Sperm origin impact on early human embryo kinetics / El origen del gameto paterno influye en la cinética embrionaria temprana

Introduction: Time-lapse imaging in embryology is a recent and developing technology, which not only allows constant embryo monitoring but is also a promising non-invasive tool for embryo selection, as it permits the annotation of the embryo's kinetics throughout early development. Several external factors together with patient characteristics are reported as affecting embryo kinetics. Controversy still exists regarding whether sperm origin affects the timing of the embryo's developmental events evaluated by time-lapse monitoring. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of sperm origin on embryonic kinetics in IVF cycles. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of 161 IVF cycles between 2014 and 2020 were included. The morphokinetic parameters of 220 embryos obtained from couples with severe male factor infertility who underwent testicular sperm extraction (TESE), and 613 embryos from couples with fresh ejaculated spermatozoa were evaluated. Results: Statistically significant morphokinetic differences were observed between embryos from the TESE group compared to the normozoospermic embryos. In fact, 7 kinetic variables were eventually found to be relevant (p<.05). Conclusions: This study showed that embryos derived from testicular-retrieved spermatozoa presented delayed cell divisions, compared to ejaculated spermatozoa embryos.(AU)

Introducción: La tecnología time-lapse en embriología es una metodología de aplicación reciente en los laboratorios de fecundación in vitro (FIV), que además de la monitorización continua de los embriones, permite realizar anotaciones sobre la morfología y la cinética del desarrollo embrionario que pueden emplearse en la selección de embriones. Se ha descrito que la cinética de los embriones en cultivo varía en función de múltiples factores, como la estimulación ovárica, los medios de cultivo empleados, las condiciones de cultivo, etc. Se desconoce cuál es el efecto paterno en la cinética embrionaria y si este efecto depende del origen de los espermatozoides. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el efecto del origen de los espermatozoides sobre la cinética embrionaria en los ciclos FIV. Material y métodos: Para ello, se analizaron retrospectivamente 161 ciclos de FIV entre los años 2014 y 2020. Se incluyeron 220 embriones de parejas con infertilidad por factor masculino severo que se sometieron a una biopsia para la recuperación de esperma testicular (TESE) y 613 embriones derivados del eyaculado fresco de varones normozoospérmicos. Resultados: Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los embriones que se originaron en el grupo TESE, en comparación con los normozoospérmicos. De hecho, se encontraron siete variables cinéticas relevantes (p<0,05). Conclusiones: Este estudio muestra que los embriones derivados de espermatozoides recuperados por biopsia testicular presentan un patrón de división tardío, en comparación con los embriones provenientes de espermatozoides del eyaculado.(AU)

Prediction of carcass composition, ham and foreleg weights, and lean meat yields of Iberian pigs using ultrasound measurements in live animals.

The most valuable lean cuts from Iberian pigs are the hams, forelegs, and loins, which yield high quality cured meat products. This study aimed to assess the correlation between body composition measurements taken in vivo by ultrasonography in Iberian pigs and those taken on the carcass, which were then used to develop predictive models to estimate the weight and yield of these cuts. Before slaughter, 241 Iberian pigs were weighed (slaughter BW) and ultrasonically scanned. Ultrasound images were collected at 3 locations: the 10th intercostal space, caudal to the last rib to image the loin muscle, and the rear gluteal region [ultrasound gluteal backfat (u-GBF)]. After slaughter, the weight of the carcass (CW), ham (HW), foreleg (FW), and loin (LW) were determined, and the sum of these lean cuts weights (CLPW) and the corresponding yields were calculated. A portion of loin with the associated bones, backfat, and skin was obtained by cutting the carcass between the 10th and last ribs and was used to measure, at the 10th (10) and last (14) rib locations, the total backfat thickness, the area of the loin muscle (c-LA), and the thickness of the 4 backfat (BF) layers, namely, the outer (c-OBF), middle (c-MBF), outer plus middle (c-OMBF), and the inner (c-IBF). Finally, intramuscular fat percentages (IMF) were obtained from the meat samples. Corresponding measurements from the ultrasound (u) images were similarly taken at the same 2 ribs (u-BF, u-LA, u-OBF, u-MBF, u-OMBF, and u-IBF). The correlation was greatest between u-MBF10 and c-MBF10 (0.84). Most correlations between ultrasound and carcass measurements were lower at the last rib than at 10th rib. The greatest correlation of IMF10 occurred with u-IBF10 (0.40). Ham weight and HL were more correlated with u-BF10 than with u-BF14 whereas FW was more correlated with u-BF14. The u-LA was more correlated with HW, FW, and LW at the last rib than at the 10th rib. Slaughter live weight accounted for 0.84, 0.42, 0.36, and 0.54% of the variation for the prediction of CW, HW, FW, and CLPW, respectively. The u-LA10 and u-LA14 increased the variation explained by the model up to 0.89, 0.48, 0.39, and 0.62% for CW, HW, FW, and CLPW, respectively. Including u-GBF in the models also increased the R(2) values for predicting HW, LW, HY (ham yield), and LY (loin yield). In conclusion, u-LA10, u-LA14, and u-GBF may improve weight of commercial cuts and yield prediction in live Iberian pigs.

Expression of anatomical leaf traits in homoploid hybrids between deciduous and evergreen species of Vaccinium.

We investigated the anatomical expression of leaf traits in hybrids between evergreen Vaccinium vitis-idaea and deciduous V. myrtillus. We compared parents from four populations with their respective F1 hybrids and tested whether (i) transgression can be the source of novel anatomical traits in hybrids; (ii) expression of transgressive traits is more probable for traits with similar values in parents and intermediate for more distinct values, as predicted by theory; and (iii) independent origin of hybrids leads to identical trait expression profiles among populations. We found that anatomical leaf traits can be divided into four categories based on their similarity to parents: intermediate, parental-like, transgressive and non-significant. Contrary to the common view, parental-like trait values were equally important in shaping the hybrid profile, as were intermediate traits. Transgression was revealed in 17/144 cases and concerned mainly cell and tissue sizes. As predicted by theory, we observed transgressive segregation more often when there was little phenotypic divergence, but intermediate values when parental traits were differentiated. It is likely that cell and tissue sizes are phylogenetically more conserved due to stabilising selection, whereas traits such as leaf thickness and volume fraction of the intercellular spaces, showing a consistent intermediate pattern across populations, are more susceptible to directional selection. Hybrid populations showed little similarity in expression profile, with only three traits identically expressed across all populations. Thus local adaptation of parental species and specific genetic background may be of importance.

Applicability of 2-DE to assess differences in the protein profile between cold storage and not cold storage in nectarine fruits.

Cold storage is being used to increase nectarine fruits' postharvest life. However, low temperatures lead to chilling injury and limit their commercial quality and value. In this study a proteomic approach was used to compare the protein profile between control and cold storage nectarine fruits. Protein extracted from tissue was resolved by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) in the 4-7 pH and 10-200 kDa Mr range. Around 350 spots were well determined, and 11 from 17 spots that showed significant differences were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-time-of-flight (TOF)-mass spectrometry (MS). Four differentially expressed proteins were characterized as allergens and were further assessed at the transcription level using quantitative real time-RT-PCR (qRT-PCR).

La disfunción eréctil y su severidad están en relación con el número de factores de riesgo cardiovascular / Erectile Dysfunction and Its Severity Are Related to the Number of Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Objetivos: La disfunción eréctil (DE) es un estado muy común entre la población. Está en clara relación con la hipertensión arterial (HTA), la diabetes mellitus (DM), la dislipemia (DLP) y el síndrome metabólico (SM). El objetivo del presente estudio es esclarecer si la presencia y severidad de la DE están en relación con el número de factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV). Material y métodos: Analizamos retrospectivamente las características de 242 varones derivados a nuestro centro para la realización de biopsia prostática entre septiembre de 2007 y diciembre de 2009. Se recogieron prospectivamente las siguientes variables: edad, altura, peso, índice de masa corporal (IMC), HTA, DM, DLP y obesidad (IMC < 30 kg/m2). Para describirla función eréctil utilizamos el cuestionario Erection Hardness Score. Analizamos la relación entre la presencia y severidad de DE y la presencia de HTA, DM, DLP y obesidad. Analizamos las variables clínicas en función de la presencia o ausencia de DE y en relación con su severidad. Resultados: La presencia de DE se relaciona con HTA (OR: 1,805 [1,128-2,887]; p = 0,013), DM (OR: 3,585 [1,613-7,966]; p = 0,001) y DLP (OR: 1,928 [1,062-3,500]; p = 0,029). La función eréctil no se relacionó con obesidad (OR: 0,929 [0,522-1,632]; p = 0,795). Los pacientes con DE eran más susceptibles de tener más FRCV (p = 0,009) y la severidad de la DE se encontró en relación con HTA (p < 0,001), DM (p < 0,001), DLP (p = 0,001) y el número FRCV (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: La presencia y severidad de la DE se encuentra en relación con la HTA, la DM, la DLP y el número de FRCV (AU)

Aim: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common condition in the general population. ED isclosely related to Hypertension (HT), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Dyslipidemia (DLP) and Metabolic Syndrome (MS). This study has aimed to clarify whether the presence and severity of ED are related to the presence and number of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics of 242 males referred to our center for a prostate biopsy from September 2007 to December 2009. The following variables were collected prospectively: age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), AHT, DM, DLP and obesity (BMI < 30 kg/m2). The Erection Hardness Score Questionnaire was used to assess erectile function. We analyzed the relation between the presence and severity of ED and the presence of HT, DM, DLP and obesity. We analyzed the clinical variables based on the presence or absence of ED and in relationship to its severity. Results: The presence of ED was related to HT (OR: 1.805 [1.128-2.887]; p = 0.013), DM (OR3.585 [1.613-7.966]; p = 0.001) and Dyslipidemia (OR: 1.928 [1.062-3.500]; p = 0.029). Erectile function was not related to Obesity (OR: 0.929 [0.522-1.632]; p = 0.795). Patients with ED were more likely to have more CVRF (p = 0.009) and the severity of ED was related to the presence of HT (p < 0.001), DM (p < 0.001), DLP (p = 0.001) and the number of CVRF (p < 0.001).Conclusions: The presence and severity of ED correlate with the presence of HT, DM, Dyslipidemia and the number of DVR (AU)

[Erectile dysfunction and its severity are related to the number of cardiovascular risk factors]. / La disfunción eréctil y su severidad están en relación con el número de factores de riesgo cardiovascular.

AIM: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common condition in the general population. ED is closely related to Hypertension (HT), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Dyslipidemia (DLP) and Metabolic Syndrome (MS). This study has aimed to clarify whether the presence and severity of ED are related to the presence and number of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics of 242 males referred to our center for a prostate biopsy from September 2007 to December 2009. The following variables were collected prospectively: age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), AHT, DM, DLP and obesity (BMI<30 kg/m(2)). The Erection Hardness Score Questionnaire was used to assess erectile function. We analyzed the relation between the presence and severity of ED and the presence of HT, DM, DLP and obesity. We analyzed the clinical variables based on the presence or absence of ED and in relationship to its severity. RESULTS: The presence of ED was related to HT (OR: 1.805 [1.128-2.887]; p=0.013), DM (OR 3.585 [1.613-7.966]; p=0.001) and Dyslipidemia (OR: 1.928 [1.062-3.500]; p=0.029). Erectile function was not related to Obesity (OR: 0.929 [0.522-1.632]; p=0.795). Patients with ED were more likely to have more CVRF (p=0.009) and the severity of ED was related to the presence of HT (p<0.001), DM (p<0.001), DLP (p=0.001) and the number of CVRF (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The presence and severity of ED correlate with the presence of HT, DM, Dyslipidemia and the number of DVRF.

Accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the detection of bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in bladder cancer detection using transurethral biopsy in conventional cystoscopy as the reference standard and to determine whether CEUS improves the bladder cancer detection rate of baseline ultrasound. METHODS: 43 patients with suspected bladder cancer underwent conventional cystoscopy with transurethral biopsy of the suspicious lesions. 64 bladder cancers were confirmed in 33 out of 43 patients. Baseline ultrasound and CEUS were performed the day before surgery and the accuracy of both techniques for bladder cancer detection and number of detected tumours were analysed and compared with the final diagnosis. RESULTS: CEUS was significantly more accurate than ultrasound in determining presence or absence of bladder cancer: 88.37% vs 72.09%. Seven of eight uncertain baseline ultrasound results were correctly diagnosed using CEUS. CEUS sensitivity was also better than that of baseline ultrasound per number of tumours: 65.62% vs 60.93%. CEUS sensitivity for bladder cancer detection was very high for tumours larger than 5 mm (94.7%) but very low for tumours <5 mm (20%) and also had a very low negative predictive value (28.57%) in tumours <5 mm. CONCLUSION: CEUS provided higher accuracy than baseline ultrasound for bladder cancer detection, being especially useful in non-conclusive baseline ultrasound studies.

Valoración en la variación de la composición corporal del enfermo crítico / Assessment of changes in body composition in critically ill patients

ResumenEl enfermo crítico es susceptible a la desnutrición, debido a que su situación hipermetabólica produce un aumento de los requerimientos nutricionales, que muchas veces no se cubren con las fórmulas suministradas. La evaluación de la composición corporal (CC) permite cuantificar los componentes estructurales principales del cuerpo: músculo, hueso y grasa. Para esta valoración utilizamos la antropometría, que nos informa del estado nutricional caloricoproteico. Nuestro objetivo es la descripción de las variaciones en la CC del enfermo crítico los primeros siete días de ingreso. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y prospectivo en una unidad polivalente con 50 pacientes críticos; de ellos, el 78% eran hombres y el 22% mujeres con una media de edad de 56 años.ResumenSe registró talla, peso, índice de masa corporal, diámetros óseos, perímetros musculares y pliegues cutáneos del paciente. Los cálculos de CC fueron realizados mediante las fórmulas de Faulkner, Rocha, Wurch y Matiegka. Se obtuvo el gasto energético basal de cada paciente mediante fórmula de Harris-Benedict. Tras el análisis de los datos se observó una disminución del porcentaje de masa muscular: el 3% (DE: 0,76), un aumento del porcentaje de masa grasa del 2% (DE: 0,76) y un aumento del índice de masa corporal a expensas del aumento del peso, por lo que podemos concluir que durante la primera semana de ingreso el paciente crítico pierde masa muscular, existe un aumento paradójico de la masa grasa y que el conocimiento de las variaciones de la CC del paciente crítico puede ser útil para determinar la pauta de nutrición adecuada (AU)

AbstractCritically ill patients are especially prone to malnutrition because their hypermetabolic state produces an increase in nutritional requirements that often are not covered with the formulae supplied. Evaluation of the body composition (BC) makes it possible to quantify the main structural components of the body: muscle, bone and fat. An anthropometry study was made for the assessment of these elements to obtain information on the protein-calorie nutritional status of critically ill patients. We have aimed to describe the variations in the BC of the critical ill patient during the first seven days after ICU admission. The observational study included 50 critically ill patients, of whom 78% were male and 22% women with a mean age of 56 years.AbstractHeight, weight, body mass index (BMI), bone diameters, muscle perimeters and skinfolds of patients were recorded. The body composition (BC) calculations were performed using the Faulkner, Rocha, Wurch and Matiegka formulae. We obtained the baseline energy expenditure of each patient with the Harris-Benedict formula. After analyzing the data, a decrease was found in the percentage of muscle mass (mean±SD: 3±0.76), an increase in the percentage of body fat (2±0.76) and an increase in BMI at the expense of an augment of weight. We have concluded that during the first week of ICU admission patients lose critical muscle mass and have an increase in fat mass. Awareness of these changes in the BC of patients may be useful to determine the appropriate nutrition for critically ill patients (AU)

[Assessment of changes in body composition in critically ill patients]. / Valoración en la variación de la composición corporal del enfermo crítico.

Critically ill patients are especially prone to malnutrition because their hypermetabolic state produces an increase in nutritional requirements that often are not covered with the formulae supplied. Evaluation of the body composition (BC) makes it possible to quantify the main structural components of the body: muscle, bone and fat. An anthropometry study was made for the assessment of these elements to obtain information on the protein-calorie nutritional status of critically ill patients. We have aimed to describe the variations in the BC of the critical ill patient during the first seven days after ICU admission. The observational study included 50 critically ill patients, of whom 78% were male and 22% women with a mean age of 56 years. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), bone diameters, muscle perimeters and skinfolds of patients were recorded. The body composition (BC) calculations were performed using the Faulkner, Rocha, Wurch and Matiegka formulae. We obtained the baseline energy expenditure of each patient with the Harris-Benedict formula. After analyzing the data, a decrease was found in the percentage of muscle mass (mean+/-SD: 3+/-0.76), an increase in the percentage of body fat (2+/-0.76) and an increase in BMI at the expense of an augment of weight. We have concluded that during the first week of ICU admission patients lose critical muscle mass and have an increase in fat mass. Awareness of these changes in the BC of patients may be useful to determine the appropriate nutrition for critically ill patients.

[Localization of sentinel node in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. Initial experience]. / Localización del ganglio centinela en el carcinoma escamoso de pene. Experiencia inicial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity of radioguided sentinel node biopsy in squamous cell penile carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients were studied. The first 5 patients were included in a group for validation of the technique, in which a standard inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed after the procedures described below. The remaining 10 patients were included in the technique application group. The day before surgery, lymphoscintigraphy was performed on all patients. During the operation, radioguided biopsy to locate the sentinel node was done. Methylene blue dye was injected shortly before surgery in 10 patients. All patients were followed for an average of 32 months. RESULTS: In the validation group, lymphoscintigraphy revealed inguinal drainage in 5/5 patients. Unilateral metastases were detected in 3/5 patients. No metastatic nodes were detected among the nodes removed during inguinal lymphadenectomy. In the application group, lymphoscintigraphy showed inguinal drainage in 9/10 patients. Nineteen nodes were removed, none of which showed tumour involvement. During the follow-up period, no disease progression or recurrence were observed in either patient group. CONCLUSIONS: Radioguided localization and biopsy of the sentinel nodes can avoid unnecessary lymphadenectomies in patients with squamous cell penile carcinoma and high or intermediate risk of lymph node involvement. This technique shows high reliability and negative predictive value in penile carcinoma.

Localización del ganglio centinela en el carcinoma escamoso de pene. Experiencia inicial / Localization of sentinel node in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. Initial experience

Objetivo. Valorar la validez de la técnica de biopsia radioguiada del ganglio centinela (GC) en el carcinoma escamoso de pene. Material y métodos. Se han estudiado un total de 15 pacientes con carcinoma escamoso de pene. Los 5 primeros pacientes constituyeron un grupo de validación de la técnica al cual se le realizó linfadenectomía inguinal reglada, tras los procedimientos descritos a continuación. Los 10 pacientes restantes constituyeron el grupo de aplicación de la técnica. El día previo a la cirugía se realizó linfogammagrafía a todos los pacientes, y durante el acto quirúrgico se procedió a la biopsia radioguiada de los GC. En 10 de los pacientes se realizó inyección de azul de metileno antes de la intervención. Se ha realizado un seguimiento de los pacientes durante una media de 32 meses. Resultados. En el grupo de validación la linfogammagrafía mostró drenaje inguinal en 5/5 pacientes. Fueron detectadas metástasis unilaterales en 3 de ellos. No mostró infiltración tumoral ninguno de los ganglios linfáticos extirpados en la linfadenectomía. En el grupo de aplicación, la linfogammagrafía mostró drenaje inguinal en 9/10 pacientes. Se extirparon un total de 19 GC, sin detectarse infiltración tumoral en ninguno de ellos. En el seguimiento no se ha detectado progresión de la enfermedad en ningún paciente. Conclusiones. La localización del GC mediante biopsia radioguiada del mismo permite evitar linfadenectomías innecesarias en pacientes con carcinoma escamoso de pene y riesgo intermedio o alto de presentar afectación ganglionar. La técnica ofrece una elevada fiabilidad y valor predictivo negativo en el carcinoma escamoso de pene

Objective. To assess the validity of radioguided sentinel node biopsy in squamous cell penile carcinoma. Material and methods. Fifteen patients were studied. The first 5 patients were included in a group for validation of the technique, in which a standard inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed after the procedures described below. The remaining 10 patients were included in the technique application group. The day before surgery, lymphoscintigraphy was performed on all patients. During the operation, radioguided biopsy to locate the sentinel node was done. Methylene blue dye was injected shortly before surgery in 10 patients. All patients were followed for an average of 32 months. Results. In the validation group, lymphoscintigraphy revealed inguinal drainage in 5/5 patients. Unilateral metastases were detected in 3/5 patients. No metastatic nodes were detected among the nodes removed during inguinal lymphadenectomy. In the application group, lymphoscintigraphy showed inguinal drainage in 9/10 patients. Nineteen nodes were removed, none of which showed tumour involvement. During the follow-up period, no disease progression or recurrence were observed in either patient group. Conclusions. Radioguided localization and biopsy of the sentinel nodes can avoid unnecessary lymphadenectomies in patients with squamous cell penile carcinoma and high or intermediate risk of lymph node involvement. This technique shows high reliability and negative predictive value in penile carcinoma

Cloning and characterization of a beta-galactosidase encoding region in Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT 5711.

A chromosomal DNA fragment of 7.8 kb from Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT 5711 was cloned in Escherichia coli K-12 and was found to express a functional beta-galactosidase. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed that this fragment contained two partially overlapping genes, the lacL (1,881 bp) and the lacM (960 bp), that encode the subunits of a heterodimeric beta-galactosidase, with estimated molecular masses of 72,129 and 35,233 Da, respectively. Other three incomplete open reading frames showing homology to another beta-galactosidase, an alpha-galactosidase, and a galactokinase, respectively, were also found. The L. coryniformis beta-galactosidase was overproduced in E. coli by using an isopropyl-beta-D: -thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) expression system. Two new proteins with an estimated M (r) s of approximately 72,000 and 35,000 appeared upon induction with IPTG, and extracts of the recombinant E. coli strain showed beta-galactosidase activity.

Podophyllotoxin: distribution, sources, applications and new cytotoxic derivatives.

Several podophyllotoxin derivatives modified in the A, B, C, D and E rings were prepared from podophyllotoxin and methyl isoxazopodophyllic acid and evaluated for their cytotoxicity on several neoplastic cell lines. Chemical transformations performed on these compounds have yielded derivatives more potent and more selective that the parent compound. Most of the compounds maintained their cytotoxicity at the microM level. Distribution, biosynthesis, production, biotechnology, applications and synthesis have also been reviewed.

Rapid suppression of drive for a parasitic B chromosome.

The persistence of parasitic B chromosomes in natural populations depends on both B ability to drive and host response to counteracting it. In the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans, the B24 chromosome is the most widespread B chromosome variant in the Torrox area (Málaga, Spain). Its evolutionary success, replacing its ancestral neutralized B variant, B2, was based on meiotic drive in females, as we showed in a sample caught in 1992. In females collected six years later, mean B24 transmission ratio (k(B)) was 0.523, implying a very rapid decrease from the 0.696 observed in 1992. This shows that B24 neutralization is running very fast and suggests that it might most likely be based on a single gene of major effect.

Host recombination is dependent on the degree of parasitism.

Parasites and hosts are involved in a continuous coevolutionary process leading to genetic changes in both counterparts. To understand this process, it is necessary to track host responses, one of which could be an increase in sex and recombination, such as is proposed by the Red Queen hypothesis. In this theoretical framework, the inducible recombination hypothesis states that B-chromosomes (genome parasites that prosper in natural populations of many living beings) elicit an increase in host chiasma frequency that is favoured by natural selection because it increases the proportion of recombinant progeny, some of which could be resistant to both B-chromosome effects and B-accumulation in the germline. We have found a clear parallelism between host recombination and the evolutionary status of the B-chromosome polymorphism, which provides explicit evidence for inducible recombination and strong support for the Red Queen hypothesis.

Rare secondary carcinoma from bladder to testis.

Metastatic carcinoma to the testis is very unusual in daily urologic practice. We report a case of metastatic cancer to the testis detected as incidental findings in a squamous bladder tumor.

Cytotoxic cyclolignans related to podophyllotoxin.

The cyclolignan family of natural products includes compounds with important antineoplastic and antiviral properties such as podophyllotoxin and two of their semisynthetic derivatives, etoposide and teniposide. The latter are included in a wide variety of cancer chemotherapy protocols. Due to these biological activities, cyclolignans have been the objective of numerous studies focused to prepare better and safer anticancer drugs. Several cyclolignans related to podophyllotoxin have been prepared and evaluated for their cytotoxic activities on four neoplastic cell lines (P-388, A-549, HT-29 and MEL-28); some of them have antiviral and immunosuppressive activities.

New selective cytotoxic diterpenylquinones and diterpenylhydroquinones.

A new series of diterpenylquinone/hydroquinones has been prepared by Diels-Alder cycloaddition between three labdanic diterpenoids (myrceocommunic acid, methyl myrceocommunate, and myrceocommunyl acetate) and p-benzoquinone or 1,4-naphthoquinone. Influences of the quinone/hydroquinone fragment and other structural features, such as the different functionalities in the terpenic core, are considered in relation to the cytotoxicity toward neoplastic cells and the selectivity of these diterpenylnaphthoquinones/hydroquinones and anthraquinones. Several compounds showed IC50 values under the micromolar level, and four of these derivatives were evaluated at the NCI screening panel. The results showed an important selectivity toward renal cancer lines, identifying these compounds as a very promising group of antineoplastics.

High-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia shares cytogenetic alterations with invasive prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: High-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) is the most likely precursor of prostate adenocarcinoma. However, the relationship between this lesion and prostate cancer has not yet been established. The detection of cytogenetic changes in the lesions prior to prostate adenocarcinoma would be useful in demonstrating such a pathogenic relationship. METHODS: Twenty eight high-grade PIN cases were found among 57 specimens of radical prostatectomy performed for clinically localized prostate cancer. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using centromeric probes to enumerate chromosomes 7, 8, 10, and 12 was performed to study the numerical chromosome alterations. FISH analysis was carried out over isolated nuclei obtained from high-grade PIN areas and prostate cancer foci in the same prostatectomy specimen. RESULTS: Of the 28 suitable cases it was possible to complete the study in 26 tumor and 20 PIN areas. The remaining cases were excluded because of insufficient tissue or poor preservation. Cytogenetic alterations (aneuploidy) were found in 16 of the 26 (62%) tumors studied. The most frequent chromosome alteration was trisomy 7, detected in 12 (75%) aneuploid tumors, followed by monosomy 8 present in 5 (31%) aneuploid tumors. Trisomy 7 was also the most frequent isolated chromosome alteration since it was detected in 7 (44%) tumors. Thirteen of 20 (65%) PIN cases were aneuploid when studied by FISH. Trisomy 7, trisomy 8, and monosomy 8 were the most common cytogenetic alterations in the 20 PIN areas studied, being observed in nine (45%), six (30%), and four (20%) cases, respectively. FISH analysis showed a high correlation (75% cases) in ploidy and pattern of cytogenetic alterations between high-grade PIN areas and the paired prostate cancer focus in the same specimen. CONCLUSIONS: The above results show a cytogenetic link between high-grade PIN and prostate cancer, suggesting that the former could be an early form of prostate cancer.