Influence of pesticides and herbicides presence on phosphatase activity and selected bacterial microbiota of a natural lake system

Phosphatase activities (cell-bounded phosphatases "BP" and freely dissolved phosphatases "D P") in water samples from a natural lake "Laguna Grande" (Antequera, Málaga, Spain) amended with 50 microg/ml of selected insecticides, herbicides and fungicide captan were studied under laboratory controlled conditions (temperature and agitation). Our data show that dissolved alkaline phosphatase was the enzymatic activity that contributed in higher proportion to total lake water samples phosphatase status. The presence of organochlorinated insecticides (aldrin and lindane), organophosphorous insecticides (dimetoate, methidation and methyl-parathion), herbicide atrazine and fungicide captan significantly increased phosphatase activities after 28 days of incubation. However, these activities were not affected as a consequence of the addition of the herbicide simazine to the water samples. Heterotrophic mesophilic and psychrophilic aquatic bacteria counts as well as culturable phosphate solubilizing microorganisms, increased when the pesticides were added to lake water samples with herbicide simazine exception.

Every-other week capecitabine (C7) combinations: An active and well tolerated treatment in heavily pretreated patients (p) with advanced solid tumours

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Background: Standard C schedule is 14 days every 3 w (C14). However, data have shown that C7 schedule is as effective as and significantly less toxic than C14. The objective is to evaluate retrospectively the response rate and toxicity of C7 as single agent or in combination in heavily pretreated p with advanced solid tumours. Methods: p with advanced solid tumour, age ≤ 75 years, ECOG PS <2 and adequate bone marrow, renal and hepatic functions were analyzed. p received C7: 1250 mg/m2/12 h x 7 days every-other week. The combination drugs doses were adjusted to be used days 1 and 15. Cycles every 28 days. Response was evaluated every 3 cycles according to RECIST criteria Results: 20 p received C7. Cancer type: 11 breast (BC), 7 colo-rectal (CRC), 1 H&N and 1 gastric (GC). Median age 56 y (33–75). M/F: 8p/12p. ECOG 0/1: 39%/61%. 19 p stage IV and 1 (H&N) stage III. The most frequent metastatic site was liver 42.2%. 90% p had been heavily pretreated with chemotherapy (CT): 55% p had received ≥ 2 CT lines. 15% p had been treated with taxanes, 45% p taxanes + anthracyclines, 10% p 5-FU, 15% p oxaliplatin (Oxa) and/or raltritexed. 2 BC p had also received herceptin (Her) and 2 p (1BC/1CRC) had been previously treated with C14. Median nº cycles: 6 (1–19). C7 combinations were: 5/7 CRC p Oxa or CPT-11 and 11/11 BC p docetaxel (1p) or gemcitabine (1 p) or carboplatin (9 p) ± Her. 4 p received C7 alone. Toxicity (20 p). Grade I/II: HFS 55%, diarrhoea 25%, nausea/vomiting 15%, mucositis 5%, skin 5% and parestesias 5%. Grade III/IV: diarrhoea in 2 p (1CRC and 1 BC). Response (20 p): 2 CR (10%) both CRC p; 6 PR (30%) 5 BC p and 1 CRC p; 4 SD (20%) and 8 PD (40%). 40% ORR rate and 60% TGC. Median response duration: 37 w (22–44 w). 2 p who achieved CR received C7 combined with CPT-11. C7 combination in p with PR were Oxa (1 CRC p) and carboplatin ± Her (5 BC p). Conclusions: C7 schedule is an active regimen in patients with advanced CRC and BC heavily pretreated with CT and it shows a very favourable toxicity profile. These results warrant a phase II trial of carboplatin-C7 in MBC as front line therapy that will by lauched by Feb-2006.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The restorative effects of pulsed infrared light therapy on significant loss of peripheral protective sensation in patients with long-term type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Pulsed infrared light therapy (PILT) has been shown to increase peripheral sensation in diabetic patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). However, most studies last for very short periods, with the subjects receiving only 6-20 treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-week course of PILT in reversing long-standing, profound DPN in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Twenty-two subjects with a diagnosis of type 1 (n=2) or type 2 (n=20) diabetes participated in the study. PILT was administered to one foot chosen at random with the other foot serving as a within-subject control (no treatment). Patients underwent 24 treatments (3 times/week, for eight weeks) for 30 min per treatment. Changes in peripheral protective sensation (PPS) were measured using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWM) ranging from 3.7 to 6.48. PILT improved PPS even in patients with long-standing chronic neuropathies whose initial pre-study sensation was not measurable with a 200-g SWM. PILT significantly improves PPS. While the exact mechanism of action is not understood, infrared light may improve peripheral neuropathies by improving foot perfusion by stimulating nitric oxide production.

In vitro activity of fosfomycin against extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae: comparison of susceptibility testing procedures

The agar dilution, broth microdilution, and disk diffusion methods were compared to determine the in vitro susceptibility of 428 extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae to fosfomycin. Fosfomycin showed very high activity against all ESBL-producing strains. Excellent agreement between the three susceptibility methods was found for E. coli, whereas marked discrepancies were observed for K. pneumoniae.

Identification of a plum pox virus CI-interacting protein from chloroplast that has a negative effect in virus infection

The cylindrical inclusion (CI) protein of potyviruses is involved in virus replication and cell-to-cell movement. These two processes should rely on multiple plant-virus interactions; however, little is known about the host factors that are involved in, or that may interfere with, CI functions. By using a yeast two-hybrid system, the CI protein from Plum pox virus (PPV) was found to interact with the photosystem I PSI-K protein, the product of the gene psaK, of Nicotiana benthamiana. Coexpression of PPV CI was shown to cause a decrease in the accumulation level of PSI-K transiently expressed in N. benthamiana leaves. To test the biological relevance of this interaction, we have analyzed the infection of PPV in N. benthamiana plants in which psaK gene expression has been silenced by RNA interference, as well as in Arabidopsis thaliana psaK knockout plants. Our results show that downregulation of the psaK gene leads to higher PPV accumulation, suggesting a role for the CI-PSI-K interaction in PPV infection.

[Complications of craniofacial resection in anterior skull base tumors]

INTRODUCTION

The development of new radiographic techniques and the refinement of microsurgery and reconstructive surgery have been the responsible of the establishment of craniofacial resection (CFR) as the standard treatment of anterior skull base tumors. Overall complication rates varies from 24-56%, according to a review of recently published series.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the complications of CFR in a series of 41 patients and to analyze the management and final outcome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From 1990 to 2002, 41 patients underwent CFR for tumors involving the anterior cranial base. The extent of the tumor was always assessed with craniofacial CT-scan and MRI. The objective of the surgical treatment was to achieve "on block" removal of the tumor.

RESULTS

The average age was 57 years with a male preponderance (63.4%). Squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent histopathological type of tumor. The tumors were localized in paranasal sinuses in 78% of the cases. Bifrontal craniotomy was performed in 85.4% and unilateral orbitofrontal craniotomy in 14.6% of the cases. The area of facial resection included: ethmoidectomy (60.9%), ethmoido-sphenoidectomy (24.3%), maxillectomy (39%) and orbital exenteration (14.6%). The reconstruction of the floor of the anterior cranial fossa was performed using pedicled pericranial flap (100%), local (34.1%) or microvascular free flaps (21.9%) and split calvarian graft (19.5%). 20 patients (48.7%) developed post-operative complications, CSF leaks (12.1%) and meningitis (7.3%) being the most frequent major complications. The mortality rate was 7.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

CFR has become the standard approach for anterior cranial base tumors. Despite its widespread application, the complication's rate ranges between 24-50% and the procedure carries a risk of significant morbidity and even mortality. Improvement of specific aspects of surgical technique and more refined reconstructive methods will decrease the number of complications.

Iris yellow spot virus in Onion in Chile

Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) (genus Tospovirus, family Bunyaviridae) has become endemic in several parts of the world. Between 2000 and 2004, the virus was reported from several states in the United States and the most recent report was from Georgia (2). In South America, IYSV was first reported from Brazil (3). Symptoms indicative of IYSV infection (1), such as diamond-shaped and irregular chlorotic and necrotic lesions, were observed during 2004 and 2005 in onion fields in Colina and Tiltil (Chacabuco Province) and Rengo (Cachapoal Province) located in central Chile. In the sampled fields, as much as 50% of the crop showed symptoms. In all three locations, the crop was destined for bulb production and the cultivar was a long-day Valenciana-type. Approximately 50 and 5 ha in Chacabuco and Cachapoal provinces, respectively, were surveyed. Symptomatic plants were collected and tested in the laboratory for confirmation of IYSV infection. A commercially available IYSV-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used (Adgen Limited, Ayr, Scotland, UK) that confirmed the samples were infected with IYSV. Total nucleic acids were extracted, and using primers flanking the nucleoprotein (NP) gene of IYSV, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to verify virus identity. Primer sequences were 5'-TAA AAC AAA CAT TCA AAC AA-3' and 5'-CTC TTA AAC ACA TTT AAC AAG CAC-3'. The resulting 1.2-kb DNA amplicons from five samples were cloned and sequenced (GenBank Accession No. DQ150107). Nucleotide sequence comparisons with known IYSV NP gene sequences showed 95 to 98% identity, confirming the virus as IYSV. The presence of IYSV in Brazil and now in Chile indicates its potential to become established in onion crops in the region. References: (1) L. J. du Toit et al. APSnet Image of the Week. http://apsnet.org/online/archive/2003/IW000030.asp , 2003. (2) S. W. Mullis et al. Plant Dis. 88:1285, 2004. (3) L. Pozzer et al. Plant Dis. 83:345, 1999.

Effect of gamma irradiation on the microbiological quality of minimally processed vegetables

The initial microflora of minimally processed celery and cabbage packaged under a modified atmosphere was determined. The samples came from the same producer and were sold in a supermarket chain of Santiago, Chile. Although neither E. coli nor Salmonella spp. were detected, initial total plate and Enterobacteriaceae counts were high (= 10(5) cfu/g), not meeting in most cases the specifications of the Chilean legislation. The D10 value for two strains of E. coli (ATCC 8739 and a wild type) inoculated as indicator microorganisms was determined. After irradiating with 5 D10 doses (1kGy), the variation of the microbial population and sensory quality during a 7 days storage period at 5 degrees C was studied. In irradiated celery, a reduction of 4.7 and 3.8 logs for total plate and Enterobacteriaceae counts respectively was observed. There was a decrease of 3.8 and 3.6 logs in cabbage for total plate and Enterobacteriaceae counts respectively. In both irradiated and non-irradiated vegetables, neither E. coli nor Salmonella spp. were detected. An increase of 1.6 - 1.7 logs in both microbiological parameters in non-irradiated samples was observed during storage. In irradiated products, only celery showed an increase of 1.2 log in total plate count. Both Enterobacteriaceae count in the two vegetables and Total plate count in cabbage presented essentially no variation in time. No significant differences (p = 0.05) were detected in sensory total quality between the control and the irradiated vegetable and between days of storage.

Long-term study of the frequency of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases

In total, 438 (1.7%) Escherichia coli and 125 (3.98%) Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were found to be producers of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) during 1995-2003 in southern Spain. There was a significant increase in the frequency of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates, from < 0.36% before 1999 to 4.8% in 2003, while the frequency of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates decreased during the same period. The most common ESBLs detected in K. pneumoniae were SHV type, whereas both CTX-M and SHV types were detected in E. coli. In addition, E. coli isolates showed greater clonal diversity (84 distinct REP-PCR patterns, compared with five in K. pneumoniae), fewer enzymes per isolate, and a higher number of isolates recovered from outpatients. These differences may have implications for the control measures that should be used for these two microorganisms.

Identification of bacteria isolated from an oligotrophic lake with pesticide removal capacities

We studied the growth and capacities for pesticides removal of bacterial strains isolated from the Laguna Grande, an oligotrophic lake at the South of Spain (Archidona, Málaga). Strains were isolated from water samples amended with 10 and 50 microg/ml of nine pesticides: organochlorinated insecticides (aldrin and lindane), organophosphorous insecticides (dimetoate, methyl-parathion and methidation), s-triazine herbicides (simazine and atrazine), fungicide (captan) and diflubenzuron (1-(-4-chlorophenyl)-3-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl urea), a chitinase inhibitor. The majority of the strains belonged to the genera Pseudomonas and Aeromonas and only 9% of the total of strains were Gram positive. From all the strains isolated, only 22 showed a wide growth range in all the pesticides tested and 4 of them were chosen for pesticide removal studies. The genetic identification of these strains showed their affiliation to Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus sp. and Exiguobacterium aurantiacum. These last two strains were those that showed the highest pesticide removal capacities and a high bacterial growth.

Cystic echinococcosis: analysis of the serological profile related to the risk factors in individuals without ultrasound liver changes living in an endemic area of Tacuarembó, Uruguay

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a high prevalence zoonosis among the rural population of Tacuarembó (Uruguay). The correlation between serological data and the incidence of risk factors was studied in a survey carried out in 1998 among rural communities where 480 individuals were examined by means of abdominal sonography (local prevalence=0·8%). Serum samples (305) were analysed by ELISA to determine specific IgG against crude antigens from Echinococcus granulosus. A total of 27 individuals exhibiting no detectable changes in abdominal sonographic examination were found to be seropositive (‘ultrasound normal group’). Of these individuals 9 were seroreactive against purified antigen B. A significant degree of correlation was found between seroreactivity and the incidence of some risk factors (CE antecedent in the family, P<0·005 and use of rural water, P<0·0001) among this group. Follow-up of individuals of the ‘ultrasound normal group’ was carried out after 2 years to evaluate the implications of this serological reactivity. No predictive value for cyst development was assessed with complementary image study; in contrast transient antibodies were observed with both crude and purified antigen as approximately 60% of individuals became negative when re-sampled.

Portal hypertension: return to fetal life to re-attempt differentiation?

We speculate on the final meaning of the alterations that characterize portal hypertensive enteropathy. The similarity of these alterations with certain morphofunctional characteristics of prenatal splanchnic development makes it possible to hypothesize that the dedifferentiation with return to early stages of development could constitute a portal hypertension induced pathogenic mechanism.

Effect of cervical spinal cord stimulation on regional blood flow and oxygenation in advanced head and neck tumours

BACKGROUND

Tumour ischaemia leads to decreased delivery of oxygen, chemotherapy and radiosensitisers. Hypoxia in head and neck (H&N) tumours is an important adverse prognostic factor. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well-established neurosurgical technique in the treatment of several ischaemic syndromes. This prospective study evaluated the effect of cervical-SCS on common carotid artery (CCA) blood flow and tumour oxygenation in patients with advanced H&N cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixteen patients with advanced H&N tumours were enrolled. Cervical-SCS devices were inserted subcutaneously prior to commencement of scheduled chemoradiotherapy. Pre- and post-SCS measurements were as follows: (i) tumour oxygenation (mmHg) using polarographic probes; (ii) blood flow quantification (ml/min) and diastolic and systolic velocimetry (cm/s) in the CCA using colour Doppler.

RESULTS

After SCS, median tumour oxygenation increased in two-thirds of patients (34%; P = 0.023), all patients had improved CCA blood flow (50%; P <0.001) and almost all patients showed an increased CCA diastolic velocity (26%; P = 0.003) and systolic velocity (20%; P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical-SCS increased tumour oxygenation and CCA blood flow, and could enhance the loco-regional delivery of oxygen, radiosensitising and chemotherapeutic drugs. Cervical-SCS as adjuvant in chemoradiotherapy of these tumours warrants further investigation.

[Bronchial carcinoid tumors. Analysis of 41 cases]

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study has been the description of the cases of carcinoid tumor diagnosed in our Pneumology Service along the last 15 years.

METHODS

The study has been conducted retrospectively, including the period between January 1, 1987 and December 31, 2001. The clinical histories of all patients with a diagnosis of carcinoid tumor have been reviewed, collecting the demographic clinical, radiological, bronchoscopic, therapeutic, and evolutionary data. RESULTS. On the whole, 41 cases were diagnosed, 36 typical (88%) and 5 atypical (12%), representing 2% of the total of lung neoplasms. The average age was 50 years, and 66% patients were males, with 61% of smokers and ex-smokers. The most relevant clinical parameter was cough with 68% of cases. Chest X-ray was pathological in 88% and CAT in 100%. Bronchoscopy was done in 40 patients, being the localization of the tumor peripheral in 10% and central in 90%. In 37.5% the classical endoscopic image suggestive of this tumor was observed. The definitive diagnosis was obtained in 26 cases by bronchial biopsy, in 14 cases through thoracotomy, and in 1 case by CAT-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Surgical treatment was carried out in 36 patients (88%). Five year follow-up has been completed in 16 (39%) patients, with 5 recurrences (2 local and 3 systemic). Five patients were lost for follow-up (12%), and in the 20 patients remaining (49%) the evolution is less than 5 years, with no recurrences up to now. There has not been any death.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that carcinoid tumors are infrequent, most of them central in location, and are diagnosed preferably by bronchoscopy, although the number of cases with suggestive findings is less than 50%. The treatment is surgical except for contraindications, and the percentage of recurrences has been limited.

Persistent Hemoptysis Secondary to Extensive Epithelioid Angiosarcoma

Pulmonary angiosarcoma is an unusual cause of diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage. Angiosarcomas are rare malignant vascular tumors accounting for 1% to 2% of all sarcomas. Angiosarcomas have been detected in nearly all organs, but lung involvement is unusual, accounting for less than 7%. The literature describes approximately 10 isolated cases of primary pulmonary angiosarcoma as opposed to the more common metastatic type. Given that primary and metastatic types are clinicopathologically similar, the presence of a distant primary sarcoma must be ruled out before a diagnosis of primary pulmonary angiosarcoma can be made. A pathological diagnosis requires a finding of polygonal or oval cells with atypical irregular nuclei and vascular spaces lined with such cells surrounded by hemorrhagic phenomena. Immunohistochemical analysis is positive for specific endothelial cell markers such as CD31 and factor VIII, and coexpression of keratin is a frequent finding.

Lung Function in Cardiac Dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

The alterations in lung function caused by heart failure were first described some decades ago. The advent of new tools for the diagnosis and investigation of heart disease, such as echocardiography, has subsequently made it possible to classify cardiac dysfunction with greater precision. The objective of this study was to analyze and compare a series of lung function and gas exchange variables in patients who had been classified into 4 groups according to type of heart disease as diagnosed by echocardiography.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Emergency room patients whose main symptom was acute dyspnea caused by cardiac or respiratory disease were included in the study. The final sample comprised 71 patients whose echocardiogram revealed cardiac dysfunction. Spirometry was carried out and resting arterial blood gases measured in this group.

RESULTS

Of the 71 patients with cardiopathy, 31 had systolic dysfunction, 27 diastolic dysfunction, 7 cor pulmonale, and 6 primary valve disease. Spirometry revealed a generally obstructive pattern, more marked in the group with cor pulmonale. Analysis of arterial blood gases revealed slight hypoxemia with normocapnia in all groups, but this was more accentuated in the patients with cor pulmonale and diastolic dysfunction. An analysis of the correlations (Pearson's r) between cardiac and pulmonary variables revealed the statistically significant associations between cardiac mass and other variables to be as follows: forced vital capacity r=0.34 (P=.02), forced expiratory volume in one second r=0.526 (P=.0001), forced expiratory volume in one second as a percentage of predicted r=0.3 (P=.037), and forced midexpiratory flow rate r=0.31 (P=.03). The correlation between left ventricular ejection fraction and PaO2 was r=-0.312 (P=.01); the correlation between left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and PaO2 was r=0.369 (p=.006).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with cardiac dysfunction, spirometry reveals a generally obstructive pattern, which is more accentuated in patients with right ventricular dysfunction owing to the existence of prior lung disease. The associations found between the cardiac and lung function variables do not help the physician to determine the predominant diagnosis for a patient more precisely or to establish a prognosis.

Genotipo y expresión fenotípica de la hemocromatosis hereditaria en España

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of C282Y homozygosity in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) has been reported to be markedly lower in the Mediterranean Basin than in northern Europe. In Spain, the available data are contradictory and limited to small series in specific regions. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of the 2 main HFE gene mutations in a large series of unrelated Spanish patients with HH from different geographical origins.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

The criteria for HH diagnosis were: repeat serum transferrin saturation index (> 45% plus C282Y homozygosity and/or hepatic iron index (> 1.9 of dry liver weight in non-cirrhotic patients or (> 4.1 in patients with liver cirrhosis. Cases in related individuals were excluded. Demographic data, clinical expression, iron parameters and HFE gene mutations (C282Y and H63D) were assessed in 222 patients.

RESULTS

A total of 83.3% of patients were C282Y homozygous and 5% were compound heterozygous (C282Y/H63D). No significant differences in phenotypic expression or in the frequency of C282Y homozygosity were observed between patients born in the North and South of Spain.

CONCLUSION

The genotypic and phenotypic expression of HH in Spain is very similar to that reported in Northern Europe. Thus, the genetic heterogeneity described in some Southern European regions cannot be considered a common feature to all countries of the Mediterranean Basin.