Lutte contre le mildiou de la laitue (Bremia lactucae) sous abri froid : compte-rendu d'essai 2011

Le mildiou de la laitue (Bremia lactucae) est la maladie la plus redoutée sur cette espèce,notamment en culture biologique d’hiver sous abris. En Provence, les dégâts sont très importants, parfois dès la pépinière, et entraînent de fortes pertes financières. Cette situation est due à deux facteurs principaux : d’une part au contournement récurrent des résistances génétiques par de nouvelles souches de Bremia (28 races déterminées à ce jour), et d’autre part à la faiblesse des méthodes de lutte biologique possibles contre ce champignon (notamment la faible efficacité des traitements à base de cuivre). Cet essai s’inscrit dans le cadre d’un programme CASDAR porté par l’ITAB visant à tester des extraits de plantes

O envelhecimento ativo: o apoio das tecnologias da informação e comunicação e das redes de suporte social

Numa sociedade cada vez mais envelhecida, onde se procura manter as pessoas no seu local de preferência retardando assim a Institucionalização, emergem um conjunto de soluções cada vez mais adaptadas às pessoas idosas e aos seus contextos de vida a fim de lhes reservar uma maior qualidade de vida e bem-estar. Atendendo ao elevado risco de queda nesta fase da vida mais avançada e aos impactos que estas podem ter na qualidade de vida da faixa etária mais envelhecida, iremos trabalhar o modo como as Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TIC) poderão ter impactos positivos na promoção da segurança física dos idosos. Sendo esta a população mais relevante estatisticamente no nosso País e, noutros no espaço europeu, uma das maiores preocupações prende-se com a procura de soluções e/ou inovações que permitam contornar a adversidade das quedas, permitindo-lhe uma maior autonomia e segurança em qualquer um dos seus contextos de vida. Este projeto, procura compreender a importância do bem-estar dos idosos com uma variante indissociável que é a segurança física. Esta investigação teve como base um estudo de caso sobre os idosos utilizadores da Plataforma ExerGames no Centro Social de Soutelo realizado através de observação participante, da realização de dois inquéritos, escalas de satisfação e usabilidade e pela aplicação de uma entrevista semiestruturada à diretora Técnica do Centro Social de Soutelo. A investigação permitiu identificar os principais impactos das TIC para sensibilizar a comunidade na adoção de mecanismos de segurança e proteção dos idosos contribuindo para a sua integridade e possibilitando uma melhoria da qualidade de vida da pessoa idosa. Com a intervenção comunitária pretende-se alargar à faixa etária avançada os benefícios das TIC, no seu ambiente de preferência, com o intuito de prevenir possíveis quedas e evidenciar a importância da prática diária de exercício físico através de momentos recreativos. Concretamente, através dos jogos motivacionais da plataforma ExerGames que permitem para além do treino físico e cognitivo e da prevenção de quedas, a permanência do idoso junto daqueles que o rodeiam.In an increasingly ageing society, where people remain in their places of preference, institutional ageing is emerging, and a set of solutions are adapted in order to provide elderly population an increased feeling of well-being. Given the high risk of falling at this later stage of life and the impact these can have on the quality of life of the older age group, we will work on how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can have a positive impact on the promotion of physical security of the elderly. As this is the most statistically significant population in our country and in others in the European area, one of the main concerns is the search for solutions and / or innovations to overcome the adversity of falls, allowing greater autonomy and safety in any of their life contexts. This project seeks to understand the importance of the well-being of the elderly with an inextricable variant that is physical security. This research was a case study about the elderly users of the ExerGames Platform in the Social Center of Soutelo conducted through participant observation, surveys, satisfaction and usability scales and through the application of a semi-structured interview to the Technical Director of Soutelo Social Center and observation. The research allowed identifying the main impacts of ICT to sensitize the community in the adoption of safety and protection mechanisms for the elderly contributing to their integrity and enabling an improvement in the quality of life of the elderly person. Community intervention aims to extend the benefits of ICT to the advanced age group, in their preferred environment, in order to prevent possible falls and to highlight the importance of daily practice of physical exercise through recreational moments. Specifically, through the motivational games of the ExerGames platform that allow in addition to the physical and cognitive training and the prevention of falls, the permanence of the elderly with those around hi

Marshall University Music Department Presents a Brazilian Exchange Student Recital

https://mds.marshall.edu/music_perf/1193/thumbnail.jp

Programas de proteção articular para indivíduos com artrite reumatóide: uma revisão da literatura

A artrite reumatóide (AR) é uma desordem crônica e sistêmica. Apresenta períodos de remissão e exacerbação de sinovite simétrica, atingindo, com freqüência, pequenas articulações. Os programas de proteção articular (PA) visam à manutenção da integridade articular, da habilidade funcional e redução da dor. Com o objetivo de abordar a relevância dos programas de PA, foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico na base de dados Medline, entre 1966 a 2007. Foram identificados 64.001 estudos e 8 foram selecionados. Foram utilizados como critérios: população com AR, randomização para a seleção de participantes, descrição da metodologia de PA, critérios analisados por técnicas mensuráveis, registro de análise pré e pós aplicação da PA. Os estudos foram agrupados em 3 aspectos: caracterização da população, da intervenção e os desfechos. Buscou-se enfatizar as metodologias empregadas no desenvolvimento desses programas a fim de iniciar a sistematização da aplicação de PA. Há características recorrentes na maioria dos programas analisados, tais como utilização de grupos, fomentação de discussões, atuação de terapeutas ocupacionais e temas como AR e princípios de PA, o que fundamenta a sua aplicação no planejamento de futuros programas de PA.Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic and systemic disease with periods of remission and exacerbation of symmetric synovium reaching frequently the small joints. The joint protection programs (JPP) aim to maintain the joint integrity, the functional skills and reduction of pain. There was realized a survey of bibliography based on Medline between 1966 and 2007. There were identified 64.001 studies and 8 were selected, using the following rules: population with RA randomized for selection, description of the methodology of joint protection (JPP) , analyzed rules for techniques of the register pre and pos application of JPP. The studies were classified in 2 aspects: characteristics of the population and intervention. There are characteristics in most of the analyzed programs such as the use of groups, the promoting of discussion, the performance of occupational therapists and topics like RA and the principles of JPP which is the base of the application of the future programs of joint protection

Rapid Species Diagnosis for Invasive Candidiasis Using Mass Spectrometry

BACKGROUND: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF-MS) allows the identification of most bacteria and an increasing number of fungi. The potential for the highest clinical benefit of such methods would be in severe acute infections that require prompt treatment adapted to the infecting species. Our objective was to determine whether yeasts could be identified directly from a positive blood culture, avoiding the 1-3 days subculture step currently required before any therapeutic adjustments can be made. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using human blood spiked with Candida albicans to simulate blood cultures, we optimized protocols to obtain MALDI TOF-MS fingerprints where signals from blood proteins are reduced. Simulated cultures elaborated using a set of 12 strains belonging to 6 different species were then tested. Quantifiable spectral differences in the 5000-7400 Da mass range allowed to discriminate between these species and to build a reference database. The validation of the method and the statistical approach to spectral analysis were conducted using individual simulated blood cultures of 36 additional strains (six for each species). Correct identification of the species of these strains was obtained. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Direct MALDI TOF-MS analysis of aliquots from positive blood cultures allowed rapid and accurate identification of the main Candida species, thus obviating the need for sub-culturing on specific media. Subsequent to this proof-of-principle demonstration, the method can be extended to other clinically relevant yeast species, and applied to an adequate number of clinical samples in order to establish its potential to improve antimicrobial management of patients with fungemia

Urinary Excretion of N1-Methylnicotinamide, as a Biomarker of Niacin Status, and Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients

Renal transplant recipients (RTR) commonly suffer from vitamin B6 deficiency and its functional consequences add to an association with poor long-term outcome. It is unknown whether niacin status is affected in RTR and, if so, whether this affects clinical outcomes, as vitamin B6 is a cofactor in nicotinamide biosynthesis. We compared 24-h urinary excretion of N1-methylnicotinamide (N1-MN) as a biomarker of niacin status in RTR with that in healthy controls, in relation to dietary intake of tryptophan and niacin as well as vitamin B6 status, and investigated whether niacin status is associated with the risk of premature all-cause mortality in RTR. In a prospective cohort of 660 stable RTR with a median follow-up of 5.4 (4.7–6.1) years and 275 healthy kidney donors, 24-h urinary excretion of N1-MN was measured with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry LC-MS/MS. Dietary intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaires. Prospective associations of N1-MN excretion with mortality were investigated by Cox regression analyses. Median N1-MN excretion was 22.0 (15.8–31.8) μmol/day in RTR, compared to 41.1 (31.6–57.2) μmol/day in healthy kidney donors (p < 0.001). This difference was independent of dietary intake of tryptophan (1059 ± 271 and 1089 ± 308 mg/day; p = 0.19), niacin (17.9 ± 5.2 and 19.2 ± 6.2 mg/day; p < 0.001), plasma vitamin B6 (29.0 (17.5–49.5), and 42.0 (29.8–60.3) nmol/L; p < 0.001), respectively. N1-MN excretion was inversely associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in RTR (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.45–0.71; p < 0.001), independent of potential confounders. RTR excrete less N1-MN in 24-h urine than healthy controls, and our data suggest that this difference cannot be attributed to lower dietary intake of tryptophan and niacin, nor vitamin B6 status. Importantly, lower 24-h urinary excretion of N1-MN is independently associated with a higher risk of premature all-cause mortality in RTR. View Full-Tex

Urinary Excretion of N1-Methylnicotinamide and N1-Methyl-2-Pyridone-5-Carboxamide and Mortality in Kidney Transplant Recipients

It is unclear whether niacin nutritional status is a target for improvement of long-term outcome after renal transplantation. The 24-h urinary excretion of N1-methylnicotinamide (N1-MN), as a biomarker of niacin status, has previously been shown to be negatively associated with premature mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). However, recent evidence implies higher enzymatic conversion of N1-MN to N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (2Py) in KTR, therefore the need exists for interpretation of both N1-MN and 2Py excretion for niacin status assessment. We assessed niacin status by means of the 24-h urinary excretion of the sum of N1-MN and 2Py (N1-MN + 2Py), and its associations with risk of premature mortality in KTR. N1-MN + 2Py excretion was measured in a longitudinal cohort of 660 KTR with LS-MS/MS. Prospective associations of N1-MN + 2Py excretion were investigated with Cox regression analyses. Median N1-MN + 2Py excretion was 198.3 (155.9-269.4) µmol/day. During follow-up of 5.4 (4.7-6.1) years, 143 KTR died, of whom 40 due to an infectious disease. N1-MN + 2Py excretion was negatively associated with risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.47-0.79; p < 0.001), and infectious mortality specifically (HR 0.47; 95% CI 0.29-0.75; p = 0.002), independent of potential confounders. Secondary analyses showed effect modification of hs-CRP on the negative prospective association of N1-MN + 2Py excretion, and sensitivity analyses showed negative and independent associations of N1-MN and 2Py excretion with risk of all-cause mortality separately. These findings add further evidence to niacin status as a target for nutritional strategies for improvement of long-term outcome in KTR.</p

Urinary Excretion of N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide and N1-methylnicotinamide in Renal Transplant Recipients and Donors

N1-methylnicotinamide (N1-MN) and N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (2Py) are successive end products of NAD+ catabolism. N1-MN excretion in 24-h urine is the established biomarker of niacin nutritional status, and recently shown to be reduced in renal transplant recipients (RTR). However, it is unclear whether 2Py excretion is increased in this population, and, if so, whether a shift in excretion of N1-MN to 2Py can be attributed to kidney function. Hence, we assessed the 24-h urinary excretion of 2Py and N1-MN in RTR and kidney donors before and after kidney donation, and investigated associations of the urinary ratio of 2Py to N1-MN (2Py/N1-MN) with kidney function, and independent determinants of urinary 2Py/N1-MN in RTR. The urinary excretion of 2Py and N1-MN was measured in a cross-sectional cohort of 660 RTR and 275 healthy kidney donors with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Linear regression analyses were used to investigate associations and determinants of urinary 2Py/N1-MN. Median 2Py excretion was 178.1 (130.3–242.8) μmol/day in RTR, compared to 155.6 (119.6–217.6) μmol/day in kidney donors (p < 0.001). In kidney donors, urinary 2Py/N1-MN increased significantly after kidney donation (4.0 ± 1.4 to 5.2 ± 1.5, respectively; p < 0.001). Smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were identified as independent determinants of urinary 2Py/N1-MN in RTR. In conclusion, the 24-h urinary excretion of 2Py is higher in RTR than in kidney donors, and urinary 2Py/N1-MN increases after kidney donation. As our data furthermore reveal strong associations of urinary 2Py/N1-MN with kidney function, interpretation of both N1-MN and 2Py excretion may be recommended for assessment of niacin nutritional status in conditions of impaired kidney function. View Full-Tex

Torquetenovirus Serum Load and Long-Term Outcomes in Renal Transplant Recipients

Following transplantation, patients must take immunosuppressive medication for life. Torquetenovirus (TTV) is thought to be marker for immunosuppression, and TTV-DNA levels after organ transplantation have been investigated, showing high TTV levels, associated with increased risk of infections, and low TTV levels associated with increased risk of rejection. However, this has been investigated in studies with relatively short follow-up periods. We hypothesized that TTV levels can be used to assess long term outcomes after renal transplantation. Serum samples of 666 renal transplant recipients were tested for TTV DNA. Samples were taken at least one year after renal transplantation, when TTV levels are thought to be relatively stable. Patient data was reviewed for graft failure, all-cause mortality and death due to infectious causes. Our data indicates that high TTV levels, sampled more than one year post-transplantation, are associated with all-cause mortality with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.12 (95% CI, 1.02-1.23) per log10 increase in TTV viral load, (p = 0.02). Additionally, high TTV levels were also associated with death due to infectious causes (HR 1.20 (95% CI 1.01-1.43), p = 0.04). TTV levels decrease in the years following renal transplantation, but remain elevated longer than previously thought. This study shows that TTV level may aid in predicting long-term outcomes, all-cause mortality and death due to an infectious cause in renal transplant patients sampled over one year post-transplantation