Halotolerance, ligninase production and herbicide degradation ability of basidiomycetes strains

Fungi have been recently recognized as organisms able to grow in presence of high salt concentration with halophilic and halotolerance properties and their ligninolytic enzyme complex have an unspecific action enabling their use to degradation of a number of xenobiotic compounds. In this work, both the effect of salt and polyols on growth of the basidiomycetes strains, on their ability to produce ligninolytic enzyme and diuron degradation were evaluated. Results showed that the presence of NaCl in the culture medium affected fungal specimens in different ways. Seven out of ten tested strains had growth inhibited by salt while Dacryopinax elegans SXS323, Polyporus sp MCA128 and Datronia stereoides MCA167 fungi exhibited higher biomass production in medium containing 0.5 and 0.6 mol.L⁻¹ of NaCl, suggesting to be halotolerant. Polyols such as glycerol and mannitol added into the culture media improved the biomass and ligninases production by D. elegans but the fungus did not reveal consumption of these polyols from media. This fungus degraded diuron in medium control, in presence of NaCl as well as polyols, produced MnP, LiP and laccase.

143 COMPARISON OF COMMERCIAL IN VITRO EMBRYO PRODUCTION AND PREGNANCY RATES OF BRAHMAN DONORS IN PANAMA VERSUS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

It has been previously demonstrated (IETS 2011) that Panama is applying the biotechnology of in vitro embryo production (IVP) to their bovine reproduction management systems. The present work demonstrates the ability to apply the IVP technology across 2 distant country borders. Herein, we demonstrate that a country (Dominican Republic; DR) that does not have a bovine IVP laboratory can take advantage of fresh bovine IVP embryos for transfer using distant IVP facilities in another country (Panama; ~1500 km away). The objective of this study was to demonstrate that a model system for large-scale commercial in vitro bovine embryo production for beef and dairy producers, that do not have IVP technology in their home country, could be developed producing comparable results. As the same laboratory provides IVP services to the both countries, a special sanitary protocol was developed in order to legalize the exchange of biological materials (oocytes or embryos). The data obtained in DR was compared to Panamanian client data because identical conditions were utilised for IVP. Cattle production systems were similar, as Brahman (a Zebu type of cattle) is the most popular breed in both countries. Oocytes were collected from 10 different herds in Panama and 4 different herds in DR. The oocytes were transported in an oocyte transporter in both instances. However, oocytes from DR were transported in InVitro Brasil™ maturation medium from 12 to 18 h and in Panama from 6 to 12 h before they were placed in a standard CO2 incubator. In both cases, the oocytes were matured for 24 h before fertilization with conventionally frozen Brahman semen in InVitro Brasil™ fertilization medium, followed by culture for up to 7 days in InVitro Brasil™ embryo culture medium. The embryos were transferred on Day 7, either in Panama or DR. They were transported by car in Panama and via airplane back to DR. A comparison of oocyte number and quality, cleavage, embryo production, and pregnancy rate, was made using the same in vitro production system for Brahman donors from September 2012 until May 2013. The difference between sites in the relative number of viable oocytes, relative number of cleaved oocytes among viable oocytes, relative number of embryos produced among cleaved oocytes, and relative number of embryos produced among viable oocytes was tested using Fisher's exact test. Pregnancy rate was analysed with chi-squared. We realise these results represent field data; however, we believe the present work is a significant step in demonstrating the potential for wide commercial-scale dissemination of IVP technology between distant countries. The number of embryos produced in Panama was slightly, but significantly, higher than those produced in DR; this is likely due to the larger number of donors and oocytes from the Panamanian herds. However, the pregnancy rate was higher in DR, likely due to the health status of DR recipients. These data illustrate that IVP using Brahman donors could be used as a tool to improve and spread superior genetics. Furthermore, this technique can serve as a model for other Central American and Caribbean countries under similar management systems. Table 1.Panama and the Dominican Republic in vitro Brahman embryo production and pregnancy (September 2012 through May 2013)

Drug-induced anaphylaxis survey in Portuguese Allergy Departments

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Drug-induced anaphylaxis is an unpredictable and potentially fatal adverse drug reaction. The aim of this study was to identify the causes of drug-induced anaphylaxis in Portugal.

METHODS

During a 4-year period a nationwide notification system for anaphylaxis was implemented, with voluntary reporting by allergists. Data on 313 patients with drug anaphylaxis were received and reviewed. Statistical analysis included distribution tests and multiple logistic regression analysis to investigate significance, regression coefficients, and marginal effects.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age of the patients was 43.8 (17.4) years, and 8.3% were younger than 18 years. The female to male ratio was 2:1.The main culprits were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (47.9% of cases), antibiotics (35.5%), and anesthetic agents (6.1%). There was a predominance of mucocutaneous symptoms (92.2%), followed by respiratory symptoms (80.4%) and cardiovascular symptoms (49.0%). Patients with NSAID-induced anaphylaxis showed a tendency towards respiratory and mucocutaneous manifestations. We found no significant associations between age, sex, or atopy and type of drug. Anaphylaxis recurrence was observed in 25.6% of cases, and the risk was higher when NSAIDs were involved.

CONCLUSIONS

NSAIDs were the most common cause of anaphylaxis in this study and were also associated with a higher rate of recurrence. We stress the need for better therapeutic management and prevention of recurring episodes of drug-induced anaphylaxis.

Production and characterization of a milk-clotting protease produced in submerged fermentation by the thermophilic fungus Thermomucor indicae-seudaticae N31

Proteases are some of the most important industrial enzymes, and one of their main applications is for the production of cheese in the dairy industry. Due to a shortage of animal rennet, microbial coagulant proteases are being sought. In this work, the production of microbial rennet from Thermomucor indicae-seudaticae N31 was studied in submerged fermentation. The best enzyme production was obtained in a fermentation medium containing 4 % wheat bran as the substrate in 0.3 % saline solution, incubated for 72 h at 45 °C and 150 rpm. The value of the milk clotting activity (MCA) was 60.5 U/mL, and the ratio to proteolytic activity (MCA/PA) was 510. The crude enzyme showed optimum pH at 5.5 and two peaks of optimum temperature (MCA at 65 °C and PA at 60 °C). The MCA was stable in the pH range 4.0-4.5 for 24 h and up to 55 °C for 1 h. It was stable during storage at different temperatures (-20 to 25 °C) for 10 weeks. Based on these results, we conclude that microbial rennet from T. indicae-seudaticae N31 produced by submerged fermentation showed good prospects of replacing traditional rennet.

Yield, changes in proteolysis, and sensory quality of Prato cheese produced with different coagulants

The objective of this research was to compare the effect of 2 fungal proteases, one that is already commercially established as a milk-clotting agent and another produced at the laboratory scale, on Prato cheese composition, protein and fat recovery, yield, and sensory characteristics. Cheeses were produced according to the traditional protocol, using protease from the fungus Thermomucor indicae-seudaticae N31 and commercial coagulant from Rhizomucor spp. as clotting agents. A 2×6 factorial design with 3 replications was performed: 2 levels of coagulants and 6 levels of storage time. After 5, 12, 19, 33, 43, and 53d of refrigerated storage (12°C), cheeses were monitored for proteolysis, firmness, and casein degradation by capillary electrophoresis. Sensory acceptance was evaluated after 29d of manufacturing. The different coagulants did not statistically affect Prato cheese composition, protein and fat recovery, and yield. Both cheeses presented good sensory acceptance. Proteolysis increased and firmness decreased for both cheeses during the storage time, as expected for Prato cheese. Caseins were well separated by capillary electrophoresis and the results showed, with good resolution, that the cheeses exhibited similar protein hydrolysis profile. Both cheeses presented good sensory acceptance. The gathered data showed that the protease from T. indicae-seudaticae N31 presented similar action compared with the commercial enzyme, indicating its efficiency as clotting agent for Prato cheese manufacture.

Classification and practical approach to the diagnosis and management of hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Hypersensitivity reactions to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) constitute only a subset of all adverse reactions to these drugs, but due to their severity pose a significant burden to patients and are a challenge to the allergist. In susceptible individuals, NSAIDs induce a wide spectrum of hypersensitivity reactions with various timing, organ manifestations, and severity, involving either immunological (allergic) or nonimmunological mechanisms. Proper classification of reactions based on clinical manifestations and suspected mechanism is a prerequisite for the implementation of rational diagnostic procedures and adequate patient management. This document, prepared by a panel of experts from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Task Force on NSAIDs Hypersensitivity, aims at reviewing the current knowledge in the field and proposes uniform definitions and clinically useful classification of hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs. The document proposes also practical algorithms for the diagnosis of specific types of NSAIDs hypersensitivity (which include drug provocations, skin testing and in vitro testing) and provides, when data are available, evidence-based recommendations for the management of hypersensitive patients, including drug avoidance and drug desensitization.

Análise dos níveis de pressão sonora emitidos por brinquedos infantis

OBJETIVO: Verificar os níveis de pressão sonora emitidos por brinquedos infantis sem certificação. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com brinquedos sonoros ofertados em lojas de comércio popular, chamado de setor informal. Foram considerados brinquedos eletrônicos, mecânicos e musicais. A mensuração de cada produto foi realizada por um engenheiro acústico, em cabine isolada acusticamente, por meio de um decibelímetro. Para obter os parâmetros sonoros de intensidade e frequência, os brinquedos foram acionados a uma distância de 10 e 50cm da orelha do pesquisador. A intensidade foi verificada em nível de pressão sonora em decibéis dB(A) e a frequência, em hertz (Hz). RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 48 brinquedos. Nas medidas a 10cm da orelha, foi registrada uma faixa de pressão sonora de 102±10 dB(A) e, a 50cm, a média foi de 94±8 dB(A), com p<0,05. A maioria dos brinquedos apresentou nível de pressão sonora acima de 85dB(A). A frequência variou de 413 a 6.635Hz, sendo que 56,3% dos brinquedos emitiram som com frequência superior a 2.000Hz. CONCLUSÕES: Constatou-se que a maioria dos brinquedos emitiu sons com elevado nível de pressão.

Early conditions in the breastfeeding of premature newborn infants

PURPOSE

To describe the breastfeeding initial conditions for premature infants.

METHODS

The sample consisted on 26 mother/baby dyads. The babies had an average of 36.1 weeks corrected gestational age and were hospitalized in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Southern Brazil. Data was collected from medical records, and the observation of the dyads was conducted during feeding, using the Observation and Evaluation of the Breastfeeding Protocol. Favorable and unfavorable behaviors were registered regarding position, responses, suction, affection and anatomy of the breast. After the observation, a questionnaire was applied to the mothers.

RESULTS

The best results refer to the position of mother/child and affection and the poorer ones to the infant responses. Statistically significant correlations by the Spearman Correlations Coefficient were observed between some items of the protocol and other study variables.

CONCLUSION

Most premature infants from this sample presented a satisfactory initiation on analyzed aspects referring to breastfeeding. Still, we emphasize the need of practices for breastfeeding effectiveness and its encouragement in this population.

Scrub typhus in patients reporting with acute febrile illness at a tertiary health care institution in Goa

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Scrub typhus is one of the differential diagnoses of haemorrhagic fevers especially if associated with jaundice and/or renal failure. Goa State in the western region of India has been witnessing increased incidence of such fevers, therefore, the present study was undertaken to identify whether scrub typhus is the aetiological agent.

METHODS

Adult patients presenting with undiagnosed febrile illness between June 2009 to October 2010, were evaluated. Testing was done using a commercial ELISA kit for specific IgM antibodies against Orientia tsutsugamushi.

RESULTS

Of the 44 patients included in the study, 15 (34%) were found to be positive for IGM antibodies against O. tsutsugamushi. The cases were seen mainly in the months between July to November. The common symptoms noted were fever, myalgias, gastrointestinal complaints, followed by breathlessness, rash and jaundice. The pathognomonic features such as eschar and lymphadenopathy were seen only in two patients. Nearly two third of the patients had leukocytosis (67%) and low serum albumin (60%). The most common complication noticed was hepatitis (80%) followed by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (60%), thrombocytopenia (40%) and acute renal failure (33%). Five patients died in the course of illness.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that scrub typhus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute febrile illness associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, rash, myalgia , including those with organ dysfunctions such as hepatorenal syndrome, coagulopathy or ARDS. Empirical treatment with doxycycline or macrolides may be given in cases with strong suspicion of scrub typhus.

Endoglucanase production with the newly isolated Myceliophtora sp. i-1d3b in a packed bed solid state fermentor

This work is aimed to produce endoglucanase through solid state fermentation in a packed bed bioreactor with the use of the fungus Myceliophtora sp. I-1D3b using a mixture of wheat bran (WB) and sugar cane bagasse (SCB) as culture medium. Preliminary tests were performed in polypropylene plastic bags, controlling the variables temperature (40, 45, and 50°C), initial moisture content (75, 80, and 85%, w.b.), and weight proportion SCB/WB (1:1, 7:3, and 9:1). The highest enzyme activities in plastic bags were obtained using the substrate proportion of 7:3, 50°C temperature, and 80% initial moisture content (878 U/grams of dry solid). High activities of filter-paper cellulase and xylanase were also obtained in plastic bags and some results are reported. For the packed bed experiments, the temperature (45 and 50°C) and the air flow rate (80, 100 and 120L/h) were the controlled variables. Activity of endoglucanase was similar to plastic bag tests. A longitudinal gradient of moisture content, was observed increasing from the bottom to the top of the reactor, even though the longitudinal enzyme activity profile was flat for almost the whole bed. Air flow rate did not affect enzyme activity, while experiments carried out at 50°C showed higher enzyme activities. The maximum temperature peak observed was at about 6°C above the process temperature.

Anaphylaxis in children: a nine years retrospective study (2001-2009)

BACKGROUND

Anaphylaxis is an acute multisystemic and potentially fatal reaction, resulting from the rapid release of inflammatory mediators. Its exact prevalence is unknown. In children, foods are the most significant triggers for IgE-mediated anaphylaxis.

OBJECTIVES

To characterise the cases of anaphylaxis evaluated in an Allergy Division of a Central Paediatric Hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A review of all cases of anaphylaxis evaluated from 2001 to 2009. Anaphylaxis was defined according to Sampson's 2006 criteria.

RESULTS

Seventy-three children had anaphylactic reactions (47 male), of which 64% had history of atopy. Age at time of reaction ranged between 17 days and 15 years old (median: four years). Food was the most frequently identified cause (n=57), followed by drugs (n=8), hymenoptera venom (n=2), and cold (n=1). In five cases there was no identifiable cause. Among foods, cow's milk was the culprit agent in 27 children. The most severe reaction was a cardiorespiratory arrest. The most frequent symptoms were respiratory and cutaneous in 51 cases. Hypotension was present in nine cases. There were no fatalities. Most acute reactions were treated with corticosteroids and/or antihistamines. Adrenaline was used in only about one quarter of children.

CONCLUSIONS

The most important causes of anaphylaxis in our study were foods, and the most common symptoms were respiratory and cutaneous. The prevalence of anaphylaxis was higher in males and, in two thirds of patients there was a history of atopy. Despite being the primary and most important treatment for anaphylaxis, adrenaline is still used in only a minority of these cases.

Results of drug hypersensitivity evaluations in a large group of children and adults

BACKGROUND

Proven IgE or T-cell mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) seem less common in children compared with adults. However, this has never been proved by data.

OBJECTIVE

To determine and compare proven DHR prevalence in children and adults.

METHODS

Using the DAHD (Drug Allergy and Hypersensitivity Database) cohort, children with proven DHRs were compared with adults. The international EAACI-ENDA recommendations were followed. Patients were divided into four groups: index reaction and test during childhood (C/C), index reaction at childhood and test at adulthood (C/A), index reactions at childhood and adulthood and test at adulthood (CA/A), index reaction and test at adulthood (A/A).

RESULTS

A total of 3275 patients (67.9% female), comprising a total of 4370 patient-episodes, were evaluated (74.5% belonged to the A/A group). Prevalence of positive tests was 15.2% (95%CI, 14.1-16.2) for all tested classes, 10.6% (8.3-13.0) for C/C, 10.6% (7.5-13.6) for C/A, 22.1% (12.8-31.3) for CA/A and 16.5% (15.2-17.8) for A/A. The prevalence was lower in group C/C compared with groups A/A (P < 0.0001) and CA/A (P = 0.003). It was also lower in group C/A compared with the two latter groups (respectively P = 0.003 and P = 0.005). Significant differences were found for maculopapular exanthemas only, and not for urticaria/angiœdema and anaphylaxis. The difference was mainly observed with β-lactams and not for NSAIDs.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Suspicions of DHRs are less likely to be confirmed in children.

Aquisição do sistema ortográfico: desempenho na expressão escrita e classificação dos erros ortográficos

OBJETIVO: analisar o desempenho na expressão escrita e classificar os erros da produção ortográfica que ocorrem durante as quatro primeiras séries do ensino fundamental, identificando os erros ortográficos mais freqüentes e descrevendo a evolução dos mesmos, comparando-os por série e gênero. MÉTODO: foi realizado um estudo transversal na população de alunos de 1ª a 4ª série de uma escola estadual do município de Porto Alegre. Foram avaliados 214 sujeitos por meio do ditado de palavras do subteste da escrita do Teste de Desempenho Escolar. RESULTADOS: foram observados maiores níveis de suficiência no domínio da expressão escrita nas séries iniciais; os sujeitos da 4ª série demonstraram dificuldade no domínio das regras de acentuação. Por meio da análise do ditado, constatou-se que os erros de representações múltiplas (14,76%) foram os mais freqüentes nesta população. Quando comparado os diferentes tipos de erros ortográficos verificados nas quatro séries em conjunto, observou-se que houve diferença significante entre as mesmas no decorrer das séries (P<0,05), exceto para os erros de junção-separação (P=0,09), confusão nas terminações am x ão (P=0,36) e confusão entre letras parecidas (P=0,27). Houve maior freqüência de erros ortográficos e menor domínio na expressão escrita para o gênero masculino, mas estatisticamente esta diferença não foi significante. CONCLUSÃO: os erros ortográficos tenderam a diminuir progressivamente com a escolaridade, entretanto o mesmo não ocorreu com o nível de suficiência no domínio da expressão escrita que envolve regras contextuais complexas.

Phase I trial of anti-PSMA designer T cells in advanced prostate cancer

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Background: We created chimeric immunoglobulin-T cell receptors (IgTCR) specific for prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA). When expressed in patient T cells, these “designer T cells” (dTc) specifically kill prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo in animal models, with 5/9 (55%) of xenografted mice experiencing complete remissions (Ma et al. Prostate 2004:61:12–25). A phase I clinical trial was approved by the FDA.

Methods: Patient T cells are retrovirally transduced and expanded ex vivo to span dose levels of 10^9 to 10^11 T cells. Patients undergo prior non-myeloablative (NMA) conditioning to create “hematologic space” into which designer T cells are infused for stable engraftment and prolonged in vivo efficacy. Patients are co-administered continuous infusion IL2. Outcomes include Phase Ia goals of safety and Phase Ib goals of establishing an optimal biologic dose in terms of designer T cell engraftment.

Results: Five patients have been treated, three at 10^9 and two at 10^10 cell dose levels. Excellent T cell modifications of 30%-60% were obtained. After NMA conditioning, T cells were infused. Stable engraftments of 1%-20% post-recovery at one month after T cell infusion, thus affirming one of the study end-points. Patients experienced neutropenic fever after conditioning, but no designer T cell-related toxicities. Two patients had partial responses with PSA reductions of 50 and 70% in the two months following treatment with projected benefits of 4 months gain of time to return to starting PSA levels. Results will be updated at the conference.

Conclusions: A new approach to adoptive immune therapy in metastatic prostate cancer has been devised with encouraging early results. Patients are being actively recruited. This clinical trial received partial funding from the US Army/DOD. Preclinical work was supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.