Prevalence of Anal High-Risk Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Abnormal Anal Cytology among Women Living with HIV.

Background: Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), WLWHs, are at high risk of developing anal cancer associated with high-risk human papilloma virus infection (HR-HPV). We analyzed the prevalence of anal HR-HPV infection and abnormal anal cytology in a cohort of WLWHs and assessed the risk factors for anal HR-HPV infection. Methods: We present a single-center, observational cross-sectional study. WLWHs who underwent anal cytology and anal human papilloma virus (HPV) testing were selected. High-resolution anoscopy was performed in cases of abnormal anal cytology. All suspicious lesions were biopsied. A univariate and multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze risk factors for abnormal anal screening. The results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In total, 400 WLWHs were studied. Of them, 334 met the eligibility criteria and were enrolled in the study. Abnormal anal cytology was detected in 39.5% of patients, and anal HR-HPV in 40.1%, with HPV 16 in 33 (26.6%) of them. Concomitant HR-HPV cervical infection was the only independent risk factor for HR-HPV anal infection (OR 1.67 95% CI, p < 0.001). Conclusions: WLWHs have a high prevalence of HR-HPV anal infection and anal cytologic abnormalities. HR-HPV cervical infection is the main predictor of HR-HPV anal infection.

[Evolution of COVID-19 at nursing homes from the second wave to vaccination. Description of a coordination program between Primary Care, Geriatrics and Public Health.] / Evolución de la COVID-19 en las residencias de personas mayores desde la segunda ola hasta la vacunación. Descripción de un programa de coordinación entre Atención Primaria, Geriatría y Salud Pública.

OBJECTIVE: Nursing homes have suffered in a particularly pronounced way from the effects of COVID-19 so it is very convenient to know the evolution in them of the disease and the impact of SARS-CoV2 vaccination The objective of this study was to analyze COVID-19 pandemic evolution from the start of the second wave to the end of the vaccination campaign at the nursing homes. A coordination program between Primary Care and Geriatrics and Public Health services was activated. METHODS: 2,668 seniors were followed at 39 nursing homes. Data from new cases, active cases, mortality and place of treatment of COVID-19 were collected. A descriptive analysis was performed with the measurement of the absolute number of positive SARS-CoV-2 cases and the frequency distribution. RESULTS: Between August 7th 2020 and February 26th 2021, 30 outbreaks occurred at 21 nursing homes. 300 people tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (11% of total residents). The daily average of active cases was 27,166 were hospitalized (55%). 66 patients died (22% of those infected), 54 of them (78%) at the hospital. 1,984 PCR tests were performed. The temporary profile of new cases did not follow a distribution "in waves" as in the community. Thirty-seven days after the start of the second dose of vaccination, there were no active cases until March 1st, when new cases were under study for possible vaccine leakage. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of COVID-19 at nursing homes after the first wave of the pandemic has apparently been lower. The transmission in these centers has followed a different distribution than at community. Mass vaccination has achieved the practical disappearance of the disease.

OBJETIVO: Los centros residenciales han sufrido de una manera especialmente acusada los efectos de la COVID-19 por lo que es muy conveniente conocer la evolución en ellos de la enfermedad y el impacto de la vacunación frente al SARS-CoV2. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la evolución de la pandemia de COVID-19 desde el comienzo de la segunda ola hasta el final del proceso de vacunación en las residencias de personas mayores de un área sanitaria, en la cual se activó un programa de coordinación entre Atención Primaria y los servicios de Geriatría y Salud Publica. METODOS: Se siguió a 2.668 personas mayores en 39 residencias. Se recogieron datos de casos nuevos, activos, fallecidos y lugar de tratamiento de la COVID-19. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo con la medición del número absoluto de casos positivo de SARS-CoV-2 y la distribución de frecuencias. RESULTADOS: Entre el 7 de agosto de 2020 y el 26 de febrero de 2021 se produjeron 30 brotes en 21 residencias. Se detectaron 300 casos positivos de SARS-CoV-2 (11% de los residentes totales). La media diaria de casos activos fue 27. Fueron hospitalizados 166 (55%). Fallecieron 66 pacientes (22% de los infectados), 54 de ellos (78%) en el hospital. Se realizaron 1.984 test PCR. El perfil temporal de aparición de casos nuevos no siguió una distribución "en olas" como en la comunidad. Treinta y siete días después del inicio de la segunda dosis de vacunación, no existieron casos activos hasta el 1 de marzo en que aparecieron nuevos casos en estudio por posible escape vacunal. CONCLUSIONES: La incidencia de la COVID-19 en las residencias de personas mayores tras la primera ola de la pandemia es aparentemente inferior. La transmisión en estos centros sigue una distribución diferente a la de la comunidad. El efecto de la vacunación masiva consigue la práctica desaparición de la enfermedad.

[Liaison geriatrics with nursing homes in COVID time. A new coordination model arrived to stay]. / La Geriatría de Enlace con residencias en la época de la COVID-19. Un nuevo modelo de coordinación que ha llegado para quedarse.

Older people living in nursing homes fulfil the criteria to be considered as geriatric patients, but they often do not have met their health care needs. Current deficits appeared as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. The need to improve the coordination between hospitals and nursing homes emerged, and in Madrid it materialized with the implantation of Liaison Geriatrics teams or units at public hospitals. The Sociedad Española de Geriatría y Gerontología has defined the role of the geriatricians in the COVID-19 pandemic and they have given guidelines about prevention, early detection, isolation and sectorization, training, care homes classification, patient referral coordination, and the role of the different care settings, among others. These units and teams also must undertake other care activities that have a shortfall currently, like nursing homes-hospital coordination, geriatricians visits to the homes, telemedicine sessions, geriatric assessment in emergency rooms, and primary care and public health services coordination. This paper describes the concept of Liaison Geriatrics and its implementation at the Autonomous Community of Madrid hospitals as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. Activity data from a unit at a hospital with a huge number of nursing homes in its catchment area are reported. The objective is to understand the need of this activity in order to avoid the current fragmentation of care between hospitals and nursing homes. This activity should be consolidated in the future.

Application of ultrasound for muscle assessment in sarcopenia: 2020 SARCUS update.

PURPOSE: In 2018, the SARCUS working group published a first article on the standardization of the use of ultrasound to assess muscle. Recommendations were made for patient positioning, system settings and components to be measured. Also, shortcomings in knowledge were mentioned. An important issue that still required standardization was the definition of anatomical landmarks for many muscles. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in Medline, SCOPUS and Web of Sciences looking for all articles describing the use of ultrasound in the assessment of muscle not described in the first recommendations, published from 01/01/2018 until 31/01/2020. All relevant terms used for older people, ultrasound and muscles were used. RESULTS: For 39 muscles, different approaches for ultrasound assessment were found that likely impact the values measured. Standardized anatomical landmarks and measuring points were proposed for all muscles/muscle groups. Besides the five already known muscle parameters (muscle thickness, cross-section area, pennation angle, fascicle length and echo-intensity), four new parameters are discussed (muscle volume, stiffness, contraction potential and microcirculation). The former SARCUS article recommendations are updated with this new information that includes new muscle groups. CONCLUSIONS: The emerging field of ultrasound assessment of muscle mass only highlights the need for a standardization of measurement technique. In this article, guidelines are updated and broadened to provide standardization instructions for a large number of muscles.

Peripheral IL-6 Levels but not Sarcopenia Are Predictive of 1-Year Mortality After Hip Fracture in Older Patients.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenic patients may have an increased risk of poor outcomes after a hip fracture. The objective of this study was to determine whether sarcopenia and a set of biomarkers were potential predictors of 1-year-mortality in older patients after a hip fracture. METHODS: About 150 patients at least 80 years old were hospitalized for the surgical treatment of a hip fracture. The primary outcome measure was the death in the first year after the hip fracture. Sarcopenia was defined at baseline by having both low muscle mass (bioimpedance analysis) and handgrip and using the updated European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) definition of probable sarcopenia. Janssen's (J) and Masanés (M) cutoff points were used to define low muscle mass. RESULTS: Mortality 1 year after the hip fracture was 11.5%. In univariate analyses, baseline sarcopenia was not associated with mortality, using neither of the muscle mass cutoff points: 5.9% in sarcopenic (J) versus 12.4% in non-sarcopenic participants (p = .694) and 16% in sarcopenic (M) versus 9.6% in non-sarcopenic participants (p = .285). Probable sarcopenia (EWGSOP2) was not associated with mortality. Peripheral levels of IL-6 at baseline were significantly higher in the group of participants who died in the year after the hip fracture (17.14 ± 16.74 vs 11.42 ± 7.99 pg/mL, p = .026). TNF-α peripheral levels had a nonsignificant trend to be higher in participants who died. No other biomarker was associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia at baseline was not a predictor of 1-year mortality in older patients after a hip fracture. IL-6 was associated with a higher risk of mortality in these patients, regardless of sarcopenia status.

Síndrome serotoninérgico inducido por polifarmacia / Serotoninergic syndrome induced by multiple medications

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Biomarkers of sarcopenia in very old patients with hip fracture.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture is both a cause and a consequence of sarcopenia. Older persons with sarcopenia have an increased risk of falling, and the prevalence of sarcopenia may be increased in those who suffer a hip fracture. The aim of this study was to explore potential biomarkers (neuromuscular and peripheral pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress markers) that may be associated with sarcopenia in very old persons with hip fracture. METHODS: We recruited 150 consecutive patients ≥80 years old admitted to an orthogeriatric unit for an osteoporotic hip fracture. Muscle mass was assessed pre-operatively using bioelectrical impedance analysis; Janssen's (J) and Masanés' (M) reference cut-off points were used to define low muscle mass. Muscle strength was assessed with handgrip strength (Jamar's dynamometer). Sarcopenia was defined by having both low muscle mass and strength and using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 definition of probable sarcopenia (low grip strength). Peripheral markers-pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters-were determined either in the plasma or in the erythrocyte fraction obtained from peripheral whole blood of every patient pre-operatively. RESULTS: Mean age was 87.6 ± 4.9 years, and 78.7% were women. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 11.5% with Janssen's, 34.9% with Masanés' cut-offs, and 93.3% with the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 definition of probable sarcopenia. Among the four pro-inflammatory cytokines tested in plasma, only tumour necrosis factor-α was different (lower) in sarcopenic than in non-sarcopenic participants using both muscle mass cut-offs (J 7.9 ± 6.2 vs. 8.3 ± 5.8, M 6.8 ± 4.7 vs. 9.1 ± 6.2). Erythrocyte glutathione system showed a non-significant tendency to lower glutathione levels and glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratios in sarcopenic participants compared with non-sarcopenic subjects. Catalase activity was also lower in sarcopenic participants (J 2904 ± 1429 vs. 3329 ± 1483, M 3037 ± 1430 vs. 3431 ± 1498). No significant differences were found between groups in chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and butyrylcholinesterase activity, C-terminal agrin fragment, interferon-γ, or interleukin-1ß. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with hip fracture varies according to the definition and the muscle mass reference cut-off points used. We did not find differences in most neuromuscular, pro-inflammatory, or oxidative stress markers, except for lower peripheral tumour necrosis factor-α levels and catalase activity in sarcopenic participants, which may be markers of an early inflammatory reaction that is hampered in sarcopenic patients.

Prevalencia de sarcopenia y características de los sarcopénicos en pacientes mayores de 80 años ingresados por fractura de cadera / Prevalence of sarcopenia and characteristics of sarcopenic subjects in patients over 80 years with hip fracture

Objetivo: calcular la prevalencia de sarcopenia en ancianos ingresados por fractura de cadera (FC) y comparar las características de sarcopénicos y no sarcopénicos. Método: se incluyeron 150 pacientes consecutivos de 80 o más años ingresados por una FC. Se diagnosticó sarcopenia a aquellos con baja masa muscular (bioimpedanciometría, puntos de corte de Janssen y Masanés) y baja fuerza muscular (dinamómetro de Jamar). Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, cognitivas (Pfeiffer, GDS-Reisberg), funcionales (Barthel, FAC), nutricionales (MNA-SF, índice de masa corporal [IMC], ángulo de fase) y se registró el número de caídas y el número de fármacos. Resultados: edad media: 87,6 ± 4,9 años (78,7% mujeres). La prevalencia de sarcopenia fue del 11,5% (Janssen) y 34,9% (Masanés). Del 77,5% que deambulaba de forma independiente, un 40% había sufrido ≥ 3 caídas. El 38% padecía demencia. Un 80,4% presentaba dependencia leve-moderada y el 14,2% era independiente para actividades básicas de la vida diaria (ABVD). El MNA era compatible con malnutrición en el 12,6% y tomaba ≥ 4 medicamentos el 85,2%. Los pacientes sarcopénicos (Masanés) presentaban índice de masa corporal más bajo (18,6 vs. 24,3, p = 0,003); no se encontraron diferencias entre sarcopénicos y no sarcopénicos en otras variables. No hubo asociación entre el ángulo de fase y la sarcopenia. Conclusiones: hasta un tercio de los pacientes mayores que ingresaron por FC presentan sarcopenia en el momento del ingreso. La prevalencia, en el presente estudio, depende de los puntos de corte usados para definir la baja masa muscular. En contra de lo previsible, los pacientes sarcopénicos con FC muy mayores apenas se diferencian de los no sarcopénicos, salvo por un menor IMC

Aim: to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in very old patients admitted to an Orthogeriatric Unit for the treatment of a hip fracture (HF), and to compare characteristics of patients with and without sarcopenia. Methods: one hundred and fifty consecutive patients ≥ 80 years old admitted with HF were included. Sarcopenia was diagnosed with low muscle mass (bioimpedance, using two different cut-off points, Janssen and Masanés) and low grip strength (Jamar's dynamometer). Socio-demographic, nutritional variables (MNA-SF, body mass index [BMI], phase angle), cognitive (Pfeiffer, Reisberg's GDS) and functional variables (Barthel index, FAC) were registered, as well as the number of recent falls and medications on admission. Results: mean age: 87.6 ± 4.9 years (78.7% women). Prevalence of sarcopenia: 11.5% (Janssen's cut-offs) and 34.9% (Masanés cut-offs). Of the 77.5% who had independent ambulation before the fracture, 40% reported three or more recent falls. Before admission, 38% had dementia and 80.4% had mild to moderate dependence to BADL before admission; 14.2% were independent for all BADL. MNA was suggestive of malnutrition in 12.6%, and 85.2% were on four or more prescribed drugs. Sarcopenic (Masanés) had a lower BMI than non-sarcopenic participants (18.6 vs 24.3, p = 0.003), but no other significant differences were found between both groups. Phase angle was also unrelated to sarcopenia status. Conclusions: up to one third of very old patients with HF had sarcopenia on admission. Prevalence varied widely depending on the cut-off points selected to define low muscle mass. Sarcopenic patients in this setting were mostly similar to non-sarcopenic patients, except for a lower BMI

[Prevalence of sarcopenia and characteristics of sarcopenic subjects in patients over 80 years with hip fracture]. / Prevalencia de sarcopenia y características de los sarcopénicos en pacientes mayores de 80 años ingresados por fractura de cadera.

INTRODUCTION: Aim: to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in very old patients admitted to an Orthogeriatric Unit for the treatment of a hip fracture (HF), and to compare characteristics of patients with and without sarcopenia. Methods: one hundred and fifty consecutive patients ≥ 80 years old admitted with HF were included. Sarcopenia was diagnosed with low muscle mass (bioimpedance, using two different cut-off points, Janssen and Masanés) and low grip strength (Jamar's dynamometer). Socio-demographic, nutritional variables (MNA-SF, body mass index [BMI], phase angle), cognitive (Pfeiffer, Reisberg's GDS) and functional variables (Barthel index, FAC) were registered, as well as the number of recent falls and medications on admission. Results: mean age: 87.6 ± 4.9 years (78.7% women). Prevalence of sarcopenia: 11.5% (Janssen's cut-offs) and 34.9% (Masanés cut-offs). Of the 77.5% who had independent ambulation before the fracture, 40% reported three or more recent falls. Before admission, 38% had dementia and 80.4% had mild to moderate dependence to BADL before admission; 14.2% were independent for all BADL. MNA was suggestive of malnutrition in 12.6%, and 85.2% were on four or more prescribed drugs. Sarcopenic (Masanés) had a lower BMI than non-sarcopenic participants (18.6 vs 24.3, p = 0.003), but no other significant differences were found between both groups. Phase angle was also unrelated to sarcopenia status. Conclusions: up to one third of very old patients with HF had sarcopenia on admission. Prevalence varied widely depending on the cut-off points selected to define low muscle mass. Sarcopenic patients in this setting were mostly similar to non-sarcopenic patients, except for a lower BMI.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Objetivo: calcular la prevalencia de sarcopenia en ancianos ingresados por fractura de cadera (FC) y comparar las características de sarcopénicos y no sarcopénicos. Método: se incluyeron 150 pacientes consecutivos de 80 o más años ingresados por una FC. Se diagnosticó sarcopenia a aquellos con baja masa muscular (bioimpedanciometría, puntos de corte de Janssen y Masanés) y baja fuerza muscular (dinamómetro de Jamar). Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, cognitivas (Pfeiffer, GDS-Reisberg), funcionales (Barthel, FAC), nutricionales (MNA-SF, índice de masa corporal [IMC], ángulo de fase) y se registró el número de caídas y el número de fármacos. Resultados: edad media: 87,6 ± 4,9 años (78,7% mujeres). La prevalencia de sarcopenia fue del 11,5% (Janssen) y 34,9% (Masanés). Del 77,5% que deambulaba de forma independiente, un 40% había sufrido ≥ 3 caídas. El 38% padecía demencia. Un 80,4% presentaba dependencia leve-moderada y el 14,2% era independiente para actividades básicas de la vida diaria (ABVD). El MNA era compatible con malnutrición en el 12,6% y tomaba ≥ 4 medicamentos el 85,2%. Los pacientes sarcopénicos (Masanés) presentaban índice de masa corporal más bajo (18,6 vs. 24,3, p = 0,003); no se encontraron diferencias entre sarcopénicos y no sarcopénicos en otras variables. No hubo asociación entre el ángulo de fase y la sarcopenia. Conclusiones: hasta un tercio de los pacientes mayores que ingresaron por FC presentan sarcopenia en el momento del ingreso. La prevalencia, en el presente estudio, depende de los puntos de corte usados para definir la baja masa muscular. En contra de lo previsible, los pacientes sarcopénicos con FC muy mayores apenas se diferencian de los no sarcopénicos, salvo por un menor IMC.

Seasonal dynamics of extraradical mycelium and mycorrhizas in a black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) plantation.

Seasonal dynamics of black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) extraradical mycelium as well as the associated mycorrhizal community have been evaluated in a 16-year-old plantation with productive and non-productive trees. Mycelium biomass was seasonally quantified by real-time PCR over two consecutive years and the correlation with environmental variables explored. Extraradical mycelium biomass varied seasonally and between the two consecutive years, being correlated with the precipitation that occurred 1 month before sampling. In addition, productive trees had more mycelium in the brûlé area than non-productive trees did. The ectomycorrhizal community composition inside the burnt areas was seasonally evaluated during a year. Ten mycorrhizal morphotypes were detected; T. melanosporum was the most abundant in productive and non-productive trees. Black truffle mycorrhizas were more abundant (mycorrhizal tips per unit of soil volume) in productive trees, and no seasonal variation was observed. The occurrence of black truffle mycorrhizas was significantly and positively correlated with the biomass of extraradical mycelium. The mycorrhizal community within the brûlé areas was significantly different between productive and non-productive trees, and no variation was detected between seasons. The assessment of the fungal vegetative structures in a mature plantation is of paramount importance to develop trufficulture methods based on the knowledge of the biological cycle of the fungus and its relationships with the associated ectomycorrhizal communities.

Diversity of ectomycorrhizal Thelephoraceae in Tuber melanosporum-cultivated orchards of Northern Spain.

Truffles are edible hypogeous ascomycetes highly appreciated worldwide, especially the black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vittad.). In recent decades, the cultivation of the black truffle has expanded across the Mediterranean climate regions in and outside its native range. Members of the Thelephoraceae (Thelephorales, Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) are commonly found in truffle plantations, but their co-occurrence with Tuber species and other members of the fungal community has been scarcely reported. Thelephoraceae is one of the most represented families of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community in boreal and Mediterranean forests. To reveal the diversity of these fungi in T. melanosporum-cultivated plantations, ten orchards located in the Navarra region (Northern Spain) were surveyed for 2 years. Morphological and molecular approaches were used to detect and identify the Thelephoraceae ectomycorrhizas present in those plantations. Ten different mycorrhizal types were detected and described. Four of them were morphologically identified as Tomentella galzinii, Quercirhiza cumulosa, Q. squamosa, and T39 Thelephoraceae type. Molecular analyses revealed 4-6 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), depending on the nucleotide database used, but similarities remained under 95 % and no clear species assignments could be done. The results confirm the diversity and abundance of this fungal family in the ectomycorrhizal community of black truffle plantations, generally established in Mediterranean areas. The occurrence and relative abundance of Thelephoraceae ectomycorrhizas is discussed in relation to their possible influence on truffle production.

Gene expression profiling and its use in adenocarcinomas of unknown primary origin: A case report.

Carcinomas of unknown primary origin account for 3-5% of all malignancies. The current literature suggests that metastatic dissemination is able to occur in the absence of primary tumor growth. In metastatic disease that is difficult to diagnose, the origin usually remains unknown even after an exhaustive evaluation of immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers. In the current study, a 49-year-old male presented with lymph nodes metastases of unknown origin. The excisional biopsy of an inguinal node revealed an adenocarcinoma growth pattern, but the IHC could not determine the primary origin. A gene profiling test was performed to complete the diagnosis and a salivary gland adenocarcinoma was diagnosed with 90% probability. Subsequently, the patient underwent appropriate chemotherapy for salivary gland adenocarcinoma, and exhibited an improved partial response. The present case study highlights the importance of an accurate diagnosis of the primary tumor and the use of all the current tools available in order to provide patients with the best treatment possible.

Brain metastasis in basaloid undifferentiated anal carcinoma: A case report.

Anal cancer is a rare tumor that accounts for 2% of all colorectal neoplasms. The brain is a rarely affected organ. The aim of the present study was to the review the only four cases of anal cancer brain metastases previously published in the literature. In addition, the current study presents the case of a 69-year-old male diagnosed with basaloid undifferentiated carcinoma of the anal canal (stage IV with liver, lung and bone metastasis). Despite the patient's good response to chemotherapy and the achievement of a partial response that was maintained for 14 months, brain metastases developed. Although radiotherapy was administered, the patient succumbed to the condition 12 weeks after the diagnosis of brain metastasis.

Persistence and detection of black truffle ectomycorrhizas in plantations: comparison between two field detection methods.

Owners of black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) plantations are concerned about the persistence of its mycorrhizas and mycelium in the soil, especially until the appearance of the "truffle burn" areas and the triggering of sporocarp production, at least 5-7 years after planting truffle-inoculated seedlings. During this period, the farmer does not know whether his management is promoting black truffle development. To study the presence and abundance of T. melanosporum ectomycorrhizas in plantations, two sampling methods, direct sampling of root tips and soil core collection, are compared by analyzing 48 evergreen oak trees (Quercus ilex) inoculated with truffle. Those trees are grouped by age (<6, 6-9, >9 years old) and presence or absence of truffle production. T. melanosporum was present in 46 out of the 48 studied trees, and its ectomycorrhizas appeared in 65% of the ectomycorrhizal tips. Its abundance is significantly higher with productive trees and young trees. Direct sampling of root tips and soil core collection were equally effective in detecting this species, although soil core collection proved a better method to also evaluate ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity. To detect the presence of T. melanosporum in a given plantation, three samples suffice, with a single sample per random tree. Although the presence of mycorrhizas is not a sure sign of the future success of a black truffle plantation, its absence influences managers as to whether to continue culturing truffles in a plantation.

Ectomycorrhizal fungus diversity and community structure with natural and cultivated truffle hosts: applying lessons learned to future truffle culture.

Since the first truffle plantations were established in France, Italy and other parts in the world, many studies have been carried out to improve their productivity and sustainability. Success of plantations is clearly related to the mycorrhizal status of the host trees over the years, from inoculated seedlings to truffle-producing trees. The experience gained in monitoring the ectomycorrhizal fungus status in cultivated truffle grounds has allowed us to develop an extensive catalogue of the ectomycorrhizal fungi present in truffle plantations. Herein, we summarize fungal community data from 85 references that represent different truffle studies in natural habitats and plantations. Approximately 25% of the ectomycorrhizae reported in the 85 references are common to most of the studies. In general, more fungal species are detected in productive plantations than in the non-productive ones. Truffle plantations display a diverse ectomycorrhizal fungal community, in which species of the genus Tuber are well represented. Tuber rufum and some members of Boletales are typically restricted to productive truffle plots. On the other hand, Hebeloma, Laccaria and Russula species are mostly associated with unproductive plots. Ectomycorrhizae belonging to Thelephoraceae are frequently found in mature truffle orchards but do not seem to affect sporocarp production. Several biotic and abiotic factors affect the ectomycorrhizal fungus communities associated with truffle orchards. Among them are plantation age, host species and its growth, the surrounding environment (particularly the presence of other ectomycorrhizal hosts), and plantation management. Understanding the ectomycorrhizal fungal communities inhabiting different plantations may give us clues about the dynamics of the targeted truffles and the possibility of identifying mycorrhizal fungal species that are good indicators of successful truffle plantations.

Quantification of extraradical mycelium of Tuber melanosporum in soils from truffle orchards in northern Spain.

Quantification of extraradical mycelium of black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) has been carried out in a natural truffle ground and in seven truffle orchards (around 20 years old) established in Tierra Estella and Valdorba sites, within the natural distribution area of the black truffles in Navarre (northern Spain). Specific primers and a Taqman® probe were designed to perform real-time PCR with DNA extracted from soil samples. Amplification of T. melanosporum DNA was obtained from 131 out of the 160 soil samples. The detection limit of the technique was 1.48 µg mycelium/g of soil. The extraradical mycelium biomass detected in the soil from the natural truffle ground was significantly greater (up to ten times higher) than the mycelium biomass detected in any of the orchards. Soil from productive, nonirrigated orchards in the Tierra Estella site contained significantly more extraradical mycelium than the rest of orchards irrigated, productive of T. brumale, or nonproductive. The comparison of soil mycelium biomass in nonirrigated evergreen oak orchards in both sites showed significantly more mycelium biomass in the Tierra Estella site. This study is the first attempt to quantify extraradical mycelium of T. melanosporum in the soil using Taqman® probes. The obtained quantitative results are of special interest to evaluate the fungal response to cultural treatments and to monitor the dynamics of the extraradical mycelium of T. melanosporum in the soil.

Black and bright-blood sequences magnetic resonance angiography and gross sections of the canine thorax: an anatomical study.

In this study, images of the canine thorax in transverse, dorsal and sagittal planes were obtained by black-blood T1 spin-echo pulse sequence and bright-blood gradient-echo sequence magnetic resonance imaging. The images were correlated with macroscopic cryosections and anatomical dissection of cadavers with blood vessels containing latex. Non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography was obtained from two mature Beagle breed dogs. Macroscopic sections and dissections were performed in three dogs. Black and bright-blood angiography diagnostic methods are complementary and provide an accurate depiction of the vascular canine thorax.