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Recensão crítica de CARMEN TINDÓ SECCO, MARIA TERESA SALGADO e SÍLVIO RENATO JOSÉ (orgs.), PENSANDO ÁFRICA: LITERATURA, ARTE, CULTURA E ENSINO. Rio de Janeiro, Fundação Biblioteca Nacional, 2010. 255 páginas. ISBN: 8533305974.

Introduction: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of B-cell lymphoma, predominantly afflicting older adults. There remains a notable absence of data regarding DLBCL in older adults in Latin America., Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 608 newly diagnosed Latin American patients with DLBCL aged ≥65 years., Results: The median age at diagnosis was 74 years (range: 65-96 years), 51 % were female, 36 % had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) ≥2, and 65 % had advanced disease. The most common regimens used were standard-dose R-CHOP (n = 420, 69 %), R-CVP (n = 77, 12 %), R-mini-CHOP (n = 74, 12 %), and CHOP/CVP (n = 30, 5 %). With a median follow-up of 60 months (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 38.7-75.2 months), the five-year overall survival (OS) rate was 50 % (95 % CI, 43-58). An ECOG PS ≥2 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.93; 95 % CI 1.51-2.46; p < 0.01), advanced clinical stage (HR 1.46; 95 % CI 1.12-1.91; p < 0.01), increased serum lactic dehydrogenase level (HR 1.48; 95 % CI 1.16-1.87; p < 0.01), and albumin level < 3.5 mg/dL (HR 1.64; 95 % CI 1.29-2.10; p < 0.01) were associated with an inferior OS. Using anthracyclines (HR 0.50; 95 % CI 0.38-0.66; p < 0.01) and using rituximab (HR 0.51; 95 % CI 0.36-0.73; p < 0.01) were independently associated with a superior OS., Discussion: In a large cohort of Latin American older patients with DLBCL, therapy and outcome patterns are similar to those reported internationally. The lack of standardized geriatric assessments in Latin America represents an essential area for research to better stratify older patients with DLBCL deemed to be at higher risk for toxicity., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Blanchetia heterotricha is a species popularly used for its medicinal properties. However, few scientific records report the investigation of its chemical composition and biological activity. Herein, a metabolomics and multivariate statistical analysis approach was used to assess the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of B. heterotricha essential oil (BHEO) and fixed extracts (nonvolatile). Thirty-six metabolites were identified in the essential oil by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), whereas 59 metabolites were identified in the fixed extracts by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS). The essential oil and fixed extracts showed varying degrees of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The antioxidant activity varied from 7.27 ± 0.95 µg mL -1 for the root methanolic extract to 513.25 ± 7.77 µg mL -1 for the seed hexane extract. Extracts obtained with ethyl acetate showed the most promising antimicrobial activity, followed by extracts obtained with methanol and hexane. Multivariate statistical analysis allowed the identification of possible contributors to the observed activities within the extracts. This is the first study to assess the antimicrobial activity in any Blanchetia species. The combination of metabolomics and multivariate statistical analysis was a powerful tool to identify bioactive compounds, highlighting the potential of BHEO and fixed extracts as sources of metabolites with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties., (© 2024 Wiley‐VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

The chemical composition of V. pyrantha resin (VpR) and fractions (VpFr1-7 and VpWS) were assessed by LC-MS and NMR. Twenty-eight metabolites were identified, including 16 diterpenoids, seven nor-diterpenoids, one fatty acid, one bis-diterpenoid, one steroid, one flavonoid, and one triterpenoid. The pharmacological potential of VpR, VpFr1-7, and isolated compounds was assessed by determining their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities. VpFr4 (IC 50  = 205.48 ± 3.37 μg.mL -1 ) had the highest antioxidant activity, whereas VpFr6 (IC 50  = 842.79 ± 10.23 μg.mL -1 ) had the lowest. The resin was only active against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 62.5 μg.mL -1 ) and Salmonella choleraesius (MIC and MFC 500 μg.mL -1 ), but fractions were enriched with antibacterial compounds. V. pyrantha resin and fractions showed great cytotoxic activity against HCT116 (IC 50  = 20.08 μg.mL -1 ), HepG2 (IC 50  = 20.50 μg.mL -1 ), and B16-F10 (12.17 μg.mL -1 ) cell lines. Multivariate statistical analysis was used as a powerful tool to pinpoint possible metabolites responsible for the observed activities., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Dr. Castillo has received consulting fees from Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Beigene, Cellectar, Kite, LOXO, Phamacyclics, and Roche. All other authors have nothing to declare.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an aggressive mature T-cell neoplasm caused by infection with the Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1). Cardiac involvement in patients with ATLL is infrequent, and when it happens it is usually seen in aggressive ATLL subtypes. However, ATLL presenting as isolated cardiac valve involvement is extremely rare. To date, only three histologically proven cases of ATLL with isolated cardiac valve involvement have been reported. Herein, we describe a 61-year-old Peruvian man who presented heart failure symptoms secondary to progressive cardiac valve infiltration. The patient underwent mitral valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis. Histopathological evaluation of the resected valve revealed leaflet thickening with a nodular appearance due to fibrous tissue containing atypical T-lymphocytes with Foxp3 expression, infiltrating all layers of the resected valve. Interestingly, tumor cells were distributed around an incidental venous malformation (i.e., cavernous hemangioma). Postoperative evaluation demonstrated positive serology for HTLV-1, and a diagnosis of ATLL was established. Postoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography did not show lesions outside the heart and cell blood counts were within normal range with low level of circulating CD4+ CD25+ lymphoma cell counts (7%); therefore, patient's disease was considered as smoldering ATLL and a "watch and wait" strategy was pursued. Currently, the patient is alive with no progression of disease after 18 months from diagnosis. Isolated cardiac valve involvement by ATLL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of HTLV-1 carriers with progressive heart failure, even when systemic lymphoma involvement is absent or not apparent., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) are the most frequently recognized entities among lymphoproliferative syndromes and rank fifth among neoplasms not associated with gender. There is scarce information on the clinical characteristics of the most frequent NHL, and no data on treatment regimens and their outcomes in Latin America. Although many factors affect a patient's possibilities of receiving treatment, the annual income per person/country is pivotal in Latin America., Aim: We present the clinical characteristics, risk groups, and treatment regimens of the three most frequent lymphoma subtypes in Latin America [diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)], based on the data collected by the largest study group of lymphoproliferative diseases in Latin America: The Latin American Study Group of Lymphoproliferative Disease [ Grupo de Estudio de Linfoproliferativos de Latino America (GELL)]., Outcomes: The most frequent treatment regimen for B-cell lymphomas is immunochemotherapy (R-CHOP ≥70%), and CHOP for PTCL. Survival is similar to that reported by industrialized nations. We have no solid data on the results of treatment with salvage regimens nor stem cell transplantation in refractory/ relapsed NHL., Conclusion: In Latin America, the same treatment regimens are used as in highly developed countries, although we lack the necessary technology to apply CAR T-cell therapies or a network of trials sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry.

Objective: A minimum of 3-h/day of any intensity physical activity (PA) has been recommended for preschoolers. No previous study has documented accelerometer-based PA and sedentary time (ST) among Hispanic preschoolers in Puerto Rico, a population with high obesity and low PA prevalence. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare total, weekdays (during- and out-of-preschool) and weekend PA and ST, and test associations with body mass index (BMI)., Methods: A group of 3-5-year-old preschoolers (9 boys,13 girls) completed height and weight measurements, and wore an accelerometer during 7-days. Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman correlations were used to test for normality, sex differences and associations, respectively., Results: No sex differences were observed for BMI, weekdays and weekends PA and ST. Light to vigorous intensity PA (LVPA=3.2±0.6 h/day) and moderate to vigorous intensity PA (MVPA=80.4±21.7 min/day) were within guidelines only on weekdays. LVPA occupied 21.3% (15.4±3.7 min/h), MVPA 9.5% (6.6±2.3 min/h), and ST 65.3% (4.8±0.4 h/day) of preschool time. Boys had higher MVPA than girls only during-preschool time. BMI indicative of overweight-obesity was identified in 36.3%, and BMI directly correlated with total ST and inversely correlated with LVPA., Conclusion: Total and during-preschool LVPA and ST, and their association with BMI highlight the need for interventions to promote PA and reduce ST, particularly during-preschool time.

Purpose: Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoma with distinct clinical features, and data from Latin American patients are lacking. Therefore, we aim to investigate the clinical, therapy, and outcome patterns of WM in Latin America., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with WM diagnosed between 1991 and 2019 from 24 centers in seven Latin American countries. The study outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS)., Results: We identified 159 cases (median age 67 years, male 62%). Most patients (95%) were symptomatic at diagnosis. The International Prognostic Scoring System for WM (IPSSWM) at diagnosis was available in 141 (89%) patients (high-risk 40%, intermediate-risk 37%, and low-risk 23%). Twenty-seven (17%) patients were tested for MYD88 L265P , with 89% (n = 24 of 27) carrying the mutation. First-line and second-line therapies were administered to 142 (89%) and 53 (33%) patients, respectively. Chemoimmunotherapy was the most commonly used first-line (66%) and second-line (45%) approach; only 18 (11%) patients received ibrutinib. With a median follow-up of 69 months, the 5-year OS rate was 81%. In treated patients, the 5-year OS and PFS rates were 78% and 59%, respectively. High-risk IPSSWM at treatment initiation was an independent risk factor for OS (adjusted hazard ratio: 4.73, 95% CI, 1.67 to 13.41, P = .003) and PFS (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.43, 95% CI, 1.31 to 4.50, P = .005)., Conclusion: In Latin America, the management of WM is heterogeneous, with limited access to molecular testing and novel agents. However, outcomes were similar to those reported internationally. We validated the IPSSWM score as a prognostic factor for OS and PFS. There is an unmet need to improve access to recommended diagnostic approaches and therapies in Latin America.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected for the first time in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Currently, this virus has spread around the world, and new variants have emerged. This new pandemic virus provoked the rapid development of diagnostic tools, therapies and vaccines to control this new disease called COVID-19. Antibody detection by ELISA has been broadly used to recognize the number of persons infected with this virus or to evaluate the response of vaccinated individuals. As the pandemic spread, new questions arose, such as the prevalence of antibodies after natural infection and the response induced by the different vaccines. In Mexico, as in other countries, mRNA and viral-vectored vaccines have been widely used among the population. In this work, we developed an indirect ELISA test to evaluate S1 antibodies in convalescent and vaccinated individuals. By using this test, we showed that IgG antibodies against the S1 protein of SARS-CoV-2 were detected up to 42 weeks after the onset of the symptoms, in contrast to IgA and IgM, which decreased 14 weeks after the onset of symptoms. The evaluation of the antibody response in individuals vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech and CanSinoBio vaccines showed no differences 2 weeks after vaccination. However, after completing the two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and the one dose of CanSinoBio, a significantly higher response of IgG antibodies was observed in persons vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech than in those vaccinated with CanSinoBio. In conclusion, these results confirm that after natural infection with SARS-CoV-2, it is possible to detect antibodies for up to 10 months. Additionally, our results showed that one dose of the CanSinoBio vaccine induces a lower response of IgG antibodies than that induced by the complete scheme of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a largely incurable disease. Cutaneous involvement is common and could be first symptom of the disease. We analyzed 169 patients with ATLL of whom 63 had cutaneous involvement. Cutaneous involvement was found in 48, 27, 17, and 60% of acute, lymphomatous, chronic and smoldering ATLL cases, respectively. Eight cases had primary cutaneous tumoral variant. Erythroderma (24%) and plaques (22%) were the most frequent skin lesions. The presence of cutaneous involvement was associated with better overall survival compared to non-cutaneous involvement (aHR 0.55 [95% CI: 0.37-0.82], p  < 0.01; 1-year OS 53 vs. 27%, respectively, p  = 0.012). Combination zidovudine and interferon-alpha (AZT-IFN) yielded high response rates (overall response, OR = 100%, n  = 8; complete response 62.5%) compared to chemotherapy (OR = 33.3%, n  = 12/36). In conclusion, cutaneous involvement was associated with better survival in Latin American patients with ATLL. AZT-IFN demonstrated encouraging responses in ATLL patients with cutaneous involvement.

Corn silk has been widely used as a nutritional and medicinal supplement due to its pharmacological properties, but there is a lack of studies that correlate the extracts' chemical composition with their biological activities. Herein, we performed the large-scale chemical characterization of corn silk extracts and used chemometrics to correlate the chemical composition with the biological activities of the extracts. Twenty-two metabolites were identified by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS), whereas twelve were identified by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Chemometrics allowed us to discriminate extracts obtained in different organic solvents from in natura and commercial product samples and to pinpoint potential candidate metabolites for the antioxidant and anti-glioma activities. Two flavone glycosides (7 and 8), along with a O-methylated anthocyanidin (26) seems to be the main contributors for the biological activities of the corn silk extracts., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

To reduce the potentially irreversible environmental impacts caused by fossil fuels, the use of renewable energy sources must be increased on a global scale. One promising source of biomass and bioenergy is sugarcane. The study of this crop's development in different planting seasons can aid in successfully cultivating it in global climate change scenarios. The sugarcane variety SP80-3280 was field grown under two planting seasons with different climatic conditions. A systems biology approach was taken to study the changes on physiological, morphological, agrotechnological, transcriptomics, and metabolomics levels in the leaf +1, and immature, intermediate and mature internodes. Most of the variation found within the transcriptomics and metabolomics profiles is attributed to the differences among the distinct tissues. However, the integration of both transcriptomics and metabolomics data highlighted three main metabolic categories as the principal sources of variation across tissues: amino acid metabolism, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism. Differences in ripening and metabolite levels mainly in leaves and mature internodes may reflect the impact of contrasting environmental conditions on sugarcane development. In general, the same metabolites are found in mature internodes from both "one-year" and "one-and-a-half-year sugarcane", however, some metabolites (i.e., phenylpropanoids with economic value) and natural antisense transcript expression are only detected in the leaves of "one-year" sugarcane.

Background: Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare inflammatory disease, typically characterized by spiking fever, skin rash, and arthralgia or arthritis. Its conventional treatment includes NSAIDs and corticosteroids, and DMARDs as second-line therapy. Frequently, IL-1 inhibitors are also required, mainly in patients refractory to traditional therapy. Canakinumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds IL-1β with high affinity and specificity, making it appropriate for therapeutic purposes in AOSD., Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to identify and compile the current data on the efficacy and safety of canakinumab in the treatment of AOSD., Methods: Following the guidelines established by the PRISMA statement, we searched Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, and Cochrane Library for relevant literature up to March 2021. The inclusion criteria comprised: randomized controlled trials, pooled analyses, observational studies, case series, and case reports., Results: Seventeen studies published from 2012 to 2021 were evaluated; 11 of these correspond to case series or case reports, four observational studies, one placebo-controlled phase II trial, and one analysis of pooled systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis data. In general, out of a total of 99 patients, 68.7% of these presented a complete remission of the systemic and arthritic manifestations at the end of the observation period, while 16.2% of the patients showed a partial improvement of the symptoms and the remaining (15.1%) did not show clinical improvement or were excluded. Moreover, 210 adverse events were reported in 69 patients during canakinumab treatment, of which the majority correspond to respiratory tract infections, arthralgia, disease flares, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea, whereas the most common severe adverse events included macrophage activation syndrome and serious infections. Also, a corticosteroid-sparing effect was observed in a large percentage of patients., Conclusion: More studies with solid evidence are needed to support the efficacy of canakinumab in AOSD, although its use is encouraged by the increasing favorable results reported and the efficacy of other IL-1 inhibitors. It was also associated with an acceptable safety profile, similar to expected in IL-1 inhibitor therapy. However, future studies with well-defined endpoints are warranted to examine further the usefulness of canakinumab in AOSD., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an aggressive disease caused by the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. Real-world data of ATLL in Latin America are lacking., Patients and Methods: We analyzed patients with ATLL (acute, lymphomatous, chronic, and smoldering) encountered in 11 Latin American countries between 1995 and 2019. Treatment response was assessed according to the 2009 consensus report. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test., Results: We identified 253 patients; 226 (lymphomatous: n = 122, acute: n = 73, chronic: n = 26, and smoldering: n = 5) had sufficient data for analysis (median age 57 years). Most patients with ATLL were from Peru (63%), Chile (17%), Argentina (8%), and Colombia (7%). Hypercalcemia was positively associated with acute type (57% v lymphomatous 27%, P = .014). The median survival times (months) were 4.3, 7.9, 21.1, and not reached for acute, lymphomatous, chronic, and smoldering forms, with 4-year survival rates of 8%, 22%, 40%, and 80%, respectively. First-line zidovudine (AZT)-interferon alfa (IFN) resulted in an overall response rate of 63% (complete response [CR] 24%) for acute. First-line chemotherapy yielded an overall response rate of 41% (CR 29%) for lymphomatous. CR rate was 42% for etoposide, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone versus 12% for cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone-like regimen ( P < .001). Progression-free survival at 1 year for acute type patients treated with AZT-IFN was 67%, whereas 2-year progression-free survival in lymphomatous type patients who achieved CR after chemotherapy was 77%., Conclusion: This study confirms Latin American ATLL presents at a younger age and has a high incidence of lymphomatous type, low incidence of indolent subtypes, and worse survival rates as compared with Japanese patients. In aggressive ATLL, chemotherapy remains the preferred choice for lymphomatous favoring etoposide-based regimen (etoposide, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone), whereas AZT-IFN remains a good first-line option for acute subtype., Competing Interests: Denisse A. CastroConsulting or Advisory Role: Johnson & Johnson del Perú S.A. Camila PeñaHonoraria: Janssen, Bristol Myers Squibb/MedarexConsulting or Advisory Role: JanssenTravel, Accommodations, Expenses: Tecnofarma Victoria OteroEmployment: AstraZeneca Eloisa RivaHonoraria: SanofiTravel, Accommodations, Expenses: Roemmers Maria A. Torres-VieraSpeakers' Bureau: Takeda Jorge J. CastilloConsulting or Advisory Role: Janssen, Roche/Genentech, Beigene, AbbVie/PharmacyclicsResearch Funding: Pharmacyclics, AbbVie, Janssen, BeiGene, TG Therapeutics Juan Carlos RamosResearch Funding: miRagen Luis VillelaConsulting or Advisory Role: Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Roche-Syntex, AstraZeneca LATAMSpeakers' Bureau: Amgen Mexico, AbbVieNo other potential conflicts of interest were reported.

Despite its importance as a medicinal plant, there is a lack of studies that assessed the chemical composition of A. cochliacarpos extracts. Herein, we used a metabolite profiling approach and chemometrics as a powerful strategy to correlate the chemical composition with the antioxidant activity of A. cochliacarpos extracts. Extracts obtained with ethyl acetate showed greater antioxidant activity and higher total phenolic content than extracts obtained with hexane. The chemical composition was assessed by HPLC/HR-MS and it encompassed fatty alcohols, terpenoids, phenolic derivatives, lipids, carotenoid-like compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyketides, and glycerophospholipids. Chemometrics successfully differentiated not only the chemical composition of extracts in response to the nature of the extraction solvent and the botanical part used during extraction but also it allowed us to associate the chemical composition with the antioxidant activity of the extracts, which might be particularly helpful for drug discovery and development programs., (© 2021 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Refractoriness remains as one of the challenges in patients with lymphoma under chemotherapy, and among biological regulators in cells driving this type of response are microRNAs (miRNAs). Different genes are constantly turned on or off according to the miRNAs expression profiles affecting the drug response in patients and their stability in serum and plasma makes them potential prognostic biomarkers in several diseases. Here we described a profile of miRNAs in plasma of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. miRNA expression arrays were carried using pre-treatment plasma samples of sixteen patients, followed by a comparison between the responder and the non-responders. After six cycles of R-CHOP treatment, twelve out of sixteen patients were clinically diagnosed with complete response while in four patients no clinical response was observed. Between these groups, a signature of fifteen differential expressed miRNAs was found. The circulating miRNAs in plasma of patients with no response were related to the drug resistance in other types of cancer, by targeting genes involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis, among other cell processes., Competing Interests: The authors do not have any current potential personal, political or financial interest in the material, information, or techniques described in this paper., (© 2020 [The Author/The Authors].)

Introduction: We aimed at investigating the prognostic role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in 2 independent cohorts of Latin American patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with chemoimmunotherapy., Patients and Methods: The learning cohort was composed of 274 patients and the validation cohort of 323 patients, for a total of 597 patients. An optimal NLR cutoff ≥ 4 was determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis., Results: In multivariate models, NLR ≥ 4 was independently associated with lower odds for complete response to chemoimmunotherapy in the learning (odds ratio, 0.46; P = .006) and the validation cohort (odds ratio, 0.49; P = .01), and independently associated with worse survival in the learning (hazard ratio, 1.55; P = .04) and the validation cohort (hazard ratio, 1.80; P = .003)., Conclusions: The adverse prognostic value of NLR ≥ 4 was independent of the International Prognostic Index and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network-International Prognostic Index score. Based on the results of this multi-institutional study, NLR ≥ 4 emerges as an adverse prognostic factor in Latin American patients with DLBCL treated with chemoimmunotherapy., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The implications of Zika Virus exposure in pregnancy for early infant growth remains poorly described. The main goal of this study is to compare the growth, body composition, and feeding modality of infants in the first three months of life by prenatal Zika Virus exposure status. We selected an analytical cohort of 115 infants born without microcephaly, comprising 56 infants with qRT-PCR confirmed exposure to ZIKV during gestation and 59 infants born to women with presumptively no evidence of ZIKV in pregnancy. Infants were evaluated at birth, 1 and 3 months of age in terms of anthropometrics, body composition All the results were adjusted by maternal age, maternal BMI and gestational age. We observe no differences between anthropometric measurements at birth. Mothers in exposed group showed higher BMI. At 1 month and 3 months of age there were differences in mid arm circumference, arm muscle circumference and fat free mass. Weight and length was less in the ZIKV exposed in pregnancy infants and statistically different at 3 month of age. The findings of this investigation provide new evidence that ZIKV exposure in pregnancy may be associated with differences in body composition.

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is classified into germinal center-like (GCB) and non-germinal center-like (non-GCB) cell-of-origin groups, entities driven by different oncogenic pathways with different clinical outcomes. DLBCL classification by immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based decision tree algorithms is a simpler reported technique than gene expression profiling (GEP). There is a significant discrepancy between IHC-decision tree algorithms when they are compared to GEP., Methods: To address these inconsistencies, we applied the machine learning approach considering the same combinations of antibodies as in IHC-decision tree algorithms. Immunohistochemistry data from a public DLBCL database was used to perform comparisons among IHC-decision tree algorithms, and the machine learning structures based on Bayesian, Bayesian simple, Naïve Bayesian, artificial neural networks, and support vector machine to show the best diagnostic model. We implemented the linear discriminant analysis over the complete database, detecting a higher influence of BCL6 antibody for GCB classification and MUM1 for non-GCB classification., Results: The classifier with the highest metrics was the four antibody-based Perfecto-Villela (PV) algorithm with 0.94 accuracy, 0.93 specificity, and 0.95 sensitivity, with a perfect agreement with GEP (κ = 0.88, P < 0.001). After training, a sample of 49 Mexican-mestizo DLBCL patient data was classified by COO for the first time in a testing trial., Conclusions: Harnessing all the available immunohistochemical data without reliance on the order of examination or cut-off value, we conclude that our PV machine learning algorithm outperforms Hans and other IHC-decision tree algorithms currently in use and represents an affordable and time-saving alternative for DLBCL cell-of-origin identification.

Since 2006, meningococcal serogroup C (MenC) conjugate (MCC) vaccines have been supplied by the Brazilian government for HIV-infected children under 13 years old. For measuring protection against MenC, the serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) assay is the method of choice. The characterization of T follicular helper cells (TFH) cells has been an area of intensive study because of their significance in multiple human diseases and in vaccinology. The objective of this study was to characterize the phenotype of peripheral TFH cells and B cells and how they associated with each other and with SBA levels induced by vaccination as well as with serum cytokine levels of HIV-infected and non-infected children and adolescents. We found that CD27 - IgD - CD21 - CD38 + (exhausted B cells) as well as short-lived plasmablasts (CD27 + IgD - CD21 - CD38 + ) are increased in cART treated HIV patients and negatively associated with MCC vaccine induced SBA levels. Baseline frequency of activated peripheral TFH cells was a negative correlate for SBA response to MCC vaccine but positively correlated with circulating plasmablast frequency. Baseline IL4-levels positively associated with SBA response but showed a negative correlation with activated peripheral TFH cells frequency. The increased frequency of activated peripheral TFH cells found in non-responders to the vaccine implies that higher activation/differentiation of CD4 T cells within the lymph node is not necessarily associated with induction of vaccine responses.

Background: Black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a very common legume seed in Mexican diet. Flavonoids and crude extracts from different plants have been reported as effective agents for chemoprevention and cytotoxicity in several cancer cell lines. We investigated the effects of black bean hulls extract (BBE) and its flavonoid fraction (FF) on lymphoma cells., Methods: BBE and FF were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography. Viability and flow cytometry assays were carried out. Finally, a mouse model was generated to test the in vivo effect of both fractions., Results: Both BBE and FF inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent way. In addition, cells underwent apoptosis, and the cellular population at S-phase increased after exposure to these fractions. Furthermore, mice treated with BBE or FF increased the overall survival by 5 or 6 days, respectively, in comparison with a placebo group (p = 0.056)., Discussion: BBE and FF had cytotoxic action by driving OCI-Ly7 cells into apoptosis as well as blocking progression to G2/M phase. In addition, BBE and FF treatments were effective in xenograft models., (Copyright: © 2017 SecretarÍa de Salud.)

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of malignant lymphoma. Presently, one of the most important clinical predictors of survival in DLBCL patients is the International Prognostic Index (IPI). Circadian rhythms are the approximate 24 hour biological rhythms with more than 10 genes making up the molecular clock., Objective: Determine if functional single nucleotide polymorphism in circadian genes may contribute to survival status in patients diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma., Methods: Sixteen high-risk non-synonymous polymorphisms in circadian genes (CLOCK, CRY2, CSNK1E, CSNK2A1, NPAS2, PER1, PER2, PER3, PPP2CA, and TIM) were genotyped by screening PCR. Results were visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis and confirmed by two-direction sequencing. Clinical variables were compared between mutated and non-mutated groups. LogRank survival analysis and Kaplan-Meier method were used to calculate the overall survival., Results: PER3 rs10462020 variant showed significant difference in overall survival between patients containing mutated genotypes and those with non-mutated genotypes (p = 0.047). LDH levels (p = 0.021) and IPI score (p < 0.001) also showed differences in overall survival. No clinical differences were observed in mutated vs. non-mutated patients., Conclusions: This work suggests a role of PER3 rs10462020 in predicting a prognosis in DLBCL overall survival of patients.

Background and Objectives: The transmembrane glycoprotein TREM-1 triggers an inflammatory response. Its soluble fraction (sTREM-1) has been shown to have diagnostic accuracy for late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS). Until now, the potential of sTREM-1 to predict septic shock and/or death in septic neonates has not been explored. This study obtained estimates of the incidence and prevalence of septic shock and/or death in septic neonates for future sample size calculations for confirmatory studies and evaluated the feasibility of using sTREM-1 as a predictor of septic shock and/or death in neonates with LONS criteria., Study Design: A pilot study with a cross-sectional design was performed from May 1(st) to October 31(st), 2012. The participants were hospitalized neonates who, after three days of life, were diagnosed as having LONS. Plasma sTREM-1 was quantified by ELISA. The main outcome measurement was the development of septic shock and/or death., Results: Of 71 eligible subjects, nine (12.7%) progressed to septic shock and/or death. In the LONS-Non-Shock group, the sTREM-1 median and interquartile range (IQR) plasma value were 10 (10 to 70) pg/mL. In the LONS & Shock/Death group, the values were 567 (260 to 649) pg/mL. These values were significantly different (Mann-Whitney's U test, p=0.001). A ROC curve for a proposed sTREM-1 cut-off value of 300 pg/mL exhibited an area under the curve of 0.884 (95% CI=0.73 to 1.0; p<0.0001), with a sensitivity of 0.78 (95% CI=0.46 to 0.94) and specificity of 0.97 (95% CI=0.92 to 0.99); PPV would be 0.78 (95% CI=0.46 to 0.94) and NPV 0.97 (95% CI=0.92 to 0.99)., Conclusions: In neonates with LONS, sTREM-1 has the potential to provide an excellent predictive value for septic shock/death. Larger sample sizes are needed to identify the optimal cut-off value of plasma sTREM-1 for this diagnosis and to provide diagnostic accuracy measures., (Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To establish the blood lead concentration and associated risk factors in schoolchildren during 1998 and 2008., Materials and Methods: A blood lead screening was conducted in schoolchildren of 6-12 years of age, enrolled in 17 elementary schools of the metropolitan area of Monterrey, México, during 1998 and 2008., Results: The mean blood lead level were 9.6 ± 3.0 (µg/dL range of 3.18 to 20.88) in 1998 and 4.5±4.8 µg/dL (range of 3.3 to 53.7) showing a 2.1-times reduction in blood lead levels (p<0.01)., Conclusions: This reduction in blood lead levels demonstrate environmental and industrial control improvements and the benefits of fading out the leaded gasoline during the 1990's.

The macroalga Gracilaria domingensis is an important resource for the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biotechnology industries. G. domingensis is at a part of the food web foundation, providing nutrients and microelements to upper levels. As seaweed storage metals in the vacuoles, they are considered the main vectors to magnify these toxic elements. This work describes the evaluation of the toxicity of binary mixtures of available metal cations based on the growth rates of G. domingensis over a 48-h exposure. The interactive effects of each binary mixture were determined using a toxic unit (TU) concept that was the sum of the relative contribution of each toxicant and calculated using the ratio between the toxicant concentration and its endpoint. Mixtures of Cd(II)/Cu(II) and Zn(II)/Ca(II) demonstrated to be additive; Cu(II)/Zn(II), Cu(II)/Mg(II), Cu(II)/Ca(II), Zn(II)/Mg(II), and Ca(II)/Mg(II) mixtures were synergistic, and all interactions studied with Cd(II) were antagonistic. Hypotheses that explain the toxicity of binary mixtures at the molecular level are also suggested. These results represent the first effort to characterize the combined effect of available metal cations, based on the TU concept on seaweed in a total controlled medium. The results presented here are invaluable to the understanding of seaweed metal cation toxicity in the marine environment, the mechanism of toxicity action and how the tolerance of the organism.

The present study reports a 48-h aquatic metal-toxicity assay based on daily growth rates of the red seaweed Gracilaria domingensis (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) in synthetic seawater. The median inhibitory concentration (IC50) for each metal cation was experimentally determined, and the ratios of free ions (aqueous complex) were calculated by software minimization of the total equilibrium activity (MINTEQA2) to determine the free median inhibitory concentration (IC50F). A model for predicting the toxicity of 14 metal cations was developed using the generic function approximation algorithm (GFA) with log IC50F values as the dependent variables and the following properties as independent variables: ionic radius (r), atomic number (AN), electronegativity (Xm ), covalent index (Xm (2) r), first hydrolysis constant (|log KOH |), softness index (σp ), ion charge (Z), ionization potential (ΔIP), electrochemical potential (ΔEo ), atomic number divided by ionization potential (AN/ΔIP), and the cation polarizing power for Z(2) /r and Z/AR. The 3-term independent variables were predicted as the best-fit model (log IC50F: -23.64 + 5.59 Z/AR + 0.99 |log KOH | + 37.05 σp ; adjusted r(2) : 0.88; predicted r(2) : 0.68; Friedman lack-of-fit score: 1.6). This mathematical expression can be used to predict metal-biomolecule interactions, as well as the toxicity of mono-, bi-, and trivalent metal cations, which have not been experimentally tested in seaweed to date. Quantitative ion-character relationships allowed the authors to infer that the mechanism of toxicity might involve an interaction between metals and functional groups of biological species containing sulfur or oxygen., (© 2013 SETAC.)

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma comprises a heterogeneous group of haematological malignancies, classified according to their clinic, anatomic-pathological features and, lately, to their molecular biomarkers. Despite the therapeutic advances, nearly half of the patients will die because of this disease. The new diagnostic tools have been the cornerstone to design recent therapy targets, which must be included in the current treatment guidelines of this sort of neoplasms by means of clinical trials and evidence-based medicine. In the face of poor diagnoses devices in most of the Mexican hospitals, we recommend the present diagnose stratification, and treatment guidelines for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, based on evidence. They include the latest and most innovative therapeutic approaches, as well as specific recommendations for hospitals with limited framework and therapy resources.

The current treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia yields poor results, with expected cure rates in the order of 30-40% depending on the biological characteristics of the leukaemic clone. Therefore, new agents and schemas are intensively studied in order to improve patients' outcomes. This review summarizes some of these new paradigms, including new questions such as which anthracycline is most effective and at what dose. High doses of daunorubicin have shown better responses in young patients and are well tolerated in elderly patients. Monoclonal antibodies are promising agents in good risk patients. Drugs blocking signalling pathways could be used in combination with chemotherapy or in maintenance with promising results. Epigenetic therapies, particularly after stem cell transplantation, are also discussed. New drugs such as clofarabine and flavopiridol are reviewed and the results of their use discussed. It is clear that many new approaches are under study and hopefully will be able to improve on the outcomes of the commonly used '7+3' regimen of an anthracycline plus cytarabine with daunorubicin, which is clearly an ineffective therapy in the majority of patients.