Biomedical subjects

R Rodríguez

Publications and source records attributed to R Rodríguez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

A GIS-based DRASTIC vulnerability and net recharge reassessment in an aquifer of a semi-arid region (Metline-Ras Jebel-Raf Raf aquifer, Northern Tunisia).

This paper aims to elaborate new generic DRASTIC aquifer vulnerability maps of the coastal aquifer of Metline-Ras Jebel-Raf Raf (Northeast of Tunisia) using the GIS technique, making the data analyses easier to handle and providing better capabilities of dealing with large spatial data. A similar study was carried out in 1999 in the same aquifer using a method based on the soil water balance equation to determine the net recharge parameter. Unfortunately, the lack of data in the study area made the results unsatisfactory. By applying the Williams and Kissel equation and the Rao relationship, we intend to demonstrate that we could correctly evaluate the net recharge parameter. Moreover, new data related to the aquifer hydraulic conductivity, the soil cover and the vadose zone lithology have become available, and allowed us to elaborate suitable DRASTIC maps.

Environment↗

PubMed2006

Gallic acid and tannase accumulation during fungal solid state culture of a tannin-rich desert plant (Larrea tridentata Cov.).

Larrea tridentata (Sesse & Mocino ex DC.) Coville, also known as Larrea, gobernadora, chaparral, or creosote bush, is a shrubby plant which dominates some areas of the desert southwest in the United States and Northern Mexico and its use has not been exploited and standardized. In this study, gobernadora was studied to evaluate its potential use for support of solid state culture. Influence of two minimal media added with gobernadora powder as the sole carbon source and inducer of tannin-degrading enzymes was evaluated. Cultures were initially 70% moisture, had a pH of 5.5 and were inoculated with Aspergillus niger Aa-20 at 2 x 10(7) spores per gram of media. Analysis of pH, moisture, tannin uptake, gallic acid accumulation and tannase production were evaluated. Results indicated a high content of condensed (39.4%dm) and hydrolysable (22.8%dm) tannins. Invasion capacity of fungal growth was of 0.15 mmh(-1). Tannase production reached values of 1040 Ul(-1) at 43 h of culture. During the first 48 h of culture, the concentration of gallic acid accumulation was 0.33 gl(-1). Gobernadora is a potential source of gallic acid and tannase production by solid state culture; however, further optimization of the process is needed.

Aspergillus niger↗

PubMed2006

Expression of Snail protein in tumor-stroma interface.

The product of Snail gene is a repressor of E-cadherin transcription and an inductor of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in several epithelial tumor cell lines. In order to examine Snail expression in animal and human tissues, we have raised a monoclonal antibody (MAb) that reacts with the regulatory domain of this protein. Analysis of murine embryos shows that Snail is expressed in extraembryonic tissues and embryonic mesoderm, in mesenchymal cells of lungs and dermis as well as in cartilage. Little reactivity was detected in adult tissues as Snail was not constitutively expressed in most mesenchymal cells. However, Snail expression was observed in activated fibroblasts involved in wound healing in mice skin. Moreover, Snail was detected in pathological conditions causing hyperstimulation of fibroblasts, such as fibromatosis. Analysis of Snail expression in tumors revealed that it was highly expressed in sarcomas and fibrosarcomas. In epithelial tumors, it presented a more limited distribution, restricted to stromal cells placed in the vicinity of the tumor and to tumoral cells in the same areas. These results demonstrate that Snail is present in activated mesenchymal cells, indicate its relevance in the communication between tumor and stroma and suggest that it can promote the conversion of carcinoma cells to stromal cells.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed2006

Combination dopamine agonist and prostaglandin agonist treatment of cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex in the bitch.

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra (CEH-P) complex is a progesterone-dependent disease that requires medical treatment in bitches intended for breeding. To test the efficacy and safety of a combined protocol and to assess the effect of age, stage of cycle, previous steroid hormone administration and parity on treatment, 29 bitches diagnosed with CEH-P complex were treated daily with cabergoline 5 microg/kg PO and cloprostenol 1 microg/kg SC for 7-14 days, along with supportive antibiotic and hydration therapies. Before treatment, and on Days 3, 7 and 14, all bitches were evaluated clinically and uterine horn diameter measured during trans-abdominal ultrasonography. Twenty-four of 29 bitches were cured by either Day 7 or 14. Nine bitches had mild digestive side effects. Clinical signs related to pyometra began to improve markedly as early as Day 2 of treatment. Uterine diameters decreased (P < 0.05) by Day 3 of treatment, and continued to gradually decrease, reaching normal size by Day 14. Relapses occurred in 6 of 29 cases. Pregnancy was achieved in one of the two young bitches bred after treatment. No significant relationships were found between success rate and age, stage of the estrous cycle, previous hormone administration or parity. Although no variables affecting treatment results could be identified, this combination of compounds was found to be an efficient and safe for treatment of CEH-P.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Prophylactic intranasal treatment with fragments of 1,3-beta-glucanase olive pollen allergen prevents airway inflammation in a murine model of type I allergy.

BACKGROUND: Olive pollen is an important cause of allergy in Mediterranean countries. More than 50% of olive-pollen-allergic patients are sensitized against the 1,3-beta-glucanase Ole e 9. To date, prophylactic and therapeutic treatments using purified recombinant allergens have not been studied in animal models of olive pollen allergy. METHODS: BALB/c mice were immunized against Ole e 9 combining intraperitoneal injections of the allergen in Al(OH)3 with airway allergen challenges. A prophylactic treatment was performed by intranasal administration of a mixture of the recombinant fragments of the allergen prior to Ole e 9 sensitization. Serum levels of specific IgE, IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b were measured by ELISA, and total IgE levels by sandwich ELISA. Bronchoalveolar lavage and lungs from mice were collected to study airway inflammation by light microscopy. RESULTS: BALB/c mice immunized against Ole e 9 developed a predominantly Th2-like immune response with allergen-specific immunoglobulin induction and airway inflammation accompanied by the infiltration of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophils in the lung. Prophylactic treatment by intranasal application of the recombinant fragments of Ole e 9 avoids airway inflammation induced by sensitization with this allergen although the levels of Ole e 9-specific antibodies remain unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic intranasal treatment with recombinant fragments of Ole e 9 prevents airway inflammation triggered by immunization to this allergen in a murine model of type I allergy.

Administration, Intranasal↗

PubMed2006

The presence of an intronic deletion in p73 and high levels of ZEB1 alter the TAp73/DeltaTAp73 ratio in colorectal carcinomas.

TAp73 variants largely mimic p53 suppressor activities, while DeltaTAp73 forms act as oncogenes through the inactivation of p53 and TAp73. The present study analysed how TAp73 and DeltaTAp73 levels might be affected by the presence of a 73 bp deletion in a regulatory region of p73. The clinical relevance of this deletion was also examined. ZEB1 can bind to the region repressing p73 transcription in vitro. The relationship between ZEB1 and p73 variant expression levels was studied in the context of this deletion and the levels of the ZEB1 cofactors p300 and CtBP. Tumour and normal tissue from 81 colorectal cancer patients was analysed to evaluate firstly the levels of TAp73, DeltaTAp73 (DeltaEx2p73, DeltaEx2/3p73, and DeltaNp73), ZEB1, p300, and CtBP by quantitative real-time RT-PCR, and secondly the presence of the 73 bp deletion. Tumour characteristics were examined in each patient. Suppressor and oncogenic isoforms of p73 were co-up-regulated in tumour tissues. Overexpression of p73 variants was associated with adverse tumour features. The 73 bp deletion was present in 40% of the patients and was associated with adverse pathological parameters of the tumours and also with TAp73 down-regulation. In those cases harbouring the deletion, the levels of ZEB1 and those of DeltaEx2p73, DeltaEx2/3p73, and DeltaNp73 correlated directly. Variations in the concentration of p300 affected the observed correlations between ZEB1 and the different p73 variants. In conclusion, in colorectal cancer, the 73 bp deletion in the first intron of the p73 gene and different expression levels of ZEB1 and p300 may act in concert to affect the ratio of TAp73/DeltaTAp73 forms, favouring p73 oncogenic variants. In addition, up-regulation of p73 oncogenic isoforms predicts a poor prognosis based on its relationship with advanced tumour stage.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

A comparative analysis of the cross-reactivity in the polcalcin family including Syr v 3, a new member from lilac pollen.

BACKGROUND: Polcalcins are pollen-specific allergens with two EF-hand calcium-binding sites that exhibit strong cross-reactivity. Our objective was to isolate and express the cDNA coding of the EF-hand calcium-binding allergen from lilac pollen and to study cross-reactivity with other polcalcins from related and nonrelated pollen sources with different specific antibodies and sera from two different populations. METHODS: Specific cDNA was amplified by PCR, cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Purification was achieved by gel permeation and ion exchange chromatographies. ELISA titration and inhibition assays were performed using the recombinant forms of Syr v 3, Ole e 3, Che a 3 and Phl p 7 with sera from two Spanish regions with different sensitization profiles, as well as Phl p 7- and Ole e 3-specific polyclonal rabbit antisera, and an Ole e 3-specific monoclonal antibody. RESULTS: Syr v 3 displays two EF-hand consensus sites and 8863 Da of theoretical molecular mass. The allergen consists of 80 residues with identities ranging from 66 to 87% with polcalcins included in this study. Syr v 3, Ole e 3, Che a 3 and Phl p 7 showed a similar IgG- and IgE-binding capacity although differences at quantitative level were observed depending on the population of patients' sera. CONCLUSION: Syr v 3 is a polcalcin with structural and antigenic similarities to the members of this family. Diagnosis of polcalcin-sensitized patients could be performed whatever polcalcin used, whereas for immunotherapy, primary sensitization to a particular allergenic source should be considered.

Allergens↗

PubMed2006

Long-term streptozotocin-induced diabetes alters prostanoid production in rat aorta and mesenteric bed.

Vascular disease is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in chronic diabetes mellitus. Prostanoids, metabolites of arachidonic acid, include vasoactive substances produced and released from the vascular wall. Alterations in prostanoid production have been reported in the vasculature of diabetic humans and experimental animals. The aim of the present work was to study the influence of three different periods of long-term streptozotocin-induced diabetes, 30, 120 and 180 days in the production of prostanoids in the thoracic aorta and in the mesenteric vascular bed of the rat. The prostanoids released to the incubation medium by the tissues were extracted and measured by reversed-phase HPLC. In the diabetic groups, body weight was reduced and glycaemia was increased when compared with the corresponding non-diabetic controls. In the aorta, 30 days of diabetes did not modify the prostanoid release pattern, meanwhile 120 and 180 days of incubation decreased prostacyclin (PGI(2)) production. In the mesenteric bed, at 30 days the release of the vasodilators PGI(2) and prostaglandin (PGE(2)) and the vasoconstrictor thromboxane (TXA(2)) was reduced. At 120 days the vasodilators were reduced and at 180 days such reduction was joined by an increase of the release of vasoconstrictor metabolites. Thirty days of diabetes did not modify the PGI(2)/TXA(2) ratio in the aorta or mesenteric bed. On the other hand, 120 and 180 days of diabetes reduced significantly the ratio when compared with the corresponding controls. In conclusion, the mesenteric bed, a resistance vascular bed, seems to be more sensitive than the aorta, a conductance vessel, to the effects of diabetes on prostanoid production. The observed effects contribute to a displacement of the balance of prostanoid release in favour of the vasoconstrictor metabolites, a phenomenon that could be related to the vascular complications of diabetes mellitus.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

[Visual symptoms as the first manifestation of Alzheimer's disease].

CASE REPORT: We report a 59-year-old patient with difficulty in visual perception, difficulty reading and episodes of dyschromatopsia. The ocular examination was unremarkable. Structural neuro-imaging and neuro-ophthalmology tests were normal. Positron emission tomography scanning showed decreased metabolism in the parieto-occipital cortex bilaterally. Several months later the patient developed Alzheimer's disease. DISCUSSION: Visual symptoms may be the first manifestation of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer Disease↗

PubMed2006

[Severe ocular side effects with Topamax].

CASE REPORTS: We describe 2 patients who developed ocular side effects during treatment with topiramate. One was a 16-year-old woman with generalized seizures who developed a homonymous hemianopia after using topiramate 125 mg per day for 12 weeks, and the other was a 24-year-old epileptic female who developed a bilateral maculopathy after using topiramate 150 mg per day for 8 weeks. DISCUSSION: We identified two severe ocular adverse reactions from topiramate. Both reactions necessitated discontinuing the treatment, but the topiramate-associated maculopathy was irreversible.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Tuberculous papillitis].

CASE REPORT: We describe a 65-year-old asymptomatic woman with unilateral optic disc edema. Laboratory testing revealed a very marked positive PPD (25 mm) with dermatolysis. Anti-tuberculosis therapy resulted in complete resolution. DISCUSSION: Tuberculosis should be considered in the diagnosis of papillitis, even in asymptomatic patients.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

[Postoperative analgesia in cardiac surgery: spinal versus intravenous morphine].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of spinal and intravenous administration of morphine to supplement anesthesia with remifentanil in terms of analgesia during early postoperative recovery and considering time until extubation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, blinded trial enrolled 59 patients scheduled for cardiac surgery. The patients were assigned to receive either a spinal infusion of morphine (15 microg x Kg(-1)) or an intravenous infusion (0.3 mg x Kg(-1)). Anesthesia was maintained with 0.15 to 0.50 microg x Kg(-1) x min(-1) of remifentanil and 2 to 4 mg x Kg(-1) x h(-1) of propofol in perfusion. After the period of extracorporeal circulation, all patients were given an intravenous infusion of 30 mg of ketorolac. Later intravenous ketorolac was ministered at a dose of 30 mg per 8 hours; intravenous morphine (bolus dose of 3 mg) was also administered until pain was relieved. RESULTS: The same quality of postoperative analgesia and anesthetic recovery was achieved with both spinal and intravenous administration. The incidence of side effects was also similar. Likewise, the extubation times were similar in the 2 groups (spinal infusion group: 294.5 [SD, 150.5] minutes; intravenous group: 325.0 [139.9] minutes; P>0.05). Less postoperative intravenous morphine was administered in the first 24 hours to patients in the spinal morphine group (P<0.05) and fewer patients in that group required intravenous morphine boluses (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that spinal morphine does not offer advantages over intravenous morphine with regard to postoperative analgesia, hemodynamic stability and respiratory parameters, time until extubation, or adverse effects.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Polyinosinic acid induces TNF and NO production as well as NF-kappaB and AP-1 transcriptional activation in the monocytemacrophage cell line RAW 264.7.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the poly inosinic acid (poly I)-induced activation in the murine monocytemacrophage cell line RAW 264.7, which led to an inflammatory phenotype. MATERIAL: RAW 264.7, and WEHI 164 cell lines were used. RESULTS: The activation process is characterized by the acquisition of a mature macrophage morphology and the production of inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and nitric oxide (NO). The activation by poly I has distinctive features. Thus, poly I induced an increase in nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) transcriptional activity due to a long-term degradation of inhibitory NF-kappaB (IkappaB) beta while lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced the degradation of both IkappaBalpha and IkappaBbeta. Poly I also induced an increase in activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcriptional activity, possibly due to the activation of the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) ERK, Jun N terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. Dextran sulphate (DS) efficiently inhibited the activation induced by poly I including the production of the inflammatory mediators. Dextran sulphate also inhibited AP-1 and NF-kappaB transcriptional activities in poly I-stimulated cells. RAW 264.7 cells express macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (Msr1) type I and Msr1 type II that are differently up-regulated upon treatment with poly I. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented demonstrate that the well-known blocker of scavenger receptors poly I activates macrophages to produce TNF and NO, triggering specific signal transduction pathways.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

A driving cycle for vehicle emissions estimation in the metropolitan area of Mexico City.

A driving cycle derived from driving behavior and real traffic conditions in Mexico City (MC) is proposed. Data acquisition was carried out over diverse MC routes, representing travel under congested and uncongested conditions, using the chase-car approach. Thirteen different on-road patterns, including the four main access roads to MC, trips in both directions and different timetables, a total of 108 trips spanning 1044 km were evaluated in this study. The MC cycle lasts 1360 seconds with a distance of 8.8 km and average speed of 23.4 km h(-1). Both maximum speed (73.6 km h(-1)) and maximum acceleration (2.22 km h(-1)s(-1)) are lower than those of the new vehicles certification employed in Mexico ,FTP-75 cycle., that is, the MC cycle exhibits less cruising time and more transient events than the FTP cycle. A total of 30 light duty gasoline vehicles were classified into different technological groups and tested in an FTP-75 and MC driving cycles in order to compare their emission factors A potential concern is that in Mexico manufacturers design vehicles to meet the emission standards in the FTP, but emission levels increase significantly in a more representative cycle of present driving patterns in the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City (MAMC). The use of a more representative cycle during certification testing, would provide an incentive for vehicle manufacturers to design emissions control systems to remain effective during operation modes that are not currently represented in the official test procedures used in the certification process. Based on the results of the study, the use of MC cycle, which better represents current day driving patterns during testing of vehicle fleets in emissions laboratories, would improve the accuracy of emissions factors used in the MAMC emissions inventories.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2005

Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) envelope-dependent cell-cell fusion modulation by HIV-positive sera is related to disease progression.

Fusion of CD4+ cells by HIV-1 envelope proteins (Env) is a mechanism of virus spread and cell damage. Production of antibodies able to influence cell-cell fusion in vivo may affect the course of the infection. The effect of sera from 49 HIV-1-positive patients was tested on an in vitro fusion assay using Env-expressing and normal Jurkat T cells labelled with DiI and DiO dyes, and flow cytometry for quantification of cell-cell fusion. Sera varied in their activity on fusion: 69.4 % inhibited, 24.5 % had no effect and 6.1 % enhanced cell fusion. Fusion activity correlated positively with the CD4+ T-cell count and inversely with the viral load. Removal of IgG or IgM from sera reduced or eliminated inhibition and enhancing activities, respectively. Antibodies with inhibitory activity predominate in early and intermediate stages of infection, whereas loss of inhibition or enhancement of fusion correlates with progression to AIDS.

Cell Fusion↗

PubMed2005

1,3-beta-glucanases as candidates in latex-pollen-vegetable food cross-reactivity.

BACKGROUND: 1,3-beta-glucanases (group 2 of pathogenesis-related proteins) are enzymes widely distributed among higher plants and have been recently proven to be significant allergens. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to study the potential implication of 1,3-beta-glucanases in cross-reactivities among latex, pollen and vegetable foods. METHODS: The cDNA encoding the N-terminal domain (NtD) of Ole e 9, a major allergenic 1,3-beta-glucanase from olive pollen, was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and produced as a recombinant protein in Pichia pastoris (recombinant N-terminal domain, rNtD). Circular dichroism, ELISA, immunoblotting and immunoblotting inhibition experiments were carried out. Sera from olive pollen allergic patients and a rNtD-specific polyclonal antiserum were used. RESULTS: The NtD of Ole e 9 has been produced at high yield in the yeast P. pastoris and possesses 1,3-beta-glucanase activity. The expressed polypeptide conserves IgE and IgG immunodominant epitopes of the whole Ole e 9. A rNtD-specific polyclonal antiserum and sera from olive pollen allergic patients allowed detection of IgG and IgE reactive peptidic epitopes common to 1,3-beta-glucanase Ole e 9 in extracts from ash and birch pollen, tomato, potato, bell-pepper, banana and latex. CONCLUSION: rNtD and homologous glucanases are new molecules to be used in diagnostic protocols as they could help to identify allergic pollen patients who are at risk for developing allergic symptoms to fruits, vegetables and latex.

Allergens↗

PubMed2005

Ole e 2 and Ole e 10: new clinical aspects and genetic restrictions in olive pollen allergy.

BACKGROUND: The clinical characteristics in olive pollen allergy are dependent on the antigenic load, the allergens profile, and the genetic restrictions. Our objective was to determine specific response pattern in Ole e 2 and Ole e 10 sensitization at those levels. METHODS: We studied 146 patients with seasonal rhinitis and/or asthma and positive prick test to Olea europaea pollen. IgE against Ole e 2 and Ole e 10 were detected by skin prick test and ELISA. HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 loci were typed by polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primers method. RESULTS: A total of 102 (69.9%) and 79 (54.0%) patients showed significant IgE antibody response against Ole e 2 and Ole e 10, respectively. There was a significant association between Ole e 2 (OR 2.2, P = 0.04) and Ole e 10 reactivities (OR 2.8, P = 0.007) with asthma. In addition, total and specific IgE antibody levels significantly correlated with asthma (P < 0.05). Patients who reacted to both allergens reached the highest asthma risk factor (OR 4.3, P = 0.002). Phenotypic frequency of DR7 (OR 5.4, Pc = 0.003) and DQ2 (OR 3.6, Pc = 0.02) were increased in positive Ole e 2 patients compared with control subjects. DR2(15) phenotypic frequency was significantly increased (OR 5.6, Pc = 0.02) in positive Ole e 10 patients compared with control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest an association of Ole e 2 and Ole e 10 with bronchial asthma. Also, we found a genetic control of Ole e 2 and Ole e 10 IgE-specific responses that could be relevant to clinical disease in olive pollen allergy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Early hepatitis C virus changes and sustained response in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon alpha-2b and ribavirin.

BACKGROUND: Interferon-based therapy induces changes in viral dynamics in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess early hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA changes and evaluate its predictive value to achieve sustained viral response (SVR) in patients with CHC treated with peginterferon alpha-2b weekly plus ribavirin daily for 48 weeks. METHODS: HCV-RNA was measured at baseline, 48 h, 4, 12, 24 and 48 weeks of treatment and 24 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Eighteen HCV genotype 1 patients were included (13 male, five female) with a mean age of 44.4+/-11.9 years. Nine patients achieved SVR (50%). Viral decline occurred as early as 48 h; the magnitude of decline was statistically different between both groups (P<0.01). Responders had a > or =1 log(10) drop in HCV-RNA at 48 h (positive predictive value (PPV) of 89% to achieve SVR) that persisted at week 4. By week 12, serum HCV-RNA was undetectable (PPV 100%). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that peginterferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin treatment produces significant changes in HCV dynamics that can be detected as early as 48 h after the first dose of peginterferon alpha-2b and that these changes are useful in predicting response to therapy in CHC patients.

Adolescent↗