Additive Manufactured Piezoelectric-Driven Miniature Gripper.

In several cases, it is desirable to have prototypes of low-cost fabrication and adequate performance. In academic laboratories and industries, miniature and microgrippers can be very useful for observations and the analysis of small objects. Piezoelectrically actuated microgrippers, commonly fabricated with aluminum, and with micrometer stroke or displacement, have been considered as Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS). Recently, additive manufacture using several polymers has also been used for the fabrication of miniature grippers. This work focuses on the design of a piezoelectric-driven miniature gripper, additive manufactured with polylactic acid (PLA), which was modeled using a pseudo rigid body model (PRBM). It was also numerically and experimentally characterized with an acceptable level of approximation. The piezoelectric stack is composed of widely available buzzers. The aperture between the jaws allows it to hold objects with diameters lower than 500 µm, and weights lower than 1.4 g, such as the strands of some plants, salt grains, metal wires, etc. The novelty of this work is given by the miniature gripper's simple design, as well as the low-cost of the materials and the fabrication process used. In addition, the initial aperture of the jaws can be adjusted, by adhering the metal tips in the required position.

Maternal health literacy, utilisation of maternal healthcare services and pregnancy outcomes among newly delivered mothers: A cross-sectional study in Nigeria.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess and determine associations between maternal health literacy (MHL) levels, utilisation of maternal healthcare services and pregnancy outcomes among newly delivered mothers. Study design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Methods: In total, 185 newly delivered mothers were selected from two health facilities using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using an adapted structured questionnaire. Analyses of data were performed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Kruskal-Wallis test and logistic regression. The level of significance was set at 0.05 (p < 0.05). Results: More than one-third of participants (41.6%) had inadequate MHL. Utilisation of maternal healthcare services was moderate; only 55.7% of participants were registered for antenatal care at ≤14 weeks of pregnancy and 59.5% received three doses of tetanus vaccine, however, the majority of participants (85.9%) attended antenatal care with skilled birth attendants. Almost half of participants (49.2%) had poor pregnancy outcomes. A significant association was found between MHL and utilisation of maternal healthcare services (p < 0.05). MHL was also significantly associated with certain sociodemographic characteristics of participants (i.e. age, educational level, occupation and income). Conclusions: More than one-third of participants had inadequate MHL, utilisation of maternal healthcare services was moderate and approximately half of study participants had poor pregnancy outcomes. Health workers should provide training sessions for pregnant women to improve MHL.

[Clinical and functional evaluation of patellofemoral resurfacing arthroplasties]. / Evaluación clínica y funcional de las artroplastías de resuperficialización patelofemoral.

BACKGROUND: The patellofemoral articulation is a biomechanical system susceptible to accelerated wear, affecting 25% of women. Currently, the treatment of osteoarthrosis Patelofermoral has resurfaced thanks to the creation of anatomical and biomechanically appropriate systems, with precise indications, earlier stages and with a better functional result. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort of 24 patients was analyzed during the period from 2010 to 2012, treated with a resurfacing prostheses HemiCap Patello Femoral Resurf (Franklin MA, USA), placed by 2 surgeons. Patients were assessed preoperatively and 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, 24 months postoperative with the Knee Society Score. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients with follow-up of 2 years on average were included. 87.5% were women, an average age of 62 years (45-80 years); an average of 29.5 of body mass index, the right laterality predominated in 54%. An improvement in KSS scale results was observed: in clinical appearance there was an improvement of 35.2% and the functional scale 41.62%. Only two patients were revised by complications of functional limitation, treated one with manipulation under anesthesia and the other with arthroscopic adhesion lysis. CONCLUSION: The patellofemoral prosthesis is an option as a treatment for isolated patellofemoral arthrosis, since the two-year survival rate is good, providing pain relief and improving knee functionality; However, more follow-up time will be required to evaluate the end result of this implant.

ANTECEDENTES: La articulación patelofemoral (PF) es un sistema biomecánico susceptible a desgaste acelerado, afecta a 25% de las mujeres. Actualmente, el tratamiento de la osteoartrosis patelofemoral (OAPF) ha resurgido gracias a la creación de sistemas anatómicos y biomecánicamente adecuados, con indicaciones precisas, estadios más tempranos y con mejor resultado funcional. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizó una cohorte de 24 pacientes durante el período de 2010 a 2012, tratados con prótesis de resuperficialización patelofemoral (PPF) HemiCap Patelofemoral Resurf (Franklin MA, EUA), colocadas por dos cirujanos. Se evaluaron los pacientes prequirúrgicos y a los dos, cuatro, seis, 12, 18, 24 meses postquirúrgicos con la escala Knee Society Score (KSS). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 24 pacientes con seguimiento de dos años en promedio. En 87.5% fueron mujeres, edad promedio de 62 años (45-80 años); una media de 29.5 de índice de masa corporal (IMC), la lateralidad derecha predominó en 54%. Se observó una mejoría en los resultados de la escala KSS: en el aspecto clínico hubo una mejoría de 35.2% y en la escala funcional de 41.62%. Sólo dos pacientes fueron reintervenidos por complicaciones de limitación funcional, uno de ellos tratado con manipulación bajo anestesia y el otro con liberación artroscópica de adherencias. CONCLUSIÓN: La PPF es una opción como tratamiento de AOPF aislada, pues la tasa de supervivencia a dos años es buena, proporciona alivio del dolor y mejoría en funcionalidad de la rodilla; sin embargo, se requerirá mayor tiempo de seguimiento para evaluar el resultado final de este implante.

Long-term event-free and overall survival after risk-adapted melphalan and SCT for systemic light chain amyloidosis.

Stem cell transplantation (SCT), an effective therapy for amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis patients, is associated with low treatment-related mortality (TRM) with appropriate patient selection and risk-adapted dosing of melphalan (RA-SCT). Consolidation after SCT increases hematologic complete response (CR) rates and may improve overall survival (OS) for patients with

Carcinoma escamoso conjuntival gigante. Tratamiento con cirugía seguido de interferón alfa-2b / Giant conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment with surgery following topical interferon alpha-2b

CASO CLÍNICO: Un paciente varón de 50 años presentó una masa gigante e invasiva en el limbo nasal de su ojo derecho. Se trató precozmente con escisión quirúrgica sin márgenes libres, seguido de interferón alfa-2b tópico. Tras 2 años de seguimiento, el paciente continúa libre de enfermedad. DISCUSIÓN: En casos de carcinoma escamoso invasivo gigante de conjuntiva, invertir el orden de tratamiento realizando primero la escisión quirúrgica precoz seguida de interferón alfa-2b tópico puede resultar útil para lograr la remisión completa del tumor

CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old man presented with a giant and invasive mass at the nasal limbus in his right eye. A surgical excision without safety margins was promptly performed, followed by interferon alpha-2b (IFNα2b) eye drops. After monitoring the patient for two years and after performing a number of biopsies, he remains free from any signs of disease. DISCUSSION: For cases of giant and invasive squamous cell carcinoma, to reverse the order of treatment, by first performing an early tumour excision, followed by the application of topical IFNα2b, may prove useful to achieve total remission of the tumour

Giant conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment with surgery following topical interferon alpha-2b.

CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old man presented with a giant and invasive mass at the nasal limbus in his right eye. A surgical excision without safety margins was promptly performed, followed by interferon alpha-2b (IFNα2b) eye drops. After monitoring the patient for two years and after performing a number of biopsies, he remains free from any signs of disease. DISCUSSION: For cases of giant and invasive squamous cell carcinoma, to reverse the order of treatment, by first performing an early tumour excision, followed by the application of topical IFNα2b, may prove useful to achieve total remission of the tumour.

Biomarkers in Obesity: Serum Myeloperoxidase and Traditional Cardiac Risk Parameters.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low-grade inflammation, combined with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, is common in obesity, providing systemic inflammation that is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Studies have shown serum mieloperoxidase as a potential biomarker and its clinical applicability for evaluating cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to evaluate the MPO in obese individuals, with or without systemic inflammation and potential cardiovascular risk, as well as correlating MPO with some classic cardiovascular risk parameters. METHODS: Inflammatory and cardiovascular risk markers, as well as different biochemical and hematological laboratory parameters, were analyzed. The volunteers were divided into 3 groups according to the presence (hs-CRP>3 mg/L) or absence (hs-CRP<3 mg/L) of systemic inflammation and possible cardiovascular risk. RESULTS: MPO was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the obese individuals with systemic inflammation. A significant increase (p<0.05) in the following biochemical parameters: glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, non-HDL, TG/HDL was observed, and a significant decrease (p<0.01) in HDL was observed. Significant increases in the counts of total leukocytes, neutrophils and monocytes (p<0.01), as well as elevated blood pressure (p<0.05), were observed in the group of obese individuals with systemic inflammation. Serum MPO levels were correlated with classic proinflammatory and cardiovascular risk parameters. CONCLUSIONS: High serum levels of MPO were observed in obese individuals with hs-CRP above 3 mg/L, which is a classic biomarker for inflammation and cardiovascular risk, suggesting the potential role of MPO in clinical applicability for cardiovascular disease in this population. However, considering that inflammation in obesity appears to manifest as a non-classical mechanism, further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of MPO in cardiovascular events in the population with obesity.

Alterações metabólicas e inflamatórias na gestação / Metabolic and inflammatory changes in pregnancy

Em gestantes, ocorrem alterações hormonais, metabólicas e hematológicas, fisiologicamente importantes. As alterações metabólicas observadas estão associadas ao aumento do efeito hepático da progesterona, estradiol e lactogênio placentário nesse período. Estrogênios são conhecidos por aumentar a produção de colesterol VLDL e diminuir a atividade da lipase hepática. Nesse grupo de mulheres, notase também um aumento do número de neutrófilos e monócitos para a circulação periférica, notadamente em gestantes com pré-eclampsia, tendo como consequência produção e secreção da mieloperoxidase. Assim, torna-se importante determinar quais alterações metabólicas e inflamatórias estão relacionadas com a gestação, para auxiliar no diagnóstico e prognóstico de doenças cardiovasculares futuras nesta população. Além dos fatores de risco, esta revisão aponta novos biomarcadores, tais como a mieloperoxidase, capacidade antioxidante total do soro, marcadores inflamatórios e proteína plasmática A.(AU)

In pregnant women, hormonal, metabolic and hematologic physiologically important changes occur. The metabolic changes observed are associated with increased hepatic effect of estradiol, progesterone and placental lactogen during this period. Estrogens are known to increase production of VLDL cholesterol and decrease the activity of hepatic lipase. In this group of women, we can note an increased number of neutrophils and monocytes into the peripheral circulation, especially in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia, resulting in production and secretion of myeloperoxidase. Thus, it becomes important to determine which metabolic and inflammatory changes are related to pregnancy, to assist in the diagnosis and prognosis of future cardiovascular disease in this population. In addition to the risk factors, this review shows new biomarkers such as myeloperoxidase, total antioxidant capacity of serum, inflammatory markers and plasma protein A.(AU)

O cetoprofeno como oportunidade terapêutica no estresse oxidativo: uma revisão / Ketoprofen as a therapeutic opportunity in oxidative stress: a review

O cetoprofeno é um anti-inflamatório não esteroidal, antipirético e analgésico amplamente utilizado na prática clínica para o tratamento de artrite reumatóide e outras doenças inflamatórias. Seu mecanismo de ação está baseado na inibição não seletiva da COX, porém esta inibição também promove alguns efeitos adversos. Diferentes pesquisas demonstram que o estresse oxidativo pode estar relacionado com o aparecimento dos efeitos adversos provocados pelo cetoprofeno. Em contrapartida, diversos estudos apontam a participação do estresse oxidativo no ambiente inflamatório. Portanto, tornou-se promissor o estudo da relação entre o cetoprofeno, a inflamação e o estresse oxidativo. Diante deste fato, o objetivo deste trabalho é revisar a literatura a fim de reunir informações sobre a ação do cetoprofeno diante do estresse oxidativo, presente no processo inflamatório, e o aparecimento dos efeitos adversos provocados pelo uso deste fármaco.(AU)

The ketoprofen is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Its mechanism of action is based on non-selective COX inhibition, but this inhibition also leads to some adverse effects. Different researches have shown that oxidative stress may be associated with the onset of adverse effects caused by ketoprofen. On the other hand, several studies point to the involvement of oxidative stress in the inflammatory environment. Therefore, it has become promising study the relationship between the ketoprofen, inflammation and oxidative stress. Considering this fact, the aim of this paper is to review the literature in order to gather information on the effect of ketoprofen on the oxidative stress present in the inflammatory process, and the appearance of adverse effects of using this drug.(AU)

Association between advanced oxidation protein products and 5-year mortality risk among amazon riparian elderly population.

Proteins are important targets of several modifications caused by oxidative stress, leading to structural changes and consequently partial or total loss of their functions. The oxidized proteins include advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) derived from oxidation-modified albumin, as well as fibrinogen and lipoproteins. An increase in AOPP levels indicates an oxidative stress state and the presence of coexisting inflammation. Several investigations have also suggested an association between high AOPP levels and aging-related diseases. However, the link between elevated AOPP levels and elderly mortality risk has not yet been investigated. Here, we report on a 5-year longitudinal study that investigated the potential association between AOPP levels and mortality using a population-based representative sample of riparian elders living in Brazilian Amazon region (Maués-AM). Age, sex, socioeconomic and cultural conditions, chronic morbidities, polypharmacy, and previous morbidities were also tested as potential confounders. The AOPP levels were measured in 540 (84.78%) individuals, all of whom were followed over a 5-year period in order to establish the mortality rate. Within this study period, 74 (13.7%) elders died and 466 (86.3%) survived. The AOPP levels were higher among the elders who died within the 5-year period (46.27 ± 40.6 mmol/L) compared with those who survived (36.79 ± 20.84 mmol/L) (p = 0.002). The analysis confirmed the link between high AOPP levels and mortality risk, independent of other intervenient factors. These results suggest that elevated AOPP levels could be used to predict mortality risk in elderly patients.

Auxin and physical constraint exerted by the perianth promote androgynophore bending in Passiflora mucronata L. (Passifloraceae).

The androgynophore column, a distinctive floral feature in passion flowers, is strongly crooked or bent in many Passiflora species pollinated by bats. This is a floral feature that facilitates the adaptation to bat pollination. Crooking or bending of plant organs are generally caused by environmental stimulus (e.g. mechanical barriers) and might involve the differential distribution of auxin. Our aim was to study the role of the perianth organs and the effect of auxin in bending of the androgynophore of the bat-pollinated species Passiflora mucronata. Morpho-anatomical characterisation of the androgynophore, including measurements of curvature angles and cell sizes both at the dorsal (convex) and ventral (concave) sides of the androgynophore, was performed on control flowers, flowers from which perianth organs were partially removed and flowers treated either with auxin (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; 2,4-D) or with an inhibitor of auxin polar transport (naphthylphthalamic acid; NPA). Asymmetric growth of the androgynophore column, leading to bending, occurs at a late stage of flower development. Removing the physical constraint exerted by perianth organs or treatment with NPA significantly reduced androgynophore bending. Additionally, the androgynophores of plants treated with 2,4-D were more curved when compared to controls. There was a larger cellular expansion at the dorsal side of the androgynophores of plants treated with 2,4-D and in both sides of the androgynophores of plants treated with NPA. This study suggests that the physical constraint exerted by perianth and auxin redistribution promotes androgynophore bending in P. mucronata and might be related to the evolution of chiropterophily in the genus Passiflora.

Tratamiento de espasmos musculares en el paciente con ataxia de Friedreich con bomba de infusión intratecal de baclofeno: a propósito de un caso / No disponible

No disponible

High-precision and fast computation of Jacobi-Fourier moments for image description.

A high-precision and fast algorithm for computation of Jacobi-Fourier moments (JFMs) is presented. A fast recursive method is developed for the radial polynomials that occur in the kernel function of the JFMs. The proposed method is numerically stable and very fast in comparison with the conventional direct method. Moreover, the algorithm is suitable for computation of the JFMs of the highest orders. The JFMs are generic expressions to generate orthogonal moments changing the parameters α and ß of Jacobi polynomials. The quality of the description of the proposed method with α and ß parameters known is studied. Also, a search is performed of the best parameters, α and ß, which significantly improves the quality of the reconstructed image and recognition. Experiments are performed on standard test images with various sets of JFMs to prove the superiority of the proposed method in comparison with the direct method. Furthermore, the proposed method is compared with other existing methods in terms of speed and accuracy.

Comparación bibliométrica en neuropediatría entre Revista de Neurología y Anales de Pediatría a través de una década / Comparison of bibliometric indicators for neuropaediatrics in Revista de Neurología and Anales de Pediatría over one decade

Objetivo. Análisis bibliométrico de los artículos neuropediátricos publicados en Revista de Neurología y Anales de Pediatría entre 2000 y 2009. Materiales y métodos. Se seleccionaron los artículos neuropediátricos publicados en las dos revistas durante la última década (n = 1.085). Se investigó autoría, tema y bibliografía, índice de aislamiento, índice de Price, colaboración, productividad, transitoriedad y autocitas. Se analizaron las citaciones recibidas a través de Web of Knowledge (WOK): artículos citados, veces citados e índice-h. Resultados. De los 1.085 artículos, 255 correspondían a Anales de Pediatría (el 9,4% del total en ese período) y 830 a Revista de Neurología (el 21,7% del total). El índice de colaboración fue de 4,3. El 89,7% de los autores eran sanitarios (el 96%, hospitalarios; el 0,8%, de atención primaria; y el 2,9%, ambos). El 11,9% eran colaborativos entre autonomías y el 26% procedían de centros extranjeros. El 29,8% fueron originales (el 80,8%, observacionales descriptivos; el 18,3%, analíticos; y el 0,8%, ensayos clínicos). Los temas más frecuentes fueron trastornos paroxísticos (15,9%), y trastornos del desarrollo, conducta y aprendizaje (15%). La media de citas bibliográficas por artículo fue de 27,6; el índice de aislamiento, del 13,4%; y el de Price, del 41,7%. El perfil de los artículos publicados en ambas revistas es diferente, y se encuentran diferencias estadísticamente significativas en casi todos los parámetros analizados. Según la WOK, los 255 artículos de Anales de Pediatría han recibido 40 citas e índice-h de 3; los 830 de Revista de Neurología, 2.234 citas e índice-h de 13. Conclusiones. Existen diferencias en las publicaciones de neuropediatría entre las dos revistas, con una mayor proyección internacional de Revista de Neurología (AU)

Aim. Bibliometric analysis of neuropaediatrics articles published in Revista de Neurología and Anales de Pediatría between 2000 and 2009. Materials and methods. We selected neuropaediatrics articles published in two journal during the last decade (n = 1,085). We investigated authorship, topic and bibliography, to calculate indices of isolation, Price, collaboration, productivity, transience and self-citations. Analyze citations received by Web of Knowledge (WOK): articles cited, sometimes cited and h-index. Results. 1,085 articles were analyzed, 255 published in Anales de Pediatría (9.4% of the total in that period) and 830 in Revista de Neurología (21.7% total). The collaboration index was 4.3. The 89.7% of the authors were medical care (96% hospital staff, 0,8% of primary care staff and 2.9% of both). The 11.9% of the articles were collaborative between regions and the 26% came from foreign centers. The originals were 29.8% (80.8% descriptive observational studies, analytical 18.3% and 0.8% clinical trials). The most frequent topics were paroxysmal disorders (15.9%) and developmental, learning and behavioral disorders (15%). The average number of citations per article was 27.6, with an isolation rate of 13.4% and a Price index of 41.7%. The profile of the articles published in both journals is different, finding significant differences in almost all parameters analyzed. According WOK, the 255 items of Anales de Pediatría have received 40 citations and h-index of 3 and the 830 Revista de Neurología 2,234 citations with h-index of 13. Conclusions. There are differences in the pediatric neurology publications between the two magazines with more international projection of Revista de Neurología (AU)

Bortezomib and dexamethasone consolidation following risk-adapted melphalan and stem cell transplantation for patients with newly diagnosed light-chain amyloidosis.

To improve the efficacy of risk-adapted melphalan (MEL) in patients with amyloidosis (AL), we conducted a phase II trial using bortezomib and dexamethasone (BD) as consolidation. Forty untreated patients with renal (70%), cardiac (65%), liver/gastrointestinal (15%) or nervous system (13%) AL were assigned MEL 100, 140 or 200 mg/m(2) based on age, renal function and cardiac involvement. Hematological response was assessed at 3 months post stem cell transplant (SCT); patients with less than complete hematological response (CR) received BD consolidation. Four patients with advanced cardiac AL died within 100 days of SCT (10% treatment-related mortality). Survival at 12 and 24 months post treatment start was 88 and 82% overall and was 81 and 72% in patients with cardiac AL. At 3 months post SCT, 45% had ≥ partial response (PR) including 27% CR. Twenty-three patients received consolidation and in 86% response improved; all patients responded in one cycle. At 12 and 24 months, 79 and 60% had ≥ PR, 58 and 40% CR. Organ responses occurred in 55 and 70% at 12 and 24 months. Eight patients relapsed/progressed. One patient with serologic progression had organ impairment at time of progression. In newly diagnosed AL, BD following SCT rapidly and effectively improves responses resulting in high CR rates and maintained organ improvement.

Actinomicosis del sistema nervioso central: presentación de caso / Actinomycosis of the Central Nervous System: Case Report

La actinomicosis es una infección bacteriana indolente, producida por bacilos Gram positivos y que puede afectar cualquier parte del organismo. El compromiso del sistema nervioso central es raro, de baja sospecha clínica y fácilmente confundible con una neoplasia. Los hallazgos clínicos y radiológicos son inespecíficos, por lo cual la confirmación histológica es necesaria. Se deben descartar focos de diseminación distantes o por contigüidad al neuroeje. El tratamiento debe ser antibioticoterapia por largo plazo y drenaje quirúrgico.

Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection caused by Gram-positive bacilli which can affect any part of the body. It is uncommon that the central nervous system is compromised, it has low clinical suspicion and could easily be mistaken for neoplasm. The clinical and radiologic findings are nonspecific. For this reason, histopathologic confirmation for diagnosis is necessary. It is important to rule out contiguous and distant dissemination to the neuroaxis. The treatment for this disease must consist of a prolonged antibiotics regimen and surgical drainage.

Foliculitis necrotizante herpética / Necrotizing herpes folliculitis. Report of one case

Herpes folliculitis is a rare manifestation of herpes virus infection. It usually represents a diagnostic challenge, due to the absence of characteristic skin manifestations such as vesicles or pustules. The reported cases are mainly associated with varicella zoster virus (VZV) and less commonly with herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 y HSV-2). We report a 51-year-old male with a relapsing non-Hodgkin Lymphoma under chemotherapy, with history of extensive follicular lesions lasting one month. The pathologic study of the lesions was consistent with necrotizing herpes folliculitis. The patient was treated with Valacyclovir, achieving remission of the lesions. The appearance of folliculitis, especially in an immunocompromised patient, should raise the suspicion of herpes virus infection. Polymerase chain reaction may help to elucidate the diagnosis when pathologic findings are non-specific.

Dermatitis de contacto por sensibilización a alérgenos del caucho y aplicación de apósito plástico en aerosol / No disponible

No disponible

Grape variety related trans-resveratrol induction affects Aspergillus carbonarius growth and ochratoxin A biosynthesis.

The paper reports the results of a study performed to investigate the influence of the grape variety on the growth of Aspergillus carbonarius on grape berries and the correlation between the amount of ochratoxin A (OTA) and the content of trans-resveratrol produced after fungal contamination. Variations in the amount of OTA produced by the fungus are observed depending on both grape variety and on the induction of trans-resveratrol determined during the infection. The obtained data suggest that if an increase in trans-resveratrol production in grape berries occurs early after the fungal infection, the berry exploits this compound to control OTA synthesis. If the increase in trans-resveratrol concentration is delayed after fungal infection (40 h), a control of OTA accumulation can not be achieved. The possibility of exerting significant control of OTA biosynthesis by this phytoalexin seems to rely in the promptness of its production, as occurs also in other fungus plant interactions and, in turn, seems to be dependent also on grape cultivar. In this fungus-plant system, trans-resveratrol appears to represent a defence-related compound toward A. carbonarius and OTA contamination.