Effects of sublethal concentrations of Bacillus thuringiensis on larval development of Sesamia nonagrioides

In the Mediterranean Basin, developed diapausing larvae of the borer Sesamia nonagrioides Lefèbvre are found consistently during autumn in transgenic corn, Zea mays L., expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) toxins derived from event 176. These larvae can feed on sublethal concentrations of Bt toxins because the expression of this corn toxin declines after flowering. To evaluate the possible consequences of this phenomenon, the effect of sublethal concentrations of the natural toxin producer, B. thuringiensis variety kurstaki (Dipel DF) on the performance of S. nonagrioides in the laboratory was examined. Larvae treated with Dipel DF showed higher mortality, longer developmental time, extra molts, and higher sensitivity to critical daylength for diapause induction than the untreated larvae. Accordingly, diapausing larvae collected in October and February in a Bt cornfield exhibited a higher number of supernumerary molts before pupating and longer diapause development than larvae collected in a non-Bt field at the same time. These results demonstrate that deployment of Bt corn in the Mediterranean may affect both the borer performance and the development of Bt resistance in addition to direct mortality caused by the Bt toxin.

[Comparison of different methods for species identification of genus Candida]

Different species of genus Candida can cause a wide range of pathologies, since mucocutaneous trivial infections to disseminated serious forms. Traditionally, taxonomy of yeast has been performed taking into account morphologic and physiologic studies, but they depend on the culture conditions of strains, what cause certain difficulties. Thus, recently, molecular biology methods have been tried. The aim of this work is to correlate taxonomic studies of most important pathogenic species--C. albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata--all of them performed by phenotypic traditional methods, commercial ones, and by a molecular method, PCR fingerprinting. Comparing useful methods for C. albicans identification, corn flour agar and germinative tube formation, no statistical differences between them are observed (chi2 = 0.5, p = 0.4795). By comparison between methods to discriminate different Candida species, physiological tests, CHROMagar, API 20C and PCF fingerprinting we observed no significative differences in proportion of accurate results, in test that can identify any Candida species, such as physiological assays, API 20C and PCR fingerprinting. The proportion of unequivocal results is greater than the obtained performing the CHROMagar culture method (p < 0.001).

Comparison of the complete sequences of three different isolates of Pepino mosaic virus: Size variability of the TGBp3 protein between tomato and L. peruvianum isolates

The complete nucleotide sequence of the genomes of two Spanish isolates (LE-2000 and LE-2002) from tomato and one Peruvian isolate (LP-2001) from Lycopersicon peruvianum of the Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) were determined. The tomato isolates share identities higher than 99%, while the genome of LP-2001 had mean nucleotide identities of 95.6% to 96.0% with tomato isolates. The predicted amino acid sequences showed similarities ranging between 95.2% and 100% with TGBp3 and TGBp2 and CP proteins, respectively. In LP-2001 two main differences were found with respect to the tomato isolates; (i) the 5' untranslated region (UTR) was 2 nt shorter by deletion at position 12-13 and it had some polymorphims at the putative promoter sequence reported for PepMV tomato isolates and other potexviruses, which could be functionally significant for RNA replication, and (ii) the TGBp3 protein had two extra amino acids in the C-terminal region.

Toxocara canis in experimentally infected pigs: migratory pattern and tissue lesions

Fifteen Yorkshire female pigs were inoculated with 100,000 infective T. canis eggs. Three animals were used as uninfected controls. Groups of three infected pigs were euthanized by accepted methods on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 126 p.i., respectively. Larvae were recovered from all animals included in each group slaughtered on days 7 and 14 p.i.; on day 21 p.i. from two pigs, on day 28 p.i. from one, and no larvae were found on day 126 p.i. Differences in the mean number of larvae per gram in lymph nodes, liver and lungs between slaughter days, were significant for livers on day 7 p.i. and for lungs on day 14 p.i. (P < 0.10). The decrease over time was significant in all the organs that previously had larvae. Larvae were not found in the other organs and tissues analysed. Macroscopical lesions were found in the liver, lungs and lymph nodes on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 p.i. The entire surface of the liver was covered with small white spots on day 7 p.i., on days 14 and 21 p.i. the spots were distinctly nodular and, in some places, individual lesions were confluent. Lesions had apparently started to heal on days 28 and 126 p.i. appearance was normal. Lymph nodes were enlarged and oedematous during the first 4 weeks and the lungs had small areas of consolidation visible all over the surface, but by day 126 p.i., no visible lesions could be seen. Microscopical lesions were observed in the liver on day 7 p.i., with a largely periportal hepatitis. Numerous eosinophils and lymphocytes were present. The typical granulomatous reaction was observed on days 14 and 21 p.i. with a central necrotic core and a narrow region of fibroblastic tissue. By day 28 p.i. lesions had almost disappeared and the number of eosinophils was fewer. There were fewer leukocytes and the fibrous tissue had disappeared from the liver on day 126 p.i. For the first 3 weeks, pictures of the lymph nodes and the lungs were characterised by the formation of a granuloma. In the center of the granuloma larvae were observed. The majority of the lesions had healed by day 126 p.i.

Larval development of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda, Angiostrongylidae) in experimentally infected Cernuella (Cernuella) virgata (Mollusca, Helicidae)

The larval development of the cat lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was studied for the first time in the helicid mollusc Cernuella (Cernuella) virgata, in order to know its performance as intermediate host (I.H.). This snail is very common in the north-west of Spain. First-stage larvae (L1) of A. abstrusus were obtained by the Baermann-Wetzel method from the faeces of a naturally infected cat. Then, 120 specimens of C. (C.) virgata were infected with 500 L1/snail and maintained under laboratory conditions (20+/-2 degrees C). Every 2 days, from day 8 to day 76 post-infection (p.i.), three snails were killed in order to study the larval development of the parasite. Morphological features of the different larval stages were also recorded. The apparent rate of penetration of L1 into the snail foot was 65.5%, but only 4.78% completed their development to the infective stage (L3). The total number of larvae was 49.8+/-28.8 larvae/snail and the average number of L3 was 23.9+/-18.4 L3/snail. The first L2 and L3 were observed on day 12 and day 18 p.i., respectively. From day 52 p.i. onwards, all larvae were at the infective stage in the snail. Considering those results, it was concluded that C. (C.) virgata is a suitable I.H. for A. abstrusus.

Non-invasive interventions for improving well-being and quality of life in patients with lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Despite advances in treatment, outlook for the majority of patients remains grim and most face a pessimistic outlook accompanied by sometimes devastating effects on emotional and psychological health. Although chemotherapy is accepted as an effective treatment for advanced lung cancer, the high prevalence of treatment-related side effects as well the symptoms of disease progression highlight the need for high quality palliative and supportive care to minimise symptom distress and to promote quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of non-invasive interventions delivered by healthcare professionals in improving symptoms, psychological functioning and quality of life in patients with lung cancer.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2003), MEDLINE (1966-March 2003), EMBASE (1974-March 2003), CINAHL (1982-September 2002), CancerLit (1975-October 2002), PsycINFO (1873-March 2003), reference lists of relevant articles and contact with authors.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised clinical trials assessing the effects of non-invasive interventions in improving well-being and quality of life in patients diagnosed with lung cancer.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed relevant studies for inclusion. Data extraction and quality assessment of relevant studies was performed by one reviewer and checked by a second reviewer.

MAIN RESULTS

Nine trials were included and categorised into six groups. Two trials of a nursing intervention to manage breathlessness showed benefit on symptom experience, performance status and emotional functioning. Three trials assessed structured nursing programmes and found positive effects on delay in clinical deterioration, dependency and symptom distress, and improvements in emotional functioning and satisfaction with care. One trial assessing counselling showed benefit on some emotional components of the illness but findings were not conclusive. One trial assessing an exercise programme, found a beneficial effect on self-empowerment. One trial of nutritional interventions found positive effects for increasing energy intake, but no improvement in quality of life. One trial of reflexology showed some positive, but short-lasting effects on anxiety.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

Nurse follow-up programmes and a nurse intervention to manage breathlessness may produce beneficial effects. Psychotherapeutic study indicates that counselling may help patients cope more effectively with emotional symptoms, but the evidence is not conclusive. Findings from the included studies reinforce the necessity for increased training and education of healthcare professionals giving in these interventions. More research, of higher methodological quality is needed in this area to explore possible underlying explanatory mechanisms.

The complete nucleotide sequence of a Spanish isolate of Citrus psorosis virus: comparative analysis with other ophioviruses

The complete genomic sequence (11278 nt) of Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV), isolate P-121 from Spain, was determined and compared with those from isolate CPV-4 and from other ophioviruses. The three RNAs of P-121 had similar size and identical organization as those of CPV-4. The 24K and the RdRp proteins were potentially encoded in the viral complementary (vc) strand of RNA 1, the 54K protein potentially encoded in vcRNA 2 and the coat protein encoded in vcRNA 3. These four proteins from P-121 and CPV-4 had 87, 92, 93 and 94% amino acid identity, respectively, but only 22, 38, 25 and 33% identity with their homologous proteins from Mirafiori lettuce big vein virus (MLBVV), the only other ophiovirus completely sequenced. Biological and genetic differences between CPsV and MLBVV (and the other ophioviruses), would support their future allocation in different genera within a tentative family Ophioviridae.

Impact of Temperature and Air Pollution on the Mortality of Children in Madrid

This work analyzes the impact of temperature and air pollution on infant mortality in Madrid. Daily values of mortality of children younger than 10 years, maximum and minimum temperatures, and air pollutants were considered for an 11-year period. In winter, mortality was mostly associated with very low temperatures and high total suspended particles (TSP) concentrations, whereas summer mortality depended crucially on the occurrence of high TSP and nitrogen oxides concentrations. In winter, the temperature effect increases dramatically for daily maximum temperature values lower than 6degreesC. This pattern is rather different from the one obtained for older age groups in the same location, which show the well-known V relationship between temperature and mortality. The association with TSP shows 2 linear branches without threshold and a strong increase in mortality for concentrations more than 100 microg/m3.

[New epidemiologic and molecular evidence of person to person transmission of hantavirus Andes Sout]

After the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) outbreak occurred in Southern Argentina (Patagonia) in 1996, a new mechanism of hantavirus spread was described for Andes virus (AND): person-to-person transmission. Since then, this mode of transmission has been limited to the endemic area of AND Sout lineage. We report here an HPS case, patient A, with residence in Buenos Aires Province, whose unique epidemiological risk factor was to have shared a trip to Southern Argentina with an already ill person, later confirmed as an HPS case (patient I). A third case (patient B), with residence in Buenos Aires Province, developed HPS after several contact events with patient A, with no additional risk factors. Hantavirus infection was confirmed in all three patients by serological diagnosis and viral genetic characterization. The viral lineage characterized was AND Sout, being the same strain in the three cases. The clinical picture of patient A showed profound compromise, with gastrointestinal symptoms, with no clinical evidence of pulmonary involvement. In this work we present new evidence supporting person-to-person transmission for AND Sout lineage, where there was an only contact with the index case, occasional, prolonged and non-repeated, established out of the endemic area for AND Sout lineage.

Polymorphism of a specific region in gene p23 of Citrus tristeza virus allows discrimination between mild and severe isolates

The pathogenicity determinants of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) are presently unknown, although transgenic Mexican limes over-expressing CTV p23, an RNA-binding protein involved in regulating the asymmetrical accumulation of viral RNA strands, display typical CTV symptoms. Here we compared the predominant sequence variants of gene p23 from 18 CTV isolates of different geographic origin and pathogenicity characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences revealed three groups of isolates: i) mild, inducing only symptoms in lime and/or decline of citrus species grafted on sour orange rootstock, ii) severe, causing additionally stem pitting on sweet orange and/or grapefruit, and iii) an atypical group of isolates inciting variable symptoms. The sequences of the isolates located at the periphery of each group were recombinants. Pairwise comparisons of the predicted amino acid sequences showed that residues at positions 78-80 were characteristic of each group of isolates. Group-specific primers based on these differences allowed RT-PCR detection of each sequence type in dsRNA-rich preparations from infected tissues. While mild isolates contained only the sequence characteristic of this group, most severe isolates contained the sequences characteristic of their group, and additionally, sequences characteristic of the mild and/or the atypical groups, suggesting that the severe phenotype is associated with the presence of the severe and/or the atypical sequence types. This association can be exploited for quick detection of potentially damaging sequence variants and for monitoring cross protection.

[Campylobacteriosis in a low-income community in Buenos Aires, Argentina]

The authors describe the problem of campylobacteriosis in a low-income community located in southern Buenos Aires. Homes in the area were classified according to their total number of inhabitants, the number of children and animals living in the house and the amount of poultry meat consumed. Samples were taken from all the different types of homes that had been identified in order to isolate, identify and type Campylobacter sp., using the modified Skirrow technique, bio-chemical tests and the Lior technique respectively. The prevalences found were 16.96% in dogs, 20% in cats and 40% in poultry. The pathogens isolated were Campylobacter jejuni type II in 94.44% of the cases and Campylobacter upsaliensis in 5.55% of the cases. In poultry meat, 92.85% of the samples were positive (23.07% for type I and 76.92% for type II). The incidence of diarrhoea in children caused by C. jejuni was 0.4/1000 children/month (type I in all cases). A high prevalence of C. jejuni type II was detected in pets and in poultry meat. The source of infection in children may have been poultry meat.

Prevalence of natural ovine fasciolosis shown by demonstrating the presence of serum circulating antigens

The prevalence of fasciolosis in sheep (Galicia, Northwest Spain) kept under field conditions was determined by using a sandwich-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (sELISA). Serum Fasciola hepatica circulating antigens were captured by means of a rabbit polyclonal IgG antibody to F. hepatica excretory/secretory products. Results were compared to those obtained by faecal sedimentation and an indirect ELISA (iELISA) and excretory/secretory antigens. Prevalences were 39.1% by sELISA, 30.4% by faecal sedimentation and 56% by iELISA; 83.3% of the sheep were positive to any one of the three tests. We observed that 59.5% of the sheep examined had active fasciolosis, 29.1% (117) had antigenaemia, 20.4% (82) passed eggs, and 40 (10%) were positive to both probes. We conclude that there is a high prevalence of fasciolosis in sheep from the studied region, and that the combination of sELISA and coprological sedimentation is extremely helpful for demonstrating current fasciolosis, so its application can be strongly recommended for epidemiological surveys.

[Results of a multidisciplinary and intensified treatment program for type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in a Chilean Public Hospital]

BACKGROUND

During the last decade, the importance of glycemic control in the prevention of the microvascular complications of type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM1) was clearly demonstrated.

AIM

To evaluate the metabolic and anthropometric results of a multidisciplinary intensified treatment program of DMI in children and adolescents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Report of 54 patients treated during 2001. The intensified treatment consisted of: multiple daily doses of insulin, frequent glycemic control, nutritional, psychological and educational support, and permanent availability of a diabetes nurse for telephonic support.

RESULTS

Thirty one patients were female, their mean age was 10.4 +/- 0.5 years old and 52% were experiencing puberty. Fifty three percent of the patients used 3 insulin doses per day, 95% changed rapid insulin dose based on glucose levels and 18% considered carbohydrates in their rapid insulin dosing. Mean glycosilated hemoglobin was 8.18 +/- 0.23% without differences by sex or pubertal status. Sex, pubertal stage and the number of insulin doses did not contribute to glycosilated hemoglobin changes. There were no differences in weight or BMI, but there was a decrease in height Z score from the admission to the program until the last control (0.1 +/- 0.1 vs--0.3 +/- 0.1 DS; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A modified intensified modality of DM1 therapy for pediatric patients in a public hospital in Chile is feasible, achieving similar metabolic control, compared to international large centers.

Diagnosis of parasitic zoonoses by immunoenzymatic assays--analysis of cross-reactivity among the excretory/secretory antigens of Fasciola hepatica, Toxocara canis, and Ascaris suum

Several parasitic infections such fasciolosis, toxocariosis or ascariosis are important zoonoses. During the infection with Fasciola hepatica, Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum, an important intraorganic phase in their hosts takes place, releasing antigens responsible for a humoral immune response, which enables the diagnosis of that parasitosis. A study to identify the existence of cross-reactivity among the excretory/ secretory antigens of F. hepatica, T. canis and A. suum was developed. One group of Sprague-Dawley rats was infected with 20 metacercariae of F. hepatica and another group remained uninfected as control. By means of an Indirect-ELISA, the rat humoral immune response (IgG and IgM) against the excretory/secretory antigens of F. hepatica was analysed and measured for cross reactivity with T. canis and A. suum. IgM cross-reaction was mainly observed in the first 10 weeks post-infection. IgG cross-reaction was observed throughout the study, and was maximal at the 2-3 weeks and 3-6 weeks post-infection, which corresponds to the intraorganic migratory phase of these parasites. The western-blot showed that the rat IgG recognised three proteins of 190, 160 and 33 kDa in the antigens from F. hepatica, T. canis and A. suum. The existence of cross-reactivity among these antigens seems to demonstrate also the presence of structural similarities, such as tegumental proteins. These results should be consider when immunoassay probes are used in the diagnosis of parasitic infections.

Neoplastic transformation and tumour-like lesions in Paget's disease of bone: a pictorial review

The development of a sarcoma is the most serious complication of Paget's disease of bone. Although its incidence is <1% of those with the underlying disease, it is important to recognise the imaging features of these tumours as Paget's disease of bone is relatively common in the ageing population in certain parts of the world. The purpose of this pictorial review is to present the imaging features of Paget's sarcoma based on one orthopaedic oncology centres experience in 49 patients; however, not all masses or destructive lesions arising in association with Paget's disease are sarcomas and not all the tumours are malignant. This review also includes other malignancies which may arise in pagetic bone as well as tumour-like manifestations of Paget's disease.

[Exoftalmos and palpebral ptosis in the immunocompromised patient]

The mucormycosis is an opportunistic mycosis which has a high rate of global mortality with a bad prognosis. The present clinical case shows a patient attended in the Intensive Care Unit because of a breathing insufficiency secondary to a pneumonia. Among his antecedents there is a larynx carcinoma totally remittent after chemo- and radiotherapy. He develops an infrapalpebral injury which spreads rapidly in a bilateral way acquiring a necrotic look that it did not have initially. Having that evolution, it is implemented a treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and granulocyte colony-stimulating factors after an injury biopsy, whose posterior cultive shows growing of Mucor. This kind of pathology must be initially suspected in all the patients with a neoplasia and its treatment must be early and agressive. At the moment the diagnosis is suspected there is a great tissue destruction and for that reason the patients usually die in spite of the instauration of aggressive therapies

[Prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia in schoolchildren and adolescents, Medellín, Colombia, 1999]

OBJECTIVE

This research had two objectives: (1) to determine the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia and describe iron consumption in the diet of schoolchildren and adolescents enrolled in public and private schools of the urban area of the city of Medellín, Colombia, in the 1999-2000 school year and (2) to explore the associations that age group, sex, socioeconomic class, and intestinal parasitism show with iron-deficiency anemia and iron deficiency.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 960 students from 6 to 18 years old who were selected by simple random sampling after stratified multistage sampling and clustering in public and private schools in districts of Medellín. Body iron content was evaluated by determining ferritin and hemoglobin levels, average corpuscular volume, and amplitude of the erythrocyte distribution; the presence of intestinal parasites was evaluated through stool analysis; nutritional status was evaluated by means of anthropometric measurements; and consumption of iron and vitamin C was evaluated using a semiquantitative questionnaire on food intake. In order to define the cases of iron-deficiency anemia and of iron deficiency we used the standard definitions of the World Health Organization, based on ferritin and hemoglobin values. We used nonparametric tests, with a significance level of 0.05, to examine the associations between age group, sex, socioeconomic class, and the presence of intestinal parasites on the one hand and the presence of anemia on the other hand.

RESULTS

The prevalence of iron deficiency was 4.9%, and the prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia was 0.6%. The prevalence of both was higher among adolescent women (P < 0.05) than in the rest of the sample studied. No significant association was found between the presence of intestinal parasites and the presence of anemia. The average daily consumption of iron (+/- standard deviation) was 5.5 mg (+/- 2.3 mg) (32% +/- 15% of the recommended dietary intake for the studied age group); the average contribution of serum iron in the diet was 0.7 mg (+/- 0.7 mg). Comparing the children who did and who did not have anemia, there were no significant differences in iron consumption and the type of iron consumed. The anthropometric parameter that showed the greatest association with the presence of anemia was height for age.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalences of iron deficiency and of iron-deficiency anemia found in the population studied were low, according to the parameters for hemoglobin and ferritin as defined by the World Health Organization as being normal for these population groups. The low prevalence of blood-sucking parasites, adequate consumption of vitamin C, and the refined mechanisms with which the body regulates iron homeostasis may have contributed to these results. Adequate iron content in the diet of adolescents should be maintained, and education campaigns should be implemented to help prevent iron deficiency in this population group.

Oxidative degradation of azo dyes by manganese peroxidase under optimized conditions

The application of enzyme-based systems in waste treatment is unusual, given that many drawbacks are derived from their use, including low efficiency, high costs and easy deactivation of the enzyme. The goal of this study is the development of a degradation system based on the use of the ligninolytic enzyme manganese peroxidase (MnP) for the degradation of azo dyes. The experimental work also includes the optimization of the process, with the objective of determining the influence of specific physicochemical factors, such as organic acids, H(2)O(2) addition, Mn(2+) concentration, pH, temperature, enzyme activity and dye concentration. A nearly total decolorization was possible at very low reaction times (10 min) and at high dye concentration (up to 1500 mg L(-)(1)). A specific oxidation capacity as high as 10 mg dye degraded per unit of MnP consumed was attained for a decolorization higher than 90%. Among all, the main factor affecting process efficiency was the strategy of H(2)O(2) addition. The continuous addition at a controlled flow permitted the progressive participation of H(2)O(2) in the catalytic cycle through a suitable regeneration of the oxidized form of the enzyme, which enhanced both the extent and the rate of decolorization. It was also found that, in this particular case, the presence of a chelating organic acid (e.g., malonic) was not required for an effective operation. Probably, Mn(3+) was chelated by the dye itself. The simplicity and high efficiency of the process open an interesting possibility of using of MnP for solving other environmental problems.

Serum antibodies to Dicrocoelium dendriticum in sheep from Sardinia (Italy)

An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with Dicrocoelium dendriticum excretory/secretory antigens was used to evaluate the presence of serum antibodies against the trematode in 738 sheep randomly chosen in Sardinia (Italy). Coprological sedimentation was used to discover egg-output. Seropositivity was detected in 86.2% tested sheep, whereas faecal prevalence was 6.7%; all that were faecal-positive also were ELISA-positive.

Multidrug resistance in the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica

In this review we discuss the mechanisms and molecules involved in the multidrug resistance (MDR) of the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Drug resistant mutants exhibited the main characteristics presented by the MDR mammalian cells. They showed cross-resistance to several unrelated drugs that is reverted by calcium channel blockers. MDR phenotype in E. histolytica is regulated at a transcriptional level by the EhPgp1 gene, which is constitutively expressed and by the EhPgp5 gene, whose expression is induced in the presence of the drug. Transcription factors participate in the expression regulation of these genes. After over transcription, the EhPgp genes are amplified, cooperating to produce the MDR phenotype. Post-transcriptional mechanisms such as mRNA stability seem to be involved in this phenomenon. As for other mdr gene products, the EhPGP5 protein functions as a chloride current inductor or as a regulator of cellular regulatory volume decrease.