Coexistence field trials between MON810 and conventional maize in Mallorca as a basis for a regional regulatory proposal based on scientific evidence in the times of genome editing

This paper reports the first coexistence field trials between transgenic and conventional maize carried out under Mediterranean island conditions. Their purpose was to assess the local validity of pollen barriers and sowing delays as coexistence strategies as a basis for a regional regulation on the subject. Two field trials were performed in two agricultural states of Alcudia and Palma, in Mallorca (Spain). In the first one, two adjacent plots were synchronously sown with conventional and transgenic maize, respectively. In the second trial, the previous design was replicated, and two additional plots sown with GM maize were added, paired with their respective conventional recipient plots sown 2 and 4 weeks later. All conventional plots were located downwind from their respective GM plots. Of the two conventional plots in sowing synchrony, only one of them required a 2.25 m pollen barrier to meet the 0.9% labeling threshold. A 4-week sowing delay between GM and non-GM plots proved to be enough to keep the GM content of the recipient plots below the legal threshold. However, with a 2-week sowing delay additional coexistence measures such as pollen barriers might be needed, as suggested in the literature. Results are consistent with previous research conducted in the northeast of Spain, thus validating in the island's agroclimatic conditions a model successfully tested in that peninsular region which allows to accurately estimate the need and width of pollen barriers. The results presented here could perhaps be extrapolated to other islands, coastal areas, and regions with stable prevailing winds during the maize flowering season.

Omics analyses of potato plant materials using an improved one-class classification tool to identify aberrant compositional profiles in risk assessment procedures

The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess potato omics profiles of new varieties for meaningful differences from analogous profiles of commercial varieties through the SIMCA one-class classification model. Analytical profiles of nine commercial potato varieties, eleven experimental potato varieties, one GM potato variety that had acquired Phytophtora resistance based on a single insert with potato-derived DNA sequences, and its non-GM commercial counterpart were generated. The ten conventional varieties were used to construct the one-class model. Omics profiles from experimental non-GM and GM varieties were assessed using the one-class SIMCA models. No potential unintended effects were identified in the case of the GM variety. The model showed that varieties that were genetically more distant from the commercial varieties were recognized as aberrant, highlighting its potential in determining whether additional evaluation is required for the risk assessment of materials produced from any breeding technique, including genetic modification.

One-year oral toxicity study on a genetically modified maize MON810 variety in Wistar Han RCC rats (EU 7th Framework Programme project GRACE)

The GRACE (GMO Risk Assessment and Communication of Evidence; www.grace-fp7.eu ) project was funded by the European Commission within the 7th Framework Programme. A key objective of GRACE was to conduct 90-day animal feeding trials, animal studies with an extended time frame as well as analytical, in vitro and in silico studies on genetically modified (GM) maize in order to comparatively evaluate their use in GM plant risk assessment. In the present study, the results of a 1-year feeding trial with a GM maize MON810 variety, its near-isogenic non-GM comparator and an additional conventional maize variety are presented. The feeding trials were performed by taking into account the guidance for such studies published by the EFSA Scientific Committee in 2011 and the OECD Test Guideline 452. The results obtained show that the MON810 maize at a level of up to 33 % in the diet did not induce adverse effects in male and female Wistar Han RCC rats after a chronic exposure.

Ninety-day oral toxicity studies on two genetically modified maize MON810 varieties in Wistar Han RCC rats (EU 7th Framework Programme project GRACE)

The GMO Risk Assessment and Communication of Evidence (GRACE; www.grace-fp7.eu ) project is funded by the European Commission within the 7th Framework Programme. A key objective of GRACE is to conduct 90-day animal feeding trials, animal studies with an extended time frame as well as analytical, in vitro and in silico studies on genetically modified (GM) maize in order to comparatively evaluate their use in GM plant risk assessment. In the present study, the results of two 90-day feeding trials with two different GM maize MON810 varieties, their near-isogenic non-GM varieties and four additional conventional maize varieties are presented. The feeding trials were performed by taking into account the guidance for such studies published by the EFSA Scientific Committee in 2011 and the OECD Test Guideline 408. The results obtained show that the MON810 maize at a level of up to 33 % in the diet did not induce adverse effects in male and female Wistar Han RCC rats after subchronic exposure, independently of the two different genetic backgrounds of the event.

Genetic structure of northwestern Spanish brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) populations, differences between microsatellite and allozyme loci

Genetic variation in nine wild brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) populations was studied by means of allozyme and microsatellite markers. All brown trout populations were clearly separated into two clusters that represented the Sil and Duero basins. Although both markers revealed a strong genetic differentiation between basins, microsatellite loci resulted much more accurate when population structure at the intrabasin level was analysed. Also pairwise multilocus FST estimates and assignment tests of individual fish to the set of sampled populations demonstrated a much higher efficiency of microsatellites compared to allozymes. The analysis of both markers provides new insights in defining the conservation units at this local area and confirms the existence of a recognized sub-lineage in the Duero basin. The management implications of these findings are discussed and changes in trout release activity are recommended to avoid mixing of trout gene pools mainly in the Sil basin.

Prostate brachytherapy--the community hospital experience

One of the options for treating localized carcinoma of the prostate includes the implantation of radioactive seeds under ultrasound guidance (brachytherapy). A community hospital-based prostate brachytherapy program was started in 1992. The overall survival and disease-free survival figures for the initial 100 patients treated in this program seem comparable to patients treated by radical prostatectomy or brachytherapy in larger series. The main side effects of brachytherapy included nocturia, daytime urinary frequency, dysuria, and proctitis. These side effects were transient and decreased to less than 10% by 12 to 24 months following implantation. Prostate brachytherapy can be effectively and safely provided in a community hospital setting.

A new temporary catheter (ContiCath) for the treatment of temporary, reversible, postoperative urinary retention

OBJECTIVES

To describe the initial experience of a newly designed temporary urethral catheter, ContiCath, as an aid in the management of postoperative or temporary outflow obstruction. In patients with normal detrusor and sphincter function, this catheter allows volitional voiding while maintaining an open prostatic urethra.

METHODS

In a pilot study, 64 nonconsecutive patients with postoperative or temporary urinary retention, at eight clinical trial sites, were enrolled for the placement of this temporary catheter. Three patients did not have the catheter placed because of placement failure because of either a large median lobe or a urethral stricture. The remaining 61 patients were divided into three groups: those with non-neuropathic causes of retention and retention for 1 week or less (37 patients), those with non-neuropathic causes of retention and retention for longer than 1 week (19 patients), and those with neuropathic causes of retention and retention for longer than 1 week (5 patients). The ContiCath is placed in the office setting, in the same fashion as a Foley catheter. A blue prolene tether extends from the bulbar urethra to the meatus to assist in the removal of the device. Patients were then reassessed at 3 hours, and at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, at which point the device was removed.

RESULTS

In patients with a neuropathic cause for their retention (5 patients) and those with non-neuropathic causes of retention and retention for longer than 1 week (19 patients), only 3 patients were able to void after the catheter was placed. Of the 37 patients with a non-neuropathic cause and retention 1 week or less, controlled voiding was seen in 33 patients (89%). Controlled voiding was defined as the patient's volitional ability to initiate and stop his urinary stream. There were no complications with catheter placement; however, 8 patients (24.2%) had minor adverse experiences of frequency/urgency (n = 3), incontinence (n = 3), migration of the catheter (n = 1), and pain (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

ContiCath offers an alternative to an indwelling Foley catheter in men with temporary bladder outlet obstruction and urinary retention.

Uncommon complications of permanent stents

The UroLume endoprosthesis has been used for recurrent bulbar urethral strictures, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia. Complications of the UroLume have been described by the North American Multicenter Trial as migration, encrustation, hyperplastic tissue growth, in addition to pain and irritative voiding symptoms. Generally, complications have been minimal, and few of the stents required removal. Patients with bulbar strictures were felt to be at relatively greater risk of hyperplastic tissue reaction if their stricture was secondary to trauma or if they had a prior urethroplasty. On the other hand, patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were at risk of developing complications if they had median lobe enlargement or a short (<2.5 cm) prostatic urethra. We describe two cases in which off-label compassionate use of UroLumes in the anterior urethra and in an irradiated urethra led to adverse reactions such as stent separation, poor epithelialization, hyperplastic tissue growth, encrustation, or obstruction necessitating removal.

Epithelialization of permanent stents

The permanent Urolume Wallstent has been used for the relief of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), detrusor-external sphincter dyssnergia (DESD), and recurrent bulbar urethral strictures. Because of its woven construction, it allows ingrowth of urothelial tissue, resulting in complete epithelialization by 6 to 12 months. Certain risk factors are associated with poor epithelialization that may lead to hyperplastic tissue growth and occlusion of the urethral lumen. We review the literature and discuss the 5-year results of the North American Multicenter Urolume Trial with regard to epithelialization, hyperplastic tissue growth, and treatment of hyperplastic growth.

Dopaminergic influence on the cardiovascular response to exercise in normotensive and hypertensive subjects

Fourteen subjects (normotensive, hypertensive) were studied at the Vargas Hospital of Caracas. They were treated with placebo (2 periods), domperidone, a peripheral dopaminergic blocker, at the daily oral dose of 40 mg, and metoclopramide, a central and peripheral dopaminergic blocker, at the daily oral dose of 40 mg. All placebo and active drug periods lasted 1 week. Cardiovascular hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate) were measured before, during and after submitting subjects to treadmill exercise according to the Bruce's protocol. Metoclopramide decreased significantly heart rate before and during exercise stress and systolic blood pressure during stage 1 exercise in normotensive subjects. Domperidone decreased significantly heart rate before and during exercise stress, and systolic blood pressure during stage 3 exercise in hypertensive subjects. Neither heart rate nor blood pressure were changed significantly after 8 minutes resting period post exercise. Our results suggest the existence of an excitatory modulatory influence of dopaminergic influence during exercise over the sympathetic activity.