ForMAX - a beamline for multiscale and multimodal structural characterization of hierarchical materials

The ForMAX beamline at the MAX IV Laboratory provides multiscale and multimodal structural characterization of hierarchical materials in the nanometre to millimetre range by combining small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering with full-field microtomography. The modular design of the beamline is optimized for easy switching between different experimental modalities. The beamline has a special focus on the development of novel fibrous materials from forest resources, but it is also well suited for studies within, for example, food science and biomedical research.

Effects of mixtures of herbicides on nutrient cycling and plant support considering current agriculture practices

The use of mixtures of pesticides and consecutive pesticide applications challenge current regulations aimed at protecting ecosystem health due to unpredictable effects of complex and dynamic mixtures. In this study, we tested the ecotoxicological effects of mixtures of herbicides, applied following a real application scheme of soybean production on soil health in a mesocosm experiment. The experiment included two sequential applications; first, glyphosate + dicamba + clethodim, and 30 days later, flumioxazin + metolachlor. Commercial products were used at the recommended doses and at two other concentrations: half and double the recommended dose. Soybean plants were exposed to the herbicide-contaminated soil from the time of sowing to the beginning of pod formation. Half of the plants were harvested at the vegetative stage and the remaining plants at the reproductive stage to evaluate endpoints related to plant support and nutrient cycling. Plant biomass was significantly affected during the vegetative stage at the recommended and double the recommended dose, with the effects being mixture-dose dependent. Lower total and arbuscular colonization of mycorrhizas were also observed in double the recommended dose, and intermediate results were observed for the recommended dose. Nodule mass and phosphorous concentration in plants decreased with increasing herbicide doses. By the end of the experiment, nodule mass and total mycorrhizal colonization were low in the plants treated with double the recommended dose of herbicides. However, both endpoints reached similar values to the control at lower herbicide doses. Plant height and phenology were only lower at double the recommended dose during the experiment. The use of non-standard endpoints evidenced that important soil functions were transiently or permanently affected, while the realistic application scheme accounted for the impact of the management practice currently used. Pesticide risk assessment should therefore, incorporate both issues to effectively protect the ecosystems.

Drimane Sesquiterpene Aldehydes Control Candida Yeast Isolated from Candidemia in Chilean Patients

Drimys winteri J.R. (Winteraceae) produce drimane sesquiterpenoids with activity against Candida yeast. In this work, drimenol, polygodial (1), isotadeonal (2), and a new drimane α,β-unsaturated 1,4-dialdehyde, named winterdial (4), were purified from barks of D. winteri. The oxidation of drimenol produced the monoaldehyde drimenal (3). These four aldehyde sesquiterpenoids were evaluated against six Candida species isolated from candidemia patients in Chilean hospitals. Results showed that 1 displays fungistatic activity against all yeasts (3.75 to 15.0 µg/mL), but irritant effects on eyes and skin, whereas its non-pungent epimer 2 has fungistatic and fungicide activities at 1.9 and 15.0 µg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, compounds 3 and 4 were less active. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that compounds 1–4 are capable of binding to the catalytic pocket of lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase with similar binding free energies, thus suggesting a potential mechanism of action through the inhibition of ergosterol synthesis. According to our findings, compound 2 appears as a valuable molecular scaffold to pursue the future development of more potent drugs against candidiasis with fewer side effects than polygodial. These outcomes are significant to broaden the alternatives to treat fungal infections with increasing prevalence worldwide using natural compounds as a primary source for active compounds.

Quality by design (QbD) optimization of diazepam-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for nose-to-brain delivery: Toxicological effect of surface charge on human neuronal cells

Diazepam is commonly used in the management of epileptic seizures, although it has limitations that can be overcome by using formulations that are easier to administer and capable of directing the drug to the brain. In this field, it has been reported that the use of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) via intranasal (or via nose-to-brain) promotes the targeting of drugs to the brain, improving the effectiveness of therapy. The aim of this work was to optimize two diazepam-loaded NLC formulations for nose-to-brain delivery, one with positive surface charge and one with negative surface charge. The quality by design (QbD) approach was used to design the experiments, where the quality target product profile (QTPP), the risk assessment and the critical quality attributes (CQAs) were defined to ensure safety, efficacy and quality of the final formulations. The experiments started with the optimization of critical material attributes (CMAs), related to the ratios of lipids and emulsifiers, followed by the selection of critical process parameters (CPPs), related to the production methods of the diazepam-loaded NLC formulation (ultrasound technique and high-pressure homogenization - HPH). Afterwards, the positive surface charge of the diazepam-loaded NLC was optimized. Finally, the biocompatibility with human neuronal cells of the formulation with a negative surface charge and of the formulation with a positive surface charge was evaluated. The results of the optimization of the CMAs showed that the ratios of lipids and emulsifiers more adequate were 6.7:2.9 and 4.2:0.3 (% w,w), respectively. Regarding the CPPs, HPH was considered the most suitable production method, resulting in an optimized diazepam-loaded NLC formulation (F1C15) with negative surface charge, showing particle size of 69.59 ± 0.22 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.19 ± 0.00, zeta potential (ZP) of -23.50 ± 0.24 mV and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 96.60 ± 0.03 %. The optimized diazepam-loaded NLC formulation (F2A8) with positive surface charge had particle size of 124.40 ± 0.84 nm, PDI of 0.17 ± 0.01, ZP of 32.60 ± 1.13 mV and EE of 95.76 ± 0.24 %. In addition, the incorporation of diazepam in NLC resulted in a sustained release of the drug. No significant changes in particle size, PDI, ZP and EE were observed for the formulation F1C15, after 3 months of storage, whereas for formulation F2A8, particle size increased significantly. Biocompatibility studies showed that the formulation F2A8 was more cytotoxic than the formulation F1C15. Thereby, we conclude that the formulation F1C15 is more suitable for targeting the brain, when compared with the formulation F2A8. From the results of these studies, it can be confirmed that the QbD approach is an adequate and central tool to optimize NLC formulations.

The House of the Brazilian Woman: impacts of a cross-sectoral public health policy for abused women

Issue

Violence against women is a serious public health concern in Brazil; the country ranks 5th globally for femicide and has high rates of intimate partner violence. In response, a national policy created the House of the Brazilian Woman (HBW). HBWs aimed at caring for abused women, are staffed 24/7 with multi-disciplinary teams; cross-sectoral services include: psychosocial support; healthcare; specialized police; courts; public attorney's offices; temporary shelter; and access to financial support.

Description of the Problem

The purpose of this study was to characterize the preliminary impacts of the HBW of Curitiba. Based on mixed-methods participatory action-research, data were collected between 2018-2020. We present quantitative measures describing the individuals served and a thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with HBW staff.

Results

Since its opening, in 2016, the HBW of Curitiba has served around 50,000 users, including women and perpetrators. The most prevalent type of violence reported was psychological (67%, n = 14,343), followed by physical (25.8%, n = 5,531), economic (5.2%, n = 1,104) and sexual (2%, n = 428). Positive qualitative impacts perceived by staff were: 1) improved women's empowerment; 2) the importance of centralized resources; 3) acting as a support to ensure existing legal protections. The main challenges were: 1) high demand; 2) discontinuous care; 3) negative impacts on staff's health.

Lessons

The HBW of Curitiba is a key cross-sectoral service for abused women, part of a greater national policy to prevent violence and support women. Despite serving a large number of women in a short period of time challenges remain including integration with other parts of the network and considerations of staff burnout.

Key messages

Effective cross-sectoral policies for abused women are paramount for comprehensive women’s health. Having cross-sectoral services in just one place operating 24/7 has high impact for abused women.

Pessaries containing nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for prolonged vaginal delivery of progesterone

Progesterone (PRG) plays a crucial role in the female reproductive system, being the vaginal route the most adequate for its administration, as this drug has an extensive hepatic first pass effect. Nonetheless, vaginal PRG dosage forms originate immediate drug release and requires repeated administrations, which is unpleasant. Thereby, it is necessary to develop alternative delivery systems for prolonged vaginal release of PRG. The objective of this work was the development of pessaries for the prolonged vaginal delivery of PRG. Studies began with the preparation of an aqueous dispersion of PRG-loaded NLC (NLC_PRG), followed by the evaluation of its biocompatibility in human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCat cells), using three different methods (neutral red uptake, resazurin reduction and sulforhodamine B assays). Finally, the NLC_PRG was incorporated into pessaries, which were further characterized according to the European Pharmacopoeia to assess their suitability to prolong PRG release through the vaginal route. The results showed that, after preparation, 90% of the NLC_PRG had sizes equal or lower than 315.60 ± 0.01 nm, and an EE of 96.42 ± 0.00%. All the assays used to assess the biocompatibility of NLC_PRG showed the absence of cytotoxicity towards HaCaT cells for concentrations up to 10 μg/mL. In all cytotoxicity assays, a cytotoxic effect was only observed for concentrations equal or higher than 25 μg/mL, which provides high confidence in the obtained results. The outcomes of this study suggest the suitability of using pessaries containing PRG-loaded NLC for sustained drug release, which is an innovative therapeutic strategy and constitutes a promising alternative for the vaginal use of PRG. However, further ex vivo and in vivo studies are needed to fully clarify the pharmacokinetic and toxicological profile before reaching the clinical use.

Determination of macronutrient compositions in selected, frequently consumed cereals, cereal based foods, legumes and pulses prepared according to common culinary methods in Sri Lanka

Cereal grains, legumes and pulses comprise the largest proportion in a typical South-Asian diet plate. This research is mainly focusing on determining the macronutrient composition of major cereals, legumes and pulses commonly consumed in local Sri Lankan cuisine, in their cooked form. White samba, White Basmati, Red Kekulu and Nadu rice were selected as the main rice varieties and in addition maize, and wheat, finger millet flour-based foods too were analyzed. Red cowpea, green gram, chickpea and soya bean based foods were analyzed for macronutrient compositions as they are more frequently consumed by the local population, while the most preferred curry item; 'lentils', was analyzed along with soya curry; another preferred item by millions of locals. Wheat flour based items like bread were taken into analysis since, they have become the second most preferred food next to rice. Every item was cooked according to the common culinary practices in aim to determine the "realistic nutrient gain". Proximate analysis was carried out according to the AOAC standard guidelines for the determination of moisture, carbohydrate, fat, and protein whereas, insoluble dietary fiber and soluble dietary fiber were determined using enzymatic digestion in vitro models. Results revealed digestible carbohydrate level range from 64.6 ± 5.3 to 74.6 ± 7.2% among tested rice varieties, while protein content varies from 5.6 ± 2.2 to 8.9 ± 2.6. Insoluble dietary fiber was high in boiled raw rice (9.8 ± 0.2) and low in boiled White Basmati. Amongst tested leguminous beans, pressure cooked red cowpea elicited the highest protein level (24.5 ± 2.3%), while pressure cooked green gram had the lowest protein content (20.0 ± 0.6%). Pressure cooked chick pea was having higher insoluble dietary content (14.8 ± 1.3%) compared to other beans. Soybean curry elicited the highest protein (36.6%) and fat content (8.2%) among all the tested varieties. Pittu (puttu) and roti varieties made with wheat flour and finger millet flour resulted considerably higher levels of digestible fiber compared to roti made with whole wheat flour. It can be concluded that typical Sri Lankan diets are rich in fibre and protein, while they provide excellent macronutrient profiles due to the proper complementary mixing of food ingredients.

Determination of macronutrient compositions in selected, frequently consumed cereals, cereal based foods, legumes and pulses prepared according to common culinary methods in Sri Lanka

Cereal grains, legumes and pulses comprise the largest proportion in a typical South-Asian diet plate. This research is mainly focusing on determining the macronutrient composition of major cereals, legumes and pulses commonly consumed in local Sri Lankan cuisine, in their cooked form. White samba, White Basmati, Red Kekulu and Nadu rice were selected as the main rice varieties and in addition maize, and wheat, finger millet flour-based foods too were analyzed. Red cowpea, green gram, chickpea and soya bean based foods were analyzed for macronutrient compositions as they are more frequently consumed by the local population, while the most preferred curry item; 'lentils', was analyzed along with soya curry; another preferred item by millions of locals. Wheat flour based items like bread were taken into analysis since, they have become the second most preferred food next to rice. Every item was cooked according to the common culinary practices in aim to determine the "realistic nutrient gain". Proximate analysis was carried out according to the AOAC standard guidelines for the determination of moisture, carbohydrate, fat, and protein whereas, insoluble dietary fiber and soluble dietary fiber were determined using enzymatic digestion in vitro models. Results revealed digestible carbohydrate level range from 64.6 ± 5.3 to 74.6 ± 7.2% among tested rice varieties, while protein content varies from 5.6 ± 2.2 to 8.9 ± 2.6. Insoluble dietary fiber was high in boiled raw rice (9.8 ± 0.2) and low in boiled White Basmati. Amongst tested leguminous beans, pressure cooked red cowpea elicited the highest protein level (24.5 ± 2.3%), while pressure cooked green gram had the lowest protein content (20.0 ± 0.6%). Pressure cooked chick pea was having higher insoluble dietary content (14.8 ± 1.3%) compared to other beans. Soybean curry elicited the highest protein (36.6%) and fat content (8.2%) among all the tested varieties. Pittu (puttu) and roti varieties made with wheat flour and finger millet flour resulted considerably higher levels of digestible fiber compared to roti made with whole wheat flour. It can be concluded that typical Sri Lankan diets are rich in fibre and protein, while they provide excellent macronutrient profiles due to the proper complementary mixing of food ingredients.

Virulence of Streptococcus mutans: An intrafamilial cohort study on transmission of genotypes

Background

The main aims of this cohort study were to measure the intrafamilial risk of transmission, sharing and stability of the most virulent S. mutans genotypes.

Material and Methods

A total of 392 clinical isolates of S. mutans obtained from caries-active adults and genotyped to evaluate their transmissibility over time. After extraction of the chromosomal DNA, PCR were performed to detect the genes involved in the production of GbpA (gbpA) and mutacin types I, II, III and IV (mutAI, mutAII, mutAIII and mutAIV).

Results

The gbpA, mutAI, mutAII, mutAIII and mutAIV genes were detected in 77.3, 12.5, 51, 16.6 and 89.8% of S. mutans isolates, respectively. The virulence of S. mutans was associated with its transmission (P< 0.01) and stability (P = 0.01), with the most virulent genotypes having higher transmissibility (RR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.32) and higher stability in the oral cavity (RR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.19).

Conclusions

Genotypes with the genetic information to synthesize GbpA and mutacins present an important ecological advantage in the process of colonization by S. mutans; they remain stable among the oral microbiota of the host and favor intrafamilial transmission.

Key words:Streptococcus mutans, virulence factors, transmission, dental caries.

First-year medical undergraduate students opinion about the use of radiology in gross anatomy course

Introduction: Although the importance of anatomy teaching in the undergraduate medical curriculum is incontestable, the lack of knowledge retention and clinical application are the greatest challenges for anatomy teachers. New teaching methodologies are replacing cadaver' dissection in many schools around the world and the usage of radiologic images can become a valuable resource for student's learning the human body structures. The aim of this article was to analyze the perception of first-year undergraduate medical students in the usage of radiology in gross human anatomy course. Materials and methods: One hundred students answered a 30 questions survey using a 5-point Likert scale about the usage of radiologic images in the human anatomy classes. Results: Most subjects have shown desire and the availability to learn human anatomy using images. After the usage of radiologic images there has been an increase on the subjective aspects of the human body such as admiration and respect, an improvement in the correlation of human anatomy with clinical aspects and in the three dimensional perception of the human body anatomic structures. Conclusions: Most of the research participants evaluated the usage of radiologic images as positive and beneicial for the teaching and learning human anatomy as it increases the interest for anatomy and it can favor learning and clinical practice performance. Results shows that according to students' opinion the usage of radiology can be an excellent complement in human anatomy learning and can induce us to think it can prepare and train more competent doctors in diagnostic imaging.

Beyond weakness: Characterization of pain, sensory profile and conditioned pain modulation in patients with motor neuron disease: A controlled study

BACKGROUND

Motor neuron diseases (MND) represent a group of disorders that evolve with inexorable muscle weakness and medical management is based on symptom control. However, deeper characterization of non-motor symptoms in these patients have been rarely reported.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study aimed to describe non-motor symptoms in MND and their impact on quality of life and functional status, with a focus on pain and sensory changes. Eighty patients (31 females, 55.7 ± 12.9 years old) with MND underwent a neurological examination, pain, mood, catastrophizing and psychophysics assessments [quantitative sensory testing (QST) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM)], and were compared to sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HC).

RESULTS

Chronic pain was present in 46% of patients (VAS =5.18 ± 2.0). Pain of musculoskeletal origin occurred in 40.5% and was mainly located in the head/neck (51%) and lower back (35%). Neuropathic pain was not present in this sample. Compared to HC, MND patients had a lower cold detection threshold (p < 0.002), and significantly lower CPM scores (4.9 ± 0.2% vs. 22.1 ± 0.2%, p = 0.012). QST/CPM results did not differ between MND patients with and without pain. Pain intensity was statistically correlated with anxiety, depression and catastrophism, and spasticity scores were inversely correlated with CPM (ρ = -0.30, p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Pain is frequently reported by patients with MNDs. Somatosensory and CPM changes exist in MNDs and may be related to the neurodegenerative nature of the disease. Further studies should investigate the most appropriate treatment strategies for these patients.

SIGNIFICANCE

We report a comprehensive evaluation of pain and sensory abnormalities in motor neuron disease (MND) patients. We assessed the different pain syndromes present in MND with validated tools, and described the QST and conditioned pain modulation profiles in a controlled design.

Wii-based exercise program to improve physical fitness, motor proficiency and functional mobility in adults with Down syndrome

BACKGROUND

People with Down syndrome (DS) usually display reduced physical fitness (aerobic capacity, muscle strength and abnormal body composition), motor proficiency impairments (balance and postural control) and physical functional limitations. Exergames can be an appealing alternative to enhance exercise engagement and compliance, whilst improving physical fitness and motor function. This study aims to analyse the effects of a Wii-based exercise program on physical fitness, functional mobility and motor proficiency of adults with DS.

METHODS

Twenty-seven adults with DS were randomly allocated to an experimental group (Wii; n = 14) or control group (n = 13). Participants in the experimental group completed a 2-month Wii-based exercise program, with three 1-h sessions per week that included training games for aerobic endurance, balance and isometric strength. Participants completed assessments regarding anthropometric measures, physical fitness, functional mobility and motor proficiency.

RESULTS

Mixed ANOVA analysis showed a significant group by time interaction for aerobic endurance, explosive leg power and flexibility. Independent samples t-test for change scores indicated significant between-group differences favouring the experimental group regarding speed of limb movement, trunk strength and functional mobility, as well as a trend towards significance on body weight. Mann-Whitney's U test for change scores demonstrated between-group differences favouring the experimental group for visceral fat as well as running speed and agility. Large within-group effect sizes were observed for explosive leg power (d = 1.691), body weight (d = 1.281), functional mobility (d = 1.218), aerobic endurance (d = 1.020), speed of limb movement (d = 0.867) and flexibility (d = 0.818) in the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that Wii-based exercise can be an effective tool to improve physical fitness, functional mobility and motor proficiency of adults with DS, including crucial measures such as aerobic capacity and lower limb strength. Exergames using Wii Fit or other equipment can be appealing alternatives for adults with DS to engage in regular physical activity, preventing sedentary behaviour and decreasing the risk to develop cardiovascular diseases.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 558-624

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia: Banksiophoma australiensis (incl. Banksiophoma gen. nov.) on Banksia coccinea, Davidiellomycesaustraliensis (incl. Davidiellomyces gen. nov.) on Cyperaceae, Didymocyrtis banksiae on Banksia sessilis var. cygnorum, Disculoides calophyllae on Corymbia calophylla, Harknessia banksiae on Banksia sessilis, Harknessia banksiae-repens on Banksia repens, Harknessia banksiigena on Banksia sessilis var. cygnorum, Harknessia communis on Podocarpus sp., Harknessia platyphyllae on Eucalyptus platyphylla, Myrtacremonium eucalypti (incl. Myrtacremonium gen. nov.) on Eucalyptus globulus, Myrtapenidiella balenae on Eucalyptus sp., Myrtapenidiella eucalyptigena on Eucalyptus sp., Myrtapenidiella pleurocarpae on Eucalyptuspleurocarpa, Paraconiothyrium hakeae on Hakea sp., Paraphaeosphaeria xanthorrhoeae on Xanthorrhoea sp., Parateratosphaeria stirlingiae on Stirlingia sp., Perthomyces podocarpi (incl. Perthomyces gen. nov.) on Podocarpus sp., Readeriella ellipsoidea on Eucalyptus sp., Rosellinia australiensis on Banksia grandis, Tiarosporella corymbiae on Corymbia calophylla, Verrucoconiothyriumeucalyptigenum on Eucalyptus sp., Zasmidium commune on Xanthorrhoea sp., and Zasmidium podocarpi on Podocarpus sp. Brazil: Cyathus aurantogriseocarpus on decaying wood, Perenniporia brasiliensis on decayed wood, Perenniporia paraguyanensis on decayed wood, and Pseudocercospora leandrae-fragilis on Leandrafragilis.Chile: Phialocephala cladophialophoroides on human toe nail. Costa Rica: Psathyrella striatoannulata from soil. Czech Republic: Myotisia cremea (incl. Myotisia gen. nov.) on bat droppings. Ecuador: Humidicutis dictiocephala from soil, Hygrocybe macrosiparia from soil, Hygrocybe sangayensis from soil, and Polycephalomyces onorei on stem of Etlingera sp. France: Westerdykella centenaria from soil. Hungary: Tuber magentipunctatum from soil. India: Ganoderma mizoramense on decaying wood, Hodophilus indicus from soil, Keratinophyton turgidum in soil, and Russula arunii on Pterigota alata.Italy: Rhodocybe matesina from soil. Malaysia: Apoharknessia eucalyptorum, Harknessia malayensis, Harknessia pellitae, and Peyronellaea eucalypti on Eucalyptus pellita, Lectera capsici on Capsicum annuum, and Wallrothiella gmelinae on Gmelina arborea.Morocco: Neocordana musigena on Musa sp. New Zealand: Candida rongomai-pounamu on agaric mushroom surface, Candida vespimorsuum on cup fungus surface, Cylindrocladiella vitis on Vitis vinifera, Foliocryphia eucalyptorum on Eucalyptus sp., Ramularia vacciniicola on Vaccinium sp., and Rhodotorula ngohengohe on bird feather surface. Poland: Tolypocladium fumosum on a caterpillar case of unidentified Lepidoptera.Russia: Pholiotina longistipitata among moss. Spain: Coprinopsis pseudomarcescibilis from soil, Eremiomyces innocentii from soil, Gyroporus pseudocyanescens in humus, Inocybe parvicystis in humus, and Penicillium parvofructum from soil. Unknown origin: Paraphoma rhaphiolepidis on Rhaphiolepsis indica.USA: Acidiella americana from wall of a cooling tower, Neodactylaria obpyriformis (incl. Neodactylaria gen. nov.) from human bronchoalveolar lavage, and Saksenaea loutrophoriformis from human eye. Vietnam: Phytophthora mekongensis from Citrus grandis, and Phytophthora prodigiosa from Citrus grandis. Morphological and culture characteristics along with DNA barcodes are provided.

Arsenic input into the catchment of the River Caudal (Northwestern Spain) from abandoned Hg mining works: effect on water quality

In Asturias (NW Spain) there are many abandoned mines, of which Hg mines are of particular significance from an environmental point of view, due to the presence of Hg and particularly As, which is found either in the form of specific (orpiment and realgar) or non-specific minerals (As-rich pyrite). The instability of these minerals leads to the presence of As-rich mine drainage and spoils heap leachates that enter surface waters or groundwaters. A study including the three most important Hg mines in the region (La Soterraña, Los Rueldos and El Terronal) has been conducted. Watercourses flowing through these mining areas are tributaries of the River Caudal, one of the most important rivers in the area. High concentrations of As were found in some of these waters, which were monitored over a period of three hydrological years and classified according to a water quality index. Those waters sampled close to the mines are generally of poor-to-bad quality, with low alkalinity and in some cases high metal content, but the quality of these waters improves with distance from the mines. The average mass load of As entering the River Caudal has been evaluated as: 200, 12 and 9,800 kg year(-1) from La Soterraña, Los Rueldos and El Terronal mine sites, respectively. Despite the constant input of about 10 tonnes of As per year, the total As concentration remains below analytical detection thresholds on account of the river's high water flow. Nevertheless, an important part of this As load is presumably retained in the river sediments, representing a potential risk of pollution of the aquatic ecosystems.

[Vocal and behavioral adaptations of program sellers in work situation]

Are program sellers at the Parisian Operas at risk of developing vocal problems? What are the adaptations they use to be heard and understood in this loud environment? Six program sellers were recorded and observed at work. The methodology applied included a questionnaire, acoustic analysis of the records, a videolaryngostroboscopic examination, analysis of objective and subjective measures of vocal function. The results confirmed the existence of voice risk factors and symptoms of vocal fatigue that may justify a preventive intervention. The adaptations that program sellers carry out follow the characteristics of what is called "Lombard Speech". In addition, announces reveal common and individual specificities such as prosodic and acoustic types.

Hexavalent chromium reduction, uptake and oxidative biomarkers in Halimione portulacoides

The in situ reduction of Cr (VI) to its less toxic form Cr (III) may be a useful detoxification mechanism for phytoremediation. Using a hydroponics mesocosmos approach, we evaluated the ability of Halimione portulacoides to reduce and uptake Cr (VI) and its anti-oxidative feedback and biomarkers. It was found that this specie can, not only reduce large amounts of Cr (VI) in the external medium, but also withdrawn and accumulate this element in its roots and aboveground organs. Both these mechanisms were found to be dose dependent. Jointly with this phytoremediative potential the oxidative feedback was also assessed. Chromium uptake had its major implications on the chlorophyll content and flavonoid content, with potential consequences in the photosynthetic and photo-protective mechanisms. Although the high Cr root accumulation in H. portulacoides, there were no inactivation of the enzymatic defenses, allowing a continuous defense against reactive oxygen species. In fact, GPX and specially SOD revealed to be an excellent dose-related biomarker of Cr induced stress. All these aspects make this specie suitable for Cr (VI) phytoremediation processes, either by phytoextraction or by reduction of Cr (VI) to Cr (III) and also for monitoring programs using SOD and GPX as biomarkers of Cr environmental contamination.

Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Infection and Vaccination in Humans Induces Cross-Protective Antibodies that Target the Hemagglutinin Stem

Most monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) generated from humans infected or vaccinated with the 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pdmH1N1) influenza virus targeted the hemagglutinin (HA) stem. These anti-HA stem mAbs mostly used IGHV1-69 and bound readily to epitopes on the conventional seasonal influenza and pdmH1N1 vaccines. The anti-HA stem mAbs neutralized pdmH1N1, seasonal influenza H1N1 and avian H5N1 influenza viruses by inhibiting HA-mediated fusion of membranes and protected against and treated heterologous lethal infections in mice with H5N1 influenza virus. This demonstrated that therapeutic mAbs could be generated a few months after the new virus emerged. Human immunization with the pdmH1N1 vaccine induced circulating antibodies that when passively transferred, protected mice from lethal, heterologous H5N1 influenza infections. We observed that the dominant heterosubtypic antibody response against the HA stem correlated with the relative absence of memory B cells against the HA head of pdmH1N1, thus enabling the rare heterosubtypic memory B cells induced by seasonal influenza and specific for conserved sites on the HA stem to compete for T-cell help. These results support the notion that broadly protective antibodies against influenza would be induced by successive vaccination with conventional influenza vaccines based on subtypes of HA in viruses not circulating in humans.

Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy with positive antinuclear antibodies: case report

A male Afro-descendant patient, 57 years old, complaining of polyarticular involvement and weight loss for 18 months, with a load of 13.5 pack years of smoking. On physical examination there was pain on palpation of the right knee and right leg, with signs of inflammation on the knee. We also observed digital clubbing in all fingers. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-Sm antibodies were positive. X-rays of the legs and arm showed cortical thickening of long bones. The computed tomography demonstrated a large mass located in the middle lobe of the right lung. The anatomopathological study revealed a bronchial adenocarcinoma. The history of polyarticular involvement associated with positive anti-Sm and ANA antibodies could lead to an erroneous diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Considering the bad consequences of delayed diagnosis in this patient, the medical team should be alerted for suspecting and look for a lung cancer under these circumstances.

Ergonomic and organizational analysis of an association of collectors of recyclable waste

The managerial difficulties encountered by an Association of Recyclable Materials Collectors to organize and ensure the perpetuation of his work gave rise to this research. In order to overcome the difficulties encountered with regard to accounting, organizational and ergonomic work, we used a methodology capable of providing a greater interaction between researchers and collectors, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and the perpetuation of the techniques used. Improvements were seen in relation to screening, storage and organization of work.

Treatment of zinc-rich acid mine water in low residence time bioreactors incorporating waste shells and methanol dosing

Bioreactors utilising bacterially mediated sulphate reduction (BSR) have been widely tested for treating metal-rich waters, but sustained treatment of mobile metals (e.g. Zn) can be difficult to achieve in short residence time systems. Data are presented providing an assessment of alkalinity generating media (shells or limestone) and modes of metal removal in bioreactors receiving a synthetic acidic metal mine discharge (pH 2.7, Zn 15 mg/L, SO(4)(2-) 200mg/L, net acidity 103 mg/L as CaCO(3)) subject to methanol dosing. In addition to alkalinity generating media (50%, v.v.), the columns comprised an organic matrix of softwood chippings (30%), manure (10%) and anaerobic digested sludge (10%). The column tests showed sustained alkalinity generation, which was significantly better in shell treatments. The first column in each treatment was effective throughout the 422 days in removing >99% of the dissolved Pb and Cu, and effective for four months in removing 99% of the dissolved Zn (residence time: 12-14 h). Methanol was added to the feedstock after Zn breakthrough and prompted almost complete removal of dissolved Zn alongside improved alkalinity generation and sulphate attenuation. While there was geochemical evidence for BSR, sequential extraction of substrates suggests that the bulk (67-80%) of removed Zn was associated with Fe-Mn oxide fractions.

Nanostructured silicon films produced by PECVD

This paper presents the process conditions that lead to the production of nanostructured silicon films grown by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition close to the so-called gamma regime (powder formation), highly dense and with low density of bulk states. Thus, the powder management is one important issue to be addressed in this paper. As a general rule we observed that high quality films (low density of states and high μτ products) are obtained when films are grown under low ion bombardment at high hydrogen dilution and deposition pressure conditions, to allow the proper surface passivation and surface activation.

[Scedosporium apiospermum rhinosinusal infection in an immunocompetent host]

Scedosporium species can cause colonization, superficial and deep localized infection or systemic disease, especially in immunocompromised hosts. We report a case of localized infection due to Scedosporium apiospermum in a 47 year old woman, with previous nasal surgery. She consulted for recurrent mucopurulent post-nasal discharge not responding to antibiotics. Computed tomography showed opacification of right maxillary sinus. Surgery was performed to removed abnormal tissue from sinus; biopsy revealed chronic sinusitis with aggregate of tightly packed hyphae suggestive of filamentous fungi. The microbiology fungal culture reported Scedosporium apiospermum.