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Pignatelli J, Jimenez M, Luque J, Rejas M, Lavazza A, Rodriguez D. Molecular characterization of a new PToV strain. Evolutionary implications. Virus Res 2009; 143:33-43. [PMID: 19463719 PMCID: PMC7114482 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2009.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2008] [Revised: 02/26/2009] [Accepted: 02/27/2009] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Toroviruses are emergent viruses, belonging to the Nidovirales order, that remain mostly ignored, despite they are able to infect different species of domestic animals and humans, causing enteric diseases and diarrhea. Thus far, only five variants of porcine torovirus (PToV) have been identified. In this report we describe the identification and partial characterization of a new strain of porcine torovirus (PToV-BRES) that was detected by RT-PCR in a swine faecal specimen from a farm in Brescia (Italy). The complete genes coding for the nucleocapsid (N), hemagglutinin-esterase (HE) and membrane (M) proteins were amplified, and sequence analysis showed that PToV-BRES is a new PToV strain that, based on the HE gene sequence, is phylogenetically related to P4 strain, that was up to now the only member of a distinct PToV lineage. The nucleocapsid protein from PToV-BRES was expressed in insect cells as a his-tagged protein, purified by affinity chromatography and used to develop an ELISA method to detect antibodies against PToV. This assay was evaluated using a serum collection including 45 samples from three commercial farms from Spain. High antibody prevalence against PToV was observed in the three farms, both in adult animals and in piglets, which could suggest that PToV might be endemic in Spanish porcine population. The ELISA method developed in this work could be useful in future epidemiological surveys about toroviruses.
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Chen MH, Iakovleva E, Kesten S, Magano J, Rodriguez D, Sexton KE, Zhang J, Lee HT. A CONVENIENT REDUCTION OF HIGHLY FUNCTIONALIZED AROMATIC CARBOXYLIC ACIDS TO ALCOHOLS WITH BORANE-THF AND BORON TRIFLUORIDE-ETHERATE. ORG PREP PROCED INT 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/00304940209355791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Rodriguez D, Cheung M, Housri N, Quinones-Hinojosa A, Camphausen K, Koniaris L. QS332. Outcomes of Malignant CNS Ependymomas: An Examination of 2,408 Cases Through the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Database (1973-2005). J Surg Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2008.11.640] [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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Collongues N, Marignier R, Zéphir H, Papeix C, Blanc F, Tchikviladzé M, Ritleng C, Outteryck O, Vukusic S, Fleury M, Mignot C, Brassat D, Clanet M, Milh M, Ruet A, Lebrun-Frenay C, Camu W, Debouverie M, Créange A, Moreau T, Labauge P, Castelnovo G, Edan G, Lepage E, Defer G, Barroso B, Thouvenot E, Heinzlef O, Gout O, Rodriguez D, Augustin J, Wiertlewski S, Laplaud D, Borgel F, Slassi I, Berroir S, Tourniaire P, Grimaud J, Brochet B, Vermersch P, Confavreux C, de Sèze J. Neuromyélite optique de Devic et patients à haut risqué : enquête rétrospective nationale. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0035-3787(09)70025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Wolkenstein P, Rodriguez D, Ferkal S, Gravier H, Buret V, Algans N, Simeoni MC, Bastuji-Garin S. Impact of neurofibromatosis 1 upon quality of life in childhood: a cross-sectional study of 79 cases. Br J Dermatol 2008; 160:844-8. [PMID: 19067713 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08949.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) has a significant impact on quality of life (QoL). OBJECTIVES To evaluate QoL in NF1 according to phenotype from the viewpoint of children and proxy. METHODS One hundred and forty families with a child aged between 8 and 16 years, seen consecutively at the National Academic Paediatric Referral Centre for NF1 for a phenotype evaluation, were contacted by mail. Families agreeing to participate were sent two questionnaires, the DISABKIDS for children and proxy and the cartoon version of the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). QoL scores were compared with those in other major diseases and were analysed according to age, gender and phenotype. RESULTS Eighty families agreed to participate, and 79 returned the questionnaires. Using DISABKIDS, NF1 had a higher impact on health-related QoL than asthma (mean+/-SD 75.18+/-18.22 vs. 79.78+/-13.41; P=0.005). The total score was more altered when assessed by proxy than by children (71.20+/-17.94 vs. 75.18+/-18.22; P=0.002). Orthopaedic manifestations, learning disabilities and presence of at least two plexiform neurofibromas were independently associated with a higher impact (P<0.01). The CDLQI score was slightly altered (11.3%). Dermatological signs, such as café-au-lait spots and freckling, did not have a significant impact. CONCLUSIONS Orthopaedic manifestations, learning disabilities and plexiform neurofibromas are the main complications impacting on QoL during childhood NF1. QoL could be considered as an endpoint for intervention studies in this context.
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Steiner M, Barnette G, Hancock M, Morton R, Rodriguez D. MP-1.08: Multicenter Phase III Randomized Controlled Trial of Toremifene to Prevent Fractures and Other Adverse Effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Men with Prostate Cancer. Urology 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2008.08.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Flores-A H, Alaez C, Garcia D, Gomez K, Lliguin G, Rodriguez D, Munguia A, Rodriguez A, Gorodezky C. 84-P: HLA-A, B, DRB1 and DQB1 allele and haplotype diversity in two Mexican Mestizo groups of different areas: Chiapas and Veracruz. Hum Immunol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2008.08.103] [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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Caenazzo L, Comacchio A, Tozzo P, Rodriguez D, Benciolini P. Paternity testing requested by private parties in Italy: some ethical considerations. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2008; 34:735-737. [PMID: 18827105 DOI: 10.1136/jme.2007.023291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In Italy, judicial and extrajudicial requests for paternity testing have increased in recent years. A retrospective analysis of such private extrajudicial requests received by the legal medicine unit of the Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health of Padua University was conducted to identify problem areas most helpful in determining whether to accept private parties' requests for paternity testing. Such testing is most delicate when a presumptive father may be seeking to disown paternity and when testing is wanted without the consent of a member of the mother-child-father triangle. Tests that could establish paternity where none has been recognised are less problematic, as the child will not lose out. Legal and ethical-deontological aspects of consent, of the protection of minors and of children's and parents' need for follow-up interviews to deal with the outcome of such testing are carefully considered by the Padua University team when deciding whether to accept a request for testing. It is argued that because such issues are not dealt with by mail-order laboratories, the use of such services is inappropriate.
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Pigrau C, Almirante B, Rodriguez D, Larrosa N, Bescos S, Raspall G, Pahissa A. Osteomyelitis of the jaw: resistance to clindamycin in patients with prior antibiotics exposure. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2008; 28:317-23. [DOI: 10.1007/s10096-008-0626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2008] [Accepted: 08/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Gregory A, Westaway SK, Holm IE, Kotzbauer PT, Hogarth P, Sonek S, Coryell JC, Nguyen TM, Nardocci N, Zorzi G, Rodriguez D, Desguerre I, Bertini E, Simonati A, Levinson B, Dias C, Barbot C, Carrilho I, Santos M, Malik I, Gitschier J, Hayflick SJ. Neurodegeneration associated with genetic defects in phospholipase A(2). Neurology 2008; 71:1402-9. [PMID: 18799783 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000327094.67726.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mutations in the gene encoding phospholipase A(2) group VI (PLA2G6) are associated with two childhood neurologic disorders: infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) and idiopathic neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). INAD is a severe progressive psychomotor disorder in which axonal spheroids are found in brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. High globus pallidus iron is an inconsistent feature of INAD; however, it is a diagnostic criterion of NBIA, which describes a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders that share this hallmark feature. We sought to delineate the clinical, radiographic, pathologic, and genetic features of disease resulting from defective phospholipase A(2). METHODS We identified 56 patients clinically diagnosed with INAD and 23 with idiopathic NBIA and screened their DNA for PLA2G6 mutations. RESULTS Eighty percent of patients with INAD had mutations in PLA2G6, whereas mutations were found in only 20% of those with idiopathic NBIA. All patients with two null mutations had a more severe phenotype. On MRI, nearly all mutation-positive patients had cerebellar atrophy, and half showed brain iron accumulation. We observed Lewy bodies and neurofibrillary tangles in association with PLA2G6 mutations. CONCLUSION Defects in phospholipase A(2) lead to a range of phenotypes. PLA2G6 mutations are associated with nearly all cases of classic infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy but a minority of cases of idiopathic neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation, and genotype correlates with phenotype. Cerebellar atrophy predicts which patients are likely to be mutation-positive. The neuropathologic changes that are caused by defective phospholipase A(2) suggest a shared pathogenesis with both Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases.
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Caenazzo L, Arseni A, Rodriguez D, Benciolini P. Paternity testing in Italy via Internet: Who protects the minors? FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2007.12.003] [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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Bortolatto J, Borducchi E, Rodriguez D, Keller AC, Faquim-Mauro E, Bortoluci KR, Mucida D, Gomes E, Christ A, Schnyder-Candrian S, Schnyder B, Ryffel B, Russo M. Toll-like receptor 4 agonists adsorbed to aluminium hydroxide adjuvant attenuate ovalbumin-specific allergic airway disease: role of MyD88 adaptor molecule and interleukin-12/interferon-gamma axis. Clin Exp Allergy 2008; 38:1668-79. [PMID: 18631348 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.03036.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological and experimental data suggest that bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) can either protect from or exacerbate allergic asthma. Lipopolysaccharides trigger immune responses through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) that in turn activates two major signalling pathways via either MyD88 or TRIF adaptor proteins. The LPS is a pro-Type 1 T helper cells (Th1) adjuvant while aluminium hydroxide (alum) is a strong Type 2 T helper cells (Th2) adjuvant, but the effect of the mixing of both adjuvants on the development of lung allergy has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE We determined whether natural (LPS) or synthetic (ER-803022) TLR4 agonists adsorbed onto alum adjuvant affect allergen sensitization and development of airway allergic disease. To dissect LPS-induced molecular pathways, we used TLR4-, MyD88-, TRIF-, or IL-12/IFN-gamma-deficient mice. METHODS Mice were sensitized with subcutaneous injections of ovalbumin (OVA) with or without TLR4 agonists co-adsorbed onto alum and challenged with intranasally with OVA. The development of allergic lung disease was evaluated 24 h after last OVA challenge. RESULTS Sensitization with OVA plus LPS co-adsorbed onto alum impaired in dose-dependent manner OVA-induced Th2-mediated allergic responses such as airway eosinophilia, type-2 cytokines secretion, airway hyper-reactivity, mucus hyper production and serum levels of IgE or IgG1 anaphylactic antibodies. Although the levels of IgG2a, Th1-affiliated isotype increased, investigation into the lung-specific effects revealed that LPS did not induce a Th1 pattern of inflammation. Lipopolysaccharides impaired the development of Th2 immunity, signaling via TLR4 and MyD88 molecules and via the IL-12/IFN-gamma axis, but not through TRIF pathway. Moreover, the synthetic TLR4 agonists that proved to have a less systemic inflammatory response than LPS also protected against allergic asthma development. CONCLUSION Toll-like receptor 4 agonists co-adsorbed with allergen onto alum down-modulate allergic lung disease and prevent the development of polarized T cell-mediated airway inflammation.
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Gomez-Lopez A, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Rodriguez D, Almirante B, Pahissa A, Rodriguez-Tudela JL, Cuenca-Estrella M. Prevalence and susceptibility profile of Candida metapsilosis and Candida orthopsilosis: results from population-based surveillance of candidemia in Spain. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2008; 52:1506-9. [PMID: 18285486 PMCID: PMC2292570 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01595-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2007] [Revised: 01/10/2008] [Accepted: 02/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the prevalences and susceptibility profiles of two recently described species, Candida metapsilosis and Candida orthopsilosis, related to Candida parapsilosis in candidemia. The prevalences of these species (1.7% for C. metapsilosis and 1.4% for C. orthopsilosis) are significant. Differences observed in their susceptibility profiles could have therapeutic importance.
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Abbasi RU, Abu-Zayyad T, Allen M, Amman JF, Archbold G, Belov K, Belz JW, Ben Zvi SY, Bergman DR, Blake SA, Brusova OA, Burt GW, Cannon C, Cao Z, Connolly BC, Deng W, Fedorova Y, Finley CB, Gray RC, Hanlon WF, Hoffman CM, Holzscheiter MH, Hughes G, Hüntemeyer P, Jones BF, Jui CCH, Kim K, Kirn MA, Loh EC, Maestas MM, Manago N, Marek LJ, Martens K, Matthews JAJ, Matthews JN, Moore SA, O'Neill A, Painter CA, Perera L, Reil K, Riehle R, Roberts M, Rodriguez D, Sasaki N, Schnetzer SR, Scott LM, Sinnis G, Smith JD, Sokolsky P, Song C, Springer RW, Stokes BT, Thomas SB, Thomas JR, Thomson GB, Tupa D, Westerhoff S, Wiencke LR, Zhang X, Zech A. First observation of the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin suppression. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2008; 100:101101. [PMID: 18352170 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.100.101101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2007] [Revised: 01/07/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The High Resolution Fly's Eye (HiRes) experiment has observed the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin suppression (called the GZK cutoff) with a statistical significance of five standard deviations. HiRes' measurement of the flux of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays shows a sharp suppression at an energy of 6 x 10(19) eV, consistent with the expected cutoff energy. We observe the ankle of the cosmic-ray energy spectrum as well, at an energy of 4 x 10(18) eV. We describe the experiment, data collection, and analysis and estimate the systematic uncertainties. The results are presented and the calculation of the statistical significance of our observation is described.
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Horzinski L, Gonthier C, Rodriguez D, Scherer C, Boespflug-Tanguy O, Fogli A. Exon deletion in the non-catalytic domain of eIF2Bepsilon due to a splice site mutation leads to infantile forms of CACH/VWM with severe decrease of eIF2B GEF activity. Ann Hum Genet 2008; 72:410-5. [PMID: 18294360 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1809.2007.00427.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The CACH/VWM syndrome is an autosomal recessive leukodystrophy characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical presentations and by diffuse cavitary degeneration of the white matter on MRI. Mutations responsible for this disorder are missense or frameshift mutations occurring in the five genes (EIF2B1-5) that encode the translation eukaryotic initiation factor eIF2B. We found that a patient with infantile CACH/VWM carries a mutation in the acceptor splice site of EIF2B5 exon 6. In lymphoblastoid cells of the patient, we detected an abnormal EIF2B5 transcript in which exon 6 was absent, however, the predicted protein product lacking part of the non-catalytic domain encoded by exon 6 was not detected. The eIF2B GEF activity was severely decreased. These data support the importance of the non-catalytic domain of the eIF2Bepsilon subunit in the eIF2B complex formation and activity.
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Formiga F, Fort I, Robles MJ, Riu S, Rodriguez D, Sabartes O. [Features differentiating comorbidity in elderly patients with Alzheimer-type dementia or with vascular dementia]. Rev Neurol 2008; 46:72-76. [PMID: 18247277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD) are the two most common forms of dementia. In the elderly subjects with dementia, there is a significant comorbidity associated and often cause greater morbidity and mortality. AIM To investigate some aspects of comorbidity in the patients with these two types of dementia in order to analyze possible differences. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 365 patients > 64 years old were prospectively evaluated. Of them 289 patients (79.1%) had probable AD, and 76 patients probable VD. Data were collected on sociodemographic variables, Barthel index, Lawton index), Minimental State Examination, total number of drugs, history of high blood pressure (HBP), diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia (DL), heart failure (HF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer. RESULTS The sample consisted of 264 women (72.3%) and 101 men. Mean age was 81.1 +/- 6 years. Patients were taken an average of 5.5 +/- 2.5 drugs. 54% had HBP, 26.6% DM, 25.8% DL, 12.1% HF, 13.7% COPD and 8.2% cancer. When in multivariate analysis differences were analyzed according the type of dementia, we found a higher percentage of men, taken more than three drugs and lower percentage of taken specific dementia therapy in the VD group. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed the presence of high comorbidity and chronic drugs prescription in elderly people with dementia. There are some differences according the type of dementia, highlighting a higher percentage of polypharmacy in patients with vascular dementia group.
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Anwar MR, Rodriguez D, Liu DL, Power S, O'Leary GJ. Quality and potential utility of ENSO-based forecasts of spring rainfall and wheat yield in south-eastern Australia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1071/ar07061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Reliable seasonal climate forecasts are needed to aid tactical crop management decisions in south-eastern Australia (SEA). In this study we assessed the quality of two existing forecasting systems, i.e. the five phases of the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and a three phase Pacific Ocean sea-surface temperatures (SSTs), to predict spring rainfall (i.e. rainfall from 1 September to 31 November), and simulated wheat yield. The quality of the forecasts was evaluated by analysing four attributes of their performance: their reliability, the relative degree of shift and dispersion of the distributions, and measure of forecast consistency or skill. Available data included 117 years of spring rainfall and 104 years of grain yield simulated using the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model, from four locations in SEA. Average values of spring rainfall were 102–174 mm with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 47%. Average simulated wheat yields were highest (5609 kg/ha) in Albury (New South Wales) and lowest (1668 kg/ha) in Birchip (Victoria). The average CV for simulated grain yields was 36%. Griffith (NSW) had the highest yield variability (CV = 50%). Some of this year-to-year variation was related to the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Spring rainfall and simulated wheat yields showed a clear association with the SOI and SST phases at the end of July. Important variations in shift and dispersion in spring rainfall and simulated wheat yields were observed across the studied locations. The forecasts showed good reliability, indicating that both forecasting systems could be used with confidence to forecast spring rainfall or wheat yield as early as the end of July. The consistency of the forecast of spring rainfall and simulated wheat yield was 60–83%. We concluded that adequate forecasts of spring rainfall and grain yield could be produced at the end of July, using both the SOI and SST phase systems. These results are discussed in relation to the potential benefit of making tactical top-dress applications of nitrogen fertilisers during early August.
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Garcia Guerra A, Etcheverry MP, Rodriguez D, Larraburu G, Brogliatti GM. 76 COMPUTER-ASSISTED SPERM ANALYSIS OF FROZEN SPERM MOTILITY AFTER DIFFERENT TIMES OF EXPOSURE AT 15°C. Reprod Fertil Dev 2008. [DOI: 10.1071/rdv20n1ab76] [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
One of the key factors for successful long-term cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen is maintaining the samples at –130°C or lower at all times to avoid cell damage (Barth 1991 Proc. 10th Ann. Conv. Am. Embr. Transf. Assoc., 20–26). Previous data indicated that exposure of the semen straw to ambient temperature for more than 15 s can raise the temperature above –130°C and reduce sperm motility, as determined by subjective evaluation (Berndtson et al. 1976 Proc. 6th NAAB Tech. Conf. Artif. Insem. Reprod., 51–60). The computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system provides an opportunity to assess multiple motility characteristics on a semen sample objectively and with high repeatability. An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of exposing frozen semen in 0.5-mL straws to room temperature for 15, 30, 60, or 120 s on motility characteristics assessed by CASA system. Twenty-eight ejaculates from different bulls (19 Angus, 7 Hereford, 1 Brangus, 1 Shorthorn) were diluted using a chemically semi-defined media (Andromed, Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) and frozen in an automatic freezer (Digicool, IMV, Paillette Crista, France). Five frozen straws per bull were used, one for each time of exposure and one as control (0 s = 0 time). Straws were exposed to room temperature (15°C ± 0.78) for different times and then placed back into liquid nitrogen. Semen thawing was conducted in a water bath at 37°C for 1 min. Motility characteristics were evaluated by the IVOS SpermAnalyzer (Hamilton Thorne Research, Beverly, MA, USA). Two chambers of 20-μm depth and 5 fields per chamber were analyzed (30 frames/0.5 s for each field). Seven motility parameters were evaluated: motile sperm (%), progressive sperm (%), VAP (path velocity, μm s–1), VCL (track speed, μm s–1), ALH (lateral amplitude, μm), BCF (beat frequency, Hz), and LIN (Linearity, %). The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare variables among groups, and results are shown in Table 1. There is a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the % of motile and progressive sperm when time of exposure was increased. There was a drastic and significant reduction in the percentage of motile and progressive sperm when exposure to 15°C was longer than 30 s. The live cells had similar motile characteristics: VAP, VCL, ALH, BCF, and LIN. In conclusion, sperm motility would be affected if straws are exposed for more than 30 s. More research should be done to test higher room temperatures, detect viability effects, and determine pregnancy rates after AI.
Table 1. CASA of frozen sperm motility characteristics at different times of exposure at 15°C
This research was supported by Centro Genetico Bovino Eolia S.A.
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Henneke M, Combes P, Diekmann S, Bertini E, Brockmann K, Burlina AP, Kaiser J, Ohlenbusch A, Plecko B, Rodriguez D, Boespflug-Tanguy O, Gärtner J. GJA12 mutations are a rare cause of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease. Neurology 2007; 70:748-54. [PMID: 18094336 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000284828.84464.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease (PMLD) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder within the group of hypomyelinating leukoencephalopathies. Mutations of the gap junction protein alpha 12 (GJA12) gene are known to cause one autosomal recessive PMLD form. Few patients with GJA12 mutated PMLD have been reported, and to date, the frequency as well as the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of GJA12 related PMLD is unclear. METHODS We report mutation analysis of the GJA12 gene in a clinical and radiologic well-characterized multiethnic cohort of 193 patients with PMLD from 182 families. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Only 16 patients (8.3%) from 14 families (7.7%) carry GJA12 mutations including five families where we detected only one mutated allele. Among those, we identified 11 novel alterations. Thus, GJA12 mutations are a rather rare cause for Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease. The clinical phenotype of patients with a GJA12 mutation was evaluated and is overall comparable to the clinical features seen in mild forms of proteolipid protein 1 (PLP1) related disorder but with better cognition and earlier signs of axonal degeneration.
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Smith MR, Malkowicz SB, Chu F, Forrest J, Price D, Sieber P, Barnette KG, Rodriguez D, Steiner MS. Toremifene increases bone mineral density in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: interim analysis of a multicenter phase 3 clinical study. J Urol 2007; 179:152-5. [PMID: 18001802 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2007.08.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We evaluated the effects of toremifene on bone mineral density, a surrogate for fracture risk, in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS In an ongoing, multicenter, phase 3 fracture prevention study 1,392 men 50 years or older with prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy were randomized to 80 mg toremifene per day or placebo. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, total hip and femoral neck was assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. In this planned interim analysis of the first 197 subjects we compared bone mineral density changes from baseline to month 12 between the placebo and toremifene groups. RESULTS Compared with the placebo group men in the toremifene group had significant increases in bone mineral density at each evaluated skeletal site. Lumbar spine bone mineral density decreased 0.7% in the placebo group and increased 1.6% in the toremifene group (between group comparison p <0.001). Total hip bone mineral density decreased 1.3% in the placebo group and increased 0.7% in the toremifene group (p = 0.001). Femoral neck bone mineral density decreased 1.3% in the placebo group and increased 0.2% in the toremifene group (p = 0.009). Between group differences in the change in bone mineral density from baseline to month 12 were 2.3%, 2.0% and 1.5% for the lumbar spine, total hip and femoral neck, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Toremifene significantly increased hip and spine bone mineral density in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. The effect of toremifene on the fracture risk is being assessed in the ongoing randomized, controlled trial.
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Rodriguez D, Tercyak KP, Audrain-McGovern J. Effects of Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Symptoms on Development of Nicotine Dependence from Mid Adolescence to Young Adulthood. J Pediatr Psychol 2007; 33:563-75. [DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsm100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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147
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Perez F, Rodriguez D, Vazquez A, Altamirano A, Alaez C, Flores H, Morales Z, Solis E, Munguia A, Rodriguez A, Garcia D, Gorodezky C. 113-P: The Mexican unrelated cord blood bank-BACECU: Analysis of banking. Hum Immunol 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2007.08.136] [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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148
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Bustamante M, Zhang G, O'Connell E, Rodriguez D, Borroto-Ponce R. Motor Vehicle Crashes and Injury among High School and College Aged Drivers. Miami-Dade County, FL 2005. Ann Epidemiol 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2007.07.059] [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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149
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Labauge P, Fogli A, Niel F, Rodriguez D, Boespflug-Tanguy O. Le syndrome CACH/VWM et les leucodystrophies liées à des mutations EIF2B. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2007; 163:793-9. [PMID: 17878805 DOI: 10.1016/s0035-3787(07)91461-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A new leukoencephalopathy, the CACH syndrome (Childhood Ataxia with Central nervous system Hypomyelination) or VWM (Vanishing White Matter) was identified on clinical and MRI criteria. Classically, this disease is characterized by (1) an onset between 2 and 5 years of age, with a cerebello-spastic syndrome exacerbated by episodes of fever or head trauma leading to death after 5 to 10 years of disease evolution, (2) a diffuse involvement of the white matter on cerebral MRI with a CSF-like signal intensity (cavitation), (3) a recessive autosomal mode of inheritance, (4) neuropathologic findings consistent with a cavitating orthochromatic leukodystrophy with increased number of oligodendrocytes with sometimes "foamy" aspect. A total of 148 cases have been reported so far. This disease is linked to mutations in the five EIF2B genes encoding the five subunits of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2B (eIF2B), involved in the protein synthesis and its regulation under cellular stresses. Clinical symptoms are variable, from fatale infantile forms (Cree leukoencephalopathy) and congenital forms associated with extra-neurological affections, to juvenile and adult forms (ovarioleukodystrophy) characterized by cognitive and behaviour dysfunctions and by a slow progression of the disease, leading to the term of eIF2B-related leukoencephalopathies. Prevalence of these remains unknown. Diagnosis lays on the detection of EIF2B mutations, affecting predominantly the EIF2B5 gene. A decrease in the intrinsic activity of the eIF2B factor (the guanine exchange activity, GEF) in lymphoblasts from patients seems to have a diagnostic value. The patho-physiology of the disease would involve a deficiency in astrocytes maturation leading to an increased susceptibility of the white matter to cellular stress. No specific treatment exists except the "prevention" of cellular stress. Corticosteroids sometimes proved to be useful in acute phases. Prognosis seems to correlate with the age of onset, the earliest forms being more severe.
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150
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Rodriguez D, Zhang G, O'Connell E, Bustamante M. Using Absentee Data to Enhance Syndromic Surveillance in Miami-Dade County, 2007. Ann Epidemiol 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2007.07.046] [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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