Investigating isotopic markers for hazelnut geographical authentication: Promising variables and potential applications

Hazelnuts' features and price are influenced by their geographical origin, making them susceptible to fraud, especially counterfeit claims regarding their provenance. Stable isotope analysis is a recognised approach to establish the geographical origin of foods, yet its potential in hazelnut authentication remains unexplored. In this prospective study, we assessed multiple isotopic markers in hazelnuts from different origins and evaluated the most promising variables for geographical authentication by chemometric tools. Our findings indicate that bulk δ18O, along with δ2H and δ13C in the main fatty acid methyl esters, exhibit significant potential in discriminating geographical origins, and 87Sr/86Sr analysis could serve as a proficient confirmatory tool. Though no single marker alone can differentiate between all the studied origins, employing a multi-isotopic approach based on PLS-DA models achieved up to 92.5 % accuracy in leave-10 %-out cross-validation. These findings will probably lay the groundwork for developing robust models for hazelnut geographical authentication based on larger datasets.

Isotopic content in high mountain karst aquifers as a proxy for climate change impact in Mediterranean zones: The Port del Comte karst aquifer (SE Pyrenees, Catalonia, Spain)

The objective of this work is to characterize the impact of climate change in the karst aquifer of the Port del Comte Massif (PCM). Six regional climate models (RCMs) from CLYM'PY Project are used to analyse the magnitude and trends of changes on precipitation and temperature (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios) and how these changes propagate through the hydrogeological system as groundwater resources availability and the associated water isotopic content. The study uses the RCMs climate change forcings as input data to a combination of (1) a semi-distributed hydrological model for simulating the hydrodynamical response of the aquifer, and (2) a lumped parameter model for simulating the isotopic content in groundwater at the outlet of the aquifer. A mean decrease of 2.6% and 1.9% in yearly precipitation and a mean increase of 1.9 and 3.1 °C in average temperature is expected in PCM at the end of the 21st century in the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively. This climate signal entering the hydrogeological system results in a mean decrease in recharge of 3.9% and 0.5% from rainfall and of 59.3% and 76.1% from snowmelt, and a decrease of 7.6% and 4.5% in total system discharge, but also generates an isotopic enrichment in groundwater discharge (δ¹⁸O_GW) of 0.50‰ and 0.84‰, respectively. Moreover, from a long-term (2010-2100) perspective, the mean trend in δ¹⁸O_GW is 0.7‰/100 yr and 1.2‰/100 yr for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively, resulting in easily measurable annual lapse rates with the current analytical methods.

Phytotoxic Metabolites Produce by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Race 2

Banana is a major tropical fruit crop but banana production worldwide is seriously threatened due to Fusarium wilt. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of banana (also referred as Panama disease) is an asexual, soil inhabiting facultative parasite. Foc isolates can be classified into three races that are not defined genetically, but for their pathogenicity to different banana cultivars. Despite mycotoxins being some of the best studied virulence factors of phytopathogenic fungi and these have been useful for the prediction of Foc virulence on banana plants, toxins produced by Foc race 2 strains have not been previously identified. The aim of this contribution was to identify the phytotoxic metabolites closely related to banana wilt caused by a Foc race 2 strain. We used an in vitro bioassay on detached banana leaves to evaluate the specificity of the microbial culture filtrates before a partial purification and further identification of Foc race 2 phytotoxins. A 29-day-old host-specific culture filtrate was obtained but specificity of culture filtrate was unrecovered after partial purification. The non-specific phytotoxins were characterized as fusaric acid, beauvericin, and enniatin A. Whereas some, if not all, of these phytotoxins are important virulence factors, a proteinaceous fraction from the specific 29-day-old culture filtrate protected the leaves of the resistant banana cultivar from damage caused by such phytotoxic metabolites.

Evaluation of natural background levels of high mountain karst aquifers in complex hydrogeological settings. A Gaussian mixture model approach in the Port del Comte (SE, Pyrenees) case study

The hydrogeological processes driving the hydrochemical composition of groundwater in the alpine pristine aquifer system of the Port del Comte Massif (PCM) are characterized through the multivariate statistical techniques Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM) in the framework of Compositional Data (CoDa) analysis. Also, the groundwater Natural Background Levels (NBLs) for NO₃ and SO₄ and Cl are evaluated, which are specially important for indicating the occurrence of groundwater contamination derived from the anthropic activities conducted in the PCM. The different hydrogeochemical facies found in the aquifer system of the PCM comprises low mineralized Ca-HCO₃ water for the main Eocene karst aquifer, and Ca-SO₄ and highly mineralized NaCl water types in the minor aquifers discharging from the PCM. The NBL values of SO₄, Cl and NO₃ obtained for the main karst aquifer are 14.33, 4.06 and 6.55 mg/L, respectively. These values are 35, 3 and 1.2 times lower than the respective official NBLs values that were determined by the water administration to be compared with in the case of conducting a pollution assessment characterization in the main karst aquifer. Official overestimation of NBLs can put important groundwater resources in the PCM at risk.

Decoding the locational information in the orb web vibrations of Araneus diadematus and Zygiella x-notata

A spider's web is a multifunctional structure that captures prey and provides an information platform that transmits vibrational information. Many physical factors interact to influence web vibration and information content, from vibration source properties and input location, to web physical properties and geometry. The aim of the study was to test whether orb web vibration contains information about the location of the source of vibration. We used finite-element analysis model webs to control and vary major physical factors, investigating webs where spiders use a direct or remote monitoring strategy. When monitoring with eight sensors (legs) at the web centre, a comparison of longitudinal and transverse wave amplitude between the sensors gave sufficient information to determine source direction and distance, respectively. These localization cues were robust to changes in source amplitude, input angle and location, with increased accuracy at lower source amplitudes. When remotely monitoring the web using a single thread connected to the web's hub (a signal thread), we found that locational information was not available when the angle of the source input was unknown. Furthermore, a free sector and a stiff hub were physical mechanisms to aid information transfer, which provides insights for bioinspired fibre networks for sensing technologies.

Contribution of isotopic research techniques to characterize high-mountain-Mediterranean karst aquifers: The Port del Comte (Eastern Pyrenees) aquifer

Water resources in high mountain karst aquifers are usually characterized by high rainfall, recharge and discharge that lead to the sustainability of the downstream ecosystems. Nevertheless, these hydrological systems are vulnerable to the global change impact. The mean transit time (MTT) is a key parameter to describe the behavior of these hydrologic systems and also to assess their vulnerability. This work is focused on estimating MTT by using environmental tracers in the framework of high-mountain karst systems with a very thick unsaturated zone (USZ). To this end, it is adapted to alpine zones a methodology that combines a semi-distributed rainfall-runoff model to estimate recharge time series, and a lumped-parameter model to obtain ΜΤΤ. The methodology has been applied to the Port del Comte Massif (PCM) hydrological system (Southeastern Pyrenees, NE Spain), a karst aquifer system with an overlying 1000 m thick USZ. Six catchment areas corresponding to most important springs of the system are considered. The obtained results show that hydrologically the behavior of the system can be described by an exponential flow model (EM), with MTT ranging between 1.9 and 2.9 years. These ΜΤΤ values are shorter than those obtained by considering a constant recharge rate along time, which is the easiest and most applied aquifer recharge hypothesis when estimating ΜΤΤ through lumped-parameter models.

Remote monitoring of vibrational information in spider webs

Spiders are fascinating model species to study information-acquisition strategies, with the web acting as an extension of the animal’s body. Here, we compare the strategies of two orb-weaving spiders that acquire information through vibrations transmitted and filtered in the web. Whereas Araneus diadematus monitors web vibration directly on the web, Zygiella x-notata uses a signal thread to remotely monitor web vibration from a retreat, which gives added protection. We assess the implications of these two information-acquisition strategies on the quality of vibration information transfer, using laser Doppler vibrometry to measure vibrations of real webs and finite element analysis in computer models of webs. We observed that the signal thread imposed no biologically relevant time penalty for vibration propagation. However, loss of energy (attenuation) was a cost associated with remote monitoring via a signal thread. The findings have implications for the biological use of vibrations by spiders, including the mechanisms to locate and discriminate between vibration sources. We show that orb-weaver spiders are fascinating examples of organisms that modify their physical environment to shape their information-acquisition strategy.

Effect of marine ambient in the production of pollutants from the pyrolysis and combustion of a mixture of plastic materials

A mixture of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene-terephtalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) and Nylon was submerged in marine water during 12 moths. The chlorine content of these plastics was measured through the passing time. Thermobalance was used to look for differences in the thermal decomposition of the plastics during in that time interval. Degradation of PET, PP and Nylon produced changes in the weight loss curve, but behaviour of PE is confusing. Pyrolysis and combustion at 850 °C was finally performed to get knowledge of the possible differences in the emission of main gases, volatiles and semivolatiles including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated benzenes (ClBzs), polychlorinated phenols (ClPhs), polybrominated phenols (BrPhs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Results show that the emission of chlorinated species is somewhat not affected by the chlorine content of the plastics mix. The production of PCBs and PCDD/Fs was very low, under 4 pg WHO-TEQ/g.

Tracing the role of endogenous carbon in denitrification using wine industry by-product as an external electron donor: Coupling isotopic tools with mathematical modeling

Nitrate removal through enhanced biological denitrification (EBD), consisting of the inoculation of an external electron donor, is a feasible solution for the recovery of groundwater quality. In this context, liquid waste from wine industries (wine industry by-products, WIB) may be feasible for use as a reactant to enhance heterotrophic denitrification. To address the feasibility of WIB as electron donor to promote denitrification, as well as to evaluate the role of biomass as a secondary organic C source, a flow-through experiment was carried out. Chemical and isotopic characterization was performed and coupled with mathematical modeling. Complete nitrate attenuation with no nitrite accumulation was successfully achieved after 10 days. Four different C/N molar ratios (7.0, 2.0, 1.0 and 0) were tested. Progressive decrease of the C/N ratio reduced the remaining C in the outflow and favored biomass migration, producing significant changes in dispersivity in the reactor, which favored efficient nitrate degradation. The applied mathematical model described the general trends for nitrate, ethanol, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations. This model shows how the biomass present in the system is degraded to dissolved organic C (DOC_en) and becomes the main source of DOC for a C/N ratio between 1.0 and 0. The isotopic model developed for organic and inorganic carbon also describes the general trends of δ¹³C of ethanol, DOC and DIC in the outflow water. The study of the evolution of the isotopic fractionation of organic C using a Rayleigh distillation model shows the shift in the organic carbon source from the WIB to the biomass and is in agreement with the isotopic fractionation values used to calibrate the model. Isotopic fractionations (ε) of C-ethanol and C-DOC_en were -1‰ and -5‰ (model) and -3.3‰ and -4.8‰ (Rayleigh), respectively. In addition, an inverse isotopic fractionation of +10‰ was observed for biomass degradation to DOC_en. Overall, WIB can efficiently promote nitrate reduction in EBD treatments. The conceptual model of the organic C cycle and the developed mathematical model accurately described the chemical and isotopic transformations that occur during this induced denitrification.

Tuning the instrument: sonic properties in the spider's web

Spider orb webs are multifunctional, acting to absorb prey impact energy and transmit vibratory information to the spider. This paper explores the links between silk material properties, propagation of vibrations within webs and the ability of the spider to control and balance web function. Combining experimental and modelling approaches, we contrast transverse and longitudinal wave propagation in the web. It emerged that both transverse and longitudinal wave amplitude in the web can be adjusted through changes in web tension and dragline silk stiffness, i.e. properties that can be controlled by the spider. In particular, we propose that dragline silk supercontraction may have evolved as a control mechanism for these multifunctional fibres. The various degrees of active influence on web engineering reveals the extraordinary ability of spiders to shape the physical properties of their self-made materials and architectures to affect biological functionality, balancing trade-offs between structural and sensory functions.

Distinct Dual C-Cl Isotope Fractionation Patterns during Anaerobic Biodegradation of 1,2-Dichloroethane: Potential To Characterize Microbial Degradation in the Field

This study investigates, for the first time, dual C-Cl isotope fractionation during anaerobic biodegradation of 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) via dihaloelimination by Dehalococcoides and Dehalogenimonas-containing enrichment cultures. Isotopic fractionation of 1,2-DCA (ε_bulk^C and ε_bulk^Cl) for Dehalococcoides (-33.0 ± 0.4‰ and -5.1 ± 0.1‰) and Dehalogenimonas-containing microcosms (-23 ± 2‰ and -12.0 ± 0.8‰) resulted in distinctly different dual element C-Cl isotope correlations (Λ = Δδ¹³C/Δδ³⁷Cl ≈ ε_bulk^C/ε_bulk^Cl), 6.8 ± 0.2 and 1.89 ± 0.02, respectively. Determined isotope effects and detected products suggest that the difference on the obtained Λ values for biodihaloelimination could be associated with a different mode of concerted bond cleavage rather than two different reaction pathways (i.e., stepwise vs concerted). Λ values of 1,2-DCA were, for the first time, determined in two field sites under reducing conditions (2.1 ± 0.1 and 2.2 ± 2.9). They were similar to the one obtained for the Dehalogenimonas-containing microcosms (1.89 ± 0.02) and very different from those reported for aerobic degradation pathways in a previous laboratory study (7.6 ± 0.1 and 0.78 ± 0.03). Thus, this study illustrates the potential of a dual isotope analysis to differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation pathways of 1,2-DCA in the field and suggests that this approach might also be used to characterize dihaloelimination of 1,2-DCA by different bacteria, which needs to be confirmed in future studies.

Binding of ion pairs in a thiourea-functionalized self-folding cavitand

A bioinspired supramolecular container with complementary binding sites displays cooperative binding of ion pairs.

Identification of a New Genotype of African Swine Fever Virus in Domestic Pigs from Ethiopia

African swine fever (ASF) is an important emerging transboundary animal disease (TAD), which currently has an impact on many countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and the Russian Federation. The current situation in Europe shows the ability of the virus to rapidly spread, which stands to threaten the global swine industry. At present, there is no viable vaccine to minimize spread of the disease and stamping out is the main source of control. In February 2011, Ethiopia had reported its first suspected outbreaks of ASF. Genomic analyses of the collected ASF virus (ASFV) strains were undertaken using 23 tissue samples collected from domestic swine in Ethiopia from 2011 to 2014. The analysis of Ethiopian ASFVs partial p72 gene sequence showed the identification of a new genotype, genotype XXIII, that shares a common ancestor with genotypes IX and X, which comprise isolates circulating in Eastern African countries and the Republic of Congo. Analysis of the p54 gene also followed the p72 pattern and the deduced amino acid sequence of the central variable region (CVR) of the B602L gene showed novel tetramer repeats not previously characterized.

Experimental Transmission of African Swine Fever (ASF) Low Virulent Isolate NH/P68 by Surviving Pigs

African swine fever (ASF) has persisted in Eastern Europe since 2007, and two endemic zones have been identified in the central and southern parts of the Russian Federation. Moderate- to low-virulent ASF virus isolates are known to circulate in endemic ASF-affected regions. To improve our knowledge of virus transmission in animals recovered from ASF virus infection, an experimental in vivo study was carried out. Four domestic pigs were inoculated with the NH/P68 ASF virus, previously characterized to develop a chronic form of ASF. Two additional in-contact pigs were introduced at 72 days post-inoculation (dpi) in the same box for virus exposure. The inoculated pigs developed a mild form of the disease, and the virus was isolated from tissues in the inoculated pigs up to 99 dpi (pigs were euthanized at 36, 65, 99 and 134 dpi). In-contact pigs showed mild or no clinical signs, but did become seropositive, and a transient viraemia was detected at 28 days post-exposure (dpe), thereby confirming late virus transmission from the inoculated pigs. Virus transmission to in-contact pigs occurred at four weeks post-exposure, over three months after the primary infection. These results highlight the potential role of survivor pigs in disease maintenance and dissemination in areas where moderate- to low-virulent viruses may be circulating undetected. This study will help design better and more effective control programmes to fight against this disease.

Encapsulated Essential Oils as an Alternative to Insecticides in Funnel Traps

Pheromone-lured funnel traps are widely used for pest monitoring and mass trapping in agricultural fields and stores. DDVP vapona (dichlorvos), the insecticide of choice as a killing agent inside traps, has been banned, and research on new products is being pursued. Essential oils (EO) could be an alternative if properly formulated. To test their potential, beads of encapsulated coriander and basil EO were tested in funnel traps in stores of almonds and pet foods during 2 mo. The number of adult moth (Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller) dead captures was similar with either coriander or basil EO beads and with vapona tablets while there were more insects alive in the control. These preliminary results indicate a good potential for the development of such natural products as an alternative to synthetic insecticides to include them inside funnel traps.

Assessment of African Swine Fever Diagnostic Techniques as a Response to the Epidemic Outbreaks in Eastern European Union Countries: How To Improve Surveillance and Control Programs

This study represents a complete comparative analysis of the most widely used African swine fever (ASF) diagnostic techniques in the European Union (EU) using field and experimental samples from animals infected with genotype II ASF virus (ASFV) isolates circulating in Europe. To detect ASFV, three different PCRs were evaluated in parallel using 785 field and experimental samples. The results showed almost perfect agreement between the Universal ProbeLibrary (UPL-PCR) and the real-time (κ = 0.94 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.91 to 0.97]) and conventional (κ = 0.88 [95% CI, 0.83 to 0.92]) World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)-prescribed PCRs. The UPL-PCR had greater diagnostic sensitivity for detecting survivors and allows earlier detection of the disease. Compared to the commercial antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), good-to-moderate agreement (κ = 0.67 [95% CI, 0.58 to 0.76]) was obtained, with a sensitivity of 77.2% in the commercial test. For ASF antibody detection, five serological methods were tested, including three commercial ELISAs, the OIE-ELISA, and the confirmatory immunoperoxidase test (IPT). Greater sensitivity was obtained with the IPT than with the ELISAs, since the IPT was able to detect ASF antibodies at an earlier point in the serological response, when few antibodies are present. The analysis of the exudate tissues from dead wild boars showed that IPT might be a useful serological tool for determining whether or not animals had been exposed to virus infection, regardless of whether antibodies were present. In conclusion, the UPL-PCR in combination with the IPT was the most trustworthy method for detecting ASF during the epidemic outbreaks affecting EU countries in 2014. The use of the most appropriate diagnostic tools is critical when implementing effective control programs.

Development and psychometric validation of a brief comprehensive health status assessment scale in older patients with hematological malignancies: The GAH Scale

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to develop a new brief, comprehensive geriatric assessment scale for older patients diagnosed with different hematological malignancies, the Geriatric Assessment in Hematology (GAH scale), and to determine its psychometric properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 30-item GAH scale was designed through a multi-step process to cover 8 relevant dimensions. This is an observational study conducted in 363 patients aged≥65years, newly diagnosed with different hematological malignancies (myelodysplasic syndrome/acute myeloblastic leukemia, multiple myeloma, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia), and treatment-naïve. The scale psychometric validation process included the analyses of feasibility, floor and ceiling effect, validity and reliability criteria.

RESULTS

Mean time taken to complete the GAH scale was 11.9±4.7min that improved through a learning-curve effect. Almost 90% of patients completed all items, and no floor or ceiling effects were identified. Criterion validity was supported by reasonable correlations between the GAH scale dimensions and three contrast variables (global health visual analogue scale, ECOG and Karnofsky), except for comorbidities. Factor analysis (supported by the scree plot) revealed nine factors that explained almost 60% of the total variance. Moderate internal consistency reliability was found (Cronbach's α: 0.610), and test-retest was excellent (ICC coefficients, 0.695-0.928).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that the GAH scale is a valid, internally reliable and a consistent tool to assess health status in older patients with different hematological malignancies. Future large studies should confirm whether the GAH scale may be a tool to improve clinical decision-making in older patients with hematological malignancies.

Experimental Infection of Domestic Pigs with African Swine Fever Virus Lithuania 2014 Genotype II Field Isolate

An experimental infection was conducted to evaluate horizontal transmission, clinical, virological and humoral response induced in domestic pigs infected with African swine fever (ASF) genotype II virus circulating in 2014 into the European Union (EU). Ten naive pigs were placed in contact with eight pigs experimentally inoculated with the Lithuanian LT14/1490 ASF virus (ASFV) responsible for the first ASF case detected in wild boar in Lithuania in January 2014. Clinical examination and rectal temperature were recorded each day. Blood sampling from every animal was carried out twice weekly. Blood samples were examined for presence of ASF virus-specific antibodies and for determining the ASFV viral load. From the obtained results, it was concluded that the Lithuanian ASFV induced an acute disease which resulted in 94, 5% mortality. The disease was easily detected by real-time PCR prior to the onset of clinical signs and 33% of the animals seroconverted. All findings were in accordance with observations previously made in domestic pigs and wild boar when infected with ASF genotype II viruses characterized by a high virulence. One in-contact pig remained asymptomatic and survived the infection. The role of such animals in virus transmission would need further investigation.

Isotopic and hydrogeochemical characterization of high-altitude karst aquifers in complex geological settings. The Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park (Northern Spain) case study

The Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, located in the Southern Pyrenees, constitutes the highest karst system in Western Europe. No previous studies regarding its geochemical and isotopic groundwater characterization are available in this area. This work presents the results of field and sampling campaigns carried out between July 2007 and September 2013. The groundwater presents high calcium bicarbonate contents due to the occurrence of upper Cretaceous and lower Paleocene-Eocene carbonate materials in the studied area. Other relevant processes include dissolution of anhydrite and/or gypsum and incongruent dissolution of Mg-limestone and dolomite. The water stable isotopes (δ(18)O, δ(2)H) show that the oceanic fronts from the Atlantic Ocean are responsible for the high levels of precipitation. In autumn, winter, and spring, a deuterium excess is found in the recharge water, which could be related to local atmospheric transport of low-altitude snow sublimation vapour and its later condensation on the snow surface at higher altitude, where recharge is mostly produced. The recharge zones are mainly between 2500m and 3200ma.s.l. The tritium content of the water suggests short groundwater transit times. The isotopic composition of dissolved sulphate points to the existence of regional fluxes mixed with local discharge in some of the springs. This work highlights the major role played by the altitude difference between the recharge and discharge zones in controlling the chemistry and the vertical variability of the isotopic composition in high-altitude karst aquifers.

Denitrification in a hypersaline lake-aquifer system (Pétrola Basin, Central Spain): the role of recent organic matter and Cretaceous organic rich sediments

Agricultural regions in semi-arid to arid climates with associated saline wetlands are one of the most vulnerable environments to nitrate pollution. The Pétrola Basin was declared vulnerable to NO3(-) pollution by the Regional Government in 1998, and the hypersaline lake was classified as a heavily modified body of water. The study assessed groundwater NO3(-) through the use of multi-isotopic tracers (δ(15)N, δ(34)S, δ(13)C, δ(18)O) coupled to hydrochemistry in the aquifer connected to the eutrophic lake. Hydrogeologically, the basin shows two main flow components: regional groundwater flow from recharge areas (Zone 1) to the lake (Zone 2), and a density-driven flow from surface water to the underlying aquifer (Zone 3). In Zones 1 and 2, δ(15)NNO3 and δ(18)ONO3 suggest that NO3(-) from slightly volatilized ammonium synthetic fertilizers is only partially denitrified. The natural attenuation of NO3(-) can occur by heterotrophic reactions. However, autotrophic reactions cannot be ruled out. In Zone 3, the freshwater-saltwater interface (down to 12-16 m below the ground surface) is a reactive zone for NO3(-) attenuation. Tritium data suggest that the absence of NO3(-) in the deepest zones of the aquifer under the lake can be attributed to a regional groundwater flow with long residence time. In hypersaline lakes the geometry of the density-driven flow can play an important role in the transport of chemical species that can be related to denitrification processes.

Feeding strategies for groundwater enhanced biodenitrification in an alluvial aquifer: chemical, microbial and isotope assessment of a 1D flow-through experiment

Nitrate-removal through enhanced in situ biodenitrification (EISB) is an existing alternative for the recovery of groundwater quality, and is often suggested for use in exploitation wells pumping at small flow-rates. Innovative approaches focus on wider-scale applications, coupling EISB with water-management practices and new monitoring tools. However, before this approach can be used, some water-quality issues such as the accumulation of denitrification intermediates and/or of reduced compounds from other anaerobic processes must be addressed. With such a goal, a flow-through experiment using 100mg-nitrate/L groundwater was built to simulate an EISB for an alluvial aquifer. Heterotrophic denitrification was induced through the periodic addition of a C source (ethanol), with four different C addition strategies being evaluated to improve the quality of the denitrified water. Chemical, microbial and isotope analyses of the water were performed. Biodenitrification was successfully stimulated by the daily addition of ethanol, easily achieving drinking water standards for both nitrate and nitrite, and showing an expected linear trend for nitrogen and oxygen isotope fractionation, with a εN/εO value of 1.1. Nitrate reduction to ammonium was never detected. Water quality in terms of remaining C, microbial counts, and denitrification intermediates was found to vary with the experimental time, and some secondary microbial respiration processes, mainly manganese reduction, were suspected to occur. Carbon isotope composition from the remaining ethanol also changed, from an initial enrichment in (13)C-ethanol compared to the value of the injected ethanol (-30.6‰), to a later depletion, achieving δ(13)C values well below the initial isotope composition (to a minimum of -46.7‰). This depletion in the heavy C isotope follows the trend of an inverse fractionation. Overall, our results indicated that most undesired effects on water quality may be controlled through the optimization of the C/N ratio determined from the amounts of injected ethanol vs. the amount of nitrate in groundwater, with a smaller C/N ratio causing a lower level of undesired impurities. Furthermore, the authors suggest that the biofilm life-time has a direct effect on microbial population and hence affects biodenitrification performance, influencing the accumulation of nitrite over time.

Nitrate attenuation potential of hypersaline lake sediments in central Spain: flow-through and batch experiments

Complex lacustrine systems, such as hypersaline lakes located in endorheic basins, are exposed to nitrate (NO3(-)) pollution. An excellent example of these lakes is the hypersaline lake located in the Pétrola basin (central Spain), where the lake acts as a sink for NO3(-) from agricultural activities and from sewage from the surrounding area. To better understand the role of the organic carbon (Corg) deposited in the bottom sediment in promoting denitrification, a four-stage flow-through experiment (FTR) and batch experiments using lake bottom sediment were performed. The chemical, multi-isotopic and kinetic characterization of the outflow showed that the intrinsic NO3(-) attenuation potential of the lake bottom sediment was able to remove 95% of the NO3(-) input over 296days under different flow conditions. The NO3(-) attenuation was mainly linked with denitrification but some dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium was observed at early days favored by the high C/N ratio and salinity. Sulfate reduction could be neither confirmed nor discarded during the experiments because the sediment leaching masked the chemical and isotopic signatures of this reaction. The average nitrogen reduction rate (NRR) obtained was 1.25mmold(-1)kg(-1) and was independent of the flow rate employed. The amount of reactive Corg from the bottom sediment consumed during denitrification was 28.8mmol, representing approximately 10% of the total Corg of the sediment (1.2%). Denitrification was produced coupled with an increase in the isotopic composition of both δ(15)N and δ(18)O. The isotopic fractionations (ε of (15)N-NO3(-) and (18)O-NO3(-)) produced during denitrification were calculated using batch and vertical profile samples. The results were -14.7‰ for εN and -14.5‰ for εO.

Is nuchal translucency a useful aneuploidy marker in fetuses with crown-rump length of 28-44 mm?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether increased nuchal translucency (NT) in fetuses with a crown-rump length (CRL) below 45 mm needs to be re-evaluated at a later stage, or whether the early NT measurement can be used effectively as an aneuploidy marker.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study including all singleton fetuses with a CRL between 28 and 44 mm, scanned in our center during 2002-2012. The CRL, NT, fetal karyotype (when available) and pregnancy outcome were recorded. NT reference ranges were constructed using the Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) method in non-referred pregnancies after exclusion of chromosomal anomalies. The 95(th) percentile was used to calculate detection rates for chromosomally abnormal fetuses.

RESULTS

NT was successfully measured in 643 of 672 fetuses with a CRL of 28-44 mm. Subsequent cytogenetic analysis revealed 11 cases of trisomy 21, 14 cases of trisomy 13 or 18, three cases of monosomy X, three sex trisomies, three triploidies and 12 balanced anomalies. NT was above the 95(th) percentile in 64% of the fetuses with trisomy 21, in 71% with trisomy 13 or 18 and in all three cases of monosomy X.

CONCLUSION

NT appears to be useful as a marker for the early detection of fetal trisomies at 9-10 weeks' gestation (28-44 mm CRL).

Soil microstructure and organic matter: keys for chlordecone sequestration

Past applications of chlordecone, a persistent organochlorine pesticide, have resulted in diffuse pollution of agricultural soils, and these have become sources of contamination of cultivated crops as well as terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Chlordecone is a very stable and recalcitrant molecule, mainly present in the solid phase, and has a strong affinity for organic matter. To prevent consumer and ecosystem exposure, factors that influence chlordecone migration in the environment need to be evaluated. In this study, we measured the impact of incorporating compost on chlordecone sequestration in andosols as a possible way to reduce plant contamination. We first characterized the transfer of chlordecone from soil to plants (radish, cucumber, and lettuce). Two months after incorporation of the compost, soil-plant transfers were reduced by a factor of 1.9-15 depending on the crop. Our results showed that adding compost modified the fractal microstructure of allophane clays thus favoring chlordecone retention in andosols. The complex structure of allophane and the associated low accessibility are important characteristics governing the fate of chlordecone. These results support our proposal for an alternative strategy that is quite the opposite of total soil decontamination: chlordecone sequestration.

Prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses with abnormal cardiac ultrasound findings: evaluation of chromosomal microarray-based analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the frequency of karyotype abnormalities and chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome among fetuses with abnormal cardiac ultrasound findings, and to evaluate the clinical value of chromosomal microarray-based analysis (CMA) in the study of such pregnancies.

METHODS

First, we carried out retrospective analysis of karyotype abnormalities and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome cases diagnosed between January 2009 and December 2011 in our center among fetuses with abnormal cardiac ultrasound findings (n = 276). Second, CMA was performed in 51 of the fetuses with such findings, normal karyotype and negative or no 22q11.2 deletion syndrome study, and in the only fetus with a heart defect and an apparently balanced de novo chromosomal rearrangement.

RESULTS

Out of the 276 pregnancies with abnormal cardiac ultrasound findings, karyotyping revealed a chromosomal abnormality in 44 (15.9%). Of fetuses with normal karyotype in which 22q11.2 deletion syndrome studies were performed, 6.4% (5/78) had this microdeletion syndrome. Among fetuses with abnormal cardiac findings, normal karyotype and negative or no 22q11.2 deletion syndrome study that underwent CMA, the detection rate of pathogenic copy number variants not detected by conventional cytogenetics was 2.0% (1/51), and no variants of uncertain clinical significance were found. In the fetus with a heart defect and an apparently balanced de novo chromosomal rearrangement, CMA revealed that the rearrangement was not truly balanced.

CONCLUSIONS

In the assessment of genetic abnormalities in pregnancies with abnormal cardiac ultrasound findings, the diagnostic yield may be increased by 2% if CMA is used as a complementary tool to conventional cytogenetics. Our results suggest that CMA could be a good alternative to karyotyping in these pregnancies.

Pseudonocardia hispaniensis sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from industrial wastewater activated sludge

A novel actinomycete, designated PA3(T), was isolated from an oil refinery wastewater treatment plant, located in Palos de la Frontera, Huelva, Spain, and characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate formed a distinct subclade in the Pseudonocardia tree together with Pseudonocardia asaccharolytica DSM 44247(T). The chemotaxonomic properties of the isolate, for example, the presence of MK-8 (H(4)) as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C(16:0) as the major fatty acid, are consistent with its classification in the genus Pseudonocardia. DNA:DNA pairing experiments between the isolate and the type strain of P. asaccharolytica DSM 44247(T) showed that they belonged to separate genomic species. The two strains were readily distinguished using a combination of phenotypic properties. Consequently, it is proposed that isolate PA3(T) represents a novel species for which the name Pseudonocardia hispaniensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PA3(T) (= CCM 8391(T) = CECT 8030(T)).

Phytoavailability of antimony and heavy metals in arid regions: the case of the Wadley Sb district (San Luis, Potosí, Mexico)

This paper presents original results on the Sb and heavy metals contents in sediments and waste tailings, plants and water from the giant Wadley antimony mine district (San Luis Potosí State, Mexico). The dominant antimony phases in mining wastes are stibiconite, montroydite and minor hermimorphite. The waste tailings contain high concentrations of metals and metalloids (antimony, iron, zinc, arsenic, copper, and mercury). Manganese, copper, zinc, and antimony contents exceed the quality guidelines values for groundwater, plants and for waste tailings. Results indicate that peak accumulation is seasonal due to the concentration by high metabolism plants as Solanaceae Nicotiana. The metal phytoavailability in waste tailings is highly dependant on the metal speciation, its capability to be transported in water and, more particularly, the plant metabolism efficiency.

Molecular diagnosis of African Swine Fever by a new real-time PCR using universal probe library

A highly sensitive and specific real-time PCR method was developed for the reliable and rapid detection of African swine fever virus (ASFV). The method uses a commercial Universal Probe Library (UPL) probe combined with a specifically designed primer set to amplify an ASFV DNA fragment within the VP72 coding genome region. The detection range of the optimized UPL PCR technique was confirmed by analysis of a large panel (n = 46) of ASFV isolates, belonging to 19 of the 22 viral p72 genotypes described. No amplification signal was observed when closely clinically related viruses, such as classical swine fever, or other porcine pathogens were tested by this assay. The detection limit of the UPL PCR method was established below 18 DNA copies. Validation experiments using an extensive collection of field porcine and tick samples (n = 260), coming from Eastern and Western African regions affected by ASF, demonstrated that the UPL PCR technique was able to detect over 10% more positive samples than the real-time TaqMan PCR test recommended in the OIE manual, confirming its superior diagnostic sensitivity. Clinical material collected during experimental infections with different ASFV p72 genotypes was useful for assuring both the capacity of the UPL PCR for an early viral DNA detection and the competence of the technique to be applied in any ASF diagnostic target sample. The reliability and robustness of the UPL PCR was finally verified with a panel of ASFV-infected clinical samples which was repeatedly tested at different times. Additionally, an internal control PCR assay was also developed and standardized using UPL probes within the endogenous β-actin gene. Finally, the complete study offers a new validated real-time PCR technique, by means of a standardized commercial probe, providing a simple, rapid and affordable test, which is ready for application in the routine diagnosis of ASF.

Improving use of resources-health care in patients with psychiatric pathology after introduction of risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI)

Enhance adherence to treatment is one of the main objectives in psychiatric clinical practice. The aim of this study is to evaluate changes in the use of oral antipsychotic medication, the use of rehabilitation resources and the number and duration of income in Psychiatric Inpatient Unit, comparing one year before and one year after RLAI's introduction, in patients with different psychiatric disorders, followed up by Mental Health Center and have maintained adherence to treatment for a defined period. We performed an observational, retrospective study by reviewing medical records of patients in ambulatory monitoring. The sample consisted of all patients (112) who had maintained RLAI treatment for a year, excluding those who did not fulfill the guideline correctly (14), remaining n = 98. We included patients of various pathologies, establishing groups as qualitative variables (F.20 = 56; F.25 = 12; F.22–28 = 20; F.60 = 10); of both sexes (V = 71; M = 27) and all ages. The preliminary results obtained showed a greater use of rehabilitation resources and decreased use of oral antipsychotics.

Surveillance for African swine fever in Nigeria, 2006-2009

African swine fever (ASF) has had significant economic and social impact in Nigeria since 1997. However, there has been no effective national response to bring it under control. In this report, we confirm that ASF is still prevalent and widespread in Nigeria. Results from both serosurveillance and virological analyses indicated that ASF is present in most of the agro-ecological zones of the country. Nine per cent (9%) of serum samples and 48% of tissue samples were positive for ASF virus antibody and genome, respectively. Areas with high pig-related activities (marketing, consumption and farming) have higher prevalences compared with areas with less pig activities. Farm-gate buyers, marketing systems and transport of untested pigs within the country assist with the circulation of the virus. Only by putting in place a comprehensive routine surveillance and testing system, reorganizing the market and transportation systems for pigs, implementing on-farm bio-security protocols and considering the option of compensation will it be possible to achieve a significant reduction in ASF prevalence in Nigeria.

First Report of Apricot latent virus and Plum bark necrosis stem pitting-associated virus in Apricot from Spain

Representing 2% of world production, 20,000 ha of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), are cultivated in Spain, primarily in the southeast. A survey was conducted during the spring of 2008 in orchards in the region of Murcia to assess the incidence of several stone fruit viruses. Leaf and fruit samples from 160 trees from 40 orchards were collected randomly for reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis. Total RNA extracted (3) from leaves and fruits was tested by a multiplex one-step RT-PCR protocol with a mix of primers that detect eight distinct viruses (4). Amplicons of 250 bp expected for Plum bark necrosis stem pitting-associated virus (PBNSPaV), corresponding to part of the heat shock 70 protein gene, were obtained from four trees and amplicons of 700 bp expected for Apricot latent virus (ApLV), corresponding to part of the coat protein (CP) gene, were obtained from two trees. In all cases, amplicons were obtained using RNA extracted from leaf and fruit tissues. RT-PCR results were confirmed by uniplex RT-PCR with primers specific for each virus and dot-blot hybridization with virus-specific digoxygenin-labeled RNA probes (2). To further characterize the new viruses, we designed primers to amplify specifically the CP gene of ApLV (5'-CCCGACCATGGCTACAAGC-3' and 5'-TTGCCGTCCCGATTAGGTTG-3') and the minor CP gene of PBNSPaV (5'-GAACAAACTACAGCAGCACC-3' and 5'-CAAGGGTAGGACGGGTAACGC-3'). Amplicons of 1,500 and 950 bp corresponding to the ApLV and PBNSPaV CP genes, respectively, were purified from agarose gels and cloned in the pTZ57R plasmid (Fermentas, Burlington, Ontario, Canada). Blastp analysis of the full-length ApLV CP sequence from one infected tree (GenBank Accession No. GQ919051) revealed 86% amino acid (aa) similarity to the single full-length ApLV CP sequence available (No. AAC16234) and 79 and 66.9% similarity to Peach sooty ringspot virus (No. AAG48314) and Apple stem pitting virus (No. NP604468), respectively. Identity/similarity analysis of the full-length PBNSPaV minor CP genes using the Matrix Global Alignment Tool software, version 2.02 (1), revealed 98.8 to 99.6% aa similarity between the Spanish PBNSPaV isolates (Nos. GQ919047, GQ919048, GQ919049, and GQ919050) and 97.1 to 97.4% with the PBNSPaV isolate from the United States (No. EF546442). None of the six infected trees were associated with any particular field symptoms. Five infected trees were cv. Búlida and one was native cv. Murciana, which was infected with ApLV. All infected trees were located in geographically separated orchards. The incidence of ApLV and PBNSPaV was 1.25 and 2.5%, respectively. The low incidence of both viruses together with the scattered geographic distribution could be due to the recent introduction of virus-contaminated plants, although we cannot exclude that it is a consequence of a low dissemination rate. Even though no symptoms were observed, we cannot discard that the infection could affect fruit production or flowering or even cause a synergistic effect in mixed infection with other stone fruit viruses, a risk especially relevant considering the total area of cultivated apricot. To our knowledge, this is the first report of ApLV and PBNSPaV in Spain. References: (1) J. J. Campanella et al. BMC Bioinformatics 4:29, 2003. (2) M. C. Herranz et al. J. Virol. Methods 124:49, 2005. (3) D. J. Mackenzie et al. Plant Dis. 81:222, 1997. (4) J. A. Sánchez-Navarro et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 111:77, 2005.