Structure-activity relationship of 2,4-D correlates auxinic activity with the induction of somatic embryogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana.

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a synthetic analogue of the plant hormone auxin that is commonly used in many in vitro plant regeneration systems, such as somatic embryogenesis (SE). Its effectiveness in inducing SE, compared to the natural auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), has been attributed to the stress triggered by this compound rather than its auxinic activity. However, this hypothesis has never been thoroughly tested. Here we used a library of forty 2,4-D analogues to test the structure-activity relationship with respect to the capacity to induce SE and auxinic activity in Arabidopsis thaliana. Four analogues induced SE as effectively as 2,4-D and 13 analogues induced SE but were less effective. Based on root growth inhibition and auxin response reporter expression, the 2,4-D analogues were classified into different groups, ranging from very active to not active auxin analogues. A halogen at the 4-position of the aromatic ring was important for auxinic activity, whereas a halogen at the 3-position resulted in reduced activity. Moreover, a small substitution at the carboxylate chain was tolerated, as was extending the carboxylate chain with an even number of carbons. The auxinic activity of most 2,4-D analogues was consistent with their simulated TIR1-Aux/IAA coreceptor binding characteristics. A strong correlation was observed between SE induction efficiency and auxinic activity, which is in line with our observation that 2,4-D-induced SE and stress both require TIR1/AFB auxin co-receptor function. Our data indicate that the stress-related effects triggered by 2,4-D and considered important for SE induction are downstream of auxin signalling.

Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Prevents Illness and Reduces Healthcare Utilization Across Diverse Geographic Regions During Five Influenza Seasons: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated an inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (IIV4) in children 6-35 months of age in a phase III, observer-blind trial. METHODS: The aim of this analysis was to estimate vaccine efficacy (VE) in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza in each of 5 independent seasonal cohorts (2011-2014), as well as vaccine impact on healthcare utilization in 3 study regions (Europe/Mediterranean, Asia-Pacific and Central America). Healthy children were randomized 1:1 to IIV4 or control vaccines. VE was estimated against influenza confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction on nasal swabs. Cultured isolates were characterized as antigenically matched/mismatched to vaccine strains. RESULTS: The total vaccinated cohort included 12,018 children (N = 1777, 2526, 1564, 1501 and 4650 in cohorts 1-5, respectively). For reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed influenza of any severity (all strains combined), VE in cohorts 1-5 was 57.8%, 52.9%, 73.4%, 30.3% and 41.4%, respectively, with the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval >0 for all estimates. The proportion of vaccine match for all strains combined in each cohort was 0.9%, 79.3%, 72.5%, 24.1% and 28.6%, respectively. Antibiotic use associated with influenza illness was reduced with IIV4 by 71% in Europe, 36% in Asia Pacific and 59% in Central America. CONCLUSIONS: IIV4 prevented influenza in children 6-35 months of age in each of 5 separate influenza seasons in diverse geographical regions. A possible interaction between VE, degree of vaccine match and socioeconomic status was observed. The IIV4 attenuated the severity of breakthrough influenza illness and reduced healthcare utilization, particularly antibiotic use.

Pulmonary nodules: An unusual onset of HIV infection belatedly diagnosed.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcosis is a generally systemic and potentially lethal fungal infection. Although HIV infection is a predisposing condition, especially if the CD4+ lymphocyte count is less than 100cells/mm3, other forms of immunosuppression may be associated with this opportunistic fungal condition, such as prolonged steroid therapy or solid organ transplantation. Pulmonary presentation must be included in the differential diagnosis of pneumonia or pulmonary neoplasia in the immunosuppressed patient. CASE REPORT: We report a case of pulmonary cryptococcosis in a non-diagnosed HIV patient. In a 44 year-old male suffering from dyspnea and chest pain the image of a pulmonary nodule was observed in a radiological finding. In the histopathological study, intracellular structures suggestive of fungal conidia, and morphologically compatible with Cryptococcus, were observed. HIV serology and cryptococcal antigen detection in serum were requested, given the possibility of cryptococcosis. Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii was isolated from the culture of the pulmonary biopsy. The patient was finally diagnosed with pulmonary cryptococcosis and HIV-1 infection. With a proper antifungal treatment the patient evolved satisfactorily. CONCLUSIONS: The best strategy to avoid opportunistic infections such as cryptococcosis in HIV-infected patients consists of an early diagnosis and a highly active antiretroviral treatment. In our case, the diagnosis of a pulmonary infection by C. neoformans var. grubii allowed a late diagnosis of HIV-1 infection.

Clinical Presentation of Influenza in Children 6 to 35 Months of Age: Findings From a Randomized Clinical Trial of Inactivated Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine.

BACKGROUND: In an exploratory analysis of an inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (IIV4) trial in children 6-35 months without risk factors for influenza, we evaluated clinical presentation of influenza illness and vaccine impact on health outcomes. METHODS: This phase III trial was conducted in 13 geographically diverse countries across 5 influenza seasons (2011-2014). Children were randomized 1:1 to IIV4 or control. Active surveillance was performed for influenza-like episodes (ILE); influenza was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The total vaccinated cohort was evaluated (N = 12,018). RESULTS: 5702 children experienced ≥1 ILE; 356 (IIV4 group) and 693 (control group) children had RT-PCR-confirmed influenza. Prevalence of ILE was similar in RT-PCR-positive and RT-PCR-negative cases regardless of vaccination. Breakthrough influenza illness was attenuated in children vaccinated with IIV4; moderate-to-severe illness was 41% less likely to be reported in the IIV4 group than the control group [crude odds ratio: 0.59 (95% confidence intervals: 0.44-0.77)]. Furthermore, fever >39°C was 46% less frequent following vaccination with IIV4 than with control [crude odds ratio: 0.54 (95% confidence intervals: 0.39-0.75)] in children with breakthrough illness. Health outcome analysis showed that, each year, IIV4 would prevent 54 influenza cases per 1000 children and 19 children would need to be vaccinated to prevent 1 new influenza case. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to preventing influenza in 50% of participants, IIV4 attenuated illness severity and disease burden in children who had a breakthrough influenza episode despite vaccination.

Prevention of vaccine-matched and mismatched influenza in children aged 6-35 months: a multinational randomised trial across five influenza seasons.

BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of vaccinating children younger than 5 years, few studies evaluating vaccine prevention of influenza have been reported in this age group. We evaluated efficacy of an inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (IIV4) in children aged 6-35 months. METHODS: In this phase 3, observer-blinded, multinational trial, healthy children from 13 countries in Europe, Central America, and Asia were recruited in five independent cohorts, each in a different influenza season. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either IIV4 (15 µg haemagglutinin antigen per strain per 0·5 mL dose; a single dose on day 0 for vaccine-primed children, and two doses, on days 0 and 28, for vaccine-unprimed children) or to one or two doses of a non-influenza control vaccine. Primary endpoints were moderate-to-severe influenza or all influenza (irrespective of disease severity) confirmed by RT-PCR on nasal swabs. Cultured isolates were further characterised as antigenically matched or mismatched to vaccine strains. Efficacy was assessed in the per-protocol cohort and total vaccinated cohort (time-to-event analysis), and safety was assessed in the total vaccinated cohort. FINDINGS: Between Oct 1, 2011, and Dec 31, 2014, 12 018 children were recruited into the total vaccinated cohort (6006 children in the IIV4 group and 6012 children in the control group). 356 (6%) children in the IIV4 group and 693 (12%) children in the control group had at least one case of RT-PCR-confirmed influenza. Of these 1049 influenza strains, 138 (13%) were A/H1N1, 529 (50%) were A/H3N2, 69 (7%) were B/Victoria, and 316 (30%) were B/Yamagata. Overall, 539 (64%) of 848 antigenically characterised isolates were vaccine-mismatched (16 [15%] of 105 for A/H1N1; 368 [97%] of 378 for A/H3N2; 54 [86%] of 63 for B/Victoria; 101 [33%] of 302 for B/Yamagata). Vaccine efficacy was 63% (97·5% CI 52-72) against moderate-to-severe influenza and 50% (42-57) against all influenza in the per-protocol cohort, and 64% (53-73) against moderate-to-severe influenza and 50% (42-57) against all influenza in the total vaccinated cohort. There were no clinically meaningful safety differences between IIV4 and control. INTERPRETATION: IIV4 prevented influenza A and B in children aged 6-35 months despite high levels of vaccine mismatch. Vaccine efficacy was highest against moderate-to-severe disease, which is the most clinically important endpoint associated with greatest burden. FUNDING: GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA.

Metodologias ativas de aprendizagem: caminhos possíveis para inovação no ensino em saúde / Active learning methodologies: possible paths to innovation in health teaching

Introduction: Teaching qualification about active learning methodologies is a potential for the transformation of practices. Aim: To report the experience of teachers in the discussion of active learning methodologies as a problematizing pedagogical strategy for higher education in health. Method: This is an experience report with teachers from a public university in the northwestern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil. Six teaching workshops based on the Arch of Charles and Maguerez were implemented alongside the teachers of the nursing, nutrition and biology courses. The use of active methodologies in health teaching was problematic and the themes "evaluation, reflective portfolio and conceptual map" were theorized. Result: The problematization with the Arch of Charles and Maguerez facilitated the understanding and the applicability of the active methodologies. Conclusion: There are prospects for the inclusion of active learning methodologies in teachers' practice, which may become a pedagogical strategy and attend to DCNs in this scenario.

Introducción: La cualificación docente sobre metodologías activas de aprendizaje es potencial para la transformación de prácticas. Objeto: Relatar la experiencia de docentes en la discusión de metodologías activas de aprendizaje como estrategia pedagógica problematizadora para la enseñanza superior en salud. Método: Se trata de un relato de experiencia realizado con docentes de una universidad pública de la región noroeste del estado de Rio Grande do Sul/Brasil. Se implementaron junto a los docentes de los cursos de enfermería, nutrición y biología seis talleres pedagógicos basados en el Arco de Carlos y Maguerez. Se planteó el uso de metodologías activas en la enseñanza en salud y se teorizó los temas "evaluación, cartera reflexiva y mapa conceptual". Resultado: La problematización con el Arco de Charles y Maguerez facilitó la comprensión y la aplicabilidad de las metodologías activas. Conclusión: Hay perspectivas de inclusión de metodologías activas de aprendizaje en la práctica de los docentes, pudiendo convertirse en estrategia pedagógica y atender a las DCNs en este escenario.

Introdução: A qualificação docente sobre metodologias ativas de aprendizagem é potencial para a transformação de práticas. Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de docentes na discussão de metodologias ativas de aprendizagem como estratégia pedagógica problematizadora para o ensino superior em saúde. Método: Trata-se de um relato de experiência realizado com a participação de docentes de uma universidade pública da região noroeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul-Brasil. Foram implementadas junto aos docentes dos cursos de enfermagem, nutrição e biologia seis oficinas pedagógicas com base no Arco de Charles e Maguerez. Problematizou-se o uso de metodologias ativas no ensino em saúde e teorizaram-se os temas "avaliação, portfólio reflexivo e mapa conceitual". Resultado: A problematização com o Arco de Charles e Maguerez facilitou a compreensão e a aplicabilidade das metodologias ativas. Conclusão: Há perspectivas de inclusão de metodologias ativas de aprendizagem na prática dos docentes, podendo tornar-se estratégia pedagógica e atender às DCNs nesse cenário.

A Visible-Light-Sensitive Caged Serotonin.

Serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT), is an important neurotransmitter in the nervous system of both vertebrates and invertebrates. Deficits in 5HT signaling are responsible for many disabling psychiatric conditions, and its molecular machinery is the target of many pharmaceuticals. We present a new 5HT phototrigger, the compound [Ru(bpy)2(PMe3)(5HT)]2+, where PMe3 is trimethylphosphine. As with other ruthenium-bipyridyl based caged compounds, [Ru(bpy)2(PMe3)(5HT)]2+ presents activity in the visible region of the spectrum. We characterize and discuss the photochemical properties of the caged compound, and demonstrate its use by modulating the excitability of mouse prefrontal principal neurons.

Embarazo adolescente en un Hospital de Paraguay durante el 2011 / Teen pregnancy in a Hospital in Paraguay in 2011

Objetivo: describir las características epidemiológicas del embarazo adolescente en el Hospital Regional de Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal, con muestreo no probabilístico de casosconsecutivos, con revisión de historias clínicas de las embarazadas adolescentes que acudieron al Hospital Regional deCoronel Oviedo, Paraguay entre los meses enero y diciembre del año 2011.Resultados: Se incluyeron 167 historias clínicas de mujeres embarazadas adolescentes, las cuales representaron el 40,7%de todos los partos asistidos durante el año 2011. La franja etaria estuvo comprendida entre 13 y 19 años, con un promediode edad de 17,47 ± 1,42. El 64,1% fueron de procedencia urbana. El 86,8% no usaba anticonceptivos y el 50,9% tenían unaunión libre. Las complicaciones observadas fueron: ruptura prematura de membrana en el 10,2%, infección de las víasurinarias en el 8,4% y óbito fetal en el 0,6% de los casos.Conclusión: La prevalencia de embarazo adolescente en este estudio fue de 40,7%; la mayoría de las mujeres no usabaningún método anticonceptivo. La complicación más frecuente en este tipo de embarazo fue la ruptura prematura demembrana.

Objective: to describe the epidemiological characteristics of teenage pregnancy in the Regional Hospital of Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay. Material and Methods: Descriptive, observational cross-sectional study with consecutive non-probability sampling of cases, review of medical records of pregnant teenagers who attended the Regional Hospital of Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay between january and december 2011. Results: 167 medical records of pregnant adolescents were included, which accounted for 40.7% of all births attended in 2011. The age range was between 13 and 19 years, with an average age of 17.47 ñ 1.42. 64.1% were of urban origin. 86.8% did not use contraception and 50.9% had a free union. The observed complications were: premature rupture of membrane at 10.2%, urinary tract infection at 8.4% and fetal death in 0.6% of cases. Conclusion: The prevalence of teenage pregnancy in this study was 40.7%; most women did not use any contraceptive method. The most common complication in this type of pregnancy was premature rupture of membrane.

Energy transfer from a rhodamine antenna to a ruthenium-bipyridine center.

The coordination of a modified rhodamine B (Rhod) to a bis-bipyridine ruthenium (ii) (Ru-bpy) phototrigger complex enables a photodissociation reaction at longer wavelengths through enhanced absorption of green light (532 nm). The very high molar absorptivity of rhodamine (∼10(5) M(-1) cm(-1)) and the high quantum efficiency of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from rhodamine to the Ru-bpy center (0.84) result in an unusually high photosensitivity and uncaging cross-section of the Ru-bpy-rhodamine complex at longer wavelengths.

Synthesis and study of the use of heterocyclic thiosemicarbazones as signaling scaffolding for the recognition of anions.

A family of heterocyclic thiosemicarbazone dyes (1-9) linked to different furan, thiazole, (bi)thiophene, and arylthiophene pi-conjugated bridges were synthesized in good yields, and their response toward anions was studied. Acetonitrile solutions of 1-9 show bands in the 326-407 region that are modulated by the electron-donor or -acceptor strength of the heterocyclic systems appended to the phenylthiosemicarbazone moiety. Anions of different shape such as fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen sulfate, nitrate, acetate, cyanide, and thiocyanate were employed for the recognition studies. From these anions, only fluoride, cyanide, acetate, and dihydrogen phosphate displayed sensing features. Two different effects were observed, (i) a low bathochromic shift of the absorption band due to coordination of the anions with the thiourea protons and (ii) the growth of a new red-shifted band with a concomitant change of the solution from yellow or pale yellow to orange-red due to deprotonation. The extent of each process is a balance between the acidity tendency of the thioureido-NH donors modulated by the donor or acceptor groups in the structure of the receptors and the basicity of the anions. Fluorescence studies were also in agreement with the different effects observed on the UV/vis titrations. Stability constants for the two processes (complex formation + deprotonation) for selected receptors and the anions fluoride and acetate were determined spectrophotometrically using the program HYPERQUAD. Semiempirical calculations to evaluate the hydrogen-donating ability of the dyes and (1)H NMR titrations experiments with fluoride were carried out. A prospective electrochemical characterization of compound 3 in the presence of anions was also performed.

Chromogenic signaling of hydrogen carbonate anion with pyrylium-containing polymers.

Polymeric films containing pyrylium derivatives showing a selective color modulation from yellow to red in the presence of the poorly coordinating hydrogen carbonate anion in water at neutral pH have been developed.

Ditopic N-Crowned 4-(p-Aminophenyl)-2,6-diphenylpyridines: implications of macrocycle topology on the spectroscopic properties, cation complexation, and differential anion responses.

A family of N-crowned 4-p-(aminophenyl)-2,6-diphenylpyridines DA (1-6) has been synthezised, characterized, and studied as potential hosts for the signaling of cationic and anionic guests. The ditopic probes contain two coordination sites, a monodentate 2,6-diphenylpyridine and an anilino group with macrocycles of different ring size, denticity, and type of secondary heteroatom (O and/or S). X-ray structure analysis of aza-oxa-thia-crowned 5 indicated a largely planar chromophore. Optical spectroscopic and electrochemical studies revealed that the anilino-type donor (D) and the 2,6-diphenylpyridine acceptor (A) are strongly pi-conjugated, entailing intense intramolecular charge-transfer absorption bands at 340 nm. Binding studies with protons and metal ions (M = Cu2+, Zn2+, Hg2+, Fe3+, Pb2+, Ni2+, Cd2+) showed shifts of the band to the visible (440 nm) when coordination at the pyridine group occurs, strengthening its acceptor character. In contrast, no band in the visible is formed if binding takes place at the anilino group. Three different responses were found for various pairs of DA and M: selective metal coordination to D or A as well as coordination at both sites. A selective response was found for 5 and Hg2+. Because of the multitude of coordination-induced effects, the DA-M ensembles were further employed for differential anion sensing. In this protocol, the addition of an anion X to a certain, weakly coordinated DA-M can (i) lead to the formation of a ternary ion pair complex (DA-M-X), (ii) change the preference for A or D coordination, (iii) induce dissociation of the complex, or (iv) can have no effect. Various patterns of absorption changes were obtained as a result of different responses (i)-(iv) of the DA-M's in the presence of various X's. Data analysis yielded recognition patterns for acetate, F- and CN-, demonstrating the potential of simple chromogenic host-guest pairs for differential anion signaling.

Sensory hybrid host materials for the selective chromo-fluorogenic detection of biogenic amines.

Pyrylium-containing mesoporous materials have been used for the chromo-fluorogenic sensing of biogenic amines in an aqueous environment.

Pyrylium-containing polymers as sensory materials for the colorimetric sensing of cyanide in water.

A sensory polymeric material for the colorimetric sensing of cyanide in water has been developed based on the reactivity of this anion with the pyrylium cation.

Cartilage in the walls of odontogenic keratocyst.

There are seven published cases in world literature on cartilage in the walls of odontogenic keratocysts. Herein is presented one further case with keratin inclusions in the cystic wall, which also bears a cartilaginous component. X-rays, clinical images and pathohistological images are included.

Coordinative and electrostatic forces in action: from the design of differential chromogenic anion sensors to selective carboxylate recognition.

A new family of differential chromogenic anion chemosensors is described based on anilinopyridine-metal cation coordinative signalling ensembles.

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas of oral cavity.

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) often show up in an extranodal pattern, especially in the head and neck. Intraoral locations are much less frequent, particularly when they are single. This, in turn, can lead to a prolonged diagnosis and even to inadequate treatment. Different patients with initial extranodal location of NHL which were not previously diagnosed and in which it was manifested only intraorally are presented in this paper. These cases are presented together with the additional examinations used for the early diagnosis and with the corresponding clinical pictures, as well as with the overview of other cases from the available literature.

Mantenimiento en cultivo y caracterización de un microsporidio encephalitozoon hellem aislado en un paciente con SIDA y neumonía / Culture maintanance and characterization of a microsporidian encephalitozoon hellen isolated from AIDS patient with neumonia

Comunicamos la identificación, a nivel de especie, de un microsporidio aislado en cultivo celular a partir de un lavado broncoalveolar de un paciente con Sida y neumonía. La caracterización del aislado se realizó mediante: 1) estudio morfológico de microscopía óptica y electrónica, 2) estudio inmunológico con antisuero específicos, inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) e inmunoblot (WB) y 3) estudio molecular tras reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) con iniciadores especie-específicos diseñados a partir de la región que codifica la subunidad menor del ARN ribosomal. Las características ultraestructurales del aislado permitieron su identificación en el género Encephalitozoon. La identificación específica del microsporidio como Encephalitozoon hellem se realizó mediante IFI y WB, empleando suero policlonal de conejo anti-E. hellem (CDC:0291:V213), y mediante la amplificación por PCR del fragmento diagnóstico utilizando el par de iniciadores EHELF/EHELR específicos para esta especie. El aislado ha sido denominado EHVS-96 y se mantiene en cultivo continuo en células Vero-E6. Este es el primer aislamiento en cultivo y caracterización de E. hellem en España