NSD3 in Cancer: Unraveling Methyltransferase-Dependent and Isoform-Specific Functions.

NSD3 (nuclear receptor-binding SET domain protein 3) is a member of the NSD histone methyltransferase family of proteins. In recent years, it has been identified as a potential oncogene in certain types of cancer. The NSD3 gene encodes three isoforms, the long version (NSD3L), a short version (NSD3S) and the WHISTLE isoforms. Importantly, the NSD3S isoform corresponds to the N-terminal region of the full-length protein, lacking the methyltransferase domain. The chromosomal location of NSD3 is frequently amplified across cancer types, such as breast, lung, and colon, among others. Recently, this amplification has been correlated to a chromothripsis event, that could explain the different NSD3 alterations found in cancer. The fusion proteins containing NSD3 have also been reported in leukemia (NSD3-NUP98), and in NUT (nuclear protein of the testis) midline carcinoma (NSD3-NUT). Its role as an oncogene has been described by modulating different cancer pathways through its methyltransferase activity, or the short isoform of the protein, through protein interactions. Specifically, in this review we will focus on the functions that have been characterized as methyltransferase dependent, and those that have been correlated with the expression of the NSD3S isoform. There is evidence that both the NSD3L and NSD3S isoforms are relevant for cancer progression, establishing NSD3 as a therapeutic target. However, further functional studies are needed to differentiate NSD3 oncogenic activity as dependent or independent of the catalytic domain of the protein, as well as the contribution of each isoform and its clinical significance in cancer progression.

Enhanced Communications on Satellite-Based IoT Systems to Support Maritime Transportation Services.

Maritime transport has become important due to its ability to internationally unite all continents. In turn, during the last two years, we have observed that the increase of consumer goods has resulted in global shipping deadlocks. In addition, the future goes through the role of ports and efficiency in maritime transport to decarbonize its impact on the environment. In order to improve the economy and people's lives, in this work, we propose to enhance services offered in maritime logistics. To do this, a communications system is designed on the deck of ships to transmit data through a constellation of satellites using interconnected smart devices based on IoT. Among the services, we highlight the monitoring and tracking of refrigerated containers, the transmission of geolocation data from Global Positioning System (GPS), and security through the Automatic Identification System (AIS). This information will be used for a fleet of ships to make better decisions and help guarantee the status of the cargo and maritime safety on the routes. The system design, network dimensioning, and a communications protocol for decision-making will be presented.

IIIG9 inhibition in adult ependymal cells changes adherens junctions structure and induces cellular detachment.

Ependymal cells have multiple apical cilia that line the ventricular surfaces and the central canal of spinal cord. In cancer, the loss of ependymal cell polarity promotes the formation of different types of tumors, such as supratentorial anaplastic ependymomas, which are highly aggressive in children. IIIG9 (PPP1R32) is a protein restricted to adult ependymal cells located in cilia and in the apical cytoplasm and has unknown function. In this work, we studied the expression and localization of IIIG9 in the adherens junctions (cadherin/ß-catenin-positive junctions) of adult brain ependymal cells using confocal and transmission electron microscopy. Through in vivo loss-of-function studies, ependymal denudation (single-dose injection experiments of inhibitory adenovirus) was observed, inducing the formation of ependymal cells with a "balloon-like" morphology. These cells had reduced cadherin expression (and/or delocalization) and cleavage of the cell death marker caspase-3, with "cilia rigidity" morphology (probably vibrational beating activity) and ventriculomegaly occurring prior to these events. Finally, after performing continuous infusions of adenovirus for 14 days, we observed total cell denudation and reactive parenchymal astrogliosis. Our data confirmed that IIIG9 is essential for the maintenance of adherens junctions of polarized ependymal cells. Eventually, altered levels of this protein in ependymal cell differentiation may increase ventricular pathologies, such as hydrocephalus or neoplastic transformation.

Learning Curve for Intrapulmonary Artery Doppler in Fetuses with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the learning curve for intrapulmonary artery Doppler in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). METHODS: Three fetal medicine fellows with the theoretic knowledge, but without prior experience, in the evaluation of intrapulmonary artery Doppler in CDH fetuses were selected. Each trainee and 1 experienced explorer assessed the intrapulmonary artery in the contralateral lung to the side of the hernia for calculation of 2 Doppler parameters - pulsatility index (PI) and peak early diastolic reversed flow (PEDRF) - in a cohort of 90 consecutive CDH fetuses. The average difference between the 3 trainees and the expert was calculated. A difference below 15% was considered as accurate measurement. The average learning curve was delineated using the cumulative sum analysis (CUSUM). RESULTS: Among the total 270 intrapulmonary artery Doppler measurements performed by the 3 trainees, the number of failed examinations was 14 (15.6%) and 16 (17.8%) for PI and PEDRF, respectively. The CUSUM plots demonstrate that the learning curve was achieved by 53 and 63 tests performed for calculations of the intrapulmonary artery PI and PEDRF, respectively. CONCLUSION: Competence in Doppler evaluation of the intrapulmonary artery in CDH fetuses is achieved only after intensive continuous training.

Association of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Diabetes in Mexico: Analysis of the National Tuberculosis Registry 2000-2012.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health problem in Mexico while the incidence of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM) has increased rapidly in recent years. OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends of incidence rates of pulmonary TB associated with DM and not associated with DM and to compare the results of treatment outcomes in patients with and without DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed the National Tuberculosis Registry from 2000 to 2012 including patients with pulmonary TB among individuals older than 20 years of age. The association between DM and treatment failure was analysed using logistic regression, accounting for clustering due to regional distribution. RESULTS: In Mexico from 2000 to 2012, the incidence rates of pulmonary TB associated to DM increased by 82.64%, (p<0.001) in contrast to rates of pulmonary TB rate without DM, which decreased by 26.77%, (p<0.001). Patients with a prior diagnosis of DM had a greater likelihood of failing treatment (adjusted odds ratio, 1.34 (1.11-1.61) p<0.002) compared with patients who did not have DM. There was statistical evidence of interaction between DM and sex. The odds of treatment failure were increased in both sexes. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the growing DM epidemic has an impact on the rates of pulmonary TB. In addition, patients who suffer from both diseases have a greater probability of treatment failure.

Vitamin C Transporters, Recycling and the Bystander Effect in the Nervous System: SVCT2 versus Gluts.

Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient in the human diet; its deficiency leads to a number of symptoms and ultimately death. After entry into cells within the central nervous system (CNS) through sodium vitamin C transporters (SVCTs) and facilitative glucose transporters (GLUTs), vitamin C functions as a neuromodulator, enzymatic cofactor, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger; it also stimulates differentiation. In this review, we will compare the molecular and structural aspects of vitamin C and glucose transporters and their expression in endothelial or choroid plexus cells, which form part of the blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier, respectively. Additionally, we will describe SVCT and GLUT expression in different cells of the brain as well as SVCT2 distribution in tanycytes and astrocytes of the hypothalamic region. Finally, we will describe vitamin C recycling in the brain, which is mediated by a metabolic interaction between astrocytes and neurons, and the role of the "bystander effect" in the recycling mechanism of vitamin C in both normal and pathological conditions.