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French ML, Christensen JT, Estabrooks PA, Hernandez AM, Metos JM, Marcus RL, Thorpe A, Dvorak TE, Jordan KC. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Bilingual Nutrition Education Program in Partnership with a Mobile Health Unit. Nutrients 2024; 16:618. [PMID: 38474746 PMCID: PMC10934044 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
There are limited reports of community-based nutrition education with culinary instruction that measure biomarkers, particularly in low-income and underrepresented minority populations. Teaching kitchens have been proposed as a strategy to address social determinants of health, combining nutrition education, culinary demonstration, and skill building. The purpose of this paper is to report on the development, implementation, and evaluation of Journey to Health, a program designed for community implementation using the RE-AIM planning and evaluation framework. Reach and effectiveness were the primary outcomes. Regarding reach, 507 individuals registered for the program, 310 participants attended at least one nutrition class, 110 participants completed at least two biometric screens, and 96 participants attended at least two health coaching appointments. Participants who engaged in Journey to Health realized significant improvements in body mass index, blood pressure, and triglycerides. For higher risk participants, we additionally saw significant improvements in total and LDL cholesterol. Regarding dietary intake, we observed a significant increase in cups of fruit and a decrease in sugar sweetened beverages consumed per day. Our findings suggest that Journey to Health may improve selected biometrics and health behaviors in low-income and underrepresented minority participants.
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Hernandez AM, Ryan JF. Six-state Amino Acid Recoding is not an Effective Strategy to Offset Compositional Heterogeneity and Saturation in Phylogenetic Analyses. Syst Biol 2021; 70:1200-1212. [PMID: 33837789 PMCID: PMC8513762 DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syab027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Six-state amino acid recoding strategies are commonly applied to combat the effects of compositional heterogeneity and substitution saturation in phylogenetic analyses. While these methods have been endorsed from a theoretical perspective, their performance has never been extensively tested. Here, we test the effectiveness of six-state recoding approaches by comparing the performance of analyses on recoded and non-recoded data sets that have been simulated under gradients of compositional heterogeneity or saturation. In our simulation analyses, non-recoding approaches consistently outperform six-state recoding approaches. Our results suggest that six-state recoding strategies are not effective in the face of high saturation. Furthermore, while recoding strategies do buffer the effects of compositional heterogeneity, the loss of information that accompanies six-state recoding outweighs its benefits. In addition, we evaluate recoding schemes with 9, 12, 15, and 18 states and show that these consistently outperform six-state recoding. Our analyses of other recoding schemes suggest that under conditions of very high compositional heterogeneity, it may be advantageous to apply recoding using more than six states, but we caution that applying any recoding should include sufficient justification. Our results have important implications for the more than 90 published papers that have incorporated six-state recoding, many of which have significant bearing on relationships across the tree of life. [Compositional heterogeneity; Dayhoff 6-state recoding; S&R 6-state recoding; six-state amino acid recoding; substitution saturation.]
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Robinson S, Lang JE, Hernandez AM, Holz T, Cameron M, Brannon B. Outcomes of dialectical behavior therapy administered by an interdisciplinary team. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2018; 32:512-516. [PMID: 30029741 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION 87 female and 10 male adult outpatients with BPD diagnoses presenting with acute suicidal and self-harm behaviors were offered a 12-Month Intensive DBT Program delivered by an interdisciplinary team of psychotherapists, including social workers, nurses, and a psychologist. METHODS Clients were administered self-report measures at pre-treatment, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals in a single-group longitudinal design. Our analyses of treatment outcomes (ANOVA and Bonferroni-corrected comparisons) considered: BPD-specific symptoms, using the BSL-23 (n = 44), ZAN-BPD (n = 39), and DBT-WCCL Adaptive Skills Use and Dysfunctional Coping subscales (n = 43); transdiagnostic psychiatric symptoms, using the BSL Global Severity Index (n = 35); and quality of life, using QOLI t-scores (n = 42). We also evaluated changes in the proportions of clients who used services for mental health-related crises, visited the ER, or were admitted as inpatients. RESULTS Significant reductions in both BPD-specific and transdiagnostic psychiatric symptoms were found. Quality of life improved. DBT skills use notably increased and dysfunctional coping scores declined inversely. Fewer clients tended to use crisis services and visit the ER. DISCUSSION These results illustrate the potential for accessible, effective treatment for BPD delivered by interdisciplinary staff.
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Hernandez AM, Ryan JF. Horizontally transferred genes in the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5067. [PMID: 29922518 PMCID: PMC6005172 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) has had major impacts on the biology of a wide range of organisms from antibiotic resistance in bacteria to adaptations to herbivory in arthropods. A growing body of literature shows that HGT between non-animals and animals is more commonplace than previously thought. In this study, we present a thorough investigation of HGT in the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi. We applied tests of phylogenetic incongruence to identify nine genes that were likely transferred horizontally early in ctenophore evolution from bacteria and non-metazoan eukaryotes. All but one of these HGTs (an uncharacterized protein) are homologous to characterized enzymes, supporting previous observations that genes encoding enzymes are more likely to be retained after HGT events. We found that the majority of these nine horizontally transferred genes were expressed during development, suggesting that they are active and play a role in the biology of M. leidyi. This is the first report of HGT in ctenophores, and contributes to an ever-growing literature on the prevalence of genetic information flowing between non-animals and animals.
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Hernandez AM, Perez EC, Mulard H, Mathevon N, Vignal C. Mate call as reward: Acoustic communication signals can acquire positive reinforcing values during adulthood in female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 130:36-43. [PMID: 26881942 DOI: 10.1037/a0040027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Social stimuli can have rewarding properties and promote learning. In birds, conspecific vocalizations like song can act as a reinforcer, and specific song variants can acquire particular rewarding values during early life exposure. Here we ask if, during adulthood, an acoustic signal simpler and shorter than song can become a reward for a female songbird because of its particular social value. Using an operant choice apparatus, we showed that female zebra finches display a preferential response toward their mate's calls. This reinforcing value of mate's calls could be involved in the maintenance of the monogamous pair-bond of the zebra finch.
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Plumlee QD, Hernandez AM, Clark SD, Bascuñán A, Davidson J, Mansell J. High-Grade Myxoid Liposarcoma (Round Cell Variant) in a Dog. J Comp Pathol 2016; 155:305-309. [PMID: 27665042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A 10-year-old, neutered male, Basset hound had a 26 × 21 × 21 cm infiltrative mass on the left abdominal wall that did not extend into the peritoneal cavity based on radiographs and abdominal computed tomography. Cytological examination revealed moderate numbers of neoplastic round cells, which frequently contained numerous round, clear, cytoplasmic vacuoles. Histologically, the tumour was composed of two morphologically distinct cell populations forming a continuum of heterogeneously differentiated cells. The primary spindle-shaped population formed streams with abundant, lightly eosinophilic, alcian blue-positive, myxoid matrix. The second population was arranged in sheets and had a round cell appearance. Scattered within both populations were neoplastic cells containing variably sized, intracytoplasmic, osmium tetroxide-positive vacuoles (lipid). Multifocal large pools of mucin formed pseudocysts, and numerous small capillaries were present throughout the neoplasm. According to the current World Health Organization veterinary classification of liposarcomas, this neoplasm had morphological features of both the myxoid and pleomorphic variants of liposarcoma; however, it was analogous to the recently defined high-grade myxoid liposarcoma in man. Myxoid liposarcoma with round cells has not been described previously in dogs. This case highlights the need to potentially re-evaluate the current classification of liposarcomas in animals.
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Moores JD, Uppal S, Hernandez AM, Wilansky P. Telemedicine as a tool to mitigate cardiometabolic risk associated with serious mental illness. J Telemed Telecare 2014; 20:436-40. [PMID: 25316040 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x14555617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
People with serious mental illness suffer from substantially higher rates of cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality than the general population. We have evaluated the efficacy of telemedicine for providing cardiometabolic risk management services compared to in-person care. A retrospective chart review was conducted in order to compare changes in body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure and serum triglycerides before and after telemedicine (n=38). The comparator group (n=38) was selected from a list of all clients who had a conventional appointment at the metabolic clinic. Analysis of Variance showed an overall effect of treatment on BMI (P<0.001), but no significant differences between the groups on BMI (P=0.89), systolic blood pressure (P=0.62) or fasting serum triglycerides (P=0.81). This suggests that telemedicine may be as effective as in-person care and that telemedicine has the potential to improve access to cardiometabolic risk management services for people with serious mental illness.
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Zeichen MS, Lujan HJ, Mata WN, Maciel VH, Lee D, Jorge I, Plasencia G, Gomez E, Hernandez AM. Closure versus non-closure of hernia defect during laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with mesh. Hernia 2013; 17:589-96. [PMID: 23784711 DOI: 10.1007/s10029-013-1115-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with mesh versus laparoscopic ventral hernia defect closure with mesh reinforcement. The primary end-point was recurrence. METHODS Retrospective review of patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair for small- and medium-sized hernias between July 2000 and September 2011. These patients were divided: (1) repair with mesh alone (non-closure group) and (2) those with hernia defect closure and mesh reinforcement (closure group). The closure group was further divided by technique: percutaneous versus intracorporeal closure of the defect. RESULTS 128 patients were studied: 93 patients (72.66 %) in the non-closure group and 35 patients (27.34 %) in the closure group. Follow-up was available in 105 patients (82.03 %) at a mean of 797.2 days (range 7-3,286 days). In the non-closure group there were 14 patients (15.05 %) with postoperative complications and 8 patients (22.86 %) in the closure group, four of which were seromas. Fourteen patients (19.18 %) developed recurrent hernias in the non-closure group with an average time to presentation of 23.17 months (range 5.3-75.3). Two patients (6.25 %) developed recurrent hernias in the percutaneous group with an average time to presentation of 12.95 months (range 9.57-16.33). There have been no recurrences in patients whose defect was closed intracorporeally. CONCLUSION Although our study demonstrated a difference in recurrence rates of 19.18 % in the non-closure group versus 6.25 % in the closure group, the difference did not reach statistical significance. A larger series with longer follow-up may demonstrate clinical significance.
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Dabelea D, Dolan LM, D'Agostino R, Hernandez AM, McAteer JB, Hamman RF, Mayer-Davis EJ, Marcovina S, Lawrence JM, Pihoker C, Florez JC. Association testing of TCF7L2 polymorphisms with type 2 diabetes in multi-ethnic youth. Diabetologia 2011; 54:535-9. [PMID: 21109996 PMCID: PMC3766323 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-010-1982-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2010] [Accepted: 10/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM/HYPOTHESIS Common variants in the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene have been associated with type 2 diabetes in adults. However, it is not known whether TCF7L2 variation increases the risk of early onset type 2 diabetes. Using a case-control design, we examined whether the reported variants [rs12255372 (T/G) and rs7903146 (T/C)] are associated with type 2 diabetes in SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study participants. METHODS Variants were genotyped in 694 non-Hispanic white (NHW) youth (86 cases, mean age 15.5 years, mean BMI 34.8; and 608 controls, mean age 14.4 years, mean BMI 22.3) and 545 African-American (AA) youth (154 cases, mean age 15.9, mean BMI 37; and 391 controls, mean age 14.8, mean BMI 23.8). Logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, BMI and West African ancestry. RESULTS The association of the risk T allele with case/control status was different in AA and NHW youth (p = 0.025). Among AA youth, each copy of the T allele (rs7903146) was associated with a 1.97-fold (1.37, 2.82) increased odds for type 2 diabetes (p < 0.0001), after adjustment for age, sex, BMI and African ancestry. No significant association was detected in NHW youth (adjusted OR, 1.14; 0.73, 1.79). CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION TCF7L2 variation is associated with an increased risk of early-onset type 2 diabetes among AA youth, and the association appears to be stronger in AA than NHW youth. This suggests potential different contributions of genetic and environmental factors to early-onset type 2 diabetes by race.
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Hernandez AM, Pfaff JA, MacDougall-Shackleton EA, MacDougall-Shackleton SA. The Development of Geographic Song Preferences in Female Song SparrowsMelospiza melodia. Ethology 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2009.01642.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Hernandez AM, Phillmore LS, MacDougall-Shackleton SA. Effects of learning on song preferences and Zenk expression in female songbirds. Behav Processes 2007; 77:278-84. [PMID: 18155363 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2007.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2007] [Revised: 11/06/2007] [Accepted: 11/06/2007] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Male songbirds learn to produce their songs, and females attend to these songs during mate choice. The evidence that female song preferences are learned early in life, however, is mixed. Here we review studies that have found effects of early song learning on adult song preferences, and those that have not. In at least some species, early experience with song can modify adult song preferences. Whether this learning needs to occur during an early sensitive phase, akin to male imitative vocal learning, or not remains an open question. Studies of the neural bases for female song preferences highlight activity (as measured by immediate-early gene induction) in regions of the auditory forebrain as often, but not always, being associated with song preferences. Immediate-early gene induction in these regions, however, is not specific to songs experienced early in life. On the whole, inherited factors, early experience, and adult experience all appear to play a role in shaping female songbirds preferences for male songs.
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McKenzie TLB, Hernandez AM, MacDougall-Shackleton SA. Experience with songs in adulthood reduces song-induced gene expression in songbird auditory forebrain. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2006; 86:330-5. [PMID: 16807000 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2006.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2006] [Revised: 05/17/2006] [Accepted: 05/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Male songbirds learn to produce song within a limited phase early in life; however they continue to learn to recognize songs in adulthood. Studies looking at Zenk activation after exposure to songs learned early in life for song production and songs learned in adulthood show opposite patterns of activation, suggesting distinct neural mechanisms may be involved in these two forms of learning. In this study, we look at IEG Zenk activation in auditory regions NCM and CMM of song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) to see whether recent exposure to song in adulthood leads to greater or decreased Zenk activation upon hearing that song versus a novel song. We found significantly lower activation in birds exposed to previously heard songs versus novel songs in vNCM but not dNCM, though further analysis suggest an overall trend in NCM. We found no significant difference in the amount of activation to previously heard songs vs. novel songs in CMM. These results support previous findings suggesting that activation is reduced to learned stimuli; we discuss possible implications of these findings in relation to song production learning early in life and song recognition learning in adulthood.
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Karpouzos H, Hernandez AM, MacDougall-Shackleton EA, MacDougall-Shackleton SA. Effects of day-length and food availability on food caching, mass and fat reserves in black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus). Physiol Behav 2005; 84:465-9. [PMID: 15763585 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2005.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2004] [Revised: 01/13/2005] [Accepted: 01/24/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Many animals seasonally change energy stores such as food caches and fat deposits. Two factors that potentially influence energy stores are changes in day-length and food availability. We investigated food storing and fat levels in black-capped chickadees to determine how they are affected by changes in duration of light period and duration of food availability. Because previous studies have confounded the effects of photoperiod and the effects of duration of access to food we manipulated these variables independently. Birds were exposed to either long days (15 h light with 15 h of food availability), long day light exposure with short day food availability (15 h light, 9 h food), or short days (9 h light, 9 h food). We measured mass, body fat and the number of sunflower seeds stored in 1-h test sessions for 2 weeks prior and 3 weeks following this manipulation. Neither photoperiod nor food availability had an effect on food storing behavior. Fat and body mass transiently increased in both groups exposed to short duration of food availability, regardless of photoperiod, but did not increase in birds exposed to long days with long duration food availability. These results indicate that duration of time to feed may affect seasonal changes in energy reserves in addition to any effects of photoperiod.
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Hernandez AM, MacDougall-Shackleton SA. Effects of early song experience on song preferences and song control and auditory brain regions in female house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 59:247-58. [PMID: 15085541 DOI: 10.1002/neu.10312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We examined the effects of song tutoring on adult song preferences, volume of song-control brain regions, and activity of auditory brain regions in female house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus). Hand-reared females were tutored with local songs, foreign songs, or no song. We then examined adult song preferences, determined the Nissl-defined volume of the song-control nuclei HVc, Area X, and RA, and compared the number of cells immunoreactive for Zenk protein in the auditory regions NCM and cmHV, following playback of songs heard early in life (Tutor/Playback Match) versus not heard (Tutor/Playback Nonmatch). All hand-reared birds exhibited preferences for locally recorded song over foreign or heterospecific song. We found no difference in the volume of song-control nuclei among the three groups. As well, we found no difference in the number of Zenk immunoreactive cells in NCM and cmHV between females in the Tutor/Playback Match group and females in the Tutor/Playback Nonmatch group. Isolate-reared birds showed greater Zenk immunoreactivity following song playback than either tutored group. Thus, early auditory experience may not play a role in adult geographic song preferences, suggesting that genetic factors can lead to preferences for songs of local dialects. Song tutoring did not influence the size of song-control regions nor Zenk induction levels following song playback, suggesting that early experience with particular songs does not influence Zenk expression. However, overall greater activation in isolate females in auditory areas suggests that exposure to song early in life may increase the selectivity of Zenk activation to song playback in auditory areas.
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Medeiros M, Sharma VK, Ding R, Yamaji K, Li B, Muthukumar T, Valderde-Rosas S, Hernandez AM, Muñoz R, Suthanthiran M. Optimization of RNA yield, purity and mRNA copy number by treatment of urine cell pellets with RNAlater. J Immunol Methods 2003; 279:135-42. [PMID: 12969554 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-1759(03)00237-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have shown that measurement of mRNA for cytotoxic attack proteins perforin and granzyme B in urinary cells is a noninvasive means of diagnosing acute rejection of human renal allografts. Urinary cell mRNA studies have yielded useful information in other patient populations such as patients with cancer. The isolation of sufficient and high quality ribonucleic acid (RNA) from urinary cells however is problematic. RNAlater, an RNA stabilization solution, has been reported to optimize RNA isolation from tumor tissues stored at room temperature and from pigment-rich ocular tissues. METHODS We explored whether the addition of RNAlater to urine cell pellets improves RNA yield, enhances purity and facilitates measurement of low abundance mRNAs. We measured, with the use of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, levels of expression of a constitutively expressed gene 18S rRNA and mRNA for granzyme B and transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) in urine specimens and renal biopsies obtained from renal allograft recipients. RESULTS RNA yield (P<0.01, Wilcoxon signed rank test) and the A260/A280 ratio (P<0.01) were both higher with urine cell pellets treated with RNAlater prior to snap freezing compared to cell pellets that were not treated with RNAlater prior to snap freezing. Levels (copy number per 1 microg of total RNA) of 18S rRNA (P<0.02), granzyme B mRNA (P=0.002) and TGF-beta(1) (P=0.02) were all higher with treated urine cell pellets compared to untreated cell pellets. Kruskall-Wallis one way analysis of variance and pair-wise comparisons with Student-Newman-Keuls test showed that the levels of mRNA for granzyme B (P<0.05) and TGF-beta(1) (P<0.05) are significantly different between renal allograft biopsies and untreated urine cell pellets but not between the biopsy specimens and RNAlater-treated urine cell pellets. CONCLUSIONS The addition of RNAlater to urine cell pellets improves RNA isolation from urinary cells and facilitates measurement of low abundance mRNAs.
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MacDougall-Shackleton SA, Hernandez AM, Valyear KF, Clark AP. Photostimulation induces rapid growth of song-control brain regions in male and female chickadees (Poecile atricapilla). Neurosci Lett 2003; 340:165-8. [PMID: 12672532 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(03)00109-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
To examine the effect of photoperiodic condition on song-control nuclei we examined three groups of male and female black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapilla). Photorefractory birds were held on long days for several months and had fully regressed gonads. Photosensitive birds were held on short days for several months and had small gonads. Photostimulated birds were transferred to long days for 16 days following several months of short days. Following these photoperiod treatments we determined the volume of the song-control nuclei HVc, Area X, and (RA). There were significant sex differences in HVc and Area X, but not in RA. There were also significant photoperiod effects in HVc and Area X. Thus, sex and photoperiod differences in the song system exist in a species in which both sexes produce learned calls year-round.
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Hunt JP, Chan JA, Samoszuk M, Brynes RK, Hernandez AM, Bass R, Weisenburger DD, Müller-Hermelink K, Nathwani BN. Hyperplasia of mantle/marginal zone B cells with clear cytoplasm in peripheral lymph nodes. A clinicopathologic study of 35 cases. Am J Clin Pathol 2001; 116:550-9. [PMID: 11601140 DOI: 10.1309/p2m2-jea3-yyqf-0p38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe 35 peripheral lymph nodes classified as mantle cell/marginal zone B-cell hyperplasia with clear cells using morphologic and immunologic findings. For the purpose of this study, we obtained clinical follow-up information and performed immunoglobulin gene rearrangement studies on paraffin sections by polymerase chain reaction. Architecturally, the nodes were suggestive of a benign process: no pericapsular infiltration, sinuses readily identified, scattered reactive follicles present, and paracortical nodular hyperplasia present. No monocytoid B cells were present. Focally, small lymphoid cells with round nuclei and clear cytoplasm (clear cells) formed monomorphic nodular, inverse follicular, and/or marginal zone patterns. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analysis revealed neither light chain restriction nor an aberrant B-cell phenotype. Immunoglobulin gene rearrangement studies showed a clonal band in 1 of 26 cases in which DNA was amplified. To ascertain the clinical relevance of this positive case, follow-up information was obtained 30 months after the initial biopsy; the 83-year-old woman was alive without treatment but had splenomegaly and bone marrow involvement by marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. The morphologic and immunologic criteria used for diagnosis of mantle cell/marginal zone B-cell hyperplasia with clear cytoplasm are valid; however, to rule out the possibility of occult lymphoma, immunoglobulin gene rearrangement studies and clinical follow-up are necessary.
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Abstract
Sinonasal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphomas are common in Asia and areas of South and Central America but are rarely seen in the United States, where they have not been as well characterized. Fifteen cases diagnosed in Southern California were studied with respect to histologic features, immunophenotype, Epstein-Barr virus EBER in-situ hybridization (EBV EBER-ISH), and T-cell receptor gamma chain (TCR-gamma) gene rearrangement. Although ethnic background was available for only seven patients, six were of Asian or Hispanic descent with only one non-Hispanic white known. Twelve presented as sinonasal lesions, but three were limited to the oropharynx. Most cases (11 of 15) demonstrated both necrosis and an angiodestructive pattern. All cases demonstrated cytoplasmic CD3 positivity (15 of 15), and were positive for both TIA-1 and granzyme B (14 of 14). Perforin was positive in 5 of 14. CD56 was expressed in 10 of 15 and CD8 in 3 of 15. EBV EBER-ISH was positive in 14 of 14 and TCR-gamma gene rearrangement was detected in 1 of 14 cases. None (0 of 14) were positive for CD16 or CD57. Although CD16-positive histiocytes were abundant, double-label EBER-ISH/IHC failed to identify CD16 expression on EBV-positive tumor cells. Three cases with pleomorphic large cell morphology showed focal CD30 positivity, raising the differential diagnosis of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, but all were ALK-1-negative and otherwise similar to the other cases of NK/T-cell lymphoma. Sinonasal NK/T-cell lymphomas in the United States most often occur in ethnic groups from areas of reported high frequency (Asia, Central and South America), although less commonly than in endemic populations, and are otherwise similar phenotypically. A combined approach, including immunohistochemistry, EBV EBER-ISH, and TCR gene rearrangement studies, is most helpful to arrive at the correct diagnosis.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis
- Female
- Gene Rearrangement, gamma-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor/genetics
- Herpesvirus 4, Human/isolation & purification
- Humans
- In Situ Hybridization
- Killer Cells, Natural/chemistry
- Killer Cells, Natural/pathology
- Killer Cells, Natural/virology
- Lymphoma, T-Cell/chemistry
- Lymphoma, T-Cell/pathology
- Lymphoma, T-Cell/virology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/chemistry
- Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology
- Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/virology
- Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms/chemistry
- Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms/pathology
- Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms/virology
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- RNA, Viral/analysis
- United States
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Hernandez AM, Fosså SD, Brøgger A, Kat A, Skovlund E. Chromosome aberrations after etoposide containing cisplatin-based chemotherapy for malignant germ-cell tumours. Ann Oncol 2000; 11:897-8. [PMID: 10997823 DOI: 10.1023/a:1008311532043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Nathwani BN, Drachenberg MR, Hernandez AM. Primary nodal marginal zone lymphomas of splenic and MALT type. Am J Surg Pathol 2000; 24:317-9. [PMID: 10680907 DOI: 10.1097/00000478-200002000-00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Nathwani BN, Drachenberg MR, Hernandez AM, Levine AM, Sheibani K. Nodal monocytoid B-cell lymphoma (nodal marginal-zone B-cell lymphoma). Semin Hematol 1999; 36:128-38. [PMID: 10319381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Benign monocytoid B cells are seen in lymph nodes in different types of lymphadenitis and they occur in the form of clusters within and around sinuses and in the interfollicular areas, but rarely completely surround benign follicles to produce a marginal-zone pattern. The cytologic hallmark of these cells is the presence of abundant pale to clear cytoplasm; these cells usually are of medium size, and they have a rather bland-appearing, irregular nuclei with inconspicuous nucleoli. Malignant monocytoid B-cell proliferations in a lymph node have been classified as monocytoid B-cell lymphomas (MBCL), which are now called nodal marginal-zone B-cell lymphoma (MZL) in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. In the recently published clinical evaluation of the International Lymphoma Study Group classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 25 of 1,378 cases (1.8%) were classified as primary MZL, whereas four times as many cases (105 or 7.6%) were classified as low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type lymphoma. Transformation to large-cell lymphoma at the time of diagnosis was seen in five of 25 (20%) cases of nodal MZL and in 32 of 105 (30%) cases of MALT-type lymphoma. Comparison of the clinical findings at presentation and the survival results indicate that nodal MZL is more aggressive clinically than low-grade MALT-type lymphoma. For example, patients with nodal MZL had a significantly higher incidence of advanced-stage disease, including peripheral and paraaortic lymphadenopathy, than those with MALT-type lymphoma. Moreover, patients with nodal MZL had lower 5-year overall survival and failure-free survival than patients with MALT type lymphoma. When analysis was restricted to those patients with zero to three adverse risk factors in the International Prognostic Index, patients with nodal MZL still had a significantly lower overall and failure-free survival at 5 years than patients with MALT-type lymphoma. We conclude that nodal MZL is a distinctive disease entity and is similar to other low-grade nodal lymphomas, such as the follicular or small lymphocytic lymphomas, but different than MALT-type lymphoma.
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MESH Headings
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Humans
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/classification
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/pathology
- Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone/classification
- Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone/diagnosis
- Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone/pathology
- Male
- Middle Aged
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Hernandez AM. Trends in health care practitioner credentialing. JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE FINANCE 1998; 24:66-70. [PMID: 9502058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Once a risk management process limited to hospitals, the practice of practitioner credentialing has expanded to include many other health care organizations, including insurers, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, management services organizations, medical groups, and independent practice associations. Standards set by recognized accreditation bodies, including the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (Joint Commission), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and American Accreditation Health Care Commission/Utilization Review Accreditation Committee mandate a substantial effort to properly evaluate the credentials of health care practitioners. A sector of commerce called the credentials verification organization (CVO) industry has undertaken the mission to make the process of practitioner credentialing more consistent and efficient, faster, and less expensive.
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Pomares FJ, Cañas R, Rodriguez JM, Hernandez AM, Parrilla P, Tebar FJ. Differences between sporadic and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A phaeochromocytoma. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1998; 48:195-200. [PMID: 9579232 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.1998.3751208.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Phaeochromocytoma may be either sporadic or part of a familial cancer syndrome. We have investigated whether there are differences between sporadic and MEN 2A phaeochromocytomas. DESIGN A retrospective study. We analysed age at presentation, sex, mode of presentation, clinical data, laboratory and imaging techniques, treatment, pathology and follow-up. PATIENTS Forty-six patients diagnosed with phaeochromocytoma between 1979 and 1995 (23 sporadic and 23 familial) at the Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (Murcia, Spain), a tertiary referral centre. RESULTS Mean age at presentation was 47 +/- 16 years for sporadic and 38 +/- 11 years for familial phaeochromocytoma (P < 0.05). The most common clinical feature and the presenting feature in cases of isolated phaeochromocytoma was hypertension. Of the MEN 2A patients, 52% were asymptomatic at diagnosis and only 35% presented with hypertension. Levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine and metanephrines in a 24-hour urine connection confirmed the diagnosis in 95% of the isolated and 91% of the familial phaeochromocytomas. Computed tomography located 100% of the sporadic and 76% of the familial phaeochromocytomas (P < 0.02). All the MEN 2A phaeochromocytomas were bilateral compared with none of the sporadic phaeochromocytomas (P < 0.001). All the patients with familial phaeochromocytoma underwent bilateral adrenalectomy. The patients with sporadic phaeochromocytoma had the affected gland or the tumour, if extraadrenal, removed. CONCLUSIONS In comparing sporadic and MEN 2A phaeochromocytoma we found differences in age at presentation, mode of presentation, clinical data, duration of clinical features, imaging findings bilaterality and type of surgical treatment required.
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Abstract
Although the Revised European-American Lymphoma Classification does not utilize the term monocytoid B-cell Lymphoma, there are numerous reasons to support its use in classifying lymphomas of so-called marginal zone B-cell type that contain a distinct population of malignant monocytoid B-cells. In addition, there are other B-cell lymphomas which have very distinctive morphological features, because they show multiple and very well demarcated histologies characterized by presence of cells that appear to be (1) malignant monocytoid B-cells and malignant follicular center cells, or (2) malignant monocytoid B-cells, malignant follicular center cells and malignant plasma cells, or (3) malignant monocytoid B-cells and malignant mantle cells. The neoplastic cells in each of the above three examples show identical light chain restriction and thus they are part of the same neoplastic clone. We believe that there are different types of precursor B-cells (memory or otherwise) for the above cells, and an arrest in differentiation of these precursor B-cells may readily explain the presence of these different morphological combinations. Recognition of these morphological types may lead to further awareness of the possibilities of the existence of multiple, linked pathways of differentiation for lymphoid cells including the possibility of different types of precursor B-cells. Furthermore, an understanding of the uniqueness of monocytoid B-cells would allow pathologists to use terminology that is less redundant and more precise.
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Hernandez AM, Nathwani BN, Nguyen D, Shibata D, Chuan W, Nichols P, Taylor CR. Nodal benign and malignant monocytoid B cells with and without follicular lymphomas: a comparative study of follicular colonization, light chain restriction, bcl-2, and t(14;18) in 39 cases. Hum Pathol 1995; 26:625-32. [PMID: 7774892 DOI: 10.1016/0046-8177(95)90167-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
As part of an effort to develop a better understanding of the relationship between nodal monocytoid B-cell lymphomas (MBCLs) and follicular lymphomas (FLs) when they coexist (MBCL + FL) and to assess the validity of the morphological criteria for the latter diagnosis, we evaluated follicular colonization, bcl-2 reactivity, light chain restriction, and the presence of t(14;18) in 14 benign lymph node specimens containing benign monoclonal B cells (MBCs), in eight nodal specimens of pure MBCL, and in 17 nodal specimens of MBCL coexisting with FL (MBCL + FL). Follicular colonization by malignant MBCs was observed in six specimens of pure MBCL and in 13 specimens of MBCL + FL. Benign MBCs did not express bcl-2 by immunohistological methods in 11 of 12 benign specimens. In contrast, weak reactivity for bcl-2 was detected in malignant MBCs in four of five specimens of pure MBCL and in the MBCL component in 13 of 15 specimens from the MBCL + FL group. In the FL component of 13 specimens, the bcl-2 was strongly positive. Identical light chain restriction was detected by immunohistological methods in both the FL component and the MBCL component in 15 specimens of MBCL + FL. Polymerase chain reaction analysis did not detect the t(14;18) translocation in any of 10 benign specimens or any of six evaluable pure MBCL specimens. In contrast, the translocation was detected in whole sections from eight of 12 specimens of MBCL + FL. Thus, on the one hand, the high incidences of follicular colonization and the coexistence of MBCL and FL as well as the identical light chain restriction in MBCL and FL components of MBCL + FL cases suggest that possibly these are related closely when they coexist. On the other hand, the bcl-2 and t(14;18) data cannot be used as evidence in support of a close relationship.
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MESH Headings
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18/genetics
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains/analysis
- Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains/analysis
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/chemistry
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/genetics
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/immunology
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/pathology
- Lymphoma, Follicular/chemistry
- Lymphoma, Follicular/genetics
- Lymphoma, Follicular/immunology
- Lymphoma, Follicular/pathology
- Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/chemistry
- Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/genetics
- Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/immunology
- Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/pathology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/analysis
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
- Translocation, Genetic/genetics
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