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Biomedical subjects

F Romero

Publications and source records attributed to F Romero.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

HLA class II and response to interferon-beta in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotype and clinical response to interferon-beta (IFN-beta). METHODS: We analysed the HLA class II genotypes of 96 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with IFN-beta. The patients were classified as responders or non-responders according to clinical criteria: one or more relapses or a sustained increase after 1 year treatment compared with the year prior to IFN-beta therapy of > or = 0.5 points on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). RESULTS: There were 66 (69%) responders and 30 (31%) non-responders. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar. We found no association between HLA class II alleles and clinical response to IFN-beta. CONCLUSIONS: HLA genotype does not appear to influence the clinical response to IFN-beta in MS patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Acute administration of alcohol modulates pyroglutamyl amino peptidase II activity and mRNA levels in rat limbic regions.

Released TRH is inactivated by an ectopeptidase, pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II (PPII). PPII expression and activity are stringently regulated in adenohypophysis, and in rat brain, during kindling stimulation that activates TRHergic neurons. To gain further insight into the possible regulation of PPII, we studied the effect of an acute intraperitoneal ethanol administration that affects TRH content and expression. PPII activity was determined by a fluorometric assay and PPII mRNA levels by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Activity decreased in frontal cortex 1 h after ethanol injection and, after 6 h, in hippocampus, amygdala and n. accumbens. PPII mRNA levels decreased at 30 and 60 min in frontal cortex and n. accumbens while increased at longer times in these regions and, in hippocampus and hypothalamus. NMDA and GABA(A) receptors' agonists and antagonists were tested at 1 h (+/-ethanol) on PPII activity and mRNA levels, as well as on TRH content and its mRNA. In n. accumbens, PPII mRNA levels decreased by ethanol, MK-801, and muscimol while picrotoxin or NMDA reversed ethanol's inhibition. Ethanol decreased TRH content and increased TRH mRNA levels as MK-801 or muscimol did (NMDA or picrotoxin reverted the effect of ethanol). In frontal cortex, PPII activity was inhibited by ethanol, NMDA and MK-801 with ethanol; its mRNA levels were reduced by ethanol, MK-801 and muscimol (NMDA and picrotoxin reverted ethanol's inhibition). These results show that PPII expression and activity can be regulated in conditions where TRHergic neurons are modulated. Effects of ethanol on PPII mRNA levels as well as those of TRH and its mRNA may involve GABA or NMDA receptors in n. accumbens. Changes observed in frontal cortex suggest combined effects with stress. The response was region-specific in magnitude, tendency and kinetics. These results give further support for brain PPII regulation in conditions that modulate the activity of TRHergic neurons.

Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Nervous System↗
PubMed2004

[Anti-hypertensive effect of eprosartan in diabetic patients].

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus seems to induce an special difficulty to control the high blood pressure. This effect is more severe on the SBP. Previous reports suggest that a new angiotensin receptor blocker, eprosartan, might have a higher efficacy to reduce SBP. It has been evaluated the BP decrease obtained with eprosartan in a group of diabetics patients compared to non diabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 81 patients were recruited of whom 65 have ended follow-up. 34 patients were diabetics (mean age 66.7+/-10.7 years, 15 men and 19 women) and 31 were non diabetics control patients (mean age 61.8+/-12,8 years, 13 men and 18 women). All patients were treated with (600 mg) once daily. The doses was ingested in the morning. They were made three follow up visits (1, 3 and 6 mo after the first visit). RESULTS: SBP was significantly decreased both in diabetics (baseline 170.9+/-12.0, final 139.1+/-13.0 mmHg, p < 0.001) and in non diabetics group (baseline 169.9+/-18.0, final 142.0+/-13.3 mmHg, p < 0.001). DBP was also reduced in both groups (diabetics: baseline 92.9+/-9.7, final 78.4+/-8.5 mmHg, p < 0.001; non diabetics: baseline 95.6+/-7.9, final 79.1+/-7.4 mmHg, p < 0.001). Differences between the groups were not significant in any visit. Final BP reduction reached was -31.7/-14.6 mmHg in diabetics vs -27,6/-16,5 mmHg in non diabetics patients (difference is not significant) Pulse pressure changes were not different between the two groups (diabetics, 17.8+/-14.5, vs non diabetics, 11.1+/-13.2 mmHg). Two diabetic patients need a second drug to achieve BP goal and no one in non diabetic group. No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Eprosartan seems to be an effective drug to reduce SBP, DBP and pulse pressure with the same effectiveness in diabetics and non diabetic patients.

Acrylates↗
PubMed2004

The Effect of Natural Mulches on Crop Performance, Weed Suppression and Biochemical Constituents of Catnip and St. John's Wort.

Because of expanding markets for high-value niche crops, opportunities have increased for the production of medicinal herbs in the USA. An experiment was conducted in 2001 and 2002 near Gilbert, IA, to study crop performance, weed suppression, and environmental conditions associated with the use of several organic mulches in the production of two herbs, catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L. 'Helos'). Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design and included a positive (hand-weeded) control, a negative (nonweeded) control, oat straw, a flax straw mat, and a nonwoven wool mat. Catnip plant height was significantly greater in the oat straw than the other treatments at 4 wk through 6 wk in 2001; at 4 to 8 wk in 2002, catnip plant height and width was significantly lower in the negative control compared with the other treatments. Catnip yield was significantly higher in the flax straw mat than all other treatments in 2001. In 2002, St. John's wort yields were not statistically different in any treatments. All weed management treatments had significantly fewer weeds than the non-weeded rows in 2002. Total weed density comparisons in each crop from 2 yr showed fewer weeds present in the flax straw and wool mat treatments compared with positive control plots. There was no significant weed management treatment effect on the concentration of the target compounds, nepetalactone in catnip and pseudohypericin-hypericin in St. John's wort, although there was a trend toward higher concentrations in the flax straw treatment.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Fluorometric determination of chemically available lysine: adaptation, validation and application to different milk products.

A spectrophotometric method based on the reaction between available lysine and ortho-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) was adapted and validated for fluorometric determination of the chemically available lysine contents in milk matrices (UHT and conventional in-bottle sterilized cow milk, milk-based infant formulas and infant formula ingredients). The values of the analytical parameters show its usefulness as a routine method (linearity, r = 0.9992; detection limit, 0.0066 mg/mL assay; accuracy, 99-108%; precision, intra-day 2.1-5.9% and inter-day 3.5 10.2%). No statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the values obtained with the adapted method and those obtained applying the 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (FDNB) (Carpenter) technique. The OPA method was used to measure the chemically available lysine contents in UHT and sterilized milk marketed in Spain, to study the evolution of chemically available lysine during the shelf-life of UHT milks, and finally the quality of name- and store-brand UHT milks was also compared. No statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between either the available lysine contents of the same type of UHT or sterilized milk or between store- and name-brand UHT milks. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the chemically available lysine contents in UHT and sterilized milk. Losses of chemically available lysine ranging from 2.7 to 29% were obtained during the shelf-life of UHT milk.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of furfural compounds in infant formulas. Changes during heat treatment and storage.

Furfural contents in adapted and follow-up infant formulas were measured by RP-HPLC. The evolution of furfural compound contents during storage (a year at 20 and 37 degrees C) was studied. 2-Furylmethylketone and 5-methyl-2-furaldehyde were not detectable in analysed samples. The differences in the furfural compounds at point zero between both infant formulas has to be ascribed to the differences in protein and iron contents. An increase in free 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfuraldehyde (HMF), 2-furaldehyde (F) and HMF+F contents was observed in all samples, although the differences were not statistically significant. The storage temperature affected the total HMF content and the storage time affected the total HMF and F contents.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed2001

Time course of tissue plasminogen activator-induced recanalization in acute cardioembolic stroke: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The relationship between arterial recanalization, infarct size, and outcome in patients treated with intravenous thrombolytics remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the time course of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA)-induced recanalization in patients with cardioembolic stroke treated <3 hours from symptom onset and to investigate the relationship between arterial recanalization, infarct volume, and outcome. METHODS: We prospectively studied 72 patients with an acute cardioembolic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory: 24 treated with rtPA at <3 hours and 48 matched controls. Serial transcranial Doppler examinations were performed on admission and at 6,12, 24, and 48 hours. Infarct volume was measured by use of CT at day 5 to 7. Modified Rankin Scale score was used to assess outcome at 3 months. RESULTS: Rate of 6-hour recanalization was higher (P<0.001) in the rtPA group (66%) than in the control group (15%). Five (20.8%) rtPA patients and 15 (31.2%) controls recanalized between 6 and 12 hours, and 2 (8.3%) patients and 12 (25%) controls between 12 and 48 hours, respectively. At 48 hours, 75% of rtPA patients and 27% of controls had improved (P<0.001). Infarct volume was 50.2+/-40.3 cm(3) in rtPA patients and 124.8+/-81.6 cm(3) in controls (P<0.001). Moreover, infarct volume was associated strongly (P<0.001) with duration of middle cerebral artery occlusion. At 3 months, 14 (58%) rtPA patients and 11 (23%) controls (P=0.037) became functionally independent (modified Rankin Scale score </=2). A close relationship (P=0.002) existed between modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months and time to reperfusion. In addition, clinical outcome was associated strongly (P=0.001) with degree of 6-hour recanalization. Logistic regression analysis identified National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <17 (odds ratio 12.1, 95% confidence interval 2.8 to 68, P=0.001) and early recanalization (odds ratio 23.4, 95% confidence interval 5.4 to 96, P=0.001) as independent predictors of functional independence at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous rtPA is associated with early recanalization, which leads to lower infarct size and better clinical outcome. Early recanalization is a powerful independent predictor of functional independence at 3 months.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

Human securin, hPTTG, is associated with Ku heterodimer, the regulatory subunit of the DNA-dependent protein kinase.

We have previously isolated the hpttg proto-oncogene, which is expressed in normal tissues containing proliferating cells and in several kinds of tumors. In fact, expression of hPTTG correlates with cell proliferation in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Recently it was reported that PTTG is a vertebrate analog of the yeast securins Pds1 and Cut2, which are involved in sister chromatid separation. Here we show that hPTTG binds to Ku, the regulatory subunit of the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). hPTTG and Ku associate both in vitro and in vivo and the DNA-PK catalytic subunit phosphorylates hPTTG in vitro. Furthermore, DNA double-strand breaks prevent hPTTG-Ku association and disrupt the hPTTG-Ku complexes, indicating that genome damaging events, which result in the induction of pathways that activate DNA repair mechanisms and halt cell cycle progression, might inhibit hPTTG-Ku interaction in vivo. We propose that hPTTG might connect DNA damage-response pathways with sister chromatid separation, delaying the onset of mitosis while DNA repair occurs.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Melatonin prevents oxidative stress resulting from iron and erythropoietin administration.

Intravenous iron (Fe) and recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) are routine treatments in the management of anemia in patients with chronic renal failure. We investigated the oxidative stress acutely induced by these therapies and whether pretreatment with oral melatonin (MEL) would have a beneficial effect. Nine patients (four women) were studied within 1 month of entering a chronic hemodialysis program in the interdialytic period. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), red blood cell glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) activity were measured in blood samples obtained before (baseline) and 1, 3, and 24 hours after the administration of Fe (100 mg of Fe saccharate intravenously over 1 hour) or rHuEPO (4,000 U intravenously). One hour before these treatments, patients were administered a single oral dose of MEL (0.3 mg/kg) or placebo. Each patient was studied on four occasions, corresponding to studies performed using either placebo or MEL in association with intravenous Fe and rHuEPO administration. Baseline data showed increased oxidative stress in patients with end-stage renal failure. Increments in oxidative stress induced by Fe were more pronounced at the end of the administration: MDA, baseline, 0.74 +/- 0.09 nmol/mL; 1 hour, 1.50 +/- 0.28 nmol/mL (P: < 0.001); GSH, baseline, 2.51 +/- 0.34 nmol/mg of hemoglobin (Hb); 1 hour, 1.66 +/- 0.01 nmol/mg Hb (P: < 0.001); and CAT activity, baseline, 27.0 +/- 5.7 kappa/mg Hb; 1 hour, 23.3 +/- 4.2 kappa/mg Hb (P: < 0.001). rHuEPO-induced increments in oxidative stress were more pronounced (P: < 0.001) at 3 hours (MDA, 1.24 +/- 0.34 nmol/mL; GSH, 1.52 +/- 0.23 nmol/mg Hb; CAT activity, 18.0 +/- 3.1 kappa/mg Hb). MEL administration prevented the changes induced by Fe and rHuEPO and had no adverse side effects. These studies show that intravenous Fe and rHuEPO in doses commonly used to treat anemia in chronic hemodialysis patients acutely generate significant oxidative stress. Oral MEL prevents such oxidative stress and may be of clinical use.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

90Sr content of soils from Biscay (Spain).

The concentrations of 90Sr at different depth levels have been determined in 55 soils from 11 points at Biscay (Spain) by extracting this radionuclide from 30 g samples. It was measured by beta-counting after purification. The concentrations of 137Cs in the same soils are known from previous studies. Soils were also characterised by sampling depth, particle size analysis and the usual chemical parameters. The 91Sr activity concentrations in the studied soils ranged from 0.28 to 9.10 Bq/kg, with an average value of 2.85 Bq/kg. The more frequent behaviour in a depth profile is a continuous decrease of 90Sr. The dependence of 90Sr activities on soil parameters and 137Cs concentration are discussed by statistical methods, mainly by correlation coefficients, cluster analysis and non-linear regression of the accumulated radionuclide with depth. By this technique an estimation of fallout can be made. The ratio of the estimated deposition rate for both nuclides had values in the range from 0.72 to 5.82. This variation is related to soil constituents.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Timing of spontaneous recanalization and risk of hemorrhagic transformation in acute cardioembolic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The relationship between reperfusion and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) remains uncertain. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the relationship between the time course of recanalization and the risk of HT in patients with cardioembolic stroke studied within 6 hours of symptom onset. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with atrial fibrillation and nonlacunar stroke in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory admitted within the first 6 hours after symptom onset were prospectively studied. Serial TCD examinations were performed on admission and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours. CT was performed within 6 hours after stroke onset and again at 36 to 48 hours. RESULTS: Proximal and distal MCA occlusions were detected in 32 patients (60.4%) and 18 patients (34%), respectively. Early spontaneous recanalization occurring within 6 hours was identified in 10 patients (18.8%). Delayed recanalization (>6 hours) occurred in 28 patients (52.8%). HT on CT scan was detected in 17 patients (32%) within the first 48 hours. Only large parenchymal hemorrhage (PH2) was significantly associated with an increase (P=0.038, Kruskal-Wallis test) in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score compared with the other subtypes of HT. Univariate analysis revealed that an NIHSS score of >14 on baseline (P=0.001), proximal MCA occlusion (P=0.004), hypodensity >33% of the MCA territory (P=0.012), and delayed recanalization occurring >6 hours of stroke onset (P=0.003) were significantly associated with HT. With a multiple logistic regression model, delayed recanalization (OR 8.9; 95% CI 2.1 to 33.3) emerged as independent predictor of HT. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed recanalization occurring >6 hours after acute cardioembolic stroke is an independent predictor of HT.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Cell cycle regulated expression and phosphorylation of hpttg proto-oncogene product.

We recently isolated a cDNA for hpttg, the human homolog of rat pituitary tumor transforming gene. Now we have analysed the expression of hpttg as a function of cell proliferation. hPTTG protein level is up-regulated in rapidly proliferating cells, is down-regulated in response to serum starvation or cell confluence, and is regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner, peaking in mitosis. In addition, we show that hPTTG is phosphorylated during mitosis. Immunodepletion and in vitro phosphorylation experiments, together with the use of a specific inhibitor, indicate that Cdc2 is the kinase that phosphorylates hPTTG. These results suggest that hpttg is induced by, and may have a role in, regulatory pathways involved in the control of cell proliferation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Mycophenolate mofetil treatment reduces cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis in the rabbit.

Immunosuppressive therapy has been shown to either improve or, more frequently, enhance the development of atherosclerosis. We tested the effect of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), an inhibitor of nucleotide synthesis widely used in transplant therapy, in diet-induced atherosclerosis in the rabbit. Two groups (n=10 each) of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 12 weeks. One group received MMF (CHOL+MMF group) by gastric gavage (30 mg/kg daily) and the other group (CHOL) received the same volume of saline by the same route. There were no differences in the serum cholesterol (mean values > or =30 mmol/l in both groups after 2 weeks) or in the triglyceride, blood sugar, total protein, and albumin serum levels and weight gain in both groups of animals. The cholesterol-fed untreated rabbits had atherosclerotic plaques covering 43.9.1+/-SD 16.40% of their thoracic aorta and 41.9+/-22. 59% of their abdominal aorta, while the MMF treated group had 18. 5+/-7.17% and 17.7+/-9.71%, respectively (P<0.01). The cholesterol content of the aorta (mg/g) in the cholesterol-fed untreated group was 4.61+/-SD 1.21 in the thoracic aorta and 4.54+/-2.07 in the abdominal aorta, whereas the MMF treated group had and 2.83+/-0.84 and 2.77+/-1.44, respectively (P<0.01). Infiltrating macrophages (RAM 11 positive cells/100 nuclei) in the intimal layer of the aorta were 58.4+/-SD26.16 in the CHOL group and 8.5+/-5.51 in the CHOL+MMF group: (P<0.001). CD18 positive cells/100 nuclei were 27.4+/-17.6 in the CHOL group and 5.3+/-3.82 in the CHOL+MMF group (P<0.01), and the intima/media ratio was 0.66+/-0.11 in the CHOL group and 0. 30+/-0.09 in the MMF treated rabbits (P<0.001). MMF also reduced proliferating smooth muscle cells (HHF35 positive) infiltrating between the macrophages. These results indicate that MMF ameliorates importantly the atherogenic potential of a high cholesterol diet and this effect is associated with a reduction in macrophage and foam cell infiltration and smooth muscle cell proliferation and infiltration. Since chronic treatment with this drug is given routinely in various clinical conditions with relatively minor side effects, consideration may be given to its use as adjuvant therapy in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2000

Determination and analysis of distribution coefficients of 137Cs in soils from Biscay (Spain).

The distribution coefficient of (137)Cs has been determined in 58 soils from 12 sampling points from Biscay by treating 10 g with 25 ml of an aqueous solution with an activity of 1765 Bq in the radionuclide, by shaking during 64 h and measuring the residual activity with a suitable detector. Soils were characterised by sampling depth, particle size analysis and the usual chemical parameters. Soils were thereafter treated to fix the chemical forms of (137)Cs speciation by successive extractions in order to determine fractions due to exchangeable, associated with carbonates, iron oxide and organic matter fractions, obtaining by difference the amount taken by the rest of the soil constituents. For this research, 16 soils from four points were selected from the previous samples. The greatest mean percentages of (137)Cs sorption were with the rest (69.93), exchangeable (13.17) and organic matter (12.54%) fractions. This paper includes also the calculation of partial distribution coefficients for chemical species as well as relations of distribution coefficients both among them and with soil parameters.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Effects of thermal processing and storage on available lysine and furfural compounds contents of infant formulas.

The Maillard reaction-related effects that thermal treatments during the manufacturing process and storage (at 20 and 37 degrees C) have on powdered adapted and follow-up milk-based infant formulas were estimated by measuring the available lysine and furfural compounds contents of raw cow milk used in manufacturing, intermediate products and formulas. A fluorimetric method was used to measure the available lysine contents, and free and total furfural compounds were determined by HPLC. Statistically significant losses in available lysine (about 20%) in the infant formulas with respect to raw milk were found. The storage period did not affect the available lysine contents of adapted formulas but reduced (16%) the contents of the follow-up ones (from 6.61 to 5.33 g/100 g of protein). No furfural compounds were detected in raw milk, and free and total furyl methyl ketone (FMC) and methylfurfural (MF) were not observed in the analyzed samples. After 6 months of storage, an increase in free hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) (from 0.34 to 0.77 mg/100 g of protein) and furfural (F) (from nondetectable to 0.1 mg/100 g of protein) in adapted formulas and free HMF (from 1.84 to 2.62 mg/100 g of protein) in follow-up formulas was observed.

Food Handling↗
PubMed2000

[3-Me-His(2)]-TRH combined with dopamine withdrawal rapidly and transiently increases pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II activity in primary cultures of adenohypophyseal cells.

TRH is hydrolyzed by pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II (PP II), a highly specific ecto-enzyme which is localized on the surface of lactotrophs. To study whether PP II activity may be rapidly regulated during a burst of prolactin secretion, we used an in vitro model in which primary cultures of adenohypophyseal cells were incubated with 500 nM dopamine (DA) for 24 h prior to treatments. We observed a rapid increase of PP II activity when 100 nM [3-Me-His(2)]-TRH, a TRH agonist, was added at removal of DA. PPII activity was maximal after 20 min of treatment and reduced to time 0 activity at 30 min. Dopamine withdrawal alone, slightly and transiently, modified the enzyme activity: an initial activation at 15 min was followed by a transient inhibition at 20 min. The specific contribution of [3-Me-His(2)]-TRH in this paradigm was a transient enhancement of PP II activity. If DA was not removed, [3-Me-His(2)]-TRH was ineffective. These data demonstrate that during in vitro conditions that mimic a suckling episode, adenohypophyseal PP II activity is rapidly and reversibly adjusted.

Aminopeptidases↗