Re-emergence of enterovirus D68 in Europe after easing the COVID-19 lockdown, September 2021

We report a rapid increase in enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infections, with 139 cases reported from eight European countries between 31 July and 14 October 2021. This upsurge is in line with the seasonality of EV-D68 and was presumably stimulated by the widespread reopening after COVID-19 lockdown. Most cases were identified in September, but more are to be expected in the coming months. Reinforcement of clinical awareness, diagnostic capacities and surveillance of EV-D68 is urgently needed in Europe.

High MICs for Vancomycin and Daptomycin and Complicated Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections with Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus

Patients infected with these bacteria were more likely to have local endovascular complications.

We investigated the prognostic role of high MICs for antistaphylococcal agents in patients with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus catheter-related bloodstream infection (MSSA CRBSI). We prospectively reviewed 83 episodes from 5 centers in Spain during April 2011–June 2014 that had optimized clinical management and analyzed the relationship between E-test MICs for vancomycin, daptomycin, oxacillin, and linezolid and development of complicated bacteremia by using multivariate analysis. Complicated MSSA CRBSI occurred in 26 (31.3%) patients; MICs for vancomycin and daptomycin were higher in these patients (optimal cutoff values for predictive accuracy = 1.5 μg/mL and 0.5 μg/mL). High MICs for vancomycin (hazard ratio 2.4, 95% CI 1.2–5.5) and daptomycin (hazard ratio 2.4, 95% CI 1.1–5.9) were independent risk factors for development of complicated MSSA CRBSI. Our data suggest that patients with MSSA CRBSI caused by strains that have high MICs for vancomycin or daptomycin are at increased risk for complications.

Pathogen-related factors affecting outcome of catheter-related bacteremia due to methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in a Spanish multicenter study

Even with appropriate clinical management, complicated methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) catheter-related bacteremia (CRB) is frequent. We investigated the influence of molecular characteristics of MSSA strains on the risk of complicated bacteremia (CB) in MSSA-CRB. A multicenter prospective study was conducted in Spain between 2011 and 2014 on MSSA-CRB. Optimized protocol-guided clinical management was required. CB included endocarditis, septic thrombophlebitis, persistent bacteremia and/or end-organ hematogenous spread. Molecular typing, agr functionality and DNA microarray analysis of virulence factors were performed in all MSSA isolates. Out of 83 MSSA-CRB episodes included, 26 (31.3%) developed CB. MSSA isolates belonged to 16 clonal complexes (CCs), with CC30 (32.5%), CC5 (15.7%) and CC45 (13.3) being the most common. Comparison between MSSA isolates in episodes with or without CB revealed no differences regarding agr type and functionality. However, our results showed that CC15 and the presence of genes like cna, chp and cap8 were associated with the development of CB. The multivariate analysis highlighted that the presence of cna (Hazard ratio 2.9; 95% CI 1.14-7.6) was associated with the development of CB. Our results suggest that particular CCs and specific genes may influence the outcome of MSSA-CRB.

Development of Molecular Assays for Detection of Stenocarpella maydis and Stenocarpella macrospora in Corn

The causal agents of Diplodia ear rot are two species of the Stenocarpella genus, S. macrospora and S. maydis. In addition to ears, both pathogens can infect leaves and stalks, and both are present in most corn-production regions around the world. It is difficult to visually distinguish between the two pathogens based on plant symptoms and fungal signs. To facilitate accurate and rapid pathogen identification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were developed for identification of each species. Species-specific primers of 18 to 20 nucleotides in length were designed, targeting a portion of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the fungal genome for conventional and real-time PCR assays. The conventional PCR method successfully amplified a single 1.7-kb and 800-bp fragment for each S. maydis and S. macrospora isolate, respectively. The real-time method was performed using SYBR green dye, and detection of each specific target pathogen was successfully obtained. In total, 82 S. maydis and 15 S. macrospora isolates were tested to evaluate the reproducibility of these primers. Both methods provide a rapid and specific tool for the detection of Stenocarpella spp.

Enrichment of refined olive oil with phenolic compounds: evaluation of their antioxidant activity and their effect on the bitter index

The study of the antioxidant effects of biophenolic compounds is supported by the current interest in natural products and the ongoing replacement of synthetic antioxidants by natural antioxidants from plant sources. Olives and olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, contain a variety of bioactive compounds (phytochemicals) widely considered to be potentially beneficial for health. This research was focused on evaluating the antioxidant activity of the enriched refined olive oil to discover a possible functional food application. Different concentrations of individual and combined phenolic compounds were added to the refined olive oil as lipid matrix, and the antioxidant activity expressed as oxidative stability in hours was determined by using the Rancimat method. Additionally, the bitter index was evaluated to assess the effect of the enrichment in relation to the organoleptic quality. The results showed that the antioxidant activity depends on the concentration of the phenol used for the assay and the chemical structure. In general, the most positive effects were observed in 3,4-dihydroxy and 3,4,5-trihydroxy structures linked to an aromatic ring that conferred to the moiety a higher proton dislocation, thus facilitating the scavenging activity.

Meningitis tuberculosa: revisión de 27 años

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the features and outcome of children with tuberculous meningitis (TM) in a tertiary hospital in Madrid, with special emphasis on the possible influence of HIV infection, immigration and withdrawal of the Bacille-Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine in Madrid in 1987.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of patients with TM diagnosed over a 27-year period (1977-2003). TM was diagnosed on the basis of compatible cytochemical findings in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), plus a) isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in CSF or gastric fluid; b) positive Mantoux test, or c) previous contact with active tuberculosis.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight cases of TM were diagnosed. There were 24 cases (85 %) in the first 14 years versus only four cases (15 %) in the last 13 years. None of the children was co-infected with HIV. The median age was 3 years and 4 months. Only two of these had received the BCG vaccine. The source of infection was identified in 64 %. At admission, 57 % had nuchal rigidity, 46 % had neurological focality, and 54 % had an abnormal chest roentgenogram. The Mantoux purified protein derivative (PPD) test was positive in 89 % at diagnosis. Zhiel-Nielsen smear in CSF was positive in 3.5 %, and a positive culture from CSF was obtained in 32 %. Computed tomography scan was performed in 22 children and showed hydrocephalus in 90 %. All patients were treated with four drugs, with no significant adverse events. Corticoids (89 %), ventricular-peritoneal shunt (43 %) and antiepileptic drugs (39 %) were widely used as complementary treatments. Mortality was 12 %. Half of the patients had sequels, which were mostly permanent. The most frequent and severe complication was neurodevelopmental delay (21 %). Severe sequels occurred in children with more advanced stages of illness.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of TM has decreased in the last 15 years, despite the emergence of HIV and immigration from countries where tuberculosis is endemic. These data are in agreement with the general reduction of the incidence of TM in our environment. Withdrawal of the BCG vaccine in Madrid in 1987 did not increase cases of TM in our hospital; on the contrary, these have decreased. A considerable percentage of children with advanced stages of TM show severe sequels.

Expression of membrane and nuclear melatonin receptor mRNA and protein in the mouse immune system

The neurohormone melatonin plays a fundamental role in neuroimmunomodulation of several mammalian species, including mice. This effect is supported by the existence of specific melatonin-binding sites in murine immunocompetent organs. Moreover, using melatonin receptor analogues, several effects of the neurohormone on mice physiology through its membrane and nuclear receptors have been described. The expression of these receptors has never been studied, despite indirect evidence showing the presence of melatonin receptor in the murine immune system. At present, the MT1 and MT2 membrane receptors, and nuclear receptors belonging to the RZR/ROR family have been related to the immunomodulator effect of melatonin. Here, we show the presence of membrane and nuclear melatonin-binding sites in mouse thymus and spleen, using the specific melatonin membrane (S 20098) and nuclear (CGP 52608) receptor agonist. To confirm the presence of melatonin receptors, we analyzed the presence of membrane and nuclear receptor mRNA and protein by RT-PCR, Southern blot, and Western blot. Thus, we show that MT1 and RORalpha receptor mRNA and protein are expressed in both thymus and spleen, while MT2 receptor mRNA is only detected in the thymus. This expression of melatonin receptors strongly supports the idea of an immunomodulatory role of melatonin through its receptors.

Association between handgun purchase and mortality from firearm injury

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between mortality from violent or firearm related injury and previous handgun purchase.

METHODS

Case-control study of 213 466 Californians ages 21 and older who died in 1998; cases were the 4728 violent or firearm related injury deaths, with subsets by specific cause and means of death, and controls were the 208 738 non-injury deaths. The exposure of interest was the purchase of a handgun during 1996-98. The main outcome measure was the odds ratio for handgun purchase, adjusted for age, sex, race, education, and marital status.

RESULTS

Handgun purchase was more common among persons dying from suicide (odds ratio (OR) 6.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.7 to 8.1) or homicide (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.6 to 3.7), and particularly among those dying from gun suicide (OR 12.5; 95% CI 10.4 to 15.0) or gun homicide (OR 3.3; 95% CI 2.1 to 5.3), than among controls. No such differences were seen for non-gun suicide or homicide. Among women, those dying from gun suicide were much more likely than controls to have purchased a handgun (OR 109.8; 95% CI 61.6 to 195.7). Handgun purchasers accounted for less than 1% of the study population but 2.4% of gun homicides, 14.2% of gun suicides, and 16.7% of unintentional gun deaths. Gun suicide made up 18.9% of deaths among purchasers but only 0.6% of deaths among non-purchasers.

CONCLUSION

Among adults who died in California in 1998, those dying from violence were more likely than those dying from non-injury causes to have purchased a handgun.

Changes in the phenolic composition of virgin olive oil from young trees (Olea europaea L. cv. Arbequina) grown under linear irrigation strategies

This study reports the HPLC profiles of phenolic compounds of virgin olive oils obtained from young olive trees (Olea europaea L. cv. Arbequina) and how the application of a linear irrigation strategy affected these. Hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, vanillic acid, vanillin, 4-(acetoxyethyl)-1,2-dihydroxybenzene, p-coumaric acid, the dialdehydic form of elenolic acid linked to hydroxytyrosol and to tyrosol, lignans, and the oleuropein aglycon were found in all the oils. Hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, vanillic acid, and p-coumaric acid contents in the oils were unaffected by linear irrigation. The concentration of lignans was lower in the oils from the least irrigated treatment and the concentration of vanillin increased as the amount of irrigation water applied to olive trees increased. However, 4-(acetoxyethyl)-1,2-dihydroxybenzene, the dialdehydic form of elenolic acid linked to hydroxytyrosol and to tyrosol, and the oleuropein aglycon, all of them hydroxyphenyl derivatives, decreased as the level of irrigation water increased. The latter three compounds represented the most considerable part of the phenolic fraction of the oils and they were shown to be correlated to the oxidative stability, the bitter index (K(225)), and the bitter, pungent, and sweet sensory attributes. Linear irrigation strategy changed the profile of the oil phenolic compounds and, therefore, changed both the organoleptic properties and the antioxidant capacity of the product.

The pineal secretory product melatonin reduces hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage in U-937 cells

Melatonin, the chief secretory product of the pineal gland, is a potent and efficient endogenous radical scavenger. Thus, melatonin was shown to protect different biomolecules, such as DNA, membrane lipids, and cytosolic proteins, from oxidative damage induced by oxygen-derived free radicals. In order to study the protective role of melatonin in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced DNA damage, U-937 cells were treated with different concentrations of H2O2, either in the presence or absence of melatonin, and DNA damage was assessed using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus technique. Melatonin diminished H2O2-induced micronuclei production both in short and long treatments. Additionally, melatonin concentrations higher than 1 microM were capable of protecting cells from spontaneous micronuclei production. These data suggest that melatonin, an endogenous antioxidant and nontoxic compound, may have an important role in protecting cells from genetic damage due to free radicals, supporting the idea of this hormone as a possible therapeutic agent in preventing aging and age-related diseases.

Membrane-bound calmodulin in Xenopus laevis oocytes as a novel binding site for melatonin

Melatonin has been suggested as a physiological antagonist of calmodulin. In this work, we have characterized melatonin binding sites in Xenopus laevis oocyte membranes. Binding of [125I]melatonin by X. laevis oocyte membranes fulfills all criteria for binding to a receptor site. Binding was dependent on time, temperature, and membrane concentration and was stable, reversible, saturable, and specific. The binding site was also pharmacologically characterized. Stoichiometric studies showed a high-affinity binding site with a Kd of 1.18 nM. These data are in close agreement with data obtained from kinetic studies (Kd=0.12 nM). In competition studies, we observed a low-affinity binding site (Kd=63.41 microM). Moreover, the binding site was characterized as calmodulin. Thus, binding was dependent on calcium and blocked by anti-CaM antibodies in a concentration-dependent manner. Calmodulin inhibitor chlorpromazine also inhibited binding of the tracer. From these results, it is suggested that membrane-bound calmodulin acts as a melatonin binding site in Xenopus laevis oocytes, where it might couple cellular activities to rhythmic circulating levels of melatonin. This hypothesis correlates with the previous findings describing melatonin as a physiological antagonist of calmodulin.

Characteristics of a gun exchange program, and an assessment of potential benefits

OBJECTIVES

To describe a gun exchange program and assess potential benefits for participants and host communities.

METHODS

Mail survey of participants in a Sacramento, California gun exchange program, August 1993; the response rate was 79%. Comparative data were obtained from nationwide polls of gun owners.

RESULTS

Most (62%) respondents were men; 40% were more than 55 years old; none was less than 25. Concern that children might find and use the gun was the most frequently cited reason for participating (46% of respondents). Of 141 firearms exchanged, 72% were handguns; 23% of respondents indicated that the guns they turned in were not in working order. Of respondents who owned a gun at the time of the program (rather than those who owned no guns and turned in a gun owned by someone else), 41% owned no guns after participating; the prevalence of handgun ownership declined from 79% to 32%. Those who continued to own guns were as likely as gun owners nationwide to keep a gun loaded in the house (odds ratio (OR) 0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4 to 1.7) or to carry a gun with them (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.6 to 3.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Gun exchange programs may reduce risk for firearm violence among some participants, but a number of factors limit their overall benefits to host communities.

Sex influence on recombination frequency in Secale cereale L

The variation in recombination frequency (rf) is important to plant breeders since their major objective is to obtain favorable recombinants of linked genes. One source of variation in rf is sex. Sex differences for recombination frequencies were studied in four of the seven chromosomes of Secale cereale L. cv 'Ailés' using isozyme and storage protein loci and were determined on the basis of reciprocal crosses between heterozygous plants of cv. 'Ailés' and homozygous plants of the inbred line 'Riodeva'. The differences were found to be strongly segmentspecific. In some cases the level of crossing-over in male and female meiosis was about the same (between Pgm1 and Ndh1 loci on chromosome arm 4RS). However, for most of the chromosome segments in 1R, 3RL and 6RL the male rf was significantly higher than the female rf. Different hypotheses about the mechanisms of plant sex differences for recombination are discussed.