Profiler data for a Columbian population (Department of North Santander).
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Alleles↗
Biomedical subjects
A Castillo
Publications and source records attributed to A Castillo.
Effect of initial glucose concentration and inoculation level of lactic acid bacteria in shrimp waste ensilation.
Fermentation conditions and microorganisms were determined, based on acid production, glucose concentration as carbohydrate source. Inoculation levels to obtain a stable shrimp waste silage were also determined. Shrimp waste ensilation was an efficient method of preservation, allowing the recovery of chitin and another added-value products such as pigments, proteins and enzymes. From the various lactic acid bacteria tested, Lactobacillus pentosus and Lactobacillus sp. (B2) were the best lactic acid producers, although small quantities of acetic acid were detected in samples inoculated with Lactobacillus pentosus. Therefore B2 was chosen for the analysis of glucose consumption as well as for the determination of optimum inoculation levels. The best results were obtained at 10% (w/w wet basis) and 5% (v/w wet basis) respectively. Presence of starters and initial glucose concentration were critical factors in the fermentation of shrimp waste. High initial glucose and starter concentrations reduced the time and increased the amount of lactic acid produced. The fermentation pattern changed during ensilation from hetero to homofermentative. Shrimp waste ensilation prevented the growth of spoilage microorganisms keeping their microbial counts steady and pH values within the acid region.
Journal Article↗
Over-expression of betaI tubulin in MDCK cells and incorporation of exogenous betaI tubulin into microtubules interferes with adhesion and spreading.
Little is known about the presence and distribution of tubulin isotypes in MDCK cells although essential epithelial functions in these monolayers are regulated by dynamic changes in the microtubule architecture. Using specific antibodies, we show here that the betaI, betaII, and betaIV isotypes are differentially distributed in the microtubules of these cells. Microtubules in subconfluent cells radiating from the perinuclear region contain betaI and betaII tubulins, while those extending to the cell edges are enriched in betaII. Confluent cells contain similar proportions of betaI and betaII along the entire microtubule length. betaIV is the less abundant isotype and shows a similar distribution to betaII. The effect of modifying tubulin isotype ratios in the microtubules that could affect their dynamics and function was analyzed by stably expressing in MDCK cells betaI tubulin from CHO cells. Three recombinant clones expressing different levels of the exogenous betaI tubulin were selected and subcloned. Clone 17-2 showed the highest expression of CHO beta1 tubulin. Total betaI tubulin levels (MDCK+CHO) in the clones were approximately 1.8 to 1.1-fold higher than in mock-transfected cells only expressing MDCK beta1 tubulin. In all the cells, betaII tubulin levels remained unchanged. The cells expressing CHO beta1 tubulin showed defective attachment, spreading, and delayed formation of adhesion sites at short times after plating, whereas mock-transfected cells attached and spread normally. Analysis of cytoskeletal fractions from clone 17-2 showed a MDCK betaI/CHO betaI ratio of 1.89 at 2 h that gradually decreased to 1.0 by 24 h. The ratio of the two isotypes in the soluble fraction remained unchanged, although with higher values than those found for the polymerized betaI tubulin. By 24 h, the transfected cells had regained normal spreading and formed a confluent monolayer. Our results show that excess levels of total betaI tubulin, resulting from the expression of the exogenous beta1 isotype, and incorporation of it into microtubules affect their stability and some cellular functions. As the levels return to normal, the cells recover their normal phenotype. Regulation of betaI tubulin levels implies the release of the MDCK betaI isotype from the microtubules into the soluble fraction where it would be degraded.
Animals↗
Investigation of synthetic peptide hormones by liquid chromatography coupled to pneumatically assisted electrospray ionization mass spectrometry: analysis of a synthesis crude of peptide triptorelin.
Triptorelin, a synthetic peptide hormone used in the treatment of prostate cancer by means of reduction in the action of male hormone testosterone, is studied here. The synthetic procedure commonly results in unwanted side products that require extensive purification and characterization of the synthesis mixture. The chromatographic separation of triptorelin from the crude mixture was developed by applying the linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) methodology previously developed, to optimize the composition of the mobile phase in order to avoid lengthy empirical optimization procedures. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography (LC/ES-MS) was used to obtain reliable information on the inevitable side products. The knowledge of the identity of these impurities allows fast optimization of the synthetic procedure and also the therapeutic use of triptorelin peptide hormone.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Laser in situ keratomileusis enhancement after photorefractive keratectomy.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the safety, effectiveness, and predictability of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correcting residual myopia after primary photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). DESIGN: A retrospective, noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: Thirty-six consecutive eyes of 30 patients underwent LASIK after primary PRK. A Multiscan Schwind excimer laser was used for LASIK enhancement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, refraction, videokeratography, and complications were determined before and after LASIK retreatment. Follow-up was at least 12 months. RESULTS: Before LASIK, 11.11% of eyes showed a UCVA of 20/40 or better. This increased to 94.44% 12 months after LASIK. A UCVA of 20/25 or better was achieved in 0% before and in 72.22% after retreatment. Refraction +/-0.5 diopters (spherical equivalent) represented 0% of eyes before and 77.78% of eyes after enhancement. Before LASIK, two eyes had significant haze. Haze remained in these two eyes and appeared in another eye. CONCLUSIONS: Laser in situ keratomileusis proved to be safe and effective for treating residual myopia after PRK. Care must be taken when considering LASIK retreatment in patients with significant haze after primary PRK.
Adult↗
Biological screening of plants of the Venezuelan Amazons.
A total of 21 extracts derived from 17 different plant species collected in Venezuelan Amazons have been tested for the following biological activities: cardiovascular activity, brine shrimp lethality, and inhibitory effects on the hydrolysis of glucose-6-phosphate in intact and disrupted microsomes. Eight extracts diminished rat blood pressure with or without changes in heart rate. The fruit extract of Swartzia leptopetala and the leaf and twig extract of Connarus lambertii resulted in death of experimental animals. The majority of extracts (17 extracts) showed significant toxicity against Artemia salina. Concerning the hydrolysis of glucose-6-phosphate, better inhibitory effects were observed in intact microsomes than in disrupted ones for all the extracts, suggesting that these extracts intervene with variable potency in glucose-6-phosphate transport through the microsomal membrane.
Animals↗
Decrease in tear secretion and corneal sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis.
PURPOSE: To evaluate tear secretion and corneal sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the correction of myopia. METHODS: In a prospective study, 48 consecutive eyes (24 patients) underwent LASIK to correct myopia ranging from -3.5 to -12.25 diopters. Tear secretion tested by the tear function index and corneal sensitivity tested using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer were evaluated preoperatively and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Tear secretion and corneal sensitivity after LASIK were reduced during the first 3 months after surgery (p<0.001). Tear secretion returned to its preoperative values only after 9 months. Tear secretion and corneal sensitivity were more depressed in long-term contact lens wearers preoperatively and 6 months after surgery (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In the correction of myopia, tear secretion was depressed after LASIK during the first 6 months after surgery.
Adult↗
Lactic acid sprays reduce bacterial pathogens on cold beef carcass surfaces and in subsequently produced ground beef.
Organic acids have been shown to be effective in reducing the presence of pathogenic bacteria on hot beef carcass surfaces; however, application for decontaminating chilled carcasses has not been fully evaluated. In this study, a postchill, 30-s lactic acid spray (500 ml of 4% L-lactic acid, 55 degrees C) was applied onto outside rounds that had been contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium, subsequent to prechill hot carcass treatments consisting of water wash alone or water wash followed by a 15-s lactic acid spray (250 ml of 2% L-lactic acid, 55 degrees C). The prechill treatments reduced both pathogens by 3.3 to 3.4 log cycles (water wash alone) to 5.2 log cycles (water wash and lactic acid). In all cases, the postchill acid treatment produced an additional reduction in E. coli O157:H7 of 2.0 to 2.4 log cycles and of 1.6 to 1.9 log cycles for Salmonella Typhimurium. The counts of both pathogens remained significantly lower in ground beef produced from the outside rounds that received prechill and postchill acid spray than from those that received a postchill spray only. These data indicate that organic acid sprays may be successfully applied for pathogen reduction in beef carcass processing after the cooler, especially when combined with prechill treatments.
Aerosols↗
In-Plant evaluation of a lactic acid treatment for reduction of bacteria on chilled beef carcasses..
The effectiveness of a lactic acid treatment consisting of spraying a 4% L-lactic acid solution (55 degrees C at source) on chilled beef carcasses to reduce bacterial populations was tested in a commercial slaughter environment. All carcasses had been treated with a proprietary decontamination treatment composed of a hot water spray followed by a lactic acid spray prior to chilling. Bacterial groups used to indicate reductions included aerobic plate count (APC), total coliform count, and Escherichia coli count, and samples were examined from the brisket, the clod, and the neck regions of 40 untreated and 40 treated carcass sides. Depending on the carcass surface region, APCs were reduced by 3.0 to 3.3 log cycles. Log coliform and E. coli counts were consistently reduced to undetectable levels. The small reductions observed for coliforms are attributable to counts on untreated carcasses already being near the lower detection limit of the counting method. The percentage of samples with detectable numbers of coliforms (positive samples) on untreated carcasses ranged from 52.5 to 92.5%, while 0.0% of the samples collected from treated carcasses contained detectable coliforms. Percent E. coli-positive samples ranged from 7.5 to 30.0% on untreated carcasses and 0.0% after treatment of carcass sides. These results indicate that a hot lactic acid spray with increased concentration and time of application may be effectively implemented for an additional decontamination treatment of chilled beef carcasses prior to fabrication.
Abattoirs↗
In vitro antibacterial activity of glass-ionomer cements.
The in vitro antibacterial activity of the glass-ionomer restorative cements Ketac-Cem, Ketac-Bond, Ketac-Silver and Vitrebond was studied in conjunction with 32 strains of five bacteria involved in the development of caries: Streptococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp., Actinomyces spp., Porphyromonas spp. and Clostridium spp. The agar plate diffusion method was used for the cultures, which included a chlorhexidine positive control. All the glass-ionomer cements tested inhibited bacterial growth, but with considerable differences in the scope of their action. Of the four cements, Vitrebond, a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement, was determined to be the most effective bacterial inhibitor.
Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
[Ocular complications after treatment with intravenous cidofovir for cytomegalovirus retinitis].
PURPOSE: To describe the ocular changes observed in six patients treated with intravenous cidofovir for cytomegalovirus retinitis. METHODS: We have studied six patients (12 eyes) treated with intravenous cidofovir. A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed before and after each dose during the follow-up period, paying special attention to intraocular pressure changes. RESULTS: Three cases of non-granulomatous anterior uveitis with good response to conventional treatment were detected. The intraocular pressure decreased after the administration of the two first doses of the drug (p<0.01), and was followed by stabilization of the intraocular pressure with the next doses. In two of the eyes (16.7%), the decrease in the intraocular pressure was more than 50% in comparison to the measurements at the onset of treatment. In three eyes (18.7%), we detected acute anterior uveitis, which responded well to conventional treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The intravenous administration of cidofovir for the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis is associated with important ocular changes that must be carefully observed in the follow-up of these patients.
AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
Liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry of multicomponent peptide mixtures. Characterization of a mixture from the synthesis of the hormone goserelin.
In order to separate and characterize the target peptide and the side-product peptide compounds of a synthesis mixture of the peptide hormone goserelin, liquid chromatography coupled to high-flow electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ES-MS) has been used. Goserelin is an important drug with recognized therapeutical application for palliative treatment of prostatic and breast carcinomas. Stepwise solid-phase peptide synthesis commonly results in unwanted side-products associated with incomplete peptide chains. Consequently, this procedure requires extensive purification and characterization of the final synthesis mixture. The method of linear solvation energy relationships has been applied to optimize the proportion of organic modifier of the mobile phase used in the established LC method. On the other hand, ES-MS has allowed rapid and reliable identification of the target peptide and the other impurities present in the goserelin synthesis products.
Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal↗
Survival and recovery of viable but noncultivable forms of Campylobacter in aqueous microcosm.
Previous studies suggesting that the persistence of thermotolerant Campylobacter in water, especially as a viable but non-cultivable form (VNC), was involved in human campylobacteriosis, the capacities of survival and resuscitation of a significant collection of 85 strains in aqueous microcosms were investigated. Two-thirds of these strains (68%) were not detectable on agar medium after a stay of 14-21 days, whereas 21% reached this state before 14 days and 11% were non-cultivable after a stay of 21 days. Some strains remained cultivable after 35 days in a shaken aqueous microcosm and beyond 60 days without shaking. After 30 days, 51% of the non-detectable strains by conventional culture were recovered after injection in 9-day fertilised chicken eggs. A kinetic study showed that the age of the viable but non-cultivable forms and characteristics of the strains could explain the variations of recovery. These results suggest that viable but non-cultivable forms of Campylobacter could be a potential risk of colonisation of human or animals and that an embryonic factor seems to be essential to allow resuscitation.
Animals↗
RESEARCH: Ecological Information System: Analyzing the Communication and Utilization of Scientific Information in Mexico.
/ This study is concerned with the role that communication can play in facilitating the utilization of ecological information by different sectors of society involved in environmental decision-making. The ecological information system is used as a conceptual framework. This system is a model for the analysis of interactions between three sectors involved in the management of natural resources: researchers in ecology, change agents, and rural producers. Two case studies of organizations carrying out scientific research aimed at finding and implementing sustainable strategies of resource management were carried out. The purpose was to examine how real situations function in terms of communication strategies and to analyze such situations in relation to the model proposed. The analysis revealed the importance of promoting the feedback of information from change agents and rural producers to the research sector and the incorporation of this information into the research process. It also emphasized the relevance of having "active utilizer constituencies" within the rural producers who make demands upon the entire system in order to satisfy information needs. The creation of linkage systems facilitating the connection between the generation and utilization of information was supported. In particular, the establishment of special teams within research institutions is proposed, which could promote the links between the sectors through the use of communication as an instrument of work.
Journal Article↗
Antibacterial activity of four dentin bonding systems.
The antibacterial action of bonding systems Gluma 2000, Syntac, Prisma Universal Bond 3, Scotchbond Multipurpose and Prime-Bond was tested against 32 strains of the caries-producing bacteria Streptococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp., Actinomyces spp., Porphyromonas spp. and Clostridium spp. An agar plate diffusion method was used with chlorhexidine as the positive control. Assays were performed in triplicate for each component (primer and adhesive) of the bonding systems. All the adhesives were found to inhibit bacterial growth but with differences in their spectra of action. The sum action of the Scotchbond Multipurpose components were most inhibitory and Prime-Bond was found to be the least effective system.
Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
Post-pH effect in oral streptococci.
OBJECTIVES: To study the post-pH effect (PpHE) in 11 strains of oral streptococci belonging to Streptococcus sanguis, S. mitis, S. gordonii, S. mutans and S. sobrinus by using the BacT/Alert microbial detection system. METHODS: The bacterial cultures were exposed to a different pH (3.6, 4.0, 4.6, 5.0, 5.6, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0 and 8.6) for 1 h, and then returned to a neutral medium. The automated BacT/Alert system determined resumed microbial growth by measuring CO2 generation. The PpHE expresses the time difference between resumed growth (after pH shock) and optimal growth (pH 7.0 used as the control). RESULTS: PpHE was found to be minimal for alkaline pH values, and to be strain and species dependent. CONCLUSIONS: The PpHE may be useful as an ecological determinant or as an indicator of the cariogenicity of oral streptococci.
Carbon Dioxide↗
Growth of Helicobacter pylori in various liquid and plating media.
The objectives of this research were to compare commonly used liquid and plating media to elucidate whether one medium provided superior growth of Helicobacter pylori in vitro. The liquid media compared were Mueller-Hinton broth, brain heart infusion broth and H. pylori special peptone broth, formulated in this laboratory. No significant differences in growth rates were noted and shaking during the incubation of broths was not essential for good growth. The plating media compared included Columbia agar, Mueller-Hinton agar, modified Glupczynski's Brussels campylobacter charcoal agar, Johnson-Murano agar and H. pylori special peptone agar (HPSPA). None of the non-specific plating media that have been used historically to culture H. pylori exhibited any particular advantage. However, HPSPA provided an obvious advantage in colony size. Helicobacter pylori special peptone agar enhances the cultivation of H. pylori and could improve the recovery of the bacterium from clinical samples in vitro.
Agar↗
Survival of Vibrio cholerae O1 in ceviche and its reduction by heat pretreatment of raw ingredients.
The survival of Vibrio cholerae O1 serotypes Inaba and Ogawa was determined in ceviche prepared from inoculated ground fish. Ground mackerel purchased from a seafood distribution center was inoculated with V. cholerae and stored at 8 or 20 degrees C. Counts of V. cholerae decreased in 2.6 to 2.7 log10 CFU/g during 96 h of storage at 8 degrees C or 2.5 to 2.6 log10 CFU/g during 24 h at 20 degrees C. Survival studies indicated that serotype Inaba decreased its number following a linear or retarded trend, whereas serotype Ogawa followed an accelerated death trend. No effect of the initial level of inoculum was observed. Odor scores of ceviche indicated that this food became marginally acceptable within as little as 48 h of storage at 8 degrees C or 3 h at 20 degrees C and were related to total volatile nitrogen values but not to aerobic plate counts, pH, or coliform counts. A heat pretreatment that consisted of stirring 100 g of inoculated ground fish into 40 ml of boiling water produced an 8-log reduction of V. cholerae within 3 min without affecting the color, odor, or flavor of ceviche prepared with such pretreated fish. According to this study, V. cholerae present in contaminated ceviche will likely survive longer than the shelf life of this food. Preheating the ground raw fish used for preparing ceviche for 3 min should effectively eliminate V. cholerae O1, providing science-based conditions for implementing a critical control point if a hazard analysis critical control point plan were to be developed for preparation of ceviche.
Animals↗