Impact of Vancomycin trough levels monitoring on uncomplicated methilcillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis, retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: CKD patients on hemodialysis (HD) with Staphylococcus aureus (SA) bacteremia present high morbidity, mortality and increased risk of MRSA. Vancomycin is the antibiotic of choice in these cases, it has a narrow therapeutic margin and inadequate dosage generates a risk of toxicity, therefore, the recommendation is to dosage it through serum levels. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study in 3 hospitals of third level of complexity in the city of Medellin in which there were differences in the measurement and implementation of vancomycin25 dosage based on trough levels (VL) in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis (CKD- HD) with uncomplicated bacteremia based infection by methilcillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus (MRSA). The primary outcome was the composite of hospital mortality, clinical response (fever, hemodynamic instability and altered consciousness), complications associated with bacteremia, or bacteriological response failure (positive cultures at first week follow-up) at 7 days. The composite variables were analyzed individually as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The main unadjusted outcome (OR 1.3, CI 0.6 - 2.7) and adjusted for age, Charlson index, loading dose, initial dose, dosing frequency and MIC to vancomycin (OR 1.2, CI 0.5 - 2.7). Regarding adjusted secondary outcomes: clinical response (OR 1.4 CI 0.3 - 5.8), death (OR 1.3 CI 0.3 - 4.6) and complications (OR 0.9, CI 0.37 - 2.2). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the measurement of trough levels in patients with HD-CKD does not modify the composite outcome. The main limitation is the sample size and type of study, randomized control trials may be required to confirm the results presented.

Itraconazole Serum Trough Concentrations Using Oral Capsules for the Treatment of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis: What is the Target?

BACKGROUND: In regions where there is only itraconazole capsule as a therapeutic option for treatment of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), measuring the serum concentrations becomes even more important for therapeutic success. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the initial itraconazole serum trough concentrations after the administration of oral capsule of itraconazole for the treatment of CPA. METHODS: The measurement was performed at least 7-days after initiation of therapy. The standard treatment at our institution was a 200 mg capsule every 12 h. We defined that an adequate serum trough concentration of itraconazole during treatment was 1-4 mg/L. RESULTS: This study recruited 28 patients. The median value was 0.30 mg/L (IQR 0.01-0.70). Only 11% (n = 3) had adequate serum concentrations based on guideline recommendation. All patients with clinical deterioration had itraconazole serum levels ≤ 0.8 mg/L. CONCLUSION: The initial serum concentrations of itraconazole after capsule formulation administration were low. Increasing the dose should be considered when the itraconazole concentration is low, especially if it is ≤ 0.8 mg/L, and the patient presents with clinical deterioration. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the adequate concentrations recommended for CPA.

How to improve infraorbital hollows with neuromodulators-A clinical prospective interventional study about the application of facial biomechanics.

BACKGROUND: A previous injection algorithm termed the "Toxin Lift" was recently introduced and described volume increases in the midface following neuromodulator treatments of the jawline. Increase in midfacial volume due to soft tissue repositioning could also affect the severity of infraorbital hollows. OBJECTIVE: The objective is therefore to evaluate whether the severity of infraorbital hollows can be improved by injecting neuromodulators in the supra-mandibular segment of the platysma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35 volunteers (11 males/24 females) with a mean age of 39.8 (9.6) years and a mean BMI of 25.2 (5.2) kg/m2 were investigated. Bilateral infraorbital regions were evaluated via clinical assessment and semi-quantitative 3D imaging. The applied injection technique targeted the platysma via four injection points administering 5 I.U. per injection point resulting in a total of 20 I.U. per facial side. RESULTS: Volume increase of the infraorbital region was 0.13 cc at 15 days (p = 0.001) and was 0.02 cc at 30 days (p = 0.452) whereas the skin displacement in cranial direction was 0.54 mm at 15 days (p < 0.001) and was 0.31 mm at 30 days (p < 0.001). Clinical evaluation revealed a highly statistically significant improvement of the tear trough, palpaebromalar groove, and of the lid-cheek junction when compared to baseline with all p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: The results of this clinical prospective interventional analysis revealed that the "Toxin Lift" injection technique is capable to improve the clinical appearance of infraorbital hollows. The effects can be explained by the concepts of facial biomechanics.

A retrospective analysis to estimate trough concentrations of teicoplanin in patients with suspected or documented Gram-positive infections

Abstract Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic commonly used to treat Gram-positive bacterial infections in the clinic. The aim of this study was to provide a therapeutic reference for the clinical application and dosage regimen adjustment of teicoplanin by identifying factors associated with its plasma trough concentration (Ctrough). A retrospective study was performed on patients with suspected or documented Gram-positive infections who were hospitalized from November 2017 to January 2020 and treated with teicoplanin while undergoing routine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). A total of 112 Ctrough trough measurements were obtained from 72 patients were included in this study. SPSS software was used for correlation analysis and receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. The Ctrough for teicoplanin showed statistically significant relationships (P<0.05) with PLT, Scr, CLcr, eGFR, BUN and Cys-C. ROC curve analysis revealed that CLcr and eGFR were more sensitive and specific for Ctrough compared to the other factors. These findings should be considered in the clinical application of teicoplanin and for its dosage adjustment.

Evaluation of Sirolimus Dosing in Neonates and Infants With Lymphatic Disorders: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: Literature in pediatric patients suggests dosing sirolimus 1.6 mg/m2/day divided twice daily for lymphatic disorders with limited evidence available for dosing in neonates and infants. The objective of this research was to determine the sirolimus dose required to achieve therapeutic trough concentrations in infants with lymphatic disorders at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. METHODS: This retrospective review included patients <1 year of age at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia who were initiated on sirolimus for lymphatic disorder. Patients were included if they received at least 5 days of consecutive sirolimus therapy prior to trough concentration monitoring. Measures of central tendency and variability were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients met criteria for inclusion. The median initial sirolimus dose was 1 mg/m2/day (IQR, 0.5-1.6 mg/m2/day). Fourteen patients (87.5%) achieved therapeutic trough concentrations on a median sirolimus dose of 0.5 mg/m2/day. Dosing frequency to achieve therapeutic trough concentrations included 1 patient (6.25%) on twice daily dosing, 12 patients (75%) on once daily dosing, and 1 patient (6.25%) requiring every 48-hour dosing. The median time to first therapeutic trough was 15.5 days (IQR, 5.5-18.5 days), and patients required a median of 1 dose adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: A median sirolimus dose to achieve therapeutic sirolimus trough concentrations in infants with lymphatic disorders was 0.5 mg/m2/day with a median of 1 dose adjustment. Sirolimus was well tolerated in the study population.

Solar Energy-Based Future Perspective for Organic Rankine Cycle Applications.

This article explores the patents of solar energy technologies in the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) applications. The conversion of low-quality thermal energy into electricity is one of the main characteristics of an ORC, making efficient and viable technologies available today. However, only a few and outdated articles that analyze patents that use solar energy technologies in ORC applications exist. This leads to a lack of updated information regarding the number of published patents, International Patent Classification (IPC) codes associated with them, technology life cycle status, and the most relevant patented developments. Thus, this article conducts a current investigation of patents published between January 2010 and May 2022 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology and keywords. One thousand two hundred ninety-nine patents were obtained as part of the study and classified in F and Y groups of the IPC. The time-lapse analyzed was between January 2010 and May 2022. In 2014 and 2015, a peak of published patents was observed. China (CN) was the country that published the most significant number of patents worldwide. However, the European Patent Office (EP), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WO), and the United States (US) publish the patents with the highest number of patent citations. Furthermore, the possible trend regarding the development of patents for each technology is presented. A high-performance theoretical ORC plant based on the patent information analyzed by this article is introduced. Finally, exploration of IPC revealed 17 codes related to solar energy technologies in ORC applications not indexed in the main search.

Validation of a simple liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus and cyclosporin A in dried matrix on paper discs.

INTRODUCTION: Due to its high specificity and sensitivity, liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the gold standard method for immunosuppressant quantification in therapeutic drug monitoring. In this context, dried blood spots (DBS) have become a promising strategy as a sample collection procedure. Although the advantages of DBS over venipuncture are well known, this approach has limitations that strongly influence the acceptance of analytical results. Among them, the most important is hematocrit (Ht). The easiest way of overcoming this problem is by analyzing complete spots. In this strategy, called dried matrix on paper discs (DMPD), blood is volumetrically applied on pre-punched discs. OBJECTIVES: To validate an LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of tacrolimus, sirolimus, everolimus and cyclosporin A using DMPD. METHODS: The procedure was validated according to international guidelines using a commercial kit. The following performance parameters were evaluated: selectivity, carryover, linearity, accuracy, precision, lower limit of quantitation, relative recovery, commutability and stability. In addition, a method comparison study was performed to evaluate the clinical influence of Ht on the results. RESULTS: All performance parameters were within acceptance criteria and, hence, it was determined that the validated method is fit for the intended purpose. Likewise, calculated bias values on medical decision levels showed that there was no clinical influence of Ht on the results. CONCLUSION: Unlike other similar methodologies that have been published, here, a simple method has been fully validated. This is the first LC-MS/MS methodology adapting a commercial kit to use DMPD as a sampling strategy.

Tear Trough Treatment with Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Suspension.

BACKGROUND: Blepharoplasty is a very requested surgery for aesthetic rejuvenation of the eyes with grateful results. Lower blepharoplasty involving a variety of different techniques can be considered to refresh the oculopalpebral area. The approach of the treatment of the tear trough as releasing the tear trough ligament and plication of orbicularis oculi muscle in the palpebral portion to fill the tear trough concavity is essential in our surgical technique demonstrated here. METHODS: From July 2014 to January 2020, 435 patients were submitted to blepharoplasty surgery for rejuvenation of the eyes. Lower blepharoplasty was performed with releasing of the tear trough ligament and suspension and fixation of the palpebral part of the orbicularis oculi muscle in the medial part of orbital bone corresponding to the tear trough area. The follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction was high, and no complications were observed. Ten patients (2.2%) needed the addition of hyaluronic acid fillers in the tear trough 12 months after the surgery. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the use of the orbicularis oculi muscle suspension improves the long-term aesthetic results for the tear trough and the technique is easy to perform. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Analysis of different tracking intervals for parabolic trough collectors for water disinfestation in agricultural applications / Análise de diferentes intervalos de rastreamento de coletores solares parabólicos para desinfestação de água em aplicações agrícolas

The use of renewable energy is growing every year as an alternative to fossil fuel technology. Solar energy presents itself as a good alternative due to its great availability and energy potential. Solar thermal energy uses heat to warm fluids, and can also generate electricity, as well as being used in industrial processes and water desalination. The research and use of Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTCs) has been growing in recent years due to their ability to heat fluids at high temperatures in a relatively small area. In this work, two small PTCs were manufactured and tests were performed to improve the arrangements in order to increase the absorbed energy to reach temperature values for water disinfestation, aiming at the control of phytopathogens to control soil pathogens in small and medium farms. To control the automatic tracker, a low-cost system with Arduino, Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) and step motors was used. The tracking times intervals analyzed were 1, 5 and 15 minutes. For the 1-minute tracking interval, the PTCs presented a thermal efficiency of 25.87%, with temperatures between 45 and 70 C and an average of 63.73 C. For the 5-minute tracking interval, the thermal efficiency was 18.48%, reaching temperatures between 41 and 68 ºC and an average of 57.9 ºC. For the 15-minute tracking interval, the PTCs presented a thermal efficiency of 14.80%, with temperatures between 39 and 62 °C and an average of 51.88 °C. The results showed that the tracking intervals of 1 and 5 minutes present more values between the lethal temperature range of 45 and 60 °C for phytopathogens. For agricultural application, the usage of a tracking interval of 5 minutes could be a good option for reducing the waste of system energy compared to the interval of 1 minute.(AU)

O uso de energia renovável está crescendo a cada ano como alternativa à tecnologia de combustíveis fósseis. A energia solar apresenta-se como uma boa alternativa devido à sua grande disponibilidade e potencial energético. A energia solar térmica utiliza o calor para aquecer os fluidos e também pode gerar eletricidade, bem como ser usada em processos industriais e dessalinização da água. A pesquisa e o uso de Coletores Solares Parabólicos (PTCs) têm crescido nos últimos anos devido à capacidade de aquecer fluidos em altas temperaturas em uma área relativamente pequena. Neste trabalho, dois pequenos PTCs foram fabricados, e testes foram realizados para melhorar os arranjos, a fim de aumentar a energia absorvida para atingir valores de temperatura para desinfestação de água, visando o controle de fitopatógenos no controle de patógenos de solo em pequenas e médias fazendas. Para controlar o rastreador automático foi utilizado um sistema de baixo custo com Arduino, Resistores de Potência Luminosa (LDRs) e motores de passo. Os intervalos de tempo de rastreamento analisados foram de 1, 5 e 15 minutos. Para o intervalo de rastreamento de 1 minuto, os PTCs apresentaram uma eficiência térmica de 25,87%, com temperaturas entre 45 e 70 ºC e 63,73 ºC de temperatura média. Para o intervalo de rastreamento de 5 minutos, a eficiência térmica foi de 18,48%, atingindo temperaturas entre 41 e 68 ° C e 57,9 ° C de temperatura média. Para o intervalo de rastreamento de 15 minutos, os PTCs apresentaram uma eficiência térmica de 14,80%, com temperaturas entre 39 e 62 ° C e 51,88 ° C de temperatura média. Os resultados mostraram que os intervalos de rastreamento de 1 e 5 minutos apresentam mais valores entre a faixa de temperatura letal de 45 e 60 ° C para fitopatógenos. Para aplicações agrícolas, o uso de um intervalo de rastreamento de 5 minutos poderia ser uma boa alternativa para uma redução no desperdício da energia do sistema em comparação com o intervalo de 1 minuto.(AU)

Analysis of different tracking intervals for parabolic trough collectors for water disinfestation in agricultural applications / Análise de diferentes intervalos de rastreamento de coletores solares parabólicos para desinfestação de água em aplicações agrícolas

The use of renewable energy is growing every year as an alternative to fossil fuel technology. Solar energy presents itself as a good alternative due to its great availability and energy potential. Solar thermal energy uses heat to warm fluids, and can also generate electricity, as well as being used in industrial processes and water desalination. The research and use of Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTCs) has been growing in recent years due to their ability to heat fluids at high temperatures in a relatively small area. In this work, two small PTCs were manufactured and tests were performed to improve the arrangements in order to increase the absorbed energy to reach temperature values for water disinfestation, aiming at the control of phytopathogens to control soil pathogens in small and medium farms. To control the automatic tracker, a low-cost system with Arduino, Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) and step motors was used. The tracking times intervals analyzed were 1, 5 and 15 minutes. For the 1-minute tracking interval, the PTCs presented a thermal efficiency of 25.87%, with temperatures between 45 and 70 C and an average of 63.73 C. For the 5-minute tracking interval, the thermal efficiency was 18.48%, reaching temperatures between 41 and 68 ºC and an average of 57.9 ºC. For the 15-minute tracking interval, the PTCs presented a thermal efficiency of 14.80%, with temperatures between 39 and 62 °C and an average of 51.88 °C. The results showed that the tracking intervals of 1 and 5 minutes present more values between the lethal temperature range of 45 and 60 °C for phytopathogens. For agricultural application, the usage of a tracking interval of 5 minutes could be a good option for reducing the waste of system energy compared to the interval of 1 minute.

O uso de energia renovável está crescendo a cada ano como alternativa à tecnologia de combustíveis fósseis. A energia solar apresenta-se como uma boa alternativa devido à sua grande disponibilidade e potencial energético. A energia solar térmica utiliza o calor para aquecer os fluidos e também pode gerar eletricidade, bem como ser usada em processos industriais e dessalinização da água. A pesquisa e o uso de Coletores Solares Parabólicos (PTCs) têm crescido nos últimos anos devido à capacidade de aquecer fluidos em altas temperaturas em uma área relativamente pequena. Neste trabalho, dois pequenos PTCs foram fabricados, e testes foram realizados para melhorar os arranjos, a fim de aumentar a energia absorvida para atingir valores de temperatura para desinfestação de água, visando o controle de fitopatógenos no controle de patógenos de solo em pequenas e médias fazendas. Para controlar o rastreador automático foi utilizado um sistema de baixo custo com Arduino, Resistores de Potência Luminosa (LDRs) e motores de passo. Os intervalos de tempo de rastreamento analisados foram de 1, 5 e 15 minutos. Para o intervalo de rastreamento de 1 minuto, os PTCs apresentaram uma eficiência térmica de 25,87%, com temperaturas entre 45 e 70 ºC e 63,73 ºC de temperatura média. Para o intervalo de rastreamento de 5 minutos, a eficiência térmica foi de 18,48%, atingindo temperaturas entre 41 e 68 ° C e 57,9 ° C de temperatura média. Para o intervalo de rastreamento de 15 minutos, os PTCs apresentaram uma eficiência térmica de 14,80%, com temperaturas entre 39 e 62 ° C e 51,88 ° C de temperatura média. Os resultados mostraram que os intervalos de rastreamento de 1 e 5 minutos apresentam mais valores entre a faixa de temperatura letal de 45 e 60 ° C para fitopatógenos. Para aplicações agrícolas, o uso de um intervalo de rastreamento de 5 minutos poderia ser uma boa alternativa para uma redução no desperdício da energia do sistema em comparação com o intervalo de 1 minuto.

Changes in the commercial brand of tacrolimus lead to subtherapeutic trough levels and acute rejection in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: The vigilance of tacrolimus (TAC) trough levels is an essential part of renal transplant follow up. Reduced TAC trough levels and high variability are related to adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of brand changes on tacrolimus (TAC) subtherapeutic (SubT) trough levels, acute rejection (AR), and kidney function. METHODS: This is a prospective, observational cohort study of renal transplant recipients, between January 2016 and October 2018. Tacrolimus trough levels and brand used by the patient were both registered at every consult. Tacrolimus values ≤3.5 ng/mL were considered SubT. RESULTS: 445 patients were included. The median number of TAC brand changes was 2 (IQR, 1-4). Patients were grouped according to the number of brand changes: Group 1 = 0 (n = 107), Group 2 = 1-4 (n = 236), and Group 3 = ≥5 (n = 102). Patients with the greatest number of brand changes had a greater proportion and number of SubT TAC trough levels (Group 1 = 36.4%, average 0.53; Group 2 = 39.8%, average 0.65, Group 3 = 59.8%, average 1.17, P < .001) and AR (Group 1 = 0.9%, Group 2 = 11%, Group 3 = 14.7%, P < .001). On multivariate analysis, SubT levels and the number of brand changes were related to AR. CONCLUSIONS: In Mexico, changes in TAC brand are associated with an elevated frequency of SubT levels. Brand changes and SubT levels are independently associated with acute rejection. The supply policies on TAC brands in Mexico require revision to avoid changing brands as much as possible.

Prolonged Periorbicular Edema After Injection of Hyaluronic Acid for Nasojugal Groove Correction.

The injection of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring biopolymer, is a common cosmetic procedure. Despite their efficacy and growing adaptation by the medical community, HA fillers occasionally give rise to adverse events. Adverse events from HA fillers range from temporary, such as edema and erythema, to more long-term effects, including granulomas or, in rare cases, sequelae from vascular occlusion. Here, we present a case of a 61-year-old Caucasian woman with prolonged infraorbital hollow edema after injection of HA filler for nasojugal groove correction. We review the anatomy of the nasojugal area and differing injection techniques as a possible explanation for the development of prolonged edema. Similarly, the rheological properties of the specific hyaluronic acid used during this procedure might be crucial in the development of this complication.

Treating Tear Trough Deformity: Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty with Fat Pad Repositioning and Fixation in the Intranasal Mucosa-18 Years' Experience.

INTRODUCTION: With aging, progressive changes occur in the eyelid region. The novel technique for repositioning of the fat pads described herein addresses Hester classification type II, lower eyelid aging with minimal decrease in the eyelid/cheek juncture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study of patients undergoing surgery at our clinic between 2000 and 2018, 92 were classified as Hester II and a transconjunctival surgical procedure was performed with repositioning of the fat pads and intranasal fixation assisted by the Casagrande needle. RESULTS: Erasure of the nasojugal fold was observed in all patients, offering a greater uniformity in the convexity of the middle third and resulting in better rejuvenation of the target area while eliminating visible scarring from a suture through the skin. DISCUSSION: The repositioning of fat pads using intranasal fixation offers the necessary anchoring qualities without worrying about unsightly scars or the need to remove stitches early, which can decrease the proper scarring and adhesion of the pads in their new pockets. CONCLUSION: The quality and longevity of the results of this retrospective study allow us to offer this novel fat pad fixation method in transconjunctival blepharoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Presencia de Acanthamoeba spp. en agua para consumo ganadero en la provincia de La Pampa, Argentina / Presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in watering trough in La Pampa province, Argentina

Las amebas de vida libre del género Acanthamoeba incluyen cepas patógenas y no patógenas que actualmente se encuentran clasificadas en 18 genotipos diferentes (T1-T18). Se llevó a cabo un relevamiento para determinar la presencia de cepas de Acanthamoeba en agua de bebida para consumo ganadero en la provincia de La Pampa, Argentina. Las muestras fueron sembradas en agar no nutritivo. La identificación de cepas de Acanthamoeba se realizó mediante polymerase chain reaction con los primers JDP1/JDP2 específicos para género. De las 65 muestras tomadas, 13 fueron positivas a Acanthamoeba spp. Estas fueron caracterizadas a nivel de genotipo mediante la secuenciación del fragmento DF3. Los resultados de la secuenciación revelaron la presencia de los genotipos T4, T5 y T15 dentro de las muestras estudiadas, siendo la más frecuente la T4. Nuestro estudio revela importancia de la presencia de Acanthamoeba en el ambiente ganadero y la necesidad de realizar más estudios, para asociar la presencia de estos organismos y el papel que cumplen en patologías veterinarias. Este es el primer estudio en la provincia de La Pampa que demuestra la presencia de Acanthamoeba y el primero estudiado a nivel de genotipo de Argentina.

Free-living Amoebae of Acanthamoeba genus include non-pathogenic and pathogenic strains that are currently classified in 18 different genotypes, T1-T18. In this study, a survey was carried out to evaluate the presence of Acanthamoeba strains inwatering trough sample in La Pampa province, Argentina. Sample were inoculated onto non-nutrient agar plates and were checked for the presence of Acanthamoeba. Polymerase chain reaction was performed with genus-specific primers JDP1/JDP2, followed by direct sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction product for molecular identification. Sequencing results revealed the presence of T4, T5 and T15 genotypes within the studied samples. Sequencing revealed presence of T4, T5 and T15 in the samples studied genotypes, the most frequent T4. Our study reveals importance of the presence of Acanthamoeba in the livestock environment and the need for further studies to associate the presence of these organisms and the role in veterinary pathology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the presence Acanthamoeba in La Pampa province and the first study at the genotype level in Argentina.

[Presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in watering trough in La Pampa province, Argentina]. / Presencia de Acanthamoeba spp. en agua para consumo ganadero en la provincia de La Pampa, Argentina.

Free-living Amoebae of Acanthamoeba genus include non-pathogenic and pathogenic strains that are currently classified in 18 different genotypes, T1-T18. In this study, a survey was carried out to evaluate the presence of Acanthamoeba strains inwatering trough sample in La Pampa province, Argentina. Sample were inoculated onto non-nutrient agar plates and were checked for the presence of Acanthamoeba. Polymerase chain reaction was performed with genus-specific primers JDP1/JDP2, followed by direct sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction product for molecular identification. Sequencing results revealed the presence of T4, T5 and T15 genotypes within the studied samples. Sequencing revealed presence of T4, T5 and T15 in the samples studied genotypes, the most frequent T4. Our study reveals importance of the presence of Acanthamoeba in the livestock environment and the need for further studies to associate the presence of these organisms and the role in veterinary pathology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the presence Acanthamoeba in La Pampa province and the first study at the genotype level in Argentina.

Thermococcus piezophilus sp. nov., a novel hyperthermophilic and piezophilic archaeon with a broad pressure range for growth, isolated from a deepest hydrothermal vent at the Mid-Cayman Rise.

A novel strictly anaerobic, hyperthermophilic archaeon, designated strain CDGST, was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent in the Cayman Trough at 4964m water depth. The novel isolate is obligate anaerobe and grows chemoorganoheterotrophically with stimulation of growth by sulphur containing compounds. Its growth is optimal at 75°C, pH 6.0 and under a pressure of 50MPa. It possesses the broadest hydrostatic pressure range for growth that has ever been described for a microorganism. Its genomic DNA G+C content is 51.11mol%. The novel isolate belongs to the genus Thermococcus. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that it is most closely related to Thermococcus barossii DSM17882T based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence, and to 'Thermococcus onnurineus' NA1 based on its whole genome sequence. The average nucleotide identity scores with these strains are 77.66% for T. barossii and 84.84% for 'T. onnurineus', respectively. Based on the draft whole genome sequence and phenotypic characteristics, strain CDGST is suggested to be separated into a novel species within the genus Thermococcus, with proposed name Thermococcus piezophilus (type strain CDGST=ATCC TSD-33T=UBOCC 3296T).

Growth substrates and fig nursery tree production

Pest attack, disease and soil fatigue have always been a great problem in fig (Ficus carica L.) nursery tree production, especially when traditional methods that use soil culture are applied. Therefore, as an alternative method, substrate culture could be a sustainable and favorable propagation method for growing healthy nursery fig trees of high quality. No information is available on substrate use and its effect on nursery fig tree production. The present study was aimed to define a favorable substrate to cultivate nursery fig trees in substrate culture, and to examine the effects of substrates on morphological and biochemical characteristics of the fig trees by growing plants in a high-tunnel. Fig cv. "Sarilop" (Calimyrna) cuttings were used in this trial as plant material. Three growth media based on perlite (100%), peat (50%) + perlite (50%), and fine sawdust (100%) were tested using soil as a control. Plants were grown in trough culture from the day of planting cuttings up to the uproot point of fig nursery trees, during eight months, and they were not transplanted into another medium during the growing period. To observe the effect of substrates on the nursery fig trees, some morphological and biochemical characteristics were determined. The use of peat + perlite and perlite led to increased plant growth and quality of fig nursery trees grown in high-tunnel.

O ataque de pragas e de doenças e o esgotamento do solo sempre foram grandes problemas na produçào de mudas de figo (Ficus carica L) em estufa, especialmente quando são empregados métodos tradicionais que usam solo como substrato. Por isso o uso de substratos sem solo poderia ser alternativa favorável para obtenção de mudas saudáveis de alta qualidade. Não há informação sobre o uso de substratos e seu efeito sobre a produção de mudas em estufa. No presente estudo procurou-se definir um substrato adequado para obtenção de mudas de figo e examinar os efeitos de substratos sobre características morfológicas e bioquímicas de mudas desenvolvidas em estufa tipo túnel alto. Ramas dos cultivares de figo cv. "Sarilop" (Calimyrna) foram utilizadas em três meios de cultura: perlite (100%), turfa (50%) + perlite (50%), e pó de serra fino (100%) tendo o solo como testemunha. O experimento foi desenvolvido em calhas e se estendeu desde o plantio das ramas até o ponto "uproot", por oito meses, não tendo as mudas sido transplantadas para outro meio durante a fase experimental. Para observar o efeito dos substratos sobre as plantas, algumas características morfológicas e bioquímicas foram avaliadas. O uso de turfa + perlite e de perlite como substrato em estufa tipo túnel alto aumentou o crescimento das plantas e melhorou sua qualidade.

Growth substrates and fig nursery tree production

Pest attack, disease and soil fatigue have always been a great problem in fig (Ficus carica L.) nursery tree production, especially when traditional methods that use soil culture are applied. Therefore, as an alternative method, substrate culture could be a sustainable and favorable propagation method for growing healthy nursery fig trees of high quality. No information is available on substrate use and its effect on nursery fig tree production. The present study was aimed to define a favorable substrate to cultivate nursery fig trees in substrate culture, and to examine the effects of substrates on morphological and biochemical characteristics of the fig trees by growing plants in a high-tunnel. Fig cv. "Sarilop" (Calimyrna) cuttings were used in this trial as plant material. Three growth media based on perlite (100%), peat (50%) + perlite (50%), and fine sawdust (100%) were tested using soil as a control. Plants were grown in trough culture from the day of planting cuttings up to the uproot point of fig nursery trees, during eight months, and they were not transplanted into another medium during the growing period. To observe the effect of substrates on the nursery fig trees, some morphological and biochemical characteristics were determined. The use of peat + perlite and perlite led to increased plant growth and quality of fig nursery trees grown in high-tunnel.

O ataque de pragas e de doenças e o esgotamento do solo sempre foram grandes problemas na produçào de mudas de figo (Ficus carica L) em estufa, especialmente quando são empregados métodos tradicionais que usam solo como substrato. Por isso o uso de substratos sem solo poderia ser alternativa favorável para obtenção de mudas saudáveis de alta qualidade. Não há informação sobre o uso de substratos e seu efeito sobre a produção de mudas em estufa. No presente estudo procurou-se definir um substrato adequado para obtenção de mudas de figo e examinar os efeitos de substratos sobre características morfológicas e bioquímicas de mudas desenvolvidas em estufa tipo túnel alto. Ramas dos cultivares de figo cv. "Sarilop" (Calimyrna) foram utilizadas em três meios de cultura: perlite (100%), turfa (50%) + perlite (50%), e pó de serra fino (100%) tendo o solo como testemunha. O experimento foi desenvolvido em calhas e se estendeu desde o plantio das ramas até o ponto "uproot", por oito meses, não tendo as mudas sido transplantadas para outro meio durante a fase experimental. Para observar o efeito dos substratos sobre as plantas, algumas características morfológicas e bioquímicas foram avaliadas. O uso de turfa + perlite e de perlite como substrato em estufa tipo túnel alto aumentou o crescimento das plantas e melhorou sua qualidade.