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Saad MJA, Santos A, Prada PO. Linking Gut Microbiota and Inflammation to Obesity and Insulin Resistance. Physiology (Bethesda) 2017; 31:283-93. [PMID: 27252163 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00041.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 453] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and insulin resistance are the major predisposing factors to comorbidities, such as Type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and several types of cancer. The prevalence of obesity is still increasing worldwide and now affects a large number of individuals. Here, we review the role of the gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance/obesity. The human intestine is colonized by ∼100 trillion bacteria, which constitute the gut microbiota. Studies have shown that lean and overweight rodents and humans may present differences in the composition of their intestinal flora. Over the past 10 years, data from different sources have established a causal link between the intestinal microbiota and obesity/insulin resistance. It is important to emphasize that diet-induced obesity promotes insulin resistance by mechanisms independent and dependent on gut microbiota. In this review, we present several mechanisms that contribute to explaining the link between intestinal flora and insulin resistance/obesity. The LPS from intestinal flora bacteria can induce a chronic subclinical inflammatory process and obesity, leading to insulin resistance through activation of TLR4. The reduction in circulating SCFA may also have an essential role in the installation of reduced insulin sensitivity and obesity. Other mechanisms include effects of bile acids, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), and some other lesser-known factors. In the near future, this area should open new therapeutic avenues for obesity/insulin resistance and its comorbidities.
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Review |
8 |
453 |
2
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Humayun MS, Dorn JD, da Cruz L, Dagnelie G, Sahel JA, Stanga PE, Cideciyan AV, Duncan JL, Eliott D, Filley E, Ho AC, Santos A, Safran AB, Arditi A, Del Priore LV, Greenberg RJ. Interim results from the international trial of Second Sight's visual prosthesis. Ophthalmology 2012; 119:779-88. [PMID: 22244176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2011.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 433] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2011] [Revised: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study evaluated the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System (Second Sight Medical Products, Inc., Sylmar, CA) in blind subjects with severe outer retinal degeneration. DESIGN Single-arm, prospective, multicenter clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS Thirty subjects were enrolled in the United States and Europe between June 6, 2007, and August 11, 2009. All subjects were followed up for a minimum of 6 months and up to 2.7 years. METHODS The electronic stimulator and antenna of the implant were sutured onto the sclera using an encircling silicone band. Next, a pars plana vitrectomy was performed, and the electrode array and cable were introduced into the eye via a pars plana sclerotomy. The microelectrode array then was tacked to the epiretinal surface. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary safety end points for the trial were the number, severity, and relation of adverse events. Principal performance end points were assessments of visual function as well as performance on orientation and mobility tasks. RESULTS Subjects performed statistically better with the system on versus off in the following tasks: object localization (96% of subjects), motion discrimination (57%), and discrimination of oriented gratings (23%). The best recorded visual acuity to date is 20/1260. Subjects' mean performance on orientation and mobility tasks was significantly better when the system was on versus off. Seventy percent of the patients did not have any serious adverse events (SAEs). The most common SAE reported was either conjunctival erosion or dehiscence over the extraocular implant and was treated successfully in all subjects except in one, who required explantation of the device without further complications. CONCLUSIONS The long-term safety results of Second Sight's retinal prosthesis system are acceptable, and most subjects with profound visual loss perform better on visual tasks with system than without it.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
13 |
433 |
3
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Santos A, Humayun MS, de Juan E, Greenburg RJ, Marsh MJ, Klock IB, Milam AH. Preservation of the inner retina in retinitis pigmentosa. A morphometric analysis. ARCHIVES OF OPHTHALMOLOGY (CHICAGO, ILL. : 1960) 1997; 115:511-5. [PMID: 9109761 DOI: 10.1001/archopht.1997.01100150513011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 403] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the extent of preservation in the inner retina in retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS We analyzed sectioned maculae of 21 postmortem eyes with RP and 19 age-matched, normal, postmortem eyes. Eyes were divided into 2 groups: severe and moderate RP. Cell nuclei were counted in the outer nuclear, inner nuclear, and ganglion cell layers within thirty 100-microns intervals from the foveola to 1500-microns eccentricity. RESULTS Statistically significant (P < or = .05) loss of both the outer nuclear and ganglion cell layers was present in the groups with moderate and severe RP when compared with the control groups. However, even in the group with severe RP, 30% of the ganglion cells were histologically intact. Similarly, 78% and 88% of the inner nuclear layer cells were preserved in the groups with severe and moderate RP, respectively. Different inheritance modes showed no statistically significant differences in any of the retinal layers. CONCLUSIONS Despite a statistically significant (P < or = .05) loss of cells found in all retinal layers, a large percentage of the inner retinal neurons remained histologically intact. Current experimental therapies, such as photoreceptor transplantation and implantation of a visual prosthesis, are based on the premise that some inner retinal neurons are preserved after death of photoreceptors in RP. Our observations support this assumption.
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28 |
403 |
4
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Romero A, Santos A, Tojo J, Rodríguez A. Toxicity and biodegradability of imidazolium ionic liquids. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2008; 151:268-273. [PMID: 18063302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.10.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 393] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2007] [Revised: 10/15/2007] [Accepted: 10/18/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Several bioassays have been carried out to analyze the toxicity and biodegradability of several imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) in aqueous phase. The synthetized compounds consist of an imidazolium cation with two alkyl substituents in positions 3 (R1) and 1 (R2) and a counter-ion. The alkyl substituent R1 has been fixed as a methyl group and the effect of the alkyl chain length (C1-C8) of the other substituent (R2) has been tested. Moreover, the influence of diverse counter-ions A- (Cl-, PF6, XSO4-) has been analyzed. Acute toxicity and EC50 values of each compound in the aqueous solution have been determined by using the Microtox standard procedure. Biodegradability of IL has been determined by measuring BOD5 of aqueous samples containing IL and/or D-glucose and the IL residual content and/or d-glucose concentration after this assay. The viability of the microorganisms used in the BOD5 has been related to the ATP in the samples, measured by a bioluminescence assay. All the ILs tested were not biodegradable in the considered conditions. Besides, it was found that the shorter the chain length of side chain R2, the lower the toxic effect is. On the contrary, the anion has a little effect on the IL toxicity.
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17 |
393 |
5
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Srivastava S, Santos A, Critchley K, Kim KS, Podsiadlo P, Sun K, Lee J, Xu C, Lilly GD, Glotzer SC, Kotov NA. Light-Controlled Self-Assembly of Semiconductor Nanoparticles into Twisted Ribbons. Science 2010; 327:1355-9. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1177218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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15 |
301 |
6
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da Cruz L, Dorn JD, Humayun MS, Dagnelie G, Handa J, Barale PO, Sahel JA, Stanga PE, Hafezi F, Safran AB, Salzmann J, Santos A, Birch D, Spencer R, Cideciyan AV, de Juan E, Duncan JL, Eliott D, Fawzi A, Olmos de Koo LC, Ho AC, Brown G, Haller J, Regillo C, Del Priore LV, Arditi A, Greenberg RJ. Five-Year Safety and Performance Results from the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System Clinical Trial. Ophthalmology 2016; 123:2248-54. [PMID: 27453256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System (Second Sight Medical Products, Inc, Sylmar, CA) was developed to restore some vision to patients blind as a result of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or outer retinal degeneration. A clinical trial was initiated in 2006 to study the long-term safety and efficacy of the Argus II System in patients with bare or no light perception resulting from end-stage RP. DESIGN Prospective, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial. Within-patient controls included the nonimplanted fellow eye and patients' native residual vision compared with their vision with the Argus II. PARTICIPANTS Thirty participants in 10 centers in the United States and Europe. METHODS The worse-seeing eye of blind patients was implanted with the Argus II. Patients wore glasses mounted with a small camera and a video processor that converted images into stimulation patterns sent to the electrode array on the retina. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measures were safety (the number, seriousness, and relatedness of adverse events) and visual function, as measured by 3 computer-based, objective tests. Secondary measures included functional vision performance on objectively scored real-world tasks. RESULTS Twenty-four of 30 patients remained implanted with functioning Argus II Systems at 5 years after implantation. Only 1 additional serious adverse event was experienced after the 3-year time point. Patients performed significantly better with the Argus II on than off on all visual function tests and functional vision tasks. CONCLUSIONS The 5-year results of the Argus II trial support the long-term safety profile and benefit of the Argus II System for patients blind as a result of RP. The Argus II is the first and only retinal implant to have market approval in the European Economic Area, the United States, and Canada.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
9 |
227 |
7
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Malpica N, de Solórzano CO, Vaquero JJ, Santos A, Vallcorba I, García-Sagredo JM, del Pozo F. Applying watershed algorithms to the segmentation of clustered nuclei. CYTOMETRY 1997; 28:289-97. [PMID: 9266748 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0320(19970801)28:4<289::aid-cyto3>3.0.co;2-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cluster division is a critical issue in fluorescence microscopy-based analytical cytology when preparation protocols do not provide appropriate separation of objects. Overlooking clustered nuclei and analyzing only isolated nuclei may dramatically increase analysis time or affect the statistical validation of the results. Automatic segmentation of clustered nuclei requires the implementation of specific image segmentation tools. Most algorithms are inspired by one of the two following strategies: 1) cluster division by the detection of internuclei gradients; or 2) division by definition of domains of influence (geometrical approach). Both strategies lead to completely different implementations, and usually algorithms based on a single view strategy fail to correctly segment most clustered nuclei, or perform well just for a specific type of sample. An algorithm based on morphological watersheds has been implemented and tested on the segmentation of microscopic nuclei clusters. This algorithm provides a tool that can be used for the implementation of both gradient- and domain-based algorithms, and, more importantly, for the implementation of mixed (gradient- and shape-based) algorithms. Using this algorithm, almost 90% of the test clusters were correctly segmented in peripheral blood and bone marrow preparations. The algorithm was valid for both types of samples, using the appropriate markers and transformations.
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28 |
219 |
8
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Lamare F, Ledesma Carbayo MJ, Cresson T, Kontaxakis G, Santos A, Le Rest CC, Reader AJ, Visvikis D. List-mode-based reconstruction for respiratory motion correction in PET using non-rigid body transformations. Phys Med Biol 2007; 52:5187-204. [PMID: 17762080 DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/52/17/006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory motion in emission tomography leads to reduced image quality. Developed correction methodology has been concentrating on the use of respiratory synchronized acquisitions leading to gated frames. Such frames, however, are of low signal-to-noise ratio as a result of containing reduced statistics. In this work, we describe the implementation of an elastic transformation within a list-mode-based reconstruction for the correction of respiratory motion over the thorax, allowing the use of all data available throughout a respiratory motion average acquisition. The developed algorithm was evaluated using datasets of the NCAT phantom generated at different points throughout the respiratory cycle. List-mode-data-based PET-simulated frames were subsequently produced by combining the NCAT datasets with Monte Carlo simulation. A non-rigid registration algorithm based on B-spline basis functions was employed to derive transformation parameters accounting for the respiratory motion using the NCAT dynamic CT images. The displacement matrices derived were subsequently applied during the image reconstruction of the original emission list mode data. Two different implementations for the incorporation of the elastic transformations within the one-pass list mode EM (OPL-EM) algorithm were developed and evaluated. The corrected images were compared with those produced using an affine transformation of list mode data prior to reconstruction, as well as with uncorrected respiratory motion average images. Results demonstrate that although both correction techniques considered lead to significant improvements in accounting for respiratory motion artefacts in the lung fields, the elastic-transformation-based correction leads to a more uniform improvement across the lungs for different lesion sizes and locations.
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18 |
217 |
9
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Ho AC, Humayun MS, Dorn JD, da Cruz L, Dagnelie G, Handa J, Barale PO, Sahel JA, Stanga PE, Hafezi F, Safran AB, Salzmann J, Santos A, Birch D, Spencer R, Cideciyan AV, de Juan E, Duncan JL, Eliott D, Fawzi A, Olmos de Koo LC, Brown GC, Haller JA, Regillo CD, Del Priore LV, Arditi A, Geruschat DR, Greenberg RJ. Long-Term Results from an Epiretinal Prosthesis to Restore Sight to the Blind. Ophthalmology 2015; 122:1547-54. [PMID: 26162233 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2015.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal degenerations leading to blindness due to photoreceptor loss. Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare disease, affecting only approximately 100 000 people in the United States. There is no cure and no approved medical therapy to slow or reverse RP. The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the safety, reliability, and benefit of the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System (Second Sight Medical Products, Inc, Sylmar, CA) in restoring some visual function to subjects completely blind from RP. We report clinical trial results at 1 and 3 years after implantation. DESIGN The study is a multicenter, single-arm, prospective clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS There were 30 subjects in 10 centers in the United States and Europe. Subjects served as their own controls, that is, implanted eye versus fellow eye, and system on versus system off (native residual vision). METHODS The Argus II System was implanted on and in a single eye (typically the worse-seeing eye) of blind subjects. Subjects wore glasses mounted with a small camera and a video processor that converted images into stimulation patterns sent to the electrode array on the retina. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measures were safety (the number, seriousness, and relatedness of adverse events) and visual function, as measured by 3 computer-based, objective tests. RESULTS A total of 29 of 30 subjects had functioning Argus II Systems implants 3 years after implantation. Eleven subjects experienced a total of 23 serious device- or surgery-related adverse events. All were treated with standard ophthalmic care. As a group, subjects performed significantly better with the system on than off on all visual function tests and functional vision assessments. CONCLUSIONS The 3-year results of the Argus II trial support the long-term safety profile and benefit of the Argus II System for patients blind from RP. Earlier results from this trial were used to gain approval of the Argus II by the Food and Drug Administration and a CE mark in Europe. The Argus II System is the first and only retinal implant to have both approvals.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
10 |
192 |
10
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Araujo R, Santos A, Pinto F, Gontijo N, Lehane M, Pereira M. RNA interference of the salivary gland nitrophorin 2 in the triatomine bug Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) by dsRNA ingestion or injection. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2006; 36:683-93. [PMID: 16935217 PMCID: PMC1892898 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2006.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2006] [Revised: 05/10/2006] [Accepted: 05/15/2006] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Mass sequencing of cDNA libraries from salivary glands of triatomines has resulted in the identification of many novel genes of unknown function. The aim of the present work was to develop a functional RNA interference (RNAi) technique for Rhodnius prolixus, which could be widely used for functional genomics studies in triatomine bugs. To this end, we investigated whether double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can inhibit gene expression of R. prolixus salivary nitrophorin 2 (NP2) and what impact this might have on anticoagulant and apyrase activity in the saliva. dsRNA was introduced by two injections or by ingestion. RT-PCR of the salivary glands showed that injections of 15 microg of NP2 dsRNA in fourth-instar nymphs reduced gene expression by 75+/-14% and that feeding 1 microg/microL of NP2 dsRNA into second-instar nymphs (approx. 13 microg in total) reduced gene expression by 42+/-10%. Phenotype analysis showed that saliva of normal bugs prolonged plasma coagulation by about four-fold when compared to saliva of knockdown bugs. These results and the light color of the salivary gland content from some insects are consistent with the knockdown findings. The findings suggest that RNAi will prove a highly valuable functional genomics technique in triatomine bugs. The finding that feeding dsRNA can induce knockdown is novel for insects.
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research-article |
19 |
171 |
11
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Mellström B, Naranjo JR, Santos A, Gonzalez AM, Bernal J. Independent expression of the alpha and beta c-erbA genes in developing rat brain. Mol Endocrinol 1991; 5:1339-50. [PMID: 1663215 DOI: 10.1210/mend-5-9-1339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormone is important for normal brain development. Cellular responses to thyroid hormone are mediated by multiple nuclear receptors, classified into alpha- and beta-subtypes. In the rat, expression of both the alpha and beta genes results in several translation products. By using cRNA probes common to alpha transcripts or specific for alpha-1 and beta-1, we have studied the distribution of these transcripts in rat brain at different stages of development from embryonic day 14 to adult age by using in situ hybridization histochemistry. On embryonic day 14, the alpha-1 mRNA is already widely expressed at a low level in the developing brain. The alpha-1 mRNA is developmentally regulated and showed a peak in expression during the first 3 postnatal weeks in the cerebral cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and cerebellum. The probe common to the alpha transcripts detected a widespread distribution and high levels of these forms in the same regions throughout postnatal development. The level of beta-1 mRNA before birth was low or undetectable. The beta-1 transcript showed developmental regulation as well, with a high level at birth in the mitral cell layer of the olfactory bulb, accumbens nucleus, caudate, and hippocampal field CA1 and increasing levels in other regions later during development. Complementary expression of the alpha and beta forms was seen in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The differential temporal and spatial distribution as well as coexpression at comparable levels in certain brain regions suggest different roles for the c-erbA proteins during brain development and in the mature animal.
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34 |
158 |
12
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Torres M, Vegas A, Santos A, Ros J. Insertion reactions of acetylenes with hydridocarbonyl-chlorotris(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(II). X-ray structure of carbonylchloro(cis-1,2-diphenylethenyl)bis(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(II). J Organomet Chem 1986. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-328x(00)99582-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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39 |
148 |
13
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Rodriguez S, Vasquez L, Costa D, Romero A, Santos A. Oxidation of Orange G by persulfate activated by Fe(II), Fe(III) and zero valent iron (ZVI). CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 101:86-92. [PMID: 24439838 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Persulfate (PS) was employed in the oxidation of Orange G (OG), an azo dye commonly found in textile wastewaters. Activation of PS was conducted with iron to generate sulfate free radicals (SO4(-)) with high redox potential capable to oxidize most of the organics in water. Identification of oxidation intermediates was carried out by analyzing at different times organic by-products generated from treatment of a concentrate dye solution (11.6 mM) with 153 mM of PS and 20 mM of Fe(II) at 20 °C. Intermediate reaction products (mainly phenol (PH) and benzoquinone (BQ), and in less extent aniline, phenolic compounds and naphthalene type compounds with quinone groups) were identified by GC/MS and HPLC, and an oxidation pathway was proposed for the oxidation of OG with iron activated PS. The effect of iron valence (0, II and III) in the oxidation of an aqueous solution of OG (containing 0.1 mM) was studied in a 0.5 L batch reactor at 20 °C. Initial activator and PS concentrations employed were both 1 mM. Complete pollutant removal was achieved within the first 30 min when iron II or III were employed as activators. Quinone intermediates generated during pollutant oxidation may act as electron shuttles, allowing the reduction of Fe(III) into Fe(II) in the redox cycling of iron. Therefore, activation of PS by Fe(III) allowed complete OG removal. When zero valent iron (ZVI) was employed (particle diameter size 0.74 mm) the limiting step in SO4(-) generation was the surface reaction between ZVI and the oxidant yielding a lower oxidation rate of the dye. An increase in the oxidant dosage (0.2 mM OG, 2 mM Fe(III) and 6 mM PS) allowed complete pollutant and ecotoxicity removal, as well as mineralization close to 75%.
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Evaluation Study |
11 |
145 |
14
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Monticelli A, Santos A, F. Pereira MV, Cunha SH, Parker BJ, G. Praca JC. Interactive Transmission Network Planning Using a Least-Effort Criterion. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1982. [DOI: 10.1109/tpas.1982.317043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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43 |
135 |
15
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Amaral F, Dreyer G, Figueredo-Silva J, Noroes J, Cavalcanti A, Samico SC, Santos A, Coutinho A. Live adult worms detected by ultrasonography in human Bancroftian filariasis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1994; 50:753-7. [PMID: 8024070 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.1994.50.753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrasonographic examination of the scrotal area was performed in 14 asymptomatic individuals with bancroftian filariasis and microfilaremia. While in seven subjects (50%) the ultrasonographic findings were normal, lymphatic dilation and tortuosity were observed in the other seven. In these vessels, structures with peculiar aleatory movements (filaria dance sign) were detected. A segment of the lymphatic tract containing these mobile intraluminal structures that was resected surgically from the left spermatic cord of one individual confirmed that these structures were living Wuchereria bancrofti adult worms (two females and one male). Our study demonstrates for the first time the feasibility of using a low-cost, widely available, noninvasive technique (ultrasonography) to detect and monitor living adult worms and lymphatic dilation in patients with bancroftian filariasis.
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31 |
131 |
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Gutiérrez-Cuevas J, Santos A, Armendariz-Borunda J. Pathophysiological Molecular Mechanisms of Obesity: A Link between MAFLD and NASH with Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111629. [PMID: 34769060 PMCID: PMC8583943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is now a worldwide epidemic ensuing an increase in comorbidities’ prevalence, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), autoimmune diseases, and some cancers, CVD being one of the main causes of death in the world. Several studies provide evidence for an association between MAFLD and atherosclerosis and cardio-metabolic disorders, including CVDs such as coronary heart disease and stroke. Therefore, the combination of MAFLD/NASH is associated with vascular risk and CVD progression, but the underlying mechanisms linking MAFLD/NASH and CVD are still under investigation. Several underlying mechanisms may probably be involved, including hepatic/systemic insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension, as well as pro-atherogenic, pro-coagulant, and pro-inflammatory mediators released from the steatotic/inflamed liver. MAFLD is strongly associated with insulin resistance, which is involved in its pathogenesis and progression to NASH. Insulin resistance is a major cardiovascular risk factor in subjects without diabetes. However, T2D has been considered the most common link between MAFLD/NASH and CVD. This review summarizes the evidence linking obesity with MAFLD, NASH, and CVD, considering the pathophysiological molecular mechanisms involved in these diseases. We also discuss the association of MAFLD and NASH with the development and progression of CVD, including structural and functional cardiac alterations, and pharmacological strategies to treat MAFLD/NASH and cardiovascular prevention.
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Review |
4 |
127 |
17
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Abstract
Killer yeasts secrete proteinaceous killer toxins lethal to susceptible yeast strains. These toxins have no activity against microorganisms other than yeasts, and the killer strains are insensitive to their own toxins. Killer toxins differ between species or strains, showing diverse characteristics in terms of structural genes, molecular size, mature structure and immunity. The mechanisms of recognizing and killing sensitive cells differ for each toxin. Killer yeasts and their toxins have many potential applications in environmental, medical and industrial biotechnology. They are also suitable to study the mechanisms of protein processing and secretion, and toxin interaction with sensitive cells. This review focuses on the biological diversity of the killer toxins described up to now and their potential biotechnological applications.
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Review |
23 |
122 |
18
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Norões J, Dreyer G, Santos A, Mendes VG, Medeiros Z, Addiss D. Assessment of the efficacy of diethylcarbamazine on adult Wuchereria bancrofti in vivo. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1997; 91:78-81. [PMID: 9093637 DOI: 10.1016/s0035-9203(97)90405-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
To assess directly the effect of various doses of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) on adult Wuchereria bancrofti, 31 infected men were randomly assigned to receive an initial single DEC dose of 1 mg/kg (n = 7), 6 mg/kg (n = 10), or 12 mg/kg (n = 14). Beginning 7 d later, the dosage of DEC and duration of treatment were progressively increased for 7-10 weeks. Physical examinations were performed to detect scrotal nodules and the scrotal area was examined by ultrasound (7.5 MHz transducer) to monitor the 'filaria dance sign' (FDS), the characteristic pattern of adult worm movement. Of 53 adult worm 'nests' that were detected by ultrasound, 22 (41.5%) were DEC-sensitive (FDS became non-detectable and a nodule became palpable at the site); 20 (37.7%) were not sensitive (FDS remained unchanged and detectable and no nodule developed), and 11 (20.8%) showed mixed responses (FDS remained detectable but a palpable nodule developed). All but one sensitive or mixed response occurred within 1 week after the initial single dose. Of 39 'nests' in men who initially received a single 6 or 12 mg/kg dose of DEC, 20 (51.3%) had sensitive responses compared to 2 (14.3%) of 14 'nests' in men who received a single 1 mg/kg dose (P = 0.04). Above 6 mg/kg, the macrofilaricidal effect of DEC did not increase with dose; a significant proportion of adult W. bancrofti were not susceptible to DEC during the study period.
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Clinical Trial |
28 |
114 |
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Santos A, Ortiz de Solórzano C, Vaquero JJ, Peña JM, Malpica N, del Pozo F. Evaluation of autofocus functions in molecular cytogenetic analysis. J Microsc 1997; 188:264-72. [PMID: 9450330 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2818.1997.2630819.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This work describes a systematic evaluation of several autofocus functions used for analytical fluorescent image cytometry studies of counterstained nuclei. Focusing is the first step in the automatic fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of cells. Thirteen functions have been evaluated using qualitative and quantitative procedures. For the last of these procedures a figure-of-merit (FOM) is defined and proposed. This new FOM takes into account five important features of the focusing function. Our results show that functions based on correlation measures have the best performance for this type of image.
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28 |
111 |
20
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Braña MF, Castellano JM, Roldán CM, Santos A, Vázquez D, Jiménez A. Synthesis and mode(s) of action of a new series of imide derivatives of 3-nitro-1,8 naphthalic acid. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 1980; 4:61-6. [PMID: 6153938 DOI: 10.1007/bf00255461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Four new imide derivatives of 3-nitro-1,8-naphthalic acid have been synthesised. The compounds show strong cytostatic activity against both HeLa and KB cells and are moderately toxic towards both mice and rats (LD50 above 4 mg/kg IP). Two of the most active compounds, M-4212 and M-12210, prevented the development of mouse Ehrlich ascites and rat Yoshida carcinoma. All these drugs block cell growth by inhibiting the synthesis of both DNA and RNA. In particular, both M-4212 and M-12210 raise the melting point of double-stranded DNA.
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45 |
111 |
21
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Moreira GV, Azevedo FF, Ribeiro LM, Santos A, Guadagnini D, Gama P, Liberti EA, Saad M, Carvalho C. Liraglutide modulates gut microbiota and reduces NAFLD in obese mice. J Nutr Biochem 2018; 62:143-154. [PMID: 30292107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and diabetes are associated with obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aggressive form of a fatty liver disease may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, recent studies demonstrated that there is a dysbiosis in the gut microbiota associated with early stages of metabolic disease. Therefore, the identification and repurposing of drugs already used to treat insulin resistance may be an excellent option for other disorders. We evaluated the effect of liraglutide on obesity, NAFLD and gut microbiota modulation in two different animal models of obesity: the ob/ob mice and the high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Liraglutide treatment induced significant weight loss in both obesity models, showed improvements in glycemic parameters and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the cecum and the liver. In ob/ob mice, the liraglutide treatment was able to reduce the accumulation of liver fat by 78% and reversed steatosis in the HFD mice. The gut microbiota analysis showed that liraglutide changed the overall composition as well as the relative abundance of weight-relevant phylotypes such as a reduction of Proteobacteria and an increase of Akkermansia muciniphila in the treated HFD group. We show that liraglutide can lead to weight loss and gut microbiota modulations, and is associated with an improvement of NAFLD. Furthermore, by generating a profile of the intestinal microbiota, we compiled a list of potential bacterial targets that may modulate metabolism and induce a metabolic profile that is considered normal or clinically controlled.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
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102 |
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Jimenez A, Santos A, Alonso G, Vazquez D. Inhibitors of protein synthesis in eukarytic cells. Comparative effects of some amaryllidaceae alkaloids. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1976; 425:342-8. [PMID: 944052 DOI: 10.1016/0005-2787(76)90261-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The effects of eighteen compounds obtained from bulbs of the Amaryllidaceae family were tested on (a) animal cell growth, (b) DNA, RNA and protein synthesis by intact cells and (c) protein synthesis in cell-free systems. Dihydrolycorine, haemanthamine, lycorine, narciclasine, pretazettine and pseudolycorine halted HeLa cell growth at 10(-1) mM or lower concentrations. These compounds at their growth inhibitory concentrations block protein synthesis in ascites cells and stabilize HeLa cell polysomes in vivo. Endomyocarditis virus RNA-directed cell-free polypeptide synthesis by an ascites S-30 extract and acetyl-[14C]leucyl-puromycin formation by ascites ribosomes are also inhibited by the six compounds indicated above. It is therefore concluded that they halt protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells by inhibiting the peptide bone formation step.
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Comparative Study |
49 |
101 |
23
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36 |
97 |
24
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Santos A, San Mauro M, Sanchez A, Torres JM, Marquina D. The Antimicrobial Properties of Different Strains of Lactobacillus spp. Isolated from Kefir. Syst Appl Microbiol 2003; 26:434-7. [PMID: 14529186 DOI: 10.1078/072320203322497464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The characteristics of 58 strains of Lactobacillus spp. isolated from kefir were studied. These strains were tested for adherence to human enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells, resistance to acidic pH and bile acid, antimicrobial activities against enteropathogenic bacteria and inhibition of Salmonella typhimurium attachment to Caco-2 cells. The best probiotic properties were observed in L. acidophilus CYC 10051 and L. kefiranofaciens CYC 10058. L. kefiranofaciens CYC 10058 produced an exopolysaccharide, which revealed that it was closely related to kefiran, a polysaccharide with antitumoral properties. This is the first in vitro study about the antimicrobial characteristics of the Lactobacillus population of kefir.
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22 |
90 |
25
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Deshmukh AS, Steenberg DE, Hostrup M, Birk JB, Larsen JK, Santos A, Kjøbsted R, Hingst JR, Schéele CC, Murgia M, Kiens B, Richter EA, Mann M, Wojtaszewski JFP. Deep muscle-proteomic analysis of freeze-dried human muscle biopsies reveals fiber type-specific adaptations to exercise training. Nat Commun 2021; 12:304. [PMID: 33436631 PMCID: PMC7803955 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20556-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle conveys several of the health-promoting effects of exercise; yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Studying skeletal muscle is challenging due to its different fiber types and the presence of non-muscle cells. This can be circumvented by isolation of single muscle fibers. Here, we develop a workflow enabling proteomics analysis of pools of isolated muscle fibers from freeze-dried human muscle biopsies. We identify more than 4000 proteins in slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers. Exercise training alters expression of 237 and 172 proteins in slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers, respectively. Interestingly, expression levels of secreted proteins and proteins involved in transcription, mitochondrial metabolism, Ca2+ signaling, and fat and glucose metabolism adapts to training in a fiber type-specific manner. Our data provide a resource to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying muscle function and health, and our workflow allows fiber type-specific proteomic analyses of snap-frozen non-embedded human muscle biopsies.
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Clinical Trial |
4 |
90 |