Measurement of the depth of maximum of extensive air showers above 10{18} eV

We describe the measurement of the depth of maximum, X{max}, of the longitudinal development of air showers induced by cosmic rays. Almost 4000 events above 10;{18} eV observed by the fluorescence detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory in coincidence with at least one surface detector station are selected for the analysis. The average shower maximum was found to evolve with energy at a rate of (106{-21}{+35}) g/cm{2}/decade below 10{18.24+/-0.05} eV, and (24+/-3) g/cm{2}/decade above this energy. The measured shower-to-shower fluctuations decrease from about 55 to 26 g/cm{2}. The interpretation of these results in terms of the cosmic ray mass composition is briefly discussed.

FSY1, a novel gene encoding a specific fructose/H(+) symporter in the type strain of Saccharomyces carlsbergensis

A novel gene, FSY1, encoding a permease involved in active fructose uptake by a proton symport mechanism in the type strain of Saccharomyces carlsbergensis has been isolated. Fsy1p is only distantly related to the Hxt proteins that mediate facilitated diffusion of glucose and fructose in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and related species.

Observation of the suppression of the flux of cosmic rays above 4 x 10 (19) eV

The energy spectrum of cosmic rays above 2.5 x 10;{18} eV, derived from 20,000 events recorded at the Pierre Auger Observatory, is described. The spectral index gamma of the particle flux, J proportional, variantE;{-gamma}, at energies between 4 x 10;{18} eV and 4 x 10;{19} eV is 2.69+/-0.02(stat)+/-0.06(syst), steepening to 4.2+/-0.4(stat)+/-0.06(syst) at higher energies. The hypothesis of a single power law is rejected with a significance greater than 6 standard deviations. The data are consistent with the prediction by Greisen and by Zatsepin and Kuz'min.

Measurement of the proton-air cross section at √s=57 TeV with the Pierre Auger Observatory

We report a measurement of the proton-air cross section for particle production at the center-of-mass energy per nucleon of 57 TeV. This is derived from the distribution of the depths of shower maxima observed with the Pierre Auger Observatory: systematic uncertainties are studied in detail. Analyzing the tail of the distribution of the shower maxima, a proton-air cross section of [505±22(stat)(-36)(+28)(syst)] mb is found.

Starting up yeast glycolysis

Successfully igniting the yeast glycolytic flux during the transition from gluconeogenic to fermentative growth seems to be a matter of balance and coordination between a multitude of events. The contours of the sugar sensing and signalling pathways that regulate this transition are only beginning to emerge.

Reducing Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) population density as a measure for bovine tuberculosis control: effects in wild boar and a sympatric fallow deer (Dama dama) population in Central Spain

Research on management of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in wildlife reservoir hosts is crucial for the implementation of effective disease control measures and the generation of practical bTB management recommendations. Among the management methods carried out on wild species to reduce bTB prevalence, the control of population density has been frequently used, with hunting pressure a practical strategy to reduce bTB prevalence. However, despite the number of articles about population density control in different bTB wildlife reservoirs, there is little information regarding the application of such measures on the Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa), which is considered the main bTB wildlife reservoir within Mediterranean ecosystems. This study shows the effects of a management measure leading to a radical decrease in wild boar population density at a large hunting estate in Central Spain, in order to assess the evolution of bTB prevalence in both the wild boar population and the sympatric fallow deer population. The evolution of bTB prevalence was monitored in populations of the two wild ungulate species over a 5-year study period (2007-2012). The results showed that bTB prevalence decreased in fallow deer, corresponding to an important reduction in the wild boar population. However, this decrease was not homogeneous: in the last season of study there was an increase in bTB-infected male animals. Moreover, bTB prevalence remained high in the remnant wild boar population.

Estrogen and alendronate therapies may prevent the influence of estrogen deficiency on the tooth-supporting alveolar bone: a histometric study in rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate histometrically the influence of estrogen deficiency, and its therapies, on the quality of the tooth-supporting alveolar bone.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-three female rats were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: group 1 (n = 15), sham surgery; group 2 (n = 15), bilateral ovariectomy (OVX); group 3 (n = 14), OVX plus calcitonin (16 IU/kg); group 4 (n = 14), OVX plus estrogen (20 microg/kg); and group 5 (n = 15), OVX plus alendronate (5 mg/kg). Eighty days after surgery, the animals were killed and their mandibles were removed and processed for histology. Bone density (BD) in the furcation area of the first mandibular molar (i.e. the percentage of demineralized bone tissue in a 1,000 microm zone under the furcation) was histometrically obtained.

RESULTS

Data analysis demonstrated that estrogen deficiency negatively affected the tooth-supporting bone density (79.45% +/- 4.22 and 55.23% +/- 6.45, for groups 1 and 2, respectively), and that estradiol and alendronate therapies prevented this effect (61.67% +/- 6.87, 78.09% +/- 3.12 and 81.47% +/- 4.58, for groups 3, 4 and 5, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that the density of tooth-supporting bone is affected by estrogen deficiency, and that estradiol and alendronate therapies, but not calcitonin, provide protection against this effect.

Hb Lepore-Baltimore (delta 68Leu-beta 84Thr) and Hb Lepore-Washington-Boston (delta 87Gln-beta IVS-II-8) in central Portugal and Spanish Alta Extremadura

Hb Lepore is one of the most common abnormal haemoglobins in Caucasians in Central Portugal and in the Spanish Alta Extremadura (0.28% in a survey of school children). A group of 19 Portuguese and 14 Spanish Hb Lepore carriers (all unrelated) was characterised at the molecular level by the polymerase chain reaction, sequencing and restriction enzyme analysis. The Portuguese and one Spanish carrier were heterozygous for Hb Lepore-Baltimore, whereas all other Spanish subjects were Hb Lepore-Washington-Boston carriers. Sequencing of the Hb Lepore-Baltimore gene further established the crossover at delta 68-beta 84, a region two codons (CDs) shorter than that previously described and easily confirmed by digestion with MaeI and BanI. Data from haplotype analysis suggest that this crossover occurred as an independent event on the Iberian Peninsula. The haematological data were similar in both groups except for the levels of Hb F and the G gamma chain, which were significantly higher in the Hb Lepore-Baltimore heterozygotes. Quantification of the globin chains and the mRNA transcripts showed that the delta beta gene is transcribed at a higher level than the delta gene with levels of translation giving rise to 10%-15% of Hb Lepore. The different levels of Hb F observed in the two groups are the results of the higher transcription rate of the gamma genes in Hb Lepore-Baltimore heterozygotes and an apparently less efficient translation of G gamma genes in Hb Lepore-Washington-Boston heterozygotes.

Towards yeast taxogenomics: lessons from novel species descriptions based on complete genome sequences

In recent years, ‘multi-omic’ sciences have affected all aspects of fundamental and applied biological research. Yeast taxonomists, though somewhat timidly, have begun to incorporate complete genomic sequences into the description of novel taxa, taking advantage of these powerful data to calculate more reliable genetic distances, construct more robust phylogenies, correlate genotype with phenotype and even reveal cryptic sexual behaviors. However, the use of genomic data in formal yeast species descriptions is far from widespread. The present review examines published examples of genome-based species descriptions of yeasts, highlights relevant bioinformatic approaches, provides recommendations for new users and discusses some of the challenges facing the genome-based systematics of yeasts.

Beta-thalassemia mutations in the Portuguese; high frequencies of two alleles in restricted populations

We report the characterization of seven different beta-thalassemia mutations in 131 newly diagnosed Portuguese beta-thalassemia heterozygotes. Methodology included the detection of abnormal fragments by agar gel electrophoresis of PCR-amplified DNA fragments after digestion with specific restriction endonucleases, as well as hybridization with synthetic nucleotide probes and sequencing of amplified DNA. Four mutations, including the newly discovered TGG-->TGA change at codon 15, occurred in excess of 10% and accounted for some 90% of the beta-thalassemia alleles in this population. The geographical distribution is uneven; the TGG-->TGA mutation at codon 15 was primarily observed in the coastal region north of Lisbon, while the IVS-I-6 (T-->C) mutation was confined to the central part of the country.

Use of time frequency analysis to follow transitory modulation of the cardiac autonomic system in clinical studies

Heart rate variability (HRV) can be assessed through a time frequency analysis, the smoothed pseudo Wigner-Ville transformation (SPWVT). Such an analysis has allowed the calculation of ICF, a frequential index, extremely sensitive to the modulation of the sympatho-vagal balance. The use of ICF has been applied in the present study to two clinical situations for which a role of this balance was probable, brain death and atrial fibrillation (AF). The use of the time frequency analysis immediately identified the timing of brain death. No difference could be found in the analysis of the 30 min preceding an atrial fibrillation episode. It is suggested that a time frequency analysis should be used in clinical situations in which transitory fluctuations of the sympatho-vagal balance are expected and crucial to the well being of the patients.

Derepression of a baker's yeast strain for maltose utilization is associated with severe deregulation of HXT gene expression

AIMS

We undertook to improve an industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain by derepressing it for maltose utilization in the presence of high glucose concentrations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A mutant was obtained from an industrial S. cerevisiae strain following random UV mutagenesis and selection on maltose/5-thioglucose medium. The mutant acquired the ability to utilize glucose simultaneously with maltose and possibly also sucrose and galactose. Aerobic sugar metabolism was still largely fermentative, but an enhanced respirative metabolism resulted in a 31% higher biomass yield on glucose. Kinetic characterization of glucose transport in the mutant revealed the predominance of the high-affinity component. Northern blot analysis showed that the mutant strain expresses only the HXT6/7 gene irrespective of the glucose concentration in the medium, indicating a severe deregulation in the induction/repression pathways modulating HXT gene expression. Interestingly, maltose-grown cells of the mutant display inverse diauxy in a glucose/maltose mixture, preferring maltose to glucose.

CONCLUSION

In the mutant here reported, the glucose transport step seems to be uncoupled from downstream regulation, because it seems to be unable to sense abundant glucose, via both repression and induction pathways.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

We report here the isolation of a S. cerevisiae mutant with a novel derepressed phenotype, potentially interesting for the industrial fermentation of mixed sugar substrates.

Influence of porcine circovirus type 2 infections on bovine tuberculosis in wild boar populations

The wild boar is an important reservoir of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in south-western Spain. Some risk factors such as wild boar density or age have been associated with the presence of high prevalences of bTB in wild boar. However, the influence of other risk factors such as co-infections with other pathogens has not yet been studied. This work aims to assess the influence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) infection on bTB prevalence and bTB lesional patterns observed in wild boar. The presence of bTB-like lesions was evaluated in 551 hunted wild boar from 11 different game estates in south-western Spain, with a known history of bTB. Tuberculosis prevalences in each estate were calculated based on the percentage of animals found with bTB-like lesions. The percentage of animals with generalized bTB lesional patterns (bTB lesions in more than one organ) was also assessed. The prevalence of PCV-2 was studied in each estate using a specific PCR assay. The relationship between PCV-2 and bTB prevalences and between PCV-2 infections and the presence of generalized lesional patterns in wild boar were analysed. A statistical relationship between the prevalences of bTB and PCV-2 was found, with bTB prevalences being higher in estates where prevalences of PCV-2 were high. On the other hand, animals infected with PCV-2 were more likely to develop a generalized lesional pattern. Porcine circovirus type 2 prevalences seem to be associated with prevalences of bTB in wild boar. PCV-2 infection may aggravate the development and severity of bTB, favouring the presence of generalized lesional patterns and raising the risk of contagion in these estates. The implementation of sanitary measures that focus on the control of PCV-2 infection may be necessary as a preliminary measure in bTB control programmes for wild boar.

Bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus in an area of portugal: epidemiology, clinical features, and risk factors

The aim of the present study was to analyse the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 225 children observed in a paediatric hospital in Lisbon, Portugal, and to determine the clinical, epidemiological, or laboratory parameters that correlate with greater severity of the disease. This prospective study included hospitalised and ambulatory children younger than 36 months of age with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis and was conducted during two consecutive RSV epidemiological seasons (November-March 2000/01 and 2001/02). The median age of the patients was 5 months, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.6:1. RSV was isolated in 60.9% of patients, predominantly in the hospitalised group. The subtype A:B ratio was 7.4:1 and was similar in both seasons. RSV-positive patients were younger, had more severe clinical forms of bronchiolitis, and fewer changes in leucocyte total and differential counts. Among infected patients, higher clinical severity scores occurred in association with first wheezing episodes, overcrowded households, attendance at day-care centres, or prematurity (<36 weeks). This first prospective study of RSV epidemiology in Portugal provides a foundation for appropriate surveillance programmes of RSV infection in this country. A multicentre study is desirable in order to delineate optimal prophylactic and therapeutic guidelines for RSV infection in Portugal.

Traumatic porencephalic cyst and cholesteatoma of the ear

Porencephalic cyst expanding into the ear is a very rare complication of temporal bone fracture. We report a case of a 20-year-old male who developed a traumatic porencephalic cyst of the temporal lobe expanding into the ear through a tegmen fracture in association with a cholesteatoma. The clinical presentation was otitic meningitis. This occurrence was not encountered in any of the cases reviewed in the literature. The diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment and prognosis of this condition are reviewed.

Upper limit on the diffuse flux of ultrahigh energy tau neutrinos from the Pierre Auger Observatory

The surface detector array of the Pierre Auger Observatory is sensitive to Earth-skimming tau neutrinos that interact in Earth's crust. Tau leptons from nu(tau) charged-current interactions can emerge and decay in the atmosphere to produce a nearly horizontal shower with a significant electromagnetic component. The data collected between 1 January 2004 and 31 August 2007 are used to place an upper limit on the diffuse flux of nu(tau) at EeV energies. Assuming an E(nu)(-2) differential energy spectrum the limit set at 90% C.L. is E(nu)(2)dN(nu)(tau)/dE(nu)<1.3 x 10(-7) GeV cm(-2) s(-1) sr(-1) in the energy range 2 x 10(17) eV< E(nu)< 2 x 10(19) eV.

Soil quality indicators response to application of hydrophilic polymers to a soil from a sulfide mine

In soils impacted by mining activities a vegetal cover is required to protect the site from the erosive forces of water and wind. The success of this objective depends on plant establishment and canopy closure. Polyacryalate polymers aid the growth of crops and indigenous plants in soils from sulfide mines. Soil characteristics change as a consequence of polymer application, but indicators that pinpoint these changes have not been identified yet. Our objectives were to (1) identify the sensitive indicators of changes in soil quality following polymer application, (2) relate these with assessment based on plant growth and soil cover. A mine soil was left unamended or received a characterized polyacrylate, a polyacrylate removed from diapers, or shredded diapers. Biomass of Spergularia purpurea was measured and proportion of soil cover evaluated. Soil enzymes, microbial activity, and respiration were analyzed. Availability of potentially toxic trace elements was estimated by their concentration in shoots. Factor analysis identified three factors that accounted for 94% of the variation in parameters, and the scores separated the four treatments. The indicators with greatest communality were correlated with plant growth and soil cover. The best soil quality indicators were As and Zn in shoots, protease, β-glucosidase, and fructose-induced respiration. It seems that the most important indicators to be used to assess the restoration of sulfide mine soils are those related with bioavailability of trace elements and soil enzymatic activities.

Parotid Salivary Gland Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma in a Big-eared Opossum (Didelphis aurita)

The opossum (family Didelphidae) is a marsupial endemic to the Americas. Apart from the South American short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) and the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), there is considerable lack of knowledge about the health and diseases of most opossum species. Among these, the big-eared opossum (Didelphis aurita) is found in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Natural and experimental studies have shown this species to be susceptible to infectious agents with zoonotic potential and the animals may play a role in transmission of such agents. However, neoplasia appears to be uncommon in this species. We describe the gross, microscopical and immunohistochemical features of a parotid salivary gland basal cell adenocarcinoma in a free-living big-eared opossum. This case represents the first report of salivary gland neoplasia in opossums.

Dental Plaque Disclosing as an Auxiliary Method for Professional Dental Prophylaxis in Early Childhood

Aim

This study aimed to clarify whether dental plaque disclosing before professional prophylaxis would improve the visualization of dental plaque, therefore optimizing the procedure.

Materials and methods

The sample comprised both the smooth and occlusal surfaces of the teeth of 25 children from 18 to 36 months. A randomized crossover clinical trial was conducted with two groups: GI—with disclosing and GII—without disclosing (washout/1 month). The teeth were stained with 1% malachite green solution to assess the amount of dental plaque on smooth and occlusal surfaces.

Results

Dental plaque removal was more effective and statistically faster (391.27 seconds ±142.2) in GI. The plaque index and the prophylaxis duration were inversely related in GI. The child's behavior did not affect the plaque removal effectiveness, regardless of plaque disclosure (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Dental plaque disclosing in young children is an effective and less time-consuming method that improves the quality of the professional dental prophylaxis.

Clinical significance

Biofilm control is important for the success of programs for prevention of early childhood caries (ECC) and considering the particularities inherent to the dental care of infants, it is necessary that periodic professional prophylaxis is effective in eliminating the oral biofilm, ideally reducing chair time. Although dental plaque disclosing has been traditionally performed on educational basis during oral hygiene instruction, this resource can be safely employed to help professional prophylaxis in infants.

How to cite this article

de Alencar CRB, de Oliveira GC, et al. Dental Plaque Disclosing as an Auxiliary Method for Professional Dental Prophylaxis in Early Childhood. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(3):189–193.

Similar antibody response observed in single-dose-vaccination vs. revaccination against Aujeszky's disease in wild boar

Wild boar is an important reservoir of Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV). There is concern that transmission of this virus from wild boar to domestic pigs is possible. The aim of this work was to compare the antibody response produced by single dose of a gE-deleted ADV vaccine in wild boar to revaccinated animals, to assess if simple single-dose vaccination plans should be examined as a possible control measure against ADV in wild boar. Twenty-five wild boar (ages ranging between 2.5 to 5 months) were included in this study and distributed in three different groups: a control group (n = 5), a single-dose group (10 animals vaccinated only with one dose (day 0)) and a revaccinated group [10 animals vaccinated (day 0) and revaccinated (day 28)]. Mean antibody titers against ADV were determined in three groups using an ELISA assay at three different time points [day 0 (pre-vaccination), 28 (post 1st dose) and 56 (post 2nd dose)]. At day 28, single-dose and revaccinated groups showed a significant increment of antibody titers whereas antibodies in the control group remained stable. At day 56, revaccinated animals did not show a significant increment and antibody titers were similar to those found in animals vaccinated with one dose. These results indicate that vaccination with one dose produces a similar early antibody response to revaccination and therefore, should be examined as a possible control measure against ADV in wild boar. Keywords: Aujeszky's disease; serology; vaccination; wild boar.

[Significance of the captopril test in the diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism --apropos of 4 clinical cases]

We describe four cases of primary hyperaldosteronism whose initial presentation was a moderate to severe hypertension. In three patients an adrenal adenoma was found; in another patient was due to unilateral adrenal hyperplasia. A good therapeutic response was achieved in all cases by unilateral adrenalectomy. The captopril test (Lyons version) proved useful to exclude essential hypertension and, may be, in distinguishing the new sub-types of primary hyperaldosteronism recently described. Indeed, only in the case of unilateral adrenal hyperplasia a fall in plasma aldosterone levels was observed. However, we feel that further investigation is needed to clarify this point.