Some 3-thioxo/alkylthio-1,2,4-triazoles with a substituted thiourea moiety as possible antimycobacterials.

A series of novel N-alkyl/aryl-N'-[4-(4-alkyl/aryl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione-5-yl)phenyl]thioureas 1-19 and three S-alkylated representatives of the former, N-alkyl/aryl-N'-[4-(3-aralkylthio-4-alkyl/aryl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-5-yl)phenyl]thioureas 20-22, were synthesized and tested for antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv as well as Mycobacterium fortuitum ATCC 6841 which is a rapid growing opportunistic pathogen. Compounds 4 and 9-11 were found to possess the same MIC value with that of Tobramycin against M. fortuitum ATCC 6841 whereas 1-3 and 21 had positive response against M. tuberculosis H37Rv at varying degrees. Compound 21 was identified as the most potent derivative of the 1-22 series by an MIC value of 6.25 microg/mL and selectivity index of 1.6.     

Mining citizen science data to explore stopover sites and spatiotemporal variation in migration patterns of the red-footed falcon

Citizen science data have already been used to effectively address questions regarding migration, a fundamental stage in the life history of birds. In this study, we use data from eBird and from 3 additional regional citizen science databases to describe the migration routes and timing of the red-footed falcon Falco vespertinus in the Mediterranean region across 8 years (2010–2017). We further examine the seasonal and yearly variation in migration patterns and explore sites used during the species migration. Our results suggest that the autumn passage is spatially less variable and temporally more consistent among years than in spring and that birds migrate faster in spring than in autumn. The species seems to be more prevalent along the Central Mediterranean during spring migration, probably as a result of the clockwise loop migration that red-footed falcons perform. There was a high variation in annual median migration dates for both seasons as well as in migration routes across years and seasons. Higher variation was exhibited in the longitudinal component thus indicating flexibility in migration routes. In addition, our results showed the species’ preference for lowlands covered with cropland and mosaics of cropland and natural vegetation as stopover sites during migration. Stopover areas predicted from our distribution modeling highlight the importance of the Mediterranean islands as stopover sites for sea-crossing raptors, such as the red-footed falcon. This study is the first to provide a broad-scale spatiotemporal perspective on the species migration across seasons, years and flyways and demonstrates how citizen science data can inform future monitoring and conservation strategies.     

Partial trisomy 18q11.2-->qter due to de novo unbalanced translocation of chromosomes 15 and 18 analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization

This report presents a case with partial trisomy 18q resulting from de novo unbalanced translocation of chromosomes 15 and 18 displaying the features of pure trisomy. This is the first reported case with partial trisomy 18q due to unbalanced translocation between chromosomes 15 and 18. Clinical findings of our case have been compared with the reported cases' had partial trisomy 18q and the importance to recognize the cases with chromosome abnormalities to give genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for subsequent pregnancies has emphasized.     

Broth Microdilution and Time–Kill Testing of Caspofungin, Voriconazole, Amphotericin B and their Combinations Against Clinical Isolates of Candida krusei

Treatment of invasive Candida krusei infections can be difficult due to its intrinsic fluconazole resistance and its reduced susceptibility to amphotericin B and flucytosine. Caspofungin (CAS) acts on a different cellular target, and its combination with voriconazole (VOR) or amphotericin B (AmB) appears promising. We evaluated the activity of CAS, VOR and AmB alone and in combination at 1/4, 1, 4xMIC concentrations by time–kill method against 30 C. krusei isolates. All isolates were susceptible to CAS and VOR; AmB MICs were 2 μg/ml for 50% of isolates by broth microdilution. CAS showed a fast killing activity at all concentrations; it was fungistatic at 1/4xMICs and fungicidal at 1-4xMICs in general. VOR displayed a concentration-independent fungistatic activity against all isolates. AmB exhibited a concentration-dependent activity; it was fungistatic at 1/4-1xMIC and fungicidal at 4xMIC. The most common interaction was indifference for both combinations. Frequency of synergic interaction for the VOR + CAS combination was 66.7% at 1/4xMIC after 48 h. The best results for CAS + AmB combination were obtained at 4xMIC in the first 4–8 h; synergic interaction was detected for 20 isolates (66.7%) at 4xMIC after 4 h. Consequently, VOR and CAS alone have been found effective, and high AmB MICs are remarkable against clinical C. krusei isolates in vitro. The combinations of CAS with VOR or AmB have exhibited promising results.