Distribution of BCR::ABL1 Transcripts in the Different Clinical Phases of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Effect on Hematological Parameters and Patient Survival.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome, a product of the reciprocal translocation t(9;22)(q34;q11), in the BCR and ABL genes. These rearrangements in both genes lead to the formation of various fusion mRNA products, with preferential expression of b2a2, b3a2, and other BCR::ABL1 mRNA variants, combined with additional chromosomal abnormalities. Notably, the distribution and frequency of different mRNA variants vary in different populations. However, studies concerning this in Mexico are limited, and the results have been inconclusive. This study therefore aimed to determine the distribution of BCR::ABL1 mRNA variants in different clinical phases of CML and their effect on hematological parameters and patient survival. This study included 33 patients, whose demographic, clinical, and molecular data on BCR::ABL1 mRNA variants and hematological parameters were collected to identify potential associations. A total of 84.8% (n = 28) of patients had BCR::ABL1 translocation and increased platelet and basophil counts. The most frequent mRNA variant was b3a2 (64.3%), followed by b2a2 (28.6%) and e1a2 (3.6%). Concerning the clinical phases of CML, 75.8% (n = 25), 21.2% (n = 7), and 3% (n = 1) of patients were in the chronic, blast, and accelerated phases, respectively. Moreover, the b3a2 mRNA variant was more commonly identified in patients in the chronic phase. No correlation was observed between mRNA variant expression and patient survival. However, b2a2 was indicative of patients with longer survival as well as those treated with imatinib or nilotinib. Additionally, platelet count could be a marker of BCR::ABL1 translocation.

Leukemia Types and Subtypes Analysis: Epidemiological Age-Standardized Exploration in the Mexican Bajio Region.

Background and Objectives: Leukemia, characterized by abnormal leukocyte production, exhibits clonal origin from somatic mutations. Globally, it ranked 15th in cancer incidence in 2020, with higher prevalence in developing countries. In Mexico, it was the ninth most frequent cancer. Regional registries are vital for understanding its epidemiology. This study aims to analyze the prevalence and age-standardized incidence rates of leukemias in a tertiary care hospital in the Mexican Bajio region. Materials and Methods: Leukemia cases from 2008-2018 were analyzed, and 535 medical records were included in this study. The prevalence, distribution, and age-specific incidence rate of different types and subtypes of leukemia were determined according to sex and age groups. Results: Overall, 65.79% consisted of lymphocytic leukemia, 33.64% of myeloid leukemia, and 0.56% of monocytic leukemia. No significant sex-based differences were found, but age-specific patterns were observed. Leukemia distribution by age revealed significant associations. Lymphocytic leukemia dominated in the pediatric population, particularly acute lymphocytic leukemia, while myeloid leukemia shifted towards adulthood. Age-specific incidence patterns showed, first, that lymphocytic leukemia is the most common leukemia in pediatric ages, and second, there is a shift from acute lymphocytic leukemia dominance in pediatric ages to myeloid leukemia incidence in late adulthood, emphasizing nuanced epidemiological dynamics. Conclusions: Acute leukemia cases occurred with high prevalence in our study population, with a high incidence in pediatric and adulthood populations, especially for acute lymphocytic leukemia, showing a (<18 years) 153.8 age-standardized incidence rate in the pediatric group, while in the adult population, the age-standardized rate was 59.84. In the age-specific analysis, we found that the childhood group (5-9 years) were the most affected by acute lymphocytic leukemia in the pediatric population, while in the adult population, the early-adulthood group (15-29 years) were the most affected age group. In contrast, chronic myeloid leukemia affected both adults and the pediatric populations, while chronic lymphocytic leukemia and monocytic leukemia were exclusive to adults. The study underscores the need for tailored diagnostic, treatment, and preventive strategies based on age, contributing valuable insights into the leukemia epidemiology of the Bajio region.

Frequencies of BCR::ABL1 Transcripts in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Meta-Analysis.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is associated with the Philadelphia chromosome and distinct BCR::ABL1 gene transcripts. We assessed the frequencies of these transcripts in Mexico, Latin America, and worldwide. We determined the prevalence of BCR::ABL1 transcripts in CML patients and intercontinental or regional variations using specialized databases and keywords. We analyzed 34 studies from 20 countries, encompassing 5795 patients. Keyword-based searches in specialized databases guided data collection. ANOVA was employed for transcript distribution analysis. The b3a2 transcript was most prevalent globally, followed by b2a2, with e1a2 being the least frequent. Interestingly, Mexico City exhibited a higher incidence of b2a2, while b3a2 predominated in the remaining country. Overall, no significant intercontinental or regional variations were observed. b3a2 was the most common BCR::ABL1 transcript worldwide, with b2a2 following closely; e1a2 was infrequent. Notably, this trend remained consistent in Mexico. Evaluating transcript frequencies holds clinical relevance for CML management. Understanding the frequency of transcript informs personalized CML treatments.

Imaging and SERS Study of the Au Nanoparticles Interaction with HPV and Carcinogenic Cervical Tissues.

In this work, gold NPs were prepared by the Turkevich method, and their interaction with HPV and cancerous cervical tissues were studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, confocal and multiphoton microscopy and SERS. The SEM images confirmed the presence and localization of the gold NPs inside of the two kinds of tissues. The light absorption of the gold NPs was at 520 nm. However, it was possible to obtain two-photon imaging (red emission region) of the gold NPs inside of the tissue, exciting the samples at 900 nm, observing the morphology of the tissues. The infrared absorption was probably due to the aggregation of gold NPs inside the tissues. Therefore, through the interaction of gold nanoparticles with the HPV and cancerous cervical tissues, a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was obtained. As preliminary studies, having an average of 1000 Raman spectra per tissue, SERS signals showed changes between the HPV-infected and the carcinogenic tissues; these spectral signatures occurred mainly in the DNA bands, potentially offering a tool for the rapid screening of cancer.

Translucency thresholds for dental materials.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the translucency acceptability and perceptibility thresholds for dental resin composites using CIEDE2000 and CIELAB color difference formulas. METHODS: A 30-observer panel performed perceptibility and acceptability judgments on 50 pairs of resin composites discs (diameter: 10mm; thickness: 1mm). Disc pair differences for the Translucency Parameter (ΔTP) were calculated using both color difference formulas (ΔTP00 ranged from 0.11 to 7.98, and ΔTPab ranged from 0.01 to 12.79). A Takagi-Sugeno-Kang (TSK) Fuzzy Approximation was used as fitting procedure. From the resultant fitting curves, the 95% confidence intervals were estimated and the 50:50% translucency perceptibility and acceptability thresholds (TPT and TAT) were calculated. Differences between thresholds were statistically analyzed using Student t tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: CIEDE2000 50:50% TPT was 0.62 and TAT was 2.62. Corresponding CIELAB values were 1.33 and 4.43, respectively. Translucency perceptibility and acceptability thresholds were significantly different using both color difference formulas (p=0.01 for TPT and p=0.005 for TAT). CIEDE2000 color difference formula provided a better data fit than CIELAB formula. SIGNIFICANCE: The visual translucency difference thresholds determined with CIEDE2000 color difference formula can serve as reference values in the selection of resin composites and evaluation of its clinical performance.

Optical properties of supra-nano spherical filled resin composites compared to nanofilled, nano-hybrid and micro-hybrid composites.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the optical properties of supra-nano spherical filled resin composites and the nanofilled, nano-hybrid and microhybrid composites using the Kubelka-Munk Theory. Diffuse reflectance of samples (Shade A2) was measured against white and black backgrounds, using a spectroradiometer, using a viewing booth with D65 illuminant and d/0º geometry. S and K coefficients and T were calculated using Kubelka-Munk's equations. The spectral behavior of S, K and T was similar for all dental resin composites analyzed (VAF close to 100%), even though they were, generally, statistically different (p≤0.05). The K-M T values overestimate the real value of Transmittance of the resin composites. Supra-nano spherical filled resin composites show the highest scattering and Transmittance when compared with the others materials, probably due to the shape and size of the filler. Such difference should be taken into consideration in a clinical situation to reproduce natural esthetic restorations.

Development of a customized whiteness index for dentistry based on CIELAB color space.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a customized CIELAB-based whiteness index for dentistry that accurately correlates to perception of tooth whiteness. METHODS: Four psychophysical experiments (PE1-4) were conducted by three panels of observers (OP1-3) under diffuse/0° observation/measuring conditions and under typical clinical viewing conditions. Nine whiteness indices (WI, Z%, WIC, WIO, W31, W64, W, WLAB, W*), two yellowness indices (YID1925, YIE313) and tint of white in the CIELAB color system (T) were compared with regard to their ability to measure the perceived whiteness of human teeth. Determination coefficient (R(2)) and '% wrong decision' (%WD) method were used as direct measures of the quality of the indices for whiteness perception in dentistry. RESULTS: CIELAB-based whiteness index (WID=0.511L* -2.324a* -1.100b*) was developed through optimization from the data obtained in PE1. The proposed WID performed better than all the CIELAB and CIE1931 XYZ-based indices under laboratory and clinical conditions (only WIO was comparable to WID in PE2 and PE4). CONCLUSION: The validation experiments under laboratory and typical clinical conditions revealed that the proposed index WID outperformed previous indices, being the only CIELAB-based index developed for evaluation of whiteness in dentistry.

Labeling of HeLa cells using ZrO2:Yb(3+)-Er(3+) nanoparticles with upconversion emission.

This work reports the synthesis, structural characterization, and optical properties of ZrO2:Yb(3+)-Er(3+) (2­1 mol%) nanocrystals. The nanoparticles were coated with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) and further modified with biomolecules, such as Biotin-Anti-rabbit (mouse IgG) and rabbit antibody-AntiKi-67, through a conjugation method. The conjugation was successfully confirmed by Fourier transform infrared, zeta potential, and dynamic light scattering. The internalization of the conjugated nanoparticles in human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells was followed by two-photon confocal microscopy. The ZrO2:Yb(3+)-Er(3+) nanocrystals exhibited strong red emission under 970-nm excitation. Moreover, the luminescence change due to the addition of APTES molecules and biomolecules on the nanocrystals was also studied. These results demonstrate that ZrO2:Yb(3+)-Er(3+) nanocrystals can be successfully functionalized with biomolecules to develop platforms for biolabeling and bioimaging.

Prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in rural communities of Guanajuato, Mexico. Effect after 6 months of Telmisartan treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with over 5 years of evolution in rural communities of Guanajuato, Mexico, and evaluate the effects of an ARB treatment over 6 months in patients with DN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients of both sexes, 38-86 years, T2DM over 5 years of evolution and diagnosed with arterial hypertension (HT) after T2DM incidence. Monthly determination of microalbuminuria (MA), lipids, glucose, serum creatinine, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. A dose of 80 mg of Telmisartan was administered daily over 6 months. RESULTS: The total adult population of two rural communities (3609 subjects) was studied, 335 subjects had T2DM, among them 80 (with a prevalence of 24%) had DN and HT. Sixty-seven patients received Telmisartan, and showed significant improvement in all parameters studied. CONCLUSIONS: A higher prevalence of DN than that reported in the Mexican National Health Survey (ENSANUT) was found. Further research is required in a larger population sample in order to confirm the results of Telmisartan treatment.

Comparison of mood among male and female workers as a function of reproductive stage / Comparación del ánimo entre los trabajadores hombres y mujeres como una función de la etapa reproductiva

El propósito de este estudio fue comparar la frecuencia de alteraciones del estado de ánimo de los trabajadores masculinos y femeninos maduros. También se intentó demostrar la relación de los síntomas con algunos aspectos psicológicos como la autoestima de los voluntarios (AE), la satisfacción marital (SM) y las actitudes hacia la sexualidad (AHS). Materiales y métodos: En un diseño transversal, se determina la frecuencia de la depresión, la ansiedad, los síntomas no específicos de la depresión (SNED), MS, y los sentimientos de síndrome del nido vacío (SSNV) en 103 hombres y 129 mujeres de 40 a 64 años de edad. Depresión, los SNED y la ansiedad fueron evaluados según los criterios DSM-III-R calificados con la prueba de Bech-Rafaelsen Hamilton. La AE se evaluó con la prueba Coopersmith, AHS y SSNV con un cuestionario previamente validado y SM con la prueba de selección De Weiss. Las mujeres se dividieron en función de su último período menstrual en pre, peri y postmenopáusicas. Resultados: Los resultados demostraron que el SSNV fue más frecuente en mujeres que en varones (p = 0,03). Las mujeres perimenopáusicas tuvieron mayor frecuencia de depresión, ansiedad y SNED que los hombres y las mujeres pre y posmenopáusicas. La AE fue asociada positivamente con alteraciones del estado de ánimo en el trabajo masculino y femenino. En los hombres, la MS estuvo significativamente asociada con SSNV y con la depresión y los SNED en las mujeres perimenopáusicas. Conclusiones: Llegamos a la conclusión de que las alteraciones del estado de ánimo son más frecuentes en las mujeres que en los hombres maduros. También hemos demostrado que en las mujeres maduras una pobre AE podría ser un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de problemas del estado de ánimo. En ambos, hombres maduros y mujeres posmenopáusicas, la MS juega un papel importante en la aparición de SSNV.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the frequencies of mood alterations of mature male and female workers. Also we aimed to demonstrate the relationship of symptoms with some psychological aspects such as volunteer's self-esteem (SE), marital satisfaction (MS) and attitudes toward sexuality (ATS). Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional design, we determine the frequencies of depression, anxiety, non-specific symptoms of depression (NSSD), MS, and the feelings of empty nest syndrome (FENS) in 103 males and 129 females from 40 to 64 years of age. Depression, NSSD and anxiety were evaluated according to DSMIII-R criteria and scored with the Hamilton Bech-Rafaelsen test. SE was evaluated with the Coopersmith test, ATS and FENS with a previously validated questionnaire, and MS with the Pick De Weiss test. Women were divided according to their last menstrual period in pre- peri- and postmenopausal. Results: The results demonstrated that FENS were more frequent in females than in males (p=0.03). Perimenopausal women had higher frequencies of depression, anxiety, and NSSD than males and pre- and postmenopausal females did. SE was positively associated with mood alterations in both male and female labors. In males, MS was significant associated with FENS; and with depression and NSSD in perimenopausal females. Conclusions: We concluded that mood alterations are more frequent in mature females than in males. Also we demonstrated that in mature females poor SE could be a risk factor to development mood problems. In both mature male and postmenopausal females, MS plays an important role in the appearance of FENS.

Influence of surface roughness on the color of dental-resin composites.

This study deals with the influence of surface roughness on the color of resin composites. Ten resin composites (microfilled, hybrid, and microhybrid) were each polished with 500-grit, 1200-grit, 2000-grit, and 4000-grit SiC papers. The roughness parameter (R(a)) was measured using a Plµ confocal microscope, and field-emission scanning electron microscope (Fe-SEM) images were used to investigate filler morphology. Color was measured using a spectroradiometer and a D65 standard illuminant (geometry diffuse/0° specular component excluded (SCE) mode). Surface roughness decreased with grit number and was not influenced by filler size or size distribution. A significant influence of R(a) on lightness (L*) was found. Lightness increased with decreases in roughness, except for specimens that underwent polishing procedure 4 (PP4; 500-grit, 1200-grit, 2000-grit, and 4000-grit SiC papers consecutively). Generally, it was found that surface roughness influenced the color of resin composites. The composites that underwent PP1 (500-grit SiC paper) exhibited significant differences in chroma (C*), hue (h°), and lightness (L*) compared to composites that underwent PP3 (500-grit, 1200-grit, and 2000-grit SiC papers consecutively) and PP4. Color difference (∆E*) between the polishing procedures was within acceptability thresholds in dentistry.

Color difference thresholds in dental ceramics.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to determine the perceptibility and acceptability thresholds for dental ceramics using CIEDE2000 (ΔE(00)) and CIELAB (ΔE(ab)(*)) color difference formulas and a novel TSK Fuzzy Approximation. METHODS: A 13-observer panel performed independent observations of perceptibility and acceptability judgments on 105 pairs of ceramic discs (14mm in diameter and 3mm thick). Color differences of the disc pairs were calculated using both color difference formulas (ΔE(00) ranged from 0.10 to 9.91). Two fitting procedures were used: S-shaped curve and TSK Fuzzy Approximation. For both procedures, from the resultant fitting curves, the 95% confidence intervals were estimated and the 50:50% thresholds were calculated (50% positive and 50% negative answers). RESULTS: With the S-shaped fitting procedure, a 50:50% acceptability threshold was found to be ΔE(00)=2.25 (r(2)=0.88) and ΔE(ab)(*)=3.46 (r(2)=0.85). Corresponding values with a TSK Fuzzy Approximation were ΔE(00)=2.23 (r(2)=0.89) and ΔE(ab)(*)=3.48 (r(2)=0.86). The perceptibility thresholds for fitted S-shape curves were ΔE(00)=1.30 (r(2)=0.74) and ΔE(ab)(*)=1.80 (r(2)=0.70) and ΔE(00)=1.25 (r(2)=0.75), and ΔE(ab)(*)=1.74 (r(2)=0.71) for the TSK Fuzzy Approximation. The ΔL', ΔC', ΔH' values corresponding to a 50% acceptability threshold were ΔL'=2.44, ΔC'=3.15 and ΔH'=3.24 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The CIEDE2000 color difference formula provided a better fit than CIELAB formula in the evaluation of color difference thresholds of dental ceramics. There was a statistically significant difference between perceptibility and acceptability thresholds for dental ceramics. The TSK Fuzzy Approximation has been proved to be a reliable alternative approach for the color threshold calculation procedure.

Study of the variation between CIELAB delta E* and CIEDE2000 color-differences of resin composites.

This study sought to assess the significance of the corrections introduced in the new CIEDE2000 color difference formula with respect to deltaE*ab. The purpose of which was to provide sounder knowledge, and hence more informed decision-making, about applying this new formula to dental resin composites. With two different hybrid composites, color differences were calculated between unpolymerized and polymerized resin composites, between polymerized resin composites of different thicknesses (1 and 2 mm), and between polymerized resin composites cured with halogen and LED light curing units (LCUs). The two formulas differed significantly, with VAB(E) (equal size) values higher than the inter-observer variability (VAB (E)=11%) and VAB(O) (original size) values greater than 25% for each of the data sets analyzed. Results obtained in this study agreed with and thus supported the recent recommendation of the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE), whereby the new CIEDE2000 formula should be used to evaluate color differences of resin composites.

Occupational exposure to toluene and its possible causative role in renal damage development in shoe workers.

OBJECTIVES: An important, although, unprecise number of shoe workers in Leon, Mexico, are in continuous contact with toluene-based glues. The induction of renal glomerular and/or tubular lesions as a result of toluene exposure is still being discussed controversially. Our objective was to evaluate the extent of occupational exposure, assessing urinary o-Cresol excretion as a measure for toluene exposure in a population at risk as compared to a control population. Urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) enzymatic activity were tested to assess renal dysfunction. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed comparing 50 toluene-exposed shoe workers and 25 control subjects. Urinary o-cresol was assessed on first and last day of labor week from exposed subjects. A single urine sample was obtained from control subjects. Urinary Albumin excretion (UAE) and (NAG) activity were examined in 12 h urine samples in all subjects. Urine and serum creatinine were measured to asses renal function. RESULTS: At the end of the labor week, urinary o-cresol levels were higher in samples obtained from exposed subjects. Albumin excretion was similar in the exposed and control groups. NAG activity was greater in the exposed group compared to control group (median 3.5 U/g creatinine vs 1.9 U/g creatinine, z=2.6, P=0.009). An inverse relationship was found between schooling years and the NAG enzymatic activity for the two studied groups (r= -0.27, P=0.02), CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the hypothesis that toluene may be a factor associated with the presence of renal damage in exposed shoe workers. As NAG activity is increased, we believe the lesion initiates in the renal tubular cells.