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Biomedical subjects

C Fernandez

Publications and source records attributed to C Fernandez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Water deficit stress induces different monoterpene and sesquiterpene emission changes in Mediterranean species. Relationship between terpene emissions and plant water potential.

The effects of water deficit stress and plant water potential (psi) on monoterpene and sesquiterpene leaf emissions from Rosmarinus officinalis, Pinus halepensis, Cistus albidus and Quercus coccifera were studied over 11 days of water withholding (from t(1) to t(11)), after substrates had achieved their field capacity (control pots: t(0)). Volatile compounds were sampled from the same twig per plant all throughout the study, using a dynamic bag enclosure system. Volatiles, collected in Tenax TA, were studied by means of GC-FID and GC-MS. Monoterpene emissions of water stressed plants (t(1)-t(11)) were either similar to those of control seedlings (R. officinalis and Q. coccifera) or higher (P. halepensis and C. albidus). By contrast, sesquiterpene emissions were strongly reduced or inhibited after four days of water withholding, particularly for R. officinalis, thus altering terpene emission composition. Despite the positive effect of water stress on leaf monoterpene emissions of P. halepensis and C. albidus, the significant correlation between these emissions and psi showed a slow decrease of these emissions over long term water deficit periods. This contrasted with the rapid decline of sesquiterpene emissions of R. officinalis according to lower values of psi. These results provide an overall picture of the different responses of monoterpene and sesquiterpene emissions to progressive water loss. They also reveal the utility of using psi for estimating some emission rates of some species according to drought conditions.

Cistus↗
PubMed2006

How accurate and reliable are doctors in estimating fracture angulation?

This study assessed the accuracy of doctors in estimating fracture angulation. Radiographs of fractured wrist and forearm of varying angulations were shown to all grades of doctors in the speciality of trauma and orthopaedics. They were asked to estimate the angulation at the fracture site without using a goniometer. The estimates were analysed for accuracy and variability. This study showed that doctors have a mean error of 8-9 degrees and had poor agreement with themselves and others. We recommend the use of a goniometer to assess fracture angulation.

Child↗
PubMed2006

Neurotoxicity of domoic Acid in cerebellar granule neurons in a genetic model of glutathione deficiency.

This study investigated the role of cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms in modulating the neurotoxicity of domoic acid (DomA), by using cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) from mice lacking the modifier subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase (Gclm). Glutamate-cysteine ligase (Glc) catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step in glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis. CGNs from Gclm (-/-) mice have very low levels of GSH and are 10-fold more sensitive to DomA-induced toxicity than CGNs from Gclm (+/+) mice. GSH ethyl ester decreased, whereas the Gcl inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine increased DomA toxicity. Antagonists of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/kainate receptors and of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors blocked DomA toxicity, and NMDA receptors were activated by DomA-induced l-glutamate release. The differential susceptibility of CGNs to DomA toxicity was not due to a differential expression of ionotropic glutamate receptors, as evidenced by similar calcium responses and L-glutamate release in the two genotypes. A calcium chelator and several antioxidants antagonized DomA-induced toxicity. DomA caused a rapid decrease in cellular GSH, which preceded toxicity, and the decrease was primarily due to DomA-induced GSH efflux. DomA also caused an increase in oxidative stress as indicated by increases in reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, which was subsequent to GSH efflux. Astrocytes from both genotypes were resistant to DomA toxicity and presented a diminished calcium response to DomA and a lack of DomA-induced L-glutamate release. Because polymorphisms in the GCLM gene in humans are associated with low GSH levels, such individuals, as well as others with genetic conditions or environmental exposures that lead to GSH deficiency, may be more susceptible to DomA-induced neurotoxicity.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

A relevant enzyme in granulomatous reaction, active matrix metalloproteinase-9, found in bovine Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst wall and fluid.

In addition to the ability of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) to degrade components of the extracellular matrix and their involvement in pathology-related processes of tissue remodeling, they were recently reported to enhance inflammation by activation of proinflammatory cytokines, or their release from the cell surface. In the work reported here, proteolytic activity previously found for hydatid cysts was further characterized as MMP-9. Active host MMP-9 was found in walls and fluids of bovine hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus in the environment of granulomatous reaction. Pooled walls and fluids of hydatid cysts obtained from infected cattle were processed. Strong proteolytic activity was detected by zymography. The proteolytic fraction was purified by anion exchange and gelatin-agarose affinity chromatography. Major proteinases of the purified fraction were subjected to mass spectrometry and their identities were further confirmed by Western blotting using commercial anti-human MMP-9 monoclonal antibodies. Two proteinases were characterized as latent and active forms of host MMP-9. Using the same antibody for immunoblot, activity was localized, in paraffin-embedded sections of the parasite and the local host environment, to epithelioid and giant multinucleated cells. It is proposed here that MMP-9 is secreted by specialized host cells of monocytic lineage (epithelioid/giant cells) as an effector, in an attempt to digest the persistent foreign body. In vivo activation of MMP-9 suggests its involvement in inflammatory reaction and in the chemotaxis of inflammatory cells to the cyst. However, E. granulosus can deal efficiently with MMP-9. Research is suggested into possible immune evasion mechanisms, including the secretion of an inhibitory molecule.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Diagnostic evaluation of clinically normal subjects with chronic hyperCKemia.

The authors analyzed muscle biopsy specimens of 104 patients with creatine kinase activity greater than 500 UI/L (normal 10 to 170 UI/L) without signs of muscle weakness. They achieved a definite or probable diagnosis in 55% of cases. The most frequently identified diseases were glycogen storage diseases, muscular dystrophies, and inflammatory myopathies. The probability of making a diagnosis was higher in children and when creatine kinase level was greater than 2,000 UI/L.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Sequential flow injection analysis system on-line coupled to high intensity focused ultrasound: green methodology for trace analysis applications as demonstrated for the determination of inorganic and total mercury in waters and urine by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry.

A new concept is presented for green analytical applications based on coupling on-line high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) with a sequential injection/flow injection analysis (SIA/FIA) system. The potential of the SIA/HIFU/FIA scheme is demonstrated by taking mercury as a model analyte. Using inorganic mercury, methylmercury, phenylmercury, and diphenylmercury, the usefulness of the proposed methodology for the determination of inorganic and total mercury in waters and urine was demonstrated. The procedure requires low sample volumes and reagents and can be further applied to all chemical reactions involving HIFU. The inherent advantages of SIA, FIA, and HIFU applications in terms of high throughput, automation, low reagent consumption, and green chemistry are accomplished together for the first time in the present work.

Biosensing Techniques↗
PubMed2006

Is shared learning the way to bring UK neurology and psychiatry closer: what teachers, trainers and trainees think.

BACKGROUND: Rapid advances in brain sciences are challenging the validity of the traditional divide between neurology and psychiatry. The need for closer ties has been widely advocated. OBJECTIVE: To assess attitudes of neurologists and psychiatrists to closer links in general and to joint education in particular. METHODS: Postal questionnaire survey of trainees (SpRs) trainers (Members of Special Advisory Committees in Neurology and General and Old Age Psychiatry) and teachers (Undergraduate coordinators). Analysis based on 55 neurology and 50 psychiatry respondents. RESULTS: 5 general attitude questions on links showed most respondents "keen" on links and "unkeen" on current separation of disciplines. 15 topics possibly suitable for joint teaching were offered. 7 were rated between "keen" and very "keen" with maximum support for somatization, dementia, chronic pain and pharmacology. 7 were rated positively, only eating disorders was felt unsuitable. 6 options were offered for joint training opportunities. Trainees were keen on attending joint education, clinical and patient management sessions and outpatient clinics. Psychiatrists were even keener on links than neurologists with psychiatric SpRs significantly more in favour of certain items. CONCLUSIONS: The survey found widespread support from trainees, trainers and teachers for closer links. Trainees were keen to attend joint clinically focussed sessions. Psychiatrists tended to be keener that neurologists on links. This survey should encourage the establishment of closer educational links at all levels.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2006

Cancellous bone homograft storage with aluminium-polyethylene bags.

In order to transport and cryopreserve human tissues, it is essential to have an easy-to-use recipient where tissues can be kept in sterile conditions. Here we show the results obtained by using Macopharma's tissue freezing bags, an aluminium-polyethylene multilayer bag, in our tissue bank of the Centro Comunitario de Sangre y Tejidos de Asturias. Five hundred and twenty-seven cancellous bone homografts were obtained from hospitals located 120 km around our Bank. The homografts were submitted to bacteriological controls and sent to our bank in these bags. They were stored at -70 degrees C and sent in dry ice to about 50 hospitals, where the tissue was bacteriologically controlled and grafted. Furthermore, the behaviour of these bags at -140 degrees C (vapour nitrogen) or -196 degrees C (liquid nitrogen) was tested. Our results indicate that Macopharma aluminium-polyethylene bags are suitable for the transporting and cryopreserving of cancellous bone homografts. These bags could also be used for keeping tissues in nitrogen containers.

Aluminum↗
PubMed2006

Influence of target organ lesion detection (assessment of microalbuminuria and echocardiogram) in cardiovascular risk stratification and treatment of untreated hypertensive patients.

European guidelines indicate the importance of the evaluation of global cardiovascular risk (CVR) to determine the management of the hypertensive patients (EH). However, in primary care, the diagnostic work-up (PCD) only includes the metabolic risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess the importance of microalbuminuria (MA) and echocardiogram (ECHO) in the process of risk stratification, and the number of patients to be treated with drugs at diagnosis. In total, 155 nontreated EH were included in the study. Blood pressure, a lipid profile and plasma glucose (LG) were determined after an overnight fast. MA was evaluated with dipstick MICRALTEST, and in those patients with two positive results, it was measured again in two 24-h urine samples and was considered positive (MA+) if the average was >30 mg/24 h. Left ventricular mass index was calculated and values>125 g/m2 were considered as LV hypertrophy (LVH+). When the patients were stratified according to PCD, 22 had to be treated with drugs. When MA, ECHO and both tests used together were added to the risk evaluation, the number of patients to be treated were 42, 51 and 64, respectively (P<0.001 vs PCD). It is mainly in patients who have moderate cardiovascular risk that risk changes, whereas risk hardly changes in those having low and very high risk. In conclusion, in EH with moderate risk, measurement of MA, due to its easy availability and low cost, seems to be a cost effective screening test to avoid the underestimation of the CVR.

Albuminuria↗
PubMed2005

An observer-blind parallel-group, randomized, multicentre clinical and microbiological study of a topical clindamycin/zinc gel and a topical clindamycin lotion in patients with mild/moderate acne.

INTRODUCTION: A topical acne treatment in which clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 1% clindamycin is presented in a gel formulation has received marketing authorizations in a number of EU and non-EU countries. Clindamycin/zinc gel contains zinc acetate in a formulation that reduces systemic absorption of clindamycin through the skin. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of a 1% clindamycin/zinc gel when applied to the face once daily or twice daily with a 1% clindamycin lotion applied twice daily for 16 weeks in patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. METHODS: This was a randomized, comparative, observer-blind, parallel-group, multicentre study involving 246 acne patients. RESULTS: The study demonstrated therapeutic similarity between clindamycin/zinc gel applied once and twice daily with clindamycin lotion applied twice daily. All three regimens produced a gradual and time-dependent reduction in inflamed lesions, non-inflamed lesions and overall grade. Side effects were similar and minimal, consisting predominantly of mild irritant dermatitis. All regimes produced a time-related significant reduction in skin surface and follicular Propionibacterium spp. and Micrococcaceae. The emergence of resistant strains was less than 5% and was similar with all three regimes. CONCLUSION: The equivalent efficacy and safety of clindamycin/zinc gel either once or twice daily to clindamycin lotion twice daily has been demonstrated. It is suggested that a treatment regime of one application per day may significantly enhance compliance and thus treatment success in acne patients.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed2003

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy in a 71-year-old woman with an R27Q mutation in the CAV3 gene.

The authors report a 71-year-old woman with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) associated with an R27Q mutation in the CAV3 gene. Immunohistochemistry showed a >90% reduction of caveolin-3 on the sarcolemma by western blot, and anti-dysferlin immunoreactivity was reduced. This case emphasizes that an R27Q missense mutation in the CAV3 gene can lead to various clinical phenotypes including hyperCKemia, rippling muscle disease, distal myopathy, and LGMD1C.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Sensitive determination of tenofovir in human plasma samples using reversed-phase liquid chromatography.

A new high-performance liquid chromatography assay was developed for the determination of tenofovir, a nucleotide analogue, in plasma. A solid-liquid extraction procedure was coupled with a reversed-phase HPLC system. The system requires a mobile phase containing Na(2)HPO(4) buffer, tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate and acetonitrile for different elution through a C(18) column with UV detection. The method proved to be accurate, precise and linear between 10 and 4000 ng/ml. The method was applied to determine trough levels of tenofovir in 11 HIV-infected patients with virologic failure under multiple antiretroviral therapy. This method was also successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in an HIV infected patient with renal failure.

Adenine↗
PubMed2003

Tumor necrosis factor alpha in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria.

Physiologically in the brain, cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNalpha) are released by the immune system and can modulate neurological responses. Conversely, the central nervous system (CNS) is also able to modulate cytokine production. In the case of CNS disorders, cytokine release may be modified. Cerebral malaria (CM) is a complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection in humans and is characterized by a reversible encephalopathy with seizures and loss of consciousness. Central clinical signs are partly due to sequestration of parasitized red blood cells in the brain microvasculature due to interactions between parasite proteins and adhesion molecules. TNFalpha is produced and released by host cells following exposure to various malarial antigens. The increase of TNFalpha release is responsible for the overexpression of adhesion molecules. This article reviews the involvement of TNFalpha in cerebral malaria and the relation with all the processes involved in this pathology. It shows that (i). TNFalpha levels are increased in plasma and brain but with no clear correlation between TNFalpha levels and occurrence and severity of CM; (ii). TNFalpha is responsible for intercellular adhesion molecule-1 upregulation in CM, the relation being less clear for other adhesion molecules; (iii). TNFalpha receptors are upregulated in CM, with TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) showing a higher upregulation than TNFR1 in vivo; (iv). in murine CM, low doses of TNFalpha seem to protect from CM, whereas excess TNFalpha induces CM and anti-TNFalpha therapies (antibodies, pentoxifylline) did not show any efficiency in protection from CM. Moreover, the involvement of lymphotoxin a, which shares with TNFalpha the same receptors with similar affinity, appears to be an interesting target for further investigation.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Class I MHC detection as a diagnostic tool in noninformative muscle biopsies of patients suffering from dermatomyositis (DM).

This study is to further confirm the diagnostic value of class I MHC detection in muscle biopsies of adult patients presenting with clinical features of dermatomyositis (DM) and to address its diagnostic value in the case of nonspecific biopsies. A retrospective study was performed on muscle biopsies in 22 patients presenting with clinical features of DM. Immunohistochemical detection of class I MHC was performed in all cases. On pathological features two groups of patients were recorded: group I (14 patients) with typical features of DM and group II (eight patients) with almost normal muscle biopsies (no inflammatory exudates, no perifascicular atrophy). Abnormal sarcolemmal class I MHC expression was recorded in all cases. In all muscle biopsies of group I patients, class I MHC expression was observed in almost all fibres but was stronger in perifascicular areas (eight patients) or was restricted to perifascicular atrophic fibres (six patients). In all muscle biopsies of group II patients, only some perifascicular fibres expressed class I MHC. According to Bohan and Peter criteria, patients were classified as definite DM (nine group I and three group II patients), probable DM (five group I and two group II patients) and possible DM (three group II patients). Abnormal perifascicular class I MHC expression is of diagnostic value in patients presenting with clinical features of DM especially when muscle biopsy fails to show typical features such as inflammatory infiltrates and/or perifascicular atrophy.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Evolution and vitality of seagrasses in a Mediterranean lagoon.

Despite their registration on the list of the Ramsar convention sites, the Mediterranean lagoons rarely beneficiate of an effective protection, and are particularly sensitive to environmental quality. A control of these wetlands needs the creation of an inventory of knowledge for the concerned environment. In this perspective, the seagrass beds were followed up in the coastal lagoon of Urbino (Corse, France) since 1990. A cartographic study was carried out by remote sensing of aerial photography. Temporal evolution of the seagrass beds (Cymodocea nodosa principally) allows to determine the vitality of these structures. A comparison of the surface areas occupied by Cymodocea nodosa, between 1990 and 1999, did not allow seeing any significant evolution. However, some variations appear like biotopes all more fragile and coveted as the Mediterranean coastal fringe is straight and is the privileged site of appear in the localization of the beds, due to the modification of environmental conditions in the lagoon.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗
PubMed2003

[Clinical and radiological features and clinical course of orbital myositis].

Orbital myositis is idiopathic inflammation of the extraocular muscles in the absence of thyroid orbitopathy and often is included under broad description pseudotumor. We report here a series of three cases. Data from literature, combined with our own results yield a distinguishing pattern of orbital myositis suggesting that the term "orbital pseudotumor" is no longer a useful concept. The diagnostic criteria purposed here are: acute orbital pain exacerbated on eye movement; enlargement of one or more extraocular muscles with the respect of other orbital structures on muscle CT scan; absence of clinical and biological thyroid dysfunction: absence of signs of anterior uveitis or scleritis or visual decrease; rapid response to immunomodulator treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Muscle granuloma: anatomoclinical correlation and immunohistochemistry in seven cases].

Granulomatous inflammation is infrequently observed in muscle biopsy. We report a series of 7 patents presenting with granulomas in muscle. Two of them had a history of sarcoidosis In 4 other cases, muscle Involvement revealed systemic sarcoidosis. Among the 6 cases of sarcoidosis, we observed 2 with acute myositis and 4 chronic forms. The last patient presented with polymyositis in association with melanoma. In sarcoidosis, muscle biopsy showed a granulomatous inflammation of varying intensity, which was generally associated with mononuclear inflammatory cells. Most of granulomas were located in the perimysium and the endomysium and necrosis was absent. Inflammatory cells were predominantly macrophages and CD4 positive lymphocytes. On the contrary, in the case of paraneoplastic polymyositis,granulomas were rare, most of inflammatory cells were CD8 positive lymphocytes and numerous areas of necrosis were observed. Class I MHC molecules were expressed on the membrane of muscle fibers. As a general rule, requisite examinations must be performed to search for sarcoidosis in patients exhibiting granulomas on muscle biopsy.

Adult↗