parameters or in rectal temperature, and all gave birth to healthy calves. In conclusion, adult pregnant cows were safely vaccinated with this live A. centrale vaccine, which may help to develop a cross-protective immunity against field strains of A. marginale.

Loss of heterozygosity and methylation of p16 in renal cell carcinoma

To investigate the possible role of genomic aberrations of chromosome 9p21 in the tumorigenesis of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC), 40 sporadic RCCs were studied using PCR analyses. The tumours were predominantly low stage and low grade. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was observed in nine of 39 informative cases, but no homozygous deletion was noticed. Hypermethylation of the promoter region of p16 occurred in eight of the 40 RCCs. No correlation was found between hypermethylation of the p16 gene and LOH on 9p21. A similar level of LOH and methylation was observed in the 40 RCCS regardless of histology, grade and stage. These results suggest that inactivation of p16 and the possibility of other unknown tumour suppressor genes located on other chromosomes could be involved in the pathogenesis of RCC.