35 to 8.89 µg/mL. A direct correlation was observed between the Vip3A protein and Vip3A transgene expression in the transgenic sugarcane lines. In in-vitro insect bioassay on V1, Vip3A transgenic sugarcane lines exhibited high resistance to C. infuscatellus with upto 100% mortality compared to the control sugarcane line. Our findings suggest that a single copy insertion of Vip3A gene in transgenic sugarcane lines render them resistant to borer and these lines can be potentially used for generation of insect resistant transgenic sugarcane and could also be employed in gene pyramiding with Bt toxin to prolong resistance.Stem cell therapy (SCT), born as therapeutic revolution to replace pharmacological treatments, remains a hope and not yet an effective solution. Accordingly, stem cells cannot be conceivable as a “canonical” drug, because of their unique biological properties. A new reorientation in this field is emerging, based on a better understanding of stem cell biology and use of cutting-edge technologies and innovative disciplines. This will permit to solve the gaps, failures, and long-term needs, such as the retention, survival and integration of stem cells, by employing pharmacology, genetic manipulation, biological or material incorporation. Consequently, the clinical applicability of SCT for chronic human diseases will be extended, as well as its effectiveness and success, leading to long-awaited medical revolution. Here, some of these aspects are summarized, reviewing and discussing recent advances in this rapidly developing research field.Zika virus is a mosquito-borne Flavivirus originally isolated from humans in 1952. Following its re-emergence in Brazil in 2015, an increase in the number of babies born with microcephaly to infected mothers was observed. Microcephaly is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterised phenotypically by a smaller than average head size, and is usually developed in utero. The 2015 outbreak in the Americas led to the World Health Organisation declaring Zika a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Since then, much research into the effects of Zika has been carried out. Studies have investigated the structure of the virus, its effects on and evasion of the immune response, cellular entry including target receptors, its transmission from infected mother to foetus and its cellular targets. This review discusses current knowledge and novel research into these areas, in hope of developing a further understanding of how exposure of pregnant women to the Zika virus can lead to impaired brain development of their foetus. Although no longer considered an epidemic in the Americas, the mechanism by which Zika acts is still not comprehensively and wholly understood, and this understanding will be crucial in developing effective vaccines and treatments.BACKGROUND Freckles are typical epidermal pigmented disorders that occur at sun-exposed areas, presenting with dark-brown or light-brown circular hyperpigmentation. A lot of treatment modalities have been used for treatment of freckles like chemicals, electrosurgery and cryotherapy. These treatments may cause undesirable side effects such as scaring (Sarkar et al. in Indian J Dermatol 62(6)578-584, 2017). Microdermabrasion has been used in treatment of freckles; however, the results are not satisfactory, as it removes the outermost layer of the epidermis only (El-Domyati et al. in J Cosmet Dermatol 15(4)503-513, 2016). Also ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers have been used but have not proved to be completely satisfactory and share a common risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Jang et al. in Dermatol Surg 26231-234, 2000). In our study, we have used epiderm-abrasion-assisted intensive pulsed light (IPL) and radiofrequency (RF) to study their effect in treatment of freckles. PATIENTS AND METHODS thyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation and abnormal scarring. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266.BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to describe details of surgical techniques and objectively evaluate nipple-areola (NAC) sensibility and viability of septum-based mammaplasties compared to not septum-based reduction techniques. see more METHODS Data regarding NAC sensibility for static and moving one- and two-point discrimination were prospectively collected from 63 active group hypertrophic-breasted patients undergoing septum-based reduction mammaplasty preoperatively, at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and from a control group of 60 patients who underwent not septum-based techniques. Fixed and mixed effect models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Comparison of complications showed no significant differences between groups (p = 0.07). After adjusting the results of the active group according to type of sensory testing, it emerged that the threshold decreases by 10% (p = 0.0003) at 6 months and even reaches 43% (p  less then  0.0001) at 12 months. The results have been modulated according to age, since t.springer.com/00266.The definition and diagnostic criteria of renal dysfunction in cirrhosis have undergone significant recent changes. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined by a change in serum creatinine of ≥ 26.4 µmol/L (0.3 mg/dL) in less then  48 h. Its severity is defined by stages. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by a reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to less then  60 mL/min for more than 3 months. Both AKI and CKD can be related to reduced renal perfusion, the so-called functional renal failure; or due to structural damage to the renal parenchyma. Hemodynamic changes and excess inflammation are the pathophysiological processes that predispose the cirrhotic patient to the development of functional AKI. Events that cause further perturbation of hemodynamics or promote further inflammation such as bacterial infection will precipitate AKI. Management starts by removing potential precipitating factors and replenish the intravascular volume. Albumin is the preferred volume expander as it has multiple properties that can significantly reduce the extent of inflammation as well as improving the intravascular volume.