Delta-8 THC Retail Availability, Price, and Minimum Purchase Age

Background: Retail sales of Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products have increased in the U.S. market since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, and there is currently little regulation of marketing/sales and limited related safety standards in many states. After thousands of calls to poison control centers (40% for individuals under 18 years old and 70% requiring health care facility evaluation), the Food and Drug Administration issued warnings on Delta-8 THC products, stating their psychoactive effects and that some manufacturers may synthesize Delta-8 using unsafe household chemicals. The current study describes the Delta-8 THC retail sales environment in Fort Worth, Texas. Given its relatively inexpensive manufacturing and that low prices are a major determinant of cannabis use, the price of Delta-8 THC products was examined. This study also examined whether retail outlets in areas with greater socioeconomic deprivation had higher odds of selling Delta-8 THC products. This is important because if Delta-8 THC retailers are disproportionately located in more socioeconomically deprived communities, residents of these communities can more easily access these products and may have higher risk of adverse consequences. Methods: Potential Delta-8 THC retailers were selected by identifying lists of current retail locations with alcohol, cannabidiol, and/or tobacco licenses in Fort Worth. Trained research assistants called outlets in September and October 2021 to query about sales of products containing Delta-8 THC. The response rate was 69% (n=1,223). Outlets' 9-digit zip codes were merged with Area Deprivation Index scores. Products and purported minimum age were described. Chi-squared and Student's t-tests were used. Results: Eleven percent of outlets (n=133) reported selling Delta-8 THC. Ninety-six percent sold vapes and/or "flower" (i.e., hemp leaves coated with Delta-8 THC distillate) and 76% sold edibles. Among the least expensive products available, edibles cost, on average, $8.58 less than flower/vapes (p<0.001). Outlets that sold Delta-8 THC were located in areas with greater deprivation (p=0.02). Most reported a minimum purchase age of 21; however, 4% reported 18 years or no minimum age. Conclusions: Delta-8 THC retail outlets were disproportionately located in areas with more socioeconomic deprivation. Legal intervention such as zoning, minimum age, and tax laws may help reduce Delta-8 THC-related disparities.

Factors Associated with Delta-8 THC Retail Availability in Fort Worth, Texas, 2021-2022

Background: Delta-8 THC is a federally unregulated psychoactive cannabis product rising in popularity. However, little is known regarding its retail availability. Method: We assessed Delta-8 THC retail by calling locations with alcohol, tobacco, and/or consumable hemp retail licenses in Fort Worth, Texas, before and after Texas announced ongoing litigation surrounding Delta-8 THC legality. We linked census block area deprivation index (ADI) scores (1-10; 10 = most disadvantaged) to locations. Logistic regression models examined associations between license type, ADI, ADI*license type interaction, and Delta-8 availability at each time. Results: Retail availability was 11% at Time 1 (n = 133/1,223) and 9% at Time 2 (n = 94/1,026). Alcohol (aORTime1 = 0.18, 95%CI = 0.12,0.28; aORTime2 = 0.14, 95%CI = 0.08,0.24), tobacco (aORTime1 = 15.13, 95%CI = 6.78,33.74; aORTime2 = 12.39, 95%CI = 4.97,30.91), and consumable hemp licenses (aORTime1 = 21.85, 95%CI = 7.91,60.39; aORTime2 = 22.93, 95%CI = 6.92,75.98) were associated with Delta-8 THC retail availability; ADI scores were borderline but not statistically significant. The multiplicative interaction at Time 2 indicated locations with both high ADI scores and alcohol retail licenses had higher odds of selling Delta-8 THC. Differential associations between ADI and Delta-8 THC availability were observed based on those with (b = 0.007) or without (b = -0.023) alcohol retail licenses. Conclusions: Both timepoints had similar proportions of Delta-8 THC retailers, indicating that despite the uncertain legal landscape in Texas, interest in Delta-8 did not appear to be declining. Geographic socioeconomic disparities were observed among locations with alcohol retail licenses. Future regulations may include minimum distances from specific locations (e.g., schools), particularly in more disadvantaged areas. Increasing the compliance of Texas Delta-8 THC retailers to have the required hemp license is important for surveillance and product safety.

Kratom Retail Availability in Fort Worth, Texas

Kratom use is associated with cannabis use, so retail availability may also be related. Kratom and Delta-8 THC (a psychoactive cannabis product) are federally unregulated, marketed as "natural," and often used for pain relief and/or relaxation. Kratom may have greater retail availability in more socioeconomically deprived areas because harmful substances are frequently marketed to lower-income communities. This study examined kratom retail availability in Fort Worth, Texas. Locations with alcohol, tobacco, and/or CBD licenses were called in July 2022: 1,025/1,223 (84%) answered the phone. T-tests examined potential differences in socioeconomic deprivation scores surrounding outlets by whether they sold kratom. Cross-tabulations examined overlap in kratom and Delta-8 THC availability. Kratom was available in 6% of locations. Most kratom retailers had a tobacco license (92%). However, most stores with a tobacco license did not sell kratom (14%), whereas most stores with a CBD license did (55%). Kratom availability was not associated with area deprivation scores. Most kratom retailers (95%) sold Delta-8 THC and two-thirds (65%) of Delta-8 THC retailers sold kratom. This study was the first to examine retail availability of kratom. Findings indicate the presence of niche stores specializing in the retail of federally unregulated substances.

Approaching "highly sensitive person" as a cultural concept of distress: a case-study using the cultural formulation interview in patients with bipolar disorder

Background

Psychiatric patients may refer to concepts neither medically accepted nor easily understood to describe their experiences when seeking medical care. These concepts may lie outside the clinician's cultural references and consequently hinder the diagnostic consultation. In the fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the clinical instrument Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) was included. The CFI aims to facilitate the gathering and synthesis of culturally relevant clinical information. The notion of Cultural Concepts of Distress (CCD) was also introduced in DSM-5. The CCD include the subterms of the cultural syndrome, cultural explanation, and cultural idiom of distress. No previous study has used CFI for conceptualizing a cultural notion as a CCD. This study aimed to approach the cultural notion of being a highly sensitive person (HSP) in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) by applying the CFI. The cultural notion of HSP has garnered great interest globally, although scientific evidence is limited. No direct correlation between BD and HSP was hypothesized before or during the study process.

Methods

In this case study, three patients with BD who reported being HSP were interviewed using the CFI. Furthermore, the applicability of the CCD was examined based on the outcomes of the CFI using an interpretive approach.

Results

All three patients reported that the CFI facilitated the clinical consultation, and in one of the cases, it may also have increased the treatment engagement. Based on the synthesis of the CFI outcomes in these illustrative cases, HSP could be understood as a cultural syndrome, a cultural explanation, and a cultural idiom of distress.

Conclusion

By applying a person-centered perspective, CFI was used for the conceptualization of a cultural notion as a CCD (i.e., HSP in our study). Moreover, the cases highlight the complexity of illness insight in BD as a medical phenomenon when patients' illness perspectives are taken into consideration. Future studies need to further examine the clinical relevance of the CFI in the management of BD.

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol: a scoping review and commentary

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive substance from the Cannabis plant that has been rising in popularity in the United States since the 2018 US Farm Bill implicitly legalized it. This study reviewed research from peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed (e.g. anecdotal and news) reports related to delta-8 THC to summarize current knowledge and implications for public health and safety.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Google as search engines, leading to the identification of 103 documents that were summarized. The themes that emerged were (1) legality, (2) use (popularity, motives, psychoactivity/potency, benefits/consequences), (3) synthesis (byproducts, laboratory testing) and (4) retail (availability, price, packaging, youth-oriented marketing). A second author independently coded 20% of the documents, which verified the categorization of articles by these emergent themes.

RESULTS

Most research used animal/cell models or focused upon ways to identify the chemical structure of delta-8 THC in various products. Findings suggest that people often use delta-8 THC as a substitute for other substances. Anecdotally, delta-8 THC is a less potent psychoactive than delta-9 THC; however, several negative consequences have been reported. There is no federal age restriction for purchase/possession of delta-8 THC products. Delta-8 THC is readily accessible on-line, is typically less expensive than delta-9 THC and is often marketed in ways that would seemingly appeal to children. There are no regulations on synthesis, resulting in products being contaminated and/or yielding inconsistent effects. There have been thousands of calls to US poison control centers due to accidental delta-8 THC exposure among minors.

CONCLUSIONS

Most research on delta-8 THC is largely anecdotal, not peer-reviewed and does not involve human subjects. Future research should examine delta-8 THC use using nationally representative samples to more clearly understand the prevalence and consequences of use. Laws are needed to mitigate the risks of using delta-8 THC, particularly quality control of synthesis and minimum purchase age.

POS0255 PREDICTORS OF ANTIBODY RESPONSE TO COVID-19 VACCINE IN RITUXIMAB TREATED PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASES. A SWEDISH NATIONWIDE STUDY (COVID19-REUMA)

Background

In line with other reports, our group showed that patients treated with rituximab had significant impaired antibody response compared to patients treated with other biologic and targeted and synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARD).

Objectives

To investigate predictors of response to COVID-19 vaccination (2 doses of mRNA vaccines, 2 doses of virus vector vaccines or combinations of these) in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) treated with rituximab and controls.

Methods

Antibody levels to three antigens: Spike protein full length, Spike S1 and Nucleocapsid C-terminal fragment (to confirm previous COVID-19 infection) were measured in sera collected before vaccination and 2-12 weeks after the second vaccine using a multiplex bead-based serology assay. The antigen-specific cut-off was defined as the median fluorescence intensity signal plus 6x standard deviations across 12 pre-pandemic controls. A good vaccine response was defined as having antibodies over the cut-off level for both spike antigens. Proportion (%) responders was compared between patients and controls (Chi2 test).

Patients with IRD receiving last rituximab treatment within a mean (range) 193 (23-501) days before first vaccination participated. Individuals without IRD served as a control group. Predictors of a good vaccine response were explored using multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, disease duration, diagnosis (systemic vasculitis/RA/JIA/other), concomitant csDMARD, rituximab dose and prednisolone dose. Hazard ratio (chanse) of a good antibody response in relation to time between the last rituximab treatment and vaccination was studied by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Results

In total, 145 patients receiving rituximab and 61 controls were inclyded. Of these, 82 received rituximab as monotherapy (67% women; mean age 66 years, mean disease duration 13 years; 33% had RA/JIA and 60% vasculitis) and 63 received rituximab+csDMARD (62% women; mean age 66 years; mean disease duration 17 years; 76% had RA/JIA and 10 % vasculitis). Controls (n=61) were 74% women and mean age 49 years. Compared to controls, rituximab patients had lower antibody levels for both spike proteins (p<0.001). Proportion (%) responders among patients receiving rituximab as monotherapy (40.2%) and rituximab+DMARDs (25.4%) was significantly lower than in controls (98.4%) (p<0.001, Chi2). Higher age, concomitant csDMARD at vaccination and shorter time from last rituximab treatment predicted impaired antibody response (multivariate logistic regression model) (Table 1). Longer time between the last rituximab course and vaccination was associated with better antibody response (Figure 1).

Table 1.

Predictors of good antibody response to two doses of COVID-19 vaccine defined as antibodies over the cut-off level for both spike antigens

Bp-valueOR95% CIAge at vaccination (years)-0.040.0090.960.93-0.99Sex (male/female)-9.550.2090.580.24-1.36csDMARD at vaccination (yes/no)-1.080.0260.340.13-0.88Prednisolone (mg/dag)-0.100.1030.900.80-1.02Rituximab dos (1000 mg vs 500 mg)-0.010.3700.990.99-1.00Time between the last rituximab and vaccination (months)0.200.0011.311.11-1.55Diagnosis at vaccination (systemic vasculitis vs others)-0.510.3150.600.21-1.64Figure 1.

The chance of good antibody response following two doses of COVID-19 vaccine in relation to time between the last rituximab course and vaccination.

Conclusion

Patients with IRD getting vaccinated with two doses of COVID19 vaccine during the treatment with rituximab have the ability to develop antibody response although the response is impaired. For each month passed after the last rituximab course, the chance of good antibody response increases with 30%. Younger patients receiving rituximab as monotherapy and vaccinated preferably several months after the last rituximab treatment have the highest chance of achieving a good antibody response.

Acknowledgements

Unrestricted research grants have been received from Roche and starting grants from The Swedish Rheumatism Association

Disclosure of Interests

Martina Frodlund: None declared, Katerina Chatzidionysiou Consultant of: consultancy fees from Eli Lilly, AbbVie and Pfizer., Anna Södergren: None declared, Eva Klingberg: None declared, Monika Hansson: None declared, Elisa Pin: None declared, Sophie Olsson: None declared, Anders Bengtsson: None declared, Lars Klareskog Grant/research support from: has eceived research grants from Pfizer, BMS, Affibody, Sonoma Biotherapeutics, Meliha C Kapetanovic Consultant of: have received consultancy fees from Abbvie, Pfizer and GSK, Grant/research support from: have received unrestricted research grants from Roche and Pfizer

Canonical Babbling and Early Consonant Development Related to Hearing in Children With Otitis Media With Effusion With or Without Cleft Palate

OBJECTIVE

To investigate and compare babbling, early consonant production and proficiency from 10 to 36 months of age and its relationship with hearing in children with otitis media with effusion (OME) with or without cleft palate.

DESIGN

Prospective, longitudinal group comparison study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifteen children born with nonsyndromic cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP±L) and 15 age-matched children with hearing loss (HL) associated with OME but without cleft palate (noncleft group).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Canonical babbling (CB) and early consonant variables (presence of oral stops, anterior stops, dental/alveolar stops, number of different true consonants) at 10 and 18 months, and percentage of consonants correct proficiency (PCC) at 36 months.

RESULTS

A total of 54% of the CP±L group and 77% of the noncleft group had CB. The noncleft group had a significantly higher prevalence of all consonant variables. Percentage of consonants correct was 61.9% in the CP±L group and 81.6% in the noncleft group. All early consonant variables except CB were significantly related to PCC. Hearing sensitivity at 18 and 30 months correlated with PCC and explained 40% of the variation.

CONCLUSIONS

Mild HL impacted presence of CB at 10 months and was related to consonant proficiency at 36 months in children with HL associated with OME and children with cleft palate. The noncleft group showed results at 36 months similar to children with normal hearing; however, the CP±L group did not. Although the cleft palate may have a bigger impact on the speech development, management of hearing sensitivity would also be beneficial.

Surgical intervention for intestinal typhoid perforation

AIM

Typhoid perforation is the most fatal complication of typhoid fever in developing countries and is most often caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi. There are conflicting views as to which type of surgical intervention gives the best outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the mortality associated with the different types of surgical interventions employed in patients with typhoid perforation.

METHOD

This was a retrospective review of the medical records of adult and paediatric surgical patients treated in the general and paediatric surgical units of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Information was obtained from medical records at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana, between January 2009 and April 2012. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20 and 22.

RESULTS

133 patients (median age of 21 years, 72.2% males) with typhoid perforation were included in the study. The typhoid perforation specific mortality rate was 12.8%. Males had a significantly lower mortality rate (7.3%) compared to females (27%). Simple bowel closure (85.7% of total) was the most common surgical intervention performed and patients operated upon with this method had a significantly lower mortality rate (9.6%) compared to patients with bowel resection (31.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, patients treated with intestinal resection were more likely to die from typhoid perforation and female gender was a risk factor for death. Simple bowel closure was the predominant surgical procedure.

Understanding the cultural concept of “highly sensitive person” among bipolar patients

Introduction

The concept of “highly sensitive person” is a cultural concept, which has become popular in western societies including Sweden. A highly sensitive person (HSP) is usually described as having hypersensitivity to external stimuli, different cognitive processing and high emotional reactivity. Although the concept lacks diagnostic validity, psychiatric patients may refer to this concept.

Aims

To examine the feasibility of the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) and the clinical relevance of cultural concepts of distress among patients with bipolar disorder that report being a HSP.

Methods

A case series of three patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder that report HSP. The CFI was conducted with all patients and the applicability of the DSM-5 cultural concepts of distress tested.

Results

In all three cases, the CFI facilitated the clinical consultation as reported from the patients and in one of the cases also increased the treatment engagement. The HSP-concept could be conceptualized as a cultural syndrome, idiom of distress and as an explanatory model.

Conclusion

The CFI and the cultural concepts of distress proved to be useful for understanding the concept of HSP as also they increased the cultural validity of the diagnostic interview. The three cases illustrate the challenges when encountering patients with other cultural references than clinicians. This highlights the necessity to integrate anthropological thinking in our current diagnostic work in order to reduce the “category fallacy” and promote a more person-centered approach in psychiatry.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Bayesian inference of protein ensembles from SAXS data

The inherent flexibility of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and multi-domain proteins with intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) presents challenges to structural analysis. These macromolecules need to be represented by an ensemble of conformations, rather than a single structure. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments capture ensemble-averaged data for the set of conformations. We present a Bayesian approach to ensemble inference from SAXS data, called Bayesian ensemble SAXS (BE-SAXS). We address two issues with existing methods: the use of a finite ensemble of structures to represent the underlying distribution, and the selection of that ensemble as a subset of an initial pool of structures. This is achieved through the formulation of a Bayesian posterior of the conformational space. BE-SAXS modifies a structural prior distribution in accordance with the experimental data. It uses multi-step expectation maximization, with alternating rounds of Markov-chain Monte Carlo simulation and empirical Bayes optimization. We demonstrate the method by employing it to obtain a conformational ensemble of the antitoxin PaaA2 and comparing the results to a published ensemble.

A genome-wide association study of kynurenic acid in cerebrospinal fluid: implications for psychosis and cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder

Elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of the glia-derived N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor antagonist kynurenic acid (KYNA) have consistently been implicated in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study based on CSF KYNA in bipolar disorder and found support for an association with a common variant within 1p21.3. After replication in an independent cohort, we linked this genetic variant-associated with reduced SNX7 expression-to positive psychotic symptoms and executive function deficits in bipolar disorder. A series of post-mortem brain tissue and in vitro experiments suggested SNX7 downregulation to result in a caspase-8-driven activation of interleukin-1β and a subsequent induction of the brain kynurenine pathway. The current study demonstrates the potential of using biomarkers in genetic studies of psychiatric disorders, and may help to identify novel drug targets in bipolar disorder.

The KMO allele encoding Arg452 is associated with psychotic features in bipolar disorder type 1, and with increased CSF KYNA level and reduced KMO expression

The kynurenine pathway metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA), modulating glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission, is increased in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder type 1 with psychotic features. KYNA production is critically dependent on kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO). KMO mRNA levels and activity in prefrontal cortex (PFC) are reduced in schizophrenia. We hypothesized that KMO expression in PFC would be reduced in bipolar disorder with psychotic features and that a functional genetic variant of KMO would associate with this disease, CSF KYNA level and KMO expression. KMO mRNA levels were reduced in PFC of bipolar disorder patients with lifetime psychotic features (P=0.005, n=19) or schizophrenia (P=0.02, n=36) compared with nonpsychotic patients and controls. KMO genetic association to psychotic features in bipolar disorder type 1 was studied in 493 patients and 1044 controls from Sweden. The KMO Arg(452) allele was associated with psychotic features during manic episodes (P=0.003). KMO Arg(452) was studied for association to CSF KYNA levels in an independent sample of 55 Swedish patients, and to KMO expression in 717 lymphoblastoid cell lines and 138 hippocampal biopsies. KMO Arg(452) associated with increased levels of CSF KYNA (P=0.03) and reduced lymphoblastoid and hippocampal KMO expression (P≤0.05). Thus, findings from five independent cohorts suggest that genetic variation in KMO influences the risk for psychotic features in mania of bipolar disorder patients. This provides a possible mechanism for the previous findings of elevated CSF KYNA levels in those bipolar patients with lifetime psychotic features and positive association between KYNA levels and number of manic episodes.

Are 25 SNPs from the CARDIoGRAM study associated with ischaemic stroke?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Coronary Artery Disease Genome-Wide Replication and Meta-Analysis Study (CARDIoGRAM) reported 25 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on 15 chromosomes to be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. Because common vascular risk factors are shared between CAD and ischaemic stroke (IS), these SNPs may also be related to IS overall or one or more of its pathogenetic subtypes.

METHODS

We performed a candidate gene study comprising 3986 patients with IS and 2459 control subjects. The 25 CAD-associated SNPs reported by CARDIoGRAM were examined by allelic association analysis including logistic regression. Weighted and unweighted genetic risk scores (GRSs) were also compiled and likewise analysed against IS. We furthermore considered the IS main subtypes large-vessel disease (LVD), small-vessel disease and cardioembolic stroke [according to Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST)] separately.

RESULTS

SNP rs4977574 on chromosome 9p21.3 was associated with overall IS [odds ratio (OR) = 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.20; P = 0.002] as well as LVD (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.13-1.64; P = 0.001). No other SNP was significantly associated with IS or any of its main subtypes. Analogously, the GRSs did not show any noticeable effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Besides the previously reported association with SNPs on chromosome 9p21, this study did not detect any significant association between IS and CAD-susceptible genetic variants. Also, GRSs compiled from these variants did not predict IS or any pathogenetic IS subtype, despite a total sample size of 6445 participants.

Genetic variation in the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) gene and ischaemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The multi-ligand receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE, alias AGER) is suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of vascular disease, but its potential role in stroke is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic variation in RAGE gene is associated with ischaemic stroke (IS).

METHODS

The Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischaemic Stroke comprises 844 Caucasian patients with first ever (n = 732) and recurrent (n = 112) IS, and 668 Caucasian controls. Three tagSNPs were selected to capture genetic variation in the RAGE gene. IS subtypes were determined using TOAST criteria.

RESULTS

One SNP, rs1035798, showed significant association with the subtype of small-vessel disease (SVD) after correction for multiple testing (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.16-2.09), adjusted P-value < 0.05). This association was independent of hypertension, diabetes and smoking. None of the SNPs was associated with overall IS.

CONCLUSION

In this sample of patients with IS, genetic variation in RAGE is associated with the IS subtype SVD, but not overall IS.

Genetic variation in complement component C3 shows association with ischaemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic variation at the third complement component (C3) locus is associated with ischaemic stroke (IS).

METHODS

The Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischaemic Stroke comprises 844 patients with IS, and 668 healthy controls. Sixteen SNPs were analyzed.

RESULTS

Two SNPs, rs2277984 and rs3745565, showed a significant association with overall IS. The SNP rs2277984 also showed association with the IS subtype cryptogenic stroke. These associations were independent of hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. The independent association between rs3745565 and overall IS withstands correction for multiple testing.

CONCLUSION

In this sample of patients with IS, genetic variation in C3 is associated with IS.

Lack of association between hemochromatosis and alpha-antitrypsin deficiency

alpha 1-Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency of phenotype PiZ and idiopathic hemochromatosis (IH) predispose to the development of cirrhosis and liver cell carcinoma. Several reports have suggested an association between these two inborn errors. To elucidate this question we used a monoclonal antibody against the PiZ gentic variant of AAT to analyze and compare the PiZ gene frequency in an area (county of Jämtland in Central Sweden) with a high, and another area (the city of Malmö in Southern Sweden) with a low IH prevalence. The PiZ gene frequencies did not differ between the areas. We also analyzed sera from 27 unrelated adult males with hemochromatosis diagnosed in the high IH area for the presence of the PiZ gene product but none was a carrier of the PiZ allele. These findings strongly refute any association between. AAT deficiency and IH.

Therapeutic equivalence of sulfaisodimidine 2 g twice daily and 1 g four times daily in lower urinary tract infections

The serum concentrations and clinical effects of sulfaisodimidine given during 12 days were examined in two groups of patients with uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection. Group I (n=12) received the drug in a conventional dosage, 1 g four times daily, and group II (n=14) in a dose of 2 g twice daily. The serum concentrations of sulfonamide at steady state (day 7) and one day after cessation of therapy (day 13) did not differ significantly between the groups. With the exception of one patient in group I, both subjective and objective symptoms vanished during treatment and remained absent for at least 4 weeks thereafter. Two patients in each group developed signs of sulfonamide allergy. Thus, the two regimens seemed to be equally efficient, and the risk of therapy failure due to low blood concentrations of sulfaisodimidine should not be greater when the drug is given in a dosage of 2 g twice daily than when it is administered in the conventional way. Hence, the latter, simpler regimen can be recommended.

Metal leaching from MSWI bottom ash as affected by salt or dissolved organic matter

In order to manage municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash safely, risk assessments, including the prediction of leaching under different field conditions, are necessary. In this study, the influence of salt or dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the influent on metal leaching from MSWI bottom ash was investigated in a column experiment. The presence of salt (0.1M NaCl) resulted in a small increase of As leaching, whereas no impact on leachate concentration was found when lakewater DOM (35.1mg/l dissolved organic carbon) was added. Most of the added DOM was retained within the material. Further, X-ray spectroscopy revealed that Cu(II) was the dominating form of Cu and that it probably occurred as a CuO-type mineral. The Cu(2+) activity in the MSWI bottom ash leachate was most likely determined by the dissolution of CuO together with the formation of Cu-DOM complexes and possibly also by adsorption to (hydr)oxide minerals. The addition of lake DOM in the influent resulted in lower saturation indices for CuO in the leachates, which may be due to slow CuO dissolution kinetics in combination with strong Cu-DOM complexation.

Using phospholipid fatty acid technique to study short-term effects of the biological control agent Pseudomonas fluorescens DR54 on the microbial microbiota in barley rhizosphere

The biological control agent (BCA) Pseudomonas fluorescens DR54 was applied to seeds (experiment 1) or roots (experiment 2) of barley growing in microcosms, while noninoculated plants served as controls. The fate of the BCA and its effects on the rhizosphere microbial community was evaluated in microcosms destructively sampled at days 2, 4, 6, and 9 after inoculation. In both experiments the number of P. fluorescens DR54 cells decreased immediately after application as enumerated by immunostaining and microscope direct counting. Substrate-induced respiration (SIR) was taken as a measurement of the active microbial biomass, while indicators of the total microbiota (and main taxonomic groups) were obtained using the phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) technique. In experiment 1, these parameters were unaffected by the relatively small number of BCA cells applied, whereas in experiment 2, the larger BCA input resulted in an enhanced level of both SIR and PLFAs from Gram-negative bacteria (which included the BCA itself). However, at day 9 after inoculation, treatments with P. fluorescens DR54 and controls were similar in all measured parameters in both experiments. This was also illustrated very clearly by principal component analysis of the PLFA data, which in both experiments were able to discriminate between treatments in the first days after BCA inoculation, thus confirming the sensitivity of this method. Laccase activity has a potential as an indicator of fungal stress, e.g., when challenged with an antifungal BCA. This seemed to be supported in experiment 2, where the activity of this enzyme was enhanced four-fold in the BCA treatment at day 2. Our study shows that under the present conditions, P. fluorescens DR54 disappears from the soil and causes only transient effects on the soil microbiota. It also shows that the PLFA technique is a sensitive and reliable monitoring tool in in situ assessment of BCA nontarget effect on indigenous microorganisms in soil.

Ammonium Formate, a Compound for Sensitive EPR Dosimetry

Alanine EPR dosimetry has been applied successfully when measuring intermediate and high radiation doses. Although the performance of alanine dosimetry is being improved, the sensitivity of the material is too low for a fast and simple low- dose determination. Here we present the results using ammonium formate as an EPR dosimeter material. Ammonium formate is seven times more sensitive than alanine, using spectrometer settings optimized for the latter. Deuterated ammonium formate is found to be more than eight times more sensitive than alanine. Analysis of signal stability with time shows that the ammonium formate signal is stable by 5 min after irradiation and that no change in signal intensity is found during 8 days. The atomic composition of ammonium formate is closer to that of tissue than alanine, and thus the energy dependence is smaller than that of alanine at photon energies below 200 keV. Power saturation studies indicate that the energy transfer between the spins and the lattice is fast in ammonium formate, which gives the possibility of using high microwave power without saturation to further increase the sensitivity. These results suggest that ammonium formate has some important properties required of an EPR dosimeter for applications in dosimetry in the dose range typical for radiation therapy.

Activation of caspase-like activity and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase degradation during sporulation in Aspergillus nidulans

Mycelium vacuolization, protein degradation, and as the final stage autolysis, often accompanies developmental changes in fungi and similarities between autolysis and apoptosis have previously been suggested. Caspases are the key executors of apoptosis and in this study caspase-like activities were detected in protein extracts from Aspergillus nidulans during sporulation. This was shown by hydrolysis of the fluorescent DEVD- and IETD-AFC peptide substrates specific for caspase 3- and 8-like activities, respectively. These activities were repressed by the caspase 3 and 8 specific irreversible peptide inhibitors DEVD-fmk and IETD-fmk, but were not affected by the unspecific inhibitor E-64. Isoelectric focusing of protein extracts followed by activity staining revealed the presence of two bands with caspase-like activity. One of the proteins degraded both caspase 3 and caspase 8 specific substrates whereas the other only degraded the caspase 8 substrate. Searches in an A. nidulans genome database revealed two genes encoding metacaspase proteins with predicted sizes of 45 kDa that could be responsible for the measured caspase-like activities. The searches also found a single gene encoding a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein with a predicted size of 81 kDa. PARP is one of the known target proteins inactivated by caspase degradation in animal cells. Western blotting of fungal extracts using a bovine PARP antibody confirmed the presence of a fungal PARP-like protein of about 81 kDa. By Western blotting it was shown that this PARP-like protein band was present only at early time points until the start of conidia formation and the accompanying increase in caspase-like activity. Thereafter, a degradation product of about 60 kDa appeared indicating that the degradation of the fungal PARP-like protein was specific. The PARP antibody also recognized an 85 kDa protein band that was not degraded, and which conceivably represents a modified form of the 81 kDa PARP. Fungal extracts high in caspase-like activity could degrade both the fungal 81 kDa PARP and bovine PARP. In the presence of the caspase 3 inhibitor DEVD-fmk this degradation was delayed. Thus, as in animal apoptotic cells, caspase activities are involved in fungal mycelium self-activated proteolysis.

Low concentrations of cytokines produced by allergen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells have potent effects on nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts

Accumulating data show that fibroblasts are important regulators in the development and maintenance of allergic airway inflammation. However, most studies so far have used individual recombinant cytokines in high concentrations, unlikely to be found in vivo. We aimed to investigate how cytokines produced by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) affect fibroblast functions. Primary airway fibroblasts where incubated with allergen-stimulated or non-stimulated PBMC supernatants from allergic patients. The levels of cytokines in PBMC supernatants were measured and the expression of CD54, CD40 and CD106 as well as the production of eotaxin, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were assessed in fibroblasts. Although the levels of single cytokines measured in PBMC supernatants were low, a significant up-regulation of the surface molecules as well as of IL-6 and IL-8 production was found in fibroblasts cultured with allergen-stimulated PBMC supernatants as compared to non-stimulated, while the increase in eotaxin production was not significant. The evaluation of correlations between cytokines produced by PBMC and effects seen on fibroblasts did not indicate a crucial role for any single cytokine. Furthermore, the addition of comparably low concentrations of recombinant interferon (rIFN)-gamma or recombinant tumour necrosis factor (rTNF)-alpha did not induce the same effects as PBMC supernatants, the only exception being TNF-alpha as a direct inducer of CD54 expression. Our results show that synergistic mechanisms has a more important role than single mediators, highlighting important differences between in vitro experiments, where effects of individual mediators are studied, versus the actual situation in vivo.

Accumulation of radionuclides from radioactive substrata by some micromycetes

Overgrowing (interaction) and dissolution of intact and milled hot particles by various micromycetes were studied under laboratory conditions. Hot particles used for the investigation originated from the Chernobyl accident release and atomic bomb testing sites. The micromycetes investigated were mitosporic fungi mainly isolated from the Chernobyl site and vicinity. Most of the fungal species and strains showed a tendency to grow towards the hot particle, overgrow it and dissolve it after prolonged contact. The accumulation (absorption and adsorption) of radionuclides from intact hot particles was generally more intensive for (152)Eu than for (137)Cs by a factor of about 2.6-134, while in experiments with milled samples the (152)Eu and (137)Cs accumulation was similar, except for some fungal species, which showed higher (152)Eu than (137)Cs sorption. It could be shown that the main factors influencing Cs and Eu accumulation in fungi are: fungal species and strains and the size and composition of the hot particle.

Phospho-imaging as a tool for visualization and noninvasive measurement of P transport dynamics in arbuscular mycorrhizas

• A new method is described for monitoring hyphal ³² P transport in compartmented, monoxenic mycorrhizal root cultures. Nondestructive time-course measurements of P transport in hyphae were obtained by capturing digital autoradiograms on P-imaging screens, and comparing with growth observed by optical scanning. ³² P distribution measured by densitometry on the day of harvest closely agreed with values obtained by liquid scintillation counting after destructive harvest. • Virtually all labeled PO₄ was absorbed by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) hyphae, but transfer to the roots appeared to be incomplete. P transport was not unidirectional towards the roots, as ³² P was also transported from the root compartment to the hyphal compartment. Net P flux rates were calculated for hyphae crossing between compartments, taking bidirectional flow into account. • Amounts of transported P were poorly correlated with extra-radical hyphal length and root d. wt, but highly correlated with the number of hyphae crossing the barrier separating the two compartments. Such correlations were highest when only hyphae with detectable protoplasmic streaming were considered. • The method was tested using radiolabeled P sources, H₂ PO₄ ^- and cytidine triphosphate (CTP), and the AM fungi, Glomus intraradices and G. proliferum. Fungal transport of ³² P from CTP was much slower than from PO₄ for both fungi.

Radiation dose measurements with alanine/agarose gel and thin alanine films around a 192Ir brachytherapy source, using ESR spectroscopy

Alanine/agarose gel and alanine films in stacks have been used for measurements of absorbed dose around an HDR 192Ir source in a vaginal cylinder-applicator, with and without a 180 degrees tungsten shield. The gel and the films were analysed by means of ESR spectroscopy and calibrated against an ion chamber in a 4 MV photon beam to obtain absolute dose values. The gel serves as both dosimeter and phantom material, and the thin (130 microm) films are used to achieve an improved spatial resolution in the dose estimations. Experimental values were compared with Monte Carlo simulations using two different codes. Results from the measurements generally agree with the simulations to within 5%, for both the alanine/agarose gel and the alanine films.

New materials for ESR dosimetry

New materials for electron spin resonance (ESR) dosimetry have been investigated with the aim to find systems more sensitive than L-alanine accepted as a standard for high dose determinations. Among the investigated systems ammonium tartrate, 2-methylalanine, salts of formic acids and dithionates have been found to be more sensitive than alanine by a factor 2-10. The lower limit applies to tissue equivalent materials, while much higher sensitivities were obtained with formates and dithionates containing heavier atoms. The increased sensitivity was mainly attributed to suitable ESR properties of the room temperature stable radicals as regards spectral shape (narrow lines, little or no hyperfine structure) and microwave saturation properties (short relaxation times). The radical structures have when necessary been clarified by ENDOR spectroscopy, while the saturation properties have been screened by pulsed ESR measurements.

T cell responses to recombinant isoforms, synthetic peptides and a mutant variant of Lep d 2, a major allergen from the dust mite Lepidoglyphus destructor

BACKGROUND

The dust mite Lepidoglyphus destructor is an important cause of allergic reactions to dust, especially in farming environments. Two isoforms, recombinant (r)Lep d 2.01 and rLep d 2.02, of the major allergen Lep d 2, have previously been expressed as recombinant proteins. These isoforms differ 10.4% at the amino acid level. Furthermore, a mutant form of Lep d 2.01 (rLep d 2.6Cys) with a highly reduced IgE reactivity, has also been produced.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the T cell responses to the recombinant isoforms of Lep d 2, the Lep d 2.6Cys mutant and peptides of Lep d 2, in allergic and non-allergic individuals.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 18 allergic and 16 non-allergic individuals were stimulated with the different antigens and the proliferative responses were measured. The cytokine production (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and interferon (IFN)-gamma) were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Higher T cell proliferation was measured to isoform 01 than to 02 in 28/34 subjects. The responses to rLep d 2.6Cys were lower than to isoform 01 in most subjects, but higher than to Lep d 2.02. Two immuno-dominant peptides, corresponding to amino acid residue 11-25 and 61-75 were identified. The atopic subjects produced significantly lower IFN-gamma in response to Lep d 2.01 as compared to the non-atopics.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a significant difference in T cell response between the two isoforms of rLep d 2. The hypoallergenic mutant rLep d 2.6Cys was able to evoke a T cell response with a magnitude which is between the two isoforms. Amino acid residue 11-25 and 61-75 are the most frequently recognized parts of Lep d 2 and are likely to contain the immuno-dominant T cell epitopes.

Pseudomonas fluorescens DR54 Reduces Sclerotia Formation, Biomass Development, and Disease Incidence of Rhizoctonia solani Causing Damping-Off in Sugar Beet

Effects of the biocontrol strain, Pseudomonas fluorescens DR54, on growth and disease development by Rhizoctonia solani causing damping-off in sugar beet were studied in soil microcosms and in pot experiments with natural, clay-type soil. In pot experiments with P. fluorescens DR54-treated seeds, significantly fewer Rhizoctonia-challenged seedlings showed damping-off symptoms than when not inoculated with the biocontrol agent. In the rhizosphere of P. fluorescens DR54 inoculated seeds, the bacterial inoculant was present in high numbers as shown by dilution plating and immunoblotting. By the ELISA antibody technique and direct microscopy of the fungal pathogen grown in soil microcosms, it was shown that the presence of P. fluorescens DR54 on the inoculated seeds had a strong inhibitory effect on development of both mycelium biomass and sclerotia formation by R. solani. In the field experiment, plant emergence was increased by treatment with P. fluorescens DR54 and the inoculant was found to be the dominating rhizosphere colonizing pseudomonad immediately after seedling emergence.

A hypoallergenic derivative of the major allergen of the dust mite Lepidoglyphus destructor, Lep d 2.6Cys, induces less IgE reactivity and cellular response in the skin than recombinant Lep d 2

BACKGROUND

The major allergen of the dust mite Lepidoglyphus destructor, Lep d 2, has been produced as a recombinant allergen (rLep d 2) with IgE reactivity both in vivo and in vitro. A modified form of rLep d 2 (rLep d 2.6Cys) obtained by site-directed mutagenesis has been shown to have a reduced IgE reactivity in vitro. In this study we have compared the ability of rLep d 2 and rLep d 2.6Cys to elicit positive skin prick tests and cellular responses among L. destructor-sensitized subjects.

METHODS

Seventeen subjects were skin prick-tested with rLep d 2, rLep d 2.6Cys, histamine and negative controls and 17-20 h later skin biopsy specimens were taken from the skin prick-tested sites. The biopsy specimens were stained immunohistochemically for EG2+, CD3+, CD1a+, mast cell tryptase+, and IgE+ cells. Dermal cell infiltrates were judged in hematoxylin and eosin staining. Total IgE and allergen-specific IgE were determined by CAP-RAST.

RESULTS

Compared to rLep d 2, rLep d 2.6Cys induced significantly smaller and fewer skin prick test reactions (p < 0.001) and dermal cell infiltrates (p < 0.05). Further, rLep d 2.6Cys induced fewer EG2+ cells (p < 0.001) but more tryptase+ cells (p < 0.05) than rLep d 2. A positive RAST to rLep d 2 was obtained for 88.2% of the subjects, while only 35.2% displayed a positive RAST to rLep d 2.6Cys.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that rLep d 2.6Cys is less able to evoke IgE-mediated reactions and cellular responses, as measured both in skin and in serum, than rLep d 2. In the future this hypoallergenic derivative may be a promising candidate molecule for immunotherapy of L. destructor-allergic patients.

IgG1, IgG4 and IgE antibody reactivity to mutant forms of the major dust mite allergen Lep d 2 among atopic and nonatopic subjects naturally exposed to Lepidoglyphus destructor

BACKGROUND

Lepidoglyphus destructor is a common dust mite causing IgE-mediated sensitization. The major allergen, Lep d 2, has previously been cloned and expressed as several double Cys to Ser mutants with the purpose of producing hypoallergenic variants for immunotherapy. Our aim was to investigate the reactivity pattern of IgG1, IgG4 and IgE antibodies to wild-type (wt) rLep d 2 and four mutants among atopic and nonatopic subjects in relation to sensitization and exposure to L. destructor.

METHODS

Inhibition and sandwich ELISA were used to compare IgG1, IgG4 and IgE antibody reactivities to rLep d 2 variants in serum of 20 atopic and 18 nonatopic farmers naturally exposed to L. destructor. A group of 22 urban subjects served as controls.

RESULTS

Atopic farmers demonstrated correlating IgE and IgG4 levels to rLep d 2(wt) (rs = 0.70; p < 0.0001) which were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher than those of nonatopic farmers and urban controls. No IgG4 antibodies were detected in nonatopic farmers despite chronic allergen exposure. A parallel reactivity pattern of IgE and IgG4 to all rLep d 2 mutants was observed. The mutant lacking all 3 disulfide bonds, rLep d 2.6Cys, demonstrated neither any IgE nor IgG4 reactivity. In contrast, IgG1 antibodies had a different reactivity pattern and were detected among most subjects irrespective of atopy, exposure to L. destructor or disulfide impairments in rLep d 2. Moreover, IgG1 levels to rLep d 2(wt) and rLep d 2.6Cys correlated (n = 60; rs = 0.65; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

IgE/IgG4 Ab to rLep d 2 were restricted to atopic farmers and demonstrated parallel recognition patterns of conformational epitopes. In contrast, IgG1 antibodies are ubiquitously found and mainly recognize sequential structures. The observed isotypic difference and interindividual variation in antibody specificities among atopic and nonatopic subjects imply careful investigation of hypoallergenic variants destined for immunotherapy.

Diffusion, utilisation and regional variations in the use of CT and MRI in Sweden

To study the diffusion, access, use, and utilisation of Computerized Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Sweden a national survey was carried out by a written questionnaire mailed to all public and private hospitals and clinics in 1997. To get a survey of CT and MRI in other countries a request asking for number of units was sent to recognised authorities and individuals in selected countries. CT and MRI were introduced in Sweden in 1973 and 1984 respectively. The diffusion of CT and MRI in Sweden are amongst the highest in the world. Considering the small size of the country and the medical community (e.g. facilitating transparency in indications for use of CT and MRI) and the relatively homogeneous health care system (tax based finance system) the regional variations in access, use, and utilisation of CT and MRI were surprisingly large. For example: In 1996 the number of CT examinations per 100.000 inhabitants varied from 3.344 to 4.705 between the regions. The MRI examinations varied from 751 to 1.858. Some of the differences may be explained by demographic factors. Also, reimbursement policies by the county councils for CT and MRI examinations varied which gave different incentives for patient referrals. However, to explain most of the differences more research is needed. Factors like proportion of elderly amongst the populations in the regions and other socio-demographic factors, proportion of research orientation of examinations and national medical specialities, organisation of the health care, etc. may to a greater extent explain the differences.

Induction of laccase activity in Rhizoctonia solani by antagonistic Pseudomonas fluorescens strains and a range of chemical treatments

Fungi often produce the phenoloxidase enzyme laccase during interactions with other organisms, an observation relevant to the development of biocontrols. By incorporating the laccase substrate 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) into agar, we analyzed laccase induction in the plant-pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani when paired against isolates of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens. Substantial induction of R. solani laccase was seen only in pairings with strains of P. fluorescens known to produce antifungal metabolites. To study laccase induction further, a range of chemical treatments was applied to R. solani liquid cultures. p-Anisidine, copper(II), manganese(II), calcium ionophore A23187, lithium chloride, calcium chloride, cyclic AMP (cAMP), caffeine, amphotericin B, paraquat, ethanol, and isopropanol were all found to induce laccase; however, the P. fluorescens metabolite viscosinamide did not do so at the concentrations tested. The stress caused by these treatments was assessed by measuring changes in lipid peroxidation levels and dry weight. The results indicated that the laccase induction seen in pairing plate experiments was most likely due to calcium or heat shock signaling in response to the effects of bacterial metabolites, but that heavy metal and cAMP-driven laccase induction was involved in sclerotization.

Three-dimensional outgrowth of a wood-rotting fungus added to a contaminated soil from a former gasworks site

The capability of wood-rotting fungi (WRF) to colonise contaminated soil is an important fungal characteristic in the development of WRF-based soil bioremediation, it is also important to have methods that monitor the presence of the WRF in the soil. In this lab-scale study, it was shown that it was possible to re-capture, localise and identify a brown-rot fungus, Antrodia vaillantii, after it has been inoculated into, and grown in, a contaminated soil from a former gasworks site. The three-dimensional outgrowth of A. vaillantii was monitored by allowing it to grow into fungicide-treated wood baits, temporarily placed in the soil. After two weeks, the baits were withdrawn from the soil and surface sterilised with hydrogen peroxide to favour fungi growing inside baits, i.e., A. vaillantii. After subsequent plating of baits on selective agar medium the presence of A. vaillantii was confirmed with PCR/RFLP. A. vaillantii was found to be viable throughout the 54 days long study and exhibited a surface growth pattern similar to other well-known cord-forming basidiomycetes. Firstly, the upper part of the soil closest to the place of inoculation was colonised, however, over a period of time, the area of colonisation spread deeper into the soil. The detection method employed in the current study gave a conservative estimate of the fungal proliferation and did not require extensive sampling. Its use could be applicable in both applied research, such as soil bioremediation, and in pure microbial ecology studies.

Improved use of contraceptives, attitudes toward pornography, and sexual harassment among female university students

This study describes sexual behavior over a 10-year period in a female student population. The use of condoms at first coitus increased from 40% to 77%. Sexually transmitted diseases decreased from 26% to 14%, and abortions from 11% to 5.5%. One-fourth of students had had anal intercourse, and 86% had performed oral sex. Half of the women had read pornography. The majority of women with experience of oral sex graded it as positive, whereas they graded anal sex as mostly negative. Twelve percent of the women had been sexually harassed, mainly by their male peers (80%).

Degradation of acenaphthene, phenanthrene and pyrene in a packed-bed biofilm reactor

Biofilm reactors are particularly suitable for the treatment of large amounts of diluted effluent, such as groundwater contaminated with scarcely soluble pollutants. A packed-bed column reactor was tested for the degradation of acenaphthene, phenanthrene and pyrene provided at their aqueous solubility concentrations. Acenapthene and phenanthrene were removed to more than 99% efficiency from this reactor whilst pyrene was removed to 90%. Pollutant disappearance was also recorded in the control reactor and was probably caused by the adsorption of pollutants into the reactor. The measurement of oxygen consumption in both reactors confirmed that microbial degradation of the pollutants was indeed occurring in the inoculated reactor. Physical adsorption is not however unwanted, as it could help with the formation of a biofilm at an early stage of the treatment.

Direct microscopy of bacillus endospore germination in soil microcosms

Antagonistic endospore-forming Bacillus spp. offer a large potential as seed inoculants for control of soil-borne pathogens. In the soil, however, inoculated Bacillus endospores may remain dormant without germination, and plant protection can therefore be inefficient and unpredictable. A method based on direct fluorescence microscopy in soil microcosms was used to determine whether low-cost organic additives incorporated into seed coating material could stimulate endospore germination. Complex organic additives supported a high level of endospore germination of the fungal antagonist Paenibacillus polymyxa CM5-5. Skim milk is a low-cost additive that may be incorporated into seed coating material for efficient induction of Bacillus endospore germination in soil.