Bacterial community response to petroleum contamination and nutrient addition in sediments from a temperate salt marsh

Microbial communities play an important role in the biodegradation of organic pollutants in sediments, including hydrocarbons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of temperate salt marsh microbial communities to petroleum contamination, in terms of community structure, abundance and capacity to degrade hydrocarbons. Sediments un-colonized and colonized (rhizosediments) by Juncus maritimus, Phragmites australis and Triglochin striata were collected in a temperate estuary (Lima, NW Portugal), spiked with petroleum under variable nutritional conditions, and incubated for 15 days. Results showed that plant speciation emerged as the major factor for shaping the rhizosphere community structure, overriding the petroleum influence. Moreover, when exposed to petroleum contamination, the distinct salt marsh microbial communities responded similarly with (i) increased abundance, (ii) changes in structure, and (iii) decreased diversity. Communities, particularly those associated to J. maritimus and P. australis roots displayed a potential to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons, with degradation percentages between 15% and 41%, depending on sediment type and nutritional conditions. In conclusion, distinct salt marsh microbial communities responded similarly to petroleum contamination, but presented different pace, nutritional requirements, and potential for its biodegradation, which should be taken into account when developing bioremediation strategies.

Coherent adiabatic spin control in the presence of charge noise using tailored pulses

We study finite-time Landau-Zener transitions at a singlet-triplet level crossing in a GaAs double quantum dot, both experimentally and theoretically. Sweeps across the anticrossing in the high driving speed limit result in oscillations with a small visibility. Here we demonstrate how to increase the oscillation visibility while keeping sweep times shorter than T(2)(*) using a tailored pulse with a detuning dependent level velocity. Our results show an improvement of a factor of ~2.9 for the oscillation visibility. In particular, we were able to obtain a visibility of ~0.5 for Stückelberg oscillations, which demonstrates the creation of an equally weighted superposition of the qubit states.

Influence of different salt marsh plants on hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms abundance throughout a phenological cycle

The influence of Juncus maritimus, Phragmites australis, and Triglochin striata on hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms (HD) in Lima River estuary (NW Portugal) was investigated through a year-long plant life cycle. Sediments un-colonized and colonized (rhizosediments) by those salt marsh plants were sampled for HD, total cell counts (TCC), and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) assessment. Generally, TCC seemed to be markedly thriving by the presence of roots, but without significant (p > 0.05) differences among rhizosediments. Nevertheless, plants seemed to have a distinct influence on HD abundance, particularly during the flowering season, with higher HD abundance in the rhizosediments of the fibrous roots plants (J. maritimus < P. australis < T. striata). Our data suggest that different plants have distinct influence on the dynamics of HD populations within its own rhizosphere, particularly during the flowering season, suggesting a period of higher rhizoremediation activity. Additionally, during the vegetative period, plants with fibrous and dense root system tend to retain hydrocarbons around their belowground tissues more efficiently than plants with adventitious root system. Overall results indicate that fibrous root plants have a higher potential to promote hydrocarbons degradation, and that seasonality should be taken into account when designing long-term rhizoremediation strategies in estuarine areas.

Compositional requirements of follow-up formula for use in infancy: recommendations of an international expert group coordinated by the Early Nutrition Academy

The follow-up formula (FUF) standard of Codex Alimentarius adopted in 1987 does not correspond to the recently updated Codex infant formula (IF) standard and current scientific knowledge. New Zealand proposed a revision of the FUF Codex standard and asked the non-profit Early Nutrition Academy, in collaboration with the Federation of International Societies for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (FISPGHAN), for a consultation with paediatric nutrition experts to provide scientific guidance. This global expert group strongly supports breastfeeding. FUF are considered dispensable because IF can substitute for breastfeeding throughout infancy, but FUF are widely used and thus the outdated current FUF standard should be revised. Like IF, FUF serve as breast milk substitutes; hence their marketing should respect appropriate standards. The compositional requirements for FUF for infants from 6 months onwards presented here were unanimously agreed upon. For some nutrients, the compositional requirements for FUF differ from those of IF due to differing needs with infant maturation as well as a rising contribution of an increasingly diversified diet with advancing age. FUF should be fed with adequate complementary feeding that is also appropriate for partially breastfed infants. FUF could be fed also after the age of 1 year without safety concerns, but different compositional requirements should be applied for optimal, age-adapted milk-based formulations for young children used only after the age of 1 year. This has not been considered as part of this review and should be the subject of further consideration.

Resistance exercise modulates lipid plasma profile and cytokine content in the adipose tissue of tumour-bearing rats

Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterised by progressive weight loss, frequently accompanied by anorexia, sarcopenia, and chronic systemic inflammation. The white adipose tissue is markedly affected by cachexia and contributes to this syndrome throught the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors which reach the adjacent tissues and the circulation. A nonpharmacologic intervention that may attenuate cancer cachexia is chronic physical activity, but the effect of resistance training upon adipose tissue inflammation in cachexia has never been examined. For that purpose we designed a protocol in which animals were randomly assigned to a control group (CT, n=7), a Tumour bearing group (TB, n=7), a Resistance Trained group (RT, n=7) and a Resistance Trained tumour bearing group (RTTB, n=7). Trained rats climbed a vertical ladder with an extra load attached to the tail, representing 75-90% of total body mass, 3 times per week, for 8 weeks. In the 6 th week of resistance training, tumour cells (3 × 10(7) Walker 256 carcinosarcoma) were inoculated in the tumour groups. Body, adipose tissue, muscle and tumour mass was determined, as well a blood biochemical parameters, and the hormone and cytokine profile assessed. The glycogen content of the liver and muscle was measured. IL-10, IL-6 and TNF-α protein expression was evaluated in the mesenteric adipose tissue (MEAT) examined. Resistance training increased by 9% body weight gain in RTTB (final weight 310.8 ± 9.8 g), when compared with TB (final weight 288.3 ± 4.9 g). LDL-c levels were decreased in RTTB (0.28 ± 0.9 mmol/L) by 43% when compared with TB (0.57 ± 0.1 mmol/L). HDL-c levels were increased in RTTB (1.31 ± 0.12 mmol/L) by 15% in regard to CT (1.13 ± 0.7 mmol/L) and 22% as compared with TB (1.07 ± 0.07 mmol/L). RTTB testosterone levels (577 ± 131 ng/mL) were 55% higher when compared with CT (254 ± 41.3 ng/mL) and 63% higher when compared with TB (221 ± 23.1 ng/mL). Adiponectin levels were augmented in RT (23 μg/mL) by 43% when compared with TB (11 μg/mL). Protein expression of IL-6 was increased 38% in TB MEAT (5.95 pg/μg), as compared with CT (3.64 pg/μg) and 50% compared with RTTB (2.91 pg/μg). Similar results with respect to TNF-α TB (7.18 pg/μg) were observed: 39% and 46%, higher protein expression in comparison with CT (4.63 pg/μg) and RTTB (3.8 pg/μg), respectively. IL-10 protein expression was found to be increased in TB (4.4 pg/μg) and RTTB (3.2 pg/μg) 50% and 47%, respectively, in comparison with CT (1.2 pu/μg). The IL-10/TNF-α ratio was higher in RTTB in relation to all others experimental groups. The results show a robust effect of resistance exercise training in preventing important symptoms of cancer cachexia, thus strongly suggesting it may appear as an alternative to endurance exercise as a non-pharmacological therapy in the management of this syndrome.

Practical algorithms for managing common gastrointestinal symptoms in infants

OBJECTIVE

In early infancy, various gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., constipation, regurgitation, crying/fussiness, infantile colic, and excessive gas) are common problems and may result in numerous visits to pediatricians. Worldwide, this often results in switching infant formulas because parents (and sometimes doctors) believe these symptoms reflect a formula intolerance. However, in many cases, these infants are growing and developing normally. This study was performed to offer family pediatricians consensus-based algorithms on the management of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms in infants.

METHODS

A group of pediatric gastroenterologists and pediatric allergists from Europe, USA, Latin America, and Asia developed guidelines and practical algorithms to assist general pediatricians in addressing this challenge.

RESULTS

Five such practice recommendations were developed after a thorough literature review. These algorithms should not be considered as an "evidence-based guideline"; on the contrary, the authors are convinced that challenging these proposals will result in updated and improved versions.

CONCLUSION

To date, these algorithms, based on the published literature, are the result of a broad consensus of pediatric gastroenterologists from different continents.

Lysosomal multienzymatic complex-related diseases: a genetic study among Portuguese patients

The functional activity of lysosomal enzymes sialidase, β-galactosidase and N-acetylaminogalacto-6-sulfate-sulfatase in the cell depends on their association in a multienzyme complex with cathepsin A. Mutations in any of the components of this complex result in functional deficiency thereby causing severe lysosomal storage disorders. Here, we report the molecular defects underlying sialidosis (mutations in sialidase; gene NEU1), galactosialidosis (mutations in cathepsin A; gene PPGB) and GM1 gangliosidosis (mutations in β-galactosidase; gene GLB1) in Portuguese patients. We performed molecular studies of the PPGB, NEU1 and GLB1 genes in biochemically diagnosed Portuguese patients. Gene expression was determined and the effect of each mutation predicted at protein levels. In the NEU1 gene, we found three novel missense mutations (p.P200L, p.D234N and p.Q282H) and one nonsense mutation (p.R341X). In the PPGB gene, we identified two missense mutations, one novel (p.G86V) and one already described (p.V104M), as well as two new deletions (c.230delC and c.991-992delT) that give rise to non-functional proteins. We also present the first molecular evidence of a causal missense mutation localized to the cathepsin A active site. Finally, in the GLB1 gene, we found six different mutations, all of them previously described (p.R59H, p.R201H, p.H281Y, p.W527X, c.1572-1577InsG and c.845-846delC). Seven novel mutations are reported here, contributing to our knowledge of the mutational spectrum of these diseases and to a better understanding of the genetics of the lysosomal multienzymatic complex. The results of this study will allow carrier detection in affected families and prenatal molecular diagnosis, leading to the improvement of genetic counseling.

Outdoor allergenic fungal spores: comparison between an urban and a rural area in northern Portugal

BACKGROUND

The frequency and concentration of many airborne fungal spores associated with respiratory allergy symptoms are influenced by geographical and climatic characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to monitor the distribution of 11 potentially allergenic fungal spore types in 2 regions with different urbanization levels in Northern Portugal: Porto (urban area) and Amares (rural area).

METHODS

Airborne fungal spore levels were monitored from 2005 to 2007 using Hirst-type spore traps. The Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the influence of meteorological factors (temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall) on spore concentration. Meteorological data from both areas were compared using the t test, and spore concentrations were compared using the sign test.

RESULTS

In both areas, Cladosporium, Agaricus, Aspergillus/Penincillium, Altemaria, Coprinus, and rusts were the most abundant fungal types observed. Most of the analyzed spore types presented maximum values during the summer months, with the exception of Polythrincium, Stemphylium, and Torula, which reached a peak earlier in the year, whereas Aspergillus/Penicillium and Botrytis showed a wider distribution. Temperature had a positive effect on most spore concentrations, and relative humidity and rainfall negatively influenced concentrations ofAlternaia, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, and Torula.

CONCLUSIONS

The concentration of all selected spore types was higher in the rural than in the urban area, with higher values registe summer and autumn and lower values found during winter and spring. rainfall, influence airborne concentrations of major allergenic fungal spores.

Nuclear state preparation via Landau-Zener-Stückelberg transitions in double quantum dots

We theoretically model a nuclear-state preparation scheme that increases the coherence time of a two-spin qubit in a double quantum dot. The two-electron system is tuned repeatedly across a singlet-triplet level anticrossing with alternating slow and rapid sweeps of an external bias voltage. Using a Landau-Zener-Stückelberg model, we find that in addition to a small nuclear polarization that weakly affects the electron spin coherence, the slow sweeps are only partially adiabatic and lead to a weak nuclear spin measurement and a nuclear-state narrowing which prolongs the electron spin coherence. This resolves some open problems brought up by a recent experiment [D. J. Reilly, Science 321, 817 (2008).10.1126/science.1159221]. Based on our description of the weak measurement, we simulate a system with up to n=200 nuclear spins per dot. Scaling in n indicates a stronger effect for larger n.

Pollen allergenic potential nature of some trees species: a multidisciplinary approach using aerobiological, immunochemical and hospital admissions data

Trees are considered producers of allergenic pollen. The aims of this work were to characterize the aerobiology of the Platanus, Acer, Salix, Quercus, Betula and Populus pollen, linking it with monthly emergency hospital admissions and to identify the different reactivity levels in sensitized patients. This information would be of great importance to evaluate the convenience of changing the inventory of pollen producer trees related to the risk of allergenic reactions. The study was conducted in Porto, Portugal, from 2005 to 2007. Airborne pollen was sampled using a Hirst-type volumetric trap. The antigenic and allergenic properties of Acer negundo, Betula pendula, Platanus occidentalis, Populus hybrida, Quercus robur and Salix babylonica pollen, collected in public gardens or sidewalks, were investigated by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunological techniques using polysensitized-patient sera. Monthly hospital admissions of asthma or dyspnea related with respiratory diseases were obtained from the Emergency Room database of Hospital Geral de Santo António. Tree pollen and hospital admissions were positively correlated. Tree pollen peaked in March which coincides with the hospital admissions maximum. The highest binding affinity was observed with A. negundo, S. babylonica and P. occidentalis pollen extracts and the lowest with P. hybrida. Consistently, Acer and Platanus maximum airborne pollen concentrations were observed during March attaining levels considered moderate to high risk for allergenic reactions. Prominent bands with approximately 71, 35, 31, 22, 19, 16, 14, 13 and 11 kDa were revealed. A 52 kDa band was shared by all analyzed sera. High levels of airborne pollen and emergency hospital admissions were related. High binding affinity of specific IgE to pollen extracts of the most abundant tree pollen present in the atmosphere was observed. Patient sera revealed multiple similar allergenic bands shared by the different extracts. This multidisciplinary approach is useful in day-to-day medical practice to help in diagnostic, therapeutic and allergy alerting system adjusting.

Setting research priorities to reduce global mortality from childhood diarrhoea by 2015

Olivier Fontaine and colleagues applied a priority-setting methodology to identify research priorities aimed at reducing global diarrhea mortality by 2015.

Smooth muscle autoantibodies with F-actin specificity

Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare condition characterized by the presence of autoantibodies, among other features. Anti-smooth muscle autoantibodies with F-actin reactivity have long been considered specific markers of this disease, representing a valuable diagnostic element because they are distinctive of a subtype of autoimmune hepatitis: type 1. Indirect immunofluorescence is considered the best available method for detection of these autoantibodies, mainly because of its elevated sensibility, but it has some flaws: it is highly operator-dependent, and the standardization of the technique has not been achieved until now. We compared ELISA and Immunodot methods for confirming indirect immunofluorescence results in what concerns smooth-muscle autoantibodies' F-actin reactivity and concluded that ELISA is the most useful one. A new substrate is available for indirect immunofluorescence detection of anti-F-actin specificity, and seems to be a promising one, but further evaluation is needed.

The effects of meteorological factors on airborne fungal spore concentration in two areas differing in urbanisation level

Although fungal spores are an ever-present component of the atmosphere throughout the year, their concentration oscillates widely. This work aims to establish correlations between fungal spore concentrations in Porto and Amares and meteorological data. The seasonal distribution of fungal spores was studied continuously (2005-2007) using volumetric spore traps. To determine the effect of meteorological factors (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) on spore concentration, the Spearman rank correlation test was used. In both locations, the most abundant fungal spores were Cladosporium, Agaricus, Agrocybe, Alternaria and Aspergillus/Penicillium, the highest concentrations being found during summer and autumn. In the present study, with the exception of Coprinus and Pleospora, spore concentrations were higher in the rural area than in the urban location. Among the selected spore types, spring-autumn spores (Coprinus, Didymella, Leptosphaeria and Pleospora) exhibited negative correlations with temperature and positive correlations both with relative humidity and rainfall level. On the contrary, late spring-early summer (Smuts) and summer spores (Alternaria, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, Ganoderma, Stemphylium and Ustilago) exhibited positive correlations with temperature and negative correlations both with relative humidity and rainfall level. Rust, a frequent spore type during summer, had a positive correlation with temperature. Aspergillus/Penicillium, showed no correlation with the meteorological factors analysed. This knowledge can be useful for agriculture, allowing more efficient and reliable application of pesticides, and for human health, by improving the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory allergic disease.

Molecular characterization of Portuguese patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II shows evidence that the IDS gene is prone to splicing mutations

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is an X-linked recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by a defect in the iduronate-2-sulfatase gene (IDS). Alternative splicing of the IDS gene can occur and the underlying regulatory mechanism may be rather complex. Nevertheless, little information is available on the role of variations at the IDS locus in the splicing process. Here we report that splice mutations at the IDS locus are an important source of MPS II pathogenicity, accounting for almost 56% of Portuguese cases. Among 16 unrelated Portuguese MPS II patients, 15 different mutations were identified: six intronic splice mutations (c.104-2AG, c.241-2A>G, c.241-1G>A, c.418+1G>A, c.880-8AG and c.1181-1G>C); two exonic splice mutations (c.1006G>lC and c.1122C>T); five missense mutations (D269V, D69V, D148N, R88C and P86L); one nonsense mutation (Q465Ter); one total IDS gene deletion; and one rearrangement involving a IDS gene inversion. Furthermore, nine of the 15 detected mutations affected the usual splicing pattern at the locus. Some of them are responsible for dramatic changes in the splicing mechanism. For example, the substitution mutation, c.418+1G>A, revealed the presence of an exonic sequence inside intron 3. Our study provides evidence that the IDS locus is prone to splicing mutations and that such susceptibility is particularly high in exon 3 and neighbouring regions. Consequently, mutation screening of the IDS gene cannot be restricted to gDNA examination. Unless cDNA analysis is also conducted, misclassifications as silent or missense mutations can be produced and even uncharacteristic splice-site mutations can be misinterpreted as classic splicing defects that may generate severe, unconventional splicing alterations.

Community-based monitoring of diarrhea in urban Brazilian children: incidence and associated pathogens

Community-based monitoring was conducted in order to investigate the occurrence of diarrhea in 'sentinel areas' of Salvador, Brazil, and to establish a preliminary profile of the most common pathogens present in children's diarrhea by screening stool samples. This report describes the results obtained from twice weekly home visits to identify and follow diarrhea episodes and testing of carer-requested stool sample collection over a 6-month period. Participants were selected from a large longitudinal study in 21 areas representing the city's poorer socioeconomic and sanitary conditions. Fecal samples were examined for the presence of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and protozoa. The mean incidence of diarrhea was 4.97 episodes per child-year, and longitudinal prevalence was 13.6 days per child-year (3.7%). Pathogens were found in 44% of the fecal samples examined. Bacteria were the most frequently encountered pathogens (isolated in 22% of samples), followed by protozoa (19.5%) and viruses (16%). Viral and bacterial pathogens were associated with episodes of severe diarrhea, while viral and protozoan pathogens were associated with longer episodes. The study demonstrated the importance of a public health monitoring system based on 'sentinel areas'.

Prevalence of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in children with diarrhea in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

We report the frequency of the different diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) categories isolated from children with acute endemic diarrhea in Salvador, Bahia. The E. coli isolates were investigated by colony blot hybridization with the following genes probes: eae, EAF, bfpA, Stx1, Stx2, ST-Ih, ST-Ip, LT-I, LT-II, INV, and EAEC, as virulence markers to distinguish typical and atypical EPEC, EHEC/STEC, ETEC, EIEC, and EAEC. Seven of the eight categories of DEC were detected. The most frequently isolated was atypical EPEC (10.1%) followed by ETEC (7.5%), and EAEC (4.2%). EHEC, STEC, EIEC, and typical EPEC were each detected once. The strains of ETEC, EAEC, and atypical EPEC belonged to a wide variety of serotypes. The serotypes of the others categories were O26:H11 (EHEC), O21:H21 (STEC), O142:H34 (typical EPEC), and O:H55 (EIEC). We also present the clinical manifestations and other pathogenic species observed in children with DEC. This is the first report of EHEC and STEC in Salvador, and one of the first in Brazil.

Incomplete carbohydrate absorption from fruit juice consumption after acute diarrhea

We carried out a double-blind, randomized study in 60 children with acute diarrhea to determine their capacity to tolerate commonly consumed fruit juices. Feedings of juice with high fructose/glucose ratios and sorbitol resulted in incomplete carbohydrate absorption and recurrence of diarrhea during the phase immediately after improvement of the illness.

Coelomomyces numularius sp. nov. (Blastocladiales: Coelomomycetaceae), a new fungal parasite of Anopheles squamosus (Diptera: Culicidae) from Angola, Africa

Coelomomyces numularius sp. nov., a fungus parasitizing the larvae of Anopheles squamosus Theobald in southern Angola, Africa, is described and illustrated, with comments on its diagnosis and host specificity. Because of the general surface ornamentation of the resting sporangia, this new species is placed in group V of Bland and Couch. Resting sporangia can be distinguished from other species in group V by their dimensions, unique wall structure, placement of the dehiscence slit, and symmetrical shape.

On Coquilleitidia crassipes, a new record for Macau, with a key to adults of the subgenera and species groups of the genus

Coquillettidia (Coquillettidia) crassipes is recorded for the 1st time in the Territory of Macau, southern China. The systematics of the genus is examined, new species groups are proposed, and a key to subgenera and species groups of Coquillettidia is provided.

Diarrheal disease in a developing nation

Infants and young children from many developing nations face a serious public health threat from diarrhea. In the northeast region of Brazil, diarrheal disease causes significant morbidity and mortality. Although diarrheal deaths in this region have been declining since the early 1980s, the hospitalization rate remains high. Diarrhea may account for 25% of total healthcare costs in northeast Brazil. Many patients become ill because of poor environmental conditions and because their caregivers lack awareness of basic hygiene. Many also return to the hospital after initial treatment because health workers do not provide appropriate preventive and home care instruction to patients in 99% of cases. Antibiotics have no effect in 85-95% of pediatric diarrheal cases in the region. Improvement of preventive home care management in association with probiotic bacteria, which have been effective against several forms of diarrhea in developing nations, may be useful in managing diarrheal disease in infants.

A clonal Plasmodium falciparum population in an isolated outbreak of malaria in the Republic of Cabo Verde

We present the first parasitological, molecular and longitudinal analysis of an isolated outbreak of malaria. This outbreak occurred on Santiago Island (Republic of Cabo Verde), a region where malaria is hypoendemic and controlled, and thus the population is considered non-immune. Blood samples were collected from the inhabitants over 1 month and during cross-sectional surveys in the following year. The presence and nature of the parasites was determined by PCR. Plasmodium falciparum was the only species detected. Genetic analysis revealed that the circulating parasites were genetically homogeneous, and probably clonal. Gametocytes were found throughout this period. Our data suggest that this represented a focal outbreak, resulting in the infection of at least 40% of the villagers with a clonal parasite line. Thus, P. falciparum infections can persist for at least 1 year in a substantial proportion (10%) of the hosts. Implications for malaria control and the interpretation of epidemiological data are discussed.

[Prenatal cardiology. Suspicion to confirmation]

The mortality rate is high and prognosis is worse among new-borns with prenatal diagnosis of heart malformation, mainly due to factors such as its association with other malformations, and a range of more severe diseases probably resulting from the predominance of the obstetric use of the four chamber view. In this study we retrospectively assessed the range of cardiopathies diagnosed by foetal echocardiography and their evolution, compared with previous years. From January 1994 to December 1995, 1173 foetal echocardiograms were performed at a gestation age of 24 weeks. Sixty-one foetuses (5.2%) had cardiac anomalies, structural in 56 and arrhythmia in 5. The risks and indications were maternal in 37%, foetal in 31%, familial in 17% and environmental in 15%. Three were false negatives (VSD:2; truncus arteriosus: 1). Five died in utero, and 18 were assessed after birth with a mean gestational age of 37 weeks and birth weight of 3 Kg, a caesarean section was performed in 9. All but one were born in central hospitals. Six children were operated on. Two children died, one after surgery. Compared with the four previous years of activity, indication due to foetal risk rose from 6 to 31%, the number of cases diagnosed with heart disease increased from 14 to 30 per year, and the mortality decreased from 59 to 11%. Despite this, we still observe that the vast majority of new-borns who are hospitalised due to a severe heart disease had no prenatal diagnosis, indicating the need to continue our educational policy in this field.

[Prevalence of respiratory diseases in the textile industry. Relation with dust levels]

Many workers in the textile industry have respiratory symptoms that are related to their work environment. In this study we observed the dust level conditions of eleven textile industries of the North of Portugal. The dust levels determined were between 0.1 mg/m3 and 1.25 mg/m3, in many cases above the Portuguese standard levels of exposure (VLE). For these dust levels we found a prevalence of 23% of workers with respiratory symptoms with occupational characteristics in 10.8%, and 5.7% presenting byssinosis. Workers exposed to cotton fibres in spinning areas have the highest prevalence of symptoms, and reduction of the FEV1. These characteristics were related to dust levels and were higher in the initial phases of the spinning processes. We found no cases of byssinosis in workers exposed to synthetic fibres, or in workers from weaving areas. Smoking habits were related to the reduction of the FEV1, and severity of respiratory illness but not to the presence of byssinosis.

New species of Toxorhynchites (Diptera: Culicidae) from Macau (China)

The male holotype and female allotype of Toxorhynchites (Toxorhynchites) macaensis Ribeiro, a new mosquito species from Macau, southern China, are described on the basis of the examination of a type series of 6 males and 7 females. Similarities of the new species with the other species of the Splendens group, to which the new taxon belongs, are discussed and keys to identification of males and females of all the species of the group are provided.

[Respiratory symptoms in the textile industry. Their prevalence in the Vale do Ave]

Some workers in the textile industry have respiratory symptoms related to their occupation. This study is aimed at evaluating the frequency of respiratory symptoms in textile industries in the North of Portugal. We evaluated 3529 workers from 20 factories (19 deal with synthetic fibres and cotton and the other deals with sisal.) Among the workers, there were 34.5% with respiratory symptoms - 24,5% referred nasal symptoms, 22,6% with bronchial symptoms and 12,6% associated both. The workers who dealt with cotton presented a higher frequency of bronchial symptoms (25,0%) than the ones dealing with synthetic fibres (12,7% p < 0,000001). The same was noticed among the workers in the opening and spinning areas, who showed a higher frequency of bronchial symptoms (28,3%) than the ones in weaving areas (12,7% p < 0,000001). We did not find any differences concerning the frequency of symptoms among the workers handling both natural fibres (cotton and sisal). Individually all the symptoms were more frequent among the workers handling natural fibres. The most frequent symptom depended on the fibre. Cough was more frequently mentioned among the workers handling synthetic fibres (9.6%) and cotton (15.7%). Among the workers who handle sisal, dyspnea was the most frequently mentioned (16.9%). Productive cough was the most frequent association (7.2% sisal; 2.8% synthetic; 8.0% cotton), and the association between dyspnea and wheezing the least mentioned (6.4% sisal; 0.5% synthetic; 5.9% cotton). The workers with bronchial symptoms (synthetic fibre and cotton) have more years of exposure and greater smoking habits. In a covariance adjusted for age and smoking habits, the workers with bronchial symptoms, exposed to cotton have more years of exposure.

First record of genus Coelomomyces in Macau (China): Coelomomyces stegomyiae var. stegomyiae parasitizing Aedes albopictus

During a mosquito survey carried out in 1994-95, in Macau, southern China, Coelomomyces stegomyiae var. stegomyiae was found parasitizing Aedes albopictus. This constitutes the first record of this genus as potential agents of mosquito control in the area.

Clinical, enzymatic, and molecular characterisation of a Portuguese family with a chronic form of GM2-gangliosidosis B1 variant

Mutations in the hexosaminidase A gene (HEXA) causing the B1 variant of GM2-gangliosidosis result in the presence of a mutant enzyme protein with a catalytically defective alpha subunit. A rare and panethnically distributed mutation, transition G533A (Arg178His), is known to be a common allele among Portuguese patients with the subacute phenotype. We now report the presence of an Arg178His allele in three Portuguese sibs with a chronic form of the disease, who carry the transition G755A (Arg252His) on the second allele. This novel mutation is the first B1 allele to be associated with an adult phenotype.

Prenatal diagnosis of GM2-gangliosidosis B1 variant

Prenatal diagnosis in a pregnancy at risk for a juvenile B1 variant of GM2-gangliosidosis was carried out. The biochemical study of the cultured amniocytes and the affected fetal brain is reported. The results obtained show that the sulphated artificial substrate can be used in the diagnosis of B1 variant, but not the neutral one. The accumulation of GM2-ganglioside in the fetal brain of the B1 juvenile form and an infantile form of GM2-gangliosidosis (0 variant) was compared.

New species of flea (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) from Spain

The male holotype and female allotype of Echidnophaga iberica Ribeiro, Lucientes, Osacar & Calvete, a new species of rabbit flea from the Zaragoza area, northeastern Spain, is described on the basis of examination of a type series of six males and 13 females. Similarities of the new species with other species of the genus Echidnophaga are discussed and a key to identification of the four known Mediterranean species of the genus is provided.

[Primary hyperaldosteronism--4 clinical cases]

We describe four cases of primary hyperaldosteronism whose initial presentation was a moderate hypertension. Serum potassium and plasmatic aldosterone values were high although plasmatic renin levels were normal. The captopril test (Lyons version), abdominal CT and iodocholesterol (NP-59) scan proved useful to exclude essential hypertension. A good therapeutical results was achieved in all cases by unilateral adrenalectomy. After surgery, diagnosis was confirmed in all cases by histological studies. At one year follow-up, all patients were asymptomatic, with no hypertension without therapeutic and the serum potassium and plasmatic aldosterone and renin values were normal.

[The efficacy of isosorbide dinitrate administered in an intravenous bolus in acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema]

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of intravenous (i.v.) isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) administered as a bolus in the treatment of cardiogenic acute pulmonary edema (CAPE).

DESIGN

Clinical, prospective, open, noncontrolled trial.

SETTING

Emergency room.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS

Twenty two patients (15 male and 7 female), aged 54 to 80 years (68.4 +/- 6.4) with severe respiratory distress consistent with CAPE were included. The cause of CAPE was chronic ischemic cardiopathy in 13 patients, acute myocardial infarction in four, hypertensive cardiopathy in three and mitral valve disease in two. Patients were excluded from the study because of shock or systolic blood pressure equal or lower than 100 mmHg, severe aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. All patients were placed in the sitting position and received oxygen. Initial therapy consisted of an i.v. bolus of 5 to 10 mg of ISDN. Clinical data were recorded at admission and after 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes. A new i.v. bolus of ISDN and/or another drug was administered at 5 minutes, when necessary.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients treated exclusively with ISDN (in three a second i.v. bolus was necessary) improved markedly. In the remaining seven patients that needed other drugs, the improvement was not so impressive. The mean total dose of i.v. ISDN was 10.34 +/- 3.48 mg. Although all data showed a trend towards improvement, just the following were statistically significant (p < 0.05): pH increased from 7.26 +/- 0.13 to 7.32 +/- 0.9, systolic blood pressure decreased from 192.7 +/- 34.8 mmHg to 155.0 +/- 24.4 mmHg (-19%) and diastolic blood pressure decreased 110.5 +/- 12.7 mmHg to 93.2 +/- 9.1 mmHg (-16%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this trial, iv ISDN administered as a bolus in doses ranging from 5 to 20 mg, was effective and safe as a first line agent in the treatment of CAPE. No serious adverse reaction were reported.

[Fever in the first 48 hours of an acute myocardial infarct treated with fibrinolytics--an indicator of nonreperfusion of the coronary vessels?]

Fever in the first days of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a very common clinical feature, being its prognostic value unquestionable. As infarction area reduction implies a less important fever reaction in the first days of AMI, we believe that thrombolytic therapy would result in a decline of body temperature of patients so treated. That is why we tried to identify such a correlation, and demonstrate the value of normal body temperature as indicative of reperfusion. We studied retrospectively 68 patients (10 F and 58 M, 57.1 +/- 9.6 years) survivors of AMI (I-II KK classes), with (TT) or without (NT) thrombolytic therapy. In NT group, there was an axillary temperature (AX T) higher than 37 degrees C at the first 24 hours in 21 patients (62%); TT group only had 10 patients (30%) with AX T over 37 degrees C (p < 0.01). NT group CK mean peak was 856 +/- 610 U.I./l in patients having AX T > 37 degrees C, and 436 +/- 233 U.I./l when AX T was < or = 37 degrees C (p < 0.05); in TT group there was no difference between CK peak means when AX T was > or < or = 37 degrees C (1508 +/- 1210 U.I./l vs 1406 +/- 1149 U.I./l, respectively) (NA). We established statistic difference between AX T of 15 patients which CK peak was reached after 10 hours over onset of AMI (37.59 +/- 0.36 degrees C) and those (19 p) with CK peak before 10 hours (37.17 +/- 0.60 degrees C) (p < 0.05). NT group presented then more febrile patients than did TT group.

CONCLUSIONS

in NT group there was a positive relation between AX T and CK peak level; AX T > 37 degrees C was less frequent in TT group and was as much light when CK peak was more precocious. These results suggest that in thrombolytic treated patients the absence of fever in the first 48 hours may constitute one more coronary reperfusion criterion.

[Relations between the levels of lipoprotein (a) and results of coronarography in patients with ischemic heart disease. Preliminary results]

The authors make a short revision about Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], which has been referred as an independent risk factor for coronary disease. To confirm this results in a portuguese population, we studied serum Apo(a) [method IRMA.Kit Pharmacia.1 U/L Apo(a) = 1 mg/L Lp(a)], Apo A, Apo B, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, uric acid, glucose, fibrinogen and ESR in 37 patients who were submitted to postmyocardial infarction coronarography (Judkins technic--Seldinger. Classic incidences. Significative lesions: greater than or equal to 75% in coronary vessels or greater than or equal to 50% in common main nk). The purpose was to search for changes on the plasmatic levels according to the results of the coronarography. The only change observed was in the Lp(a) levels, with important variations (p less than 0.05) between the defined groups: patients without significant coronary disease or disease on just one vessel [media (mean) = 30.1 mg/dl. Standard error (SE) = 7.9 mg/dl.n = 11] and another group of patients with coronary disease of two or three vessels [mean = 50.5 mg/dl.SE = 7.0 mg/dl.n = 26]; among the patients with two vessels disease were found significant changes (p less than 0.02) on Lp(a) levels according to the descending anterior coronary being [mean = 79.5 mg/dl.SE = 4.3 mg/dl.n = 8] or not [mean = 38.5 mg/dl.SE = 14.3 mg/dl.n = 7] implicated. These observations make the suggestion of Lp(a) as a risk factor for coronary disease, and a predictor for the gravity of the coronary disease in myocardial infarction.

The phlebotomine sandflies of Portugal. V. Observations on the ecology of the vectors of leishmaniasis in the Alto Douro region

In a survey carried out in the kala-azar endemic region of the Alto Douro, a total of 4,903 sandflies was caught, as follows: Ph. ariasi 3,166 (64.6%), Ph. perniciosus 1,533 (31.3%) and S. minuta 204 (4.1%). Ph. ariasi was most abundant in September, when the greatest level of infection was observed (1.03%) while perniciosus was more abundant in July. In any case, both species coexist during great part of the year. No sandflies were found from November to April.