26
|
Hossain FS, Patel S, Fernandez MA, Konan S, Haddad FS. A performance based patient outcome score for active patients following total knee arthroplasty. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2013; 21:51-9. [PMID: 23063619 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2012.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Revised: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/29/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop and validate a user friendly performance based knee outcome score for use in active patients undergoing TKA surgery. DESIGN We prospectively studied a cohort of 50 subjects without any knee symptoms, and 50 patients who underwent TKA for osteoarthritis (OA). The patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively. SF-36 and WOMAC were concurrently administered for comparison. Patients completed seven physical tasks of the finalised outcome instrument which were objectively assessed and scored. RESULTS The mean functional score was 31.7 in the normal subjects. The mean functional score improved postoperatively from 10.0 to 17.7 (P < 0.001) in the TKA group. Our results confirm that the performance based score has a high test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.89), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.84) and construct validity showing expected correlations with relevant components of the WOMAC and SF-36 scores. The responsiveness as measured by the effect size compared favourably with the same relevant components of the SF-36 and WOMAC. CONCLUSIONS Our performance based knee function score is a reliable dimension specific tool to detect change in musculoskeletal function after TKA. It complements existing self-reported outcome tools in facilitating a comprehensive assessment of patients following TKA.
Collapse
|
27
|
Tavares J, Bravo JP, Gimenes F, Neto QAL, Fiorini A, Fernandez MA. Differential structure of the intronic promoter of the Bombyx mori A3 actin gene correlated with silkworm sensitivity/resistance to nucleopolyhedrovirus. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2011; 10:471-81. [PMID: 21476193 DOI: 10.4238/vol10-1gmr978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Previous reports demonstrated that actin is necessary for nucleocapsid transport and viral gene expression during nucleopolyhedrovirus infection of Bombyx mori. The first intron of B. mori A3 actin contains a cryptic promoter that drives expression of a rare isoform. We detected differences in the size and nucleotide composition of the first intron of the A3 actin gene from B. mori strain C24A, which is more resistant to nucleopolyhedrovirus than the M11A strain (22 and 95% lethality, respectively). We sought to determine if resistance to BmMNPV infection and the A3 actin promoter structure are correlated. Intrinsically bent DNA sites in these sequences, which determine curved structures, were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility assays and the helical parameters ENDS ratio, roll and twist. We found both fragments to have non-centralized bent DNA sites with distinct ENDS ratio values, nucleotide positions and two-dimensional structures. Additionally, a conformational-sensitive gel electrophoresis assay identified an allelic variation found in strain M11A that is absent in strain C24A. These data suggest that A3 actin intronic sequence variations impair virus propagation and are markers of BmMNPV-resistant populations.
Collapse
|
28
|
Dourado LA, Ribeiro LFC, Brancalhão RMC, Tavares J, Borges AR, Fernandez MA. Silkworm salivary glands are not susceptible to Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2011; 10:335-9. [PMID: 21365549 DOI: 10.4238/vol10-1gmr996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A nuclear polyhedrosis virus isolated from infected Bombyx mori, BmNPV, was used to inoculate silkworms to determine salivary gland cell susceptibility. The salivary gland was removed from infected silkworms at different times post-inoculation and examined by light microscopy. The salivary gland cells did not exhibit any signs of BmNPV infection; however, fat body and tracheal cells, used as positive controls, showed characteristic cytopathological changes caused by BmNPV infection, which confirmed inoculum viability. The morphological distribution of tracheal branches and the basal lamina, which serves as a barrier to viral penetration, are apparently involved in this resistance to infection.
Collapse
|
29
|
Heideman C, Munhoz REF, Pattaro Júnior JR, Fernandez MA. Genetic diversity analysis with RAPD linked to sex identification in the sugar cane borer Diatraea saccharalis. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2010; 9:2343-8. [PMID: 21128215 DOI: 10.4238/vol9-4gmr974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Diatraea saccharalis is an insect that causes considerable losses in the sugar cane crop. Our aim was to contribute to the knowledge of the biology of D. saccharalis, with the report of DNA fragments involved in the differentiation between the male and female of this species using the RAPD sex molecular marker GyakuU-13, which is specific for the W chromosome of Bombyx mori. Another point evaluated in this study was the genetic diversity of a D. saccharalis population maintained by inbreeding in a laboratory culture. The profile of sex-specific fragments was analyzed, and the genetic variability of this population was estimated. An analysis of the molecular markers showed only one fragment, of approximately 700 bp, that could be considered as a female sex marker in D. saccharalis.
Collapse
|
30
|
Silva JLC, Barbosa JF, Bravo JP, Souza EMD, Huergo LF, Pedrosa FO, Esteves E, Daffre S, Fernandez MA. Induction of a gloverin-like antimicrobial polypeptide in the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis challenged by septic injury. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 43:431-6. [PMID: 20490430 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2010005000010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2009] [Accepted: 02/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is an important pest for Brazilian sugarcane. In the present study, we detected two distinct spots in hemolymph from septic injured larvae (HDs1 and HDs2), which are separated by 2DE gel electrophoresis. Both spots were subjected to in-gel tryptic digestion and MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis, which revealed the sequence VFGTLGSDDSGLFGK present in both HDs1 and HDs2. This sequence had homology and 80% identity with specific Lepidoptera antimicrobial peptides called gloverins. Analyses using the ImageMaster 2D software showed pI 8.94 of the HDs1 spot, which is similar to that described to Hyalophora gloveri gloverin (pI 8.5). Moreover, the 14-kDa molecular mass of the spot HDs1 is compatible to that of gloverins isolated from the hemolymph of Trichoplusia ni, Helicoverpa armigera and H. gloveri. Antimicrobial assays with partially purified fractions containing the HDs1 and HDs2 polypeptides demonstrated activity against Escherichia coli. This is the first report of antimicrobial polypeptides in D. saccharalis, and the identification of these peptides may help in the generation of new strategies to control this pest.
Collapse
|
31
|
Barbosa JF, Bravo JP, Zanatta DB, Silva JLC, Fernandez MA. Allelic variability in the third intron of the fibroin light chain gene in Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2009; 8:197-206. [PMID: 19283686 DOI: 10.4238/vol8-1gmr543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis is a useful method for identifying allele polymorphism; it provides co-dominant molecular markers. Using this method, we identified genetic variability in the third intron of the fibroin light chain gene, fib-L, in six Bombyx mori strains. Only Chinese C21A strain did not demonstrate allelic alterations, showing only homoduplex DNA molecules. We found distinct heteroduplex profiles in the Japanese HAA, M12B and M19-2 and the Chinese C25B and C24-2 strains. Analysis with restriction endonuclease fingerprinting conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis demonstrated the potential of this method for the identification of allelic variability in B. mori; this was confirmed by cloning and sequencing the different alleles. The main alteration was a 12-bp deletion in two alleles of the C24-2 strain and one allele of the HAA strain; this deletion results in specific heteroduplex DNA molecule profiles.
Collapse
|
32
|
Brancalhão RMC, Torquato EFB, Fernandez MA. Cytopathology of Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) silk gland caused by multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2009; 8:162-72. [PMID: 19283683 DOI: 10.4238/vol8-1gmr545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus previously isolated from infected Bombyx mori L. larvae (BmMNPV) in Paraná state, Brazil, was inoculated into B. mori larvae to examine susceptibility and cytopathology in silk gland cells. The anterior, middle and posterior silk glands were removed from the infected silkworm at different times post-inoculation and processed for cytopathology studies by light and transmission electron microscopy. BmMNPV infection was only detected at 72 h post-inoculation in cells of the middle and posterior silk glands. No sign of infection was found in the anterior silk gland. Cytopathological characteristics were similar to those found in other target tissues; initially, they consisted of nuclear hypertrophy and the formation of virogenic stroma (viroplasm), in which the progeny virions are produced. The virions are then enveloped and occluded in protein crystal structures, the polyhedra. After viral replication, cells undergo lysis and release a great number of BmMNPV polyhedra into the hemocoele. Histopathology showed early infection foci in regions surrounding trachea insertions, demonstrating that trachea is an infection-spreading organ in the insect body. Trachea penetrates the middle and posterior silk gland basal lamina, considered a barrier to virus, facilitating the penetration of budded virus. The anterior silk gland does not have tracheal insertions into the basal lamina, which reduces budded virus infection. Tracheal branches provide a conduit for non-occluded virions (budded virus) to pass through the basal lamina barrier and disseminate BmMNPV in the silkworm silk gland.
Collapse
|
33
|
Bravo JP, Silva JLC, Munhoz REF, Fernandez MA. DNA barcode information for the sugar cane moth borer Diatraea saccharalis. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2008; 7:741-8. [PMID: 18767242 DOI: 10.4238/vol7-3gmr470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
We reviewed the use and relevance of barcodes for insect studies and investigated the barcode sequence of Diatraea saccharalis. This sequence has a high level of homology (99%) with the barcode sequence of the Crambidae (Lepidoptera). The sequence data can be used to construct relationships between species, allowing a multidisciplinary approach for taxonomy, which includes morphological, molecular and distribution data, all of which are essential for the understanding of biodiversity. The D. saccharalis barcode is a previously undescribed sequence that could be used to analyze Lepidoptera biology.
Collapse
|
34
|
Gimenes F, Takeda KI, Fiorini A, Gouveia FS, Fernandez MA. Intrinsically bent DNA in replication origins and gene promoters. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2008; 7:549-58. [PMID: 18752180 DOI: 10.4238/vol7-2gmr461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically bent DNA is an alternative conformation of the DNA molecule caused by the presence of dA/dT tracts, 2 to 6 bp long, in a helical turn phase DNA or with multiple intervals of 10 to 11 bp. Other than flexibility, intrinsic bending sites induce DNA curvature in particular chromosome regions such as replication origins and promoters. Intrinsically bent DNA sites are important in initiating DNA replication, and are sometimes found near to regions associated with the nuclear matrix. Many methods have been developed to localize bent sites, for example, circular permutation, computational analysis, and atomic force microscopy. This review discusses intrinsically bent DNA sites associated with replication origins and gene promoter regions in prokaryote and eukaryote cells. We also describe methods for identifying bent DNA sites for circular permutation and computational analysis.
Collapse
|
35
|
Gimenes F, Gouveia FDS, Fiorini A, Fernandez MA. Intrinsic bent DNA sites in the chromosomal replication origin of Xylella fastidiosa 9a5c. Braz J Med Biol Res 2008; 41:295-304. [PMID: 18392452 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2008000400007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2007] [Accepted: 03/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The features of the nucleotide sequences in both replication and promoter regions have been investigated in many organisms. Intrinsically bent DNA sites associated with transcription have been described in several prokaryotic organisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate intrinsic bent DNA sites in the segment that holds the chromosomal replication origin, oriC, of Xylella fastidiosa 9a5c. Electrophoretic behavior analyses, as well as in silico analyses of both the 2-D projection and helical parameters, were performed. The chromosomal segment analyzed contains the initial sequence of the rpmH gene, an intergenic region, the dnaA gene, the oriC sequence, and the 5' partial sequence of the dnaN gene. The analysis revealed fragments with reduced electrophoretic mobility, which indicates the presence of curved DNA segments. The analysis of the helical parameter ENDS ratio revealed three bent DNA sites (b1, b2, and b3) located in the rpmH-dnaA intergenic region, the dnaA gene, and the oriC 5' end, respectively. The chromosomal segment of X. fastidiosa analyzed here is rich in phased AT tracts and in CAnT motifs. The 2-D projection indicated a segment whose structure was determined by the cumulative effect of all bent DNA sites. Further, the in silico analysis of the three different bacterial oriC sequences indicated similar negative roll and twist >34.00 degrees values. The DnaA box sequences, and other motifs in them, may be associated with the intrinsic DNA curvature.
Collapse
|
36
|
Fiorini A, Gouveia FDS, Fernandez MA. Scaffold/Matrix Attachment Regions and intrinsic DNA curvature. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2006; 71:481-8. [PMID: 16732725 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297906050038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent approaches have failed to detect nucleotide sequence motifs in Scaffold/Matrix Attachment Regions (S/MARs). The lack of any known motifs, together with the confirmation that some S/MARs are not associated to any peculiar sequence, indicates that some structural elements, such as DNA curvature, have a role in chromatin organization and on their efficiency in protein binding. Similar to DNA curvature, S/MARs are located close to promoters, replication origins, and multiple nuclear processes like recombination and breakpoint sites. The chromatin structure in these regulatory regions is important to chromosome organization for accurate regulation of nuclear processes. In this article we review the biological importance of the co-localization between bent DNA sites and S/MARs.
Collapse
|
37
|
Fernandez MA, de Luca Rebello Wagener A, Limaverde AM, Scofield AL, Pinheiro FM, Rodrigues E. Imposex and surface sediment speciation: a combined approach to evaluate organotin contamination in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2005; 59:435-452. [PMID: 15603768 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2004.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2003] [Revised: 07/24/2004] [Accepted: 07/24/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
An integrated biological-chemical survey of organotin compounds was carried out in Guanabara Bay, the second most important Brazilian harbor complex. The biological survey revealed high levels of imposex in Stramonita haemastoma populations. Inside the bay values of relative penis length index from 42.7 to 107.6 and vas deferens sequence index from III to VI were found, while organisms collected outside the bay had values ranging from <0.1 to 35.2 and from 0 to II. None of the females sampled inside the bay were normal and imposex was found in all stations. Surface sediments in the bay are contaminated by tributyltin (10-522 ng/g d.w.) and triphenyltin (<3.9-39.4 ng/g d.w.) with greater concentrations close to shipyards and marinas. The observed predominance of parent compounds (TBT and TPT) is commonly found when recent inputs occur, but may also indicate slow degradation processes in the anoxic conditions of these sediments. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a combined imposex-sediment approach to evaluate organotin contamination in marine environments of South America, and also the first report of TPT detection in environmental matrices in this region.
Collapse
|
38
|
Saenz MT, Tornos MP, Alvarez A, Fernandez MA, García MD. Antibacterial activity of essential oils of Pimenta racemosa var. terebinthina and Pimenta racemosa var. grisea. Fitoterapia 2004; 75:599-602. [PMID: 15351118 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2004.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2004] [Accepted: 06/03/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The antibacterial activity of essential oils of Pimenta racemosa var. terebinthina and P. racemosa var. grisea was determined against Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria. P. racemosa var. grisea demonstrated a more pronounced activity. These data would indicate the potential usefulness of the variety grisea as a microbiostatic, antiseptic or disinfectant agent.
Collapse
|
39
|
Thiengo SC, Fernandez MA, Boaventura MF, Grault CE, Silva HF, Mattos AC, Santos SB. Freshwater snails and schistosomiasis mansoni in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: I-- Metropolitan mesoregion. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2002; 96 Suppl:177-84. [PMID: 11586447 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762001000900028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to elaborate a planorbid chart of the State of Rio de Janeiro a survey of freshwater gastropods in the Metropolitan Mesoregion of this State was performed and revealed the occurrence of 20 species: Antillorbis nordestensis (Lucena, 1954); Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818); Biomphalaria schrammi (Crosse, 1864); Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker, 1848); Biomphalaria tenagophila (Orbigny, 1835); Burnupia sp.; Drepanotrema anatinum (Orbigny, 1835); Drepanotrema cimex (Moricand, 1839); Drepanotrema lucidum (Pfeiffer, 1839); Ferrissia sp.; Gundlachia ticaga (Marcus & Marcus, 1962); Heleobia davisi Silva & Thomé, 1985; Lymnaea columella Say, 1817; Melanoides tuberculatus (Müller, 1774); Physa cubensis Pfeiffer, 1839; Physa marmorata Guilding, 1828; Pomacea sp.; Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822); Pomacea lineata (Spix, 1827) and Pomacea sordida (Swainson, 1823). Among the planorbid species B. tenagophila was the most frequent, occurring in all municipalities surveyed. The present study extends the distribution of B. straminea in the State of Rio de Janeiro and reports new records for A. nordestensis, B. schrammi, G. ticaga, H. davisi and the genera Burnupia and Ferrissia. An account about the current transmission areas of schistosomiasis mansoni in this Mesoregion is presented as well.
Collapse
|
40
|
Fernandez MA, Pieri OS. Infection by Schistosoma mansoni Sambon 1907 in the first four months of life of Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker, 1848) in Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2002; 96 Suppl:185-92. [PMID: 11586448 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762001000900029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Compatibility between Schistosoma mansoni and Biomphalaria straminea when exposed to the parasite on the first four months of age was assessed for five parasitological aspects: indices of infection and mortality, duration of precercarial and cercarial periods, and rate of cercarial emission. Infections were made on molluscs from laboratory colonies, at the following ages: 8, 13, 18, 21, 53, 83 and 114 days. Two B. straminea colonies were used (Camorim, PE and Picos, PI), and one B. glabrata colony (Ressaca, MG) was used as control. The main results are as follows: (I) infection was significantly associated with mollusc age, being proportionally higher in sexually immature than in mature molluscs for the three colonies; (II) for B. straminea from Camorim, mortality did not differ significantly between infected and non-infected snails; for B. straminea from Picos significantly more deaths occurred among infected than among non-infected snails, while the opposite was observed for B. glabrata from Ressaca; (III) for the three colonies, the precercarial period was significantly shorter for immature molluscs than for mature ones; (IV) the duration of the cercarial period was extremely variable for the three colonies; (V) sexual maturity did not influence cercarial emission for the three colonies.
Collapse
|
41
|
Fiorini A, Basso LR, Paçó-Larson ML, Fernandez MA. Mapping of intrinsic bent DNA sites in the upstream region of DNA puff BhC4-1 amplified gene. J Cell Biochem 2001; 83:1-13. [PMID: 11500949 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.1188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We have identified bent DNA sites in the distal and proximal DNA puff BhC4-1 amplified gene promoter region of Bradysia hygida. The 2D modeling of the 3D DNA path and the ENDS ratio values calculated in this promoter region resulted in the identification of ten pronounced bent sites named BhC4B - 9 to + 1. The 1847 bp fragment (- 3697 to - 1850) in relation to the transcription start site shows multiple bending sites, BhC4B - 9 to BhC4B - 4, with periodicity approximately 300 bp. The analysis of the other identified bent region, starting at position - 957, reveals that the BhC4B + 1 bent site colocalizes with the putative BhC4-1 minimal promoter. The sequence analysis of bent site BhC4B - 4 shows a distribution of dA*dT at approximately 10 bp intervals between the middle of each tract, but intervals with more than one turn, approximately 20 bp, two helix turns, were detected in the other bent sites described here. The bent sites BhC4B - 6 and BhC4B - 4, contain two consensus sequences, with 60 bp each. The apparent molecular weight of fragments in the BhC4-1 promoter region were estimated in agarose gels and compared with the data obtained in polyacrylamide gels without and with ethidium bromide. The mobility reduction ratios (R-values) were determined, and a high R-value, 1.80, for a 1215 bp fragment in the distal promoter region and a 1.23 significant R-value for a 662 bp fragment in the proximal segment were found. To further analyze the predicted bent DNA sites in these fragments, the 2D trajectories of the 3D DNA path and other parameters, AT percentage, roll angle, ENDS ratio and DeltaG, were determined. The role of these bent sites in the BhC4-1 transcription regulation is discussed.
Collapse
|
42
|
Fernandez MA, Thiengo SC, Boaventura MF. [Freshwater snails of the Campus of Manguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ]. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2001; 34:279-82. [PMID: 11460215 DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822001000300009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A survey of freshwater gastropods of the Campus of Manguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, was carried out during the last two years aiming to compare the current species with those found at the beginning of this century. Among 18 breeding sites in 880,000m2 of the surveyed area, 13 showed the following species: Antillorbis nordestensis; Biomphalaria glabrata; Biomphalaria straminea; Lymnaea columella; Melanoides tuberculatus; Physa cubensis; Pomacea glauca and Pomacea lineata. Notably, Biomphalaria tenagophila reported by Lutz in 1918, had disappeared and B. straminea and the Asiatic thiarid M. tuberculatus had been introduced. No specimens infected with Schistosoma mansoni were found.
Collapse
|
43
|
Borges AR, Gaspar VP, Fernandez MA. Unequal X chromosomes in Bradysia hygida (Diptera:Sciaridae) females: karyotype assembly and morphometric analysis. Genetica 2001; 108:101-5. [PMID: 11145415 DOI: 10.1023/a:1004016809267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The mitotic chromosomes of Bradysia hygida (Diptera:Sciaridae) neuroblast cells are described together with their morphometric data. Giemsa-stained neuroblast chromosomes from female and male larvae confirm the chromosome number of this species, 2n = 8 (XX) and 2n = 7 (XO), respectively. The karyotype assembly reveals two metacentric autosomic pairs, the A and B chromosomes; a subtelocentric, the C chromosome, the smallest one; and a sexual unequal metacentric pair, X chromosome, in female karyotype and a one sexual metacentric X chromosome in male. The implications of the unequal X chromosome pair are discussed.
Collapse
|
44
|
Lindberg J, Fernandez MA, Ropp JD, Hamm-Alvarez SF. Nocodazole treatment of CV-1 cells enhances nuclear/perinuclear accumulation of lipid-DNA complexes and increases gene expression. Pharm Res 2001; 18:246-9. [PMID: 11405299 DOI: 10.1023/a:1011001022570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
|
45
|
Beutler E, Gelbart T, Lee P, Trevino R, Fernandez MA, Fairbanks VF. Molecular characterization of a case of atransferrinemia. Blood 2000; 96:4071-4. [PMID: 11110675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary atransferrinemia is a rare but instructive disorder that has previously been reported in only 8 patients in 6 families. It is characterized by microcytic anemia and by iron loading, and can be treated effectively by plasma infusions. We now report the first case known in the United States. We determined the sequences flanking the exons of the human transferrin gene and sequenced all of the exons and some of the flanking regions of the patient's DNA and that of her parents. The patient's DNA revealed a 10-base pair (bp) deletion, followed by a 9-bp insertion of a duplicated sequence. There was also a G-->C transversion at complementary DNA (cDNA) nt 1429, predicting that a proline was substituted for the alanine in amino acid position 477 (Ala 477 Pro). The latter mutation occurs at an evolutionarily highly conserved site; 704 control alleles were screened and this point mutation was not found. Each of the patient's transferrin genes contains one mutation, ie, the patient is a compound heterozygote for these mutations, because one was found in each of her parents. In addition to these mutations, which we regard to be causative in the patient's atransferrinemia, a silent polymorphism at cDNA 1572 G-->C was found in exon 13 as well as 2 previously unreported polymorphisms at IVS8 + 62 c-->t and IVS14-4 c-->a. The mutation in nt 1572 and that in intron 8 were common in the general population; the intron 14 mutation is rare.
Collapse
|
46
|
Oyelese Y, Spong C, Fernandez MA, McLaren RA. Second trimester low-lying placenta and in-vitro fertilization? Exclude vasa previa. THE JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2000; 9:370-2. [PMID: 11243298 DOI: 10.1002/1520-6661(200011/12)9:6<370::aid-mfm1011>3.0.co;2-e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We report the prenatal diagnosis of vasa previa using transvaginal sonography and color Doppler. This case supports the previously reported association of vasa previa with second trimester low-lying placentas and in-vitro fertilization. Sonographic examination for vasa previa should be considered in pregnancies with low-lying placentas and those resulting from in-vitro fertilization.
Collapse
|
47
|
Cabrera T, Salinero J, Fernandez MA, Garrido A, Esquivias J, Garrido F. High frequency of altered HLA class I phenotypes in laryngeal carcinomas. Hum Immunol 2000; 61:499-506. [PMID: 10773352 DOI: 10.1016/s0198-8859(00)00097-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The exact frequency of HLA class I losses in human tumors is unknown. We have previously shown that primary breast and colorectal carcinomas frequently lose HLA class I molecules (88% and 73%, respectively). Now we report that this phenomenon is also a frequent event in laryngeal carcinomas. Of a total of 76 laryngeal carcinomas analyzed, 66% of the tumors showed an alteration in HLA class I phenotype. These altered HLA phenotypes were classified as total HLA loss (10.52%) (phenotype I); HLA-A locus-specific loss (13.15%) (phenotype IIIa); HLA-B locus-specific loss (10.52%) (phenotype IIIb); HLA allelic loss (27.63%) (phenotype IV); and HLA-A and B locus loss (3.9%). Comparison of histopathological parameters with HLA expression showed that poorly differentiated tumors had the lowest levels of HLA class I expression (p < 0.05).
Collapse
|
48
|
Fernandez MA, Mani SA, Rangarajan PN, Seshagiri PB. Sperm-mediated gene transfer into oocytes of the golden hamster: assessment of sperm function. INDIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY 1999; 37:1085-92. [PMID: 10783740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The possibility of sperm as a vehicle to deliver foreign DNA to oocytes was tested in hamsters. Epididymal spermatozoa, incubated with linearized plasmid DNA encoding ovine growth hormone (pCMXoGH), showed a spontaneous tendency to interact with DNA. Kinetics of sperm uptake of DNA was determined by using [32P]-labeled DNA. Spermatozoa took up the added DNA by 15-30 min and the uptake was inhibited by human seminal fluid in a dose dependent manner. Addition of DNA did not affect the functional competence of spermatozoa, in terms of their ability to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction (34.5% +/- 2.2 vs 35% +/- 1.5). The fertilizing ability of DNA treated-spermatozoa from hamsters and humans was assessed by zona-free hamster egg penetration assay. Number of sperm penetrated per oocyte were 23 +/- 4.5 and 1.4 +/- 1.3 for hamster and human spermatozoa, respectively. Penetrated oocytes harbored sperm-treated DNA both with hamster (30.2 cpm/oocyte) and human (19.2 cpm/oocyte) spermatozoa. These results show that the hamster and human spermatozoa have a strong tendency to interact with exogenous (foreign) DNA and are able to transfer DNA to oocytes. Sperm may be used as a vector for DNA transfer and this approach has potential in the production of transgenic animals.
Collapse
|
49
|
Thiengo SC, Fernandez MA, Boaventura MF, Stortti MA. A survey of freshwater gastropods in the Microrregião Serrana of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 1999; 93 Suppl 1:233-4. [PMID: 9921357 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02761998000700041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
50
|
Fernandez MA, Alonso C, Gonzalez MJ, Hernandez LM. Occurrence of organochlorine insecticides, PCBs and PCB congeners in waters and sediments of the Ebro River (Spain). CHEMOSPHERE 1999; 38:33-43. [PMID: 10903089 DOI: 10.1016/s0045-6535(98)00167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Organochlorine insecticides and poychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in water and sediment samples taken from thirteen sites along the Ebro River (Spain), the most agricultural and industrial basin in the North of the Iberian Peninsula. Concentrations of 10 insecticides, PCBs and 13 PCB congeners were determined: grouping all chemicals by structural affinity, these can be arranged in descending order as follow: PCBs > total DDT > total cyclodiene insecticides > total HCH. Higher levels of organochlorine pollutants were detected in sediments from the middle and lower parts of the stream where are located the main important inputs in Ebro River.
Collapse
|