Taming the terminological tempest in invasion science

Standardised terminology in science is important for clarity of interpretation and communication. In invasion science - a dynamic and rapidly evolving discipline - the proliferation of technical terminology has lacked a standardised framework for its development. The result is a convoluted and inconsistent usage of terminology, with various discrepancies in descriptions of damage and interventions. A standardised framework is therefore needed for a clear, universally applicable, and consistent terminology to promote more effective communication across researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers. Inconsistencies in terminology stem from the exponential increase in scientific publications on the patterns and processes of biological invasions authored by experts from various disciplines and countries since the 1990s, as well as publications by legislators and policymakers focusing on practical applications, regulations, and management of resources. Aligning and standardising terminology across stakeholders remains a challenge in invasion science. Here, we review and evaluate the multiple terms used in invasion science (e.g. 'non-native', 'alien', 'invasive' or 'invader', 'exotic', 'non-indigenous', 'naturalised', 'pest') to propose a more simplified and standardised terminology. The streamlined framework we propose and translate into 28 other languages is based on the terms (i) 'non-native', denoting species transported beyond their natural biogeographic range, (ii) 'established non-native', i.e. those non-native species that have established self-sustaining populations in their new location(s) in the wild, and (iii) 'invasive non-native' - populations of established non-native species that have recently spread or are spreading rapidly in their invaded range actively or passively with or without human mediation. We also highlight the importance of conceptualising 'spread' for classifying invasiveness and 'impact' for management. Finally, we propose a protocol for classifying populations based on (i) dispersal mechanism, (ii) species origin, (iii) population status, and (iv) impact. Collectively and without introducing new terminology, the framework that we present aims to facilitate effective communication and collaboration in invasion science and management of non-native species.

Meta-analysis of the impact of plant invasions on soil microbial communities

Background

One of the ecological impacts of exotic plant invasions may be alteration of the soil microbial community, which may cause changes to the diversity, richness and function of these communities. In order to explore to what extent invasive plants affect the soil microbial community, we performed a meta-analysis based on 46 scientific articles to document the effect of invasive plants on species richness and diversity of bacteria and fungi. We conducted our study across a range of invaded ecosystems including native communities, and evaluated biomass, richness and diversity. We use a random effects model to determine the increase or decrease in the values of the response variables in the presence of invasive plants.

Results

The results indicated that the response variable that changed with the invasion of plants was the diversity of bacteria. Bacterial diversity in the soil increases with the presence of invasive plants, specifically herbaceous plants producing allelopathic substances growing in forest ecosystems of temperate zones.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that invasive plants affect the soil biota differentially; however, it is important to consider more variables such as the N and C cycles, since these processes are mediated by soil biota and litter, and chemical compounds released by plants influence them. Changes in bacterial diversity have consequences for the nutrient cycle, enzymatic activity, mineralization rates and soil carbon and nitrogen content.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12862-021-01899-2.

Dynamics of a Fermi Gas Quenched to Unitarity

We present an experimental study of a two component Fermi gas following an interaction quench into the superfluid phase. Starting with a weakly attractive gas in the normal phase, interactions are ramped to unitarity at a range of rates and we measure the subsequent dynamics as the gas approaches equilibrium. Both the formation and condensation of fermion pairs are mapped via measurements of the pair momentum distribution and can take place on very different timescales, depending on the adiabaticity of the quench. The contact parameter is seen to respond very quickly to changes in the interaction strength, indicating that short-range correlations, based on the occupation of high-momentum modes, evolve far more rapidly than the correlations in low-momentum modes necessary for pair condensation.

A classification system for predicting invasiveness using climatic niche traits and global distribution models: application to alien plant species in Chile

Functional traits that predict plant invasiveness are a central issue in invasion ecology. However, in many cases they are difficult to determine, especially for a large set of species. Climatic niche traits can overcome this problem due to the ease of acquiring them for a large number of species. This effort is critical given that knowledge of species invasiveness is necessary (although not sufficient) to anticipate/manage invasive species.

In this study, we examined thermal and hydric niche traits to predict plant invasiveness. We used a set of 49 alien plant species, representative of the alien flora of Chile. Niche traits were obtained using environmental information (WorldClim) and global occurrences. Invasiveness was estimated using global niche models and projection of the potential distribution in Chile. As a final step, we reviewed the literature for a subset of species, documenting their impacts on a) biodiversity, b) crop agriculture and c) livestock.

Thermal niche breadth and thermal niche position were the most important niche traits to predict potential distribution (a proxy of invasiveness). Using thermal niche breadth and niche position traits, we constructed a graphical model that classifies alien species as highly invasive (wide thermal niche breadth and low niche position) or low potential to be invasive (narrow niche breadth and high niche position). We also found no association between our invasiveness classification and the documented impact of alien species.

High-Frequency Sound in a Unitary Fermi Gas

We present an experimental and theoretical study of the phonon mode in a unitary Fermi gas. Using two-photon Bragg spectroscopy, we measure excitation spectra at a momentum of approximately half the Fermi momentum, both above and below the superfluid critical temperature T_{c}. Below T_{c}, the dominant excitation is the Bogoliubov-Anderson (BA) phonon mode, driven by gradients in the phase of the superfluid order parameter. The temperature dependence of the BA phonon is consistent with a theoretical model based on the quasiparticle random phase approximation in which the dominant damping mechanism is via collisions with thermally excited quasiparticles. As the temperature is increased above T_{c}, the phonon evolves into a strongly damped collisional mode, accompanied by an abrupt increase in spectral width. Our study reveals strong similarities between sound propagation in the unitary Fermi gas and bosonic liquid helium.

Global distribution patterns and niche modelling of the invasive Kalanchoe × houghtonii (Crassulaceae)

Invasive alien species are currently considered one of the main threats to global biodiversity. One of the most rapidly expanding invasive plants in recent times is Kalanchoe × houghtonii (Crassulaceae), an artificial hybrid created in the 1930s in the United States by experimental crossings between K. daigremontiana and K. tubiflora, two species endemic to Madagascar. Thanks to its large colonizing capacity (mainly derived from the production of asexual plantlets), K. × houghtonii soon escaped from cultivation and quickly spread in many parts of the world. However, its actual range is not well known due to the lack of a formal description until recent times (2006) and its strong morphological resemblance with one of its parentals (K. daigremontiana). The present study was aimed, in the first instance, to delimit the present distribution area of K. × houghtonii at the global scale by gathering and validating all its occurrences and to track its colonization history. Currently, K. × houghtonii can be found on all continents except Antarctica, although it did not reach a global distribution until the 2000s. Its potential distribution, estimated with MaxEnt modelling software, is mainly centered in subtropical regions, from 20° to 40° of both northern and southern latitudes, mostly in areas with a high anthropogenic activity. Unexpectedly, concomitant to a poleward migration, future niche models suggest a considerable reduction of its range by up to one-third compared to the present, which might be related with the Crassulaceaean Acid Metabolism (CAM) of K. × houghtonii. Further research may shed light as to whether a decrease in potential habitats constitutes a general pattern for Crassulaceae and CAM plants.

Assessing sustainability performance in the educational sector. A high school case study

This paper provides a detailed assessment of the environmental performance of a High school student in the city of Madrid, as well as the associated external costs. Life Cycle Assessment was used to evaluate the potential environmental impacts. Environmental external costs were also estimated using a simplified application of the impact pathway approach. The inventory of environmental loads included the consumption of resources in the school building operation and maintenance (O&M) activities, in the educational activities and in the transport activities. The activity of one student in one school year is the functional unit. The results showed that the emissions contributing to Climate Change are quantified in 461 kg CO2 eq·year^-1·student^-1, being the transport responsible for the 69% of the total impact, the O&M of the school building for the 20% and the educational activities for the remaining 11%. According to the results, the O&M of the facilities is the largest contributor to ozone depletion and water resource depletion. The educational activity is the main contributor to human toxicity, freshwater eutrophication and ecotoxicity, land use and resource depletion. Transport activities are responsible for most of the impacts related to the exposure to particular matter, ionizing radiation, and those impacts related to photochemical ozone formation, acidification, and terrestrial and marine eutrophication. Furthermore, the quantification of the external costs showed that these costs could reach a value of 34 euro·year^-1·student^-1 being transport the main contributor with a 52% of the external costs.

Quantum Anomaly and 2D-3D Crossover in Strongly Interacting Fermi Gases

We present an experimental investigation of collective oscillations in harmonically trapped Fermi gases through the crossover from two to three dimensions. Specifically, we measure the frequency of the radial monopole oscillation or breathing mode in highly oblate gases with tunable interactions. The breathing mode frequency is set by the adiabatic compressibility and probes the thermodynamic equation of state. In 2D, a dynamical scaling symmetry for atoms interacting via a δ potential predicts the breathing mode to occur at exactly twice the harmonic confinement frequency. However, a renormalized quantum treatment introduces a new length scale which breaks this classical scale invariance resulting in a so-called quantum anomaly. Our measurements deep in the 2D regime lie above the scale-invariant prediction for a range of interaction strengths providing evidence for the quantum anomaly and signifying the breakdown of an elementary δ-potential model of atomic interactions. By varying the atom number we can tune the chemical potential and see the breathing mode frequency evolve smoothly between the 2D to 3D thermodynamic limits.

Rickettsial keratitis in a Case of Mediterranean spotted fever

The first documented case of infectious keratitis (an ameboid-like corneal ulcer) caused by Rickettsia conorii is described. Corneal infection was probably caused by contamination through the tears during systemic rickettsial dissemination. Topical tetracyclin ointment was effective. Rickettsial keratitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ameboid-like corneal ulcers in areas where Mediterranean spotted fever is endemic.

A versatile apparatus for two-dimensional atomtronic quantum simulation

We report on the implementation of a novel optical setup for generating high-resolution customizable potentials to address ultracold bosonic atoms in two dimensions. Two key features are developed for this purpose. The customizable potential is produced with a direct image of a spatial light modulator, conducted with an in-vacuum imaging system of high numerical aperture. Custom potentials are drawn over an area of 600×400 μm with a resolution of 0.9 μm. The second development is a two-dimensional planar trap for atoms with an aspect ratio of 900 and spatial extent of Rayleigh range 1.6 × 1.6 mm, providing near-ballistic in-planar movement. We characterize the setup and present a brief catalog of experiments to highlight the versatility of the system.

Reporte y distribución potencial de una palma exótica ornamental (Roystonea oleracea) en Ecuador

Resumen La palma Roystonea oleracea, nativa del Caribe, ha sido introducida en varios países tropicales como planta ornamental e invade en humedales de Brasil, Guyana y Panamá. En este estudio reportamos la presencia de R. oleracea en la región de la costa del Ecuador donde es ampliamente cultivada como ornamental. Mediante una imagen de satélite estimamos la abundancia y cobertura de la especie en Isla Santay, un humedal Ramsar ubicado en el río Guayas cerca del perímetro urbano al sur de la ciudad de Guayaquil. También, realizamos un modelo de distribución potencial de R. oleracea en Ecuador, usando BIOCLIM. En Isla Santay, la especie está naturalizada y cubre alrededor de 43 hectáreas. El modelo de distribución potencial muestra que, además de Isla Santay, hay otros cinco humedales Ramsar en la costa ecuatoriana susceptibles climáticamente al establecimiento de R. oleracea. Debido al potencial invasivo de esta especie en humedales, se recomienda prohibir su uso como planta ornamental en áreas cercanas a humedales en Ecuador. Estudios que monitoreen la naturalización e impactos ecológicos de R. oleracea en humedales de Ecuador son requeridos para establecer prioridades de manejo y contribuir con la conservación de estos importantes ecosistemas.

Mating system, population growth, and management scenario for Kalanchoe pinnata in an invaded seasonally dry tropical forest

Ecological invasions are a major issue worldwide, where successful invasion depends on traits that facilitate dispersion, establishment, and population growth. The nonnative succulent plant Kalanchoe pinnata, reported as invasive in some countries, is widespread in remnants of seasonally dry tropical forest on a volcanic outcrop with high conservation value in east‐central Mexico where we assessed its mating system and demographic growth and identified management strategies. To understand its local mating system, we conducted hand‐pollination treatments, germination, and survival experiments. Based on the experimental data, we constructed a life‐stage population matrix, identified the key traits for population growth, weighted the contributions of vegetative and sexual reproduction, and evaluated management scenarios. Hand‐pollination treatments had slight effects on fruit and seed setting, as well as on germination. With natural pollination treatment, the successful germination of seeds from only 2/39 fruit suggests occasional effective natural cross‐pollination. The ratios of the metrics for self‐ and cross‐pollinated flowers suggest that K. pinnata is partially self‐compatible. Most of the pollinated flowers developed into fruit, but the seed germination and seedling survival rates were low. Thus, vegetative propagation and juvenile survival are the main drivers of population growth. Simulations of a virtual K. pinnata population suggest that an intense and sustained weeding campaign will reduce the population within at least 10 years. Synthesis and applications. The study population is partially self‐compatible, but sexual reproduction by K. pinnata is limited at the study site, and population growth is supported by vegetative propagation and juvenile survival. Demographic modeling provides key insights and realistic forecasts on invasion process and therefore is useful to design management strategies.

Experimental realization of quantum zeno dynamics

It is generally impossible to probe a quantum system without disturbing it. However, it is possible to exploit the back action of quantum measurements and strong couplings to tailor and protect the coherent evolution of a quantum system. This is a profound and counterintuitive phenomenon known as quantum Zeno dynamics. Here we demonstrate quantum Zeno dynamics with a rubidium Bose–Einstein condensate in a five-level Hilbert space. We harness measurements and strong couplings to dynamically disconnect different groups of quantum states and constrain the atoms to coherently evolve inside a two-level subregion. In parallel to the foundational importance due to the realization of a dynamical superselection rule and the theory of quantum measurements, this is an important step forward in protecting and controlling quantum dynamics and, broadly speaking, quantum information processing.

While a quantum system is always disturbed by any observation, one can exploit the back action of measurements and strong couplings to tailor the system evolution via quantum Zeno dynamics. Schäfer et al. demonstrate quantum Zeno dynamics in a five-level Hilbert space using a ⁸⁷Rb Bose–Einstein condensate.

Global invasion of Lantana camara: has the climatic niche been conserved across continents?

Lantana camara, a native plant from tropical America, is considered one of the most harmful invasive species worldwide. Several studies have identified potentially invasible areas under scenarios of global change, on the assumption that niche is conserved during the invasion process. Recent studies, however, suggest that many invasive plants do not conserve their niches. Using Principal Components Analyses (PCA), we tested the hypothesis of niche conservatism for L. camara by comparing its native niche in South America with its expressed niche in Africa, Australia and India. Using MaxEnt, the estimated niche for the native region was projected onto each invaded region to generate potential distributions there. Our results demonstrate that while L. camara occupied subsets of its original native niche in Africa and Australia, in India its niche shifted significantly. There, 34% of the occurrences were detected in warmer habitats nonexistent in its native range. The estimated niche for India was also projected onto Africa and Australia to identify other vulnerable areas predicted from the observed niche shift detected in India. As a result, new potentially invasible areas were identified in central Africa and southern Australia. Our findings do not support the hypothesis of niche conservatism for the invasion of L. camara. The mechanisms that allow this species to expand its niche need to be investigated in order to improve our capacity to predict long-term geographic changes in the face of global climatic changes.

The effect of obesity and tobacco smoke exposure on inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloproteinases in rat model

Obesity is characterized by hypertrophy of adipose tissue and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by lung damage; both diseases are associated with systemic low-grade inflammation. There are no animal models combining obesity and COPD; therefore, these diseases were induced simultaneously in rats to analyze their effects on the expression of inflammatory mediators and enzymes involved in lung tissue remodeling. Obesity was induced with sucrose (30%) for 4 months concomitant with tobacco smoke exposure (20 cigarettes/day, 5 days/wk) for the last 2 months. Were evaluated: body weight, abdominal fat, dyslipidemia, glucose tolerance test (GTT), histology, inflammatory mediators with qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2), MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 through qRT-PCR, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 by gelatin zymography. The rats on a sucrose diet exhibited increased body weight, abdominal fat, triglycerides, GTT, and plasma levels of insulin, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, IL-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IFN-γ, upregulated lung IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ, showing hyperplastic bronchial and alveolar epithelium. The animals exposed to sucrose and tobacco smoke exhibited decreased body weight, abdominal fat and plasma levels of leptin, resistin, IL-1β and IFN-γ, reducing inflammation but showing emphysematous lesions. Expression of gelatinases and MMP-12 augmented in the rats exposed to tobacco smoke alone or combined with sucrose. Zymography showed prominent gelatinases activity in all the experimental groups. These results suggest that simultaneous exposure to sucrose and tobacco smoke decreases inflammation but results in emphysematous lesions similar to those observed with tobacco smoke exposure, suggesting that obesity does not confer any protective effect against lung damage.

Reading the phase of a Raman excitation with a multi-state atomic interferometer

Atomic memories for flying photonic qubits are an essential ingredient for many applications like e.g. quantum repeaters. Verification of the coherent transfer of information from a light field to an atomic superposition is usually obtained using an optical read-out. In this paper we report the direct detection of the atomic coherence by means of atom interferometry. We experimentally verified both that a bichromatic laser field closing a Raman transition imprints a distinct, controllable phase on the atomic coherence and that it can be recovered after a variable time delay.

[Calcaneus fractures as a complication of the percutaneous treatment of plantar fasciitis. Case report]

Plantar fasciitis, a self-limiting pathologic entity, is a common cause of heel pain in adult patients. Surgical treatment is indicated when the patient does not improve after receiving conservative treatment for 4-6 months with proper surveillance. The complications of percutaneous techniques include: infection, persistent pain, and neurologic injuries, among others. We report the case of a patient with calcaneus fracture following percutaneous plantar fasciotomy and resection of a calcaneal spur. We conducted a review and discussion of the literature.

[Clinical outcomes of cataract surgery combined with 23-gauge vitrectomy]

PURPOSE

To report the clinical outcomes of cataract surgery (phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation) combined with 23-gauge vitrectomy, and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this technique.

METHODS

A retrospective, consecutive, non-comparative study which included 105 eyes. Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (in the capsular sac) combined with 23-gauge vitrectomy were performed. Indications for undergoing surgery were varied. Best corrected logMAR visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured pre- and postoperatively, and postoperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Patients were followed-up for a mean of 16.6±9.9 months. The mean preoperative VA was 0.83±0.40 logMAR, and mean postoperative VA one month after surgery was 0.44±0.38 logMAR. The postoperative visual acuity improved in 83.8% of cases. The mean preoperative IOP was 16.6±3.7mmHg, while the mean postoperative IOP was 22.5±12.8mmHg (1 day after surgery), 17.5±6.8mmHg (after 1 week), and 15.3±3.8mmHg (after 1 month). Postoperative complications included posterior capsular opacification (n=5), macular edema (n=4), corneal de-epithelization (n=3), retinal detachment (n=2), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (n=2), choroidal detachment (n=1), macular hole (n=1), vitreous hemorrhage (n=1), epiretinal membrane (n=1), and transient elevated intraocular pressure (n=36).

CONCLUSIONS

The surgery reported in this study involving phacoemulsification combined with 23-gauge vitrectomy was found to be safe and effective, and was associated with improved clinical features, including rapid rehabilitation, a low incidence of complications, and avoids repeat surgery.

General variational principles applicable to the hybrid element method

Functional valued operators are used to formulate diffraction problems in a general abstract form. Variational principles for this formulation are developed. They are then applied to derive results on the linearized theory of free surface flows previously reported. Applications are also made to potential theory and elasticity.

Theory of connectivity for formally symmetric operators

A previous paper introduced the notion of complete connectivity conditions and developed variational principles for diffraction problems subjected to such restrictions. Here, an abstract definition of formally symmetric operators is given and it is shown that the problem of connecting solutions of equations associated with this kind of operators leads to complete connectivity conditions. The variational principles previously developed as well as a present more general one are thus applicable. The problem of connecting solutions defined in different regions is basic for finite element formulations. Formally symmetric operators occur in many branches of science and engineering. Applications are given here to potential theory, wave propagation, elasticity, and a general class of boundary integral equations.

Connectivity as an alternative to boundary integral equations: Construction of bases

In previous papers Herrera developed a theory of connectivity that is applicable to the problem of connecting solutions defined in different regions, which occurs when solving partial differential equations and many problems of mechanics. In this paper we explain how complete connectivity conditions can be used to replace boundary integral equations in many situations. We show that completeness is satisfied not only in steady-state problems such as potential, reduced wave equation and static and quasi-static elasticity, but also in time-dependent problems such as heat and wave equations and dynamical elasticity. A method to obtain bases of connectivity conditions, which are independent of the regions considered, is also presented.

[Wandering spleen torsion]

The ectopic spleen characterizes for absence of its suspensory ligaments and a long pedicle that are predisposed to complicate it for a torsion with commitment of the venous drainage at first and arterial at a later time himself, producing increase of its volume and infarct. This anomalous situation, it can be had to a congenital malformation of the development of its suspensory elements and fall toward the inferior abdomen or else to an inferior growth of the mesodermic yolk of that this organ originates itself. The suitable treatment is the laparoscopic splenopexy, but when it exists infarction, it is no possible avoid the splenectomy.

A prospective safety study of allergen immunotherapy in daily clinical practice

BACKGROUND

Despite its clinical effectiveness, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) remains controversial because serious systemic reactions can occur during its administration. Most of the studies on the safety of AIT are retrospective and use different methods, which frequently depart from daily clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for adverse reactions, especially systemic adverse reactions, produced during routine AIT administration.

METHODS

We registered 5,768 consecutive doses of standardized extracts administered to 273 patients in conventional schedules, following the recommendations on safety and data collection of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology. Of the 273 patients, 236 were asthmatics, 28 had rhinitis and 9 received immunotherapy due to Hymenoptera anaphylaxis.

RESULTS

We examined 143 local reactions (2.48 % of the doses) and 145 systemic reactions (78 immediate and 67 delayed). Risk factors for developing an immediate systemic reaction were asthma severity, sensitization to molds, the most concentrated vials and a fall in peak expiratory flow of more than 15 % or an immediate systemic reaction in the previous dose. Late systemic reactions were significantly more frequent with less concentrated vials and in patients with late local reactions in the previous dose. No serious reactions were registered.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that AIT is reliable when used with strict safety protocols and administered by specialized staff. Risk factors for adverse reactions to this type of treatment can be identified and reduced by systematic data collection.

[Epidermoid splenic cyst--state of the art]

In order to understand the features of splenic epidermoid cysts and their possible associated complications, four cases of splenic epidermoid cyst are presented in this report, two in children, one of them appeared in a child affected by a EBV and BH sepsis complicated with splenic abscesses due to scratch cat disease. The other two cases were adults. According to our histophatological findings, the pathogenesis may be related to a citodiferentation from mesothelium to squamous metaplasia. Our current knowledge about the role of spleen on immunological activity, mainly against capsulated germs, and the increase risk of overwhelming postesplenectomy septicemia have contributed to our conservative attitude about splenic surgery. We believe that management during the neonatal period should be conservative because cysts tend to disappear in most cases. In older children with a small cyst our recommendation is punction-aspiration and sclerotherapy, with ultrasound follow-up control.

Use of silica-immobilized humin for heavy metal removal from aqueous solution under flow conditions

Humin extracted from Sphagnum peat moss was immobilized in a silica matrix and column experiments were performed in order to evaluate the removal and recovery of metal ions from aqueous solution under flow conditions. These experiments also allowed testing the recycling capacity of the column. Single-element solutions of Cu(II) and Pb(II), and a multi-metal solution containing Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), Ni(II), and Cr(III) were passed through the columns at a flow rate of 2 ml/min. A 0.5 M sodium citrate solution was used as the stripping agent in the metal-ion recovery process. Humin immobilized in the silica matrix exhibited a similar, and in some cases, even a higher capacity than other biosorbents for the removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions under flow conditions. The sodium citrate was effective in removing Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), and Ni(II) from the metal saturated column. The selectivity of the immobilized biomass was as follows: Cr(III)>Pb(II)>Cu(II)>Cd(II)>Ni(II). This investigation provides a new, environmentally friendly and cost-effective possibility to clean up heavy-metal contaminated wastewaters by using the new silica-immobilized humin material.

Hemorragia subaracnoidea espontánea: ¿Es útil la ultrasonografía Doppler transcraneal urgente?

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the value of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) in the first 24 hours of hospital admission in patients suffering good-grade spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in order to detect a high-risk group for symptomatic vasospasm.

METHOD

Forty-nine spontaneous good-grade SAH were included. The first TCD studies were carried out at the Emergency Department. At least one more TCD recording was performed between the 4th and 14th day. Patients were classified according to whether they came to the hospital during the first 72 hours after the haemorrhage (Group 1) or later (Group 2).

FINDINGS

Thirty three patients were included in Group 1 and sixteen patients in Group 2. Thirteen patients (26.5%) had sonographic vasospasm. In eight of these patients (61 %), the vasospasm was symptomatic. The initial mean velocity (MV) for Group 1 was normal. The increase in MV/24h (MV/24h) within the first 72 hours after SAH was higher (p< 0.007), in those whose developed sonographic vasospasm. In Group 2, the initial MV was greater (p< 0.001)) in patients who suffered sonographic vasospasm, with or without symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability of TCD recorded in the first 24 hours of hospital admission to detect high-risk vasospasm patients for SAH with low clinical severity helps decide the most efficient patient destination. During the first three days the MV/24h is of value but not the absolute figure of the MV. In contrast, between the 4th and 14th day after SAH, the absolute figure of MV was useful to predict vasospasm.

Pine processionary caterpillar allergenicity increases during larval development

BACKGROUND

In European countries, pine processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is one of the species of Lepidoptera able to affect humans. Its allergenicity has been demonstrated in previous studies. However, in all of them larval extract in the fifth stage of development has been used as antigen. Therefore, allergenicity of other larval stages was unknown. The objective of our study was to detect allergenic changes of pine processionary caterpillar during larval development.

METHODS

Pine processionary caterpillar extracts in all larval stages were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Immunoblotting was performed using patient sera with suggestive history of allergy and a positive prick test.

Identification of heat shock protein 90 and other proteins as tumour antigens by serological screening of an ovarian carcinoma expression library

Serological screening of recombinant cDNA expression libraries has been widely used for the identification of tumour antigens in various cancer types. Identification of tumour antigens in ovarian cancer may facilitate the development of vaccine-based therapies and of disease biomarkers. The purpose of our investigation is to identify tumour antigens in ovarian cancer by using the serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression libraries method. A recombinant ovarian carcinoma cDNA expression library was screened with ascites fluid, pooled from five ovarian cancer patients. Twelve tumour antigens encoded by known genes were isolated, including ribosomal protein S18, heat shock protein 90, JK-recombination signal binding protein, ribonucleoprotein H1, RAN binding protein 7, TG-interacting factor, eukaryotic translation initiation factor p40 subunit, human amyloid precursor protein-binding protein 1, ribosomal protein L8, CDC23, IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1, and ribosomal protein L3. Heat shock protein 90 was chosen for further investigation. The prevalence of hsp90 autoantibodies in ovarian cancer was determined with immunoassay. Sera from 22 normal females, 32 from ovarian cancer (22 stage III/IV, 10 stage I/II), 37 colorectal cancer, 13 breast cancer, 10 lung cancer, 20 benign gynaecologic diseases, and 10 benign breast lesions were screened. Seven (32%) stage III/IV ovarian cancer, 1 (10%) stage I/II ovarian cancer, 1 (3%) colorectal cancer, 1 (8%) breast cancer, and 1 (5%) benign gynaecologic disease sera were found to contain hsp90 autoantibodies. These data support the view that hsp90 autoantibodies are frequently found in late stage ovarian cancer. Hsp90 may, therefore, represent a novel biomarker for ovarian cancer and a candidate ovarian cancer vaccine target.

Serological status for Chlamydophila psittaci, Newcastle disease virus, avian polyoma virus, and Pacheco disease virus in scarlet macaws (Ara macao) kept in captivity in Costa Rica

From 1998 to 1999, a total of 128 blood samples were collected from scarlet macaws (Ara macao), kept in captivity in 11 different aviaries located in six provinces of Costa Rica. The sera were examined for antibodies directed against Chlamydophila psittaci, Newcastle disease virus (NDV), avian polyoma virus (APV), and Pacheco disease virus (PDV). Testing by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), showed 16 (12.39%) of the samples (n = 129) exhibited antibodies directed against C. psittaci. Employing haemagglutination inhibition tests for NDV antibodies, all of the samples were found to be negative. The prevalence of antibodies specific for APV was tested with a blocking ELISA and serum neutralization tests (SNT) and 12 of 128 samples (9.37%) were found to be positive with both tests. In SNT, two out of 128 samples (1.56%) were positive for PDV. This is the first description of the serological status in scarlet macaws in captivity in Costa Rica. The study demonstrates the absence of NDV antibodies in the birds investigated on one hand, but also indicates a health hazard for numerous avian species due to the risk of infections with C. psittaci, APV or PDV.

Ultrastructural localization of the RNA of immunodeficiency viruses using electron microscopy in situ hybridization and in vitroinfected lymphocytes

Cells infected in vitro with immunodeficiency viruses have been examined by electron microscopy in situ hybridization (EM ISH) methods for localization of viral RNA. Techniques used for preparation of specimens and probes are described. Unambiguous positive results were obtained using a mixture of two or three single negative strand DNA oligonucleotides complementary to regions of the gag, env and nef genes, each 200-300 bases and labelled with dig-11-UTP. Positive strand probes were used as a negative control. Cells were fixed with a mixture of formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, dehydrated in ethanol with progressive lowering of temperature and embedded in Lowicryl K4M or HM20 at -35 degrees C. Permeabilization or pre-treatment of sections with proteinase K was not essential. The hybridization mixture was applied for 3-4h at 37 degrees C and probe was visualized by direct immuno-staining with sheep anti-digoxigenin antibodies conjugated to 10nm gold. This method would be suitable for future studies of the pathogenesis of retroviral infections and as a basis for further development of the EM ISH technique. EM ISH of in vitro infections of immunodeficiency viruses has shown the location of viral RNA in immature and mature viruses and its relationship to multimerized Gag protein during viral budding. The label for RNA has also been found in the cytoplasm of infected cells; it was mainly located adjacent to the plasma membrane and unassociated with visible Gag proteins. This may indicate that viral RNA migrates to the plasma membrane independently of the Gag protein and may, in some instances, arrive at the plasma membrane prior to the Gag protein. Viral RNA has also been found in the nucleus of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) that were showing no morphological evidence of infection. The RNA was typically located in the nucleolus and in peripheral dense chromatin. These cells, which displayed morphological features of macrophage lineage, may have been the initial cell type to be infected in the PBMC.

Enhanced magnification endoscopy: a new technique to identify specialized intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's esophagus

BACKGROUND

Specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) in Barrett's esophagus (BE) is not identifiable by standard endoscopy. Acetic acid instillation enhances the ability to detect columnar epithelium at the squamocolumnar union. Enhanced magnification endoscopy involves the combined use of magnification endoscopy with acetic acid. This study assessed the value of enhanced magnification endoscopy in detecting SIM in patients with BE.

METHODS

Patients undergoing endoscopic surveillance because of short segment BE without dysplasia underwent enhanced magnification endoscopy with 1.5% acetic acid instillation. Standard endoscopy was followed by magnification endoscopy and repeated after acetic acid spraying. Surface patterns were characterized prior to and after acetic acid spraying. The observed surface patterns were compared with histology results.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients, 9 women and 39 men, with a mean age of 50.5 years were studied. One was excluded because of unclear definition of the surface pattern. Enhanced magnification endoscopy detected 4 different mucosal surface patterns: I, round pits; II, reticular; III, villous; and IV, ridged. A total of 129 areas were examined. Standard endoscopy identified an endoscopic pattern in 1.5% of the areas, standard endoscopy and acetic acid in 8.5%, magnification endoscopy alone in 38%, and enhanced magnification endoscopy in all 129 endoscopic areas. The yields for detecting SIM according to endoscopic patterns were as follows: pattern I, 0%; II, 11% (odds ratio 0.5, p = 0.54); III, 87% (odds ratio 36, p = 0.001); and IV, 100% (odds ratio 14, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced magnification endoscopy is an accurate method of predicting SIM in BE. The simplicity of the technique and its ability to identify characteristic endoscopic patterns with outstanding clarity and resolution that correlate with histologic identification of specialized intestinal metaplasia make enhanced magnification endoscopy an excellent method for the evaluation of patients with BE.

Antigenic and genomic diversity of human rotavirus VP4 in two consecutive epidemic seasons in Mexico

In the present investigation we characterized the antigenic diversity of the VP4 and VP7 proteins in 309 and 261 human rotavirus strains isolated during two consecutive epidemic seasons, respectively, in three different regions of Mexico. G3 was found to be the prevalent VP7 serotype during the first year, being superseded by serotype G1 strains during the second season. To antigenically characterize the VP4 protein of the strains isolated, we used five neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) which showed specificity for VP4 serotypes P1A, P1B, and P2 in earlier studies. Eight different patterns of reactivity with these MAbs were found, and the prevalence of three of these patterns varied from one season to the next. The P genotype of a subset of 52 samples was determined by PCR. Among the strains characterized as genotype P[4] and P[8] there were three and five different VP4 MAb reactivity patterns, respectively, indicating that the diversity of neutralization epitopes in VP4 is greater than that previously appreciated by the genomic typing methods.

Acetic acid improves identification of remnant islands of Barrett's epithelium after endoscopic therapy

BACKGROUND

Instillation of acetic acid onto the uterine cervix at colposcopy has been used for many years to highlight dysplastic areas and thereby enhance the ability to obtain targeted biopsy specimens. As part of an ongoing trial of multipolar electrocoagulation for Barrett's esophagus, we sought to develop a simple technique to identify small islands of residual specialized columnar epithelium after treatment.

METHODS

In 21 consecutive patients, 5 to 10 mL of 1.5% acetic acid was sprayed onto the distal esophagus using a spray catheter, followed immediately by spraying 50 mL of tap water.

RESULTS

Initially, a whitish coloration developed in both esophageal and gastric epithelia. After 2 to 3 minutes, the esophageal squamous mucosa remained white but the columnar epithelium became reddish. Remnant islands of Barrett's epithelium were outlined by a white rim.

CONCLUSION

Acetic acid instillation enhances the ability to detect small or indistinguishable remnant islands of columnar epithelium after endoscopic treatment of Barrett's esophagus. This method is safe, rapid, and inexpensive.

Serotype specificity of the neutralizing-antibody response induced by the individual surface proteins of rotavirus in natural infections of young children

The relative contribution of the rotavirus surface proteins, VP4 and VP7, to the induction of homotypic as well as heterotypic neutralizing antibodies (NtAbs) in natural infections was studied. The NtAb titers of paired sera from 70 infants with serologically defined primary rotavirus infections were determined with a panel of rotavirus reassortants having one surface protein from a human rotavirus (serotypes G1 to G4 for VP7 and P1A and P1B for VP4) and the other surface protein from a heterologous animal rotavirus strain. A subset of 37 children were evaluated for epitope-specific antibodies to the two proteins by an epitope-blocking assay. The infants were found to seroconvert more frequently to VP4 than to VP7 by both methods, although the titers of the seroconverters were higher to VP7 than to VP4. Both proteins induced homotypic as well as heterotypic NtAbs. G1 VP7 frequently induced a response to both G1 and G3 VP7s, while G3 VP7 and P1A VP4 induced mostly homotypic responses.

Modulation by food restriction of intracellular calcium signaling in parotid acinar cells of aging Fischer 344 rats

Previous studies suggest that alpha 1-adrenergic (alpha 1-AR)-induced intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) mobilization in rat parotid acinar cells declines with age. In this study, we examined the effects of food restriction on alpha 1-AR and muscarinic-stimulated [Ca2+]i mobilization in parotid acinar cells during aging. [Ca2+]i levels in response to the alpha 1-AR agonist epinephrine and the muscarinic agonist carbachol were evaluated in Fura-2-loaded parotid acinar cells from ad libitum-fed (AL) and food-restricted (FR) Fischer 344 male rats at 4, 6, 14, and 24 months of age. [Ca2+]i responses to epinephrine and carbachol (10 microM) were significantly reduced (48% and 35%, respectively; p < .05) in cells from 24-month-old AL rats as compared to younger AL rats. In contrast, no significant reduction of epinephrine and carbachol responses was observed in 24-month-old FR animals. An age-related increase in basal [Ca2+]i (peak around 14 months; p < .02) was observed in both AL and FR rats. In addition, basal [Ca2+]i was higher in FR than in AL rats at 14 and 24 months of age (p < .02). These studies suggest that FR partially attenuates or delays age-related impairments in alpha 1-AR- and muscarinic-cholinergic signal transduction systems of parotid acinar cells. Basal [Ca2+]i also appears to be altered during aging and by FR.