RET Fusion Testing in Patients With NSCLC: The RETING Study.

Introduction: RET inhibitors with impressive overall response rates are now available for patients with NSCLC, yet the identification of RET fusions remains a difficult challenge. Most guidelines encourage the upfront use of next-generation sequencing (NGS), or alternatively, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) when NGS is not possible or available. Taken together, the suboptimal performance of single-analyte assays to detect RET fusions, although consistent with the notion of encouraging universal NGS, is currently widening some of the clinical practice gaps in the implementation of predictive biomarkers in patients with advanced NSCLC. Methods: This situation prompted us to evaluate several RET assays in a large multicenter cohort of RET fusion-positive NSCLC (n = 38) to obtain real-world data. In addition to RNA-based NGS (the criterion standard method), all positive specimens underwent break-apart RET FISH with two different assays and were also tested by an RT-PCR assay. Results: The most common RET partners were KIF5B (78.9%), followed by CCDC6 (15.8%). The two RET NGS-positive but FISH-negative samples contained a KIF5B(15)-RET(12) fusion. The three RET fusions not identified with RT-PCR were AKAP13(35)-RET(12), KIF5B(24)-RET(9) and KIF5B(24)-RET(11). All three false-negative RT-PCR cases were FISH-positive, exhibited a typical break-apart pattern, and contained a very high number of positive tumor cells with both FISH assays. Signet ring cells, psammoma bodies, and pleomorphic features were frequently observed (in 34.2%, 39.5%, and 39.5% of tumors, respectively). Conclusions: In-depth knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of the different RET testing methodologies could help clinical and molecular tumor boards implement and maintain sensible algorithms for the rapid and effective detection of RET fusions in patients with NSCLC. The likelihood of RET false-negative results with both FISH and RT-PCR reinforces the need for upfront NGS in patients with NSCLC.

Functionalized Metal Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy.

Currently, there are many studies on the application of nanotechnology in therapy. Metallic nanoparticles are promising nanomaterials in cancer therapy; however, functionalization of these nanoparticles with biomolecules has become relevant as their effect on cancer cells is considerably increased by photothermal and photodynamic therapies, drug nanocarriers, and specificity by antibodies, resulting in new therapies that are more specific against different types of cancer. This review describes studies on the effect of functionalized palladium, gold, silver and platinum nanoparticles in the treatment of cancer, these nanoparticles themselves show an anticancer effect. This effect is further enhanced when the NPs are functionalized with either antibodies, DNA, RNA, peptides, proteins, or folic acid and other molecules. These NPs can penetrate the cell and accumulate in the tumor tissue, resulting in a cytotoxic effect through the generation of ROS, the induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, DNA fragmentation, and a photothermal effect. NP-based therapy is a new strategy that can be used synergistically with chemotherapy and radiotherapy to achieve more effective therapies and reduce side effects.

Nutraceutical Quality and Soluble Solids of Cucumis melo Developed in Vermicompost-River Sand Mixtures, Under Shade Mesh Conditions.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> There is ample evidence that the consumption of fruits and vegetables, with a high content of secondary metabolites, favours better human health. In the same sense, the application of organic fertilizers has favoured the content of phenolic compounds and a greater antioxidant capacity in various crops. Factoring that the application of Vermicompost (VC) increases the nutritional quality of plants. This research determined the content of soluble solids, biochemical components and the antioxidant capacity of the melon fruits (<i>Cucumis melo</i> L.) developed under shade net conditions with VC as a source of fertilization. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> During the 2020 spring-summer season, a hybrid melon Honeydew type was grown under five mixtures of VC: River sand (RS), with ratios 0:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4. Nutrient Steiner solution was applied only in the first mixture (control) while VC was used as an organic nutrient for all other mixtures. The five formulated mixtures, with five replications, were randomly distributed. The total phenolic content, total flavonoids, antioxidant capacity and the total soluble solids of the melon fruit were determined. Data obtained were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey 0.05 test. <b>Results:</b> The ANOVA indicates that no statistical differences were registered for any of the variables under study, however, the levels of the parameters were high. <b>Conclusion:</b> VC treatment of melon fruit is proven to be a promising source of nutrients to plants increasing their natural antioxidants and content of soluble solids.

GPR15 expressed in T lymphocytes from RA patients is involved in leukocyte chemotaxis to the synovium.

The rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inflammatory process occurs in the joints where immune cells are attracted into the synovium to promote remodeling and tissue damage. GPR15 is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) located on chromosome 3 and has similarity in its sequence with chemokine receptors. Recent evidence indicates that GPR15 may be associated with modulation of the chronic inflammatory response. We evaluated the expression of GPR15 and GPR15L in blood and synovial tissue samples from RA patients, as well as to perform a functional migration assay in response to GPR15L. The expression of GPR15 and c10orf99/gpr15l mRNA was analyzed by RT-qPCR. Samples of synovial fluid and peripheral blood were analyzed for CD45+CD3+CD4+GPR15+ and CD45+CD3+CD8+GPR15+ T cell frequency comparing RA patients versus control subjects by flow cytometry. Migration assays were performed using PBMCs isolated from these individuals in response to the synthetic GPR15 ligand. Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis test, T-test, or Mann-Whitney U test, according to data distribution. A higher expression in the mRNA for GPR15 was identified in early RA subjects. The frequencies of CD4+/CD8+ GPR15+ T lymphocytes are higher in RA patients comparing with healthy subjects. Also, the frequency CD4+/CD8+ GPR15+ T lymphocytes are higher in synovial fluid of established RA patients comparing with OA patients. GPR15 and GPR15L are present in the synovial tissue of RA patients and GPR15L promotes migration of PBMCs from RA patients and healthy subjects. Our results suggest that GPR15/GPR15L have a pathogenic role in RA and their antagonizing could be a therapeutic approach in RA.

Effect of treatment with resiniferatoxin in an experimental model of pulpal inflammatory in mice.

AIM: To evaluate whether treatment with resiniferatoxin (RTX) is capable of lowering the plasma levels of PGE2 and TNF-α, as well as histopathological parameters in inflammation of pulp tissue in a mouse experimental model. METHODOLOGY: Ten groups of six BALB/c mice were formed as follows: healthy group (HC ), healthy group treated with RTX (HRTX ), two groups with pulp inflammation at 14 and 18 hours (PI14 /PI18 ), six groups with pulpal inflammation plus treatment with Ibuprofen (IBU14 /IBU18 ), dexamethasone (DEX14 /DEX18 ) and resiniferatoxin (RTX14 /RTX18 ) at 14 and 18 hours, respectively. Pulpal inflammation was induced through occlusal exposure of the pulp of the maxillary first molar. The plasma levels of PGE2 and TNF-α and the histological parameters of the pulp tissue of the HC and HRTX groups were evaluated at the time of acquiring the animals. In the other groups, the plasma levels of PGE2 and TNF-α and the histopathological parameters were evaluated at 14 and 18 hours after pulp damage. Plasma levels of PGE2 and TNF-α were quantified by ELISA, and the histopathological parameters were evaluated by H/E staining. Statistical significance was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test for overall differences between group means. RESULTS: A significant increase (*p < .05) in plasma levels of PGE2 and TNF-α occurred 14 and 18 hours after pulp damage. In addition, treatment with RTX significantly decreased (*p < .05) the plasma levels of PGE2 and TNF-α at 14 and 18 hours after pulp damage, as well as the infiltrate of inflammatory cells at 18 hours after pulp damage, similarly to treatment with ibuprofen and dexamethasone. CONCLUSION: It was possible to detect systemic levels of PGE2 and TNF-α at 14 and 18 hours after pulp damage. Likewise, treatment with RTX was associated with an anti-inflammatory effect similar to treatment with ibuprofen and dexamethasone. These findings place resiniferatoxin as a therapeutic alternative in the treatment of inflammatory diseases in Dentistry.

The Role of microRNAs in Pulp Inflammation.

The dental pulp can be affected by thermal, physical, chemical, and bacterial phenomena that stimulate the inflammatory response. The pulp tissue produces an immunological, cellular, and vascular reaction in an attempt to defend itself and resolve the affected tissue. The expression of different microRNAs during pulp inflammation has been previously documented. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small molecules involved in the transcription of genes that regulate the immune system and the inflammatory response. They are present in cellular and physiological functions, as well as in the pathogenesis of human diseases, becoming potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and safety. Previous studies have evidenced the different roles played by miRNAs in proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and immunological phenomena in the dental pulp, highlighting specific key functions of pulp pathology. This systematized review aims to provide an understanding of the role of the different microRNAs detected in the pulp and their effects on the expression of the different target genes that are involved during pulp inflammation.

Resiniferatoxin promotes adult worm expulsion in Trichinella spiralis-infected rats by Th2 immune response modulation.

BACKGROUND: The immune response during T spiralis infection is characterized by an increase in eosinophils and mast cells, as well as Th2 cytokine production, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and IL-13, promoting T spiralis expulsion from the host. However, this response damages the host, favouring the parasite survival. In the search for new pharmacological strategies that protect against T spiralis infection, a recent study showed that treatment with resiniferatoxin (RTX) modulates the Th1 cytokines production, reducing muscle parasite burden. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of RTX treatment on the Th2 cytokines production, the number of eosinophils, mast cells and the intestinal expulsion of T spiralis. METHODS: Serum levels of IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 were quantified by ELISA; the number of eosinophils, mast cells and the adult worms of T spiralis in the small intestine was quantified. RESULTS: RTX treatment increased serum levels of IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13, and it decreases intestinal eosinophilia, however, favours the mastocytosis, promoting T spiralis intestinal expulsion. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that RTX is capable to modulate the Th2 immune response, promoting T spiralis expulsion, which contributes to the defence against T spiralis infection, placing the RTX as a potential immunomodulatory drug.

Correlación del factor neurotrófico derivado del cerebro con los componentes que integran el síndrome metabólico infantil / Correlation of brain derived neurotrophic factor with the components that integrate the child metabolic syndrome

La obesidad infantil representa un factor importante en el desarrollo del síndrome metabólico (SM). En este sentido el factor neurotrófico derivado del cerebro (BDNF: Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) interviene en el metabolismo energético así como en vías que controlan el peso corporal y desórdenes metabólicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si hay una correlación entre el BDNF con los marcadores que definen al síndrome metabólico en una población infantil de México. Se integraron al estudio 100 niños con un rango de edad de 5-13 años, se estratificaron en tres grupos, normo peso, sobrepeso y obesidad, a los cuales se les determinaron las variables antropométricas, percentil de la tensión arterial sistólica y diastólica, concentraciones séricas de glucosa, triglicéridos, colesterol de alta densidad (HDL) y BDNF. Se aplicó ANOVA y una correlación de Pearson. Los resultados muestran que la prevalencia de SM utilizando los criterios de Cook y Weiss fue del 14%, mientras que por la Federación Internacional de Diabetes (IDF) es del 11%. La circunferencia de cintura, triglicéridos, colesterol HDL, presión arterial sistólica/diastólica y glucosa, mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos estudiados (*p<0,001). El BDNF se correlacionó positivamente con la desviación estándar del índice de masa corporal de acuerdo con la edad (DE-IMCE) (p=0,01), el percentil del perímetro de la cintura (p=0,00), la presión arterial sistólica (p=0,01) y las concentraciones plasmáticas de glucosa (p=0,02). Estos datos muestran que existe una correlación entre el BDNF con la DE-IMCE, la circunferencia de la cintura, la presión arterial sistólica y glucosa(AU)

Childhood obesity represents an important factor in the development of metabolic syndrome (MS). In this sense, the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in energy metabolism as well as in pathways that control body weight and metabolic disorders. The objective of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between BDNF with the markers that define the metabolic syndrome in a child population in Mexico. The study included 100 children with an age range of 5-13 years, stratified into three groups, normal weight, overweight and obesity, which were determined anthropometric variables, percentile of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, concentrations serum glucose, triglycerides, high density cholesterol (HDL) and BDNF. ANOVA and Pearson correlation were applied. The results show that the prevalence of MS using the Cook and Weiss criteria was 14%, while for the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) it is 11%. Waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, systolic/diastolic blood pressure and glucose showed significant differences between the groups studied (*p<0.001). The BDNF was positively correlated with the standard deviation of the body mass index according to age (DE-IMCE) (p=0.01), the percentile of the waist circumference (p=0.00), systolic blood pressure (p=0.01) and plasma glucose concentrations (p=0.02). These data show that there is a correlation between BDNF with DE-IMCE, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and glucose(AU)

Rizobacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal: una alternativa de biofertilización para la agricultura sustentable / Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria: a biofertilization alternative for sustainable agriculture

RESUMEN La agricultura moderna enfrenta nuevos desafíos, integrando enfoques ecológicos y moleculares, para lograr mayores rendimientos de los cultivos y reducir al mínimo los impactos sobre el ambiente. Para generar mayores rendimientos se han incrementado significativamente las dosis de fertilizantes sintéticos por unidad de superficie, los cuales pueden provocar contaminación, daños a la salud y pérdida de la fertilidad de los suelos, convirtiéndose en una de las preocupaciones más importantes en la producción agrícola. Para mejorar la producción sin el uso de fertilizantes de origen sintético, las investigaciones se han orientado hacia el desarrollo de nuevas biotecnologías: provocando que exista un interés creciente en los microorganismos benéficos del suelo ya que éstos pueden promover el crecimiento de las plantas y, en algunos casos, evitar infecciones del tejido vegetal por patógenos. Las interacciones de las rizobacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal (RPCV) con el medio biótico - plantas y microorganismos - son muy complejas y utilizan diferentes mecanismos de acción para promover el crecimiento de las plantas. Estos mecanismos se agrupan en: 1) Biofertilización; 2) Fito-estimulación; y 3) Biocontrol. Inocular los cultivos con RPCV reduce sustancialmente el uso de fertilizantes sintéticos y los impactos negativos al suelo, aumenta el rendimiento de los cultivos, contribuyendo a la economía del productor y a la alimentación de la población. Esta revisión describe aspectos básicos inherentes a la interacción entre las RPCV y las especies vegetales, centrándose en los beneficios que aportan las RPCV a la actividad agrícola.

ABSTRACT Modern agriculture faces new challenges, integrating ecological and molecular approaches, to achieve higher crop yields and to minimize negative impacts on the environment. To generate higher yields, the doses of synthetic fertilizers per unit area have been significantly increased, which can cause contamination, damage to the health and loss of soil fertility, making this one of the most important concerns in agricultural production. To improve production without the use of fertilizers of chemical origin, research has been oriented towards the development of new biotechnologies: causing a growing interest in beneficial microorganisms in the soil, as these can promote plant growth and, in some cases, avoid infections of plant tissue by pathogens. The interactions of plant growth promoting rhyzobacteria (PGPR) with the biotic medium - plants and microorganisms - are very complex and use different mechanisms of action to promote plant growth. These mechanisms are grouped into: 1) Biofertilization; 2) Phytostimulation and 3) Biocontrol. Inoculating the crops with PGPR could substantially reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and the negative impacts to the soil, increase crop yields, contributing to the producer's economy and the population's nutrition. This review describes basic aspects inherent to the interaction between PGPR and plant species, focusing on the benefits of PGPR to the agricultural activity.

The microRNA landscape of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a keratinocyte-derived skin tumor. It is the second-most-common cancer affecting the Caucasian population and is responsible for >20% of all skin-cancer-related deaths. The estimated incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer in the USA is >1000000 cases per year, of which roughly 20-30% are squamous cell carcinoma. To better understand and treat this challenging cancer, current research focuses on development of novel strategies to improve the understanding of tumor biogenesis on an individual basis. microRNAs are becoming important biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cSCC. This review describes the current knowledge on miRNA expression in cSCC and its role as a biomarker for personalized medicine.

Antibacterial activity and phenolic content of propolis extracts obtained by different extraction methods

Introduction: The data available regarding the chemical composition and procedures for the extraction of the propolis are currently inconclusive. In this study the chemical groups present in the extracts of a propolis mixture obtained by different methods were identified. Additionally, their content of polyphenols and flavonoids was determined, and antioxidant and antibacterial activity was studied. Method: The extracts were obtained by maceration and for the ultrasonic and microwave method. Phenolic and flavonoid compounds, as well as the measurement of antioxidant activity, were quantified by spectrophotometric methods. The antibacterial activity was studied from the inhibitory effect of each extract against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis, and by the percentage of activity and the Index of Bacterial Susceptibility (IBS). Results: The phytochemical screening evidenced the presence of abundant compounds with important biological activity. It was found a significant difference (p<0.05) in the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the extracts of propolis obtained by different methods. Conclusion: The presence of chemical groups of bioactive compounds and their antioxidant and antibacterial activity justifies the use of these extracts in traditional medicine.

Introducción: Los datos disponibles sobre la composición química y los procedimientos para la extracción del propóleo son actualmente inconclusos. En este estudio se identificaron los grupos químicos presentes en los extractos de una mezcla de propóleos obtenidos por diferentes métodos. Además, se determinó su contenido de polifenoles y flavonoides y se estudió su actividad antioxidante y antibacteriana. Método: Los extractos se obtuvieron por maceración, por el método ultrasónico y mediante microondas. Los compuestos fenólicos y flavonoides, así como la medición de la actividad antioxidante, se cuantificaron por métodos espectrofotométricos. La actividad antibacteriana se estudió a partir del efecto inhibitorio de cada extracto contra Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus y Proteus mirabilis, así como por el porcentaje de actividad y el Índice de Susceptibilidad Bacteriana (IBS). Resultados: El tamiz fitoquímico evidenció la presencia de abundantes fitoquímicos biológicamente activos. Se encontró una diferencia significativa (p<0.05) en la actividad antioxidante y antimicrobiana de los extractos de propóleos obtenidos por diferentes métodos. Conclusión: La presencia de grupos químicos de compuestos bioactivos y su actividad antioxidante y antibacteriana justifica el uso de estos extractos en la medicina tradicional.

EVALUACIÓN DE ANTICUERPOS ANTI-Trichinella spiralis OBTENIDOS POR INMUNIZACIONES SUBLINGUALES Y CONVENCIONALES CON LA PROTEÍNA 45kDa / Evaluation of Anti-Trichinella spiralis Obtained by Sublingual and Conventional Immunizations with the 45kDa Protein

RESUMEN La trichinellosis es una enfermedad parasitaria zoonótica y cosmopolita, se debe al consumo de carne deficientemente cocida, principalmente proveniente del cerdo, diversos estudios avalan la eficacia de la administración de inmunoterapia. Se ha caracterizado un antígeno inmunodominante de 45 kDa y se plantea como objetivo evaluar la presencia de anticuerpos IgA, IgM e IgG antti-Trichinella spiralis a lo largo de la infección, así como el comportamiento en la administración de la inmunización de 45 kDa de Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) administrado por vía sublingual y vía parenteral. Se utilizaron 36 murinos (Long Evans), seis para la infección y purificación del antígeno de 45 kDa, 30 para formar los grupos de trabajo, control sano (cinco murinos), control infectado (cinco murinos), y 20 para los grupos experimentales, se inmunizaron dos grupos con cuatro dosis (0, 7, 14 y 21 días) del inmunógeno de 45 KDa de T. spiralis, uno por vía sublingual y otro por vía parenteral y se retaron con 500 larvas infectantes (LI) de T. spiralis siete días después de la ultima inmunización y dos grupos más se infectaron con 500 LI y se inmunizaron a las cuatro semanas postinfección por ambas vías. La respuesta se evaluó por inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) por microscopia confocal para determinar la respuesta humoral con anticuerpos de clase IgG, IgM e IgA.

ABSTRACT Trichinellosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic disease produced mainly by the consumption of poorly cooked swine meat. Several studies have probed the efficiency of immunotherapy as a method for the treatment of trichinellosis. In this work, a 45 kDa immunodominant antigen was characterized, and the presence of IgA, IgM and IgG antti-Trichinella spiralis antibodies was evaluated during the course of the infection. In addition, the differences between sublingual and parenteral administration of the 45 kDa T. spiralis antigen were determined. Long Evans rats were used both to purify the 45 kDa antigen and to evaluate the immune response produced in six different groups: healthy and infected controls; two groups of immunized murines (sublingually and parenterally) with four doses of the 45 kDa T. spiralis immunogen administered at days 0, 7, 14 and 21 and challenged with 500 T. spiralis infective larvae (IL) 7 days after the last immunization; and finally, two groups of murines infected with 500 IL ofT. spiralis, immunized at week 4 post infection by the same two routes. The humoral response was evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence by confocal microscopyin order to determine the presence of IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies.

Use of Mature miRNA Strand Selection in miRNAs Families in Cervical Cancer Development.

Aberrant miRNA expression is well recognized as a cancer hallmark, nevertheless miRNA function and expression does not always correlate in patients tissues and cell lines studies. In addition to this issue, miRNA strand usage conduces to increased cell signaling pathways modulation diversifying cellular processes regulation. In cervical cancer, 20 miRNA families are involved in carcinogenesis induction and development to this moment. These families have 5p and 3p strands with different nucleotide (nt) chain sizes. In general, mature 5p strands are larger: two miRNAs of 24 nt, 24 miRNAs of 23 nt, 35 miRNAs of 22 nt and three miRNAs of 21 nt. On the other hand, the 3p strands lengths observed are: seven miRNAs of 23 nt, 50 miRNAs of 22 nt, six miRNAs of 21 nt and four miRNAs of 20 nt. Based on the analysis of the 20 miRNA families associated with cervical cancer, 67 3p strands and 65 5p strands are selected suggesting selectivity and specificity mechanisms regulating cell processes like proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, metabolism and Warburg effect. The insight reviewed here could be used in the miRNA based therapy, diagnosis and prognosis approaches.

Therapeutic Effects of Resiniferatoxin Related with Immunological Responses for Intestinal Inflammation in Trichinellosis.

The immune response against Trichinella spiralis at the intestinal level depends on the CD4+ T cells, which can both suppress or promote the inflammatory response through the synthesis of diverse cytokines. During the intestinal phase, the immune response is mixed (Th1/Th2) with the initial predominance of the Th1 response and the subsequent domination of Th2 response, which favor the development of intestinal pathology. In this context, the glucocorticoids (GC) are the pharmacotherapy for the intestinal inflammatory response in trichinellosis. However, its therapeutic use is limited, since studies have shown that treatment with GC suppresses the host immune system, favoring T. spiralis infection. In the search for novel pharmacological strategies that inhibit the Th1 immune response (proinflammatory) and assist the host against T. spiralis infection, recent studies showed that resiniferatoxin (RTX) had anti-inflammatory activity, which decreased the serum levels of IL-12, INF-γ, IL-1ß, TNF-α, NO, and PGE2, as well the number of eosinophils in the blood, associated with decreased intestinal pathology and muscle parasite burden. These researches demonstrate that RTX is capable to inhibit the production of Th1 cytokines, contributing to the defense against T. spiralis infection, which places it as a new potential drug modulator of the immune response.

Plant characterization of genetically modified maize hybrids MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-88Ø17-3, MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6, and MON-ØØ6Ø3-6: alternatives for maize production in Mexico.

Environmental risk assessment (ERA) of genetically modified (GM) crops is a process to evaluate whether the biotechnology trait(s) in a GM crop may result in increased pest potential or harm to the environment. In this analysis, two GM insect-resistant (IR) herbicide-tolerant maize hybrids (MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-88Ø17-3 and MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6) and one herbicide-tolerant GM hybrid (MON-ØØ6Ø3-6) were compared with conventional maize hybrids of similar genetic backgrounds. Two sets of studies, Experimental Phase and Pilot Phase, were conducted across five ecological regions (ecoregions) in Mexico during 2009-2013, and data were subject to meta-analysis. Results from the Experimental Phase studies, which were used for ERA, indicated that the three GM hybrids were not different from conventional maize for early stand count, days-to-silking, days-to-anthesis, root lodging, stalk lodging, or final stand count. Statistically significant differences were observed for seedling vigor, ear height, plant height, grain moisture, and grain yield, particularly in the IR hybrids; however, none of these phenotypic differences are expected to contribute to a biological or ecological change that would result in an increased pest potential or ecological risk when cultivating these GM hybrids. Overall, results from the Experimental Phase studies are consistent with those from other world regions, confirming that there are no additional risks compared to conventional maize. Results from Pilot Phase studies indicated that, compared to conventional maize hybrids, no differences were detected for the agronomic and phenotypic characteristics measured on the three GM maize hybrids, with the exception of grain moisture and grain yield in the IR hybrids. Since MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-88Ø17-3 and MON-89Ø34-3 × MON-ØØ6Ø3-6 confer resistance to target insect pests, they are an alternative for farmers in Mexico to protect the crop from insect damage. Additionally, the herbicide tolerance conferred by all three GM hybrids enables more cost-effective weed management.

Identificación de microRNAs en carcinoma cutáneo de células escamosas (CCE) / Identification of microRNAs in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC)

El carcinoma cutáneo de células escamosas (CCE) es el segundo cáncer de piel ms común en humanos, el cual puede llegar a ser invasivo y mostrar un curso agresivo. El CCE inicia en las células escamosas de la capa epidérmica. Así mismo, la epidermis se compone de tejido queratinizado que se regenera continuamente a partir de células basales y reemplaza a las células muertas. Estudios sobre el proceso de diferenciación celular, muestran que los microRNAs (miRNAs) están involucrados en el proceso de formación de la piel, y se ha reportado que alteraciones en la transcripción, procesamiento y expresión de los miRNAs afecta a la señalización celular, esencial en la proliferación, invasión, apoptosis y diferenciación células malignas. Los miRNAs son una familia de reguladores epigenéticos de pequeñas moléculas endógenas no codificantes de RNAs de aproximadamente 25 nucleótidos de longitud, y están involucrados en la patogénesis de cáncer en humanos como reguladores de factores de crecimiento transformantes y metástasis. Se hizo una revisión sistemática usando las principales bases de datos bibliográficas (PubMed/MEDLINE, Science) y revistas públicas en internet. Los criterios de inclusión y exclusión fueron predefinidos (carcinoma cutáneo, miRNAs, biogénesis) y también un conjunto de variables para analizar las características de los artículos seleccionados (expresión y el papel de los miRNAs en el CCE, que no han sido bien estudiadas).

The cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer in humans, which can become invasive and show an aggressive course. CSCC starts in the epidermal layer of squamous cells. Also, the epidermis is composed of keratinized tissue that continuously regenerate from basal cells and replace the dead cells. Studies about cell differentiation process, shows that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the process of skin formation, and has been reported that alterations intranscription, processing and expression of miRNAs, affect the function of the cell signaling, essential the proliferation, invasion, apoptosis and differentiation of malignant cells. MiRNAs are an epigenetic regulators family of small noncoding endogenous molecules of RNAs, about 25 nucleotides in length, and are involved in the pathogenesis of human cancer in the regulation of transformant growth factors and metastasis. We performed a systematic review using major electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Sciencie) and public journals on the internet. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were pre-defined (cutaneous carcinoma, miRNAs, and biogenesis) and also a set of variables to analyze the characteristics of the selected reports (the expression and role of miRNAs in the cSCC, what has not been well studied).

Adenocarcinoma villoglandular de cerviz / Villoglandular adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix

El adenocarcinoma villoglandular de cérvix uterino es una neoplasia poco frecuente, con unas características histológicas y clínicas diferentes de otros tipos de adenocarcinomas de cérvix. No fue introducido en la clasificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud hasta 1994. El tratamiento de este tipo de tumor debe ser, en la medida de lo posible, conservador si la paciente desea preservar su fertilidad, pues presenta buen pronóstico. Los hallazgos microscópicos son típicos e incluyen: crecimiento exofítico, superficie de aspecto papilar y de leve a moderada atipia nuclear. Presentamos 4 casos clínicos de esta entidad, uno de ellos con progresión y comportamiento agresivo (AU)

Villoglandular adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix is a rare neoplasm, with histological and clinical features that distinguish it from other types of cervical adenocarcinomas. Until 1994, this entity was not included with the cervical carcinoma classification of the World Health Organization. The prognosis of this tumor is favorable and consequently treatment should be conservative as far as possible if the patient wishes to preserve fertility. Microscopic findings are typical and include exophytic growth, papillary surface and small-to-moderate nuclear atypia. We describe four cases of villoglandular adenocarcinoma, one of which showed aggressive progression (AU)

Enfermedad de Bowen vulvar. Relación con el virus del papiloma humano / Bowen's disease of the vulva: association with human papillomavirus

La enfermedad de Bowen vulvar o neoplasia vulvar intraepitelial (VIN) es una lesión preinvasora en los genitales externos. La VIN de etiología viral está relacionada con la infección por virus del papiloma humano (VPH) (principalmente los serotipos 16 y 18), sobre todo a edades tempranas y en relación con cambios en la conducta sexual. Presentamos el caso clínico que corresponde a una paciente joven, portadora del VPH 16 y en control por neoplasia intraepitelial de cuello uterino tipo III (CIN III) tras una conización, que desarrolló una VIN extensa. Se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico (ninfectomía) sin recidiva a los 3 años y con buen resultado estético (AU)

Bowen’s disease of the vulva, also called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), is considered a premalignant lesion of the external genitalia. VIN of viral etiology is most often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes 16 and 18 and typically occurs in younger premenopausal women. The main risk factor for HPV acquisition is sexual activity. We report the case of a young patient, a carrier of HPV subtype 16, with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3, who developed severe VIN. Wide local excision of the labia minora was performed. The cosmetic results were satisfactory and the patient has had no relapses after 3 years of follow-up (AU)

Hashish body packing: a case report.

A 42-year-old African male was brought by the police to the emergency department under suspicion of drug smuggling by body-packing. Plain abdominal radiograph showed multiple foreign bodies within the gastrointestinal tract. Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT confirmed the findings, and the patient admitted to have swallowed "balls" of hashish. Body-packing is a recognized method of smuggling drugs across international borders. Body packers may present to the emergency department because of drug toxicity, intestinal obstruction, or more commonly, requested by law-enforcement officers for medical confirmation or exclusion of suspected body packing.