Needs and its relation to symptom dimensions in a sample of outpatients with schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the association between symptom dimensions in schizophrenia and number and type of met and unmet needs.

METHOD

A sample of 231 outpatients randomly selected from a register that included all patients treated in 5 mental health care centres (MHCC) was evaluated. Assessment instruments included the Camberwell Assessment of Needs (CAN) questionnaire and the PANSS.

RESULTS

Number of needs are related to overall severity of psychopathology. Patients with more symptoms have more total needs (p < 0.001) and unmet needs (p < 0.001). A multiple lineal regression model showed that the disorganized and excited dimensions of the PANSS are the most important components for explaining the variance of number of needs. Type of needs is related to subtypes of schizophrenia, specially with disorganized and excited symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Psychosocial needs are related to schizophrenia subtypes. Patients with more needs are those with more disorganized and excitatory symptoms.

Gender differences and outcome in schizophrenia: a 2-year follow-up study in a large community sample

This study examined gender differences in the short-term (2 years) course of schizophrenia in a sample of 200 schizophrenic (DSM-IV criteria) outpatients (74 women and 126 men). Number and length of hospitalizations during the prospective follow-up were recorded. After 2 years, men were found to have more hospitalizations and longer stays than women. Among subjects who had at least one hospitalization (12 women and 38 men), men had greater length of hospitalization. In conclusion, schizophrenic women had a significantly better short-term outcome.

Optimization of growth conditions of the postharvest biocontrol agent Candida sake CPA-1 in a lab-scale fermenter

AIM

To maximize the growth (expressed as number of viable cells per millilitre) of the postharvest biocontrol agent Candida sake CPA(-1) at laboratory scale conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Growth conditons (aeration, agitation speed and inoculum size) were studied in batch conditions in a 5 l fermenter using molasses and urea as growth medium. Consumption of sugars and urea were analysed. Fed-batch studies were also carried out. Glucose and fructose were consumed during the exponential growth phase and were depleted after 18 h of growth. On the contrary, C. sake cells assimilated sucrose during the stationary phase. There was not growth improvement when fed-batch technology was used. Addition of an extra amount of glucose or molasses after 18 h of growth did not contribute to increase final population.

CONCLUSIONS

Maximum growth (about 8 x 10(8 )CFU ml(-1)) was obtained at batch fermentation after 30 h growth at 400 rev min(-1), 150 l h(-1) of air and initial concentration of 106 CFU ml(-1).

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results obtained in this study are an approach for further upscaling of C. sake production.

Effect of water activity and temperature on germination and growth of Penicillium digitatum, P. italicum and Geotrichum candidum

AIMS

This study compares the effect of temperature (4-37 degrees C) and water activity (aw: 0.99-0.87) and their interactions on the germination rates, lag times prior to germination and mycelial growth 'in vitro' of Penicillium digitatum, P. italicum and Geotrichum candidum, the main postharvest pathogens affecting citrus fruits.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Germination and growth were markedly influenced by temperature and aw. Generally, lag times were longer and germination and growth rates were slower when conditions of temperature and aw were far from optimum. All the studied species were able to germinate over a range of 4-30 degrees C at 0.995 aw, although in non-optimal conditions P. digitatum only reached 40-60% of germinated conidia. At low temperatures, P. italicum germinated and grew faster than P. digitatum and G. candidum, particularly at 0.95 aw. Penicillium italicum was also able to germinate and grow in the driest studied conditions (0.87 aw), while G. candidum did not germinate under 0.95 aw.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the ecological requirements of these fungi is important in order to understand their behaviour in natural situations and to predict fungal spoilage on citrus fruits.

Liquid formulation of the biocontrol agent Candida sake by modifying water activity or adding protectants

AIMS

To evaluate the effect of modification of water activity (aw) and the addition of protective substances in the preservation medium of liquid formulations of the biocontrol agent Candida sake stored at 4 and 20 degrees C.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The aw of the preservation medium of C. sake was modified from 0.72 to 0.95 by adding glycerol or polyethylene glycol (PEG). Moreover, several protectant substances at different concentrations were evaluated. Modification of lower aw-levels (0.721-0.901) with glycerol did not maintain the viability of the yeast cells. Higher aw-levels (0.93-0.95) with either glycerol or PEG improved the viability but not at acceptable viability levels. C. sake cells maintained viabilities >60% when sugars, such as trehalose, and polyols, such as glycerol and PEG were used as protectants in liquid formulations. Moreover, liquid formulations of C. sake stored at 4 degrees C showed higher number of viable counts than at 20 degrees C. When different sugars were tested, all of them, except 10% fructose, resulted in a viability higher than 50% of the C. sake formulations. Biocontrol of liquid formulation treatments was similar to fresh cells in controlling Penicillium expansum on wounded apples.

CONCLUSIONS

Sugars such as lactose and trehalose could be considered as good protectants in order to obtain liquid formulations of C. sake cells as they maintain the viability >70% for 4 months at 4 degrees C.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

This study shows that a suitable liquid formulation for commercial application can be produced with high viability and conservation of biocontrol efficacy. Moreover, if 10% lactose is the protectant used in the formulation, the economic costs would not be limiting for industrial production.

The effect of nitrogen and carbon sources on growth of the biocontrol agent Pantoea agglomerans strain CPA-2

AIM

The effect of several nitrogen and carbon sources on the growth of Pantoea agglomerans (strain CPA-2) was studied for the first time.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Synthetic nitrogen and carbon sources were tested to obtain a suitable medium. Synthetic yeast extract provided maximum growth and disaccharides such as sucrose, lactose and trehalose improved this growth significantly from 3.2 x 10(9) to 5.5 x 10(9) cfu ml-1.

CONCLUSION

Pantoea agglomerans can be produced in a combination of nitrogen sources such as yeast extract with carbohydrates such as sucrose in shake flask and a laboratory fermenter (5 l).

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Results suggest good production of this biocontrol agent on a laboratory scale and the potential of scaling up the process.

Water activity, temperature, and pH effects on growth of the biocontrol agent Pantoea agglomerans CPA-2

The growth response of the biocontrol agent Pantoea agglomerans to changes in water activity (a(w)), temperature, and pH was determined in vitro in nutrient yeast extract-sucrose medium. The minimum temperature at which P. agglomerans was able to grow was 267-272 kelvins (-6 to -1 degrees C), and growth of P. agglomerans did not change at varying pH levels (4.5-8.6). The minimum a(w) for growth was 0.96 in media modified with glycerol and 0.95 in media modified with NaCl or glucose. Solute used to reduce water activity had a great influence on bacterial growth, especially at unfavourable conditions (e.g., low pH or temperature). NaCl stimulated bacterial growth under optimum temperatures but inhibited it under unfavourable pH conditions (4.5 or 8.6). In contrast, the presence of glucose in the medium allowed P. agglomerans to grow over a broad range of temperature (3-42 degrees C) or pH (5-8.6) regimes. This study has defined the range of environmental conditions (a(w), pH, and temperature) over which the bacteria may be developed for biological control of postharvest diseases.

Influence of gender on social outcome in schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

To study the relevance of gender on social functioning in schizophrenia.

METHOD

A sample of 200 schizophrenic (DSM-IV criteria) out-patients were followed-up during 2 years and were administered the following instruments: Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), Disability Assessment Scale (DAS-sv), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale. A regression model was created with DAS and GAF as dependent variables, and gender, PANSS, age of onset, duration of illness and marital status as independent variables. Separate regression models were then generated for females and males.

RESULTS

Gender influenced significantly on DAS and GAF, with men showing worse functioning. In gender specific analyses, we found a significant influence of illness duration and Positive and Negative PANSS on social functioning in men, and of age at onset and Negative PANSS in women.

CONCLUSION

Gender had a significant influence on social functioning in schizophrenia, even after adjusting for the other independent variables.

Effect of package and storage conditions on viability and efficacy of the freeze-dried biocontrol agent Pantoea agglomerans strain CPA-2

AIMS

To reduce concentrations of protective and rehydrating media and to evaluate the effect of storage temperature, packaging and atmosphere conditions on the stability of freeze-dried Pantoea agglomerans cells. Efficacy against Penicillium digitatum of freeze-dried cells in orange fruits was also evaluated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Several concentrations of protective and rehydration media were tested to reduce processing costs. Freeze-dried cells were packed in glass vials or plastic bags under vacuum or nitrogen conditions at 4 and 25 degrees C. After 1 and 3 months, efficacy of freeze-dried P. agglomerans against P. digitatum was tested.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that it is possible to reduce the concentration of non-fat skimmed milk as a rehydration medium from 10% to 1%, maintaining viabilities of 100%. Moreover, freeze-dried cells could be stored in glass vials or in high barrier plastic bags at 4 degrees C for 3 months while maintaining high viabilities and efficacy against P. digitatum.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The major obstacle in the commercialization of biocontrol products is the development of a shelf-stable formulated product that retains biocontrol activity at a level similar to that of fresh cells. This study suggests that it is possible to maintain viability and efficacy of freeze-dried P. agglomerans cells for at least 3 months.

Improvement of Candida sake biocontrol activity against post-harvest decay by the addition of ammonium molybdate

AIM

To improve the efficacy of Candida sake by adding ammonium molybdate to control post-harvest decay in Golden Delicious apples.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In laboratory trials, C. sake 2 x 10(6) cfu ml(-)1 plus 5 mmol l(-1) ammonium molybdate greatly reduced Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea or Rhizopus stolonifer in apples stored at 20 degrees C for 7 days, and reduced by more than 90% blue and grey mould in apples stored at 1 degrees C for 60 days. The consistency of these results was maintained in semi-commercial trials at 1 degrees C in air and in a low oxygen atmosphere for 120 days. The pre-harvest application of C. sake 2 x 10(7) cfu ml(-1) plus 1 mmol l(-1) ammonium molybdate did not improve post-harvest biocontrol of blue mould. The population of C. sake significantly decreased in the presence of ammonium molybdate in apple wounds.

CONCLUSION

The addition of ammonium molybdate at 5 mmol l(-1) to C. sake enhanced the efficacy of the antagonist to control post-harvest diseases on apples.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Ammonium molybdate significantly reduces the amount of C. sake biomass required to achieve post-harvest disease control, with a consequent reduction in costs. This may be useful in the industrial production of C. sake.

Post-harvest biological control by Pantoea agglomerans (CPA-2) on Golden Delicious apples

AIMS

To investigate the potential of Pantoea agglomerans to control the major post-harvest diseases on Golden Delicious apples.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In laboratory trials, a high level of control of Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea and Rhizopus stolonifer was obtained with P. agglomerans. In semi-commercial trials at 1degrees C in air and a low oxygen atmosphere, the reduction of blue mould was 81% and 100%, respectively, and control of grey mould was achieved equally with P. agglomerans and imazalil. In trials at 1degrees C and seven atmosphere conditions, maximum reduction in decay was 80% obtained at 3% O2-6% CO2. The population of P. agglomerans on apples followed the same pattern under all three atmosphere conditions studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Pantoea agglomerans could be used effectively on apples under a wide range of temperature and atmosphere conditions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMAPCT OF THE STUDY Pantoea agglomerans can be used as a biocontrol agent on apples at 8 x 10(7) cfu ml-1, the same concentration as in pears. This will facilitate the application of this biological control agent by the growers in packing houses.

Survival of Pantoea agglomerans strain CPA-2 in a spray-drying process

Spray drying could be a suitable method for preserving microorganisms, as it allows large quantities of cultures to be dried at low cost. The aims of this paper were to evaluate the effects of spray-drying conditions on survival of the biocontrol agent Pantoea agglomerans CPA-2, which has shown antifungal activity against Penicillium expansum and Penicillium digitatum on citrus fruits. Various compounds cited in the bibliography as carriers were tested in our spray drying, and some salts (MgSO4, K2SO4. and Na2CO3) and dairy products (lactoserum or nonfat skimmed milk [NFSM]) showed the best results in terms of recovered powder. Outlet temperature had more influence on the death of bacteria than inlet temperature. P. agglomerans was heat sensitive, and the activation energy was around 6 kcal/mol K when MgSO4 (10%) or NFSM (10%) were used as carriers and only 3 kcal/mol K when the combination of MgSO4 (10%) and NFSM (10%) was used. The highest powder recovery was obtained when NFSM was used as the rehydration medium. Although the percentage of powder recovery was not high (around 50%) and viability was low, the results suggest that with bigger spray dryers, we could expect a lower outlet temperature and probably an increased viability. Further research into spray-dryer design is needed in order to demonstrate this.

Control of post-harvest decay of apples by pre-harvest and post-harvest application of ammonium molybdate

Ammonium molybdate was tested as a potential fungicide for use in apples (cv Golden Delicious) against blue and grey mould, important post-harvest diseases of pome fruits. In tests in vivo at 20 degrees C, ammonium molybdate (15 mM) reduced lesion diameters of Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea and Rhizopus stolonifer by 84%, 88% and 100% respectively. When apples treated with ammonium molybdate were stored at 1 degree C for three months, a significant reduction in severity and incidence of P expansum and B cinerea was observed in both years of study (1998 and 1999). In the second year of the experiment the reduction in disease severity was greater than 88% for both pathogens, and the level of control was similar to, or greater than, that observed with the fungicide imazalil. When ammonium molybdate was applied as a pre-harvest treatment, a significant reduction in blue mould decay was observed after three months in cold storage. In vitro, ammonium molybdate greatly inhibited spore germination of P expansum and B cinerea, although better inhibition was obtained against grey mould. Ammonium dimolybdate, sodium molybdate and potassium molybdate were also tested in vitro in comparison with ammonium molybdate as inhibitors of spore germination, but only ammonium molybdate inhibited spore germination by more than 50%.

Biological control of postharvest pear diseases using a bacterium, Pantoea agglomerans CPA-2

Epiphytic microorganisms isolated from the fruits and leaf surfaces of apples and pears were screened for antagonistic activity against Penicillium expansum on pears. From 247 microorganisms tested for antagonistic properties against P. expansum, a bacterium strain identified as Pantoea agglomerans (CPA-2) was selected. This bacterium was very effective against Botrytis cinerea, P. expansum and Rhizopus stolonifer. Complete control at the three tested concentrations (2 x 10(7), 8 x 10(7) and 1 x 10(8) CFU ml(-1)) was obtained on wounded pears inoculated with 10(3), 10(4) and 10(5) conidia ml(-1) of P. expansum and R. stolonifer. At 8 x 10(7) CFU ml(-1), Pan. agglomerans reduced B. cinerea decay by more than 80% at the three concentrations of the pathogen. In over 3 years of experiments in semicommercial trials, Pan. agglomerans provided excellent control against B. cinerea and P. expansum under cold storage, either in air or in low oxygen atmospheres. Equal control was obtained with Pan. agglomerans at 8 x 10(7) CFU ml(-1), as with the fungicide imazalil at commercial doses, against both pathogens. Pan. agglomerans grew well inside wounds on pears at both room and cold temperatures and under modified atmospheres. In contrast, it grew poorly on the surface of intact fruit.

Production of the biocontrol agent Pantoea agglomerans strain CPA-2 using commercial products and by-products

The aim of this paper was to find the nitrogen and carbon sources that provide maximum biomass production of strain CPA-2 of the biocontrol agent Pantoea agglomerans and minimum cost of media, whilst maintaining biocontrol efficacy. To reduce the cost of media, commercial products and by-products were tested. P. agglomerans can be produced using a combination of nitrogen sources such as yeast extract (5 g l(-1)) and dry beer yeast (10 g l(-1)) with inexpensive carbohydrates such as sucrose (10 g l(-1)) and molasses (20 g l(-1)), respectively, maintaining the efficacy of the biocontrol agent against Penicillium digitatum and P. italicum on oranges. The results obtained in this study could be used to provide a reliable basis for a scale-up of this fermentation process to an industrial level.

Gender differences in a sample of schizophrenic outpatients

Our objective was to study gender differences in schizophrenia, comparing clinical, social, and illness course characteristics. A sample of 239 schizophrenic (DSM-IV criteria) outpatients were administered the following instruments: service use and demographic questionnaires, the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), the Disability Assessment Scale (DAS), and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. The female to male ratio was 1/2. Men had an earlier age at onset. Women were more likely to be married and to live independently, and there were more unemployed men. Social functioning was slightly better in women (lower DAS scoring). No differences were found in symptomatological variables (global or separate PANSS scales), nor in type of schizophrenia. Course of illness in the past year appeared to be similar, except for longer hospital stays in men. We conclude that schizophrenic women had a significantly better social functioning, despite the lack of remarkable symptomatic differences between genders.

Viability, efficacy, and storage stability of freeze-dried biocontrol agent Candida sake using different protective and rehydration media

Viability, efficacy against Penicillium expansum on Golden Delicious apples, and storage stability of freeze-dried Candida sake strain CPA-1 were studied. The effect of several protective agents and rehydration media was investigated in the freeze drying of C. sake. Skimmed milk at 10% concentration was a good rehydration medium for all protectants tested. In general, good viability results were obtained when the same solution was used as a protectant and as a rehydration medium. The best survival was obtained when C. sake cells were protected with 10% lactose + 10% skimmed milk and rehydrated with skimmed milk (85% viability). The potential for biocontrol of the best freeze-dried treatments against P. expansum on apples was compared with that of fresh cells. Freeze-dried treatments at 1 x 10(7) CFU/ml reduced the incidence of decay by 45 to 66%. The best biocontrol effect was obtained with cells that had been freeze dried using 10% lactose + 10% skimmed milk as a protectant and 1% peptone as a rehydration medium, with a 66% reduction in rot incidence. However, in all treatments, the efficacy of freeze-dried cells was significantly lower than fresh cells. The stability of freeze-dried samples decreased during storage and was influenced by storage temperature. In the best treatment, storage of C. sake cells for 60 days at 4 degrees C resulte in final concentrations of 2.5 x 10(8) CFU/ml, which was a 10-fold reduction in relation to the initial starting concentration of cells prior to freeze drying.

Effect of freeze drying and protectants on viability of the biocontrol yeast Candida sake

The effects of freezing method, freeze drying process, and the use of protective agents on the viability of the biocontrol yeast Candida sake were studied. Freezing at -20 degrees C was the best method to preserve the viability of C. sake cells after freeze drying using 10% skim milk as a protectant (28.9% survival). Liquid nitrogen freezing caused the highest level of damage to the cells with viability < 10%. Different concentrations of exogenous substances including sugars, polyols, polymers and nitrogen compounds were tested either alone or in combination with skim milk. There was little or no effect when additives were used at 1% concentration. Galactose, raffinose and sodium glutamate at 10% were the best protective agents tested alone but the viability of freeze-dried C. sake cells was always < 20%. Survival of yeast cells was increased from 0.2% to 30-40% by using appropriate protective media containing combinations of skim milk and other protectants such as 5% or 10% lactose or glucose, and 10% fructose or sucrose.

[Comparative study of the needs of patients with schizophrenia by gender]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the gender differences in the needs of the people with schizophrenia who live in the community.

METHOD

We randomly selected 231 patients with schizophrenia who were receiving treatment in one of the five mental health care centres that participated in the study. Patients were evaluated with a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Positive and Negative Syndromes Scale (PANSS) and Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN) questionnaire. The CAN evaluate 22 needs, that we could be grouped into five subscales: service needs, basic needs, functioning need, health needs and social needs. All needs were evaluated by the professional and the user independently.

RESULTS

Professionals detected more needs in men than in women, but users did not report such difference. Both professionals and users detected more service needs for women (p< 0.005) and more basic needs for men (p< 0,01-0.005). Only professionals detected more functioning needs in men (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Professionals detect more needs than users and detect more needs for men than for women. Women have less needs in food, personal care, home care, and daily activities. These gender differences should be taken into account when designing treatment programs for schizophrenia.

Improving water stress tolerance of the biocontrol yeast Candida sake grown in molasses-based media by physiological manipulation

The biocontrol agent Candida sake was cultured on either an unmodified molasses-based medium (water activity, a(w) 0.996) or on water stressed media produced by the addition of glycerol, glucose, NaCl, sorbitol, or proline to 0.98, and 0.96 a(w) for 24, 48, and 72 h, to study their impact on subsequent cell viability, and on concentrations of endogenous sugars (trehalose and glucose) and polyols (glycerol, erythritol, arabitol, and mannitol). The viability of cells of different ages cultured on these media was evaluated on NYDA medium with freely available water (a(w) 0.995), and on medium modified with polyethylene glycol to a(w) 0.95. Regardless of solute used, viable counts of cells grown on molasses-based medium (a(w) 0.98) were equal to or higher than those obtained from the medium with water freely available. The amino acid proline stimulated growth at 10% concentration. In contrast, water stress induced by addition of NaCl, glucose, or sorbitol at a(w) 0.96 caused a significant reduction in viable counts. Older cultures were more resistant to water stress. Glycerol and arabitol were the main solutes accumulated by C. sake cells in response to lowered a(w). Intracellular concentration of these polyols depended more on the solute used to adjust the a(w) than on the a(w) itself. Candida sake was more resistant to water stress with higher intracellular concentration of glycerol and erythritol.

Solute stresses affect growth patterns, endogenous water potentials and accumulation of sugars and sugar alcohols in cells of the biocontrol yeast Candida sake

AIM

To evaluate the effect of modifications of water activity (aw 0. 996-0.92) of a molasses medium with different solutes (glycerol, glucose, NaCl, proline or sorbitol) on growth, intracellular water potentials (psi(c)) and endogenous accumulation of polyols/sugars in the biocontrol yeast Candida sake.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Modification of solute stress significantly influenced growth, psi(c) and accumulation of sugars (glucose/trehalose) and polyols (glycerol, erythritol, arabitol and mannitol) in the yeast cells. Regardless of the solute used to modify aw, growth was always decreased as water stress increased. Candida sake cells grew better in glycerol- and proline-amended media, but were sensitive to NaCl. The psi(c) measured using psychrometry showed a significant effect of solutes, aw and time. Cells from the 0.96 aw NaCl treatment presented the lowest psic value (- 5.20 MPa) while cells from unmodified media (aw = 0. 996) had the highest value (- 0.30 MPa). In unmodified medium, glycerol was the predominant reserve accumulated. Glycerol and arabitol were the major compounds accumulated in media modified with glucose or NaCl. In proline media, the concentration of arabitol increased. In glycerol- and sorbitol-amended media, the concentration of glycerol rose. Some correlations were obtained between compatible solutes and psi(c).

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

This study demonstrates that subtle changes in physiological parameters significantly affect the endogenous contents of C. sake cells. It may be possible to utilize such physiological information to develop biocontrol inocula with improved quality.