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Biomedical subjects

I Rivera

Publications and source records attributed to I Rivera.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

ompU genes in non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae associated with aquaculture.

AIMS: The study was undertaken with the objective of understanding the virulence-associated genes of the CTX and TCP gene clusters in environmental isolates of Vibrio cholerae, an important human pathogen, isolated from the aquaculture environment. The involvement of the ompU gene in conferring bile resistance in these isolates was also evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: The V. cholerae isolates were tested by PCR and fluorescent antibody test for O1 (Ogawa and Inaba) and O139 serotypes. All isolates were found to be non-toxigenic V. cholerae confirmed by their positive PCR reaction for toxR but negative for ctx, zot and tcp gene. The hlyA gene was detected in 85% of the strains and ompU in 77%. The results on the bactericidal effect of bile salts suggest that ompU may play a role in conferring bile resistance in non-O1/non-O139 strains. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that most environmental strains lacked the CTX and TCP gene clusters. However, most isolates had the hlyA gene indicating the potential of these environmental strains to cause mild gastroenteritis. It was also observed that strains lacking ompU showed less tolerance to bile salts. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Information on virulence factors of V. cholerae associated with aquaculture environment and products would be of value in risk assessment for human health.

Adhesins, Bacterial↗
PubMed2003

5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C-->T and 1298A-->C mutations are genetic determinants of elevated homocysteine.

BACKGROUND: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is one of the main regulatory enzymes of homocysteine metabolism. Elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) is a major risk for cardiovascular disease. A common 677C-->T mutation in the MTHFR gene results in decreased enzymic activity, and contributes to increased plasma tHcy, in association with low plasma folate. A recently described 1298A-->C mutation in the MTHFR gene clearly reduces MTHFR activity (although to a lesser extent than the 677C-->T) but its effect on plasma tHcy levels is not yet clear. AIM: To investigate the frequency of these two MTHFR polymorphisms in a Portuguese population, and to correlate the MTHFR genotype with the biochemical phenotype at the level of homocysteine and folate concentrations. DESIGN: Prospective population survey. METHODS: We studied 117 healthy volunteers (71 females, 46 males). The 677C-->T and 1298A-->C mutations were screened by PCR-RFLP. Levels of plasma tHcy and folate, and red blood cell folate, were determined. RESULTS: The allele frequencies of the 677C-->T and 1298A-->C mutations were 0.33 and 0.28, respectively. Homozygotes for the 677C-->T mutation had significantly elevated plasma tHcy and RBC folate levels and significantly lowered plasma folate concentrations than subjects without the mutation. The 1298A-->C mutation showed a significant effect on plasma tHcy, but not on plasma folate or RBC folate levels. DISCUSSION: The observed 677T allele frequency is not consistent with the idea of a north-south gradient as previously suggested. The 1298A-->C mutation is common in Portugal. Both MTHFR mutations showed effects on plasma tHcy levels.

5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (FADH2)↗
PubMed2001

Sleep pattern and daytime differences in the electromyographic activity and peripheral temperature.

For a long time, it has been said that most individuals sleep an average of 8 h. However, there are subjects that usually sleep less than 6 h (the ones placed under the label of short sleep pattern, SSP) and subjects that sleep more than 8 h (those classified by the long sleep pattern, LSP). Starting from this division, several studies have been carried out in order to establish possible differences in terms of psychological and physiological variables. This study is aimed at assessing the differences that might occur in electromyographic activity and temperature in long, medium and short sleep pattern subjects at two moments in the day. From a 300-subject sample, 17 long sleep pattern, nine medium sleep pattern and eight short sleep pattern subjects were selected. The physiological variables were assessed during a constant stimulation task in the morning (between 09.00 and 10.00 h) and in the evening (between 19.00 and 20.00 h). The inter-group analysis showed that the long sleep pattern and the short sleep pattern subjects differed in terms of electromyographic activity in the morning. This same analysis indicated that only long sleep pattern subjects showed changes in electromyographic activity over two measurements taken in the same day. The results point out that long sleep pattern subjects show more sensitivity towards changes, and that sensitivity is expressed in a different manner, depending on the time of the day.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The V388M mutation results in a kinetic variant form of phenylalanine hydroxylase.

The molecular mechanism underlying the metabolic defect in phenylketonuria (PKU) patients carrying the V388M missense mutation of the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene has been characterized. An in vitro prokaryotic expression system has been used to produce both the wild-type and the mutant form of the human PAH (hPAH) protein. The recombinant enzymes, obtained as fusion proteins, were purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography and recovered in high yields. The wild-type hPAH possessed a high specific activity and its kinetic properties were the same as those reported for the enzyme isolated from human liver and other recombinant wild-type hPAH enzymes. The recombinant V388M mutant form exhibited a reduced specific activity equivalent to 30% of the wild-type hPAH enzyme when assayed using the synthetic cofactor (6-methyltetrahydropterin). Lower values were obtained (23 and 19%) when the mutant enzyme was assayed with the natural cofactor ((6R)-tetrahydrobiopterin) and different concentrations of l-phenylalanine. The enzyme kinetic studies of the V388M mutant protein revealed that this enzyme was a kinetic variant form of hPAH with a reduced affinity for l-phenylalanine and for the natural cofactor ((6R)-tetrahydrobiopterin). The residual activities determined for the V388M form of hPAH were compatible with the phenotype presented by the PKU patients harboring the V388M mutation in the PAH gene.

Amino Acid Substitution↗
PubMed2000

The correlation of genotype and phenotype in Portuguese hyperphenylalaninemic patients.

To understand the basis for the clinical heterogeneity of phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency among Portuguese hyperphenylalaninemic patients, genotype-phenotype correlations were established. A group of 61 patients was completely genotyped, leading to the identification of 20 different mutant alleles in 36 different genotypic combinations, including a mutant allele not reported previously. The severity of those mutations found within this hyperphenylalaninemic population, which have not been previously expressed in vitro, were assessed. The results obtained by the present study exhibit a strong correlation between the predicted residual enzyme activity, as deduced from the genotype of the patients, and the biochemical phenotype represented by the diagnostic parameters (phenylalanine levels before the beginning of treatment and the dietary phenylalanine tolerance). It was observed that only a judicious follow-up and compliance with the appropriate diet permits the correct assessment of the clinical phenotype of the patients. Additionally, based upon the correlation observed between genotypes and diagnostic parameters, it was possible to predict the potential residual enzyme activity of those mutations (identified in our patients) which have not yet been studied in vitro.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Mutation analysis of the GCDH gene in Italian and Portuguese patients with glutaric aciduria type I.

Two novel (G390V and X439W) and five already known mutations were identified in a total of 14 GA I alleles from Italy and Portugal. The substitution X439W is a rare type of mutation, which breaks the stop codon of the GCDH gene. As described in other populations, R402W was the most common mutation. Genotype R227P/R402W was found in a patient with low glutarate excretion. Haplotype studies have also been performed.

Amino Acid Substitution↗
PubMed2000

Simple cystectomy in patients requiring urinary diversion.

PURPOSE: Urinary diversion is an alternative treatment for conditions such as radiation and interstitial cystitis, neurogenic bladder and severe incontinence. The subsequent complication rate may reach 60% due to the retained nonfunctional bladder. The subsequent cystectomy rate may be as high as 20% because of pyocystis, hematuria, pelvic pain and rarely bladder cancer. We describe simple cystectomy involving bladder removal without the adjacent structures, avoiding deep pelvic dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ileal conduit or continent diversion and simple cystectomy were performed for crippling bladder symptoms secondary to neurogenic bladder, pelvic radiation, hematuria and/or severe incontinence in 12 women and 7 men with a mean age of 63 years. We performed urinary diversion and simple cystectomy only when all conservative means of treatment had failed. The majority of patients had multiple co-morbidities, previous surgeries and pelvic radiation. An average of 5 conservative procedures (range 2 to 10) had been done before simple cystectomy. None of these patients had urothelial malignancy. Simple cystectomy was done concomitantly with urinary diversion in 13 cases and later as a separate procedure in 6 due to complications of a retained nonfunctional bladder. RESULTS: Mean followup was 15 months. No mortality was associated with surgery. For simple cystectomy only mean operative time was 30 minutes and mean estimated blood loss was 300 cc. Median time from symptom presentation to cystectomy was 35 months and mean hospital stay was 7 days. In all cases symptoms were dramatically alleviated. No morbidity was directly attributable to simple cystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Simple cystectomy is well tolerated and should be performed at urinary diversion to avoid later complications of the retained bladder. Technically this procedure is not demanding and is relatively easy to perform even after previous pelvic radiation.

Comorbidity↗
PubMed1998

Involvement of NF-AT in type I human T-cell leukemia virus Tax-mediated Fas ligand promoter transactivation.

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I)-infected T-cells constitutively express surface Fas ligand (FasL), which may serve as a mechanism of viral pathogenesis. HTLV-I induces transcription of FasL gene through the viral transactivator Tax, although the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we have analyzed both the cis-activating element and transactivating factors involved in Tax activation of the FasL promoter. We show that the 486-base pair upstream region of the human FasL gene is sufficient for Tax-mediated transactivation in Jurkat T-cells. Interestingly, a palindromic DNA sequence (GGAAACTTCC) covering the consensus NF-ATp binding site (GGAAA), is required for Tax activation of FasL promoter. The involvement of NF-AT in this transactivation event is suggested by the finding that Tax fails to activate the FasL promoter in a Jurkat T-cell line defective in capacitative calcium entry, a signaling mechanism involved in NF-AT activation. Furthermore, activation of FasL promoter by Tax is largely attenuated in the nonlymphoid F9 embryonal and COS kidney cells deficient in NF-ATp expression. DNA-protein interaction assays reveal that the NF-AT-like motif in the FasL promoter is bound by both NF-ATp and NF-AT4 in Jurkat T-cells expressing Tax. The binding of NF-ATp, although not NF-AT4, to this enhancer also occurs along with HTLV-I-mediated infection of human peripheral blood T-cells. Furthermore, exogenously transfected NF-ATp binds to the NF-AT-like enhancer and participates in Tax-mediated FasL promoter transactivation. These results suggest an important role for proteins of the NF-AT family in HTLV-I Tax-mediated FasL gene transactivation.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Assessment using ELISA of the herd immunity levels induced in cattle by foot-and-mouth disease oil vaccines.

The development of a liquid-phase blocking sandwich ELISA (LPBE) to measure antibodies (Ab) produced in cattle with the O, A and C foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) types of commercial vaccines used in Argentina is described. The test was specific: 99% of naïve cattle sera (n = 130) gave titres below log10 = 1.2, and none had a titre above log10 = 1.5. Comparative studies with serum neutralization test (SNT) using sera from cattle which received one or more vaccine doses is reported. The overall rank correlation coefficient (Spearman's rho, rs) between SNT and LPBE were highly significant (rs > 0.67, P < 0.0001) for all vaccine strains. LBPE Ab titres on sera collected 90 days post vaccination were compared with results of cattle protection tests by applying a logistic regression. The minimum Ab titres at which 85% and 75% of the cattle were protected for each FMDV type were determined in order to interpret field Ab data in terms of protection. Application of this method allows large scale serological examinations to monitor antibody levels in vaccinated animals as an indirect indicator of the FMD control program status in the field. Its use in the evaluation of commercial batches of FMD vaccine is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Population genetics of hyperphenylalaninaemia resulting from phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency in Portugal.

In order to elucidate the molecular basis of phenylketonuria (PKU) in Portugal, a detailed study of the Portuguese mutant phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) genes was performed. A total of 222 mutant alleles from 111 PKU families were analysed for 26 mutations and restriction fragment length polymorphismlvariable number tandem repeat (RFLP/VNTR) haplotypes. It was possible to characterise 55% of the mutant alleles, in which 14 different mutations (R261Q, V388M, IVS10nt-11, I65T, P281L, R252W, R158Q, L348V, Y414C, L311P, Y198fsdel22bp, R408W, R270K, and R261X) and three polymorphisms (Q232Q, V245V, and L385L) were identified. A total of 14 different haplotypes were observed, with a high prevalence of haplotype 1 among mutant and normal alleles. The results reported in this study show considerable genetic heterogeneity in the Portuguese PKU population, as has also been described for other southern European populations.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗
PubMed1990

Oral lesions in Mexican HIV-infected patients.

One hundred and twenty-five HIV-infected patients, of whom 49 (39%) were at early stages of the infection (CDC-II & III) and 76 (61%) in CDC IV, were prospectively examined. In 100 (80%) one or more oral mucosal lesions were observed; candidiasis (51%) and hairy leukoplakia (43%) were the commonest. Erythematous candidiasis was more often seen (35%) than the pseudomembranous type (16%), and appeared with the higher values at early than later stages. The prevalence of hairy leukoplakia, oral hyperpigmentation and xerostomia were incremented in groups CDC-IV. Pseudomembranous candidiasis and exfoliative cheilitis increased significantly with severity of disease. Our study demonstrates that oral alterations associated to HIV are a frequent finding, both at early (76%) and late (83%) stages of the infection in Mexican patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Pericardiocentesis: usefulness in the routine determination of intrapericardial pressure].

The usefulness of routine intrapericardial pressure determination and hemodynamic monitoring during therapeutic (n = 22) or diagnostic (n = 2) pericardiocentesis was analyzed. Hemodynamic data confirmed the presence of cardiac tamponade in all cases, including the 2 patients without clinical suspicion. Prior to fluid evacuation, abnormally elevated levels of intrapericardial (13 +/- 5 mmHg), right atrial (14 +/- 4 mmHg) and pulmonary capillary (16 +/- 3 mmHg) pressures were observed. A significant correlation was found between intrapericardial and right atrial pressures (r = 0.97, p less than 0.05) and also between intrapericardial and pulmonary capillary pressures (r = 0.69, p less than 0.05). The basal cardiac output was low (3 +/- 1 l/min) and increased after the pericardiocentesis in all but one patient. According to the results of pericardiocentesis, patients were classified into three groups. Group I: intrapericardial and right atrial pressures decreased to normal levels. The increment of cardiac output was high (72%) and the procedure was considered successful. Group II: right atrial and intrapericardial pressures remained elevated (7.7 +/- 4 and 7 +/- 2 mmHg, respectively) and the cardiac output increment was less marked (52%), thus indicating incomplete drainage. Group III: intrapericardial pressure decreased to normal levels but right atrial pressure remained elevated. All these patients were found to have associated cardiac disease, most frequently constriction. We conclude that routine determination of intrapericardial pressure: 1) reveals the presence of tamponade in cases without clinical suspicion; 2) indicates the efficacy of drainage; and 3) together with right atrial pressure recording, provides early diagnosis of associated cardiac disease, especially effusive-constrictive pericarditis.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Interatrial conduction block and retrograde activation of the left atrium and paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmia.

We studied 16 patients with electrocardiographic evidence of advanced interatrial block and retrograde activation of the left atrium (P greater than or equal to 0.12 s, and diphasic (+/-) P waves in leads II, III, and VF). Eight patients had valvular heart disease, four had dilated cardiomyopathy and four had other forms of heart disease. Patients with valvular heart disease and cardiomyopathy were compared with a control group of 22 patients with similar clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, but without this type of interatrial block. Patients with advanced interatrial block and retrograde activation of the left atrium had a much higher incidence of paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (93.7%) during follow-up than did the control group, (27.7%) (P less than 0.001). Eleven of 16 patients (68.7%) with advanced interatrial block and retrograde activation of left atrium had atrial flutter (atypical in seven cases, typical in two cases, and with two or more morphologies in two cases). Six patients from the control group (27.7%) had sustained atrial tachyarrhythmias (five atrial fibrillation and one typical atrial flutter). The atrial tachyarrhythmias were due more to advanced interatrial block and retrograde activation of left atrium and frequent atrial extrasystoles than to left atrial enlargement, because the control group with a left atrium of the same size, but without advanced interatrial block and retrograde activation of left atrium and with less incidence of atrial extrasystoles, had a much lower incidence of paroxysmal tachycardia.

Aged↗