Drought memory in Acanthostachys strobilacea, a CAM epiphytic bromeliad

Stress memory is the development of altered responses to stress due to previous exposure, which might result in increased tolerance. Biochemical and physiological parameters shown to be positively affected by stress memory include those of the antioxidant and nitrosative metabolism, photosynthetic pigments and osmolyte content. Epiphytic bromeliads likely present stress memory since they experience frequent droughts in the canopies. Thus, we aimed to evaluate if the epiphytic bromeliad Acanthostachys strobilacea (Schult. & Schult.f.) Klotzsch shows improved metabolic stress defence responses to a second drought and rewatering cycle compared to a single exposure. In a controlled environment chamber, 90-day-old plants were exposed to one or two drought-rewatering cycles of 14 days without irrigation and 5 days of rewatering each. Sampling occurred after the final drought and rewatering periods for one or two cycles treatments. The free amino acid, chlorophyll, and carotenoid levels and S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) activity were higher at the second drought than at the first exposure. The rise in nocturnal acidification (indicative of increased CAM activity) caused by the initial drought persisted through the second drought-rewatering cycle, implying a lasting memory effect on CAM activity. Furthermore, the second recovery did not induce glutathione accumulation, as in the first rewatering event, suggesting the pre-exposure to drought reduced this thiol's demand during a later recovery. Our results evidence metabolic changes related to drought stress memory in A. strobilacea, supporting this mechanism might be involved in the tolerance of epiphytic bromeliads to intermittent droughts.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination across a cascade of knowledge, willingness, and uptake among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Canada's three largest cities

BACKGROUND

Some Canadian jurisdictions offer publicly funded HPV vaccine to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) aged ≤26 years. We characterized factors associated with being in different stages of HPV vaccination.

METHODS

Engage is a sexual health study of GBM in the three largest Canadian cities recruited via respondent driven sampling (RDS). We categorized participants as: (1) unaware of HPV vaccine, (2) undecided/unwilling to get vaccinated, (3) willing to get vaccinated, (4) vaccinated with one or more doses. Our RDS-II weighted analyses used multinomial logistic regression to identify factors associated with being in earlier stages of the cascade compared to Stage 4.

RESULTS

Across the cities, 26-40%, 7-14%, 33-39%, and 13-28% were in Stages 1 to 4, respectively. Compared to Stage 4, being in earlier stages of the cascade was associated with bisexual-identification (Stage 1: adjusted odds ratio[aOR] = 2.84, 95% confidence interval[CI] = 1.06-7.62; Stage 2: aOR = 3.09, 95%CI = 1.19-8.05), having immigrated to Canada (Stage 1: aOR = 1.79, 95%CI 1.07-2.99), preference to keep same-sex romantic relationships private (Stage 1: aOR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.05-1.48; Stage 2: aOR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.05-1.46), not receiving sexual health information (Stage 1: aOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.13-0.71; Stage 2: aOR = 0.27, 95%CI = 0.12-0.64), not accessing a health-care provider (Stage 2: aOR = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.15-0.83), and no past hepatitis A/B vaccination (Stage 1: aOR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.09-0.30; Stage 2: aOR = 0.18, 95%CI = 0.09-0.35; Stage 3: aOR = 0.38, 95%CI = 0.21-0.61).

DISCUSSION

Interventions are needed to reduce social and financial barriers, increase sexual health knowledge, and improve GBM-competent health-care access to increase vaccine uptake among GBM.

Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of the Lateral Malleolus Treated with Intralesional Curettage and Masquelet Technique: A Case Report

An aneurysmal bone cyst is a locally destructive lesion considered to be a pseudotumor arising from the bone. Although this benign-like lesion is generally considered rare, several approaches for treatment have been presented. We report a case involving a 15-year-old female diagnosed with aneurysmal bone cyst of the lateral malleolus. Applying the Masquelet technique enabled the treatment of the lesion without causing instability to the ankle joint and the prevention of recurrence through the application of polymethylmethacrylate. To our knowledge this is the first documented case in our region and possibly in the Philippines.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among a community-recruited sample of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in the three largest cities in Canada from 2017 to 2019

INTRODUCTION

In 2015/2016, Canada's largest provinces implemented publicly-funded human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) ≤ 26 years old. We sought to describe HPV vaccine uptake among GBM and determine barriers and facilitators to vaccine initiation with a focus on healthcare access and utilization.

METHODS

Engage is a cohort study among GBM aged 16 + years in three Canadian cities recruited from 2017 to 2019 via respondent driven sampling (RDS). Men completed a comprehensive questionnaire at baseline. By publicly-funded vaccine eligibility (≤26 years old = eligible for vaccination, ≥27 years old = ineligible), we described HPV vaccine uptake (initiation = 1 + dose, completion = 3 doses) and explored factors associated with vaccine initiation using Poisson regression. All analyses were weighted with the RDS-II Volz-Heckathorn estimator.

RESULTS

Across the three cities, 26-35% and 14-21% of men ≤ 26 years and 7-26% and 2-9% of men ≥ 27 years initiated and completed HPV vaccination, respectively. Vaccine initiation was significantly associated with STI/HIV testing or visiting a HIV care specialist in the past six months (≤26: prevalence ratio[PR] = 2.15, 95% confidence interval[CI] 1.06-4.36; ≥27: PR = 2.73, 95%CI 1.14-6.51) and past hepatitis A or B vaccination (≤26: PR = 2.88, 95%CI 1.64-5.05; ≥27: PR = 2.03, 95%CI 1.07-3.86). Among men ≥ 27 years old, vaccine initiation was also positively associated with accessing PrEP, living in Vancouver or Toronto, but negatively associated with identifying as Latin American and increasing age. Vaccine initiation was twice as likely among men ≥ 27 years with private insurance versus no insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

Sixty-five to 74% of men eligible for publicly-funded vaccine across the three cities remained unvaccinated against HPV by 2019. High vaccine cost may partly explain even lower uptake among men ≥ 27 years old. Men seeking sexual health care were more likely to initiate vaccination; bundling vaccination with these services may help improve HPV vaccine uptake.

Early Pathogen Recognition and Antioxidant System Activation Contributes to Actinidia arguta Tolerance Against Pseudomonas syringae Pathovars actinidiae and actinidifoliorum

Actinidia chinensis and A. arguta have distinct tolerances to Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), but the reasons underlying the inter-specific variation remain unclear. This study aimed to integrate the metabolic and molecular responses of these two kiwifruit species against the highly pathogenic Psa and the less pathogenic P. syringae pv. actinidifoliorum (Pfm) bacterial strains. Disease development was monitored weekly till 21 days post inoculation (dpi), analysing a broad number and variety of parameters including: colony forming units (CFU), foliar symptoms, total chlorophylls, lipid peroxidation, soluble polyphenols, lignin and defense-related gene expression. At the end of the experimental period A. chinensis inoculated with Psa presented the highest endophytic bacterial population, whereas A. arguta inoculated with Pfm showed the lowest values, also resulting in a lower extent of leaf symptoms. Metabolic responses to infection were also more pronounced in A. chinensis with decreased total chlorophylls (up to 55%) and increased lipid peroxidation (up to 53%), compared with non-inoculated plants. Moreover, at 14 dpi soluble polyphenols and lignin concentrations were significantly higher (112 and 26%, respectively) in Psa-inoculated plants than in controls, while in A. arguta no significant changes were observed in those metabolic responses, except for lignin concentration which was, in general, significantly higher in Psa-inoculated plants (by at least 22%), comparing with control and Pfm-inoculated plants. Genes encoding antioxidant enzymes (SOD, APX and CAT) were upregulated at an earlier stage in Psa-inoculated A. arguta than in A. chinensis. In contrast, genes related with phenylpropanoids (LOX1) and ethylene (SAM) pathways were downregulated in A. arguta, but upregulated in A. chinensis in the later phases of infection. Expression of Pto3, responsible for pathogen recognition, occurred 2 dpi in A. arguta, but only 14 dpi in A. chinensis. In conclusion, we found that A. arguta is more tolerant to Psa and Pfm infection than A. chinensis and its primary and secondary metabolism is less impacted. A. arguta higher tolerance seems to be related with early pathogen recognition, the activation of plant antioxidant system, and to the suppression of ET and JA pathways from an earlier moment after infection.

The increase of current atmospheric CO2 and temperature can benefit leaf gas exchanges, carbohydrate content and growth in C4 grass invaders of the Cerrado biome

Leaf gas exchanges, carbohydrate metabolism and growth of three Brazilian Cerrado invasive African grasses were evaluated after growing for 75 days under doubled CO₂ concentration and temperature elevated by 3 °C. Results showed that although the species presented photosynthetic C4 metabolism, they all had some kind of positive response to increased CO₂. Urochloa brizantha and Megathyrsus maximus showed increased height for all induced environmental conditions. Urochloa decumbens showed only improvement in water use efficiency (WUE), while U. brizantha showed increased CO₂ assimilation and M. maximus presented higher biomass accumulation under doubled CO₂ concentration. The most significant improvement of increased CO₂ in all three species appears to be the increase in WUE. This improvement probably explains the positive increase of photosynthesis and biomass accumulation presented by U. brizantha and M. maximus, respectively. The increase in temperature affected leaf carbohydrate content of M. maximus by reducing sucrose, glucose and fructose content. These reductions were not related to thermal stress since photosynthesis and growth were not harmed. Cellulose content was not affected in any of the three species, just the lignin content in U. decumbens and M. maximus. All treatments promoted lignin content reduction in U. brizantha, suggesting a delay in leaf maturation of this species. Together, the results indicate that climate change may differentially promote changes in leaf gas exchanges, carbohydrate content and growth in C4 plant species studied and all of them could benefit in some way from these changes, constituting a threat to the native Cerrado biodiversity.

Predictors of early retirement after cancer rehabilitation-a longitudinal study

This longitudinal study was designed to assess patients' desire for early retirement and investigate which cancer-related and psychosocial characteristics are associated with early retirement. We assessed 750 cancer patients at the beginning (t₀ ) and end (t₁ ) of, and 12 months after (t₂ ) inpatient cancer rehabilitation. At t₀ , 22% had a desire to retire early. These patients reported significantly longer sick leave periods, less favourable workplace environments, lower work ability, higher psychological distress and lower quality of life than other patients. At t₂ , 12.5% of patients received temporary or permanent early retirement pensions. Of all patients with a desire for early retirement at t₀ , 43% had returned to work at t₂ . This subgroup had a significantly lower physical quality of life than other patients returning to work. The most influential predictors of early retirement were being on sick leave (OR = 6.50, 95% CI = 1.97-21.47) and a desire for early retirement (OR = 5.61, 95% CI = 2.73-11.52). Inverse predictors of early retirement were cancer remission (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.10-0.53), perceived productivity (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.18-0.83), work satisfaction (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.17-0.77) and mental quality of life (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.91-0.98). This underlines the need for cancer-specific multi-professional rehabilitation and occupational therapy programmes.

Experiments on Rayleigh Scattering of 145 keV and 317 keV Photons

Elastic differential cross sections for scattering of photons with 145 keV and 317 keV were measured for Pb, W, Sn, Cd, Ag, Mo and Cu for angles from 5° to 40°. For measuring the strong energy dependence of the cross section at small angles, a well collimated beam (±0,5°) and a small detecting solid angle were used. For the energies and angles studied, agreement between experiment and form factor calculations is found. The results are compared with recent measurements of other authors, which found disagreement with form factor calculations

[Efficacy of a topical treatment protocol with dimethyl sulfoxide 50% in type 1 complex regional pain syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the efficacy of a topical treatment protocol with DMSO 50% to alleviate inflammatory processes in type 1 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) with a course of less than 1 year.

METHOD

Retrospective study performed in a traumatology hospital on patients with type 1 CRPS for whom a standard treatment algorithm was prescribed with stepwise administration of oral drugs and interventional techniques. Patients also received topical DMSO 50% cream as a magistral formula. The follow-up period, lasting until patient discharge, or during 1 year for persistent cases, included 6 visits: baseline, 15 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The evaluation was performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) as the main efficacy variable. Secondary variables were the Likert scale for quality of life and the limb capacity variable (range of motion, strength, overall limb function). A questionnaire designed for the study was also given.

RESULTS

Overall decrease in VAS score in the 29 patients was 3.09 points. The Likert scale score increased by 1.36 points. The scores measuring limb capacity increased to 12.03 for range of motion and to 3 in strength with overall function rated «moderate».

CONCLUSIONS

Topical application of DMSO 50% associated with a treatment algorithm decreased pain intensity according to the VAS score with results approaching absence of pain, and led to higher scores on the quality of life questionnaire. Topical DMSO 50% is an additional tool for use in treating CRPS I. Its side effects are scarce and it provides an overall sense of relief and lessens rigidity.

Pre-operative transthoracic real-time three-dimensional echocardiography for a better surgical strategy

In this study we aimed to evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in the assessment of cardiac valve morphology.

METHODS

Bidimensional (2D) and real-time 3D TTE was performed in 104 patients consecutive with cardiac catheterisation, prior to valve surgery. Using surgical findings as the gold standard, 2D and 3D TTE were compared for adequate recognition and accurate detection of morphology. A scoring protocol was used for recognition of the valvular segments (0= inadequate, 1 = adequate).

RESULTS

Adequate echographic visualization of the valve segments was more frequently obtained by 3D than 2D TTE imaging (731/770 by 3D TTE vs. 693/770 by 2D TTE, p < 0.01). The valve leaflets segments were more clearly identified by 3D TTE rather than by 2D TTE (502/531 vs. 471/531, p <0.01). The assessment of commissures was similar by both methods (229/239 vs. 222/239, p=0.09). Total 3D TTE scores for mitral and aortic valves were significantly better than 2D ITE scores (mean score 12.91+/-1.62 by 3D vs 11.58+/-1.02 by 2D, p=0.02). This superiority of 3D TTE was irrespective of rhythm (p <0.05 for both sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation). Using surgical classification of valvular disease as gold standard, the sensibility and specificity were 91% and 84 % for 3D TTE, and 85% and 77% for 2D TTE, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Real-time 3D was superior to 2D TTE forthe accurate localization and identification of valvular pathology, irrespective of heart rhythm.

[Establishment of a quality indicator for pharmaceutical care]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a quality indicator for pharmaceutical care in an integral system for personalized medication dispensing (ISPMD) with electronic prescription.

METHODS

Descriptive transversal study.

PERIOD

2007. On a daily basis, we revised the pharmaceutical treatment of patients admitted to hospital units with ISPMD.

STUDY VARIABLES

a) suitability of pharmaceutical interventions: important or very important; b) acceptance of those interventions. The LASER method was used to identify patients with improvement opportunities.

RESULTS

In absolute terms (mean +/- SD): important pharmaceutical interventions, 26.6 +/- 14.8; very important, 31.5 +/- 24.6; acceptance, 57.5 +/- 25.9. Percentages (95 % CI): pharmaceutical interventions: important, 33.7 (9.3-58.0); very important, 39.80 (17.7-62.2); acceptance, 72.6 (64.7-80.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the quality indicator for pharmaceutical care allowed us to evaluate the clinical significance and the acceptance rate of the pharmaceutical care being provided.

[Voice handicap index adapted to the singing voice]

OBJECTIVE

The present study is the outcome of 5 former studies aiming at adapting the V.H.I. to singers. We propose in this last version a V.H.I. valid for all types of singers, dysodic or not.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The reliability, validity and internal coherence were evaluated on a population of 192 classical singers and 27 non singers.

RESULTS

The comparison of the mean scores at the test and the retest shows that the results at the retest are significantly inferior in both the functional scale (p= 0.013) and the global score (p= 0.006). The test/re-test stability is good (ICC: Functional scale (F): 0.869, Emotional scale (E): 0.846, Physical scale (P): 0.85, Global score (G): 0.878/ Spearman's rho F: 0.855, E: 0.834, P: 0.858, G: 0.886). The internal coherence of each sub scale is good (Cronbach's alpha: > 0.80). The correlation between the 3 subscales is quite high (FvsE: 0,613 /EvsP: 0,737/ FvsP: 0,693) which means that each scale measures a specific dimension but that they are still homogeneous. The test/re-test difference between the singers and the controls are not significant but the control group has a greater variability in their answers (Levene test: F: p<0.001; P: p= 0.009; G: p= 0.02). Three variables increase the results: being a solist (F: p= 0.046; E: p= 0.002; P: p= 0.056; G: p= 0.006), being an amateur (F: p< 0.001; E: p= 0.019; P: p< 0.001; G: p= 0.001), having a vocal complaint (F, E, P et G: p< 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This version of the V.H.I. is reliable, valid and adapted to the population of classical singers.

Effects of infauna harvesting on tidal flats of a coastal lagoon (Ria Formosa, Portugal): implications on phosphorus dynamics

The systematic collection of benthic organisms in tidal flats of coastal lagoons should be taken into account for the management of these systems, once sediment disturbance affects biogeochemical processes by favouring pore water renewal during tidal inundation. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effects of infauna harvesting on the phosphorus dynamics of muddy and sandy intertidal areas in the Ria Formosa. Sediment cores and overlying water were collected during August 2000 and February 2001 from reworked and undisturbed sediment before and after flooding. Results obtained showed that during the first minutes of flooding there was a marked decrease of phosphate in pore water of disturbed sediments. However, phosphate tidal fluxes from sandy sediment were clearly higher (17 nmol cm(-2) d(-1) in summer and 3 nmol cm(-2) d(-1) in winter) than in muddy sediment (0.4 nmol cm(-2) d(-1) in summer and -0.01 nmol cm(-2) d(-1) in winter). After muddy sediment disturbance concentrations of iron oxides increased quickly (from 5 to 16 micromol g(-1)) and phosphate was sorbed onto these iron oxides, resulting in a buffering of phosphate pore water concentrations at low values in the oxidized sediment zone. The estimated P-output from muddy sediment decreased one to two orders of magnitude after sediment disturbance in contrast to sandy sediments in which the impact of infauna harvesting was minimal. Consequently, the P-cycle is influenced by the disruption of muddy habitats in tide-driven systems. Such information could be useful for the management of the lagoon.

Epiaortic ultrasound and intraoperative transesophageal ecocardiography for the thoracic aorta atherosclerosis assessment in patient undergoing CABG. Surgical technique modification to avoid cerebral stroke

BACKGROUND

Cerebral complication during coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), still occurs in spite of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) technology advances. Our study sought to assess the role of epiaortic ultrasound (EAS) and intraoperative transesophagial ecocardiography (TEE) in detection of patients with atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta and high risk for cerebral embolisation. Consequently our surgical strategies modification for a better cerebral protection.

METHODS

Our lot study comprise 352 patients undergoing EAS and TEE, during CABG. EAS was performed before opening of the pericardium using a 7.5 MHz ultrasonic probe packed in a sterile bag. In the presence of moderate aortic atherosclerosis (maximum aortic wall thickness of 3 mm) primarily single aortic cross-clamping and choose of aortic cannulation place was carried out. In cases of severe aortic atheroma (maximum aortic wall thickness > 5 mm or mobile plaque), aortic no touch technique, off-pump were used. From 34 patients with severe ascending aortic atherosclerosis 22 of these patients (18 male, 4 female, age 72(57-79), Parsonet Score 11(0-8), Euroscore 8(2-13), McSPI Stroke Risk Index 6 (1-30%) were managed on "no touch technique", Off-pump. All patients received at least one left internal mammary artery (LIMA) in situ graft and additional extraanatomical bypass conduits: venous Y-graft from IMA (n = 14), arterial Y-graft from LIMA (n = 3), vein graft from axillary artery (n = 3), vein graft from the RIMA stump (n = 3). Median operative time was 240 (115-435) min.

RESULTS

We found a mild aortic atherosclerosis in 151 patients (43%), moderate in 167 (47%) and severe in 34 patients (8.8%).. Operative mortality was 2/22 in a group with high risk index, from another cause than cerebral stroke. No cerebral stroke occurred. The rate of perioperative myocardial infarction (CKMB > 50U/l) was 5/22. Median stay in ICU, 54 hours (15-1245 hours). After a median follow up period of 8 months one death occurred from cerebral stroke and no myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSION

Accurate detection of atheroma on ascending aorta and aortic arch by a combination between EAS and TEE and in special surgical technique modification using off-pump revascularization and extraanatomical bypass for the management of a heavily calcified aorta can result in a very low stroke rate despite a considerable stroke risk. The hospital mortality and morbidity can be lower than predicted by Euroscore and Parsonet Score.

Epidemiology of meningococcal meningitis in Angola, 1994-2000

We describe six meningococcal disease outbreaks that occurred in Angola during the period 1994-2000. In total, 7140 cases were documented. The age groups most affected were 15-29 years and 5-14 years; there were no differences in incidence between the sexes. Circulation of both serogroup A and sporadic serogroup B strains was demonstrated. Mass vaccination campaigns with A+C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine were implemented, except in Yambala province in 1999 where insecure conditions precluded this intervention. Outbreaks of serogroup A meningococcal disease in Angola may indicate an extension of these epidemics outside the meningitis belt. Mass vaccination campaigns stopped the Angolan epidemics within weeks. Civil conflict and displaced persons living in crowded areas created serious difficulties for surveillance and impeded timely public health responses.

Outbreak of poliomyelitis in Angola

Between January and June 1999, 1,100 suspected cases of poliomyelitis were reported in Angola. Poliovirus types 3 and 1 were isolated. Patients' ages ranged from 2 months to 14 years. Of the 588 patients whose vaccine status was known, 58 (9.9%) received >4 doses, 216 (36.7%) received 3 or 4 doses, 178 (30.3%) received 1 or 2 doses, and 136 (23.1%) had no history of vaccination. Civil conflict, economic decline, and crowded areas with scarce sanitation and poor water supply are the most important factors implicated in declining rates of routine vaccination, low population immunity, and intense wild poliovirus transmission. The socioeconomic situation and poor roads have created major difficulties for vaccination and surveillance. The Angolan outbreak has serious implications for the global eradication of poliomyelitis. Surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis remains essential in the assessment of strategies for eradication and interventions to interrupt wild poliovirus transmission.

Molecular recognition of synthetic siderophore analogues: a study with receptor-deficient and fhu(A-B) deletion mutants of Escherichia coli

The biological activity of six synthetic siderophore analogues (two dihydroxamates, two trihydroxamates, one tetrahydroxamate and one 3-hydroxy-4(1H)pyridinone) has been studied in Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii 13 and Proteus mirabilis 8993 strains by using growth promotion tests. Various transport-deficient mutants of E. coli were used to study the route of entry into gram-negative bacteria. The results indicated that the synthetic hydroxamate compounds are transported via Fhu-mediated transport systems, although receptor specificity was low. This could be proven by using a delta (fhuA-B) E. coli mutant as a control in which growth promotion by natural hydroxamates was completely abolished, suggesting that a periplasmic binding-protein-dependent transport system (FhuB, C, D) is required for the transport of all synthetic ferric hydroxamate complexes. Although utilization of the synthetic hydroxamates was generally lower than that of the natural siderophores, differences in growth promotion could be detected. Highest activity was observed with the dihydroxamate DOCYDHAMA ligand which supported growth at concentrations < 1 mM. In comparison with other polyamino-polyhydroxamate ligands studied, this dihydroxamate ligand has an extra diamide backbone that could be important for the interaction with the receptors or with FhuD. The synthetic trihydroxamate and tetrahydroxamate ligands showed a relatively low siderophore activity. Studies with Proteus and Morganella in the presence of increasing bipyridyl concentrations showed a decreased growth promotion with the synthetic ferric hydroxamates, suggesting the involvement of a reduction step during iron mobilization or an increased toxicity of bipyridyl. This was not observed in the case of the 3-hydroxy-4(1H)pyridinone where bipyridyl had no effect.

Two genes control aluminum tolerance in maize: Genetic and molecular mapping analyses

We have identified two loci linked to aluminum (Al) tolerance in the maize inbred line Cat-100-6 by means of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and bulked segregant analysis (BSA). A segregating population F2 was obtained from a cross between Cat-100-6 (Al tolerant) × S1587-17 (Al sensitive) parents. Subsequently two DNA bulks of individuals, displaying a contrasting Al tolerance trait were generated from F2. From a total of 158 markers used, 30 markers were identified showing polymorphism between parents and bulks. The segregation results derived from the hybridization from these 30 markers and 56 individuals from F2 revealed 10 markers cosegregating with the Al tolerance which were located in two linkage groups. The linkage groups were composed of 6 and 4 markers, and they were mapped on the short arm of chromosomes 6 and 10, respectively. From these observations, we deduce that two loci are involved in this trait in Cat-100-6 line. QGENE software was used to study the correlation between these two loci and the trait for aluminum tolerance. The results indicate that the locus on chromosome 10 has the stronger effect, and it is responsible for the major part of the variability of the trait.Key words: maize, aluminum tolerance, molecular mapping, somaclonal variation.

Somaclonal-variation-induced aluminum-sensitive mutant from an aluminum-inbred maize tolerant line

Somaclonal-variation-induced multiple mutations were observed in a progeny of the S1587 plant, regenerated from type I calli of the aluminum-tolerant inbred maize line Cat-100-6. After five generations of self-pollination, 14 progeny families of the S1587 somaclone were found to show aluminum toxicity symptoms with altered root tip morphology and reduced primary root growth. The most sensitive progeny, S1587-17, was crossed to the Cat-100-6 inbred line. The parental lines and the F1 were tested in nutrient solutions containing an aluminum activity gradient of 0-93 ⋅ 10^-6. The heterozygote behaves like the tolerant parent at aluminum activities up to 40 ⋅ 10^-6 and showed an intermediate phenotype at higher aluminum concentrations. Histological sections of aluminum-treated roots from tolerant and sensitive plants stained with hematoxylin, an aluminum marker, showed a progressive destruction of the root tip of the aluminum-sensitive genotype over time and indicated that tolerance in Cat-100-6 could be due to an aluminum exclusion mechanism. Segregation analysis of the F2 and backcross to the sensitive parent based on root morphology of plants subjected to an aluminum activity of 30 ⋅ 10^-6 showed the typical 3:1 and 1:1 tolerant:sensitive segregation ratios, respectively, indicating that tolerance in the Cat-100-6 inbred maize line is controlled by a single nuclear, semidominant gene, named Alm1.

A collaborative approach to the diagnosis of a lethal short limb skeletal dysplasia

We report a male infant with a lethal short limb Skeletal Dysplasia, born in a District Hospital in the South of Portugal. Local paediatricians investigated clinical and radiographical data. At the Perinatal Pathology Unit of the Egas Moniz hospital the diagnosis of Atelosteogenesis type II was proposed by the Clinical Geneticist and was supported by histopathological findings. Only a collaborative approach turned possible the diagnosis of this unusual entity. Atelosteogenesis type II and Diastrophic Dysplasia are closely related diseases, with similarities in phenotypic and histopathological presentation. Recently, these similarities were extended to molecular levels. The DNA analysis, in progress, will be able to establish a final diagnosis for this affected family.

[Posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm of the axillary artery after anterior dislocation of the shoulder: a case report]

We present a case of a young patient, 44 years old, with a pseudoaneurysm of the axillary artery after anterior shoulder dislocation. The early diagnosis of axillary artery lesions after trauma is difficult in some cases. It's important to mention the possibility of accidental vascular surgery during reduction of the shoulder dislocation. In consequence, in all patients with a penetrating or blunt trauma of the shoulder is required a neurological and vascular examination; in any suspicions, an additional arteriography and computer tomography is indicated. Early repairs of vascular and neurological lesions are very important for the outcome of these patients.

Inadvertent removal of foreign body via a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope in a 4-year-old boy

We report the case of a 4-year-old child with an atypical presentation of an aspirated unwitnessed foreign body in the airway. During an attempt to obtain a biopsy of what appeared to be a mucosal growth, the foreign body was removed. This may be the first report of foreign body removal in a child this young, using a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope.

Oxygen free radicals in acute pancreatitis of the rat

This study aimed to assess the role of oxygen free radicals in acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis was induced in rats by infusion of the CCK-analogue cerulein (5 micrograms/kg per hour) for 30 minutes, 3.5 hours, and 12 hours. After the infusion, serum enzymes and conjugated tissue dienes and malondialdehyde were measured and tissue samples were subjected to electron and light microscopy. Electron microscopy after 30 minutes showed moderate intracellular alterations. After 3.5 hours of cerulein infusion interstitial oedema and intravascular margination of granulocytes in the pancreatic gland were seen. After 12 hours histological evaluation showed pronounced zymogen degranulation, extensive tissue necrosis, and migration of granulocytes into the tissue. Amylase and lipase activities increased 15 and 35-fold respectively during this time. After 30 minutes of cerulein infusion conjugated dienes and malondialdehyde increased, they reached their peak after 3.5 hours and decreased to normal values after 12 hours. Treatment with superoxide dismutase (100,000 U/kg/hour) and catalase (400,000 U/kg/hour) either before or after the start of the cerulein infusion prevented lipid peroxidation and reduced zymogen degranulation and tissue necrosis. Tissue oedema and inflammatory response, however, were not affected in any of the treated rats. Oxygen free radicals are instrumental in the development of acute pancreatitis. Even after its onset, scavenger treatment reduced the tissue damage normally observed.

The efficacy and safety of home nebulizer therapy for children with asthma

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of nebulized beta-agonists used in the homes of 22 children with asthma. Patients served as their own controls for the comparison of asthma-related variables between periods of 12 months before and 12 months after the initiation of home nebulizer therapy. Significant reductions in the numbers of emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and short courses of prednisone therapy occurred when home nebulizer therapy was provided. The younger the patients, the more frequently improvement occurred. After the initiation of home nebulizer therapy there was no change in the severity of illness when patients presented to the emergency department or in the number of episodes of respiratory failure. Home nebulizer therapy for children with asthma appears safe and reduces the need for hospital care and short courses of prednisone therapy.

Analytical methodology for assays of serum tryptophan metabolites in control subjects and newly abstinent alcoholics: preliminary investigation by liquid chromatography with amperometric detection

A rapid, isocratic assay for the determination of all major tryptophan metabolites in serum samples from control non-alcoholic subjects, recovered alcoholics and newly abstinent alcoholics is described. The sample preparation involves only precipitation of protein with sulfosalicylic acid. The complete liquid chromatographic analysis is short (25 min) and the sensitivity of amperometric detection permits the routine assessment of catabolites at the picogram level. This preliminary longitudinal study of the basal and post-tryptophan load serum metabolites revealed a considerable scatter of experimental results for kynurenine and serotonin in all groups examined, probably owing to the clinical heterogeneity of the sample populations.