PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Serrano

Publications and source records attributed to S Serrano.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Automatic control of biomass gasifiers using fuzzy inference systems.

A fuzzy controller for biomass gasifiers is proposed. Although fuzzy inference systems do not need models to be tuned, a plant model is proposed which has turned out very useful to prove different combinations of membership functions and rules in the proposed fuzzy control. The global control scheme is shown, including the elements to generate the set points for the process variables automatically. There, the type of biomass and its moisture content are the only data which need to be introduced to the controller by a human operator at the beginning of operation to make it work autonomously. The advantages and good performance of the fuzzy controller with the automatic generation of set points, compared to controllers utilising fixed parameters, are demonstrated.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2006

[Delayed infection after Bio-alcamid implantation].

Bio-alcamid (Polymekon) is a gelatinous endoprothesis constituted of poly-alkyl-imide and water that is used for correction of aesthetic alterations. It presents very good tolerance with few adverse effects. We present a case of localized infection in one of the sites of injection, three months after the implant was placed in the nasolabial furrows and lips. It would be the first case of a delayed infection following injection of this material, although there are few references in this field.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2006

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (marginal zone) with prominent T-cell component and aberrant dual (T and B) genotype; diagnostic usefulness of laser-capture microdissection.

The presence of a dominant B- or T-cell clone is an important diagnostic criterion for distinguishing cutaneous lymphomas from lymphoid reactive infiltrates. Rarely, a combined B- and T-cell rearrangement can be detected from a single sample. In such instances, genotypic analysis does not permit differentiation of the coexistence of a T- and B-cell lymphoma from a single clone harbouring a monoclonal rearrangement for both immunoglobulin heavy chain and T-cell receptor genes. We herein report a case of a skin tumour consistent with a dense cutaneous lymphoid infiltrate showing a double prominent B- and T-cell component. A dual B- and T-cell clonality was detected by polymerase chain reaction from whole-tissue DNA sample. Genotypic analysis with DNA, obtained after laser-assisted microdissection from the B-cell population, again showed both T- and B-cell monoclonal rearrangements. Conversely, the microdissected T-cell population did not reveal a clonal pattern. The diagnosis of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma with a dual B- and T-cell genotype was established. This description illustrates the diagnostic usefulness of laser-capture microdissection in cutaneous lymphomas presenting dual genotype.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Activation of nuclear factor-kappa B is linked to resistance to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

The nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB system is a promising anticancer target due to its role in oncogenesis and chemoresistance in preclinical models. To provide evidence in a clinical setting on the role of NF-kappaB in breast cancer, we aimed to study the value of basal NF-kappaB/p65 in predicting resistance to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and to characterise the pharmacodynamic changes in NF-kappaB/p65 expression following chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Pre- and post-chemotherapy tumour specimens from 51 breast cancer patients treated with anthracycline- and/or taxane-containing neoadjuvant chemotherapy were assayed by immunohistochemistry for NF-kappaB/p65 subcellular expression. We studied NF-kappaB/p65, a well-characterised member of the NF-kappaB family that undergoes nuclear translocation when NF-kappaB is activated. Activation of NF-kappaB (i.e. nuclear NF-kappaB/p65 staining in pre-therapy specimens) was linked to chemoresistance. Patients with NF-kappaB/p65 nuclear staining in pre-treatment samples had a 20% clinical response rate, while patients with undetected nuclear staining had a 91% response rate to chemotherapy (P = 0.002). Notably, four patients achieved a complete histological response and none of them had pre-treatment NF-kappaB/p65 nuclear staining. Moreover, the number of patients with NF-kappaB/p65 activation increased after chemotherapy exposure. It is concluded that NF-kappaB/p65 activation assayed by immunohistochemistry is a predictive factor of resistance to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Moreover, NF-kappaB activation was inducible following chemotherapy in a proportion of breast cancer patients. These novel clinical findings strengthen the rationale for the use of NF-kappaB inhibitors to prevent or overcome chemoresistance in breast cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Recurrent and self-healing cutaneous monoclonal plasmablastic infiltrates in a patient with AIDS and Kaposi sarcoma.

Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare variant of diffuse large cell lymphoma that often involves the oral cavity of HIV+ patients. It is characterized by immunoblastic morphology and plasma cell phenotype. Cutaneous involvement in PBL appears to be rare. We report a 44-year-old man with AIDS and Kaposi sarcoma (KS) previously treated with doxorubicin who, following treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy, developed an erythematous infiltrated nodule on the right arm. Histology showed subcutaneous fat necrosis and clusters of atypical large plasma cells (plasmablastic cells). Immunohistochemistry revealed lambda light chain restriction. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization within the plasmablastic cells. Polymerase chain reaction amplification with specific primers for human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) performed on the skin biopsy specimen detected a specific band. A complete screening (bone marrow biopsy, computed tomographic scan, radiological survey) disclosed no abnormalities. The lesion resolved spontaneously after 3 months. Two years later an infiltrated plaque developed on the abdominal wall. The clinical and histopathological features of this new lesion were similar to those observed 2 years previously. No evidence of extracutaneous involvement was detected. The lesion again resolved spontaneously after 25 days. PBL may be seen in patients with transplants or receiving chemotherapy, but is usually observed in patients with advanced AIDS. The observation of recurrent self-healing EBV- and HHV-8-associated cutaneous monoclonal plasmablastic infiltrates, in a patient with AIDS and KS, expands the clinical spectrum of AIDS-associated plasmablastic lymphoproliferative disorders.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2004

Relationship among densitometry, bone histomorphometry, and histologic stage in idiopathic myelofibrosis.

Idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) induces dramatic changes in bone. Bone remodeling and densitometric alterations in a series of nine patients with IMF and their relationship with the histologic stage of the disease were assessed. Patients were included at diagnosis and a bone marrow biopsy, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and transiliac bone biopsy for histomorphometric analysis were performed. Five cases were classified as IMF histologic stage 1, one as stage 2, and three as stage 3. Compared with 40 age- and sex-matched controls, the following histomorphometric parameters were significantly higher in our patients: bone volume (BV/TV), osteoblast surface (Ob.S/BS), eroded surface (ES/BS), osteoclast surface (Oc.S/BS), osteoclast number (N.Oc/TA), mineralizing surface (MS/BS), reversal period (Rv.P), and remodeling period (Rm.P). Mineral apposition rate (MAR) and erosion depth (E.Depth) were significantly decreased (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements showed high values for patient age and sex both at femur neck (Z score range +0.19 to +7) and total femur (Z score range -0.09 to +6.48). When densitometric values were analyzed according to IMF histologic stage, patients in stages 1 and 2 had significantly lower BMD values than to those in stage 3 (P = 0.024). In conclusion, patients with IMF present a characteristic bone histomorphometric pattern with increased bone volume and bone cells but low apposition and decreased erosion depth, suggesting a positive balance in bone remodeling units. This balance would produce the increase in bone mass observed in this disease. Given the increase in BMD observed with more advanced stages of IMF, this noninvasive method could be useful tool for assessing IMF progression.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed2004

The Ki-67 labeling index is not a useful predictor for the follow-up of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine whether the Ki-67 immunostaining pattern, present on diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), predicts the change from low-grade to high-grade CIN over a 2-year period after diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 59 cervical biopsy samples from 59 patients diagnosed as having cervical CIN, 35 were diagnosed as CIN 1 and 24 were diagnosed as CIN 2 or CIN 3. The Ki-67 immunostain showed immunopositive cells in the upper two thirds of the epithelium in all specimens. Two hundred nuclei were counted in 25 high-power fields in each specimen, including all of the epithelial layers, to determine the mean number of Ki-67-positive cells. In situ hybridization was used to demonstrate and type human papillomavirus. The chi test, Fisher exact test, Student t test, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey test were used for statistical analysis, with significance set at p < .05. RESULTS: The mean Ki-67 labeling index for CIN 1, CIN 2, CIN 3, and CIN 2,3 were, respectively, 32.5%, 43.2%, 53.2%, and 47.8%. The statistical study showed significant differences between CIN 1 versus CIN 2, CIN 1 versus CIN 3, and CIN 1 versus CIN 2,3. For CIN 1, the mean Ki-67 labeling index was 32.8% when the lesion disappeared and was 34.6% for persisting lesions. There was no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Ki-67 labeling index did not predict persisting CIN 1.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Microbiological quality of terrestrial gastropods prepared for human consumption.

Hygienic quality was investigated in 60 samples of ready-to-eat snails (Helix lactea, Helix nemoralis, and Helix hortensis) obtained from 30 in-season street stalls and 30 catering establishments (bars) in Córdoba. In accordance with Spanish legislation regarding hygiene in the preparation, distribution, and sale of prepared foods, counts were obtained for total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, coliforms, total Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus. The results obtained showed that 33.3, 20.0, and 13.3% of the samples from stalls and 73.3, 53.3, and 6.7% of the samples from bars did not comply with the regulations with respect to the control of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Coliforms were found in 53.3% of the samples from the bars (mean, 2.1 CFU/g) and in 33.3% of the stalls (mean, 1.1 CFU/g). Salmonella was not detected.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Lifestyles, environmental and phenotypic factors associated with lip cancer: a case-control study in southern Spain.

The aim of this study was to identify factors related to lip cancer (LC) considering individual characteristics and sociodemographic factors. A case-control study was carried out in the province of Granada (Andalusia, southern Spain). The cases were 105 males with squamous-cell carcinoma of the lip, diagnosed between 1987 and 1989 (aged 20-70 years) and identified by means of a population-based Cancer Registry. As controls, a randomised populational sample of 239 males, stratified by age, was used. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that risk factors are lifetime cumulative tobacco consumption and alcohol consumption. An interaction was found between alcohol consumption and the smoking habit (leaving the cigarette on the lip): OR=23.6; 95% CI: 3.9-142.0. Other risk factors identified are clear eyes (OR=3.5; CI: 95% 1.5-8.0), sun exposure early in life and cumulative sun exposure during outdoor work (OR=11.9; 95%: CI: 1.3-108.9), and skin reaction to sun exposure (Fitzpatrick levels). Another interaction was found between skin reaction and a previous history of common sporadic warts (OR=4.4; 95% CI: 1.01-19.1). We conclude that LC is related to phenotype, skin reaction to sun exposure, cumulative and early sunlight exposure, and tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as a low educational level. Leaving the cigarette on the lip is predictive of LC risk irrespective of cumulative tobacco consumption.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Alendronate and etidronate do not regulate interleukin 6 and 11 synthesis in normal human osteoblasts in culture.

Bisphosphonates exert a potent inhibitory effect on bone resorption. Several studies have been performed, with contradictory results, to ascertain whether the effect of bisphosphonates on osteoclasts could be produced, at least in part, by modulation of the synthesis of resorption-promoting factors by osteoblasts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of etidronate (10-4-10-9 M) and alendronate (10-7-10-12 M) on the production of IL-6 and IL-11 using human osteoblast cultures. Cytokines were quantified by ELISA, and mRNA expression was tested. Treatment with alendronate and etidronate had no effect on the synthesis of IL-6 or IL-11, and IL-6 and IL-11 mRNA levels. These results were obtained both in nonstimulated cultures and in cultures stimulated by means of TNF-a, IL-1b, and TNF-a+IL-1b, with or without FCS. In conclusion, a possible indirect osteoclast-mediated effect of alendronate and etidronate on bone resorption would not be exerted through reduction in osteoblastic synthesis of IL-6 and IL-11.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease: treatment and outcome in renal transplant recipients.

UNLABELLED: Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are a heterogeneous group of lymphoid diseases that occur after solid organ and bone marrow transplantation. We performed a retrospective study to assess the incidence, response to treatment, and patient and graft survival after PTLD. PATIENTS: Between January 1980 and December 2002, 1.96% (n=10) of 509 renal transplant recipients developed PTLD. Seventy percent were men. Mean age was 40 years (range 21-65). They were classified into four groups based upon the type of PTLD: group I, early lesion (n=1); group II, polymorphic PTLD (n=1); group III, monomorphic PTLD (n=7) including five non-Hodgkin lymphoma [NHL] and two Burkitt (BL); and group IV, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) (n=1). The mean time from transplantation to diagnosis was 77 months (range 4-138). Although only 20% of cases were early presentation, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was found in the tumor cells of seven cases. Treatment was individualized according to PTLD type: for group I, immunosuppression reduction (IR); group II, IR plus acyclovir; group III, withdrawal or IR plus chemotherapy and/or surgery in all but one patient who was also treated with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody and radiotherapy. Interferon was also used in one patient. For group IV, treatment was IR plus radiotherapy. RESULTS: A complete response was achieved in nine cases (90%) with one recurrence. Three patients returned to dialysis. One patient with BL died. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PTLD in our center was 1.96%. Patient survival after PTLD was 90%, with 60% maintaining allograft function. Individualized treatment according to extension, histology, and location is mandatory to obtain a high survival rate.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

An integrated approach to analyse biofilms of a full scale wastewater treatment plant.

A rotating biological contactor (RBC) system operating in a full-scale wastewater treatment plant has been described by several approaches accounting for performance, composition and structure of biofilms in three stages through biological wastewater treatment (RBC1, RBC 2, RBC 3). RBC biofilms were effective in removing the BOD loading from 13 g BOD5 d(-1) m(-2) in RBC 1 to 6 g BOD5 d(-1) m(-2) in RBC 3. Analysis of biofilm composition showed: i) the volatile solids were similar in the three RBCs (0.6 g m(-2) VS per g m(-2) of TS); ii) the protozoan and metazoan biocenosis was mainly made up of ciliated protozoa, which were most abundant in RBC 2 (1.84 x 10(6) ciliates g(-1) VS). Relationship between ciliate species and physical-chemical profile of the system by cluster analysis indicated that the species Acineria uncinata, Amphileptus punctatus, Cinetochilum margaritaceum and Holosticha mancoidea were associated with the best RBC performance; iii) the exopolymeric matrix of the three RBC biofilms was mainly constituted by proteins, although humic substances, polysaccharides, uronic acids and DNA were also found. Analysis of biofilm structure by confocal microscopy indicated changes in biofilm organisation with depth. Results have been brought together and a graphic representation of the composition and architecture of RBC biofilms is presented.

Animals↗