Synthesis and Degradation of the Phytohormone Indole-3-Acetic Acid by the Versatile Bacterium LB400 and Its Growth Promotion of Plant.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) play a role in stimulating plant growth through mechanisms such as the synthesis of the phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The aims of this study were the characterization of IAA synthesis and degradation by the model aromatic-degrading bacterium LB400, and its growth promotion of the plant. Strain LB400 was able to synthesize IAA (measured by HPLC) during growth in the presence of tryptophan and at least one additional carbon source; synthesis of anthranilic acid was also observed.

Development and assessment of a virtual escape-room game for teaching industrial bioprocesses.

This article presents a study on the implementation of a virtual escape-room game as a novel teaching methodology in biochemistry education. The game aimed to engage students in producing monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 while reinforcing theoretical concepts and fostering teamwork. Three versions of the game were tested, incorporating modifications to address student feedback on and improve the overall experience.

Early-Phase Perceptions of COVID-19's Impact on Ophthalmology Practice Patterns: A Survey from the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic affected medical practice worldwide due to interventions to prevent spreading. Its effect on ophthalmology practices in Latin America has not yet been explored. We aimed to assess the perceptions about the pandemic from countries' ophthalmological national and subspecialty retina societies affiliated to the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO).

CH34 Possesses Aromatic Catabolic Versatility and Degrades Benzene in the Presence of Mercury and Cadmium.

Heavy metal co-contamination in crude oil-polluted environments may inhibit microbial bioremediation of hydrocarbons. The model heavy metal-resistant bacterium CH34 possesses cadmium and mercury resistance, as well as genes related to the catabolism of hazardous BTEX aromatic hydrocarbons. The aims of this study were to analyze the aromatic catabolic potential of CH34 and to determine the functionality of the predicted benzene catabolic pathway and the influence of cadmium and mercury on benzene degradation.

AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT MÜLLER CELL SHEEN DYSTROPHY: Clinical, Histopathologic, and Genetic Assessment in an Extended Family With Long Follow-Up.

Background: Autosomal dominant Müller cell dystrophy is a rare condition we described in 1991. It is characterized by a striking sheen appearance on the retinal surface with progressive retinal changes leading to disorganization and atrophy with a decreased b-wave electroretinograms.

Materials And Methods: We examined 45 members of a 4-generation family.

Assessment of Ischemic Index in Retinal Vascular Diseases Using Ultra-Wide-Field Fluorescein Angiography: Single Versus Summarized Image.

Background And Objective: To compare a single image with a computer-generated summarized image from the ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiogram (UWFFA) sequence for evaluation of ischemic index (ISI).

Materials And Methods: UWFFA sequences from patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) (n=5), branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) (n=5), and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) (n=5) were evaluated by six graders. A single image best illustrating retinal non-perfusion was compared to a summarized image generated by computerized superimposition of angiograms.

Genetic and Functional Analysis of the Biosynthesis of a Non-Ribosomal Peptide Siderophore in Burkholderia xenovorans LB400.

B. xenovorans LB400 is a model bacterium for the study of the metabolism of aromatic compounds. The aim of this study was the genomic and functional characterization of a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase containing gene cluster that encodes a siderophore in B.

Stepwise conversion of flavonoids by engineered dioxygenases and dehydrogenase: Characterization of novel biotransformation products.

Flavonoids are a large group of plant secondary metabolites that exert various biological and pharmacological effects. In this context, the generation of derivatives is of considerable interest. The introduction of hydroxy groups is of particular relevance, as they are known to be involved in many of the biological interactions and furthermore enable additional modifications, such as glycosylations.

Assessing environmental drivers of microbial communities in estuarine soils of the Aconcagua River in Central Chile.

Aconcagua River basin (Central Chile) harbors diverse economic activities such as agriculture, mining and a crude oil refinery. The aim of this study was to assess environmental drivers of microbial communities in Aconcagua River estuarine soils, which may be influenced by anthropogenic activities taking place upstream and by natural processes such as tides and flood runoffs. Physicochemical parameters were measured in floodplain soils along the estuary.

Decadelong profile of women in ophthalmic publications.

Importance: In recent decades, there has been an increase in the number of women practicing medicine. We believe this shift may be reaching academic publications in ophthalmology and changing gender trends.

Objective: To determine whether there has been an increase in women publishing academic articles and editorials in ophthalmology during the past decade.

Peripheral fluorescein angiographic findings in fellow eyes of patients with branch retinal vein occlusion.

Introduction. Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is a common retinal vascular condition that results in intraocular inflammatory changes. Ultra wide field fluorescein angiography (UWFFA) is a retinal imaging device that can capture peripheral retinal findings.

Subretinal perfluorocarbon liquid for dissection of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a frequent condition following complex retinal detachments or trauma, and subretinal PVR is a common cause of retinal redetachment. Subretinal PVR removal is challenging and may require creating multiple or large retinotomies, making manipulation of the retina difficult and sometimes hazardous. We propose a novel surgical technique that may facilitate subretinal removal of PVR.

Ultra wide field fluorescein angiography can detect macular pathology in central retinal vein occlusion.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether ultra wide field fluorescein angiography (UWFFA), a tool established for the detection of peripheral non-perfusion, can also detect macular pathology. A retrospective imaging review was performed on patients with central retinal vein occlusion. UWFFA was graded for angiographic leakage (petalloid and/or diffuse leakage) and presence of abnormalities in the foveal avascular zone and was then correlated to spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Embryonic stem cell trials for macular degeneration: a preliminary report.

Background: It has been 13 years since the discovery of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Our report provides the first description of hESC-derived cells transplanted into human patients.

Methods: We started two prospective clinical studies to establish the safety and tolerability of subretinal transplantation of hESC-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in patients with Stargardt's macular dystrophy and dry age-related macular degeneration--the leading cause of blindness in the developed world.

A modified technique for extracting a dislocated lens with perfluorocarbon liquids and viscoelastics.

The authors describe a modified technique for extraction of a dislocated crystalline lens or large and hard lens fragments displaced into the vitreous cavity. An ophthalmic viscosurgical device was used around and on top of the heavy liquid bubble to keep the lens centered and less mobile for easier phacofragmentation or removal by the cutting-suction probe. This technique was used in 10 eyes, including cases of traumatic dislocation and Marfan syndrome, with excellent anatomical results and no complications that could be attributed to the surgical technique.