[Evolution of the serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease along 2008-2022 in a Level 2 Public Hospital of the Madrid Region, in relation to their inclusion in different conjugate vaccines]. / Evolución de los serotipos causantes de enfermedad neumocócica invasiva aislados durante 2008-2022 en un Hospital Público Madrileño de nivel dos, en relación con su inclusión en diferentes vacunas conjugadas.

OBJECTIVE: The use of conjugate vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae originates changes in the invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). The aim of this study was to in vestigate the evolution of S. pneumoniae serotypes isolated in the Hospital Universitario de Getafe between 2008 and 2022. METHODS: 313 of S. pneumoniae strains were studied. Serotyping was carried out by latex agglutination (Pneumotest-latex) and the Quellung reaction. In addition, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined against penicillin, erythromycin and levofloxacin by the concentration gradient method (E-test) according the EUCAST breakpoints. RESULTS: The most frequent serotypes throughout the study period were 8, 3, 19A, 1, 11A and 22F corresponding to 46.6% of the isolates. Along 2008-2012 the serotypes 3, 1, 19A, 7F, 6C and 11A represented altogether 53.6% of the isolates. Between 2013 and 2017 the serotypes 3, 8, 12F, 19A, 22F and 19F grouped 51% of the isolates. During 2018-2022 the serotypes 8, 3, 11A, 15A, 4 and 6C included the 55.5% of the cases. In total 5 strains (1.6%) were penicillin resistant, 64 (20.4%) erythromycin resistant and 11 (3.5%) levofloxacin resistant. The MIC50 and MIC90 levels maintained stables along the time. CONCLUSIONS: The conjugate vaccines use with different serotype coverage conditioned a decrease of the vaccine-included and an increase of non-covered. Despite these changes, the global antimicrobial susceptibility patterns to erythromycin and levofloxacin maintained relatively stables. The resistance a penicillin was low, not finding this type of resistant strains in the last study period.

Stochastic model to assess bioeconomic impact of PRRS on pig farms in Costa Rica.

Despite the economic importance of PRRS and its high prevalence in Costa Rica, there are no studies on the bioeconomic impact of the disease in the country or, even, in Central America. Such studies are essential in finding cost-effective preventive measures tailored for different production circumstances. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate economic and production parameters of a PRRSV-infection for a medium-sized farrow-to-finish pig farm system in Costa Rica with a farm-level stochastic Monte Carlo simulation model. The effect of PRRS was assessed by scenario analysis, in which a baseline PRRS-free situation was compared against three alternative scenarios that assumed low, medium and high PRRS effects. The PRRS effects were based on data from local farms, scientific literature and expert opinion. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the impact of key input parameters on output variables. Results show that at the animal level, changes between the baseline and the PRRS-high scenario were estimated as: + 25 d in age to slaughter, - 9.9 pigs to slaughter (per breeding sow/yr), + 6% annual replacement rate, - 255 d in sow productive lifetime, - 6.9 mo in age at culling of sows, and + 24 non- productive days. For a medium size local farm (n = 588 sows), a reduction of 5826 fat pigs to slaughter per farm/yr from baseline compared to PRRS-high scenario was observed. PRRS-induced loss per farm per year was estimated at -US $142,542, US $180,109 and -US $524,719 for PRRS-low, medium and high scenarios, respectively. Revenues/costs ratio changed from 1.12 in the baseline to 0.89 in the PRRS-high scenario. The production cost per kg carcass weight increased from US $2.63 for the baseline to US $3.35 in the PRRS-high scenario. PRRS-induced loss was estimated at US $77.1 per slaughtered pig/yr and US $892 per breeding sow/yr for the PRRS-high scenario. Results from the model indicate that pig farms with medium to high prevalence of PRRS will require optimal market conditions in order to have positive economic outcomes. These results can be helpful in the design of better control strategies for PRRS.

Development of standardized method for the quantification of azo dyes by UV-Vis in binary mixtures.

The azo dyes, Yellow 5 (Y5), Red 2 (R2) and Blue 1 (B1), quantified in solutions and in mixtures of binary dyes, were studied by means of UV-Vis spectroscopy. In this work was used a CIE algorithm developed in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). The CIE algorithm is based on the tristimulus chromaticity diagram, as an alternative to the shielding effect that arises in dye mixtures, and it can also be applied to complex quantification methods such as HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). The results obtained through of the algorithm, showed a higher accuracy from 97 to 99% in relation with similar UV-Vis quantification methods. In contrast, linear methods only managed to reach an accuracy from 78 to 98%. Additionally, the algorithm yielded significant similar values to the UHPLC reference method. The results showed that the method CIE algorithm was accessible and reliable to quantify binary mixtures of the dyes used which suggests the possibility to apply this method on other dyes, within the limits of quantification obtained in this study (0.076-24.56 mg/L) and the pH values from 2 to 10.

From manual periodontal probing to digital 3-D imaging to endoscopic capillaroscopy: Recent advances in periodontal disease diagnosis.

Deepened periodontal pockets exert a significant pathological burden on the host and its immune system, particularly in a patient with generalized moderate to severe periodontitis. This burden is extensive and longitudinal, occurring over decades of disease development. Considerable diagnostic and prognostic successes in this regard have come from efforts to measure the depths of the pockets and their contents, including level of inflammatory mediators, cellular exudates and microbes; however, the current standard of care for measuring these pockets, periodontal probing, is an analog technology in a digital age. Measurements obtained by probing are variable, operator dependent and influenced by site-specific factors. Despite these limitations, manual probing is still the standard of care for periodontal diagnostics globally. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that this technology needs to be updated to be compatible with the digital technologies currently being used to image other orofacial structures, such as maxillary sinuses, alveolar bone, nerve foramina and endodontic canals in 3 dimensions. This review aims to summarize the existing technology, as well as new imaging strategies that could be utilized for accurate evaluation of periodontal pocket dimensions.

Genetic variation and population structure of Diaphorina citri using cytochrome oxidase I sequencing.

Citrus greening disease, or huanglongbing (HLB), is currently one of the most devastating diseases of citrus. The bacteria thought to be responsible for the disease, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus impact the majority of commercial citrus species worldwide. These bacteria are transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, which is now found in most citrus growing regions. With no known cure, ACP-vectored HLB is responsible for significant economic losses to the global citrus industry. A better understanding of the global genetic diversity of D. citri would improve current and future pest management and mitigation programs. To assess the genetic diversity of D. citri in worldwide collections, a total of 1,108 sequences belonging to ACP gathered from 27 countries in the Americas, the Caribbean, Southeast and Southwest Asia were examined for the study. 883 D. citri came from 98 locations in 18 different countries, and were sequenced using a 678bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. Additionally, 225 previously-reported D. citri COI sequences, were also included in our analysis. Analyses revealed 28 haplotypes and a low genetic diversity. This is in accordance with previous reports on the little diversity of D. citri in worldwide populations. Our analyses reveal population structure with 21 haplotypes showing geographic association, increasing the resolution for the source estimation of ACP. This study reveals the distribution of haplotypes observed in different geographic regions and likely geographic sources for D. citri introductions.

Application of radiopaque micro-particle fillers for 3-D imaging of periodontal pocket analogues using cone beam CT.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is an infectious/inflammatory disease most often diagnosed by deepening of the gingival sulcus, which leads to periodontal pockets (PPs) conventional manual periodontal probing does not provide detailed information on the three-dimensional (3-D) nature of PPs. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether accurate 3-D analyses of the depths and volumes of calibrated PP analogues (PPAs) can be obtained by conventional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) coupled with novel radiopaque micro-particle fillers (described in the companion paper) injected into the PPAs. METHODS: Two PPA models were employed: (1) a human skull model with artificial gingiva applied to teeth with alveolar bone loss and calibrated PPAs, and (2) a pig jaw model with alveolar bone loss and surgically-induced PPAs The PPAs were filled with controlled amounts of radiopaque micro-particle filler using volumetric pipetting Inter-method and intra-method agreement tests were then used to compare the PPA depths and volumes obtained from CBCT images with values obtained by masked examiners using calibrated manual methods. RESULTS: Significant inter-method agreement (0.938-0.991) and intra-method agreement (0.94-0.99) were obtained when comparing analog manual data to digital CBCT measurements enabled by the radiopaque filler. SIGNIFICANCE: CBCT imaging with radiopaque micro-particle fillers is a plausible means of visualizing and digitally assessing the depths, volumes, and 3-D shapes of PPs This approach could transform the diagnosis and treatment planning of periodontal disease, with particular initial utility in complex cases Efforts to confirm the clinical practicality of these fillers are currently in progress.

Development of radiopaque, biocompatible, antimicrobial, micro-particle fillers for micro-CT imaging of simulated periodontal pockets.

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 109 bacteria can be harbored within periodontal pockets (PP) along with inflammatory byproducts implicated in the pathophysiology of systemic diseases linked to periodontitis (PD). Calculation of this inflammatory burden has involved estimation of total pocket surface area using analog data from conventional periodontal probing which is unable to determine the three-dimensional (3-D) nature of PP. The goals of this study are to determine the radiopacity, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity of transient micro-particle fillers in vitro and demonstrate their capability for 3-D imaging of artificial PP (U.S. Patent publication number: 9814791 B2). METHODS: Relative radiopacity values of various metal oxide fillers were obtained from conventional radiography and micro-computed tomography (µCT) using in vitro models. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were used to measure the biocompatibility of calcium tungstate (CaWO4) particles by determination of viable keratinocytes percentage (%) after exposure. After introducing an antibacterial compound (K21) to the radiopaque agent, antimicrobial tests were conducted using Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Streptococcus gordonii (S. gordonii) strains and blood agar plates. RESULTS: CaWO4 micro-particle-bearing fillers exhibited an X-ray radiopacity distinct from tooth structures that enabled 3-D visualization of an artificial periodontal pocket created around a human tooth. MTT assays indicated that CaWO4 micro-particles are highly biocompatible (increasing the viability of exposed keratinocytes). Radiopaque micro-particle fillers combined with K21 showed significant antimicrobial activity for P. gingivalis and S. gordonii. SIGNIFICANCE: The plausibility of visualizing PP with 3-D radiographic imaging using new radiopaque, biocompatible, transient fillers was demonstrated in vitro. Antibacterial (or other) agents added to this formula could provide beneficial therapeutic features along with the diagnostic utility.

Periodontal and other oral manifestations of immunodeficiency diseases.

The list of immunodeficiency diseases grows each year as novel disorders are discovered, classified, and sometimes reclassified due to our ever-increasing knowledge of immune system function. Although the number of patients with secondary immunodeficiencies (SIDs) greatly exceeds those with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs), the prevalence of both appears to be on the rise probably because of scientific breakthroughs that facilitate earlier and more accurate diagnosis. Primary immunodeficiencies in adults are not as rare as once thought. Globally, the main causes of secondary immunodeficiency are HIV infection and nutritional insufficiencies. Persons with acquired immune disorders such as AIDS caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are now living long and fulfilling lives as a result of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Irrespective of whether the patient's immune-deficient state is a consequence of a genetic defect or is secondary in nature, dental and medical practitioners must be aware of the constant potential for infections and/or expressions of autoimmunity in these individuals. The purpose of this review was to study the most common conditions resulting from primary and secondary immunodeficiency states, how they are classified, and the detrimental manifestations of these disorders on the periodontal and oral tissues.

Resolution of inter and intra-species relationships of the West Indian fruit fly Anastrepha obliqua.

The West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an economically important pest that inhabits areas of South and Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean with occasional infestations in the southern United States. We examine intra-specific relationships within A. obliqua as well as interspecific relationships to other Anastrepha species using a multi-locus data set comprising nine loci (seven nuclear, two mitochondrial) with 105 operational taxonomic units. The results based on a concatenated set of nuclear loci strongly support the monophyly of A. obliqua and most of the other species previously identified by morphology. A split between Peruvian A. obliqua samples and those from other locations was also identified. These results contrast with prior findings of relationships within A. obliqua based on mitochondrial data, as we found a marked discrepancy between nuclear and mitochondrial loci. These analyses suggest that introgression, particularly between A. obliqua and fraterculus species, may be one explanation for the discrepancy and the high mitochondrial diversity reported for A. obliqua could be the result of incomplete lineage sorting.

Militares desplegados en misiones internacionales: percepción del estrés y síntomas asociados / Soldiers deployed in international missions: stress perception and associated symptoms

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los despliegues militares son una de las experiencias profesionales más exigentes a las que se puede enfrentar un militar profesional. Se diseñó un estudio con el objeto de analizar la evolución del estrés percibido y de sintomatología asociada a la salud mental a una muestra de militares españoles desplegados durante un periodo de seis meses en Afganistán. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Para ello se realizó un diseño prospectivo en el que 935 militares respondieron al CEP y a la prueba SCL-90R en tres momentos temporales del despliegue (primer mes, tercer mes y último mes). RESULTADOS: Los resultados muestran un aumento del estrés percibido a la llegada a zona de operaciones que se mantiene estable a lo largo del despliegue. Respecto a la salud mental se produce un aumento de todos los marcadores de salud mental que se reduce al final de la misión salvo en los casos de Hostilidad y Somatización. Respecto a la relación entre estrés percibido y salud mental, se encontró que los sujetos que perciben un mayor estrés durante el despliegue desarrollaron un malestar psicológico generalizado en todos los marcadores generales y específicos. CONCLUSIONES: Atendiendo a los resultados podemos concluir que la población militar tiene una percepción subjetiva del estrés significativamente inferior a la población general. El participar en una misión internacional conlleva un aumento del estrés percibido, permaneciendo este constante durante todo el despliegue. El nivel de estrés percibido está asociado a un mayor malestar psicológico

INTRODUCTION: Military deployments are one of the most demanding tasks for soldiers. A prospective study was designed in order to analyze the evolution of perceived stress and mental health in a sample of Spanish soldiers deployed in Afghanistan. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 935 soldiers answered the Spanish version of Perceived Stress Questionnaire and the SCL-90R in three different moments of the deployment (the first month, third month and last month). RESULTS: Results show a steady increased perceived stress during deployment. Regarding to mental health, deployment increases all general distress symptoms. Distress reactions increased over time during the first half of deployment and peaked at around month 3, and then gradually returned to their initial levels by month 6, with the exception of hostility and somatization scales. Increases in war zone perceived stress over time were associated with increases in general distress symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: according to the results we conclude that the military population has a significantly lower perception of stress than general population. Participating in an international mission increases perceived stress, remaining constant throughout a six-month deployment. High levels of perceived stress are associated with increased psychological distress

Biomarkers of cardiovascular disease are increased in untreated chronic periodontitis: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the endothelial function, systemic inflammatory biomarkers and subgingival microbial profile associations in patients with and without periodontal disease. METHODS: Forty-four patients, half with chronic moderate to severe periodontitis (cases) and half gingivitis and incipient periodontitis (controls) were recruited. Anthropometric, clinical, biochemical parameters, endothelial function, subgingival microbiota, and eight plasma biomarkers of cardiovascular disease were assessed in both groups. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and number of positive metabolic syndrome components. Univariate analyses demonstrated significantly higher plasma levels of E-selectin (64.5 ± 30.9 vs 43.8 ± 22.2; P = 0.026) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) (103 ± 114.5 vs 49.1 ± 35.6; P = 0.032) in cases than controls. In addition, significantly higher levels of E-selectin, MPO and ICAM-1 were found in periodontitis patients after adjustment by age and waist circumference. Red complex microorganisms were more frequently detected by culture and polymerase chain reaction in patients with severe to moderate periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: Subgingival red complex bacteria and important cardiovascular risk markers were increased in untreated chronic moderate to severe periodontitis cases. Periodontitis seems to be associated with systemic inflammation that could increase the risk of cardiovascular events. The causal relation between periodontal infections and cardiovascular disease requires further research.

Toll-like receptor 4 mediates intrauterine growth restriction after systemic Campylobacter rectus infection in mice.

Campylobacter rectus is associated with fetal exposure and low birthweight in humans. C. rectus also invades placental tissues and induces fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in mice, along with overexpression of Toll-like receptors (TLR4), suggesting that TLR4 may mediate placental immunity and IUGR in mice. To test this hypothesis we examined the effect of in vitro TLR4 neutralization on trophoblastic proinflammatory activity and studied the IUGR phenotype in a congenic TLR4-mutant mouse strain after in vivo C. rectus infection. Human trophoblasts were pretreated with TLR4 neutralizing antibodies and infected with C. rectus; proinflammatory cytokine production was assessed by cytokine multiplex assays. Neutralizing TLR4 antibodies significantly impaired the production of proinflammatory cytokines in trophoblastic cells after infection in a dose-dependent manner. We used a subcutaneous chamber model to provide a C. rectus challenge in BALB/cAnPt (TLR4(Lps-d) ) and wild-type (WT) females. Females were mated with WT or TLR4(Lps-d) males once/week; pregnant mice were infected at (E)7.5 and sacrificed at (E)16.5 to establish IUGR phenotypes. Maternal C. rectus infection significantly decreased fetal weight/length in infected WT when compared with sham WT controls (P < 0.05, analysis of variance). However, infected TLR4(Lps-d -/-) mice did not show statistically significant differences in fetal weight and length when compared with WT controls (P > 0.05). Furthermore, heterozygous TLR4(Lps-d +/-) fetuses showed IUGR phenotype rescue. We conclude that TLR4 is an important mediator of trophoblastic proinflammatory responses and TLR4-deficient fetuses do not develop IUGR phenotypes after C. rectus infection, suggesting that placental cytokine activation is likely to be mediated by TLR4 during low birthweight/preterm birth pathogenesis.

Clinical factors leading to lamotrigine prescription in bipolar outpatients: subanalysis of the SIN-DEPRES study.

BACKGROUND: The use of lamotrigine is a point of discrepancy among the diverse guidelines published on the management of bipolar disorder (BD). Evidence supporting the long-term efficacy is reasonably robust. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of lamotrigine in acute treatment is vigorously debated and it is unclear how this drug is used in routine clinical practice. This subanalysis of the SIN-DEPRES study was designed to understand the clinical profile of bipolar patients receiving lamotrigine. METHODS: In this prospective national multicenter study, 652 patients with clinically stable bipolar I and II disorder were recruited. Clinical assessments included sociodemographic and clinical data, the Modified Clinical Global Impression scale for BD (CGI-BP-M), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and prescriptions of psychotropic medications and their doses. RESULTS: By means of a logistic regression model, an association between receiving treatment with lamotrigine and the following clinical variables was found: number of past depressive episodes (O.R.=2.875, 95% CI: 1.203-6.869, p=0.018), depressive polarity of the most recent episode (O.R.=1.945, 95% CI: 1.267-2.985, p=0.002), severity in CGI-BD-M depression (O.R.=1.850, 95% CI: 1.215-2.817, p=0.004), bipolar II disorder diagnosis (O.R.=1.635, 95% CI: 1.078-2.482, p=0.021) and number of episodes per year (O.R.=1.310, 95% CI: 1.069-1.605, p=0.009). LIMITATIONS: Subanalysis of the SIN-DEPRES study with a cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: The use of lamotrigine in clinical practice is in accordance with most of the guidelines, which support its use in patients with depressive predominant polarity and bipolar II disorder.

Critical comparison between modified Monier-Williams and electrochemical methods to determine sulfite in aqueous solutions.

In the present work, known concentration of sulfite aqueous solutions in the presence and absence of gallic acid was measured to corroborate the validity of modified Monier-Williams method. Free and bound-sulfite was estimated by differential pulse voltammetry. To our surprise, the modified Monier-Williams method (also known as aspiration method) showed to be very inaccurate for free-sulfite, although suitable for bound-sulfite determination. The differential pulse approach, using the standard addition method and a correction coefficient, proved to be swift, cheap, and very precise and accurate.

Therapeutic effect of a topical CCR2 antagonist on induced alveolar bone loss in mice.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chemokines are known to regulate leukocyte trafficking, recruitment and infiltration in periodontal diseases. The study objective was to determine the effect of an experimental oral/topical chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2)-antagonist treatment on alveolar bone loss in a mouse model of Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Balb/C mice (n = 41) were randomly assigned to four groups. Group 1 was infected by P. gingivalis applied orally/topically for 5 wk. Group 2 was also infected and then treated with vehicle (aqueous methylcellulose) for an additional 4 wk. Group 3 was infected and orally/topically treated with CCR2 antagonist (10 mg/kg). Group 4 served as a noninfected, nontreated control group. Mice received intraperitoneal injections of Alizarin (30 mg/kg) and calcein (20 mg/kg) three times from the last day of infection to determine mineral deposition, reflecting bone dynamics. Mandibles were analysed by morphometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Alveolar bone loss was compared among groups using Tukey's test, and bone formation was qualitatively observed. Infected mice showed significantly greater alveolar bone loss than noninfected control animals (group 1 vs. 4, p < 0.01). Vehicle-treated mice (group 2) showed the largest area of alveolar bone loss (p < 0.01), while mice treated with the CCR2 antagonist showed the smallest area of alveolar bone loss and were similar to the control group (group 3 vs. 4, p = 0.14). Qualitative analysis of fluorescent dye uptake indicated increased bone formation in CCR2-antagonist-treated mice, suggesting an improved bone repairing process. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that treatment with CCR2 antagonist inhibited alveolar bone loss and improved bone formation in this model. These data support further evaluation of CCR2 antagonist as a therapeutic target for the development of new treatment modalities on bacterially induced alveolar bone resorption.

Development of a ribosomal DNA ITS2 marker for the identification of the thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis.

The thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an invasive pest that poses a significant economical threat to U.S. agriculture and trade. In this study, DNA sequence data and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were utilized to develop a molecular diagnostic marker for S. dorsalis. The DNA sequence variation from the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was analyzed from various thrips species, including S. dorsalis. A primer set and polymerase chain reaction cycling parameters were designed for the amplification of a single marker fragment of S. dorsalis ITS2 rDNA. Specificity tests performed on ten thrips species, efficacy tests performed on fifteen S. dorsalis populations, and tests on primer sensitivity and robustness all demonstrated the diagnostic utility of this marker. This diagnostic PCR assay provides a quick, simple, and reliable molecular technique to be used in the identification of S. dorsalis.

Altered gene expression in murine placentas in an infection-induced intrauterine growth restriction model: a microarray analysis.

The biological mechanisms leading to incomplete intrauterine growth are not completely elucidated and few studies have investigated infection-mediated growth restriction. In this investigation we report the alterations induced by maternal infectious challenge in placental gene expression patterns using a murine model. Pregnant dams were challenged at day E7.5 with the oral human pathogen Campylobacter rectus to elicit fetal growth restriction. At embryonic day E16.5 placentas were collected to compare placental gene expression patterns from normal fetuses of unchallenged dams and growth restricted fetuses from infected dams. Differential gene expression patterns were determined using Agilent Oligo array (G4121A) with a false discovery rate of P<0.05 and pathway analyses were performed. Seventy-four genes were differentially expressed during infection-mediated growth restriction with 9 genes significantly up-regulated, indicating that the effects of maternal infection on gene expression were predominantly suppressive. Pathway analyses indicated that 46 of the 65 genes that were significantly down-regulated were associated with placental/fetal development, and 26 of those were imprinted genes. Among the 9 genes that were up-regulated, 4 are involved in oxygen supply to the fetus and the development of the vascular system. Microarray analysis demonstrated that in the pregnant mouse model, maternal infection that induced growth restriction was associated with down-regulated placental expression of critical growth and developmental related genes, including many imprinted genes. These findings may have significant implications for our understanding of the mechanisms underlying infection-associated human fetal growth restriction and the role of differential placental expression of imprinted genes in fetal growth.

Stabilization/solidification of an alkyd paint waste by carbonation of waste-lime based formulations.

The application of solvent-based paints by spraying in paint booths is extensively used in a wide range of industrial activities for the surface treatment of a vast array of products. The wastes generated as overspray represent an important environmental and managerial problem mainly due to the hazardous characteristics of the organic solvent, rendering it necessary to appropriately manage this waste. In this paper a solidification/stabilization (S/S) process based on accelerated carbonation was investigated as an immobilization pre-treatment prior to the disposal, via landfill, of an alkyd solvent-based paint waste coming from the automotive industry; the purpose of this S/S process was to immobilize the contaminants and reduce their release into the environment. Different formulations of paint waste with lime, lime-coal fly-ash and lime-Portland cement were carbonated to study the effect of the water/solid ratio and carbonation time on the characteristics of the final product. To assess the efficiency of the studied S/S process, metals, anions and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were analyzed in the leachates obtained from a battery of compliance and characterization leaching tests. Regarding the carbonation of paint waste-lime formulations, a mathematical expression has been proposed to predict the results of the leachability of DOC from carbonated mixtures working at water/solid ratios from 0.2 to 0.6. However, lower DOC concentrations in leachates (400mg/kg DOC in L/S=10 batch leaching test) were obtained when carbonation of paint waste-lime-fly-ash mixtures was used at 10h carbonation and water to solid ratio of 0.2. The flammability characteristics, the total contents of contaminants and the contaminant release rate in compliance leaching tests provide evidence for a final product suitable for deposition in non-hazardous landfills. The characterization of this carbonated sample using a dynamic column leaching test shows a high stabilization of metals, partial immobilization of Cl(-), SO(4)(2-), F(-) and limited retention of DOC. However, the obtained results improve the previous findings obtained after the paint waste S/S using uncarbonated formulations and would be a useful pre-treatment technique of the alkyd paint waste prior to its disposal in a landfill.