ABSTRACT The growth and agricultural yield of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is affected, among other factors, by limitations in the availability of water. For this reason, there are working on the search for cultivars tolerant to that abiotic stress. The objective of the research was to determine the effect of different concentrations of PEG-6000 on the in vitro seeds germination of three cultivars of common bean (ʹIca Pijaoʹʹ, ʹBAT-93ʹ and ʹTío Canela-75ʹ) with different responses to water stress. PEG-6000 was used as an in vitro stress-inducing agent at 10, 12 and 14% (m / v) in the liquid culture medium. Deionized water was used as a control. Seeds of each cultivar were placed on a filter paper located in the shape of an M inside the test tube containing the corresponding solution. After three days of culture, the number of germinated seeds was quantified and the percentage of germination was calculated. Subsequently, at seven days the length of the root, hypocotyl and epicotyl, respectively, was measured. In the three cultivars, water stress affected the in vitro germination of the seeds in each of the treatments. There was a significant decrease in the values of the variables evaluated with respect to the control. Specifically, the growth of epicotyl was inhibited. The response to water stress in vitro induced with PEG 600 in each cultivar was specific and differential. The results contribute to the development of early selection strategies in the genetic improvement program of this crop.

RESUMEN El crecimiento y rendimiento agrícola de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) se ve afectado, entre otros factores, por limitaciones en la disponibilidad de agua. Por ello, se trabaja en la búsqueda de cultivares tolerantes a dicho estrés abiótico. La investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar el efecto de diferentes concentraciones de PEG-6000 en la germinación in vitro de semillas de tres cultivares de frijol común (ʹIca Pijaoʹ, ʹBAT-93ʹ y ʹTío Canela-75ʹ) con diferente respuesta al estrés hídrico. Se empleó PEG-6000 como agente inductor de estrés in vitro al 10, 12 y 14% (m/v) en el medio de cultivo líquido. Como control se utilizó agua desionizada. Semillas de cada cultivar se colocaron sobre un papel de filtro ubicado en forma de M dentro del tubo de ensayo que contenía la solución correspondiente. A los tres días de cultivo se cuantificó el número de semillas germinadas y se calculó el porcentaje de germinación. Posteriormente, a los siete días se midió la longitud de la raíz, del hipocótilo y del epicótilo, respectivamente. En los tres cultivares el estrés hídrico afectó la germinación in vitro de las semillas en cada uno de los tratamientos. Se evidenció una disminución significativa en los valores de las variables evaluadas con respecto al control. Específicamente, el crecimiento del epicótilo se inhibió. La respuesta al estrés hídrico inducido in vitro con PEG 600 en cada cultivar fue específica y diferencial. Los resultados tributan al desarrollo de estrategias de selección temprana en el programa de mejoramiento genético del cultivo.

Abstract Background: patients with cervical cancer (CC) receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy have several gastrointestinal adverse effects. Objective: to evaluate the effect of dietary symbiotic supplementation on fecal calprotectin (FCP), bacterial DNA levels, and gastrointestinal adverse effects in patients with CC. Methods: clinical, controlled, randomized, double-blind trial. Patients consumed symbiotics or placebo three times a day for seven weeks. FCP was assessed by Elisa method. DNA from probiotic and pathogenic bacteria were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Diarrheal evacuations were evaluated with the Bristol stool form scale and nausea and vomiting were measured using the scale of the National Institute of Cancerology of the United States. Results: after a seven-week treatment, FCP concentration was lower in the symbiotic group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Stool consistency in the placebo and symbiotic groups was similar at baseline. A significant improvement in stool consistency was obtained in both groups at the end of the intervention (p < 0.001). The concentrations and total proportions of the probiotic and pathogenic bacteria were similar in both groups. Nausea significantly diminished in both groups (p < 0.001) at the end of the trial. Furthermore, the symbiotic group had a statistically significant decrease in the frequency and intensity of vomiting when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: the symbiotic treatment decreases significantly the FCP levels and the frequency and intensity of vomiting in patients with CC.

Resumen Introducción: los pacientes con cáncer cervical (CC) tratados con quimioterapia y radioterapia tienen frecuentemente efectos gastrointestinales adversos (EGA). Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de la suplementación dietética con simbióticos en la calprotectina fecal (FCP), el DNA bacteriano y sobre los EGA en pacientes con CC. Métodos: se realizó un ensayo clínico, aleatorizado y doble ciego. Los pacientes ingirieron simbióticos o placebo tres veces al día durante siete semanas. La FCP se evaluó mediante el método de ELISA. El ADN bacteriano se cuantificó mediante PCR en tiempo real. Las evacuaciones se evaluaron con la escala de Bristol y las náuseas y los vómitos se cuantificaron utilizando la escala del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (USA). Resultados: después de siete semanas de tratamiento, la concentración de FCP fue menor en el grupo tratado con simbióticos en comparación al grupo control (p < 0,001). La consistencia de las heces en los grupos tratados con placebo y simbióticos fue similar al inicio del estudio. Se obtuvo una mejora significativa en la consistencia de las heces en ambos grupos al final de la intervención (p < 0,001). Los niveles de las bacterias probióticas y patogénicas fueron similares en ambos grupos. Los casos de náuseas disminuyeron en ambos grupos (p < 0,001) y el grupo tratado con simbióticos tuvo una disminución significativa en la frecuencia e intensidad de los vómitos en comparación al grupo control (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: el tratamiento simbiótico disminuye significativamente los niveles de FCP y la frecuencia e intensidad del vómito en pacientes con CC.

Background: Developing countries have an estimate of ten times more approved biosimilars than developed countries. This disparity demands the need of an objective regulation that incorporates health policies according to the technological and economical capabilities of each country. One of the challenges lies on the establishment of comparability principles based on a physicochemical and biological characterization that should determine the extent of additional non-clinical and clinical studies. This is particularly relevant for licensed biosimilars in developing countries, which have an extensive clinical experience since their approval as generics' in some cases more than a decade. To exemplify the current status of biosimilars in Mexico' a characterization exercise was conducted on licensed filgrastim biosimilars using pharmacopeial and extended characterization methodologies. Results: Most of the evaluated products complied with the pharmacopeial criteria and showed comparability in their Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) towards the reference product. These results were expected in accordance with their equivalent performance during their licensing as generics. Accordingly' a rational approval and registration renewal scheme for biosimilars is proposed, that considers the proper identification of CQAs and its thoroughly evaluation using selected techniques. Conclusions: This approach provides support to diminish uncertainty of exhibiting different pharmacological profiles and narrows or even avoids the necessity of comparative clinical studies. Ultimately, this proposal is intended to improve the accessibility to high quality biosimilars in Latin America and other developing countries.

Introduction: β-hemolytic streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes) groups A, C or G, secretes streptolysin O, toxin which causes in the infected individual an adaptive humoral immune response with production of serum antibodies called anti-streptolysin O (ASO). Objectives: To determine the reference value of ASO in a sample of 159 individuals aged 16-72 years from municipality Francisco Linares Alcántara, Aragua state, applying indirect (passive) agglutination test. By using a throat swab sample which was sown in blood agar 5% the frequency of asymptomatic carriers of β-hemolytic streptococci was also determined. Results and Discussion: As reference value for determining ASO by agglutination method a title of up to 200 IU/mL was obtained, this reference value differs from that recommended by the commercial equipment. Asymptomatic carriers frequency was 21.2% (n = 34). The distribution of β-hemolytic streptococci isolated were: group A (17.6%), group B (32.3%), group C (20.5%), group D (2.9%), group F (8.8%), group G (14.7%) and unclusterable (2.9%). Conclusions: The new ASO reference value for teens and adults of the mentioned municipality is up to 200 IU/mL. β-hemolytic Streptococcus group B was the most frequently isolated.

Introducción: Los estreptococos β-hemolíticos del grupo A (Streptococcus pyogenes), C o G, secretan estreptolisina O, toxina que causa en el individuo infectado una respuesta inmune adaptativa humoral con producción de anticuerpos séricos denominados antiestreptolisina O (ASO). Objetivos: Determinar el valor referencial de ASO en una muestra poblacional de 159 individuos con edades comprendidas entre 16 y 72 años del municipio Francisco Linares Alcántara, estado Aragua mediante aglutinación (pasiva) indirecta. También se determinó la frecuencia de portadores asintomáticos de estreptococos β-hemolíticos utilizando una muestra de exudado faríngeo que se sembró en agar sangre de cordero al 5%. Resultados y Discusión: Como valor referencial para la determinación de ASO por el método de aglutinación se obtuvo un título de hasta 200 UI/mL, valor que difiere del recomendado por el kit comercial. La frecuencia de portadores fue 21,2% (n = 34). La distribución de los estreptococos β-hemolíticos aislados fue: grupo A (17,6%), grupo B (32,3%), grupo C (20,5%), grupo D (2,9%), grupo F (8,8%), grupo G (14,7%) y no agrupable (2,9%). Conclusiones: El nuevo valor referencial de ASO para adolescentes y adultos del municipio mencionado es hasta 200 UI/mL. Streptococcus β-hemolítico del grupo B fue el grupo más frecuentemente aislado.

Introduction. Pediatric intracranial tumors (PIC) make up the most frequent solid neoplastic pathology in children. We present an analysis of the experience of Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez (HIMFG), in Mexico City, over the course of 36 years in this regard. Material and methods. Cases from the archives of the Department of Clinical Records, Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Pathology at HIMFG were used for this analysis. Results were compared to data published by the Hospital for Sick Children of Toronto (HSCT) and by Instituto Nacional de Pediatria (INP) in Mexico City. Results. Of 810 cases reviewed at HIMFG, 55% belonged to the male gender. By age, older-infant and grade-school-children cases predominated (> 50%). Of those, 397 cases were supratentorial and 413 infratentorial. Most frequent tumors were: astrocytomas (23%), medulloblastomas , craniopharyngiomas (11%) and ependymomas (10%). Fifth place was occupied by germinomas (4%). Mixed gliomas, meningiomas, primitive neuroectodermal tumors and ependymoblastomas were the last (1 to 3%). Conclusions. At HIMFG, the most frequent tumour types were: astrocytomas, medulloblastomas, craniopharyngiomas and ependymomas. Since the 70s, on the number of patients presenting with intracranial tumors at HIMFG has grown exponentially, and the amount carried out till now at this hospital parallels, or slightly exceeds, that carried out at similar institutions in Mexico and abroad.

Introducción. Los tumores intracraneanos (TIC) pediátricos son las neoplasias sólidas más frecuentes en niños. Se presenta la experiencia del Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG) de los últimos 36 años. Material y métodos. Se utilizaron los siguientes archivos del HIMFG: Clínico, de los Departamentos de Neurocirugía y de Patología. Los resultados se compararon con los datos del Hospital for Sick Children de Toronto y del Instituto Nacional de Pediatría de México, D. F. Resultados. En el HIMFG, 55% de los pacientes eran del sexo masculino. Predominaron desde lactantes mayores hasta escolares, con más de 50%. Los tumores fueron: 397 supratentoriales y 413 infratentoriales. Los más frecuentes fueron: astrocitomas (32%), meduloblastomas (19%), craneofaringiomas (11%) y ependimomas (10%); en el quinto lugar quedaron los germinomas (4%). Los gliomas mixtos, los meningiomas, los tumores neuroectodérmicos primitivos y los ependimoblastomas representaron de 1 a 3%. Conclusiones. En el HIMFG, los 4 tipos más frecuentes de tumor fueron: astrocitomas, meduloblastomas, craneofaringiomas y ependimomas. El trabajo de campo del HIMFG ha tenido un desarrollo exponencial desde la mitad de los años setenta. Actualmente, el volumen de pacientes manejado por el HIMFG es semejante a, o rebasa discretamente, al de otras instituciones.

OBJETIVOS: Conhecer as características clínicas e determinar os fatores de importância prognóstica de crianças e adolescentes com osteossarcoma. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram revisados os prontuários de crianças e adolescentes com diagnóstico de osteossarcoma tratados entre janeiro de 1992 e dezembro de 2001 pelo Grupo de Tumores Ósseos do Rio Grande do Sul. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 50 pacientes com idade mediana de 13 anos (3 a 22), sendo 68% pacientes do sexo masculino. Os locais primários foram: 50% fêmur, 30% tíbia, 4% ilíaco, 10% úmero, 2% fíbula e 4% outros . Dezenove pacientes (38%) apresentavam metástases ao diagnóstico. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a quimioterapia. Quanto ao tratamento cirúrgico, 26 pacientes (52%) foram submetidos a amputação, e 17 a cirurgia conservadora (34%). A desidrogenase láctica maior do que 1.000 UI/ml ao diagnóstico, o índice de necrose inferior a 90% e a presença de metástases influíram negativamente no prognóstico. A probabilidade de sobrevida global em 5 anos foi de 33,2+7,2%, com média de follow-up de 36 meses (6-126); a probabilidade de sobrevida livre de eventos em 5 anos foi de 29,7+7%. A probabilidade de sobrevida livre de eventos em 5 anos dos pacientes não-metastáticos ao diagnóstico foi de 45+10,7%, e a dos metastáticos foi zero (médias de follow-up de 78,4 e 18,7 meses, respectivamente); apenas dois dos 19 pacientes com doença metastática encontram-se fora de tratamento e livres de doença, com follow-up de 18 e 30 meses, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A presença de doença metastática e nível sérico de desidrogenase láctica acima de 1.000 UI/ml ao diagnóstico, assim como índice de necrose < 90%, representam fatores prognósticos desfavoráveis. O percentual excessivamente elevado de pacientes com doença metastática ao diagnóstico sugere que se trata de uma população de pacientes com doença biologicamente agressiva ou diagnosticados tardiamente em nosso meio.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical features in osteosarcoma and to investigate their influence on the prognosis of children and adolescents presenting this disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of children and adolescents with osteosarcoma treated by the Bone Tumors Group of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between January 1992 and December 2001 were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty consecutive patients were included in this study. Mean age at diagnosis was 13 years (3-22); 68% of the patients were males. The primary site of disease was the femur in 50% of the patients, tibia in 30%, pelvis in 4%, humerus in 10%, fibula in 2% and other sites in 4%. Nineteen patients presented metastases at diagnosis (38%). All patients received chemotherapy and were treated with three different schemes. As for surgical treatment, 26 patients (52%) had an amputation and 17 (34%) received conservative surgery. Serum lactic dehydrogenase > 1,000 UI/ml (p = 0.0159, log rank), tumor necrosis < 90% and presence of metastases had a negative influence on prognosis. The overall 5-year survival was of 33.2+7.2% with mean follow-up of 36 months (6-126). Event-free survival was 29.7+7%. The 5-year event-free survival in non-metastatic patients was 45+10.7%, and zero in metastatic patients (follow-up of 78.4 and 18.7 months, respectively). Only two out of 19 metastatic patients are alive and free of disease at 18 and 30 months respectively. CONCLUSION: Metastatic disease at diagnosis, serum levels of serum lactic dehydrogenase > 1,000 UI/ml and tumor necrosis < 90% are predictors of unfavorable prognosis. The excessively high incidence of metastatic patients may suggest the presence of an aggressive pattern of disease in our population, or may indicate late diagnosis.