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Mansurova S, Zarate PM, Rodriguez P, Stepanov S, Köber S, Meerholz K. Non-steady-state photoelectromotive force effect under linear and periodical phase modulation: application to detection of Doppler frequency shift. OPTICS LETTERS 2012; 37:383-385. [PMID: 22297360 DOI: 10.1364/ol.37.000383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Non-steady-state photoelectromotive force effect in the presence of periodical and linear phase shift was investigated both theoretically and experimentally. It was shown that superposition of oscillating and linear movements of the interference pattern leads to the appearance of the sharp peak in the frequency dependence of the photoelectromotive force output current when the frequency of periodical modulation matches the frequency of the linear phase shift. We demonstrated experimentally that this effect can be used for determination of a Doppler frequency shift between signal and reference beam.
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Monzó J, Koper MTM, Rodriguez P. Removing Polyvinylpyrrolidone from Catalytic Pt Nanoparticles without Modification of Superficial Order. Chemphyschem 2012; 13:709-15. [DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201100894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Kibe R, Zhang S, Guo D, Marrero L, Tsien F, Rodriguez P, Khan S, Zieske A, Huang J, Li W, Durum SK, Iwakuma T, Cui Y. IL-7Rα deficiency in p53null mice exacerbates thymocyte telomere erosion and lymphomagenesis. Cell Death Differ 2012; 19:1139-51. [PMID: 22281704 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2011.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is an essential T-cell survival cytokine. IL-7 receptor (IL-7Rα) deficiency severely impairs T-cell development due to substantial apoptosis. We hypothesized that IL-7Rα(null)-induced apoptosis is partially contributed by an elevated p53 activity. To investigate the genetic association of IL-7/IL-7Rα signaling with the p53 pathway, we generated IL-7Rα(null)p53(null) (DKO) mice. DKO mice exhibited a marked reduction of apoptosis in developing T cells and an augmented thymic lymphomagenesis with telomere erosions and exacerbated chromosomal anomalies, including chromosome duplications, breaks, and translocations. In particular, Robertsonian translocations, in which telocentric chromosomes fuse at the centromeric region, and a complete loss of telomeres at the fusion site occurred frequently in DKO thymic lymphomas. Cellular and molecular investigations revealed that IL-7/IL-7Rα signaling withdrawal diminished the protein synthesis of protection of telomere 1 (POT1), a subunit of telomere protective complex shelterin, leading to telomere erosion and the activation of the p53 pathway. Blockade of IL-7/IL-7Rα signaling in IL-7-dependent p53(null) cells reduced POT1 expression and caused telomere and chromosome abnormalities similar to those observed in DKO lymphomas. This study underscores a novel function of IL-7/IL-7Rα during T-cell development in regulating telomere integrity via POT1 expression and provides new insights into cytokine-mediated survival signals and T-cell lymphomagenesis.
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Kharaziha P, Rodriguez P, Li Q, Rundqvist H, Björklund AC, Augsten M, Ullén A, Egevad L, Wiklund P, Nilsson S, Kroemer G, Grander D, Panaretakis T. Targeting of distinct signaling cascades and cancer-associated fibroblasts define the efficacy of Sorafenib against prostate cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2012; 3:e262. [PMID: 22278289 PMCID: PMC3270278 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2012.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib, a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, kills more effectively the non-metastatic prostate cancer cell line 22Rv1 than the highly metastatic prostate cancer cell line PC3. In 22Rv1 cells, constitutively active STAT3 and ERK are targeted by sorafenib, contrasting with PC3 cells, in which these kinases are not active. Notably, overexpression of a constitutively active MEK construct in 22Rv1 cells stimulates the sustained phosphorylation of Bad and protects from sorafenib-induced cell death. In PC3 cells, Src and AKT are constitutively activated and targeted by sorafenib, leading to an increase in Bim protein levels. Overexpression of constitutively active AKT or knockdown of Bim protects PC3 cells from sorafenib-induced killing. In both PC3 and 22Rv1 cells, Mcl-1 depletion is required for the induction of cell death by sorafenib as transient overexpression of Mcl-1 is protective. Interestingly, co-culturing of primary cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) with 22Rv1 or PC3 cells protected the cancer cells from sorafenib-induced cell death, and this protection was largely overcome by co-administration of the Bcl-2 antagonist, ABT737. In summary, the differential tyrosine kinase profile of prostate cancer cells defines the cytotoxic efficacy of sorafenib and this profile is modulated by CAFs to promote resistance. The combination of sorafenib with Bcl-2 antagonists, such as ABT737, may constitute a promising therapeutic strategy against prostate cancer.
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Pauly M, Pichon BP, Panissod P, Fleutot S, Rodriguez P, Drillon M, Begin-Colin S. Size dependent dipolar interactions in iron oxide nanoparticle monolayer and multilayer Langmuir–Blodgett films. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1039/c2jm15797g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Ongaratto FL, Tríbulo A, Ramos M, Rodriguez P, Bó GA. 207 OOCYTE RECOVERY RATES AND IN VITRO BLASTOCYST PRODUCTION IN CATTLE TREATED WITH A SINGLE INJECTION OF FOLLTROPIN-V DILUTED IN A SLOW-RELEASE FORMULATION. Reprod Fertil Dev 2011. [DOI: 10.1071/rdv23n1ab207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that superstimulation of beef donors with a single intramuscular (IM) injection of Folltropin-V (Bioniche Animal Health, Belleville, Ontario, Canada) diluted in a proprietary slow-release formulation (SRF; Bioniche Animal Health) results in in vivo embryo production comparable with the traditional twice-daily IM administration over 4 days (Tribulo et al. 2010 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 22, 367). Two experiments were designed to evaluate oocyte recovery and in vitro blastocyst production of oocyte donors superstimulated with Folltropin-V, administered in twice-daily injections or diluted in SRF and given by a single injection. In Experiment 1, crossbred beef cows (n = 11) and heifers (n = 5) were randomly allocated to 3 treatment groups in a crossover design (i.e. all animals were treated 3 times, and all treatments were represented in the 3 replicates). All donors had all follicles >8 mm in diameter ablated by ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration on Day 0, received 500 μg of cloprostenol (prostaglandin F2α, Ciclase, Syntex, Argentina), and were treated as follows: Group 1 (multiple FSH): 160 mg of Folltropin-V divided into 4 IM injections administered twice daily (i.e. Days 1 and 2); Group 2 (single FSH): 160 mg of Folltropin-V diluted in 4 mL of 25% SRF and given by a single IM injection in the neck on Day 1; Group 3 (control): no FSH treatment. On Day 4, oocytes were aspirated from all follicles >3 mm in diameter by ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration, classified, matured in TCM-199 supplemented with 0.4% BSA, fertilized in Fert medium, and in vitro cultured in SOF supplemented with 0.4% BSA under oil at 37°C, 5% CO2, 5% O2, 90% N2, and saturated humidity for 7 days. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. The mean (±SEM) numbers of follicles aspirated and oocytes recovered were higher (P < 0.05) in Groups 1 (multiple FSH, 13.6 ± 1.9 and 8.5 ± 1.0) and 2 (single FSH, 14.7 ± 1.7 and 9.4 ± 1.3) than in Group 3 (control, 8.7 ± 0.9 and 5.8 ± 1.0). The mean number of blastocysts after 7 days in culture was numerically higher (P = 0.2) in Groups 1 (2.1 ± 0.7) and 2 (2.6 ± 0.6) than in Group 3 (1.1 ± 0.4). In Experiment 2, lactating Holstein cows (n = 10) received 2.5 mg of estradiol benzoate and 50 mg of progesterone IM on Day 0. On Day 4, all cows received prostaglandin F2α and were randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups, to receive 200 mg of Folltropin-V divided into 4 twice-daily IM injections or 200 mg of Folltropin-V diluted in 25% SRF and given as a single IM injection. On Day 7, oocytes were collected and treated like those in Experiment 1. The mean (±SEM) numbers of follicles aspirated (21.2 ± 3.5 and 14.4 ± 2.9), oocytes recovered (10.2 ± 1.2 and 13.8 ± 2.9), and blastocysts produced (4.6 ± 0.7 and 6.0 ± 2.0) did not differ for Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.3). In conclusion, superstimulatory treatment increased the number of cumulus–oocyte complexes available for IVF compared with no treatment, and ovarian superstimulatory treatment may be simplified by the use of a single IM dose of a sustained-release product, compared with multiple doses of a conventional product, without a reduction in the recovery or quality of cumulus–oocyte complexes.
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Duca M, Kavvadia V, Rodriguez P, Lai S, Hoogenboom T, Koper M. New insights into the mechanism of nitrite reduction on a platinum electrode. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2010.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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De Schamphelaere KAC, Stubblefield W, Rodriguez P, Vleminckx K, Janssen CR. The chronic toxicity of molybdate to freshwater organisms. I. Generating reliable effects data. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:5362-5371. [PMID: 20813395 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2010] [Revised: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 07/17/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The European Union regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical substances (REACH) (EC, 2006) requires the characterization of the chronic toxicity of many chemicals in the aquatic environment, including molybdate (MoO(4)(2-)). Our literature review on the ecotoxicity of molybdate revealed that a limited amount of reliable chronic no observed effect concentrations (NOECs) for the derivation of a predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) existed. This paper presents the results of additional ecotoxicity experiments that were conducted in order to fulfill the requirements for the derivation of a PNEC by means of the scientifically most robust species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach (also called the statistical extrapolation approach). Ten test species were chronically exposed to molybdate (added as sodium molybdate dihydrate, Na(2)MoO(4)·2H(2)O) according to internationally accepted standard testing guidelines or equivalent. The 10% effective concentrations (EC10, expressed as measured dissolved molybdenum) for the most sensitive endpoint per species were 62.8-105.6 (mg Mo)/L for Daphnia magna (21day-reproduction), 78.2 (mg Mo)/L for Ceriodaphnia dubia (7day-reproduction), 61.2-366.2 (mg Mo)/L for the green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (72h-growth rate), 193.6 (mg Mo)/L for the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus (48h-population growth rate), 121.4 (mg Mo)/L for the midge Chironomus riparius (14day-growth), 211.3 (mg Mo)/L for the snail Lymnaea stagnalis (28day-growth rate), 115.9 (mg Mo)/L for the frog Xenopus laevis (4day-larval development), 241.5 (mg Mo)/L for the higher plant Lemna minor (7day-growth rate), 39.3 (mg Mo)/L for the fathead minnow Pimephales promelas (34day-dry weight/biomass), and 43.2 (mg Mo)/L for the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (78day-biomass). These effect concentrations are in line with the few reliable data currently available in the open literature. The data presented in this study can serve as a basis for the derivation of a PNEC(aquatic) that can be used for national and international regulatory purposes and for setting water quality criteria. Using all reliable data that are currently available, a HC(5,50%) (median hazardous concentration affecting 5% of the species) of 38.2 (mg Mo)/L was derived with the statistical extrapolation approach.
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Blaya JA, Shin SS, Yale G, Suarez C, Asencios L, Contreras C, Rodriguez P, Kim J, Cegielski P, Fraser HSF. Electronic laboratory system reduces errors in National Tuberculosis Program: a cluster randomized controlled trial. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2010; 14:1009-1015. [PMID: 20626946 PMCID: PMC8324019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of the e-Chasqui laboratory information system in reducing reporting errors compared to the current paper system. DESIGN Cluster randomized controlled trial in 76 health centers (HCs) between 2004 and 2008. METHODS Baseline data were collected every 4 months for 12 months. HCs were then randomly assigned to intervention (e-Chasqui) or control (paper). Further data were collected for the same months the following year. Comparisons were made between intervention and control HCs, and before and after the intervention. RESULTS Intervention HCs had respectively 82% and 87% fewer errors in reporting results for drug susceptibility tests (2.1% vs. 11.9%, P = 0.001, OR 0.17, 95%CI 0.09-0.31) and cultures (2.0% vs. 15.1%, P < 0.001, OR 0.13, 95%CI 0.07-0.24), than control HCs. Preventing missing results through online viewing accounted for at least 72% of all errors. e-Chasqui users sent on average three electronic error reports per week to the laboratories. CONCLUSIONS e-Chasqui reduced the number of missing laboratory results at point-of-care health centers. Clinical users confirmed viewing electronic results not available on paper. Reporting errors to the laboratory using e-Chasqui promoted continuous quality improvement. The e-Chasqui laboratory information system is an important part of laboratory infrastructure improvements to support multidrug-resistant tuberculosis care in Peru.
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Silva AEF, Rodriguez P, Cavalcante LF, Rodrigues BA, Rodrigues JL. The influence of oxygen tension on cumulus cell viability of canine COCs matured in high-glucose medium. Reprod Domest Anim 2010; 44 Suppl 2:259-62. [PMID: 19754582 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01406.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
High in vitro oxygen (O(2)) tensions are associated with enhanced levels of reactive oxygen species and cumulus oocyte complex (COC) apoptosis. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of O(2) tension on cumulus cell (CC) viability from canine oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes were distributed into three groups (CG, T20 and T5) and two O(2) tension levels (20% and 5%). The control group (CG) was matured in vitro in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO(2) in air in TCM199 with 26.19 mM sodium bicarbonate, 10% (v/v) foetal calf serum (FCS), 0.10 mM gentamicin, 0.20 mM pyruvic acid, 20 microg/ml oestradiol, 0.5 microg/ml follicle-stimulating hormone, 0.03 IU/ml human chorionic gonadotropin, and 1.0 microg/ml human somatotropin. Groups T20 and T5 were matured under 20% or 5% O(2) tensions respectively in a high-glucose medium, without FCS. T20 and T5 were as CG, and supplemented with 0.1% Polyvinyl Alcohol, and 5.5 mM glucose. After 48 h of IVM, CCs from COCs were stained with propidium iodide (1.50 mM). The results showed that viability of CCs (cytoplasmic features and nuclear morphological integrity) was different for the three groups. Rates of apoptosis were at 57.9% (521/900) for CG, 54.4% (490/900) for T20 and 38.9% (350/900) for T5 (p < 0.001). Predominant features in apoptotic cells (n = 1361) were DNA nuclear fragments (94.0%). It was concluded that CCs of canine COCs cultured in high-glucose medium showed significantly less apoptosis than those cultured in medium with FCS. Low O(2) tension was efficient in reducing apoptosis in canine CCs.
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Guerrero R, Galloza S, Rodriguez P. Incidence of Biochemical and Clinical Adrenal Insufficiency in Trauma Patients. J Surg Res 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2009.11.671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Silva DS, Rodriguez P, Arruda NS, Rodrigues R, Rodrigues JL. 301 THE EFFECT OF EQUINE FOLICULLAR FLUID ON IN VITRO INDUCTION OF THE ACROSOME REACTION IN FROZEN - THAWED STALLION SPERMATOZOA. Reprod Fertil Dev 2010. [DOI: 10.1071/rdv22n1ab301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacitation process occurs in vivo upon exposure of the spermatozoa through the female reproductive tract, but can be induced in vitro in the presence of several compounds. This study was conducted to assess the effect of heparin or equine follicular fluid on hyperactivated motility and in vitro induction acrosome reaction swim-up method with frozen-thawed stallion semen. Two hundred microliters of frozen-thawed equine semen was placed in a tube (45°C) to increase contact area and incubated at 37°C for 1 h. After incubation 800 μL of the supernatant was collected by centrifugation (500 × g, 10 min) to collect spermatozoa. The resulting pellet was resuspended in capacitation medium Fert-TALP supplemented with 5.0 μg mL-1 heparin or 100% follicular fluid and incubated for different times (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h) at 37°C. After incubation the hyperactivated motility and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa were evaluated. Hoechst stain was used to differentiate live and dead spermatozoa, and chlortetracycline (CTC) fluorescent stain was used to assess the capacitation response of sperm; data were analyzed by ANOVA. The effect of equine follicular fluid resulted in improved percentage of spermatozoa with acrosome reaction at all times of incubation (60, 63, 57, 52, and 58%) but immediately after 3 h of incubation, the hyperactivated motility decreased in heparin group and follicular fluid (42 and 30%, respectively).
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Rodrigues BA, Rodriguez P, Silva AEF, Cavalcante LF, Feltrin C, Rodrigues JL. Preliminary Study in Immature Canine Oocytes Stained with Brilliant Cresyl Blue and Obtained From Bitches with Low and High Progesterone Serum Profiles. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 44 Suppl 2:255-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01408.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Alfonso F, Goncalves M, Goicolea J, Hernandez R, Segovia J, Rodriguez P, Fernandez-Ortiz A, Najar S, Bañuelos C, Macaya C. Feasibility of intravascular ultrasound studies: predictors of imaging success before coronary interventions. Clin Cardiol 2009; 20:1010-6. [PMID: 9422839 PMCID: PMC6655976 DOI: 10.1002/clc.4960201207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is currently used to study lesions during transcatheter coronary therapy. However, before dilation some lesions cannot be reached or crossed with the imaging catheter. HYPOTHESIS This study seeks to elucidate which factors determine the feasibility of IVUS examination before coronary interventions. METHODS Accordingly, 100 consecutive patients undergoing IVUS examination before coronary angioplasty were prospectively studied. The clinical and angiographic characteristics of 77 patients with a successful IVUS study (Group A) were compared with those of 23 patients in whom IVUS was attempted but the target lesion could not be interrogated (Group B). The echogenic characteristics of the target lesion [before (n = 77) or after intervention (in 18 patients in Group B)] were also studied. RESULTS Patients in Group B were significantly older (62 +/- 7 vs. 57 +/- 10 years, p < 0.05) and more frequently had stable angina [8 (35%) vs. 9 (11%), p < 0.05]. The distribution of lesions within the coronary tree and angiographic lesion characteristics including length, eccentricity, calcification, bend location, and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association classification were similar in both groups. However, proximal tortuosities (> 45 degrees at end diastole) were more frequently found in Group B [20 (87%) vs. 47 (61%), p < 0.05]. In addition, by quantitative angiography, patients in Group B had smaller arteries (reference diameter 2.8 +/- 0.4 vs. 3.1 +/- 0.4 mm, p < 0.05) and more severe lesions (minimal lumen diameter 0.46 +/- 0.24 vs. 0.65 +/- 0.34 mm, p < 0.05). On IVUS, calcified lesions were more frequently visualized in Group B (61 vs. 38%, p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, catheter size, baseline minimal lumen diameter, angiographic proximal tortuosities, and lesion calcification on imaging were independent predictors of the feasibility of IVUS studies. CONCLUSIONS Unsuccessful IVUS studies before intervention occur more frequently (1) in vessels with proximal tortuosities or severe lumen narrowing, (2) in lesions that are calcified on IVUS, and (3) when large imaging catheters are used.
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Joglar F, Rivera G, Rodriguez P, Galloza S, Canario Q, Baez M, Santos L, Lebron A. QS223. Tracheostomy Decannulation: A Retrospective Chart Review. J Surg Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2008.11.525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Antelo J, Arce F, Fernandez J, Franco J, Rodriguez P, Varela A. Studies on the stability of n‐chloro‐aminoacids. Decomposition of N‐chloro‐L‐serine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/09593338809384609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Blaya JA, Gomez W, Rodriguez P, Fraser H. Cost and implementation analysis of a personal digital assistant system for laboratory data collection. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2008; 12:921-927. [PMID: 18647452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
SETTING One hundred and twenty-six public health centers and laboratories in Lima, Peru, without internet. BACKGROUND We have previously shown that a personal digital assistant (PDA) based system reduces data collection delays and errors for tuberculosis (TB) laboratory results when compared to a paper system. OBJECTIVE To assess the data collection efficiency of each system and the resources required to develop, implement and transfer the PDA-based system to a resource-poor setting. DESIGN Time-motion study of data collectors using the PDA-based and paper systems. Cost analysis of developing, implementing and transferring the PDA-based system to a local organization and their redeployment of the system. RESULTS Work hours spent collecting and processing results decreased by 60% (P < 0.001). Users perceived this decrease to be 70% and had no technical problems they failed to fix. The total cost and time to develop and implement the intervention was US$26092 and 22 weeks. The cost to extend the system to cover nine more districts was $1125 and to implement collecting patient weights was $4107. CONCLUSION A PDA-based system drastically reduced the effort required to collect TB laboratory results from remote locations. With the framework described, open-source software and local development, organizations in resource-poor settings could reap the benefits of this technology.
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Tsai R, Rodriguez P, Discher DE. Cys shotgun labeling of macrophages adhering to and engulfing Ig-opsonized cells. Transfus Clin Biol 2008; 15:58-61. [PMID: 18499497 DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2008.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2008] [Accepted: 04/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A method is being developed to study cytoskeletal reorganization in cell adhesion processes. The initial model process is adhesion and phagocytosis of beads or red blood cells by macrophages. Live cell labeling with Cys reactive fluorophores is performed before and during phagocytosis with different color labeling dyes. Since Cys is a relatively hydrophobic amino acid, its differential exposure and labeling in principle reflects changes in tertiary or quaternary structure of specific proteins. Similar studies conducted on red blood cells under fluid shear conditions showed that specific domains in spectrin undergo extensible unfolding within sheared cells. The initial work here with macrophages also suggests some structural changes in phagocytosis although the proteins and specific sites have yet to be identified.
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Fdz-Polanco F, Velazquez R, Perez-Elvira SI, Casas C, del Barrio D, Cantero FJ, Fdz-Polanco M, Rodriguez P, Panizo L, Serrat J, Rouge P. Continuous thermal hydrolysis and energy integration in sludge anaerobic digestion plants. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2008; 57:1221-1226. [PMID: 18469393 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2008.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A thermal hydrolysis pilot plant with direct steam injection heating was designed and constructed. In a first period the equipment was operated in batch to verify the effect of sludge type, pressure and temperature, residence time and solids concentration. Optimal operation conditions were reached for secondary sludge at 170 degrees C, 7 bar and 30 minutes residence time, obtaining a disintegration factor higher than 10, methane production increase by 50% and easy centrifugation In a second period the pilot plant was operated working with continuous feed, testing the efficiency by using two continuous anaerobic digester operating in the mesophilic and thermophilic range. Working at 12 days residence time, biogas production increases by 40-50%. Integrating the energy transfer it is possible to design a self-sufficient system that takes advantage of this methane increase to produce 40% more electric energy.
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Maestre Z, Martinez-Madrid M, Rodriguez P, Reynoldson T. Ecotoxicity assessment of river sediments and a critical evaluation of some of the procedures used in the aquatic oligochaete Tubifex tubifex chronic bioassay. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2007; 53:559-70. [PMID: 17690833 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-006-0264-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2006] [Accepted: 04/24/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Sediment from 27 river sites in Northern Spain were tested with the aquatic oligochaete Tubifex tubifex (Annelida, Clitellata) 28-day chronic bioassay. Sampling sites were chosen from those established by regulatory water agencies for water-quality surveillance networks in rivers of the Basque Country and the Ebro basin. Inclusion of this test in an assessment programme with chemical and benthic community data currently collected by the water agencies will enable a more comprehensive ecotoxicological assessment. Cocoon and adult biomass were used as end points in addition to percent mortality, number of cocoons, young per adult, and percent of hatch end points as proposed in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) guidelines. Ecotoxicity assessment of the sediments was carried out by comparing mortality, growth, and reproduction in test sediments with their respective experimental control. Cluster analysis resulted in four groups of sediments that were compared using multidimensional scaling ordination (MDS), and the contribution of toxicity end points and the relationship of chemical variables to the MDS ordination space were assessed by principal component correlation (PCC). A gradient of sediments from nontoxic (4 controls and 6 sediments) to severely toxic (8 sediments) was observed, with all of the original biological end points contributing significantly to the ordination. The most toxic sediments could be separated into 2 groups based on the effects of pollutants on mortality (4 sediments) or on reproduction and growth (4 sediments). Remaining sites were grouped together as toxic sediments but showed a variable degree of sublethal effects. The acceptability criteria for validation of the bioassay, as recommended by the ASTM, measured in the control batch of each bioassay were achieved for survival and cocoon production (coefficient of variation [CV] and variability with regard to their average calculated through laboratory control charts). However, the ASTM criteria were found to be strict for the CV for total number of young, and a more realistic criterion is proposed. New criteria are also suggested to improve quality assurance of the bioassay, namely, a minimum number of cocoons per adult in the control group.
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Nachamkin I, Arzarte Barbosa P, Barbosa PA, Ung H, Ung H, Lobato C, Gonzalez Rivera A, Rivera AG, Rodriguez P, Garcia Briseno A, Briseno AG, Cordero LM, Garcia Perea L, Perea LG, Perez JC, Ribera M, Aldama PC, Guitérrez GD, Sarnat LF, García MR, Veitch J, Fitzgerald C, Cornblath DR, Cornblath D, Rodriguez Pinto M, Pinto MR, Griffin JW, Willison HJ, Asbury AK, McKhann GM. Patterns of Guillain-Barre syndrome in children: results from a Mexican population. Neurology 2007; 69:1665-71. [PMID: 17898327 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000265396.87983.bd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, immune-mediated flaccid paralysis frequently associated with Campylobacter infection. Of two predominant GBS subtypes, a demyelinating subtype (acute inflammatory demyelinative polyneuropathy [AIDP]) predominates in the United States and Europe, and axonal subtype (acute motor axonal neuropathy [AMAN]) is the predominant form in China. Previous clinical studies suggested that AMAN also occurs in Mexican children. The purpose of this study was to describe the subtypes of GBS in children from Mexico City. METHODS We prospectively studied 121 children admitted to two pediatric hospitals in Mexico City from 1996 to 2002. Clinical histories were obtained, electrophysiologic studies were performed to determine GBS subtype, and microbiologic studies were performed. RESULTS Of the 121 children, 46 had AMAN and 32 had AIDP. The male to female ratio was 1.3 for AMAN cases (mean age = 6.3) and 3.0 for AIDP cases (mean age = 7.0). There was a strong seasonal distribution of AMAN cases in July to September. Children with AMAN, but not AIDP, had worsening of illness during hospitalization as judged by peak severity scores. Vomiting was more likely in AIDP (28.1%) vs AMAN (6.5%) (p = 0.012) and diarrhea was more common in AMAN (32.6%) than AIDP (12.5%) (p = 0.06). IgG anti-GM1 antibody titers were higher in patients with AMAN vs AIDP (p = 0.067). Anti-GD1a antibodies were equally present in both groups. Anti GQ1b titers were higher in AMAN vs AIDP (p = 0.009). Campylobacter antibody responses were positive in 44.1% of patients with AMAN and 37.0% of patients with AIDP. Twenty patients (14 = AMAN, 6 = AIDP) had positive stool cultures for C jejuni. Two serotypes, HS:19 and HS:41, accounted for 6 of 10 Campylobacter isolates available for serotyping from these cases. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms that acute motor axonal neuropathy is an important Guillain-Barré syndrome subtype in Mexican children, is associated with diarrhea, and occurs seasonally.
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97
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Aissaoui Y, Bruyere R, Bry D, Moudden A, Girard C, Goulet J, Dauvissat EV, Andres I, Rumennap B, Rodriguez P, Miller C. Pain relief after episiotomy using pudendal block. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2007. [DOI: 10.1097/00115550-200709001-00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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98
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Viguri JR, Irabien MJ, Yusta I, Soto J, Gómez J, Rodriguez P, Martinez-Madrid M, Irabien JA, Coz A. Physico-chemical and toxicological characterization of the historic estuarine sediments: a multidisciplinary approach. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2007; 33:436-44. [PMID: 17187860 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2006.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2006] [Revised: 06/19/2006] [Accepted: 10/24/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation rates, the geochronology of metals and PAH contamination, and the Microtox toxicity are studied in five sediment cores (50 cm length) covering different areas of the Santander Bay, Northern Spain. Chronology given by (210)Pb and (137)Cs reveals significant differences in accumulation rates between sites (0.2-1.1 cm/year), as well as a variable degree of anthropogenic enrichment factors for Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni (from 1 to 15) and concentrations of summation Sigma 16PAHs (from 0.01 to 23.84 mg/kg dw) in sediments over the last 90 years. The results indicate the increasing contamination pressure from industrial and urban activities along the Bay. No toxic results from the Microtox test are obtained either with pore water or with normalised sediment aqueous extracts (European Norm EN 12457), suggesting low water solubility and low availability of contaminants in the studied sediments. However, the EC50 values from the Microtox Basic Solid Phase Test (BSPT) ranged from 0.03% to 2.35%, showing vertical toxicity profiles in accordance with metal and PAHs behaviour. The correlation degrees of Microtox BSPT toxicity to chemical concentration in sediment profiles are widely variable showing a high site-dependent toxicity. The oligochaete Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri has been used as a chronic bioassay over surface sediments of two of the studied sites, showing results coherent with the Microtox BSPT acute test results. Global results of the present work provide regional geochemical baselines for metals and PAHs and toxicological data now make it possible to obtain a preliminary quality assessment of the Santander Bay sediment profiles.
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99
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Ochoa A, Zabaleta J, Rodriguez P, Stanley S. A14. Arginase/NO balance in situ regulates T cell function in cancer patients. Nitric Oxide 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2007.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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100
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Boehm C, Gibert M, Geny B, Popoff MR, Rodriguez P. Modification of epithelial cell barrier permeability and intercellular junctions by Clostridium sordellii lethal toxins. Cell Microbiol 2006; 8:1070-85. [PMID: 16819961 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2006.00687.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium sordellii lethal toxin (LT) is a glucosyltransferase which inactivates small GTPases from the Rho and Ras families. In the present work, we studied the effects of two variants, LT82 and LT9048, on the integrity of epithelial cell barrier using polarized MCCD (Mouse Cortical Collecting Duct) and MDCK (Madin-Darby Canine Kidney) cells. Our results demonstrate for the first time that LTs have very limited effects on tight junctions. In contrast, we show that both toxins modified the paracellular permeability within 2-4 h. Concomitantly LT82 and LT9048 induced a disorganization of basolateral actin filaments, without modifying apical actin. Both toxins mainly altered adherens junctions by removing E-cadherin-catenin complexes from the membrane to the cytosol. Similar effects on adherens junctions have been observed with other toxins, which directly or indirectly depolymerize actin. Thereby, Rac, a common substrate of both LTs, might play a central role in LT-dependent adherens junction alteration. Here, we show that adherens junction perturbation induced by LTs results neither from a direct effect of toxins on adherens junction proteins nor from an actin-independent Rac pathway, but rather from a Rac-dependent disorganization of basolateral actin cytoskeleton. This further supports that a dynamic equilibrium of cortical actin filaments is essential for functional E-cadherin organization in epithelia.
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