Development and validation of a minimally invasive and image-guided tape stripping method to sample atopic skin in children

BACKGROUND

Molecular skin profiling techniques, typically performed on skin samples taken by punch biopsy, have enhanced the understanding of the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD), thereby enabling the development of novel targeted therapeutics. However, punch biopsies are not always feasible or desirable, and novel minimally invasive methods such as skin tape stripping have been developed.

AIM

To develop, optimize and validate a novel tape stripping method guided by noninvasive in vivo skin imaging to sample atopic skin in children.

METHODS

Skin tape stripping-based procedures were compared and optimized using data from 30 healthy controls (HCs: 5 adults, 25 children) and 39 atopic children. Evaluations were guided by high-resolution photography, reflectance confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography and transepidermal water loss measurements. We assessed and compared adverse events (AEs), the time needed to perform the sampling and the cDNA levels obtained from the tapes.

RESULTS

Tape stripping methods based on previously described protocols resulted in erosions in all participants and required a median time of 65 min to perform (range 60-70 min), but provided good cDNA yield. Shorter durations appeared less invasive but provided lower cDNA yield. The final optimized tape stripping protocol, using 11 tapes of 22 mm in diameter, each applied twice for 5 s with 90° rotation, did not produce significant AEs, was completed within a median time of 7 min (range 5-15 min) and provided good cDNA yield both in HCs and atopic children.

CONCLUSION

Our minimally invasive method is safe and reliable, and provides reproducible acquisition of cDNA in atopic children. In addition, it enables rapid sample collection, a crucial factor in clinical practice.

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium caprae in a camel (Camelus dromedarius)

BACKGROUND

Animal tuberculosis (TB) is distributed worldwide and has a wide range of wild and domestic reservoirs. Few studies concerning TB in camelids have been published in the last decade, particularly as regards Old World Camelids (OWC), but the increase in reports of TB outbreaks in these species in recent years suggests a high susceptibility to the infection.

CASE PRESENTATION

We studied a dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) herd (n = 24) in which a Mycobacterium caprae infection was detected. The TB infection was confirmed in one animal at necropsy through the detection of TB lesions, mainly in the abdominal organs, and the subsequent isolation of M. caprae (SB0157 spoligotype). The whole herd was additionally tested using cellular and humoral based diagnostic techniques. The intradermal tuberculin test results were compared with those obtained using P22 ELISA for the detection of specific antibodies against the M. tuberculosis complex. The TB infected animal was a positive reactor to both the intradermal tuberculin tests and P22 ELISA, while the others were negative to all the diagnostic tests.

CONCLUSION

The present study found M. caprae infection in OWC. This is the first report of M. caprae infection in an OWC not living in a zoo. Since the animal was born in the herd and fed with goat's milk, this practice was suspected to be the potential source of TB infection, which was not confirmed in the other animals present in the herd. Moreover, our results highlight that the intradermal tuberculin test and the P22 ELISA could be valuable tools for the diagnosis of TB in OWC.

Dual antifungal activity against Candida albicans of copper metallic nanostructures and hierarchical copper oxide marigold-like nanostructures grown in situ in the culture medium

AIMS

This study aimed to determine in vitro activity of copper nanoparticles and copper nanowires against Candida albicans strains and to assess their effects on morphology and submicron structure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The microdilution method determined the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and copper nanowires (CuNWs) against three strains of C. albicans: ATCC 10231 and two clinical strains (C and E). Effects on the morphology and ultrastructure of C. albicans strains were examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. MIC for CuNPs was 129·7 µg ml^-1 for strain ATCC 10231, 1037·5 µg ml^-1 for strain C and 518·8 µg ml^-1 for strain E. MIC for CuNWs was similar for all strains tested (260·3 µg ml^-1 ). SEM and TEM studies showed alterations in morphology, cell wall and the complete collapse of the yeast after incubation with CuNPs. In contrast, most of the yeast cells maintained their structure with an intact cell wall, and only decreased the number and size of fimbriae when C. albicans was exposed to CuNWs. CuNPs and CuNWs formed hierarchical copper oxide nanostructures growing in situ in the culture medium. Results suggest a dual mechanism for antifungal activity: (i) free Cu²⁺ ions act as a biocide, (ii) sharp edges of marigold-like petal nanostructures could injure the cellular wall and membrane and cause the death of the yeast.

CONCLUSIONS

CuNPs and CuNWs inhibited the growth of the three strains of C. albicans tested. Moreover, CuNPs disrupted cell wall with leakage of the cytoplasmic content. Each concentration of the series used for the determination of the activity of CuNPs and nanowires against C. albicans formed copper oxide marigold-like nanostructures.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study suggests that CuNPs and CuNWs are good candidates for formulating new therapeutic agents for candidiasis.

Synthesis and Characterisation of Acrylic Resin-Al Powder Composites Suitable for Additive Manufacturing

Stereolithography is an additive manufacturing technology commonly used to build either prototypes or final parts. Nevertheless, the manufacture of structural parts has been ruled out owing to the poor mechanical properties of conventional UV-curable resins. Moreover, the inventory of available commercial resins is still limited and they exhibit low thermal and electrical conductivity values. In this work, some composite materials were designed using Al microparticles dispersed within an SLA commercial resin matrix. These composites overcame the difficulties caused by the light scattering effect during the photopolymerisation process in the SLA technology. Dispersion of the filler was characterised by means of SEM/EDX and AFM. The composites exhibited improved thermal and mechanical behaviour in comparison with the pristine resin. The simplicity of the synthesis method used to prepare the composites provides a convenient starting point to explore new ways of designing composites for SLA with improved mechanical and functional properties.

Non-invasive clinical and microscopic evaluation of the response to treatment with clobetasol cream vs. calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate foam in mild to moderate plaque psoriasis: an investigator-initiated, phase IV, unicentric, open, randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Treatment response for psoriasis is typically evaluated using clinical scores. However, patients can relapse after clinical clearance, suggesting persistent inflammation. Dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) can non-invasively improve treatment response assessment.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the clinical and non-invasive microscopic features in a psoriatic target lesion treated with clobetasol cream or calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate foam (Cal/BD foam).

METHODS

Prospective, unicentric, open, randomized clinical trial comparing clinical data [total clinical score (TCS)] and microscopic data (dermoscopy, RCM and OCT) in psoriasis patients treated with clobetasol or Cal/BD foam.

RESULTS

We included 36 adult patients (22 men). At week 4, more patients treated with Cal/BD foam achieved TCS ≤1 than with clobetasol (63.2% vs. 18.8%, P = 0.016). Treatment satisfaction was higher with Cal/BD foam (P < 0.03). Microscopically, Cal/BD foam induced more reduction in epidermal thickness at week 4 (P < 0.049). Dilated horizontal blood vessels were more common with clobetasol than with Cal/BD foam at week 8 (69.2% vs. 31.2%, P = 0.159). If epidermal hyperplasia was noted at baseline, the response was poorer with clobetasol (P = 0.029).

LIMITATIONS

Small sample size, open study, imaging sampling bias.

CONCLUSION

Cal/BD foam is more effective than clobetasol, has better patient satisfaction and induces greater reduction in the hyperkeratosis/acanthosis, regardless of baseline epidermal hyperplasia.

Specificity of serological test for detection of tuberculosis in cattle, goats, sheep and pigs under different epidemiological situations

BACKGROUND

Serum antibody detection has potential as a complementary diagnostic tool in animal tuberculosis (TB) control, particularly in multi-host systems. The objective of the present study was to assess the specificity (Sp) of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the new multiprotein complex P22 for the detection of specific antibodies against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) in the four most relevant domestic animals acting as MTC hosts: cattle, goat, sheep and pig. We used sera from an officially TB-free (OTF) country, Norway, and from a non-OTF one, Spain. The samples included sera from goats that had been vaccinated against M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and sheep from a herd in which Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis had been isolated.

RESULTS

In cattle, the Sp ranged from 92.5 (IC95% 90.7-94) to 99.4% (IC95% 98.3-99.8) depending on the cut-off used and the origin of the samples (Spain or Norway). Sp in cattle (cut-off point 100) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for Norwegian samples. By contrast, Sp in goats was consistently low at the 100 cut-off [30.9 (CI95%23.4-39.5)-78% (CI95% 68.9-85)]. A higher cut-off of 150 improved Sp in Norwegian goats [97% (CI95% 91.6-99)], but still yielded a poor Sp of 56.1% (CI95% 47.3-64.6) in Spanish goats. In Norway at the 100 cut-off the Sp was 58.3 (CI95% 42.2-72.9) and 90.6% (CI95% 81-95.6) in MAP vaccinated and non-vaccinated goats, respectively, indicating interference due to MAP vaccination. Sp in sheep was between 94.4 (CI95% 91.7-96.3) and 100% (CI95% 96.3-100) depending on the cut-off and country, and no diagnostic interference due to infection with C. pseudotuberculosis was recorded. Sp in pigs was 100%, regardless the cut-off point applied, and no significant differences were observed between pigs from Norway and from Spain.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to its excellent Sp in pigs and acceptable Sp in cattle and sheep, this ELISA may constitute a suitable option for TB screening at herd level, particularly in OTF-countries.

A new test to detect antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in red deer serum

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) farming is a growing economic activity worldwide. However, the capacity of this species to act as reservoir of animal tuberculosis (TB) poses a threat to other wildlife and to livestock. Diagnostic assay accuracy in this species is therefore highly relevant for prevention and control measures. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the protein complex P22, obtained from Mycobacterium bovis derived purified protein derivative (bPPD), as a candidate antigen for the detection of antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). We assessed the performance of this new antigen in indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in TB-positive and TB-negative red deer, in comparison with a bPPD-based ELISA. The P22 ELISA achieved a higher specificity (Sp) and similar sensitivity (Se) in comparison with the bPPD ELISA at all the cut-off points considered. The P22 ELISA yielded optimal Sp (99.02%; 95% confidence intervals [CI_95%]: 96.5-99.8) and appropriate Se (70.1%; CI_95%: 63.6-76) at the selected cut-off point of 100%. These results suggest that P22 can be used as an alternative antigen in the immunodiagnosis of animal TB through the use of an ELISA-type detection of antibodies against MTC in red deer, thus contributing to the diagnosis of animal TB in this species as a measure for further disease prevention and control programs.

Characterization of ten white matter tracts in a representative sample of Cuban population

Background

The diffusion tensor imaging technique (DTI) combined with tractography methods, has achieved the tridimensional reconstruction of white matter tracts in the brain. It allows their characterization in vivo in a non-invasive way. However, one of the largest sources of variability originates from the location of regions of interest, is therefore necessary schemes which make it possible to establish a protocol to be insensitive to variations in drawing thereof. The purpose of this paper is to stablish a reliable protocol to reconstruct ten prominent tracts of white matter and characterize them according to volume, fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity. Also we explored the relationship among these factors with gender and hemispheric symmetry.

Methods

This study aims to characterize ten prominent tracts of white matter in a representative sample of Cuban population using this technique, including 84 healthy subjects. Diffusion tensors and subsequently fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity maps were calculated from each subject’s DTI scans. The trajectory of ten brain tracts was estimated by using deterministic tractography methods of fiber tracking. In such tracts, the volume, the FA and MD were calculated, creating a reference for their study in the Cuban population. The interactions between these variables with age, cerebral hemispheres and gender factors were explored using Repeated Measure Analysis of Variance.

Results

The volume values showed that a most part of tracts have bigger volume in left hemisphere. Also, the data showed bigger values of MD for males than females in all the tracts, an inverse behavior than FA values.

Conclusions

This work showed that is possible reconstruct white matter tracts using a unique region of interest scheme defined from standard to native space. Also, this study indicates differing developmental trajectories in white matter for males and females and the importance of taking gender into account in developmental DTI studies and in underlie gender-related cognitive differences.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12880-016-0163-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Fatal Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae septicemia in two Atlantic dolphins (Stenella frontalis and Tursiops truncatus)

We describe gross, histopathologic, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical, and microbiologic features of acute septicemia by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in an Atlantic spotted dolphin Stenella frontalis and an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus. Generalized lymphadenomegaly and widespread hemorrhages were the most consistent macroscopic findings. Tricavitary effusion and icterus were noted in one individual. Histologically, all organs examined showed numerous variably sized bacillary bacterial emboli (Gram-positive; Ziehl-Neelsen-negative), typically associated with systemic congestion, edema, hemorrhages, and fibrinocellular thrombi. These bacteria were frequently intravascular, either extracellular or intramonocytic/macrophagic, and to a lesser extent, free within the interstitium of parenchymal organs. In both cases, microbiological analysis yielded E. rhusiopathiae. A primary anti-E. rhusiopathiae antibody created in mice from one of the strains isolated allowed positive immunohistochemical detection. Electron microscopy and dual immunohistochemistry with lysozyme and MAC387 antibodies confirmed the intramacrophagic location of the bacilli. E. rhusiopathiae, a known multispecies and zoonotic agent, should be considered as a potential etiologic agent in septicemia cases in free-ranging individuals of these dolphin species.

Host switching in cowbird brood parasites: how often does it occur?

Avian obligate brood parasites lay their eggs in nests of host species, which provide all parental care. Brood parasites may be host specialists, if they use one or a few host species, or host generalists, if they parasitize many hosts. Within the latter, strains of host-specific females might coexist. Although females preferentially parasitize one host, they may occasionally successfully parasitize the nest of another species. These host switching events allow the colonization of new hosts and the expansion of brood parasites into new areas. In this study, we analyse host switching in two parasitic cowbirds, the specialist screaming cowbird (Molothrus rufoaxillaris) and the generalist shiny cowbird (M. bonariensis), and compare the frequency of host switches between these species with different parasitism strategies. Contrary to expected, host switches did not occur more frequently in the generalist than in the specialist brood parasite. We also found that migration between hosts was asymmetrical in most cases and host switches towards one host were more recurrent than backwards, thus differing among hosts within the same species. This might depend on a combination of factors including the rate at which females lay eggs in nests of alternative hosts, fledging success of the chicks in this new host and their subsequent success in parasitizing it.

[Therapeutic options for renal graft tumors]

Renal graft neoplasias are a rare complication,possibly due to the immunosuppressive therapy itself and increased susceptibility to potentially oncogenic viruses. Few case series have been reported in the literature on the treatment of such tumors, so far there is no clear consensus on how to deal with them. We conducted an exhaustive review of the literature to examine the treatment performed by different authors.

Natronococcus roseus sp. nov., a haloalkaliphilic archaeon from a hypersaline lake

A novel halophilic archaeon, strain CG-1(T), belonging to the genus Natronococcus was isolated from sediment of the soda lake Chagannor in Inner Mongolia, China. The colonies of this strain were pink pigmented, the intensity of the colour decreased when the cells grew at salt saturation levels. The cells were non-motile cocci and strictly aerobic. Hypotonic treatment did not cause cell lysis, even in distilled water. Strain CG-1(T) grew at 15-30.0 % (w/v) NaCl and at 30-50 °C and pH 8.0-11.0, with optimal growth occurring at 25-30 % (w/v) NaCl, 37-45 °C and pH 9-9.5. MgCl(2) was not required for growth. Strain CG-1(T) was most closely related to the type strains of Natronococcus amylolyticus Ah-36(T), Natronococcus jeotgali B1(T) and Natronococcus occultus SP4(T), with which it shared 98.4 %, 96.2 and 95.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively. The polar lipids consisted of C(20)C(20) and C(20)C(25) derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP-Me) and minor phospholipid components. No glycolipids were detected. The DNA G+C content of strain CG-1(T) was 62.1 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization with N. amylolyticus DSM 10524(T), phylogenetically the most closely related species, was 39 %; this value showed that strain CG-1(T) constituted a different genospecies. The comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences, detailed phenotypic characterization, polar lipid profile and DNA-DNA hybridization studies revealed that strain CG-1(T) belongs to the genus Natronococcus and constitutes a novel species for which the name Natronococcus roseus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CG-1(T) (=CECT 7984(T)=IBRC-M 10656(T)=JCM 17958(T)).

Size and surface effects in the magnetic properties of maghemite and magnetite coated nanoparticles

An increasing number of promising applications for future technology is arising from size constraints in nanoparticles (NPs) and from the chemical manipulation of their surfaces. In this work, we analyse the finite-size and surface effects on polyacrylic acid-coated Fe(3)O(4) NPs and oleic acid-coated gamma-Fe(2)O(3) NPs by studying their magnetization curves at different temperatures. The measured thermal dependence of the saturation magnetization is no longer explained by the typical T(3/2) Bloch law, yielding higher values than those expected for its exponent. When incorporated in polymeric matrixes to form magnetic transparent nanocomposites, the oleic acid-coated gamma-Fe(2)O(3) NPs also deviate from Bloch's law, but following the opposite trend observed in free coated NPs.

Detection of the floR gene in a diversity of florfenicol resistant Gram-negative bacilli from freshwater salmon farms in Chile

Florfenicol is an important antibiotic in veterinary medicine that is used extensively in aquaculture, including salmon farming in Chile. We analysed a set of 119 florfenicol-resistant Gram-negative bacilli from seven freshwater Chilean salmon farms for the molecular determinants involved in the florfenicol resistance. Ninety-seven of these strains were glucose non-fermenting bacilli, mainly belonging to the Pseudomonas genus, whereas 22 strains were glucose-fermenters. The floR gene was detected in 26 strains (21.8%) that had been isolated from three of the seven salmon farms. Most of the floR-carrying strains were glucose fermenters (21 strains), and most of the floR-carrying strains were also resistant to streptomycin, chloramphenicol and oxytetracycline. The minimum inhibitory concentrations against florfenicol were assessed in the presence and absence of the efflux pump inhibitor Phe-Arg-beta-naphthylamide (MC-207,110). There was evidence that in the majority of non-fermenting bacteria (82 strains), florfenicol resistance was at least partially mediated by non-specific efflux pump systems. Given the diversity of antibiotic resistance patterns observed in this study in the floR-positive isolates, a single antibiotic has the potential to co-select for a diversity of resistances. For this reason, human health as well as animal health can potentially be impacted by the use of antibiotics in aquaculture. To assess this potential risk, future studies should focus on the ability of different antibiotics used in aquatic environments to co-select for multiple resistances, the molecular basis of this diversity of resistance, and whether the genes conferring resistance can be transferred to other bacteria, including those of human health concern.

Mortality of COPD patients infected with multi-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a case and control study

BACKGROUND

The incidence of infections caused by multiresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRP) is increasing, especially in critically ill patients. The relevance of MDRP in the prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) acute exacerbation in patients admitted to the hospital's general ward is not well known.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Case and control study. Cases were patients admitted for COPD acute exacerbation in which a MDRP was isolated from spontaneous sputum. MDRP was defined as the absence of susceptibility to three or more antibiotic families (betalactams, quinolones, carbapenems and aminoglycosides). Patients currently or previously admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), who had a recent surgery, neoplasia or immunosuppressive treatment were excluded from the study. Patients from the control group were admitted for COPD acute exacerbation and matched 1:1 with each case-patient in terms of age, sex, date of admission and degree of airway obstruction. Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptible to all antimicrobials or other microorganisms was isolated from sputum.

RESULTS

During the study period (2000-2005), 50 case-patients and 50 controls were included. Crude mortality at 2 years was 60% for the case-patients and 28% for the control group. In the logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, FEV(1) and number of previous hospital admissions, MDRP infection was associated to an increased mortality in comparison to patients without MDRP (OR = 6.2; IC 95%: 1.7-22.1; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In COPD patients admitted to the general ward, acute exacerbation with MDRP in sputum was associated with higher mortality.

Maghemite-silica nanocomposites: sol-gel processing enhancement of the magneto-optical response

The preparation and processing of maghemite-silica gel nanocomposites have been investigated in order to maximize their magneto-optical response for magnetic field sensing applications. In situ precipitation of maghemite nanoparticles from an iron salt precursor during the sol-gel processing of the silica matrix has been carried out while controlling the time, temperature, and environment at each step of the whole process. In this paper, the nanostructural, magnetic, and magneto-optical properties of these materials are correlated with the processing path followed, from the starting sol to the partially densified monolith. Results demonstrate that introducing a washing treatment prevents the formation of hematite phase as well as an excessive particle agglomeration. Different processing conditions of identical sols may lead to nanocomposites with a Verdet constant at low magnetic fields (0.01 T) ranging from 200 to 950 rad T(-1) m(-1), which is the typical value of commercial terbium gallium garnets used in Faraday rotators.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate interferes with mast cell adhesiveness, migration and its potential to recruit monocytes

Mast cells are multipotent effector cells of the immune system. They are able to induce and enhance angiogenesis via multiple pathways. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea and a putative chemopreventive agent, was reported to inhibit tumor invasion and angiogenesis, processes that are essential for tumor growth and metastasis. Using the human mast cell line HMC-1 and commercial cDNA macroarrays, we evaluated the effect of EGCG on the expression of angiogenesis-related genes. Our data show that among other effects, EGCG treatment reduces expression of two integrins (alpha5 and beta3) and a chemokine (MCP1), resulting in a lower adhesion of mast cells associated with a decreased potential to produce signals eliciting monocyte recruitment. These effects on gene expression levels are functionally validated by showing inhibitory effects in adhesion, aggregation, migration and recruitment assays.

Spanish version of the Family Interview for Genetic Studies (FIGS)

INTRODUCTION

The use of the Family Interview for Genetic Studies (FIGS), has made it possible to advance in the performance of family studies for research in genetic psychiatry. This study aimed to adapt this interview into Spanish and develop a validation process of the FIGS in a sample of Cuban families with a family background of schizophrenia.

METHODS

The English version of the FIGS was translated into Spanish and was used in this study. The content was validated through the consensus score of several referees. The questionnaire was administered to at least two informants of 146 families of patients diagnosed of schizophrenia. Internal consistency of the items was analyzed, calculating Pearson's correlation coefficients and Cronbach's alpha of the FIGS and reliability.

RESULTS

In general the Spanish version of the FIGS interview was found to be useful. Internal consistency of the FIGS as measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficient has been found to be 0.92 for depression, 0.99 for mania; 0.94 for psychosis, 0.94 for alcohol and drugs and 0.97 for personality disorders, which indicates values having satisfactory reliability. In addition, Pearson's correlation coefficient varied from the 0.41 to 0.99 for the different lists of symptoms mentioned above and all were statistically significant (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This questionnaire is reliable and valid for gathering diagnostic information about relatives of probands and thus suitable for use in genetic studies of Cuban families with a history of schizophrenia.

[Impact of several illnesses on health related quality of life on workers]

FOUNDATION AND OBJECTIVE: To make a comparative study of the degree of impact of different diseases in the health related quality of life (HRQoL) of workers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A questionnaire including the measure of HRQoL SF-36, was sent by mail and fulfilled by employees of the Pfizer company in Spain. Differences in the impact in HRQoL between subjects with and without several characteristics, with less or more degree of work productivity and with and without antecedents of several diseases and current treatment, were assessed by means of statistical tests of U Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis.

RESULTS

In a sample of 399 valuable subjects, 35.8+/-6.5 years (mean+/-standard deviation), with a 63.7% of men, worst HRQoL scores in the Physical Summary Component of SF-36 were observed among subjects with history of some disease (52.6+/-5.9 days versus 55.9+/-2.6), migraine (46.2+/-5.9 versus 54.7+/-4.1), musculoskeletal (49.7+/-7.2 versus 53.9+/-5.1) and digestive diseases (51.5+/-6.6 versus 54.1+/-4.9), and/or taking some current treatment (50.2+/-6.4 versus 55.0+/-4.4); p <0.05 for all comparisons. In the Physical Summary Component of SF-36 worst HRQoL scores were observed among subjects with history of some disease (51.4+/-7.1 versus 53.4+/-5.9), digestive (49.9+/-8.3 versus 52.5+/-6.3) and mental disorders (46.0+/-8.8 versus 52.4+/-6.4); p <0.05 for all comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of the disease in the HRQoL was associated to the type of pathological antecedents, being migraine that hit more negatively in the Physical Health, and mental disorders in the Mental Health.

Clonal plasma cells from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukemia show different expression profiles of molecules involved in the interaction with the immunological bone marrow microenvironment

The immunological bone marrow (BM) microenvironment plays a major role in controlling growth and survival of clonal plasma cells (PC); this might translate into different patterns of expression of molecules involved in immune responses on PC from different types of monoclonal gammopathies (MG). We have studied the expression of a group of nine such molecules on both BMPC and the plasma of 61 newly diagnosed MG patients (30 MG of undetermined significance (MGUS), 27 multiple myeloma (MM) and four plasma cell leukemia (PCL)) and five normal individuals. Clonal PC from all MG displayed significantly increased levels of CD56, CD86 and CD126, and decreased amounts of CD38 (P<0.001). Additionally, HLA-I and beta2-microglobulin were abnormally highly expressed in MGUS, while CD40 expression was decreased in MM and PCL (P<0.05). Interestingly, a progressive increase in the soluble levels of beta2-microglobulin was found from MGUS to MM and PCL patients (P=0.03). In contrast, all groups showed similar surface and soluble amounts of CD126, CD130 and CD95, except for increased soluble levels of CD95 observed in PCL. Overall, those phenotypic differences are consistent with increased antigen presentation and costimulatory capacities in MGUS, which progressively deteriorate in malignant MG (MM and PCL).

Development of high-frequency true-linear generator for electrochemical purposes

A new design for a true-linear generator suitable for electrochemical measures is presented. The main component of generation system is an MAX038 chip, a high-frequency relaxation-type oscillator. The design is completed with a digital interface for computer control and an output stage to make signal suitable for cyclic voltammetry experiments. A digital circuit is also included to obtain single sweep signals by isolating one period or a half-period from continuous original output. Performance of presented generator is tested up to 1 MV s(-1) obtaining good stability and linearity.

Molecular Characterization of Tobacco leaf rugose virus, a New Begomovirus Infecting Tobacco in Cuba

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is the main raw material for the cigar industry and one of the most important crops in Cuba comprising 49,654 ha. During the past 20 years, foliar rugosity and stunting symptoms have been observed in several tobacco producing areas. These symptoms were correlated with the presence of typical geminivirus nuclear inclusions and the transmission of the causal agent by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Genn) (1). To identify the suspect geminivirus, diseased leaf samples were collected in Havana province in 2000 and 2001. Sap extracts or leaf pieces were used to inoculate healthy tomato and tobacco plants by mechanical and graft inoculation procedures. Characteristic symptoms were reproduced in tobacco plants only by grafting (8 to 10 plants). DNA extracts from symptomatic plants were analyzed by Southern blot and polymerase chain reaction. The presence of a bipartite begomovirus was supported by the observation of hybridization signals (1.6 kb to 3 kb) at low stringency to probes derived from DNA-A and DNA-B of Taino tomato mottle virus. Furthermore, typical begomovirus amplicons of approximately 1.4 kb and 1.2 kb were amplified using the primer sets PAL1v1978-PAR1c715 and PAL1c1960-PAR1v722 (2), respectively. Amplicons were cloned, and their nucleotide sequences (nt) obtained from two clones each. Sequence for component A was assembled, and some fragments were compared with those for other begomoviruses using CLUSTAL W. For the CP gene (756 nt) (GenBank Accession No. AJ488768), the comparison revealed the highest percentages of nt identity with Sida golden mosaic virus from Florida (SiGMV-F, GenBank Accession No. AF049336) (86%), Tomato mottle virus (GenBank Accession No. L14460) (83.5%), and the yellow vein strain of Sida golden mosaic virus from Honduras (GenBank Accession No. Y11099) (83.3%). In addition, the percentages of nt identity obtained using the core region (a 540-nt fragment located between positions 147 and 687) of the CP gene from the tobacco virus were calculated. The best scores were as follows: SiGMV-F, 87.8%; Jatropha mosaic virus (JMV) from Puerto Rico (GenBank Accession No. AF058025), 86.9%; and Tomato rugose mosaic virus (GenBank Accession No. AF291705), 86.3%. Finally, comparisons of the common region (CR, 144 nt) revealed the highest values with JMV from Jamaica (JMV-JM) DNA-A and DNA-B (GenBank Accession Nos. AF324410 and AF324411; 89% and 91.1%, respectively). Interestingly, the CR analysis revealed the presence of the Ori-associated iterative motif GGGGT, which is the same in the CR of JMV-JM. Although the data suggest that the tobacco begomovirus is related to the JMV-JM isolate, it is a new species, and the name of Tobacco leaf rugose virus (TbLRV) is proposed. References: (1) S. Quintero and J. Santiesteban, Agrotec. Cuba 11(1), 1979. (2) M. R. Rojas et al. Plant Dis. 77:340, 1993.

BHV-1 DNA vaccination: effect of the adjuvant RN-205 on the modulation of the immune response in mice

It is well documented that adjuvants improve the immune response generated by traditional viral vaccines, but less is known about the effects of adjuvants on the immune response elicited by DNA vaccines. In this study, we have investigated the use of RN-205 (immunomodulator containing a membrane rich in lipopolysaccharide from gram-negative bacteria) as an adjuvant and analyzed the humoral and cellular specific immune responses elicited by DNA vaccines based on the bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) glycoprotein D (gD). The comparison of the antibody response induced in mice by a mixture of the three different versions of DNA gD (membrane-anchored, secreted and cytosolic) formulated with or without RN-205 showed that the immunomodulator did not affect the total specific humoral response. The cellular immune response induced in mice immunized with vaccines plus RN-205 was higher than that obtained in mice vaccinated without RN-205, not only in the indexes of proliferation tests but in the number of IL-4 and gammaIFN secreting cells. When total spleen cells were marked with specific monoclonal antibodies against surface markers, a significant increase in the macrophage population of all the groups receiving RN-205 was observed. CD8 and CD4 positive cells were also increased but to a lesser extent. Our results indicate that the incorporation of RN-205 into DNA vaccines induces an increase of the cellular specific immune response in mice.

[Comparison of different detection methods for methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus]

The investigation of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious problem for the physician and microbiologist. Accurate and rapid detection is essential for the use of appropriate antimicrobial therapy and for the control of nosocomial spread of the resistant strain. The performance characteristics of the MicroScan Overnight Conventional Pos Combo 12 panels (MOCP), BBL Crystal MRSA ID (CR), E-test and agar screen plate (Muller Hinton agar with oxacillin 6 micrograms/ml and 4% NaCl) (AS) were evaluated for the detection of oxacillin resistance. Thirty S. aureus clinically significant strains with different PFGE (Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis) banding pattern were tested, and 22 of them were mecA positive by PCR. These strains were also analyzed by mecA and Tn554 polymorphism. All mecA positive strains were classified as methicillin resistant by MOCP and E-test. CR and AS failed to detect oxacillin resistance in 2 strains. One false positive was only detected by E-test. Accurate testing for the presence of MRSA may reduce the need for empiric therapy with vancomycin for patients with staphylococcal infections. According to our results the best performance was obtained with MOCP. However, as a rapid method, CR gave acceptable sensitivity for clinical purposes.

Leishmania immune adherence reaction in vertebrates

In normal human blood, C3-opsonized Leishmania promastigotes immune adhere to erythrocytes, a mechanism believed to enhance their clearance from blood and phagocytosis. Given the potential importance of this reaction in host defence against infection, the promastigote-erythrocyte interaction was studied in blood of individuals from one avian and 12 mammalian genera; [111In]-labelled promastigotes were found to bind only to primate erythrocytes. Nevertheless, previous experiments coincubating platelets isolated from nonprimate mammals with C3-opsonized promastigotes led to promastigote-platelet adherence. To ascertain whether this is a natural mechanism in nonprimate Leishmania infection, normal blood from members of Leishmania animal models of interest, dog, guinea-pig, hamster, mouse and rabbit, was infected ex vivo with promastigotes. Within 1 min of blood contact, the promastigote surface was loaded with platelets, rapidly evolving into large aggregates. These results confirm the physiological nature of the reaction and demonstrate that promastigote-erythrocyte and promastigote-platelet binding are the first parasite-host cell encounters after Leishmania invasion of primates and nonprimate mammals, respectively. Leishmania immune adherence shares the characteristics of the nonanticipatory immune systems, and we consider it should be viewed as an innate vertebrate host effector mechanism.