Genetic Variability of Beauveria bassiana and a DNA Marker for Environmental Monitoring of a Highly Virulent Isolate Against Cosmopolites sordidus

The banana weevil Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) is one of a number of pests that attack banana crops. The use of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana as a biological control agent for this pest may contribute towards reducing the application of chemical insecticides on banana crops. In this study, the genetic variability of a collection of Brazilian isolates of B. bassiana was evaluated. Samples were obtained from various geographic regions of Brazil, and from different hosts of the Curculionidae family. Based on the DNA fingerprints generated by RAPD and AFLP, we found that 92 and 88 % of the loci were polymorphic, respectively. The B. bassiana isolates were attributed to two genotypic clusters based on the RAPD data, and to three genotypic clusters, when analyzed with AFLP. The nucleotide sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA intergenic spacers confirmed that all isolates are in fact B. bassiana. Analysis of molecular variance showed that variability among the isolates was not correlated with geographic origin or hosts. A RAPD-specific marker for isolate CG 1024, which is highly virulent to C. sordidus, was cloned and sequenced. Based on the sequences obtained, specific PCR primers BbasCG1024F (5'-TGC GGC TGA GGA GGA CT-3') and BbasCG1024R (5'-TGC GGC TGA GTG TAG AAC-3') were designed for detecting and monitoring this isolate in the field.

Biological monitoring of a promissory xenogenic pin for biomedical applications: a preliminary intraosseous study in rats

Objectives: Over the last years, it is known that in some cases metal devices for biomedical applications present some disadvantages suggesting absorbable materials (natural or synthetic) as an alternative of choice. Here, our goal was to evaluate the biological response of a xenogenic pin, derived from bovine cortical bone, intraosseously implanted in the femur of rats. Material and methods: After 10, 14, 30 and 60 days from implantation, the animals (n = 5/period) were killed and the femurs carefully collected and dissected out under histological demands. For identifying the osteoclastogenesis level at 60 days, we performed the immunohistochemisty approach using antibody against RANKL. Results: Interestingly, our results showed that the incidence of neutrophils and leukocytes was observed only at the beginning (10 days). Clear evidences of pin degradation by host cells started at 14 days and it was more intensive at 60 days, when we detected the majority of the presence of giant multinucleated cells, which were very similar to osteoclast cells contacting the implanted pin. To check osteoclastogenesis at 60 days, we evaluated RANKL expression and it was positive for those resident multinucleated cells while a new bone deposition was verified surrounding the pins in all evaluated periods. Conclusions: Altogether, our results showed that pins from fully processed bovine bone are biocompatible and absorbable, allowing bone neoformation and it is a promissory device for biomedical applications.

Pre- and Posttransplant Monitoring of Alloantibodies by Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity and Luminex Methodologies in Liver Transplantation

Background. This study evaluated the influence of circulating anti-HLA antibodies on outcomes of 97 liver allografts from deceased donors. Methods. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody screening was performed by both complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and multiparameter Luminex microsphere-based assays (Luminex assay). Results. The agreements between T- and B- cell CDC and Luminex assays were 67% and 77% for pre- and posttransplant specimens, respectively. Graft dysfunction was not associated with either positive pretransplant CDC or Luminex panel-reactive antibody (PRA) values. Likewise, positive posttransplant T- or B- cell CDC PRA values were not associated with graft dysfunction. In contrast, posttransplant Luminex PRA values were significantly higher among patients with graft dysfunction compared with subjects with good outcomes (P = .017). Conclusion. Posttransplant monitoring of HLA antibodies with Luminex methodology allowed identification of patients at high-risk for poor graft outcomes.

Directions for advancing the study of work transitions in the 21st century

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to share the details, outcomes and deliverables from an international workshop on work transitions in London, Ontario, Canada. Participants: Researchers, graduate students, and community group members met to identity ways to advance the knowledge base of strategies to enhance work participation for those in the most disadvantaged groups within society. Methods: A participatory approach was used in this workshop with presentations by researchers and graduate students. This approach included dialogue and discussion with community members. In addition, small group dialogue and debate, world cafe discussions, written summaries of group discussion and reflection boards were used to bring new ideas to the discussion and to build upon what we know. Findings: Two research imperatives and six research recommendations were identified to advance global dialogue on work transitions and to advance the knowledge base. Occupational justice can be used to support future research directions in the study of work transitions. Conclusions: Moving forward requires a commitment of community of researchers, clinicians and stakeholders to address work disparities and implement solutions to promote participation in work.

Identification of bacteria in drinking and purified water during the monitoring of a typical water purification system

Abstract Background A typical purification system that provides purified water which meets ionic and organic chemical standards, must be protected from microbial proliferation to minimize cross-contamination for use in cleaning and preparations in pharmaceutical industries and in health environments. Methodology Samples of water were taken directly from the public distribution water tank at twelve different stages of a typical purification system were analyzed for the identification of isolated bacteria. Two miniature kits were used: (i) identification system (api 20 NE, Bio-Mérieux) for non-enteric and non-fermenting gram-negative rods; and (ii) identification system (BBL crystal, Becton and Dickson) for enteric and non-fermenting gram-negative rods. The efficiency of the chemical sanitizers used in the stages of the system, over the isolated and identified bacteria in the sampling water, was evaluated by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Results The 78 isolated colonies were identified as the following bacteria genera: Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium and Acinetobacter. According to the miniature kits used in the identification, there was a prevalence of isolation of P. aeruginosa 32.05%, P. picketti (Ralstonia picketti) 23.08%, P. vesiculares 12.82%,P. diminuta 11.54%, F. aureum 6.42%, P. fluorescens 5.13%, A. lwoffi 2.56%, P. putida 2.56%, P. alcaligenes 1.28%, P. paucimobilis 1.28%, and F. multivorum 1.28%. Conclusions We found that research was required for the identification of gram-negative non-fermenting bacteria, which were isolated from drinking water and water purification systems, since Pseudomonas genera represents opportunistic pathogens which disperse and adhere easily to surfaces, forming a biofilm which interferes with the cleaning and disinfection procedures in hospital and industrial environments.