The application of nano-biotechnology to cropscience/agriculture ('nanoagriculture') is a recent development. While carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been shown to dramatically improve germination of some comestible plants, deficiencies in consistency of behavior and reproducibility arise, partially from the variability of the CNTs used. In this work, factory-synthesized multi-walled-CNTs (MWCNTs) of quality-controlled specifications were seen to enhance the germinative growth of maize seedlings at low concentrations but depress it at higher concentrations. Growth enhancement principally arose through improved water delivery by the MWCNT. Polarized EDXRF spectrometry showed that MWCNTs affect mineral nutrient supply to the seedling through the action of the mutually opposing forces of inflow with water and retention in the medium by the ion-CNT transient-dipole interaction. The effect varied with ion type and MWCNT concentration.

Leptospirosis is an anthropozoonosis caused by Leptospira interrogans. It occurs worldwide and is endemic in French Polynesia. Leptospirosis is associated with a large variety of clinical symptoms. Most infections caused by leptospires are either sub-clinical or of very mild severity, but 5-10% of infections result in multiple organ damage, including kidney, liver and lung lesions. Among 71 patients hospitalised in Papeete for severe leptospirosis during a period of 2 years, the main risk-factors for a severe outcome were hypotension, oliguria and an abnormal chest auscultation at the first physical examination. Survival depends on rapid diagnosis and early appropriate management. Well-defined criteria may help physicians to improve the timely treatment of high-risk patients.

In Spain, the most frequent clinical presentation of CD is the classical form, mainly diagnosed during the first 2 years of life. The observed incidence of CD in Spanish children is much higher than the present CD incidence rates observed in other European countries.

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