Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Crossover Trial Evaluating Topical Lidocaine for Mechanical Cervical Pain.

BACKGROUND: There are few efficacious treatments for mechanical neck pain, with controlled trials suggesting efficacy for muscle relaxants and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Although studies evaluating topical lidocaine for back pain have been disappointing, the more superficial location of the cervical musculature suggests a possible role for topical local anesthetics. METHODS: This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial performed at four U.S. military, Veterans Administration, academic, and private practice sites, in which 76 patients were randomized to receive either placebo followed by lidocaine patch for 4-week intervals (group 1) or a lidocaine-then-placebo patch sequence. The primary outcome measure was mean reduction in average neck pain, with a positive categorical outcome designated as a reduction of at least 2 points in average neck pain coupled with at least a 5-point score of 7 points on the Patient Global Impression of Change scale at the 4-week endpoint. RESULTS: For the primary outcome, the median reduction in average neck pain score was -1.0 (interquartile range, -2.0, 0.0) for the lidocaine phase versus -0.5 (interquartile range, -2.0, 0.0) for placebo treatment (P = 0.17). During lidocaine treatment, 27.7% of patients experienced a positive outcome versus 14.9% during the placebo phase (P = 0.073). There were no significant differences between treatments for secondary outcomes, although a carryover effect on pain pressure threshold was observed for the lidocaine phase (P = 0.015). A total of 27.5% of patients in the lidocaine group and 20.5% in the placebo group experienced minor reactions, the most common of which was pruritis (P = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: The differences favoring lidocaine were small and nonsignificant, but the trend toward superiority of lidocaine suggests more aggressive phenotyping and applying formulations with greater penetrance may provide clinically meaningful benefit.

Innate immune response of rainbow trout erythrocytes to spinycterins expressing a downsized viral fragment of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus.

Recent studies have reported on the importance of RBCs in fish responses to viral infections and DNA vaccines. Surface-displaying recombinant bacterins (spinycterins) are a safe and adaptable prototype for viral vaccination of fish and represent an alternative method of aquaculture prophylaxis, since have been reported to enhance fish immune response. We evaluated the innate immune response of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) red blood cells (RBCs), head kidney, and spleen to spinycterins expressing a fragment of the glycoprotein G of viral haemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), one of the most devastating world-wide diseases in farmed salmonids. We first selected an immunorelevant downsized viral fragment of VHSV glycoprotein G (frg16252-450). Then, spinycterins expressing frg16252-450 fused to Nmistic anchor-motif (Nmistic+frg16252-450) were compared to spinycterins expressing frg16252-450 internally without the anchor motif. Nmistic+frg16252-450 spinycterins showed increased attachment to RBCs in vitro and modulated the expression of interferon- and antigen presentation-related genes in RBCs in vitro and in vivo, after intravenous injection. In contrast, the head kidney and spleen of fish injected with frg16252-450, but not Nmistic+frg16252-450, spinycterins demonstrated upregulation of interferon and antigen-presenting genes. Intravenous injection of Nmistic+frg16252-450 spinycterins resulted in a higher innate immune response in RBCs while frg16252-450 spinycterins increased the immune response in head kidney and spleen. Although more studies are required to evaluate the practicality of using spinycterins as fish viral vaccines, these results highlight the important contribution of RBCs to the fish innate immune response to antiviral prophylactics.

The technology in cryotechnology.

The process of freezing biological material at extremely low temperatures is known as cryopreservation. To ensure the preservation of cells and tissues over an extended period of time, low temperatures are applied since biological processes, including the biochemical ones, come to a halt under cryogenic conditions and thus it is possible to maintain their structural and functional integrity. The field of cryopreservation gained more prominence in the 20th century and emerged as an unavoidable technology for different applications such as cell therapy, tissue engineering, or assisted fertilization. In this work we provide an overview of various technologies in the field of cryotechnology with regard to the freezing, storage and thawing of living cells. The first part covers the freezing process, starting with cryoprotective agents regarding their protection mechanisms and compositions, passing by cryo-imaging, micro-fluidic systems, and the currently available freezing and biobanking equipment. The second part focusses on the thawing process as well as the hypothermic preservation for the short-term storage of biological materials and constructs. Doi.org/10.54680/fr23610110112.

Preliminary survey of the occurrence of mycotoxins in cereals and estimated exposure in a northwestern region of Mexico.

Mycotoxins have several toxicological implications. In the present study, we evaluate the presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and fumonisin (FB1) in paddy rice, polished rice, and maize from the fields and markets in Nayarit State (Mexico). The results indicated the presence of AFB1 in 21.21% of paddy rice samples and 11.11% of market maize samples. OTA was present in only 3.03% (one sample) of paddy rice samples. FB1 was detected in 87.50% and 88.88% of maize samples from field and market, respectively. The estimated human exposure was calculated for FB1 using the probable daily intake (PDI), which suggested that FB1 could contribute to the development of diseases through the consumption of contaminated maize. Positive samples indicated that some rice and maize samples were not suitable for human consumption. Further efforts are needed to continue monitoring mycotoxins and update national legislation on mycotoxins accordingly.

Angular Momentum Removal by Neutron and γ-Ray Emissions during Fission Fragment Decays.

We investigate the angular momentum removal from fission fragments (FFs) through neutron and γ-ray emission, finding that about half the neutrons are emitted with angular momenta ≥1.5ℏ and that the change in angular momentum after the emission of neutrons and statistical γ rays is significant, contradicting usual assumptions. Per fission event, in our simulations, the neutron and statistical γ-ray emissions change the spin of the fragment by 3.5-5ℏ, with a large standard deviation comparable to the average value. Such wide angular momentum removal distributions can hide any underlying correlations in the fission fragment initial spin values. Within our model, we reproduce data on spin measurements from discrete transitions after neutron emissions, especially in the case of light FFs. The agreement further improves for the heavy fragments if one removes from the analysis the events that would produce isomeric states. Finally, we show that while in our model the initial FF spins do not follow a sawtoothlike behavior observed in recent measurements, the average FF spin computed after neutron and statistical γ emissions exhibits a shape that resembles a sawtooth. This suggests that the average FF spin measured after statistical emissions is not necessarily connected with the scission mechanism as previously implied.

Hyaluronic acid treatment outcome on the post-extraction wound healing in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled split-mouth study.

BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid is widely used in the medical field. However, there is a lack of research about its effect on patients with certain risks, such as compromised wound healing commonly found in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of hyaluronic acid on the post-extraction wound healing and pain in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The randomized controlled split-mouth study was designed, which included 30 patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes with a bilaterally same teeth in the lower jaw for extraction. The sockets treated with 0.8% hyaluronic acid represented the study group, while the sockets where hyaluronic acid was not applied represented the control group. Wound closure rate (WCR), clinical scores in wound healing scale (WHS) and pain intensity in Visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded. Patients were followed up on 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th day after tooth extraction. RESULTS: The results showed a higher WCR at the extraction site where hyaluronic acid was applied. Also, statistically significant difference was found (p< 0.001). In regards to WHS, the sockets treated with hyaluronic acid showed better healing, especially on day 10 (p=0.006) and day 15 (p=0.021). However, there were no statistically significant differences in VAS scores between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hyaluronic acid placed in post-extraction socket in patients with poorly controlled diabetes may improve wound healing, especially in the first days after application.

Nanocrystallite-liquid phase transition in porous matrices with chemically functionalized surfaces.

Nanocrystallite-liquid phase transitions are studied for 1-octadecene confined in the pores of chemically functionalized silica gels. These silica gels possess similar fractal geometries of the pore system but differ in chemical termination of the surface, specific surface area (F) and pore volume (V). Linear dependencies of the melting temperature and specific melting heat on the F/V ratio are found for a series of silica gels with identical surface termination. A thermodynamic model based on experimental data is established, which explains the observed shift of the phase transition parameters for porous matrices with different surface chemistries. In addition, this model allows evaluation of actual changes in nanocrystallite density, surface tension and entropy upon melting.

Phylogenetic analyses of Chlamydia psittaci ompA gene sequences from captive blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) with hepatic disease in Brazil.

Chlamydia psittaci was detected in 152 (72%) blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva, parrot from the Psittacidae family) out of a population of 212 that died during 2009-2011 in a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Minas Gerais, Brazil, following rescue from illegal wildlife trafficking. The macroscopic changes observed in these animals were hepatomegaly with multifocal white foci visible at the serosal surfaces of the liver, and extending into the parenchyma, and splenomegaly. The microscopic lesions observed in the liver included multifocal to coalescing miliary necrosis of hepatocytes with infiltration by heterophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells. In the spleen, loss of the normal architecture and infiltration by macrophages and plasma cells were observed. Stained tissue sections (Gimenez technique) revealed small round clusters suggestive of C. psittaci (reticulate bodies) in the cytoplasm of macrophages from the liver and spleen. Nine sequences of segments of the ompA gene, obtained from different individuals, were randomly selected for sequencing. The phylogenetic analyses showed that all strains clustered with genotype A, which is the most virulent genotype for birds. This genotype is involved in mortality of psittacines, is easily transmitted in captivity and represents a problem for successful rehabilitation. The results indicate the necessity to improve biosecurity in triage and to provide individual personal protection for professionals and caretakers.

Chlamydia psittaci a été détectée chez 152 (72 %) amazones à front bleu (Amazona aestiva, perroquet de la famille des Psittacidés) sur un total de 212 individus rescapés du trafic illégal et décédés en 2009 et 2011 dans un centre de sauvetage et de réhabilitation de la faune sauvage à Minas Gerais (Brésil). Les modifications macroscopiques observées sur ces oiseaux étaient une hépatomégalie avec des foyers blancs multifocaux visibles sur les surfaces séreuses du foie et s'étendant dans le parenchyme, et une splénomégalie. Les lésions microscopiques observées dans le foie comprenaient une nécrose miliaire multifocale à coalescente des hépatocytes avec infiltration d'hétérophiles, de lymphocytes et de plasmocytes. Dans la rate, une perte de l'architecture normale et l'infiltration de macrophages et de plasmocytes ont été observées. La coloration de coupes de tissus (technique de Gimenez) a révélé de petites grappes rondes évoquant C. psittaci (corps réticulés) dans le cytoplasme des macrophages du foie et de la rate. Neuf produits segmentés d'une partie du gène ompA, obtenus de différents individus, ont été sélectionnés de manière aléatoire pour le séquençage. Les analyses phylogénétiques ont montré que toutes les souches se regroupaient dans le génotype A, qui est le plus virulent pour les oiseaux. Ce génotype est responsable de cas de mortalité chez les psittacidés et se transmet facilement en captivité, ce qui représente un risque pour la réussite des opérations de réhabilitation. Au vu de ces résultats, les auteurs soulignent la nécessité d'améliorer la biosécurité lors du tri des animaux dans les centres de soins et de fournir une protection individuelle aux professionnels et aux gardiens.

Se detectó Chlamydia psittaci en 152 (72%) amazonas frentiazules (Amazona aestiva, loro de la familia Psittacidae) de un total de 212 que murieron durante 2009­2011 en un centro de rescate y rehabilitación de fauna silvestre de Minas Gerais, Brasil, tras haber sido rescatadas del tráfico ilegal. Los cambios macroscópicos que se observaron en estos animales fueron hepatomegalia con focos blancos multifocales visibles en las superficies serosas del hígado y que se extendían hacia el parénquima, y esplenomegalia. Las lesiones microscópicas observadas en el hígado consistieron en necrosis miliar multifocal a coalescente de hepatocitos con infiltración de heterófilos, linfocitos y células plasmáticas. En el bazo, se observó pérdida de la arquitectura normal y infiltración de macrófagos y células plasmáticas. Cortes de tejido teñidos (con la técnica de Giménez) revelaron pequeños racimos redondos que sugerían la presencia de C. psittaci (cuerpos reticulados) en el citoplasma de macrófagos del hígado y del bazo. A partir de distintos individuos, se escogieron aleatoriamente nueve segmentos del gen ompA para ser secuenciados. Los análisis filogenéticos mostraron que todas las cepas correspondían al genotipo A, que es el más virulento para las aves. Este genotipo está involucrado en la mortalidad de psitácidas, se transmite fácilmente en cautiverio y supone un riesgo para el éxito de la rehabilitación. Los resultados indican la necesidad de mejorar la bioseguridad en el triaje y de procurar protección personal individual a profesionales y cuidadores.

Short-Term Effects on Agricultural Soils Irrigated with Reclaimed Water in Baja California, México.

In 2014 reclaimed water (RW) started to be used for agricultural irrigation of 200 ha in Maneadero Valley, Baja California, Mexico. The RW had relatively high electrical conductivity (4-5 dS m-1), and K+, Mg2+, PO43- and Cl- concentrations relative to irrigation guidelines. However, no accumulation of these elements, nor total nitrogen, was observed in the studied soils. The main effect of RW irrigation was the downcore leaching of Cl- and Na+ below 120 cm, causing an increase in electrical conductivity in the lower soil horizons. Al, Fe and Zn showed a twofold to eightfold accumulation in the top soil layer after 2 years. Moderate to severe chemical clogging of dripping systems and potential biological clogging are likely to occur. Mexican national guidelines for the reuse of RW do not take into account specific variables that could change the quality of agricultural soil or lead to clogging of drip irrigation systems.

The effectiveness of decompression as initial treatment for jaw cysts: A 10-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Decompression is an approved alternative to cystectomy in the treatment of jaw cysts. This study aimed to evaluate its effectiveness as an initial procedure, as well as factors with potential to influence outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: the frequency of decompression was analysed, whether completed in one session or followed by enucleation at the Division of Oral Surgery and Orthodontics, Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Medical University of Graz, from 2005 to 2015. Further analysis focussed on factors potentially influencing outcome: cyst location, histopathology, means of preserving the cyst opening, cyst size, patient age. RESULTS: In all, 53 patients with 55 jaw cysts (mean age of 35.1) were treated by initial decompression in the ten-year period. In the majority of cases, histopathological analysis revealed a follicular cyst (43.6%), followed by odontogenic keratocysts (23.7%), radicular cysts (21.8%), residual cysts (7.3%) and nasopalatine cysts (3.6%) Treatment was completed with a single decompression in 45.5% of the cases. Among those, 72.0% were follicular cysts and 8.0% odontogenic keratocysts. Subsequent enucleation was needed in 54.5% of all cases, with a majority in the keratocystic group (36.7%). Histological findings, means of keeping the cyst open, and patient age were found to influence the effectiveness of decompression. CONCLUSIONS: Decompression could be performed as a procedure completed in one session or combined with subsequent enucleation, mainly dependent on histopathological findings. Subsequent enucleation of odontogenic keratocysts is highly recommended.

Successful desensitization to cloxacillin in a patient with sepsis, with infective endocarditis and clinical suspicion of hypersensitivity to penicillins, a case report.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Beta-lactam antibiotic (BLA) therapy is frequently needed to treat infective endocarditis (IE). Hypersensitive reactions to BLA restrict BLA therapy in allergic patients. In the current case, we aim to describe the utility of desensitization (DS) in this context. Although the evidence is limited, DS is recommended. CASE DESCRIPTION: This case report deals with a 79-year-old woman with a clinical suspicion of allergy to BLA and a methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) IE. A cloxacillin DS protocol was developed to enable treatment with cloxacillin. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Alternative antibiotic treatments may be less effective or not available in MSSA IE. In this case report, DS allowed optimal cloxacillin treatment.

Long-term abiraterone withdrawal syndrome.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Abiraterone acetate (AA) is an androgen receptor axis inhibitor, indicated together with prednisone, for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Withdrawal syndrome for classical antiandrogen treatments is well known, but not so known for AA. Abiraterone withdrawal syndrome (AWS) could be related to simultaneous prednisone discontinuation or to an androgenic effect of AA metabolites. CASE DESCRIPTION: A case is described of a patient with long-term AWS without prednisone discontinuation. The clinical and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response allowed an 8-month delay in docetaxel treatment. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Prednisone did not play a role in AWS in this case. The long-term response allowed a delay in future treatment.

Response of Caligus rogercresseyi (Boxshall & Bravo, 2000) to treatment with Hydrogen Peroxide: Recovery of parasites, fish infestation and egg viability under experimental conditions.

Hydrogen peroxide (HP) is used to remove C. rogercresseyi from fish but little is known about its effect on this species. This study determined EC50 and concentration immobilizing 100% of specimens, capacity of parasites exposed to HP to recover and infest fish, and effect on survival into the copepodid stage. EC50 and concentration immobilizing 100% of specimens were estimated by exposing parasites for 20 min to 11 concentrations and evaluating effect at 1 and 24 h post-exposure. Capacity to recover and infest fish, and survival into copepodid were evaluated by exposing parasites and eggs to HP for 20 min. Recovery and fish infestation were evaluated at 25 and 24 h post-exposure, respectively. Eggs were grown until control reached the copepodid stage and survival calculated. EC50 was 709.8 ppm.100% immobilization was obtained at 825 ppm. Male and female recover 0.5 and 1 h post-exposure, respectively. Percentage of parasites exposed and not exposed to HP that were recovered on fish was not significantly different. Survival to copepodid was lower in those exposed to HP. HP effect is greater on copepodids, but 100% of the mobile stages are immobilized under 825 ppm causing detachment from fish and potentially driven away, reducing infestation risk.

Sensitivity assessment of sea lice to chemotherapeutants: Current bioassays and best practices.

Traditional bioassays are still necessary to test sensitivity of sea lice species to chemotherapeutants, but the methodology applied by the different scientists has varied over time in respect to that proposed in "Sea lice resistance to chemotherapeutants: A handbook in resistance management" (2006). These divergences motivated the organization of a workshop during the Sea Lice 2016 conference "Standardization of traditional bioassay process by sharing best practices." There was an agreement by the attendants to update the handbook. The objective of this article is to provide a baseline analysis of the methodology for traditional bioassays and to identify procedures that need to be addressed to standardize the protocol. The methodology was divided into the following steps: bioassay design; material and equipment; sea lice collection, transportation and laboratory reception; preparation of dilution; parasite exposure; response evaluation; data analysis; and reporting. Information from the presentations of the workshop, and also from other studies, allowed for the identification of procedures inside a given step that need to be standardized as they were reported to be performed differently by the different working groups. Bioassay design and response evaluation were the targeted steps where more procedures need to be analysed and agreed upon.

Allergenome characterization of the mosquito Aedes aegypti.

BACKGROUND: Saliva and muscle-derived mosquito allergens have been purified and characterized. However, the complete set of allergens remains to be elucidated. In this study, we identified and characterized IgE-binding proteins from the mosquito species Aedes aegypti. METHODS: Serum was obtained from 15 allergic individuals with asthma and/or rhinitis and sensitized to mosquito. IgE binding was determined by ELISA. Total proteins from freeze-dried bodies of A. aegypti were extracted and IgE-reactive proteins were identified by 2D gel electrophoresis, followed by Western blot with pooled or individual sera. IgE-reactive spots were further characterized by mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Twenty-five IgE-reactive spots were identified, corresponding to 10 different proteins, some of which appeared as different variants or isoforms. Heat-shock cognate 70 (HSC-70) and tropomyosin showed IgE reactivity with 60% of the sera, lysosomal aspartic protease, and "AAEL006070-PA" (Uniprot: Q177P3) with 40% and the other proteins with <33.3% of the sera. Different variants or isoforms of tropomyosin, arginine or creatine kinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), calcium-binding protein, and phosphoglycerate mutase were also identified. The mixture of three allergens (Aed a 6, Aed a 8, and Aed a 10) seems to identify more than 80% of A. aegypti-sensitized individuals, indicating that these allergens should be considered when designing of improved mosquito allergy diagnostic tools. CONCLUSIONS: The newly identified allergens may play a role in the pathophysiology of mosquito allergy in the tropics, and some of them might be important arthropod-related proteins involved in cross-reactivity between A. aegypti and other allergenic arthropods.

Modelling the effect of pH and water activity in the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from corn silage.

AIMS: The aim of this work was to use mathematical kinetic modelling to assess the combined effects of aW, pH, O2 availability and temperature on the growth rate and time to growth of Aspergillus fumigatus strains isolated from corn silage. METHODS AND RESULTS: A full factorial design was used in which two factors were assayed: pH and aW . The aW levels assayed were 0·80, 0·85, 0·90, 0·92, 0·94, 0·96, 0·98 and 0·99. The levels of pH assayed were 3·5, 4, 4·5, 5, 6, 7, 7·5 and 8. The assay was performed at normal oxygen tension at 25 and 37°C, and at reduced oxygen tension at 25°C. Two strains of A. fumigatus isolated from corn silage were used. Kinetic models were built to predict growth of the strain under the assayed conditions. The cardinal models gave a good quality fit for radial growth rate data. The results indicate that the environmental conditions which take place during silage production, while limiting the growth of most micro-organisms, would not be able to control A. fumigatus. Moreover, pH levels in silage, far from limiting its growth, are also close to its optimum. Carbon dioxide at 5% in the environment did not significantly affect its growth. CONCLUSIONS: A need for a further and controlled acidification of the silage exists, as no growth of A. fumigatus was observed at pH 3·5, as long as the organoleptic characteristics of the silage are not much compromised. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the major opportunistic pathogens able to cause illness such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, aspergilloma and invasive aspergillosis to rural workers. Exposure of animals to A. fumigatus spores can result in infections, particularly in those organs exposed to external invasion, such as the airways, mammary gland and uterus at birth.

Exploring polyamine metabolism of Alternaria alternata to target new substances to control the fungal infection.

Polyamines are essential for all living organisms as they are involved in several vital cell functions. The biosynthetic pathway of polyamines and its regulation is well established and, in this sense, the ornithine descarboxylase (ODC) enzyme acts as one of the controlling factors of the entire pathway. In this work we assessed the inhibition of the ODC with D, l-α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) on Alternaria alternata and we observed that fungal growth and mycotoxin production were reduced. This inhibition was not completely restored by the addition of exogenous putrescine. Actually, increasing concentrations of putrescine on the growth media negatively affected mycotoxin production, which was corroborated by the downregulation of pksJ and altR, both genes involved in mycotoxin biosynthesis. We also studied the polyamine metabolism of A. alternata with the goal of finding new targets that compromise its growth and its mycotoxin production capacity. In this sense, we tested two different polyamine analogs, AMXT-2455 and AMXT-3016, and we observed that they partially controlled A. alternata's viability in vitro and in vivo using tomato plants. Finding strategies to design new fungicide substances is becoming a matter of interest as resistance problems are emerging.

Targeting Fusarium graminearum control via polyamine enzyme inhibitors and polyamine analogs.

Fusarium graminearum not only reduces yield and seed quality but also constitutes a risk to public or animal health owing to its ability to contaminate grains with mycotoxins. Resistance problems are emerging and control strategies based on new targets are needed. Polyamines have a key role in growth, development and differentiation. In this work, the possibility of using polyamine metabolism as a target to control F. graminearum has been assessed. It was found that putrescine induces mycotoxin production, correlating with an over expression of TRI5 and TRI6 genes. In addition, a homolog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae TPO4 involved in putrescine excretion was up-regulated as putrescine concentration increased while DUR3 and SAM3 homologues, involved in putrescine uptake, were down-regulated. When 2.5 mM D, l-α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) was added to the medium, DON production decreased from 3.2 to 0.06 ng/mm(2) of colony and growth was lowered by up to 70 per cent. However, exogenous putrescine could overcome DFMO effects. Five polyamine transport inhibitors were also tested against F. graminearum. AMXT-1505 was able to completely inhibit in vitro growth and DON production. Additionally, AMXT-1505 blocked F. graminearum growth in inoculated wheat spikes reducing DON mycotoxin contamination from 76.87 µg/g to 0.62 µg/g.

[Invasive disease due to Streptococcus pyogenes in a patient with A H1N1 influenza infection. Report of one case]. / Enfermedad invasora por Streptococcus pyogenes como coinfección en un paciente con influenza A H1N1.

Bacterial superinfection is a known complication among patients affected by viral respiratory tract infections. Streptococcus pyogenes, a major bacterial agent involved in acute tonsillopharyngitis, skin and soft tissue infections, was reported as a co-infecting microorganism during the 2009 A H1N1 influenza pandemic. We report a 65-year-old male patient who evolved with multifocal pneumonia and multiple organ failure with a fatal outcome. Influenza A H1N1 was detected by a polymerase chain reaction-based technique from a tracheal aspirate sample. S. pyogenes was identified by a rapid test from a nasopharyngeal sample and isolated afterwards from a positive blood culture.

Overexpression of the activated form of the AtAREB1 gene (AtAREB1ΔQT) improves soybean responses to water deficit.

Abscisic acid-responsive element binding protein (AREB1) is a basic domain/leucine zipper transcription factor that binds to the abscisic acid (ABA)-responsive element motif in the promoter region of ABA-inducible genes. Because AREB1 is not sufficient to direct the expression of downstream genes under non-stress conditions, an activated form of AREB1 (AREB1ΔQT) was created. Several reports claim that plants overexpressing AREB1 or AREB1ΔQT show improved drought tolerance. In our studies, soybean plants overexpressing AREB1ΔQT were characterized molecularly, and the phenotype and drought response of three lines were accessed under greenhouse conditions. Under conditions of water deficit, the transformed plants presented a higher survival rate (100%) than those of their isoline, cultivar BR 16 (40%). Moreover, the transformed plants displayed better water use efficiency and had a higher number of leaves than their isoline. Because the transgenic plants had higher stomatal conductance than its isoline under well-watered conditions, it was suggested that the enhanced drought response of AREB1ΔQT soybean plants might not be associated with altered transpiration rates mediated by ABA-dependent stomatal closure. However, it is possible that the smaller leaf area of the transgenic plants reduced their transpiration and water use, causing delayed stress onset. The difference in the degree of wilting and percentage of survival between the 35S-AREB1ΔQT and wildtype plants may also be related to the regulation of genes that protect against dehydration because metabolic impairment of photosynthesis, deduced by an increasing internal CO2 concentration, was not observed in the transgenic plants.