Unprecedented light induced aggregation of cationic 1,4,5,8-naphthalenediimide amphiphiles

Bola amphiphiles from naphthalenediimide (NDI-bas) with quaternary ammonium groups (DC4, DaP, and DaO) display association in solution, as well as, surprisingly, visible light promoted photochromism in concentrated solutions of water, acetonitrile and THF. The photochromism is correlated with an aggregation process that leads to a significant modification of the electronic transitions, resulting in an unusual absorption band distribution that points out to a type of H-aggregation in transverse. This assembly can be reversibly broken up by heating at 70 °C and adding bulk salt (NaBF4). By 1H-NMR spectroscopic analysis of the irradiation/heating cycle the assembly/disassembly process can be followed by the changes in peak width and intensity. These photoinduced aggregates can sensitize dissolved O2 to give singlet oxygen, a surprising observation when it comes to sensitization efficiency for dyes where aggregation usually decreases the sensitization yield. Laser-induced luminescence measurements corroborate the existence of triplet states as phosphorescence was detected, being particularly intense in concentrated THF solutions

Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Latin America—A Systematic Review

Visceral leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease characterized by fever, spleen and liver enlargement, and low blood cell counts. In the Americas VL is zoonotic, with domestic dogs as main animal reservoirs, and is caused by the intracellular parasite Leishmania infantum (syn. Leishmania chagasi). Humans acquire the infection through the bite of an infected sand fly. The disease is potentially lethal if untreated. VL is reported from Mexico to Argentina, with recent trends showing a rapid spread in Brazil. Control measures directed against the canine reservoir and insect vectors have been unsuccessful, and early detection and treatment of human cases remains as the most important strategy to reduce case fatality. Well-designed studies evaluating diagnosis, treatment, and prevention/control interventions are scarce. The available scientific evidence reasonably supports the use of rapid diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of human disease. Properly designed randomized controlled trials following good clinical practices are needed to inform drug policy. Routine control strategies against the canine reservoirs and insect vectors are based on weak and conflicting evidence, and vector control strategies and vaccine development should constitute research priorities

Severe Schistosomiasis in the Absence of Interleukin-4 (IL-4) Is IL-12 Independent

An interleukin-4 (IL-4)-dependent Th2 response allows wild-type mice to survive infection with the parasite Schistosoma mansoni. In the absence of IL-4, infected mice mount a Th1-like proinflammatory response, develop severe disease, and succumb. Neither the Th1 response nor morbidity is IL-12 dependent in this system