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Biomedical subjects

C Marcos

Publications and source records attributed to C Marcos.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Are taxonomic distinctness measures compliant to other ecological indicators in assessing ecological status?

Assessing the ecological status, a concept implemented in the European Water Framework Directive [EC, 2000. Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy PE-CONS 3639/1/00, p. 72], requires the application of methods capable of distinguishing different levels of ecological quality. The Average Taxonomic Distinctness has been used as tool in this context, and we tested the robustness of Taxonomic Distinctness measures applying it in different scenarios (estuarine eutrophication, organic pollution, and re-colonisation after physical disturbance), analysing simultaneously its compliance to other types of ecological indicators. Results show that, in most of the case studies, only Total Taxonomic Distinctness was relatively satisfactory in discriminating between disturbed situations. Other Taxonomic Distinctness measures have not proved to be more sensitive than other ecological indicators (Shannon-Wiener, Margalef, and Eco-Exergy indices). Therefore, this approach does not seem to be particularly helpful in assessing systems' ecological status with regard to the WFD implementation.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Changes in benthic fish assemblages as a consequence of coastal works in a coastal lagoon: The Mar Menor (Spain, Western Mediterranean).

The benthic fish assemblage of the Mar Menor consisted of 37 species. Dominant species are: Gobius cobitis, Lipophrys pavo and Tripterygion tripteronotus on infralittoral rocks; Pomatoschistus marmoratus, Callionymus pussillus, Callionymus risso and Solea vulgaris on sandy bottoms and Gobius niger, Syngnathus abaster, Hippocampus ramulosus and Symphodus cinereus on Cymodocea nodosa-Caulerpa prolifera mixed beds. From 1985 to 1989 tourist development has led to the creation of new beaches and the installation of artificial rocky structures for retaining sediments. Dredging for the extraction of sand and subsequent pumping altered sediment characteristics causing a real stress leading to the substitution of typical sandy bottoms communities with Cymodocea nodosa by Caulerpa prolifera communities on mud. Soft bottom fish assemblages responded to changes in vegetation cover and substratum characteristics mainly changing the species composition, while artificial hard substrata contain a similar fish community than natural ones, harbouring even richer and more diverse assemblages. This positive effect of breakwaters should not obscure their likely negative effects on hydrodynamics and the subsequent changes of sediment quality and vegetation cover on the breakwaters' area of influence.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Are taxonomic distinctness measures compliant to other ecological indicators in assessing ecological status?

Assessing the ecological status, a concept implemented in the European Water Framework Directive [Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy PE-CONS 3639/1/00, 72 p.], requires the application of methods capable of distinguishing different levels of ecological quality. Somerfield and Clarke [Marine Environmental Research 43 (2003) 145-156] proposed Average Taxonomic Distinctness to be used as tool in this context. We tested the robustness of Taxonomic Distinctness measures applying it in different scenarios (estuarine eutrophication, organic pollution, and re-colonisation after physical disturbance), analysing simultaneously its compliance to other types of ecological indicators. Results show that, in most of the case studies, only Total Taxonomic Distinctness was relatively satisfactory in discriminating between disturbed situations. Other Taxonomic Distinctness measures have not proved to be more sensitive than other ecological indicators (Shannon-Wiener, Margalef, and Eco-Exergy indices). Therefore, this approach does not seem to be particularly helpful in assessing systems' ecological status with regard to the WFD implementation.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Identification of three single nucleotide polymorphisms in the chicken insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2 genes and their associations with growth and feeding traits.

The chicken insulin-like growth factor (IGF)1 and IGF2 genes have been partially sequenced in six individuals of each of two chicken strains of the Black Penedesenca breed (PN and MN). These two strains are genetically diverse for growth traits. Sequence alignment revealed the existence of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) (IGF1-SNP1, IGF2-SNP2, and IGF2-SNP3). These three SNP and a fourth IGF1 polymorphism (IGF1-SNP4) were typed in 60 individuals from each strain by using PCR-RFLP or primer extension analysis. No significant associations among these four SNP, growth traits, and plasma IGF1 concentration were identified. In contrast, suggestive associations (P < or = 0.05) were found between IGF1-SNP1 and average daily gain at 107 d and feed efficiency at 44, 73, and 107 d. However, these associations were not simultaneously found in both strains suggesting that they might have been produced by linkage disequilibrium with another mutation located in the IGF1 locus or another linked gene. Since the PN and MN strains differ very markedly on their feed intake, the chicken leptin gene was included in the sequence analysis. Unfortunately, attempts to amplify several regions of this gene were unsuccessful. Even when primers complementary to highly conserved regions were used, the PCR consistently failed. Other authors have reported similar problems when trying to amplify avian leptin sequences.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Pinus pollen aerobiology and clinical sensitization in northwest Spain.

BACKGROUND: Pinus pollen allergy has been generally considered to be rare and clinically insignificant. In our geographical area, Pinus pollen constitutes one of the most predominant pollen together with Poaceae and Urticaceae pollen. Pinus pinaster and Pinus radiata are the main species. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to determine the atmospheric fluctuations and the existence of patients monosensitized to Pinus pollen in our region. METHODS: Patients attending our outpatient clinic in the last 4 years with positive cutaneous tests to Pinus pollen and with respiratory symptoms were selected. They were skin tested with commercial extracts of a battery of inhalants including Pinus pollen. Serologic specific IgE to Pinus pollen was performed by CAP system (Pharmacia & Upjohn, Uppsala, Sweden). Airborne Pinus pollen counts in our city were obtained for a 5-year period (1995 to 1999). RESULTS: We present 10 patients with sensitivity to Pinus pollen and with symptomatology coinciding with Pinus pollen season (February to April). Most of these patients were monosensitizated to Pinus pollen and suffered from seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis. Pinus pollen is present in our area in large amounts from February to April with a peak pollen count in March and April. CONCLUSIONS: Pinus pollen may be an important allergen since by itself can be the only cause of allergic disease. Therefore, we think that it must be taken into account in patients living in areas with high Pinus pollen concentrations and with seasonal respiratory disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Novel HLA allele, HLA-B*4013, identified from a potential bone marrow recipient. Putative gene conversion events with donor sequence.

A new B40 allele was identified in a leukemic Caucasian patient. This allele, designated B*4013, differs in alpha 1 domain from B*4002 at six amino acidic positions: 67, 77, 80, 81, 82 and 83. Most of this substitutions could alter the antigen binding site of the HLA-B molecule. B*4013 may have originated by gene conversion or reciprocal recombination involving B*4002 as the recipient allele of sequence donated by B*4406. The new allele was serologically typed as a "blank" associated with the Bw4 epitope.

Alleles↗
PubMed1999

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 and -6 in fibrocystic breast disease.

The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in women presenting gross cystic disease (cysts > 3 mm in diameter) of the breast with intracystic K+/Na+ > 3 as compared with K+/Na+ < 3. The present study reports the levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the breast cyst fluid of women with gross cystic disease and analyses the relationship between the intracystic concentration of these cytokines, sex steroid hormones, and the K+/Na+ ratio. The concentration of these cytokines, estradiol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and 17-OH-progesterone were determined in the breast cyst fluid of 54 women with gross cystic disease. No significant differences were found in the cystic levels of IL-1 between cysts with intracystic K+/Na+ < 3 and > 3. However, in cysts with intracystic K+/Na+ > 3 we found a lower concentration of IL-6 and TNF-alpha than in those with intracystic K+/Na+ < 3. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the concentration of IL-6 in breast cyst fluid was predicted statistically by a negative regression coefficient for the concentration of estradiol and DHEA-S, and by a positive regression coefficient for the concentration of TNF-alpha. The concentration of TNF-alpha in breast cyst fluid was predicted statistically by a positive regression coefficient for the concentration of IL-6, and by a negative regression coefficient for the concentration of estradiol. No candidate variable was included in the model to predict concentrations of IL-1 in breast cyst fluid. Our results indicate that IL-6 and TNF-alpha could have a local 'protector' role in gross cystic disease, and that they could be used as a marker to identify cyst type.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
PubMed1998

Multicolonization of human nasopharynx due to Neisseria spp.

The colonization due to Neisseria spp. in the nasopharynx of forty healthy adults was studied by using a selective medium that allows the differentiation of Neisseria species and inhibits the rest of pharyngeal microbiota. The medium detected a variety of colonial morphology types and some metabolic characteristics of the isolates. We demonstrated the multicolonization by several Neisseria spp. in the same individual, and we isolated several strains of the same species, after analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns obtained from the different colonial types previously identified as the same species. The forty adults studied were colonized by 112 forms of Neisseria spp., and twelve colonization patterns were obtained: one species (45%), two (45%), three (7.5%) and four (2.5%). N. perflava-N. sicca, either alone or in combination with other species was the most frequent isolate (92.5%). The analysis of PFGE patterns obtained from different colonial types revealed the multicolonization by several strains of the same species in some individuals. This fact was found in N. perflava-N. sicca (50%) and N. mucosa (2.5%).

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Thyroid hormones in fibrocystic breast disease.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of thyroid hormones in fibrocystic breast disease. The concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), free T4 and free triiodothyronine (T3) were determined in serum of 50 women with fibrocystic breast disease without macrocysts (cysts of over 3 mm diameter) and in the serum and breast cyst fluid (BCF) of 60 women with fibrocystic breast disease and macrocysts. Possible relationships between thyroid hormones and estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone, progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone in the BCF also were analyzed. Serum thyroid hormone levels did not differ between the two groups. Free T3 levels were higher in BCF than in serum (p < 0.001), whereas T4, free T4 and TSH concentrations were lower in BCF as compared to serum (p < 0.001). Cysts were divided according to their K+/Na+ ratio because a ratio above 3 represents a predictor of malignant transformation. Free T3 concentrations were higher in BCF than in serum, in both low K+/Na+ cysts and in cysts with a K+/Na+ ratio above 3; those cysts with a high K+/Na+ ratio had the highest free T3 concentration. Free T3 in cysts correlated positively to the K+/Na+ ratio (r = 0.831; p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the concentration of free T3 in BCF was predicted statistically by the positive regression coefficient for the estradiol concentration. No candidate variable was included in the model to predict concentrations of TSH, free T4 or T4 in BCF. These data suggest an important role of free T3 in the physiology of fibrocystic breast disease.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
PubMed1994

Sero/subtyping of Neisseria meningitidis isolated from patients in Spain.

To know the types of meningococcal strains in Spain, we serotyped and subtyped 743 Neisseria meningitidis isolates recovered between 1990 and 1992 from patients. A great number of serogroup B, serogroup C and non-groupable meningococci reacted with the serotyping reagents while many serogroup C and non-groupable isolates did not react with the serosubtyping reagents (78.2% and 54.8% respectively); only 8.9% of serogroup B meningococci were non-subtypeable (NST). Distribution of serotypes was similar in serogroup C and in non-groupable strains. Isolates showed great variability in antigenic phenotypes (71 in serogroup B, 20 in serogroup C and 25 in non-groupable meningococci). The most frequent antigenic combinations were 4:P1.15 (39.8%) in serogroup B, 2b:NST (55.8%) in serogroup C and 2b:NST (35.6%) in non-groupable meningococci.

Disease Outbreaks↗
PubMed1993

Anaphylactic reaction to ranitidine.

Ranitidine is a well-tolerated H2-receptor antagonist with a furan ring as nucleus. Anaphylactic reactions are seldom reported despite the wide use of the drug. We report a patient who presented an anaphylactic reaction with ranitidine (Zantac). The positive skin prick test and oral challenge suggest type I hypersensitivity. Specific IgE determination by RAST technique and histamine release test with ranitidine were negative. The patient did not react to other H2-receptor antagonists or to another furan-derivative (nitrofurantoin).

Adult↗
PubMed1993

IgG subclass response to Aspergillus fumigatus.

The exact clinical meaning of the IgG subclass antibodies remains obscure. In order to contribute to the study of the IgG subclass response, specific IgGtotal and IgG subclass antibodies to Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in three groups of patients: 30 asthmatics due to an IgG-mediated hypersensitivity to Af, 30 atopic and 30 nonatopic controls. The results demonstrated that Af-specific IgGtotal, IgG2 and IgG4 antibodies are increased in Af-sensitive patients, although detectable levels of each specific IgG subclass could be found in all the three groups. No differences between atopic and non-atopic controls could be demonstrated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Hypersensitivity to trimethoprim.

We present two patients who experienced life-threatening immediate reactions and one patient who developed generalized urticaria following oral administration of trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) combination. Skin prick tests with TMP were positive in the three patients. No patients reacted to skin prick tests with SMX. No significant levels of IgE antibodies to TMP were found by RAST in the serum of the patients. Normal subjects used as controls did not react to any of these tests. Single-blind, placebo-controlled oral challenges were positive with TMP and negative with SMX in all patients. These results suggest that the three patients developed type I hypersensitivity reactions to TMP. In our patients skin prick tests with TMP were useful in TMP hypersensitivity diagnosis.

Adult↗