Unlocking the Transcriptional Reprogramming Repertoire between Variety-Dependent Responses of Grapevine Berries to Infection by Aspergillus carbonarius.

Aspergillus carbonarius causes severe decays on berries in vineyards and is among the main fungal species responsible for grape contamination by ochratoxin A (OTA), which is the foremost mycotoxin produced by this fungus. The main goal of this study was to investigate at the transcriptome level the comparative profiles between two table grape varieties (Victoria and Fraoula, the white and red variety, respectively) after their inoculation with a virulent OTA-producing A. carbonarius strain. The two varieties revealed quite different transcriptomic signatures and the expression profiles of the differential expressed genes (DEGs) highlighted distinct and variety-specific responses during the infection period. The significant enrichment of pathways related to the modulation of transcriptional dynamics towards the activation of defence responses, the triggering of the metabolic shunt for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, mainly phenylpropanoids, and the upregulation of DEGs encoding phytoalexins, transcription factors, and genes involved in plant-pathogen interaction and immune signaling transduction was revealed in an early time point in Fraoula, whereas, in Victoria, any transcriptional reprogramming was observed after a delay. However, both varieties, to some extent, also showed common expression dynamics for specific DEG families, such as those encoding for laccases and stilbene synthases. Jasmonate (JA) may play a critical modulator role in the defence machinery as various JA-biosynthetic DEGs were upregulated. Along with the broader modulation of the transcriptome that was observed in white grape, expression profiles of specific A. carbonarius genes related to pathogenesis, fungal sporulation, and conidiation highlight the higher susceptibility of Victoria. Furthermore, the A. carbonarius transcriptional patterns directly associated with the regulation of the pathogen OTA-biosynthesis gene cluster were more highly induced in Victoria than in Fraoula. The latter was less contaminated by OTA and showed substantially lower sporulation. These findings contribute to uncovering the interplay beyond this plant-microbe interaction.

The repertoire of iron superoxide dismutases from Leishmania infantum as targets in the search for therapeutic agents against leishmaniasis.

Species of Leishmania and Trypanosoma genera are the causative agents of relevant parasitic diseases. Survival inside their hosts requires the existence of a potent antioxidant enzymatic machinery. Four iron superoxide dismutases have been described in trypanosomatids (FeSODA, FeSODB1, FeSODB2, and FeSODC) that hold a potential as therapeutic targets. Nonetheless, very few studies have been developed that make use of the purified enzymes. Moreover, FeSODC remains uncharacterised in Leishmania. In this work, for the first time, we describe the purification and enzymatic activity of recombinant versions of the four Leishmania FeSOD isoforms and establish an improved strategy for developing inhibitors. We propose a novel parameter [(V*cyt. c - Vcyt. c)/Vcyt. c] which, in contrast to that used in the classical cytochrome c reduction assay, correlates linearly with enzyme concentration. As a proof of concept, we determine the IC50 values of two ruthenium carbosilane metallodendrimers against these isoforms.

Targetable domains for the design of peptide-dendrimer inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2.

We have recently witnessed that considerable progresses have been made in the rapid detection and appropriate treatments of COVID-19, but still this virus remains one of the main targets of world research. Based on the knowledge of the complex mechanism of viral infection we designed peptide-dendrimer inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2with the aim to block cell infection through interfering with the host-pathogen interactions. We used two different strategies: i) the first one aims at hindering the virus anchorage to the human cell; ii) the second -strategy points to interfere with the mechanism of virus-cell membrane fusion. We propose the use of different nanosized carriers, formed by several carbosilane dendritic wedges to deliver two different peptides designed to inhibit host interaction or virus entry. The antiviral activity of the peptide-dendrimers, as well as of free peptides and free dendrimers was evaluated through the use of SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped lentivirus. The results obtained show that peptides designed to block host-pathogen interaction represent a valuable strategy for viral inhibition.

Onset and progression of postmortem histological changes in the central nervous system of RccHan™: WIST rats.

Death initiates a cascade of physiological and biochemical alterations in organs and tissues, resulting in microscopic changes that challenge the histopathological evaluation. Moreover, the brain is particularly susceptible to artifacts owing to its unique composition and its location within the cranial vault. The aim of this study was to compile and illustrate the microscopic changes in the central nervous system (CNS) of rats subjected to delayed postmortem fixation. It also scrutinizes the influence of exsanguination and cooling methods on the initiation and progression of these alterations. Twenty-four Wistar Han outbred rats (RccHan™: WIST) were sacrificed and stored either at room temperature (18-22°C) or under refrigeration (2-4°C). Necropsies were conducted at different time points postmortem (i.e., 0.5 h, 1 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h, 7 days and 14 days). Brain sections underwent simultaneous digital evaluation by 14 pathologists until a consensus was reached on terminology, key findings, and intensity levels. Microscopic observations varied among cell types. Glial cells were similarly affected throughout the CNS and showed pericellular halo, chromatin condensation and nuclear shrinkage. Neurons showed two types of postmortem changes as most of them showed progressive shrinkage, cytoplasmic dissolution and karyorrhexis whereas others acquired a dark-neuron-like appearance. Neuronal changes showed marked differences among neuroanatomical locations. Additional postmortem changes encompassed: granulation and microcavitation in neuropil and white matter; retraction spaces; detachment of ependyma, choroid plexus, and leptomeninges. Severity of findings after 48 h at room temperature was higher than after seven days under refrigeration and similar to or slightly lower than after 14 days under refrigeration. No clear differences were observed related to the sex or weight of the animals or their exsanguination status. This work elucidates the onset and progression of autolytic changes in the brains of Wistar Han rats, offering insights to accurately identify and enhance the histopathological evaluation.

Polyphenolic dendrimers as carriers of anticancer siRNA.

Dendrimers have emerged as an important group of nanoparticles to transport drugs, DNA, or RNA into target cells in cancer and other diseases. Various functional modifications can be imposed on dendrimers to increase the efficacy and specificity in delivering their cargo to the target cells and decrease their toxicity. In the present work, we evaluated the potential of carbosilane polyphenolic dendrimers modified with caffeic acid (CA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to deliver proapoptotic Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 siRNAs to A549 cancer cells. Dendrimers formed stable complexes with siRNAs as assessed by transmission electron microscopy and gel electrophoresis. Modification of dendrimers with PEG reduced the size and the zeta potential of dendrimer/siRNA complexes. The presence of PEG caused a red shift of the CD spectrum, and this effect was the more pronounced, the higher the dendrimer/siRNA ratio was. The nanocomplexes were internalized by A549. All studied dendrimer/siRNA formulations inhibited tumor cell migration and adhesion and caused an increase in the population of early apoptotic cells. Among four tested dendrimers, the polyphenolic compound containing two caffeic acid moieties complexed with siRNA demonstrated the lowest polydispersity index and showed an excellent transfection profile. In conclusion, this dendrimer are a promising candidate for the delivery of siRNA into cancer cells in further in vivo studies.

A new class of polyphenolic carbosilane dendrimers binds human serum albumin in a structure-dependent fashion.

The use of dendrimers as drug and nucleic acid delivery systems requires knowledge of their interactions with objects on their way to the target. In the present work, we investigated the interaction of a new class of carbosilane dendrimers functionalized with polyphenolic and caffeic acid residues with human serum albumin, which is the most abundant blood protein. The addition of dendrimers to albumin solution decreased the zeta potential of albumin/dendrimer complexes as compared to free albumin, increased density of the fibrillary form of albumin, shifted fluorescence spectrum towards longer wavelengths, induced quenching of tryptophan fluorescence, and decreased ellipticity of circular dichroism resulting from a reduction in the albumin α-helix for random coil structural form. Isothermal titration calorimetry showed that, on average, one molecule of albumin was bound by 6-10 molecules of dendrimers. The zeta size confirmed the binding of the dendrimers to albumin. The interaction of dendrimers and albumin depended on the number of caffeic acid residues and polyethylene glycol modifications in the dendrimer structure. In conclusion, carbosilane polyphenolic dendrimers interact with human albumin changing its structure and electrical properties. However, the consequences of such interaction for the efficacy and side effects of these dendrimers as drug/nucleic acid delivery system requires further research.

Medidas de bioseguridad en la atención odontológica durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Biosecurity measures in dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumen Objetivos: Identificar medidas de bioseguridad propuestos para la atención de pacientes odontológicos. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un análisis bibliográfico utilizando el buscador PubMed y las bibliotecas científicas SciELO. Los términos de búsqueda fueron: "Dentistry"[Mesh], "Coronavirus"[Mesh], "Dental Health Services"[Mesh], "Dental Care"[Mesh]. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: estudios completos gratis, 1 año de antigüedad, en español o inglés. Se excluyeron textos incompletos o pagados. Resultados: Se encontraron 41 artículos de los cuales se seleccionaron 26 que describen protocolos y medidas de bioseguridad adoptadas para el manejo y selección de pacientes durante la pandemia del COVID-19 en la práctica odontológica. Los resultados demuestran que las indicaciones son realizar solo atención de urgencia y emergencia. Así mismo se estipula priorizar la telecomunicación con pacientes. Las recomendaciones principales son: minimizar la cantidad de pacientes y controlar su temperatura, utilizar elementos de protección personal, colutorio de peróxido de hidrógeno (H2O2) 0.5%-2.0 % o povidona 0.2%; disminuir la disipación de aerosoles, usar goma dique y aspiración de alto volumen, minimizar el uso de instrumental rotatorio y generadores de aerosol, uso de imagenología extraoral. Finalmente, entre cada paciente mantener un área de trabajo ventilada, desinfectar superficies con etanol, H2O2, hipoclorito de sodio (NACLO), compuestos de amonio cuaternario y cubrir superficies con elementos desechables. Conclusión: La pandemia COVID-19 ha impulsado a un cambio y reforzamiento de las medidas de bioseguridad existentes en odontología. A esto se suman nuevos protocolos en la atención y priorización de pacientes, utilización de EPP e incluso la aplicación de la telecomunicación en el manejo y atención de pacientes. De este modo, se conservan recursos de EPP para áreas críticas y se protege la salud de toda la comunidad.

Abstract Objective: Identify biosecurity measures proposed for the care of dental patients. Methodology: A bibliographic analysis was performed using the PubMed search engine and the SciELO scientific libraries. The search terms were: "Dentistry"[Mesh], "Coronavirus"[Mesh], "Dental Health Services"[Mesh], "Dental Care"[Mesh]. The inclusion criteria were: free complete studies, 1 year old, in Spanish or English. Incomplete or paid texts were excluded. Results: A total 41 articles were found of which 26 were selected. They describe protocols and biosecurity measures adopted for the management and selection of patients in dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that indications establish to perform only urgent and emergency care. Likewise, it is stipulated to prioritize telecommunication with patients. The main recommendations are: Minimize the number of patients and control their temperature, use of personal protection elements, use hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) 0.5%-2.0% or povidone 0.2% as mouthwash, reduce the dissipation of aerosols by using manual instruments, rubber dam and high volume aspiration, minimizing the use of rotary instruments and aerosol generating instruments, prefer the use of extraoral imaging. Finally, maintain a well ventilated work area in between every patient, disinfection of surfaces with ethanol, H2O2, sodium hypochlorite (NACLO) and quaternary ammonium solutions and cover surfaces with disposable elements. Conclusion : The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a change and reinforcement of biosecurity measures already existent in dentistry, adding new protocols for patient's care and prioritization, PPE utilization and application of telecommunication in the management and patient's care. Saving PPE resources for critical areas and protecting the community's overall health.

Síndrome de piernas inquietas en niños: caracterización clínica / Characterization of restless leg syndrome in children

El Síndrome de piernas inquietas (SPI) o Enfermedad de Willis­Ekbom, es una condición neurológica que afecta al 2-4% de los niños en edad escolar. Etiológicamente se ha relacionado al metabolismo del hierro y a factores genéticos entre otros. En niños aun es una patología poco diagnosticada. Trabajo observacional descriptivo, en el cual se realiza caracterización clínica, según criterios internacionales, en 14 pacientes menores de 18 años, 9 varones. Edad promedio 8 años. Sintomatología inicial variada, desde resistencia a ir a la cama, hasta dibujar sus molestias. En 10 se comprobó déficit de hierro. En 11 pacientes se realizó un polisomnograma, 10 de ellos con un índice elevado de movimientos periódicos de extremidades. El uso de pregabalina y aporte de hierro fue el tratamiento más utilizado. Dos pacientes tenían padres diagnosticados con SPI.

Abstract. The Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) or Willis-Ekbom Disease is a neurological condition that affects 2-4% of school-age children. Its etiology has been related to the metabolism of iron and genetic factors among others. In children it is still a frequently undiagnosed disorder. This is a descriptive observational report, in which clinical characterization is carried out according to international criteria in 14 patients under 18 years old, 9 boys. Average age is 8 years old. The initial symptomatology was varied, from resistance to comply with bedtime, to drawing their discomfort. In 9, iron deficiency was found. A polysomnogram was performed in 11 patients, 10 of which had a high periodic limb movements index. The use of pregabalin and supplementary iron were the most used treatments. Two patients had parents diagnosed with RLS.

Medidas de bioseguridad en la atención odontológica durante la pandemia COVID-19

Objetivos: Identificar medidas de bioseguridad propuestos para la atención de pacientes odontológicos. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un análisis bibliográfico utilizando el buscador PubMed y las bibliotecas científicas SciELO. Los términos de búsqueda fueron: "Dentistry"[Mesh], "Coronavirus"[Mesh], "Dental Health Services"[Mesh], "Dental Care"[Mesh]. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: estudios completos gratis, 1 año de antigüedad, en español o inglés. Se excluyeron textos incompletos o pagados. Resultados: Se encontraron 41 artículos de los cuales se seleccionaron 26 que describen protocolos y medidas de bioseguridad adoptadas para el manejo y selección de pacientes durante la pandemia del COVID-19 en la práctica odontológica. Los resultados demuestran que las indicaciones son realizar solo atención de urgencia y emergencia. Así mismo se estipula priorizar la telecomunicación con pacientes. Las recomendaciones principales son: minimizar la cantidad de pacientes y controlar su temperatura, utilizar elementos de protección personal, colutorio de peróxido de hidrógeno (H2O2) 0.5%-2.0 % o povidona 0.2%; disminuir la disipación de aerosoles, usar goma dique y aspiración de alto volumen, minimizar el uso de instrumental rotatorio y generadores de aerosol, uso de imagenología extraoral. Finalmente, entre cada paciente mantener un área de trabajo ventilada, desinfectar superficies con etanol, H2O2, hipoclorito de sodio (NACLO), compuestos de amonio cuaternario y cubrir superficies con elementos desechables. Conclusión: La pandemia COVID-19 ha impulsado a un cambio y reforzamiento de las medidas de bioseguridad existentes en odontología. A esto se suman nuevos protocolos en la atención y priorización de pacientes, utilización de EPP e incluso la aplicación de la telecomunicación en el manejo y atención de pacientes. De este modo, se conservan recursos de EPP para áreas críticas y se protege la salud de toda la comunidad.

Objective: Identify biosecurity measures proposed for the care of dental patients. Methodology: A bibliographic analysis was performed using the PubMed search engine and the SciELO scientific libraries. The search terms were: "Dentistry"[Mesh], "Coronavirus"[Mesh], "Dental Health Services"[Mesh], "Dental Care"[Mesh]. The inclusion criteria were: free complete studies, 1 year old, in Spanish or English. Incomplete or paid texts were excluded. Results: A total 41 articles were found of which 26 were selected. They describe protocols and biosecurity measures adopted for the management and selection of patients in dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that indications establish to perform only urgent and emergency care. Likewise, it is stipulated to prioritize telecommunication with patients. The main recommendations are: Minimize the number of patients and control their temperature, use of personal protection elements, use hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) 0.5%-2.0% or povidone 0.2% as mouthwash, reduce the dissipation of aerosols by using manual instruments, rubber dam and high volume aspiration, minimizing the use of rotary instruments and aerosol generating instruments, prefer the use of extraoral imaging. Finally, maintain a well ventilated work area in between every patient, disinfection of surfaces with ethanol, H2O2, sodium hypochlorite (NACLO) and quaternary ammonium solutions and cover surfaces with disposable elements. Conclusion : The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a change and reinforcement of biosecurity measures already existent in dentistry, adding new protocols for patient's care and prioritization, PPE utilization and application of telecommunication in the management and patient's care. Saving PPE resources for critical areas and protecting the community's overall health.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Suicides Committed in Medellin, Colombia / Características clínicas y epidemiológicas del suicidio consumado en Medellín, Colombia

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of individuals who committed suicide in Medellín between 2008 and 2010, and to identify variables related to the type of events. Methods: A retrospective and descriptive analysis was conducted on data provided by the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences. In addition, a univariate and bivariate analysis was used to identify the sociodemographic and medical-legal characteristics of the deceased. Multiple correspondence analysis was also used in order to establish typologies. The information was analyzed using STATA 11.0. Results: Of the 389 cases occurring between 2008 and 2010, 84.6% (n = 329) were men. The male to female ratio was 5:1; 64% of the cases occurred in people aged 18-45 years; 6.7% occurred in children under 18, with hanging being the method most chosen by the victims (48.3%). Exploratory analysis was used to identify a possible association between the use of violent methods and events occurring in the housing and social strata 1, 2 and 3. Conclusions: Some factors could be associated with suicide, providing data that could consolidate health intervention strategies in our population.

Antecedentes: El propósito del estudio es identificar las características de los individuos que cometieron suicidio en la ciudad de Medellín entre 2008 y 2010, además de identificar variables relacionadas con la tipología de los eventos. Métodos: Análisis descriptivo retrospectivo de los datos suministrados por el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses. Además, análisis univariable y bivariable para identificar las características sociodemográficas y médico-legales de los fallecidos. Para establecer posibles tipologías, se utilizó el análisis de correspondencias múltiples. La información se analizó utilizando el programa STATA 11.0. Resultados: De los 389 casos ocurridos entre 2008 y 2010, el 84,6% (n = 329) correspondió a varones. La razón varones:mujeres es 5:1. El 64% de los casos ocurrió en personas de 18-45 anños y el 6,7%, en menores de 18 años. El ahorcamiento fue el método más elegido por las víctimas (48,3%). El análisis exploratorio permitió identificar una posible asociación entre el uso de métodos violentos con los eventos que ocurren en la vivienda y los estratos sociales 1, 2 y 3. Conclusiones: Se pudo delinear algunos factores asociados al suicidio consumado, aportando elementos que pueden consolidar estrategias de intervención en la salud de nuestra población.

Characterization of novel genic SSR markers in Linum usitatissimum (L. ) and their transferability across eleven Linum species

Little is known about the evolutionary relationships among Linum species, basically because of the lack of transferable molecular markers. Currently, expressed sequence tags available in public databases provide an opportunity for the rapid and inexpensive development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in wild flax species. In this regard, fifty expressed sequence tag-derived microsatellite markers (EST-SSRs) were evaluated for polymorphism and transferability in 50 Linum usitatissimum cultivars/accessions and 11 Linum species. Among them 23 EST-SSRs were polymorphic in L. usitatissimum, while 2-4 alleles were detected (average 2.26 per locus). The polymorphism information content value ranged from 0.08 to 0.55 (average 0.38). Forty one genic markers (95.3 percent) produced strong amplicons in at least two of the 11 Linum species. The percentage of cross amplification ranged from 34.1 percent to 92.7 percent in L. tauricum and L. bienne, respectively. Moreover, the rate of transferability was associated positively with the botanical section. Our results suggest that the high degree of EST-SSRs transferability to Linum species can be a useful enhancement of the current database of SSR markers for future genetic and evolutionary studies.

El inventario de organización de la personalidad (IPO): sus características y aplicaciones / The inventory of personality organization (IPO): its characteristics and applications

La adaptación y validación de instrumentos de medición psicológica de la personalidad para ser aplicado a grandes muestras es una tarea de relevancia para la planificación de intervenciones psicosociales. El ôInventario de Organización de la Personalidadõ (IPO) es un instrumento que evalúa estructura de personalidad sobre la base de la teoría psicoanalítica de Kernberg. Se describe el proceso de adaptación, las características formales y psicométricas del instrumento, junto con los resultados de las pruebas de confiabilidad y validez factorial de su versión para Chile. Los resultados muestran valores de confiabilidad y validez similares al instrumento original. Se discute el valor del instrumento como herramienta diagnóstica y la importancia de adaptar instrumentos de esta naturaleza en Chile.

Mitos y creencias de la lactancia materna / Myths and beliefs about breast feeding

Se ha comprobado la gran inportancia que tiene la lactancia materna para lograr un mayor vínculo de unión entre la madre y su hijo y lo fundamental que es ésta como alimento para lograr el normal crecimiento y desarrollo del niño. Existe una serie de mitos y creencias populares que derivan muchas veces de tendencias o modas que pueden afectar en forma directa el logro de una lactancia materna exitosa. Es por esta razón que surgió la inquietud de conocer qué mitos y creencias tienen las madres; por lo que se estudió las madres con hijos menores de 6 meses controlados en el Consultorio Los Castaños, durante el mes de mayo de 1992. Los objetivos que se plantearon fueron conocer los mitos y creencias que presentaban las madres, así, como también poder llegar a describir algunas características demográficas que influyen sobre estos últimos. Entre estas destacan; la edad de las madres, el estado civil, la escolaridad, la actividad que desempeñan, el tipo de familia al que pertenecen, su lugar de residencia, la paridad y experiencias anteriores la lactancia materna. Respecto a los mitos y creencias de las madres, es de interés conocer algunos de ellos relacionados por ejemplo con la alimentación de la madre, su estado de salud, su estado emocional, la ingesta de drogas, el tamaño de sus pechos, la apariencia y color de la leche, la actividad física de la madre, las relaciones sexuales, y otros. Es así como para llevar a cabo la investigación, se diseñó un estudio de tipo exploratorio, cuyo universo consistía en las 196 madres que controlaron su hijo menor de 6 meses en el Consultorio Los Castaños durante el mes de mayo de 1992. El tipo de muestra estudiada fue indicental, y consistió en 20 madres que controlaron a su hijo menor de 6 meses en el Consultorio Los Castaños durante mayo de 1992. El instrumento consistió en un encuesta sobre antecedentes generales y sobre mitos y creencias de la lactancia materna, la cual fur probada con anterioridad a la recolección de los datos. El análisis de los datos se realizó principalmente en forma porcentual. A través de esta investigación se pudo observar que existen mitos y creencias sobre la lactancia materna y que influyen directamente en ella. Respecto de las características demográficas del grupo de madres en estudio, se destaca que su mayoría son madres entre 20 y 24 años de edad, casadas, principalmente con escolaridad básica incompleta, Dueña de casa, con residencia urbana permanente, que pertenecían en su gran mayoria a familias de tipo nuclear, multíparas y con experiencia de lactancia materna en hijo anterior, principalmente materna exclusiva y mixta, y que describieron como causa del destete el hecho de que el niño rechazaba el pecho. Así también, eran madres principalmente de niños menores de 1 mes, que se encontraban con lactancia materna exclusiva y que pretendían amamantar hasta los 5 a 6 meses de vida la mayor parte de ellas. Respecto a los mitos y creencias encontrados, se destacan:- Las madres deben consumir ciertos alimentos y otros no, Una alimentación deficiente produce leche mala, La madre enferma no debe amamantar a su hijo, El estado emocional de la madre influye en el niño, La madre que amamanta no puede consumir fármacos, El tamaño de los pechos influye en la cantidad de leche que producen, El aspecto y color de la leche materna reflejan la calidad de ella, La madre no puede realizar trabajo excesivo ni fuerza física, Están prohibidas las relaciones sexuales en la madre que amamanta, La leche puede variar de buena a mala o viceversa, Los pechos blandos no tienen leche, Los niños con lactancia materna exclusiva tienen con mayor frecuencia diarrea