Assessing discards in an illegal small-scale fishery using fisher-led reporting

About a third of all marine fish in the world are caught in Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF). SSF are increasingly recognised as essential for food security and livelihoods for vulnerable and economically fragile communities globally. Although individual SSF vessels are usually perceived as having little impact on the ecosystem, the cumulative impact of gear type and number of vessels may be substantial. Bottom trawling is a common fishing method that can greatly influence the marine ecosystem by damaging the seafloor and generating high levels of discards. However, appropriate sampling coverage using on-board observer programmes to collect these data from SSF are rare, as they are expensive and pose logistical constraints. A mobile App was used to assess whether self-reporting by fishers could provide reliable fine-scale information on fishing effort and discards over time in an illegal shrimp trawling fishery in northern Peru. Maps depicting the spatial distribution of trawling effort and the proportion of discards from observers and fishers were compared using the Similarity in Means (SIM) Index, which ranges from 0 when spatial patterns differ completely to 1 when spatial patterns are very similar. High levels of agreement between spatio-temporal patterns of effort (SIM Index = 0.81) and discards (0.96) were found between fisher and observer maps. Moreover, far greater spatial coverage was accomplished by fishers, suggesting that self-reporting via an App represents a useful approach to collect reliable fisheries data as an initial step for effective monitoring and management of these fisheries.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11160-022-09708-9.

Spectro-temporal behavior of dye-based solid-state random lasers under picosecond pumping regime

In this work, the spectral and temporal properties of the random laser emission from dye-doped solid state powders are investigated in picosecond pumping regime. Ultrafast time-resolved spectroscopy achieved with a streak-camera has been used to perform a detailed study of the temporal evolution of the spectrum of their single pulses. Under conditions of low population inversion density, it is observed that the detected radiation occurs as isolated peaks with a very narrow spectro-temporally spread (ΔωΔt≅1). This behavior remains under conditions of high population inversion density, suggesting that the underlying physical mechanism that produces the emission is the same whatever the pumping conditions. Measurements carried out by varying the numerical aperture of the detection system show that each detected peak within a single pulse is associated with a photon pack emitted in a random direction and wavelength. The relationship between the distribution of paths lengths done by photons inside the active medium, and the gain explains the observed behavior.

A booster dose of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine increases neutralizing antibodies and T cells that recognize Delta and Omicron variants of concern

Background

CoronaVac ^® is an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine approved by the World Health Organization. Previous studies reported increased levels of neutralizing antibodies and specific T cells two- and four-weeks after two doses of CoronaVac ^® , but the levels of neutralizing antibodies are reduced at six to eight months after two doses. Here we report the effect of a booster dose of CoronaVac ^® on the anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune response generated against variants of concern (VOC) Delta and Omicron in adults participating in a phase 3 clinical trial in Chile.

Methods

Volunteers immunized with two doses of CoronaVac ^® in a four-week interval received a booster dose of the same vaccine between twenty-four and thirty weeks after the 2nd dose. Four weeks after the booster dose, neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses were measured. Neutralization capacities and T cell activation against VOC Delta and Omicron were detected at four weeks after the booster dose.

Findings

We observed a significant increase in neutralizing antibodies at four weeks after the booster dose. We also observed an increase in CD4 ⁺ T cells numbers over time, reaching a peak at four weeks after the booster dose. Furthermore, neutralizing antibodies and SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells induced by the booster showed activity against VOC Delta and Omicron.

Interpretation

Our results show that a booster dose of CoronaVac ^® increases the anti-SARS-CoV-2 humoral and cellular immune responses in adults. Immunity induced by a booster dose of CoronaVac ^® is active against VOC, suggesting an effective protection.

Recognition of Variants of Concern by Antibodies and T Cells Induced by a SARS-CoV-2 Inactivated Vaccine

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus responsible of the current pandemic ongoing all around the world. Since its discovery in 2019, several circulating variants have emerged and some of them are associated with increased infections and death rate. Despite the genetic differences among these variants, vaccines approved for human use have shown a good immunogenic and protective response against them. In Chile, over 70% of the vaccinated population is immunized with CoronaVac, an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The immune response elicited by this vaccine has been described against the first SARS-CoV-2 strain isolated from Wuhan, China and the D614G strain (lineage B). To date, four SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern described have circulated worldwide. Here, we describe the neutralizing capacities of antibodies secreted by volunteers in the Chilean population immunized with CoronaVac against variants of concern Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351) Gamma (P.1) and Delta (B.617.2).

Methods

Volunteers enrolled in a phase 3 clinical trial were vaccinated with two doses of CoronaVac in 0-14 or 0-28 immunization schedules. Sera samples were used to evaluate the capacity of antibodies induced by the vaccine to block the binding between Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) from variants of concern and the human ACE2 receptor by an in-house ELISA. Further, conventional microneutralization assays were used to test neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, interferon-γ-secreting T cells against Spike from variants of concern were evaluated in PBMCs from vaccinated subjects using ELISPOT.

Results

CoronaVac promotes the secretion of antibodies able to block the RBD of all the SARS-CoV-2 variants studied. Seropositivity rates of neutralizing antibodies in the population evaluated were over 97% for the lineage B strain, over 80% for Alpha and Gamma variants, over 75% for Delta variant and over 60% for the Beta variant. Geometric means titers of blocking antibodies were reduced when tested against SARS-CoV-2 variants as compared to ancestral strain. We also observed that antibodies from vaccinated subjects were able to neutralize the infection of variants D614G, Alpha, Gamma and Delta in a conventional microneutralization assay. Importantly, after SARS-CoV-2 infection, we observed that the blocking capacity of antibodies from vaccinated volunteers increased up to ten times for all the variants tested. We compared the number of interferon-γ-secreting T cells specific for SARS-CoV-2 Spike WT and variants of concern from vaccinated subjects and we did not detect significant differences.

Conclusion

Immunization with CoronaVac in either immunization schedule promotes the secretion of antibodies able to block SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and partially neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, it stimulates cellular responses against all variants of concern.

Immune Profile and Clinical Outcome of Breakthrough Cases After Vaccination With an Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine

Constant efforts to prevent infections by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are actively carried out around the world. Several vaccines are currently approved for emergency use in the population, while ongoing studies continue to provide information on their safety and effectiveness. CoronaVac is an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine with a good safety and immunogenicity profile as seen in phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials around the world, with an effectiveness of 65.9% for symptomatic cases. Although vaccination reduces the risk of disease, infections can still occur during or after completion of the vaccination schedule (breakthrough cases). This report describes the clinical and immunological profile of vaccine breakthrough cases reported in a clinical trial in progress in Chile that is evaluating the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of two vaccination schedules of CoronaVac (clinicaltrials.gov NCT04651790). Out of the 2,263 fully vaccinated subjects, at end of June 2021, 45 have reported symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection 14 or more days after the second dose (1.99% of fully vaccinated subjects). Of the 45 breakthrough cases, 96% developed mild disease; one case developed a moderate disease; and one developed a severe disease and required mechanical ventilation. Both cases that developed moderate and severe disease were adults over 60 years old and presented comorbidities. The immune response before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection was analyzed in nine vaccine breakthrough cases, revealing that six of them exhibited circulating anti-S1-RBD IgG antibodies with neutralizing capacities after immunization, which showed a significant increase 2 and 4 weeks after symptoms onset. Two cases exhibited low circulating anti-S1-RBD IgG and almost non-existing neutralizing capacity after either vaccination or infection, although they developed a mild disease. An increase in the number of interferon-γ-secreting T cells specific for SARS-CoV-2 was detected 2 weeks after the second dose in seven cases and after symptoms onset. In conclusion, breakthrough cases were mostly mild and did not necessarily correlate with a lack of vaccine-induced immunity, suggesting that other factors, to be defined in future studies, could lead to symptomatic infection after vaccination with CoronaVac.

Safety and Immunogenicity of an Inactivated Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Vaccine in a Subgroup of Healthy Adults in Chile

BACKGROUND

The development of effective vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 is a global priority. CoronaVac is an inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine with promising safety and immunogenicity profiles. This article reports safety and immunogenicity results obtained for healthy Chilean adults aged ≥18 years in a phase 3 clinical trial.

METHODS

Volunteers randomly received 2 doses of CoronaVac or placebo, separated by 2 weeks. A total of 434 volunteers were enrolled, 397 aged 18-59 years and 37 aged ≥60 years. Solicited and unsolicited adverse reactions were registered from all volunteers. Blood samples were obtained from a subset of volunteers and analyzed for humoral and cellular measures of immunogenicity.

RESULTS

The primary adverse reaction in the 434 volunteers was pain at the injection site, with a higher incidence in the vaccine than in the placebo arm. Adverse reactions observed were mostly mild and local. No severe adverse events were reported. The humoral evaluation was performed on 81 volunteers. Seroconversion rates for specific anti-S1-receptor binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin G (IgG) were 82.22% and 84.44% in the 18-59 year age group and 62.69% and 70.37% in the ≥60 year age group, 2 and 4 weeks after the second dose, respectively. A significant increase in circulating neutralizing antibodies was detected 2 and 4 weeks after the second dose. The cellular evaluation was performed on 47 volunteers. We detected a significant induction of T-cell responses characterized by the secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) upon stimulation with Mega Pools of peptides from SARS-CoV-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunization with CoronaVac in a 0-14 schedule in Chilean adults aged ≥18 years is safe, induces anti-S1-RBD IgG with neutralizing capacity, activates T cells, and promotes the secretion of IFN-γ upon stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 antigens.

Neutralization of alpha, gamma, and D614G SARS-CoV-2 variants by CoronaVac vaccine-induced antibodies

Vaccination generates a neutralizing immune response against SARS‐CoV‐2. The genomic surveillance is showing the emergence of variants with mutations in spike, the main target of neutralizing antibodies. To understand the impact of these variants, we report the neutralization potency against alpha, gamma, and D614G SARS‐CoV‐2 variants in 44 individuals that received two doses of CoronaVac vaccine, an inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine. Plasma samples collected at 60 days after the second dose of CoronaVac were analyzed by the reduction of cytopathic effect in Vero E6 cells with the three infectious variants of SARS‐CoV‐2. Plasma showed lower neutralization with alpha (geometric mean titer [GMT] = 18.5) and gamma (GMT = 10.0) variants than with D614G (GMT = 75.1) variant. Efficient neutralization against the alpha and gamma variants was not detected in 31.8% and 59.1% of plasma, respectively. These findings suggest the alpha and gamma variants could escape from neutralization by antibodies elicited by vaccination. Robust genomic and biological surveillance of viral variants could help to develop effective strategies for the control of SARS‐CoV‐2.

Abstract 608: Molecular features of breast cancer involved in classification and prognosis of a multi-country Latin American cohort: The US-LACRN-MPBCS breast cancer cohort

Although gene expression-derived PAM50 intrinsic subtypes (LumA, LumB, HER2E and Basal) were reported in Latin American breast cancer, most studies did not adequately represent the unique and diverse genetic admixture of the Latin American population and/or included a small number of individuals. As a result of these limitations, confirmation of the prognostic value of available intrinsic subtype classification signatures in a diverse cohort of Latin American women is of utmost importance. We assessed the general distribution and prognostic performance of PAM50-based intrinsic and immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based surrogate subtype classifications in Latin American women included in the Molecular Profile of Breast Cancer Study (MPBCS), an initiative of the US-Latin America Cancer Research Network (US-LACRN) comprising institutions of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay. MPBCS focused on stage II-III breast cancer in Latin American women. Eligible enrolled patients (n=1300) were characterized clinically, pathologically and epidemiologically and followed-up for 5 years. IHC subtypes were assessed according to St Gallen's 2013 criteria, using Ki67 to discriminate LumB from LumA tumors. A total of 1071 tumors were characterized by gene-expression microarrays. PAM50 classification defined 45% of tumors as LumA, 19.7% as LumB, 13.8% as HER2E and 17.5% as Basal. Normal-like tumors (6.3%) were excluded from the analysis. The 5-year prognostic ability of PAM50 and IHC classifications, both at the cancer-specific (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), was tested. The prognosis for LumA tumors was significantly better than for other subtypes, while Basal-like tumors had the worst prognosis. The prognostic power of IHC-based subtypes (C-index 0.698 for OS, 0.635 for PFS) was very similar to that of PAM50 (C-index 0.678 for OS, 0.639 for PFS), indicating that in US-LACRN-MPBCS, contrary to other cohorts, surrogate subtypes are as useful as PAM50 for discriminating recurrence risk. PAM50-derived risks of recurrence (RORs), in particular ROR-S (C-index 0.699 for OS, 0.649 for PFS), clearly discriminated risk into low, intermediate and high-risk groups. Transcriptomic pathway analysis showed high proliferation (i.e. cell cycle control and DNA damage repair) associated with LumB, HER2E and Basal tumors, and a strong dependency on the estrogen pathway for LumA. Overall, a general concordance of the molecular features of US-LACRN-MPBCS breast cancer tumors with those of other cohorts was confirmed. The shift towards non-luminal subtypes could be partly attributable to the recruitment bias towards advanced stages. Further refinement of analyses using molecular ancestry assignation may help to reveal more subtle differences in this heterogeneously admixed population.

Citation Format: Andrea S. Llera, Eliana Abdelhay, Osvaldo Podhajcer, Nora Artagaveytia, Adrián Daneri-Navarro, Bettina Müller, Carlos Velázquez Contreras, Darío Rocha, Juan Martín Sendoya, Renata Binato, Elmer Fernández, Elsa Alcoba, Isabel Alonso, Alicia I. Bravo, Natalia Camejo, Dirce Carraro, Mónica Castro, Juan M. Castro-Cervantes, Sandra Cataldi, Alfonso Cayota, Mauricio Cerda, Susanne Crocamo, Raul Delgadillo-Cisterna, Lucía Delgado, Alicia del Toro Arreola, Marisa Dreyer Breitenbach, Jorge Fernández, Wanda Fernández, Ramon A. Franco-Topete, Fancy Gaete, Jorge Gómez, Gonzalo Greif, Marisol Guerrero, Marianne Marianne Henderson, Andres de J Moran-Mendoza, María Aparecida Nagai, Antonio Oceguera-Villanueva, Antonio Quintero-Ramos, Rui Reis, Javier Retamales, Robinson Rodríguez, Cristina Rosales, Efrain Salas-González, Laura Segovia, Araceli Silva-García, Vidya Vedham, Livia Zagame, The US-Latin American Cancer Research Network. Molecular features of breast cancer involved in classification and prognosis of a multi-country Latin American cohort: The US-LACRN-MPBCS breast cancer cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 608.

Mother-to-Child Transmission of Andes Virus through Breast Milk, Chile1

Andes virus (ANDV) is the only hantavirus transmitted between humans through close contact. We detected the genome and proteins of ANDV in breast milk cells from an infected mother in Chile who transmitted the virus to her child, suggesting gastrointestinal infection through breast milk as a route of ANDV person-to-person transmission.

Interim report: Safety and immunogenicity of an inactivated vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in healthy chilean adults in a phase 3 clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact worldwide, with an incommensurable social and economic burden. The rapid development of safe and protective vaccines against this disease is a global priority. CoronaVac is a vaccine prototype based on inactivated SARS-CoV-2, which has shown promising safety and immunogenicity profiles in pre-clinical studies and phase 1/2 trials in China. To this day, four phase 3 clinical trials are ongoing with CoronaVac in Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey, and Chile. This article reports the safety and immunogenicity results obtained in a subgroup of participants aged 18 years and older enrolled in the phase 3 Clinical Trial held in Chile.

METHODS

This is a multicenter phase 3 clinical trial. Healthcare workers aged 18 years and older were randomly assigned to receive two doses of CoronaVac or placebo separated by two weeks (0-14). We report preliminary safety results obtained for a subset of 434 participants, and antibody and cell-mediated immunity results obtained in a subset of participants assigned to the immunogenicity arm. The primary and secondary aims of the study include the evaluation of safety parameters and immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 after immunization, respectively. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT04651790 ).

FINDINGS

The recruitment of participants occurred between November 27 ^th , 2020, until January 9 ^th , 2021. 434 participants were enrolled, 397 were 18-59 years old, and 37 were ≥60 years old. Of these, 270 were immunized with CoronaVac, and the remaining 164 participants were inoculated with the corresponding placebo. The primary adverse reaction was pain at the injection site, with a higher incidence in the vaccine arm (55.6%) than in the placebo arm (40.0%). Moreover, the incidence of pain at the injection site in the 18-59 years old group was 58.4% as compared to 32.0% in the ≥60 years old group. The seroconversion rate for specific anti-S1-RBD IgG was 47.8% for the 18-59 years old group 14 days post immunization (p.i.) and 95.6% 28 and 42 days p.i. For the ≥60 years old group, the seroconversion rate was 18.1%, 100%, and 87.5% at 14, 28, and 42 days p.i., respectively. Importantly, we observed a 95.7% seroconversion rate in neutralizing antibodies for the 18-59 years old group 28 and 42 days p.i. The ≥60 years old group exhibited seroconversion rates of 90.0% and 100% at 28 and 42 days p.i. Interestingly, we did not observe a significant seroconversion rate of anti-N-SARS-CoV-2 IgG for the 18-59 years old group. For the participants ≥60 years old, a modest rate of seroconversion at 42 days p.i. was observed (37.5%). We observed a significant induction of a T cell response characterized by the secretion of IFN-γ upon stimulation with Mega Pools of peptides derived from SARS-CoV-2 proteins. No significant differences between the two age groups were observed for cell-mediated immunity.

INTERPRETATION

Immunization with CoronaVac in a 0-14 schedule in adults of 18 years and older in the Chilean population is safe and induces specific IgG production against the S1-RBD with neutralizing capacity, as well as the activation of T cells secreting IFN-γ, upon recognition of SARS-CoV-2 antigens.

FUNDING

Ministry of Health of the Chilean Government; Confederation of Production and Commerce, Chile; Consortium of Universities for Vaccines and Therapies against COVID-19, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy.

Development of neutralizing antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients

The novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) are new global problems. The understanding of the host immune response in COVID‐19 and its implications in the development of therapeutic agents are new challenges. Here, we evaluated the development of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and neutralizing (Nt) antibodies in symptomatic hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. We followed up 117 COVID‐19 confirmed patients from a reference health center for COVID‐19 during the epidemic in Santiago de Chile. One and two sequential blood samples from 117 to 68 cases were, respectively, obtained to evaluate the immune response. Immunofluorescence and neutralization assays in Vero E6 cells with a Chilean SARS‐CoV‐2 strain were performed. Out of the 68 patients, 44% were women and 56% men, and the most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (47.7%) and diabetes (27.4%). The most frequent symptoms or signs related to COVID‐19 were dyspnea, cough, fever, myalgia, and headache. In all the study population, 76.1% and 60.7% of patients were positive for IgG and Nt antibodies in the first blood sample. All patients except one were positive for IgG and Nt antibodies in the second sample. IgG and Nt antibodies positivity increased significantly according to the disease evolution periods. Higher Nt antibody titers were observed in the first sample in patients under 60 years of age. Obese and diabetic patients had no increase in Nt antibodies, unlike normal weight and diabetes‐free patients. Both hypertensive and normotensive patients showed a significant increase in Nt antibodies. These results show an early and robust immune response against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during severe COVID‐19.

Theory of Differential Conductance of Co on Cu(111) Including Co s and d Orbitals, and Surface and Bulk Cu States

We revisit the theory of the Kondo effect observed by a scanning-tunneling microscope (STM) for transition-metal atoms (TMAs) on noble-metal surfaces, including d and s orbitals of the TMA, surface and bulk conduction states of the metal, and their hopping to the tip of the STM. Fitting the experimentally observed STM differential conductance for Co on Cu(111) including both the Kondo feature near the Fermi energy and the resonance below the surface band, we conclude that the STM senses mainly the Co s orbital and that the Kondo antiresonance is due to interference between states with electrons in the s orbital and a localized d orbital mediated by the conduction states.

Geographical Distribution of Genetic Variants and Lineages of SARS-CoV-2 in Chile

The pandemic caused by the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a worldwide public health concern. First confined in China and then disseminated widely across Europe and America, SARS-CoV-2 has impacted and moved the scientific community around the world to working in a fast and coordinated way to collect all possible information about this virus and generate new strategies and protocols to try to stop the infection. During March 2020, more than 16,000 full viral genomes have been shared in public databases that allow the construction of genetic landscapes for tracking and monitoring the viral advances over time and study the genomic variations present in geographic regions. In this work, we present the occurrence of genetic variants and lineages of SARS-CoV-2 in Chile during March to April 2020. Complete genome analysis of 141 viral samples from different regions of Chile revealed a predominance of variant D614G like in Europe and the USA and the major presence of lineage B.1. These findings could help take control measures due to the similarity of the viral variants present in Chile, compared with other countries, and monitor the dynamic change of virus variants in the country.

FRI0264 EFFECTIVENESS, SAFETY AND PATTERNS OF USE OF RITUXIMAB IN SCLERODERMA, IN CLINICAL PRACTICE: 9 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL

Background:

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a clinically complex and heterogeneous disease. Interstitial lung involvement (ILD) is the main cause of mortality, but progression of skin fibrosis has also been associated with pulmonary dysfunction and mortality. Recently, Rituximab (RTX) has been postulated as a promising therapeutic alternative to cyclophosphamide (CF) or mycophenolate (MFM), but long-term experience is scarce.

Objectives:

Describe the effectiveness, safety and long-term use of RTX, in a series of cases with SSc.

Methods:

Retrospective observational study of patients with SSc (EULAR/ACR 2013 criteria) treated with RTX in a university hospital from 2010 to 2019. Sociodemographic data related to SSc and treatments were collected. The effectiveness of RTX was evaluated at 6-12 months and at the end of follow-up, by means of these main outcomes: Rodnan’s modified cutaneous index (mRSS) for skin fibrosis; CK leves for myopathy, variation >10% in forced vital capacity (FVC) and >15% in lung diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) for ILD. Adverse events (AE) were recorded. Statistical analysis performed with Stata v.14 and statistical significance set for p≤0.05.

Results:

14 women with SSc (mean age 47±13 years, mean evolution 6.2±4.5 years) were treated with RTX for ILD (n=9), skin involvement (n=11) and/or inflammatory myopathy (n=3). The mean±SD of follow-up was 3.36±2.17 years. SSc type: diffuse cutaneous 35.71%, limited cutaneous 21.44%, overlap 35.71% and sine scleroderma 7.14%. Type of antibodies: 50% anti-Scl-70, 14.3% anti-centromere, 21.4% anti-RNA polymerase III and 7.14% anti-Ku. ILD was classified as NINE in 8 patients and NIU in 1. The first cycle of RTX included 2 infusions of 1g and was initiated a mean of 3.36±2.17 years after diagnosis. The retreatments were initially fixed every 6 months and later on demand in 4 patients, and in the rest on demand from the beginning, according to duration of clinical response. A mean of 3.9±2.5 cycles/patient (range: 1-11) were administered. 30% of patients had previously received CF and 21.5% MFM. RTX was administered in association with other DMARDs (MTX 64.29%, hydroxychloroquine [HCQ] 35.71%, MFM 57.14%, others 14.28%), CF (14.29%), intravenous immunoglobulins (7,14%) and prednisone (78.57%). In the final visit, the percentage use of DMARDs (50% MTX, 50% MFM and 28.57% HCQ) and prednisone (62.5% patients, 30% doses) was reduced. mRSS improved significantly. Muscle weakness disappeared in 3/3 with normal CK levels in 2/3 patients with myopathy. The FVC improved or stabilized in 22% and 56% of ILD, respectively, and the DLCO stabilized in 66.70% (not significant). TACAR stabilized in 55.56% of ILD, with some degree of worsening in the rest. Outcomes evolution in the Table:

Functional ParametersBasal (mean±SD)6-12 m (mean±SD)CI 95%PFinal (mean±SD)CI 95%PFVC (n=9)63.2±16.870.3±18.6[-13.3–6.1]0,4071.9±21.1[-14.4–5.9]0.36DLCO (n=9)46.3±18.546.1±20.30,3445.2±22.03[-3.9–12.8]0.24Clinical ParametersBasal (mean±SD)Final (mean±SD)CI 95%PmRSS (n=11)13.1±7.28.8±7.1[0.9–9.4]0.02CK (n=3)1786.7±1483.8134.7±119[-2181.9 –5485.9]0.2

CK: Creatine kinase; SD: Standard deviation; CI: Confidence interval; m: months.

The AE were mostly mild: 13 infusional reactions (6 patients), 1 uncomplicated herpes zoster and 2 serious infections that required admission. There were no exitus.

Conclusion:

Our results, with a limited sample, suggest that the long-term use of RTX in real world clinical practice may be beneficial for the cutaneous, pulmonary and myopathic manifestations of SSc, with an acceptable security profile.

Disclosure of Interests:

Esther Vicente Speakers bureau: BMS, Roche., Javier Fernández: None declared, Irene Llorente Speakers bureau: Gebro, Janssen, Sanofi, Lilly., Lorena Vega: None declared, Santos Castañeda: None declared, Alberto García-Vadillo: None declared, Isidoro González-Álvaro Grant/research support from: Roche Laboratories, Consultant of: Lilly, Sanofi, Paid instructor for: Lilly, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, MSD, Roche, Lilly, Alicia Humbría: None declared, Ana Ortiz: None declared, Esther Patiño: None declared, Eva Tomero Muriel: None declared, Rosario Garcia de Vicuna Grant/research support from: BMS, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Roche, Consultant of: Abbvie, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Gebro, Lilly, Mylan, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi, Paid instructor for: Lilly, Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi

Applicability and limitations of the radon-deficit technique for the preliminary assessment of sites contaminated with complex mixtures of organic chemicals: A blind field-test

A blind field test with 136 independent measurements of radon (²²²Rn) in soil air retrieved from a depth of 0.8 m in a decommissioned lindane (γ-hexachlorocyclohexane) production plant was undertaken to evaluate the performance of the ²²²Rn-deficit technique as a screening methodology for the location and delineation of subsurface accumulations of complex mixtures of organic contaminants. Maps of ²²²Rn iso-concentrations were drawn and interpreted before direct analytical information regarding concentrations of hexachlorocyclohexanes, chlorobenzenes and BTEX compounds in soil, groundwater and soil air were disclosed to the authors. The location and extension of pollution hot spots inferred from the ²²²Rn campaigns agrees remarkably well with the analytical data obtained from the intrusive sampling campaigns and with the location of contaminant source zones (chemical reactor and waste-storage area) and geological sinks of those contaminants (paleochannel). Two main limitations to the applicability of the ²²²Rn-deficit technique were identified and assessed: The statistically significant variation of ²²²Rn concentrations with diurnal changes of ground-level air temperature and the maximum depth of investigation in the absence of significant advective and co-advective transport of radon. If the influence of those two factors is accounted for and/or minimized (by averaging replicated measurements during the workday and in different days), the ²²²Rn-deficit technique has the potential to be an efficient technique which delivers information in quasi-real time, with a much higher spatial density than that of intrusive techniques, at a much faster rate and at a significantly lower cost. MAIN FINDINGS: The ²²²Rn-deficit technique is an effective tool for real-time site characterization only limited by diffusion length of radon and diurnal temperature variations.

Phylogenetic analysis of the first four SARS-CoV-2 cases in Chile

The current pandemic caused by the new coronavirus is a worldwide public health concern. To aboard this emergency, and like never before, scientific groups around the world have been working in a fast and coordinated way to get the maximum of information about this virus when it has been almost 3 months since the first cases were detected in Wuhan province in China. The complete genome sequences of around 450 isolates are available, and studies about similarities and differences among them and with the close related viruses that caused similar epidemics in this century. In this work, we studied the complete genome of the first four cases of the new coronavirus disease in Chile, from patients who traveled to Europe and Southeast Asia. Our findings reveal at least two different viral variants entries to Chilean territory, coming from Europe and Asia. We also sub‐classified the isolates into variants according to punctual mutations in the genome. Our work contributes to global information about transmission dynamics and the importance to take control measures to stop the spread of the infection.

First genetic study of the SARS‐CoV‐2 isolates in Chile.

At least two different viral variants were identified from Chilean travelers.

S and G Chilean variants are associated to European and Asian viral isolates.

Effect of chloride on the one step electrochemical treatment of an industrial textile wastewater with tin dioxide anodes. The case of trichromy procion HEXL

The resulting solutions from the cotton fabrics dyeing using the trichromy Procion HEXL, with NaCl as electrolyte, were electrochemically treated. These dyes have two azo groups as chromophores and two monochlorotriazinic groups as reactive groups in their structure. The combined oxidation/reduction at 125 mA cm^-2 in a filter-press cell without compartment separation was carried out using an anode of Ti/SnO₂-Sb-Pt and a cathode of stainless steel. This procedure has been effective in previous experiments using sulphate as electrolyte. A significant decrease in total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total nitrogen (TN) was obtained. Moreover, the process took place efficiently. The average oxidation state (AOS) and the carbon oxidation state (COS) data confirmed the presence of stable oxidized intermediates in the electrolysed solution. The chromatography and the UV-Visible spectrophotometry assays indicated that full decolourisation is obtained at a loaded charge of around 0.81 Ah L^-1 which is associated with an electrical energy per order (EEO) of 1.20 kWh m^-3.

Tracing Listeria monocytogenes contamination in artisanal cheese to the processing environments in cheese producers in southern Chile

Artisanal cheese from southern Chile is made primarily by rural families who raise dairy cows and produce cheese as a way to add value to their milk. The most common cheese produced is chanco, a semi-hard cheese that is typically sold in unauthorized markets. The methods of chanco production do not always follow good manufacturing practices; however, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes contamination in this cheese has not been previously documented. To better understand production practices and L. monocytogenes contamination, 39 cheese producers were surveyed with regard to infrastructure, cleaning and sanitation, pest control, personal hygiene, training, raw materials, and manufacturing. During four sampling trips in 2016 (March, May, August, and November), 546 samples were collected (468 cheese samples and 78 milk samples). For producers that tested positive for L. monocytogenes, environmental monitoring was also conducted, for which 130 additional samples were collected. Presumptive L. monocytogenes isolates (N = 94) were further characterized and subtyped using standard techniques and qPCR-based species/subtype verification; a subset of 52 isolates were also subtyped by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). L. monocytogenes was found in 19 cheeses (4.1%) from five producers (12.8%). The most frequent serotypes were 1/2b (48.9%), group 4B (4b, 4d, 4e) (45.7%), and serotype 1/2a (5.4%). Although no milk samples tested positive for L. monocytogenes, all cheese samples from two producers tested positive during two of the samplings. Distinct PFGE types were recovered from each facility, demonstrating persistence of certain subtypes of the pathogen that ultimately caused end-product contamination. Environmental monitoring of the five positive producers revealed a prevalence of L. monocytogenes ranging from 0 to 30%, with food contact surfaces having the highest incidence of this organism. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of L. monocytogenes incidence in artisanal cheese in the region of southern Chile.

Genetic evolution of influenza viruses among selected countries in Latin America, 2017-2018

OBJECTIVE

Since the 2009 influenza pandemic, Latin American (LA) countries have strengthened their influenza surveillance systems. We analyzed influenza genetic sequence data from the 2017 through 2018 Southern Hemisphere (SH) influenza season from selected LA countries, to map the availability of influenza genetic sequence data from, and to describe, the 2017 through 2018 SH influenza seasons in LA.

METHODS

We analyzed influenza A/H1pdm09, A/H3, B/Victoria and B/Yamagata hemagglutinin sequences from clinical samples from 12 National Influenza Centers (NICs) in ten countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay) with a collection date from epidemiologic week (EW) 18, 2017 through EW 43, 2018. These sequences were generated by the NIC or the WHO Collaborating Center (CC) at the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, uploaded to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) platform, and used for phylogenetic reconstruction.

FINDINGS

Influenza hemagglutinin sequences from the participating countries (A/H1pdm09 n = 326, A/H3 n = 636, B n = 433) were highly concordant with the genetic groups of the influenza vaccine-recommended viruses for influenza A/H1pdm09 and influenza B. For influenza A/H3, the concordance was variable.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the constant evolution of influenza viruses, high-quality surveillance data-specifically genetic sequence data, are important to allow public health decision makers to make informed decisions about prevention and control strategies, such as influenza vaccine composition. Countries that conduct influenza genetic sequencing for surveillance in LA should continue to work with the WHO CCs to produce high-quality genetic sequence data and upload those sequences to open-access databases.