Neutralizing antibody responses to the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 following vaccination with Ad5-nCoV (CanSino) in the Mexican population.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ad5-nCoV vaccine was applied to the Mexican population before the WHO approved it. In a transversal study, we compare the CanSino vaccine efficacy and a natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in eliciting neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in Guadalajara, Mexico. Participants between 30-60 years were included in the study and classified into three groups: 1) Natural immunity (unvaccinated), 2) Vaccine-induced immunity (vaccinated individuals without a COVID-19 history), and 3) Natural immunity + vaccine-induced immunity. These groups were matched by age and gender. We assessed the ability of individuals' serum to neutralize the Delta variant and compared the results of the different groups using a neutralization test followed by plaque-forming units. Results showed that 39% of individuals' serum with a history of COVID-19 (natural immunity, Group 1) could not neutralize the Delta variant, compared to 33% in vaccinated individuals without COVID-19 (vaccine immunity, Group 2). In contrast, only 7% of vaccinated individuals with a history of COVID-19 (natural + vaccine immunities) could not neutralize the Delta variant. We concluded that the effectiveness of the Ad5-nCoV vaccine to induce neutralizing antibodies against the Delta variant is comparable to that of natural infection (61% vs. 67%). However, in individuals with both forms of immunity (Group 3), it increased to 93%. Based on these results, despite the Ad5-nCoV vaccine originally being designed as a single-dose regimen, it could be recommended that even those who have recovered from COVID-19 should consider vaccination to boost their immunity against this variant.

Cobimetinib Plus Vemurafenib in Patients With Solid Tumors With BRAF Mutations: Results From the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry Study.

PURPOSE: The Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry Study is a phase II basket study evaluating antitumor activity of commercially available targeted agents in patients with advanced cancers with genomic alterations known to be drug targets. The results in a cohort of patients with solid tumors with BRAF mutations treated with cobimetinib plus vemurafenib are reported. METHODS: Eligible patients had measurable disease (RECIST v.1.1), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-2, adequate organ function, and no standard treatment options. The primary end point was disease control (DC), defined as complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) or stable disease of at least 16-weeks duration (SD16+). Low-accruing histology-specific cohorts with BRAF mutations treated with cobimetinib plus vemurafenib were collapsed into a single histology-pooled cohort for this analysis. The results were evaluated on the basis of a one-sided exact binomial test with a null DC rate of 15% versus 35% (power, .82; α, .10). The secondary end points were objective response (OR), progression-free survival, overall survival, duration of response, duration of stable disease, and safety. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients with solid tumors with BRAF mutations were enrolled. Twenty-eight patients were evaluable for efficacy. Patients had tumors with BRAF V600E (n = 26), K601E (n = 2), or other (n = 3) mutations. Two patients with CR (breast and ovarian cancers; V600E), 14 with PR (13 V600E, one N581I), and three with SD16+ (two V600E, one T599_V600insT) were observed with a DC rate of 68% (P < .0001; one-sided 90% CI, 54 to 100) and an OR rate of 57% (95% CI, 37 to 76). Nineteen patients experienced ≥one drug-related grade 3-5 adverse event or serious adverse event including one death attributed to treatment-related kidney injury. CONCLUSION: Cobimetinib plus vemurafenib showed antitumor activity in patients with advanced solid tumors with BRAF V600E mutations; additional study is warranted to confirm the antitumor activity in tumors with non-V600E BRAF mutations.

The Value of CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL8 as Potential Prognosis Markers in Cervical Cancer: Evidence of E6/E7 from HPV16 and 18 in Chemokines Regulation.

Cervical cancer (CC) is a serious global health issue, and it is well-known that HPV infection is the main etiological factor that triggers carcinogenesis. In cancer, chemokine ligands and receptors are involved in tumor cell growth, metastasis, leukocyte infiltration, and angiogenesis; however, information on the role played by E6/E7 of HPV16/18 in the modulation of chemokines is very limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether chemokines are differentially expressed in CC-derived cell lines; if E6/E7 oncoproteins from HPV16 and 18 are capable of mediating chemokine expression, what is the expression profile of chemokines in tissues derived from CC and what is their impact on the overall survival of patients with this pathology? For this purpose, RNA sequencing and real-time PCR were performed on SiHa, HeLa, and C33A tumorigenic cell lines, on the non-tumorigenic HaCaT cells, and the E6/E7 HPV-transduced HaCaT cell models. Furthermore, chemokine expression and survival analysis were executed on 304 CC and 22 normal tissue samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) repository. The results demonstrate that CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL8 are regulated by E6/E7 of HPV16 and 18, are overexpressed in CC biopsies, and that their higher expression is related to a worse prognostic survival.

Embedded Living HER2+ Cells in a 3D Gelatin-Alginate Hydrogel as an In Vitro Model for Immunotherapy Delivery for Breast Cancer.

Epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is the second target molecule most commonly used in breast cancer treatment. Both recurrence and metastasis are still deadly for HER2+ breast cancer patients. Hydrogels can be an option for developing three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems that resemble tumor features better than monolayer cultures and could be used for preclinical screening for new biotherapeutics. Biopolymers (gelatin and alginate) were used to develop a hydrogel capable of encapsulating living HER2+ breast cancer cells BT-474/GFP. The hydrogel was physicochemically characterized, and the viability of embedded cells was evaluated. The hydrogel developed had suitable physical properties, with swelling of 38% of its original mass at 20 h capacity and pore sizes between 20 and 125 µm that allowed cells to maintain their morphology in a 3D environment, in addition to being biocompatible and preserving 90% of cell viability at 10 days. Furthermore, encapsulated BT-474/GFP cells maintained HER2 expression that could be detected by the Trastuzumab-fluorescent antibody, so this hydrogel could be used to evaluate new HER2-targeted therapies.

The larvae of Cora inca Selys, 1873 and Polythore gigantea (Selys, 1853) from Colombia (Odonata: Polythoridae), with a larval diagnoses of some genera in the family.

The larvae of Cora inca Selys, 1873 and Polythore gigantea (Selys, 1853) were found in first and second order forested streams at the Tatamá Natural National Park in the Colombian Western Andes. Their final larval stadia are here described and figured. Cora inca differs from the larvae of C. cyane Selys, 1853 and C. marina Selys, 1868 by a combination of features including presence of an irregular patch of minute, gray scales to each side of the ventral midline on the ventral pad of hypopharynx, paraprocts with five projections, and the position of epiproct and paraproct projections. On the other hand, the larva of P. gigantea differs from the larva of P. spaeteri Burmeister & Börzsöny, 2003 by antennal scape slightly shorter than 3rd antennomere, prementum 0.10x longer than its widest part, and the position of epiproct and paraproct projections. Although most of the larvae in the family Polythoridae are still unknown, here we discuss the main morphological characteristics that help to diagnose some of the genera in this family, presenting a regional taxonomic key that includes the genera Cora Selys, 1853, Euthore Selys, 1859, Miocora Calvert, 1917, and Polythore Calvert, 1917.

The rediscovery of Heteragrion azulum Dunkle, 1989 with additional notes on the female (Odonata: Heteragrionidae).

Some details of the morphology of the female of Heteragrion azulum Dunkle, 1989 are described for the first time such as the intersternite, and illustrated with high quality photographs, based upon two specimens collected in the tropical rain forest at the region of Los Tuxtlas, in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. A comparison with females of the other three species of Heteragrion Selys, 1862 occurring in Mexico is also provided. Additional data of males of H. azulum collected together with the females are also given, including some illustrations.

Tratamiento de sonrisa gingival con planificación digital. Reporte de caso / Treatment of gummy smile with digital planning. Case report

La sonrisa gingival (SG) es una condición clínica de etiología multifactorial, caracterizada por la sobreexposición de la encía maxilar, mayor de 3 mm, mientras el paciente sonríe. Es considerada una de las alteraciones más comunes en la población con una prevalencia de 10,5-29%, 7% en hombres y 14% en mujeres, en el grupo etário de 20-30 años. La literatura científica reporta diversos tratamientos quirúrgicos invasivos y mínimamente invasivos que pueden ser acompañados con planificación digital. El objetivo de este reporte de caso fue describir el tratamiento de SG por erupción pasiva alterada tipo I, subcategoría A e hipermovilidad de músculo elevador del labio superior, en paciente femenino corregido con procedimientos quirúrgicos y métodos conservadores como la toxina botulínica planificado digitalmente. El uso de planificación digital en la reducción de SG acompañada de técnicas conservadoras como toxina botulínica permiten realizar procedimientos con postoperatorios favorables, disminución en errores de la técnica con resultados predecibles, seguros, rápidos y consistentes de acuerdo a las expectativas del paciente

Gummy smile (GS) is a clinical condition of multifactorial etiology, characterized by overexposure of the maxillary gingiva greater than 3mm while the patient smiles. It is considered one of the most common alterations among the population with a prevalence between 10,5-29%, 7% in men and 14% in women, in the age group of 20-30 years-old. The scientific literature reports several invasive and minimally invasive surgical treatments that can be accompanied with digital planning. The aim of this case report was to describe the treatment of GS due to altered passive eruption type I subcategory A and levator labii superioris muscle hypermobility in a female patient corrected with surgical procedures and conservative methods such as digital planned botulinum toxin. The use of digital planning in GS reduction accompanied by conservative techniques such as botulinum toxin allows performing procedures with favorable postoperative results, less technical errors with predictable, safe, fast and consistent results according to patient's expectations.

A Ferrofluid with Surface Modified Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia and High ROS Production.

A ferrofluid with 1,2-Benzenediol-coated iron oxide nanoparticles was synthesized and physicochemically analyzed. This colloidal system was prepared following the typical co-precipitation method, and superparamagnetic nanoparticles of 13.5 nm average diameter, 34 emu/g of magnetic saturation, and 285 K of blocking temperature were obtained. Additionally, the zeta potential showed a suitable colloidal stability for cancer therapy assays and the magneto-calorimetric trails determined a high power absorption density. In addition, the oxidative capability of the ferrofluid was corroborated by performing the Fenton reaction with methylene blue (MB) dissolved in water, where the ferrofluid was suitable for producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and surprisingly a strong degradation of MB was also observed when it was combined with H2O2. The intracellular ROS production was qualitatively corroborated using the HT-29 human cell line, by detecting the fluorescent rise induced in 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. In other experiments, cell metabolic activity was measured, and no toxicity was observed, even with concentrations of up to 4 mg/mL of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). When the cells were treated with magnetic hyperthermia, 80% of cells were dead at 43 °C using 3 mg/mL of MNPs and applying a magnetic field of 530 kHz with 20 kA/m amplitude.

Green Metallic Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy: Evaluation Models and Cancer Applications.

Metal-based nanoparticles are widely used to deliver bioactive molecules and drugs to improve cancer therapy. Several research works have highlighted the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles by green chemistry, using biological entities to minimize the use of solvents and control their physicochemical and biological properties. Recent advances in evaluating the anticancer effect of green biogenic Au and Ag nanoparticles are mainly focused on the use of conventional 2D cell culture and in vivo murine models that allow determination of the half-maximal inhibitory concentration, a critical parameter to move forward clinical trials. However, the interaction between nanoparticles and the tumor microenvironment is not yet fully understood. Therefore, it is necessary to develop more human-like evaluation models or to improve the existing ones for a better understanding of the molecular bases of cancer. This review provides recent advances in biosynthesized Au and Ag nanoparticles for seven of the most common and relevant cancers and their biological assessment. In addition, it provides a general idea of the in silico, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models used for the anticancer evaluation of green biogenic metal-based nanoparticles.

Immunoprotection evaluation of the recombinant N-terminal domain of Cys-loop receptors against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick infestation.

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites of cattle and act as vectors for disease-causing microorganisms. Conventional tick control is based on the application of chemical acaricides; however, their uncontrolled use has increased resistant tick populations, as well as food and environmental contamination. Alternative immunological tick control has shown to be partially effective. Therefore, there is a need to characterize novel antigens in order to improve immunological protection. The aim of this work was to evaluate Cys-loop receptors as vaccine candidates. N-terminal domains of a glutamate receptor and of a glycine-like receptor were recombinantly produced in Escherichia coli. Groups of BALB/c mice were independently immunized with four doses of each recombinant protein emulsified with Freund's adjuvant. Both vaccine candidates were immunogenic in mice as demonstrated by western blot analysis. Next, recombinant proteins were independently formulated with the adjuvant Montanide ISA 50 V2 and evaluated in cattle infested with Rhipicephalus microplus tick larvae. Groups of three European crossbred calves were immunized with three doses of each adjuvanted protein. ELISA test was used to evaluate the IgG immune response elicited against the recombinant proteins. Results showed that vaccine candidates generated a moderate humoral response on vaccinated cattle. Vaccination significantly affected the number of engorged adult female ticks, having no significant effects on tick weight, egg weight and egg fertility values. Vaccine efficacies of 33% and 25% were calculated for the glutamate receptor and the glycine-like receptor, respectively.

TITLE: Évaluation de l'immunoprotection du domaine N-terminal recombinant des récepteurs Cys-loop contre l'infestation par les tiques Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. ABSTRACT: Les tiques Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus sont des ectoparasites hématophages obligatoires des bovins et agissent comme vecteurs de micro-organismes pathogènes. Le contrôle conventionnel des tiques est basé sur l'application d'acaricides chimiques, mais leur utilisation incontrôlée a augmenté les populations de tiques résistantes ainsi que la contamination des aliments et de l'environnement. Le contrôle immunologique alternatif des tiques s'est avéré partiellement efficace. Par conséquent, il est nécessaire de caractériser de nouveaux antigènes afin d'améliorer la protection immunologique. Le but de ce travail était d'évaluer les récepteurs Cys-loop comme candidats vaccins. Les domaines N-terminaux d'un récepteur du glutamate et d'un récepteur de type glycine ont été produits par recombinaison chez Escherichia coli. Des groupes de souris BALB/c ont été immunisés indépendamment avec quatre doses de chaque protéine recombinante émulsionnée avec l'adjuvant de Freund. Les deux vaccins candidats étaient immunogènes chez la souris, comme l'a démontré l'analyse par transfert Western. Ensuite, des protéines recombinantes ont été formulées indépendamment avec l'adjuvant Montanide ISA 50 V2 et évaluées chez des bovins infestés de larves de tiques Rhipicephalus microplus. Des groupes de trois veaux croisés européens ont été immunisés avec trois doses de chaque protéine avec adjuvant. Le test ELISA a été utilisé pour évaluer la réponse immunitaire IgG induite contre les protéines recombinantes. Les résultats ont montré que les candidats vaccins généraient une réponse humorale modérée sur les bovins vaccinés. La vaccination a affecté de manière significative le nombre de tiques femelles adultes engorgées mais n'a eu aucun effet significatif sur le poids des tiques, le poids des œufs et les valeurs de fertilité des œufs. Des efficacités vaccinales de 33 % et 25 % ont été calculées pour le récepteur du glutamate et le récepteur de type glycine, respectivement.

Two new species of Archaeopodagrion (Odonata, Philogeniidae) from the western foothills of the Tropical Andes, with biological observations and distributional records.

Two new species of the damselfly genus Archaeopodagrion, A. recurvatum sp. nov. and A. mayi sp. nov., are described from the confluence of the Tropical Andes and the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena biodiversity hotspots. Adults differ from the other known species in the shape of female posterior lobe of pronotum and male structures of cerci and paraprocts; the larva differs from other Archaeopodagrion species in the caudal lamellae structure and in the mandibular formula. The two new species are diagnosed, a morphological key to all known males and females in the genus is provided, and geographical distributions are updated. Finally, observations on habitat preferences for each newly described species are provided.

Serum Analysis of Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer Using a Mini-Array of Tumor-Associated Antigens.

Background: Several studies have shown that patients with cancer have antibodies in serum that react with cellular autoantigens, known as Tumor-Associated Antigens (TAA). The present work aimed to determine whether a mini-array comprising four recombinant TAA increases the detection of specific serum antibodies for the diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer. Methods: The mini-array included Alpha 1-AntiTrypsin (A1AT), TriosePhosphate Isomerase 1 (TPI1), Peptidyl-Prolyl cis-trans Isomerase A (PPIA), and PeroxiReDoXin 2 (PRDX2) full-length recombinant proteins. The proteins were produced after gene cloning, expression, and purification, and were verified by Western blot assays. Then, Dot-Blot was performed to find antibodies against the four TAA in 12 sera from women with early-stage breast cancer (stage II) and 12 sera from healthy women. Results: Antibody detection against individual TAA in early-stage breast cancer sera ranged from 58.3% to 83.3%. However, evaluation of the four TAA showed that there was a positive antibody reaction reaching a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 85% in early-stage breast cancer, suggesting that this mini-array must be evaluated as a clinical diagnostic tool for early-stage breast cancer in a larger sample size. Conclusion: Our results suggest that TAA mini-arrays may provide a promising and powerful method for improving the detection of breast cancer in Mexican women.

Description of the larva of the genus Archaeopodagrion Kennedy, 1939 (Zygoptera: Philogeniidae).

The larva of Archaeopodagrion fernandoi Bota-Sierra, 2017, is described and illustrated in detail, being the first larva described for the genus Archaeopodagrion. The description is based on F-0 larvae collected from the type locality. The larva of A. fernandoi shows great resemblance to larvae of Philogenia spp., which adds support to the hypothesis of the monophyletic family Philogeniidae which groups together Archaeopodagrion and Philogenia. However, both genera differ each other by the presence of basal, spiny, fleshy tubercles on caudal lamellae of Archaeopodagrion.

Redescription of the larva of Neoerythromma cultellatum (Hagen in Selys, 1876) (Odonata: Coenagrionidae: Coenagrioninae).

The final instar of Neoerythromma cultellatum (Hagen in Selys, 1876) is redescribed and illustrated based upon reared specimens from Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica. This is a detailed complement of the original description provided by García-Díaz (1938) and illustrated with high quality photos of the larval morphology. The larva of N. cultellatum is characterized by a slender, spinulose, and yellow to yellowish-brown body, premental setae 3+1, five palpal setae, male cerci long, and caudal lamella lanceolate, with obvious node, spotted, and markedly tracheate.

Molecular subtypes and clinicopathological features of breast cancer in Mexican women. / Subtipos moleculares y características clinicopatológicas de cáncer de mama en mujeres mexicanas.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a multifactorial and heterogeneous disease with distinct molecular features and histopathologic subtypes involving different therapeutic responses and clinical outcomes. Classification of breast cancer in molecular subtypes has made possible an approach to develop therapeutic strategies in order to have a better understanding of the breast cancer development. Due to the heterogeneity of the disease, there are still features to be elucidated in the behavior, etiology and clinical outcomes of each molecular subtype in breast cancer. METHODS: Variables measured in 1,695 cases of invasive breast carcinoma were age, histopathological diagnosis, histopathological grade, expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), cell proliferation marker (Ki67) and basal cytokeratins (CK 5/6). P values were obtained using Chi square test and hazard ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: An increase of aggressive molecular subtypes of breast cancer was observed. The mean age of incidence of breast cancer patients is decreasing, and breast cancer Patients younger than 40-years-old showed higher risk to exhibit Triple negative and Basal-like tumors. CONCLUSIONS: The mean age for this pathology is decreasing in our population and there is predominance in the differential occurrence of etiologically distinct entities of breast cancer affecting to the young women.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El cáncer de mama es una enfermedad heterogénea y multifactorial. Presenta distintas características clínicas, moleculares e histopatológicas, las cuales se asocian con la respuesta a los esquemas terapéuticos, así como al resultado clínico. La clasificación en subtipos moleculares (luminales, HER2, triple negativo y basales) ha permitido el desarrollo y aplicación de estrategias terapéuticas particulares. Sin embargo, dada la gran heterogeneidad de la enfermedad, existen aún características por elucidar en el comportamiento, etiología y resultados clínicos de cada subtipo molecular de cáncer de mama. MÉTODOS: Se obtuvieron datos de 1695 casos de cáncer de mama invasor. Se realizaron correlaciones entre las siguientes variables: edad, diagnóstico histopatológico, grado histológico, expresión del receptor de estrógenos (ER), receptor de progesterona (PR), receptor 2 del factor de crecimiento epidérmico humano (HER2), marcador de proliferación celular (Ki67) y citoqueratinas basales (CK 5/6). Los valores de p fueron calculados utilizando Chi cuadrada y el cociente de riesgo fue calculado con un intervalo de confianza de 95%. RESULTADOS: Se observó un incremento en la frecuencia de los subtipos moleculares más agresivos, así como una disminución en el valor de la media de la edad en las pacientes diagnosticadas con cáncer de mama. El análisis de la información indica que en pacientes menores de 40 años existe mayor riesgo a la presencia de tumores triple negativo o basales. CONCLUSIONES: En población mexicana, la media de edad para el diagnóstico primario de cáncer de está disminuyendo y hay mayor frecuencia de subtipos moleculares más agresivos en pacientes jóvenes.

Two new species of Colombian Epigomphus (Odonata: Gomphidae).

The Neotropical genus Epigomphus Hagen in Selys, 1854 groups 31 species distributed from Mexico to northern Argentina. Only two species have been recorded so far from Colombia. Here we present two new species found in the north of the Andean Colombian Cordillera Central, Epigomphus rufus sp. nov. and Epigomphus brillantina sp. nov. Full descriptions of adult male and female and adult male respectively, plus diagnoses, pictures of the diagnostic characteristics, natural history notes, and a distribution map are provided.

The larva of Phyllogomphoides pugnifer Donnelly, 1979 (Odonata: Gomphidae).

The larva of Phyllogomphoides pugnifer Donnelly, 1979 is described for the first time based on reared specimens to emergence, and several F-0 larvae collected in Chiapas and Veracruz states, Mexico. The larva of P. pugnifer can be separated from other larvae of the genus by the length/width proportion of structures such as prementum, ligula, and abdominal segment 10, as well as length of cercus relative to epiproct.

Descriptions of the larvae of Acanthagrion speculum and A. trilobatum from Costa Rica (Odonata: Coenagrionidae).

Description of the final instar of Acanthagrion trilobatum Leonard, 1977 and A. speculum Garrison, 1985 is based on associated specimens from San José, Turrialba and Sarapiquí Provinces, Costa Rica. Illustrations of these two species and a comparative table summarizing the main features of all larvae of Acanthagrion described to date are provided. The larva of A. trilobatum is distinguished from that of A. speculum by shorter lateral caudal lamellae (length 7 mm vs. 8.2 mm), lateral carina of abdominal segments 2-8 with spiniform setae on posterior 1/3 (lateral carinae of only S6-8 with spiniform setae in A. speculum), and male gonapophyses incurved (straight in A. speculum).

The probable larva of Anotogaster gregoryi Fraser, 1923, with new distributional records of the genus from northern Thailand (Odonata: Cordulegastridae).

The probable larva of Anotogaster gregoryi Fraser, 1923 is described for the first time by supposition based upon four F-0 larvae collected in the provinces of Loei and Phitsanulok, which are new province records for Anotogaster in Thailand.