Long-term monitoring programme of polychlorinated dioxins and polychlorinated furans in ambient air of Catalonia, Spain (1994-2015)

Reductions in concentrations of persistent organic pollutants were observed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in a comparison of two consecutive decades ending in December 31, 2015 (n = 413) and compiled from a 48-station long-term air-monitoring network in Catalonia, Spain. Reductions were observed in geometric mean concentration of total PCDD/Fs, decreasing at a rate of 11% yr^-1. Results reflect the relative success of improved pollution control measures at industry and traffic locations. At traffic and industrial locations, PCDD/Fs were reduced by around 68% (from 70 to 22 fg I-TEQ/m³) and 66% (from 57 to 19 fg I-TEQ/m³), respectively. The highest concentration of 1196 fg I-TEQ/m³ was observed during the first decade at an industrial location. The highest concentration over the second decade was at a background location during winter (674 fg I-TEQ/m³). Winter observations are generally higher than those recorded in summer, as evident in an 8-year period of moderate PCDD/F levels (<250 fg I-TEQ/m³, n = 143). PCDD/F congener profiles were identified has having less chlorinated PCDD/F, indicating the presence of nearby combustion sources at selected locations. More long-term sampling campaigns, combined with network optimization and integration into a meteorological model, can offer a tool for future PCDD/Fs control measures in not only Catalonia - but also applicable to other areas.

Morphological transition of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis conidia to yeast cells: in vivo inhibition in females

Clinical paracoccidioidomycosis is 13 times more common in men than in women. Estrogen inhibits the transition of mycelia or conidia (the saprophytic form of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis) to yeasts (the parasitic form) in vitro. Here, we show that, in male mice that were infected intranasally (mimicking natural infection) the transition of conidia in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids to intermediate forms and yeasts occurred over 24 to 96 h; CFU and yeasts (shown by histopathology) increased subsequently. In females, transition did not occur and infection cleared. These events in vivo are consistent with epidemiological and in vitro observations, suggesting that female hormones block transition and are responsible for resistance.

In vitro antifungal activity of novel azole derivatives with a morpholine ring, UR-9746 and UR-9751, and comparison with fluconazole

Thirty-three patient fungal isolates were studied by broth macrodilution methods for susceptibility to novel azole derivatives with a morpholine ring, UR-9746 and UR-9751, and fluconazole. MICs (micrograms/ml) ranged widely, but none had lower MICs for Candida albicans or Cryptococcus neoformans than UR-9751. Fluconazole and UR-9751 had the most activity versus other Candida species. Activity was demonstrated versus endemic fungal pathogens. Aspergillus species were generally resistant, although modest activity was seen. UR-9746 and UR-9751 are active in vitro, with a potency comparable to that of fluconazole.

Activity of the triazole SCH 56592 against disseminated murine coccidioidomycosis

SCH 56592 (SCH) is a new triazole antifungal with a broad spectrum of activity. In vitro susceptibility testing against five strains of Coccidioides immitis revealed MICs from 0.39 to 3.13 microg/ml and minimal fungicidal concentrations from 1.56 to 3.13 microg/ml. A murine model of systemic coccidioidomycosis was established in female CD-1 mice. Groups received either no treatment or oral therapy with fluconazole at 10 or 100 mg/kg of body weight; itraconazole at 10 or 100 mg/kg; SCH at 0.5, 2, 10, or 25 mg/kg; or its methylcellulose diluent alone. Therapy began 2 days postinfection and continued once daily for 19 days. Surviving mice were euthanized 49 days postinfection, and infectious burdens were determined by culture. All drugs were superior to no-treatment or diluent-treatment controls (P < 0.001) in prolonging survival but were not significantly different from one another. Itraconazole at 100 mg/kg was superior to fluconazole in reduction of CFU in the spleen, liver, and lung (P < 0.01 to 0.001). SCH at 0.5 mg/kg was superior to either fluconazole or itraconazole at 10 mg/kg in reduction of CFU in all three organs (P < 0.05 to 0.001). SCH at 2 mg/kg was not significantly different from itraconazole at 100 mg/kg in all three organs. SCH at 10 and 25 mg/kg was superior to either dose of fluconazole or itraconazole in all three organs (P < 0.05 to 0.001). In terms of reduction of CFU, SCH was > or = 200-fold as potent as fluconazole and > or = 50-fold as potent as itraconazole. There was a clear dose-responsive relationship for SCH in each of the organs. It is noteworthy that SCH effected cures (no detectable C. immitis in any organ) in 1 of 9, 6 of 10, or 9 of 9 surviving mice in animals given 2, 10, or 25 mg/kg, respectively. Neither fluconazole nor itraconazole cured any survivor. SCH has potent, fungicidal activity in vivo against C. immitis. It should be considered for clinical trials in patients with coccidioidomycosis.