Nitrogen and Silicon Contribute to Wheat Defense's to Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, but in an Independent Manner.

Nitrogen (N) and silicon (Si) are mineral elements that have shown a reduction in the damage caused by tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Ptr)) in wheat. However, the effects of these elements were studied separately, and the N and Si interaction effect on wheat resistance to tan spot remains elusive. Histocytological and biochemical defense responses against Ptr in wheat leaves treated with Si (+Si) at low (LN) and high N (HN) inputs were investigated. Soil amendment with Si reduced the tan spot severity in 18% due to the increase in the leaf Si concentration (around 30%), but it was affected by the N level used. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was higher in +Si plants and inoculated with Ptr, leading to early and higher H2O2 and callose accumulation in wheat leaf. Interestedly, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity was induced by the Si supplying, being negatively affected by the HN rate. Meanwhile, catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX) activities showed differential response patterns according to the Si and N rates used. Tan spot severity was reduced by both elements, but their interaction does not evidence synergic effects in this disease's control. Wheat plants from -Si and HN and +Si and LN treatments recorded lower tan spot severity.

Uso de antiepilépticos en niños hospitalizados en el Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell / Use of antiepileptic drugs in children hospitalized at the Pereira Rossell Pediatric Hospital / Uso de drogas antiepilépticas em crianças internadas no Hospital Pediátrico Pereira Rossell

Introducción: indicaciones off label, estrecho margen terapéutico, variabilidad farmacocinética, interacciones farmacológicas constituyen algunos de los problemas a abordar en el uso crónico de antiepilépticos (AE). Caracterizar su perfil de uso es necesario para promover su prescripción racional. Objetivo: Describir el perfil de uso de AE en menores de 15 años hospitalizados en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell entre 1/07/2020 y 31/12/2020. Material y método: estudio descriptivo, de menores de 15 años hospitalizados en cuidados moderados en tratamiento con AE. Variables: tipo y número de AE, motivo de la indicación, vía de administración, dosis, uso asociado con psicofármacos, adherencia. Resultados: recibían AE 113 pacientes, mediana edad 7 años, 50,4% sexo femenino. Motivo de la indicación: epilepsia (grupo A) 50,4% y otras patologías (grupo B) 49,6%. Mediana de edad: 2,7 años grupo A vs. 11,5 años grupo B. El AE más indicado fue levetiracetam en el grupo A (35%) y ácido valproico en el grupo B (35,7%). La asociación con psicofármacos se registró en 8,7% grupo A vs. 44,6% en el grupo B. Conclusiones: predominó el uso de levetiracetam en pacientes epilépticos. La mitad de los pacientes recibieron AE para patologías diferentes a la epilepsia, mayoritariamente psiquiátricas. En este grupo predominó el uso de ácido valproico. El análisis de esta serie permite una aproximación al conocimiento del perfil de uso de AE en los niños asistidos en este centro, y por tanto de los principales problemas a abordar. Futuros estudios multicéntricos con población ambulatoria son necesarios para mejorar el conocimiento y contribuir al uso racional de los mismos.

Introduction: off-label prescription, narrow therapeutic margin, pharmacokinetic variability, drug interaction, are some of the problems to consider in the chronic use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). It is necessary to characterize their utilization profile in order to promote rational prescription. Objective: to describe the utilization profile of AEDs in children under 15 years of age hospitalized at the Pereira Rossell Pediatric Hospital from 7/01/2020 to 12/31/2020. Material and Methods: descriptive study of children under 15 years of age hospitalized in moderate care units receiving treatment with AEDs. Variables: type and number of AEDs, reason for the prescription, dose, associated use of psychotropic drugs, compliance. Results: 113 patients received AEDs, median age 7 years, 50.4% females. Reason for prescription; epi- lepsy (group A) 50.4%, other pathologies (group B) 49.6%. Median age in group A 2.7 years, versus 1.1.5 years in group B. Most frequently prescribed AEDs was levetiracetam in group A (35%) and valproic acid in group B (37,7%). Association with psychotropic drugs was present in 8.7% of group A versus 44.6% of group B. Conclusions: levetiracem use was predominant in epileptic patients. Half of the patients received AEDs for pathologies other than epilepsy, mostly psychiatric. In this group the use of valproic acid was predominant. Analysis of this series enables an approximation to the understanding of the profile of AEDs use in children assisted at this Hospital, and there- fore an approximation to the problems to be considered. Future multicenter studies with an outpatient population are necessary to expand our knowledge and to contribute to a rational use of these drugs.

Introdução: indicações off-label, margem terapêutica estreita, variabilidade farmacocinética, interações farmacológicas são alguns dos problemas a serem abordados no uso crônico de drogas antiepilépticas (EA). Caracterizar seu perfil de uso é necessário para promover sua prescrição racional. Objetivo: descrever o perfil de utilização da AE em crianças menores de 15 anos internadas no Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell entre 01/07/2020 e 31/12/2020. Material e Métodos: estudo descritivo de crianças menores de 15 anos internadas em cuidados moderados em tratamento de EA. Variáveis: tipo e número de EAs, motivo da indicação, via de administração, dose, uso associado a psicotrópicos, adesão. Resultados: 113 pacientes receberam EA, com meia idade de 7 anos, 50,4% do sexo feminino. Motivo da indicação: epilepsia (grupo A) 50,4% e outras patologias (grupo B) 49,6%. Mediana de idade: 2,7 anos grupo A vs. 11,5 anos grupo B. O EA mais indicado foi Levetiracetam no grupo A (35%) e ácido valpróico no grupo B (35,7%). A associação com psicotrópicos foi registrada em 8,7% do grupo A vs. 44,6% no grupo B. Conclusões: o uso de Levetiracetam em pacientes epilépticos predominou. A metade dos pacientes recebeu AE por outras patologias que não foram a epilepsia, principalmente psiquiátricas. Nesse grupo, predominou o uso do ácido valpróico. A análise desta série permite aproximar o conhecimento do perfil de uso da AE nas crianças atendidas nesse centro e, portanto, a aproximação aos principais problemas a serem abordados. Futuros estudos multicêntricos com população ambulatorial são necessários para aprimorar o conhecimento e contribuir para sua utilização racional.

Efectos del confinamiento sobre los hábitos saludables de adolescentes durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Effects of confinement on the healthy habits of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic / Efeitos do confinamento nos hábitos saudáveis dos adolescentes durante a pandemia de COVID-19

Introducción: en marzo de 2020, en Uruguay se decretó la emergencia sanitaria al detectarse los primeros casos de infección por SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). El confinamiento domiciliario voluntario fue una de las medidas de salud pública adoptadas en el control de la pandemia. Objetivo: describir el efecto del confinamiento sobre los hábitos de sueño, alimentación y actividad física de adolescentes de Montevideo y Canelones durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Metodología: encuesta elaborada ad hoc, voluntaria, anónima, online y autoadministrada a adolescentes de 12 a 19 años, usuarios de CASMU, CRAMI, COMECA y Asociación Española, entre el 1 de junio y el 1 de julio de 2020. Se aplicaron cuestionarios validados para evaluar sueño, alimentación y actividad física. Resultados: se encuestaron 465 adolescentes, 70,1% mujeres y 48,2% de adolescencia media. Refirieron permanecer más de 6 horas al día conectados a internet y al celular 58,3% y 42,4%, respectivamente. La convivencia durante el confinamiento resultó agradable en la mayoría. El 76% refirió dormir menos de 9 horas/día. Señaló un consumo adecuado de frutas 6%, verduras 5,8% y lácteos 32,2%. El porcentaje de adolescentes activos descendió de 30,7% previo a la pandemia a 19,7% durante la misma. A la pregunta "¿cuál es la primera palabra que te viene a la mente cuando escuchas pandemia de COVID-19?" la mayoría brindó respuestas negativas. Conclusiones: las medidas de confinamiento no se asociaron con problemas importantes en la convivencia familiar en este grupo de adolescentes. Se observó una profundización de los problemas en los hábitos de alimentación, actividad física, sueño que favorecen el "ambiente obesogénico" y el riesgo de desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Resulta relevante considerar el impacto negativo del confinamiento y planificar las medidas preventivas tendientes a mitigar sus efectos.

Introduction: in March 2020, a Health Emergency was decreed in Uruguay when the first cases of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19) infection were detected. Voluntary home confinement was one of the public health measures adopted in theto control the pandemic. Objectives: describe the effects of confinement on sleep, eating and exercise habits of adolescents assisted by private health providers in Montevideo and Canelones during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: ad hoc, voluntary, anonymous, online and self-administered survey to adolescents of 12 to 19 years of age, users of CASMU, CRAMI, COMECA and Asociación Española HMOs, between June 1 and July 1, 2020. Validated questionnaires were applied to assess sleep, diet and exercise habits. Results: 465 adolescents were surveyed, 70.1% women and 48.2% in mid-adolescence. They reported having been connected to Internet and cell phone more than 6 hours a day, 58.3% and 42.4%, respectively. Coexistence during confinement was mostly pleasant. 76% reported sleeping less than 9 hours/day. They reported an appropriate consumption of fruit 6%, vegetables 5.8% and dairy 32.2%. The percentage of active adolescents fell from 30.7% before the pandemic to 19.7% during the pandemic. To the question, What is the first word that comes to mind when you hear about the COVID-19 pandemic? most gave negative responses. Conclusions: confinement measures were not linked to important problems regarding coexistence with relatives in this group of adolescents. We observed a worsening of the eating, exercise and sleep habits, which may favor the "obesogenic environment" and increase the risk of developing chronic non-communicable diseases. It is relevant to consider the negative impact of confinement and plan preventive measures aimed at mitigating its effects.

Introdução: em março de 2020, a Emergência Sanitária foi decretada no Uruguai quando foram detectados os primeiros casos de infecção por SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19). O confinamento domiciliar voluntário foi uma das medidas de saúde pública adotadas para controlar a pandemia. Objetivo: descrever o efeito do confinamento nos hábitos de sono, alimentação e atividade física de adolescentes em Montevidéu e Canelones durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Metodologia: inquérito ad hoc, voluntário, anônimo, online e autoadministrado a adolescentes de 12 a 19 anos de idade atendido pelas prestadoras CASMU, CRAMI, COMECA e Associação Espanhola, entre 1 de junho e 1 de julho de 2020. Foram aplicados questionários validados para avaliar os seus hábitos de sono, alimentação e atividade física. Resultados: foram pesquisados 465 adolescentes, 70,1% mulheres e 48,2% na adolescência média. 58,3% e 42,4%, respectivamente, relataram ficar mais de 6 horas por dia conectados à internet e ao celular. A convivência durante o confinamento foi agradável para a maioria. 76% relataram dormir menos de 9 horas/dia. 6% deles indicou consumo adequado de frutas, vegetais 5,8% e laticínios 32,2%. O percentual de adolescentes ativos caiu de 30,7% antes da pandemia para 19,7% durante ela. Quando perguntados: Qual é a primeira palavra que vem à mente quando você ouve a pandemia do COVID-19? a maioria forneceu respostas negativas. Conclusões: as medidas de confinamento não estiveram associadas a problemas importantes na vida familiar neste grupo de adolescentes. Observou-se aprofundamento dos problemas nos hábitos alimentares, de exercício físico e de sono que favorecem o "ambiente obesogênico" e o risco de desenvolver doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. É relevante considerar o impacto negativo do confinamento e planejar medidas preventivas visando mitigar seus efeitos.

Síndrome de Hamman: a propósito de un caso / Hamman Syndrome, a case study / Sindrome de Hamman, relato de caso

Introducción: el síndrome de Hamman es la aparición de neumomediastino espontáneo asociado a enfisema, patología poco frecuente en pediatría. Sus síntomas principales son dolor torácico agudo, disnea y enfisema subcutáneo. Objetivo: describir una experiencia clínica en la que se sospechó este síndrome analizando el proceso diagnóstico, estudios complementarios y el tratamiento. Caso clínico: varón de 4 años, con antecedentes personales de laringitis a repetición. Presenta laringitis aguda severa, requirió ventilación no invasiva por 12 horas. A las 24 horas del ingreso instaló de forma brusca estridor inspiratorio, dificultad respiratoria, edema de cuello y cara con crepitación a nivel de cuello y cara anterior del tórax que se fue extendiendo a ambos brazos. Se realiza radiografía de tórax que evidencia enfisema subcutáneo extenso. Se realiza tomografía de cuello y tórax que descarta lesión en vía aérea. Con el planteo de síndrome de Hamman en un niño que presentaba como factor predisponente el episodio de laringitis aguda, se decidió no continuar con estudios complementarios. Se realizó tratamiento fisiopatológico con buena evolución clínica. Alta a la semana del ingreso. Conclusiones: el diagnóstico en la urgencia del neumomediastino espontáneo puede representar un desafío, con una variedad de diagnósticos diferenciales potencialmente mortales. La alta sospecha permitirá realizar una evaluación clínica e imagenológica adecuada que permitan confirmar su diagnóstico y evitar procedimientos invasivos innecesarios.

Introduction: Hamman's syndrome involves the appearance of spontaneous pneumomediastinum associated with emphysema, a rare pathology in pediatrics. Its main symptoms include acute chest pain, dyspnea and subcutaneous emphysema. Objective: to describe a clinical case of this suspected syndrome by analyzing the diagnostic process, supplementary studies, and treatment. Clinical case: 4-year-old male with personal history of repeated laryngitis. He presented severe acute laryngitis, requiring non-invasive ventilation for 12 hours. Twenty-four hours after admission he developed abrupt inspiratory stridency, respiratory distress, neck, and face edema with crepitation at neck level and front of thorax spreading to both arms. A chest X-ray shows extensive subcutaneous emphysema. A neck and chest CT scan rules out airway injury. With the suggestion of Hamman's syndrome in a child who presented acute laryngitis as a predisposing factor the episode, it was decided not to continue with additional studies. Physio-pathological treatment was carried out with good clinical evolution. He was discharged a week after admission. Conclusions: diagnosis of spontaneous pneumomediastinum can be challenging in an emergency setting and having a variety of potentially life-threatening differential diagnoses. High suspicion levels will enable an adequate clinical and imaging assessment to confirm its diagnosis and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.

Introdução: síndrome de Hammam é o aparecimento de pneumomediastino espontâneo associado ao enfisema, uma patologia rara na pediatria. Seus principais sintomas são dor aguda no peito, dispneia e enfisema subcutâneo. Objetivo: descrever um caso clínico com suspeita dessa síndrome por meio da análise do processo diagnóstico, estudos complementares e tratamento. Caso clínico: menino de 4 anos com histórico pessoal de laringite recorrente. Teve laringite aguda grave, o que exigiu ventilação não invasiva por 12 horas. Dentro de 24 horas após a internação, instalou-se abruptamente estridor inspirador, dificuldade respiratória, edema do pescoço e rosto com estalos ao nível do pescoço e face anterior do peito, estendido para ambos braços. Raios-x do tórax mostram enfisema subcutâneo extenso. Tomografia do pescoço e tórax exclui lesões nas vias aéreas. Com a sugestão da síndrome de Hammam em uma criança que apresentou como fator predisponente o episódio de laringite aguda, decidiu-se não continuar com estudos complementares. O tratamento fisiopatológico mostrou boa evolução clínica. A alta teve lugar dentro de uma semana da data da internação. Conclusões: o diagnóstico na urgência do pneumomediastino espontâneo pode representar um desafio, além do mais quando existem uma variedade de diagnósticos diferenciais que ameaçam a vida. A alta suspeita permitirá uma avaliação clínica e de imagem adequada para confirmar o diagnóstico e evitar procedimentos invasivos desnecessários.

Priming with Small Molecule-Based Biostimulants to Improve Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Biostimulants became a hotspot in the fight to alleviate the consequences of abiotic stresses in crops. Due to their complex nature, it is challenging to obtain stable and reproducible final products and more challenging to define their mechanism of action. As an alternative, small molecule-based biostimulants, such as polyamines have promoted plant growth and improved stress tolerance. However, profound research about their mechanisms of action is still missing. To go further, we tested the effect of putrescine (Put) and its precursor ornithine (Orn) and degradation product 1,3-diaminopropane (DAP) at two different concentrations (0.1 and 1 mM) as a seed priming on in vitro Arabidopsis seedlings grown under optimal growth conditions, osmotic or salt stress. None of the primings affected the growth of the seedlings in optimal conditions but altered the metabolism of the plants. Under stress conditions, almost all primed plants grew better and improved their greenness. Only Orn-primed plants showed different plant responses. Interestingly, the metabolic analysis revealed the implication of the N- acetylornithine and Orn and polyamine conjugation as the leading player regulating growth and development under control and stress conditions. We corroborated polyamines as very powerful small molecule-based biostimulants to alleviate the adverse abiotic stress effects.

Optimizing growing conditions for hydroponic farming of selected medicinal and aromatic plants.

This work presents a pipeline for optimizing semi-hydroponic growth conditions and analyzes the impact on the growth and metabolism in three Mentha species (M. arvensis, M. x piperita, or M. spicata) and three Ocimum basilicum genotypes (́Chládek cervená́, ́Litrá, or ́Mánes). The plant growth and the content- of nitrogen-containing compounds, phenolics, and terpenoids were determined under different nitrate concentrations and salt stress. Different responses were observed among genotypes for both species. ́Chládek cervená́ had the best growth under low nitrate, with lower histamine and higher flavonoid levels. Mentha x piperita was the best mint species performing under low nitrate and salt stress. Altogether, we demonstrate that a combination of phenomics and metabolomics is ideal to identify the optimal growth conditions for these plants and the chemical markers associated with these conditions. Besides, we showed that both primary and secondary metabolites can be good markers for classifying both species.

Overexpression of the CaHB12 transcription factor in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) improves drought tolerance.

The Coffea arabica HB12 gene (CaHB12), which encodes a transcription factor belonging to the HD-Zip I subfamily, is upregulated under drought, and its constitutive overexpression (35S:CaHB12OX) improves the Arabidopsis thaliana tolerance to drought and salinity stresses. Herein, we generated transgenic cotton events constitutively overexpressing the CaHB12 gene, characterized these events based on their increased tolerance to water deficit, and exploited the gene expression level from the CaHB12 network. The segregating events Ev8.29.1, Ev8.90.1, and Ev23.36.1 showed higher photosynthetic yield and higher water use efficiency under severe water deficit and permanent wilting point conditions compared to wild-type plants. Under well-irrigated conditions, these three promising transformed events showed an equivalent level of Abscisic acid (ABA) and decreased Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) accumulation, and a higher putrescine/(spermidine + spermine) ratio in leaf tissues was found in the progenies of at least two transgenic cotton events compared to non-transgenic plants. In addition, genes that are considered as modulated in the A. thaliana 35S:CaHB12OX line were also shown to be modulated in several transgenic cotton events maintained under field capacity conditions. The upregulation of GhPP2C and GhSnRK2 in transgenic cotton events maintained under permanent wilting point conditions suggested that CaHB12 might act enhancing the ABA-dependent pathway. All these data confirmed that CaHB12 overexpression improved the tolerance to water deficit, and the transcriptional modulation of genes related to the ABA signaling pathway or downstream genes might enhance the defense responses to drought. The observed decrease in IAA levels indicates that CaHB12 overexpression can prevent leaf abscission in plants under or after stress. Thus, our findings provide new insights on CaHB12 gene and identify several promising cotton events for conducting field trials on water deficit tolerance and agronomic performance.

Caracterización de la hipotonía-hiporrespuesta post vacuna pentavalente y tamizaje del neurodesarrollo en niños bajo 6 años de edad, 2013-2018, Uruguay / Characterization of hypotonia-hyporesponsiveness after pentavalent vaccine and neurodevelopmental screening in children under 6 years of age, 2013-2018, Uruguay

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hipotonía-hiporrespuesta (HHR) es uno de los efectos adversos supuestamente atribuibles a la vacunación e inmunización de tipo neurológico más notificados. El impacto a largo plazo a nivel del neurodesarrollo no es completamente conocida. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar los eventos de HHR post vacuna pentavalente notificados entre 2014 y 2018 al Ministerio de Salud Pública (MSP) de Uruguay. Realizar el tamizaje del neurodesarrollo de los que al momento de la evaluación tenían menos de 6 años de edad. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio descriptivo de las notificaciones al Sistema Nacional de Farmacovigilancia del MSP. Se realizó el tamizaje del neurodesarrollo con la Guía Nacional para la Vigilancia del Desarrollo. RESULTADOS: 30 casos, la mayoría de breve duración, en las primeras horas post primera dosis y con recuperación espontánea. Requirieron hospitalización 29. Se realizó el tamizaje del neurodesarrollo en 16. La media de tiempo entre el evento y esta evaluación fue 2 años y 2 meses. Fue normal la prueba de tamizaje en 15. En uno se detectó un retraso del lenguaje. CONCLUSIONES: Los episodios de HHR se presentaron con características similares a las descritas en la bibliografía. A pesar de las limitaciones del estudio, no se encontraron retrasos ni desvíos del desarrollo en los niños evaluados.

BACKGROUND: Hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes (HHE) is one frequently reported neurologic adverse effect supposedly attributable to vaccination and immunization. Its long-term impact on neurodevelopment is not completely known. AIM: To characterize the post-pentavalent vaccine HHE events reported to the Uruguayan Ministry of Health (M of H) between 2014 and 2018. To perform neurodevelopment screening of those who were under 6 years of age at the time of evaluation. METHODS: Descriptive study of the reports made to the National Farmacosurveillance System of the M of H. Neurodevelopment screening was performed using the National Guidelines for Developmental Surveillance. RESULTS: 30 cases were studied. Most cases occurred after the first doses, were of short duration and during the first hours after vaccination, with spontaneous recovery. Median time between the event and this evaluation was 2 years and 2 months. Screening tests were normal in 15. Delay in the language area was detected in one case. CONCLUSIONS: HHE events had similar characteristics to those described in the literature, with no severe short-term complications. Despite the limitations of the present study, no delays nor deviations were found in the development of the children who were evaluated.

Estatus de la vitamina D en sepsis en la Unidad Cuidados Intensivos Adultos / Vitamin D status in sepsis in the Adult Intensive Care Unit / Status da vitamina D na sepse na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Adulto

Resumen: Introducción: En la actualidad se ha dado gran importancia al estudio de vitaminas C en sepsis. Sin embargo, especialmente en el contexto de cuidados intensivos, existe evidencia limitada, pero significativa de la elevada prevalencia de la deficiencia de vitamina D en los enfermos con sepsis y choque séptico correlacionándose con la gravedad y la probabilidad de disfunción orgánica. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, monocéntrico, observacional y descriptivo, muestra a conveniencia en un hospital de tercer nivel. Se analizó un total de 492 pacientes, de los cuales 105 cursaron con el diagnóstico de sepsis, de éstos, 30 contaron con medición de vitamina D. La edad media fue de 56 años, con predominio del sexo masculino (70%), antecedentes de patología oncológica (26.7%) e inmunosupresión (30%). Al ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos 73.3% se encontraron en estado de choque, 70% bajo ventilación mecánica, con un promedio en las escalas de mortalidad de 16 puntos en APACHE II con 25% de mortalidad de ocho puntos en SOFA con 15-20% de mortalidad. De acuerdo con los niveles de vitamina D, se encontraron dos grupos: insuficiencia (menor de 10 ng/mL) y deficiencia (mayor de 10 ng/mL). Resultados: No se observó diferencia significativa en edad (p = 0.724), estancia intrahospitalaria (p = 0.755), SOFA (p = 0.241). Existe significancia estadística en APACHE II con un puntaje medio de 19.5 puntos en el grupo menor de 10 ng/mL (mortalidad esperada de 25%) y de 14.3 puntos en el grupo mayor de 10 ng/mL (mortalidad esperada de 15%). La mortalidad se estima en 42.9% en el grupo menor de 10 y de 12.5 en el grupo mayor de 10, pero no es significativo estadísticamente. Conclusiones: No existe correlación con un valor estadísticamente significativo entre los niveles de vitamina D y días de estancia intrahospitalaria. El porcentaje de defunción de los pacientes con valor inferior a 10 ng/mL fue de 42.9% a diferencia de los pacientes con valor superior a 10 ng/mL de 12.5%, que no alcanza un valor estadísticamente significativo; sin embargo, la población estudiada es reducida, por lo que sólo se requiere aumentar el tamaño de muestra para obtener un valor estadísticamente significativo.

Abstract: Introduction: Nowadays, Vitamin C research in sepsis has been of great importance. However, and especially in the critical care setting, there's limited but significant evidence about the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in sepsis and septic shock patients; correlating with the severity and the organ dysfunction risk. Material and methods: Retrospective study, monocentric, observational and descriptive, sample taken by convenience. 492 patients were analyzed, which 105 had sepsis diagnosis, and 30 of these patients had vitamin D quantification. The median age was 56 years, predominantly male (70%), the main medical history were oncologic illness, immunosuppression. At the time of intensive care unit admission 73.3% were in shock state, 70% on mechanical ventilation, with a mean mortality score of 16 points (APACHE II score, 25% mortality risk), and 8 points in the SOFA score (15-20% mortality risk. According with the vitamin D levels, 2 groups were found: Insufficiency (less than 10 ng/mL) and deficiency (more than 10 ng/mL). Results: There was no significant age difference (p = 0.724), length of stay difference (p = 0.755), SOFA (p = 0.241). There is statistically significance on the APACHE II scores, with a mean score of 19.5 points in the less than 10 ng/mL group (mortality risk 25%), and 14.5 points in the greater than 10 ng/mL group (mortality risk 15%). Mortality estimation was 42.9% in the less than 10 ng/mL group, and 12.5% in the greater than 10 ng/mL group, however, this was not statistically significant data. Conclusions: There is no statistically significant correlation between vitamin D levels and hospital length of stay. Mortality was higher in patients with vitamin D levels lesser than 10 ng/mL (42.9%), and 12.5% mortality in those with levels greater than 10 ng/mL. However the study sample is small, it will be necessary to increase the number of patients in order to obtain more statistically significant data.

Resumo: Introdução: Atualmente, grande importância tem sido dada ao estudo da Vitamina C na sepse. No entanto, especialmente no contexto de terapia intensiva, há evidências limitadas, mas significativas, da alta prevalência de deficiência de vitamina D em pacientes com sepse e choque séptico, correlacionando-se com a gravidade e probabilidade de disfunção orgânica. Material e métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, monocêntrico, observacional e descritivo, amostra de conveniência em hospital terciário. Foram analisados 492 pacientes, dos quais 105 tinham diagnóstico de sepse, dos quais 30 tinham dosagem de vitamina D. A média de idade foi de 56 anos, predominantemente do sexo masculino (70%), história de patologia oncológica (26.7%) e imunossupressão (30%). Na admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva, 73.3% estavam em choque, 70% em ventilação mecânica, com mortalidade média de 16 pontos no APACHE II com mortalidade de 25% de 8 pontos no SOFA com mortalidade de 15-20%. De acordo com os níveis de vitamina D, foram encontrados 2 grupos: Insuficiência (menor que 10 ng/mL) e deficiência (maior que 10 n/mL). Resultados: Nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada para idade (p = 0.724), tempo de internação (p = 0.755), SOFA (p = 0.241). Há significância estatística no APACHE II com escore médio de 19.5 pontos no grupo menor a 10 ng/mL (mortalidade esperada de 25%) e de 14.3 pontos no grupo maior a 10 ng/mL (mortalidade esperada de 15%). A mortalidade é estimada em 42.9% no grupo com menor a 10 e 12.5 no grupo maior, mas não é estatisticamente significativa. Conclusões: Não há correlação com valor estatisticamente significativo entre os níveis de vitamina D e os dias de internação. O percentual de óbito de pacientes com valor menor que 10 ng/mL sendo 42.9%, ao contrário de pacientes com valor maior que 10 ng/mL de 12.5%, que não atinge valor estatisticamente significativo, porém a população estudada é pequena, portanto, basta aumentar o tamanho da amostra para obter um valor estatisticamente significativo.

How do wheat plants cope with Pyricularia oryzae infection? A physiological and metabolic approach.

MAIN CONCLUSION: The infection of wheat leaves by Pyricularia oryzae induced remarkable reprogramming of the primary metabolism (amino acids, sugars, and organic acids) in favor of a successful fungal infection and certain changes were conserved among cultivars regardless of their level of resistance to blast. Wheat blast, caused by Pyricularia oryzae, has become one of the major threats for food security worldwide. Here, we investigated the behavior of three wheat cultivars (BR-18, Embrapa-16, and BRS-Guamirim), differing in their level of resistance to blast, by analyzing changes in cellular damage, antioxidative metabolism, and defense compounds as well as their photosynthetic performance and metabolite profile. Blast severity was lower by 45 and 33% in Embrapa-16 and BR-18 cultivars (moderately resistant), respectively, at 120 h after inoculation in comparison to BRS-Guamirim cultivar (susceptible). Cellular damage caused by P. oryzae infection was great in BRS-Guamirim compared to BR-18. The photosynthetic performance of infected plants was altered due to diffusional and biochemical limitations for CO2 fixation. At the beginning of the infection process, dramatic changes in both carbohydrate metabolism and on the levels of amino acids, intermediate compounds of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and polyamines were noticed regardless of cultivar suggesting an extensive metabolic reprogramming of the plants following fungal infection. Nevertheless, Embrapa-16 plants displayed a more robust and efficient antioxidant metabolism, higher phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and polyphenoloxidase activities and higher concentrations of phenolics and lignin, which, altogether, helped them to counteract more efficiently the infection by P. oryzae. Our results demonstrated that P. oryzae infection significantly modified the metabolism of wheat plants and different types of metabolic defence may act both additively and synergistically to provide additional plant protection to blast.

Hemangioendotelioma hepático infantil multifocal / Multifocal hepatic hemangioendothelioma

INTRODUCCIÓN: El hemangioendotelioma hepático (HEH) es un tumor benigno, raro en niños, que se presenta frecuentemente en el primer año de vida. La presentación clínica es variable y su diagnóstico se realiza en base a la sospecha clínica, estudios de laboratorio y de imagen. El objetivo fue describir un caso de hemangioendotelioma hepático multifocal. CASO CLÍNICO: Niña de 3 meses que presentó hepatomegalia sin elementos de falla hepática ni cardiaca. Se realizó ecografía y tomografía de ab domen que orientaron al diagnóstico de HEH que se confirmó con la angioresonancia de abdomen. Recibió glucocorticoides a altas dosis en forma prolongada. Al año y medio de iniciado el tratamiento se evidenció remisión del tumor. Presentó efectos secundarios por el tratamiento instaurado. CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de una hepatomegalia aislada en un lactante asintomático debe hacer pensar en una probable patología tumoral, orientándonos por la clínica e imagenología al diagnóstico nosológico de la misma. Siempre se debe sospesar las posibles complicaciones con los riesgos de los tratamientos a realizar. En este caso la extensión del tumor y sus probables complicaciones justificó el uso de corticoterapia prologada a altas dosis a pesar de sus efectos adversos.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic hemangioendothelioma is a rare benign tumor in children, which frequently occurs in the first year of life. The clinical presentation is variable and the diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, and laboratory and imaging studies. The objective was to describe a case of multifocal hepa tic hemangioendothelioma. CLINICAL REPORT: 3-month-old girl who presented hepatomegaly without elements of hepatic or heart failure. Abdominal ultrasound and CT scan were used to diagnose hepatic hemangioendothelioma, which was confirmed by CT abdominal angiography. The patient received glucocorticoid treatment at high doses for a prolonged period. A year and a half after treatment, there was evidence of tumor remission. She had side effects from the established treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In asymptomatic patients with isolated hepatomegaly, it should be considered a probable tumor patho logy, considering the clinic and imaging studies. Possible complications and treatments risks must always be assessed. In this case, the tumor extension and its probable complications justified the use of prolonged corticosteroid therapy at high doses despite its adverse effects.

Picolinic acid spray stimulates the antioxidative metabolism and minimizes impairments on photosynthesis on wheat leaves infected by Pyricularia oryzae.

Fungal pathogens produce toxins that are important for their pathogenesis and/or aggressiveness towards their hosts. Picolinic acid (PA), a non-host selective toxin, causes lesions on rice leaves resembling those originated from Pyricularia oryzae infection. Considering that non-host selective toxins can be useful for plant diseases control, this study investigated whether the foliar spray with PA on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants, in a non-phytotoxic concentration, could increase their resistance to blast, stimulate the anti-oxidative metabolism, and minimize alterations in photosynthesis. The PA spray at concentrations greater than 0.1 mg ml-1 caused foliar lesions, compromised the photosynthesis and was linked with greater accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) and superoxide anion radical (O2 •- ). Fungal mycelial growth, conidia production and germination decreased by PA at 0.3 mg ml-1 . Blast severity was significantly reduced by 59 and 23%, respectively, at 72 and 96 h after inoculation for plants sprayed with PA (0.1 mg ml-1 ) at 24 h before fungal inoculation compared to non-sprayed plants. Reduction on blast symptoms was linked with increases on ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9), glutathione reductase (EC 1.8.1.7), glutathione-S-transferase (EC 2.5.1.18), peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7), and superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) activities, lower H2 O2 and O2 •- accumulation, reduced malondialdehyde production as well as less impairments to the photosynthetic apparatus. A more efficient antioxidative metabolism that rapidly scavenges the reactive oxygen species generated during P. oryzae infection, without dramatically decreasing the photosynthetic performance, was a remarkable effect obtained with PA spray.

Wheat blast: from its origins in South America to its emergence as a global threat.

Wheat blast was first reported in Brazil in 1985. It spread rapidly across the wheat cropping areas of Brazil to become the most important biotic constraint on wheat production in the region. The alarming appearance of wheat blast in Bangladesh in 2016 greatly increased the urgency to understand this disease, including its causes and consequences. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge of wheat blast and aim to identify the most important gaps in our understanding of the disease. We also propose a research agenda that aims to improve the management of wheat blast and limit its threat to global wheat production.

Depuración de procalcitonina en pacientes con respuesta inflamatoria sistémica y su asociación con el desarrollo de delirium / Procalcitonin clearance in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and its association with the development of delirium / Depuração da procalcitonina em pacientes com síndrome de resposta inflamatória sistemica e sua associação com o desenvolvimento de delirium

Resumen: El delirium es una entidad clínica caracterizada por una disfunción aguda en el estado de consciencia con alteraciones de la cognición, atención y curso fluctuante. Se trata de una enfermedad con alta prevalencia en pacientes críticamente enfermos con implicaciones pronósticas. La inflamación sistémica tiene un papel importante en la aparición del delirium y la disfunción cerebral aguda. El objetivo del estudio es buscar una relación entre marcadores clínicos de inflamación, principalmente la depuración de procalcitonina a las 72 horas y su asociación con el desarrollo de delirium en los pacientes de terapia intensiva con síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica (SIRS). Esto se refleja en los días libres de delirium o coma que el paciente cursa en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Se trató de un estudio retrospectivo, en el cual se analizaron 126 pacientes, se observó una mortalidad hospitalaria de 23.01% y se detectó delirium por CAM-ICU en 69 (55.2%) de los pacientes. En los pacientes que presentaron delirium se encontraron mayores niveles séricos de procalcitonina al ingreso, a las 24, 48 y 72 horas frente a quienes no lo presentaron. No hubo diferencia entre los niveles de proteína C reactiva ni diferencias significativas en el porcentaje de depuración de procalcitonina entre los pacientes que presentaron delirium y aquéllos que no. Se detectó un cociente de riesgo de 0.97 (IC 0.96-0.99; p = 0.0154) por unidad de proteína C reactiva y un cociente de riesgo de 1.17 (IC 1.02-1.35; p = 0.0261) por unidad de aclaramiento de procalcitonina a las 48 horas. Se concluyó que, en pacientes con respuesta inflamatoria sistémica y delirium, algunos marcadores de inflamación están significativamente elevados y representan un factor de riesgo de tener menos días neurológicos normales.

Abstract: Delirium is a clinical entity characterized by an acute disfunction on patients' mental state, with altered cognition, inatention, and fluctuating course. Delirium has a high prevalence in critically ill patients, with important prognostic implications. Systemic inflammation plays an important role on the development of delirium and acute cerebral disfunction. The study's objective was to find a correlation between clinical markers of inflammation, specifically procalcitonin clearance, and its association with delirium on intensive care unit patients with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS). Studied as a reflection of delirium or coma free days by CAM-ICU that the patient experienced during it's intensive care unit stay. This retrospective study enrolled 126 patients, with a hospital mortality of 23.01% and a 55.2% prevalence of delirium as detected by CAM-ICU. Patients with delirium had higher levels of procalcitonin on enrollment, as well as at 24, 48 and 72 hours compared to those who did not develop delirium during their ICU stay. There was no difference between C reactive protein or procalcitonin clearance. Higher CRP levels were associated with an decrease in delirium and coma free days (OR 0.97, CI 0.96-0.99; p = 0.0154), a higher procalcitoin clearance at 48 hours was associated with an increase in delirium and coma free days (OR 1.17, IC 1.02-1.35; p = 0.0261). In conclusion, ICU patients with inflammatory response syndrome who develop delirium have a higher risk of developing delirium if inflammatory serum biomarker are elevated, and have a lower chance of having neurologically normal days.

Resumo: O delirium é uma entidade clínica caracterizada por disfunção aguda no estado de consciência, com alterações na cognição, atenção e curso flutuante. É uma doença com alta prevalência em pacientes em estado crítico com implicações prognósticas. A inflamação sistêmica desempenha um papel importante no aparecimento de delirium e disfunção cerebral aguda. O objetivo deste estudo é buscar uma relação entre os marcadores clínicos de inflamação, principalmente a depuração de procalcitonina às 72 horas, e sua associação com o desenvolvimento de delirium em pacientes em terapia intensiva com síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica (SIRS). Isso é refletido pelos dias sem delirium ou coma que o paciente apresenta na unidade de terapia intensiva. Tratou-se de um estudo retrospectivo em que foram analisados 126 pacientes, encontrando-se uma mortalidade hospitalar de 23.01% e o delirium detectado pelo CAM-ICU em 69 (55.2%) dos pacientes. Nos pacientes que apresentaram delirium foram encontrados níveis séricos de procalcitonina mais altos na admissão, às 24, 48 e 72 horas em comparação com aqueles que não a apresentaram. Não houve diferença entre os níveis de proteína C-reativa, nem diferenças significativas na porcentagem de depuração de procalcitonina entre os pacientes que apresentaram delirium e aqueles que não. Foi encontrada uma fator de risco de 0.97 (IC 0.96-0.99, p = 0.0154) por unidade de proteína C reativa e uma fator de risco de 1.17 (IC 1.02-1.35; p = 0.0261) por unidade de depuração da procalcitonina às 48 horas. Concluiu-se que nos pacientes com resposta inflamatória sistêmica e delirium, alguns marcadores de inflamação são significativamente elevados e apresentam um fator de risco para apresentar um número menor de dias neurológicos normais.

Encuesta a posgrados de pediatría sobre conocimiento y aplicación de los derechos de los niños y adolescentes en la práctica clínica / Survey of postgraduate pediatrics students on knowledge and application of children and adolescents rights in clinical practice / Pesquisa entre estudantes de pós-graduação em pediatria sobre conhecimento e aplicação dos direitos de crianças e adolescentes na prática clínica

La concepción de niñez y adolescencia es una construcción socio-histórica que ha evolucionado en el tiempo. En el paradigma actual se reconocen como sujetos de derecho. El cambio en el modelo de atención debe implicar prácticas basadas en este paradigma Objetivos: Describir el conocimiento de los médicos que cursan el posgrado de Pediatría sobre las normativas de derechos de los niños y adolescentes y conocer su percepción sobre la aplicación del enfoque de derechos en la práctica clínica. Metodología: encuesta anónima administrada por los investigadores o vía e-mail a estudiantes de posgrados de pediatría. Se exploran tres dimensiones: conocimiento de la existencia de normativas sobre derechos de niños y adolescentes y su utilización en la resolución de problemas en la práctica, y aplicación del enfoque de derechos en las prácticas clínicas de los encuestados y observada en otros integrantes del equipo de salud. Resultados: Se administraron 180 encuestas, respondieron 77 (43%). 97.4% refirieron conocer la existencia de alguna de las normativas, de estos 25.3% no las aplica en la resolución de problemas. La mayoría de los médicos refieran observar la vulneración de los derechos en su etapa de formación. Conclusiones: a pesar del conocimiento de existencia de normativas, existen dificultades para que las prácticas clínicas tengan un enfoque de derechos respetando a los niños, niñas y adolescentes como sujetos de derechos.

The conception of childhood and adolescence is a social and historical construction that has evolved over the time. In the current paradigm, they are recognized as subjects of rights. The change in the attention care model should imply practices based on this paradigm. Objectives: describe the knowledge of physicians enrolled in postgraduate pediatric courses on the rights of children and adolescents and know their perception on the application of the rights approach in clinical practice Methodology: anonymous survey administered by researchers or by email to postgraduate pediatrics students. Three categories are explored: knowledge of the existence of regulations on the rights of children and adolescents and their use in the resolution of problems in practice, application of the rights approach in the clinical practices of the respondents and observed in other members of the healthcare team. Results: 180 surveys were conducted, 77 responded (43%). Whereas 97.4% reported knowing the existence of some of the regulations, 25.3% do not apply them in the resolution of problems. Most physicians report that they observe the violation of rights in their training stages. Conclusions: despite knowledge of the existence of regulations, there are difficulties to effectively conduct a rights-based approach that respects children and adolescents as subjects of rights.

A concepção de infância e adolescência é uma construção sócio-histórica que evoluiu ao longo do tempo. No paradigma atual, crianças e adolescentes são reconhecidos como sujeitos de direitos. A mudança no modelo de cuidados deve implicar práticas baseadas nesse paradigma Objetivos: Descrever o conhecimento dos médicos matriculados no curso de pós-graduação pediátrica sobre os direitos das crianças e adolescentes e conhecer sua percepção da aplicação da abordagem de direitos humanos na prática clínica. Metodologia: Pesquisa anônima administrada por pesquisadores ou via e-mail aos estudantes do curso pós-graduação pediátrica. São exploradas três dimensões: conhecimento da existência de regulamentos sobre os direitos das crianças e adolescentes, seu uso na resolução de problemas na prática e aplicação da abordagem de direitos nas práticas clínicas dos entrevistados e dos outros membros da equipe de saúde. Resultados: foram realizadas 180 pesquisas, 77 responderam (43%). 97,4% relataram saber a existência de qualquer um dos regulamentos, destes 25,3% não os aplicam na resolução de problemas. A maioria dos médicos relata observar a violação dos direitos na fase de treinamento. Conclusões: Apesar do conhecimento da existência de regulamentos, há dificuldades para que as práticas clínicas tenham uma abordagem baseada em direitos respeitando crianças e adolescentes como sujeitos de direitos.

Photosynthesis impairments and excitation energy dissipation on wheat plants supplied with silicon and infected with Pyricularia oryzae.

Considering the effect of silicon (Si) in reducing the blast symptoms on wheat in a scenario where the losses in the photosynthetic capacity of the infected plants is lowered, this study investigated the ability of using the incident light, the chloroplastidic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids) alterations and the possible role of carotenoids on the process of light dissipation on wheat plants non-supplied (-Si) or supplied (+Si) with Si and inoculated or not with Pyricularia oryzae. For + Si plants, blast severity was reduced compared to -Si plants. Reductions in the concentration of photosynthetic pigments (total chlorophyll, violanxanthin + antheraxanthin + zeaxanthin, ß-carotene and lutein) were greater for inoculated -Si plants than for inoculated + Si ones. The α-carotene concentration increased for inoculated -Si and +Si plants in comparison to non-inoculated plants limiting, therefore, lutein production. Higher functional damage to the photosystem II (PSII) was noticed for inoculated -Si plants with reductions in the values of maximum quantum quenching, photochemical yield of PSII and electron transport rate, but higher values for quenching non-photochemical. This finding also contributed to reductions in the values of light saturated rate photosynthesis and light saturation point for -Si plants which was attenuated for inoculated + Si plants. Increase in dark respiration values occurred for inoculated plants than for non-inoculated ones. The Si supply to wheat plants, besides reducing blast severity, contributed to their better photosynthetic performance. Moreover, inoculated + Si plants coped with drastic losses of light energy dissipation processes (fluorescence and heat) by increasing the concentration of carotenoids which helped to maintain the structural and functional viability of the photosynthetic machinery minimizing, therefore, lipid peroxidation and the production of reactive oxygen species.