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Biomedical subjects

E Navarro

Publications and source records attributed to E Navarro.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Primary sequence of the human, lysine-rich, ribosomal protein RPL38 and detection of an unusual RPL38 processed pseudogene in the promoter region of the type-1 angiotensin II receptor gene.

We have isolated a cDNA clone encoding the human ribosomal protein L38 (HSRPL38). The longest ORF of the cDNA predicts a lysine-rich small polypeptide identical to the rat RPL38 protein (100% identity), and sharing a 84% of identity to the tomato RPL38 protein sequence. Northern blot analysis of a number of epithelial cell lines showed that the HSRPL38 is encoded by a mRNA ubiquitously expressed. Southern blot analysis of human genomic DNA suggested that the RPL38 does not constitute a multigene family but it is encoded by a reduced set of active genes, among which we have also found a RPL38 processed pseudogene located in the promoter region of the human type-1 angiotensin II receptor gene. This RPL38 pseudogene is very unusual among processed pseudogenes in that the poly A tail and the entire 5'-UTR of the original RPL38 mRNA were deleted during the retrotransposition process.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Motor lateralization, behavioral despair and dopaminergic brain asymmetry after prenatal stress.

This paper presents data suggesting a relationship between rat behavioral despair in the Porsolt test and motor lateralization in the T-maze test. In addition, experimental evidence suggests a functional coupling among dopaminergic systems, behavioral despair and motor lateralization. In the first experiment, female, not male, rats with a high level of behavioral despair showed a low level of behavioral lateralization. The inverse relationship was found in female offspring of mothers stressed during gestation. In comparison with unstressed-mother rats, the female offspring of stressed mothers showed an increase of dopamine (DA) and a decrease of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and Homovanillic (HVA) levels and of DOPAC:DA and HVA:DA indexes in the n. accumbens of the right side of the brain. No significant differences were found in the n. accumbens of the left brain. Taken together, the present data provide evidence of a relation between behavioral despair and motor lateralization, suggesting that the biological dopaminergic inervation of n. accumbens could be the basis for this functional coupling. Because the stress of gestant mothers modified these biochemical and behavioral variables, the present study also suggests that lateralization of behavior and emotion during adulthood can be modified by prenatal variables.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Changes in mucosal fatty acid profile in inflammatorybowel disease and in experimental colitis: a common response to bowel inflammation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid profile in patients with inflammatory bowel disease is abnormal. We aimed to assess the mucosal fatty acid pattern in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, and in rats with trinitrobenzene-sulfonic acid (TNB) induced colitis. METHODS: Fatty acids were measured in colonic mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis (n = 30), Crohn's disease (n = 21), and healthy controls (n = 13). Likewise, they were assessed in the colonic mucosa of rats with TNB- and sham-colitis. RESULTS: There was an increase of the end-products (C22:5n3, C22:6n3, C20:4n6, C22:5n6) and a decrease of the precursors (C18:3n3, C18:2n6) of both n3 and n6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the mucosa of active ulcerative colitis and TNB-colitis. Also, high values of saturated (C16:0, C18:0) and low values of monounsaturated fatty acids (C18:1n9) were observed. Furthermore, the mucosa of active Crohn's disease showed substantial changes in saturated, monounsaturated and essential fatty acids, but not in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Mucosa of patients with inactive disease showed intermediate fatty acid values between the mucosa of active patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Colonic inflammation causes a characteristic modification of the mucosal fatty acid profile which appears to be common to different aetiologies and seems to be related to the degree of inflammation.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

Spontaneous ascent of the testis.

OBJECTIVE: To report confirmed cases of spontaneous testicular ascent in patients with a cryptorchid testis which had been previously placed in the scrotum. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1972 and 1992, 46 cryptorchid testes (36 patients), which were previously verified to be in the scrotum by staff paediatricians or paediatric surgeons, were treated surgically. The clinical, surgical and anatomicopathological records were reviewed to determine testicular position and associated conditions, and biopsies were taken from 35 testes. RESULTS: The mean time between the last "normal' exploration until the testes ascended was 4.5 years. Before ascent, the testes were confirmed to be in the scrotum by up to seven separate recorded examinations. During surgical treatment, an open processus vaginalis was found in 18 testes. The mean (SD) tubular fertility index was 40 (37)%. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that a previously descended testis can ascend spontaneously. The clinical and anatomicopathological characteristics of these testes were similar to those of the cryptorchid testis.

Child↗
PubMed1997

Treatment of human brucellosis with doxycycline and gentamicin.

The objective of the present prospective, noncomparative, multicenter study was assess the safety and efficacy of gentamicin and doxycycline therapy for human brucellosis. In the first part of the study, a cohort of 17 patients received 100 mg of doxycycline (or 50 mg/kg of body weight per day if the body weight was < 40 kg) orally every 12 h for 45 days (cohort 1). In the second part of the study a subsequent cohort of 35 patients was treated with doxycycline at the same dosage for 30 days (cohort 2). All patients were treated intramuscularly with gentamicin at 240 mg (or 5 mg/kg per day if the body weight was < 50 kg) once daily for the first 7 days. Both cohorts showed a favorable response during therapy, and there were no therapeutic failures. Relapse was noted in 1 (5.9%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.15 to 28.7%) of the 17 patients in cohort 1 and in 8 (22.9%; 95% CI, 10.4 to 40.1%) of the 35 patients in cohort 2. Nineteen patients (36.5%; 95% CI, 23.6 to 51.0%) had adverse effects, with no differences between cohorts, and no patients had a treatment-limiting adverse effect. The study indicates that the combination of doxycycline for 45 days and gentamicin for 7 days is an effective and well-tolerated therapy for human brucellosis. The relapse rates obtained with doxycycline treatment for 30 days appear to be higher than those obtained with doxycycline treatment for 45 days.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

The nodular microsymbionts of Gymnostoma spp. are Elaeagnus-infective Frankia strains.

The phylogenetic relationships of Frankia strains infective on Gymnostoma with other Frankia strains was analyzed. Partial sequencing of the 16S rDNA and use of specific primers showed that the Frankia strains present in Gymnostoma are phylogenetically close to Elaeagnus-infective strains. This finding was confirmed by using the sequences of the hypervariable nifDK intergenic spacer. The strains present in Gymnostoma nodules were close to one another. Clustered with Elaeagnus-infective strains, and distantly related to Casuarina and Alnus-infective strains. Morphological observations of strains and cross-inoculation trials showed that Gymnostoma-infective strains are indistinguishable from Elaeagnus-infective strains. Results of both phenotypic and genotypic approaches indicate that Gymnostoma-infective strains are Elaeagnus infective and not Casuarina infective.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1997

[Mini-mental state examination: proposal of protocol to be used].

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is currently one of the most widely used tools for the assessment and screening of cognitive impairment despite a number of issues raised regarding the sensitivity of some subtests and the negative impact of advanced age and poor education. The informal use of invalidated and poor quality translations of the MMSE into Spanish language is widespread, and presumably this further increases some of the uncertainties linked to this test. The result may be misleading, not only as it may overestimate the prevalence of dementia but because it decreases interrater consistency with a view to epidemiological projects. A validated translation of the MMSE into Spanish is therefore much needed. Such a version would not only pay attention to educational and age issues but it would also take into account potential cultural and linguistics inter-community difference of some subtests when specifically applied in Spain which may represent another potential source of inconsistency throughout the country. Furthermore, subtle inhomogeneities in the way the test is administered may result in gross intra-rater and inter-rater variability, hence further decreasing reliability. On the basis of experience gained from a large hospital-based experience in administering the traditional MMSE to neurological patients we propose a standardized version to apply MMSE in Spanish with the alm to improve reliability. This is a preliminary step toward developing a reliable and sensitive Spanish version of the MMSE.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Isolation of tissue-type plasminogen activator, cathepsin H, and non-specific cross-reacting antigen from SK-PC-1 pancreas cancer cells using subtractive hybridization.

We have used subtractive hybridization to isolate cDNAs overexpressed in SK-PC-1 pancreas cancer cells. Forty-five independent clones corresponding to 11 genes were identified. Their expression in cultured pancreas cancer cells, normal pancreas tissue, and normal exocrine pancreas cultures was examined by Northern blotting. cDNA clones can be grouped into two broad categories: (1) those corresponding to genes expressed at high levels both in tumor cell lines and in primary cultures of normal pancreas, but not in normal tissue (i.e. thymosin beta4(3), cytokeratin 18, beta-actin, pyruvate kinase and mitochondrial genes); and (2) those corresponding to genes expressed at high levels in pancreas cancer cultures but not in normal pancreas tissue or cultured cells (i.e. tissue-type plasminogen activator and cathepsin H). The overexpression of these proteases in pancreas cancers suggests that they play a role in the aggressive biological behavior of this tumor.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗
PubMed1996

Iatrogenic outbreak of M. chelonae skin abscesses.

We describe an outbreak of skin lesions due to Mycobacterium chelonae subsp. abscessus associated with injections of lidocaine (lignocaine) given by a 'bioenergetic' (a practitioner of alternative medicine) in Colombia. The lidocaine carpules and the lesions of the patients yielded mycobacteria with identical biochemical characteristics. Using the methodology of Sartwell and a case control design we examined the incubation period and assessed risk factors. Of 667 potentially exposed individuals, a total of 298 patients were interviewed, of whom 232 had skin lesions. The median incubation period was 30.5 days (range 15-59 days). Male sex (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.26-6.51), increasing age (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03-1.53), subcutaneous injection route (OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.09-12.7) and number of injections (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.03) were risk factors for disease. To our knowledge, this is the largest reported outbreak of M. chelonae infection, the first in which the organism has been isolated from the putative vehicle of infection, and the first in which the incubation period could be determined.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Changes of the mucosal n3 and n6 fatty acid status occur early in the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

Despite data favouring a role of dietary fat in colonic carcinogenesis, no study has focused on tissue n3 and n6 fatty acid (FA) status in human colon adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Thus, FA profile was measured in plasma phospholipids of patients with colorectal cancer (n = 22), sporadic adenoma (n = 27), and normal colon (n = 12) (control group). Additionally, mucosal FAs were assessed in both diseased and normal mucosa of cancer (n = 15) and adenoma (n = 21) patients, and from normal mucosa of controls (n = 8). There were no differences in FA profile of both plasma phospholipids and normal mucosa, between adenoma and control patients. There were considerable differences, however, in FAs between diseased and paired normal mucosa of adenoma patients, with increases of linoleic (p = 0.02), dihomogammalinolenic (p = 0.014), and eicosapentaenoic (p = 0.012) acids, and decreases of alpha linolenic (p = 0.001) and arachidonic (p = 0.02) acids in diseased mucosa. A stepwise reduction of eicosapentaenoic acid concentrations in diseased mucosa from benign adenoma to the most advanced colon cancer was seen (p = 0.009). Cancer patients showed lower alpha linolenate (p = 0.002) and higher dihomogammalinolenate (p = 0.003) in diseased than in paired normal mucosa. In conclusion changes in tissue n3 and n6 FA status might participate in the early phases of the human colorectal carcinogenesis.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1996

Colon cancer in rats and diet in the Sonoran desert region of Mexico.

The role of dietary fiber in colon cancer is still not clear. Epidemiological studies suggest a protective role for high fiber intake. However the data suggest that the effects of fiber must be considered in the context of the total diet and its interactions with other dietary components. The typical Sonora diet is high in dietary fiber (7.8%) and the majority of this fiber (71%) is insoluble. Comparing the incidence of colon cancer in Sonora with its neighboring state of Arizona, in 1991, Sonora reported 40 cases of colon cancer, a population of 1,823,606, compared to 1432 for Arizona (3,763,322 inhabitants). The typical regional diet was evaluated for its protective effect in the development of colon cancer in rats injected with azoxymethane, AOM. The regional diet showed a tendency to protect against colon cancer, an incidence of 45% compared to 66% for the control diet, although this effect was not significant (p = 0.15). Further studies are needed to fully evaluate the diet and certain interactive dietary factors such as fat, quantity as well as type, protein, calcium and antioxidant nutrients.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Nutritional status of patients on chronic hemodialysis].

The objective was to determine the nutritional status (NS) in a population undergoing chronic hemodialysis (CHD), and correlate it with dialysis dose and morbimortality. A total of 55 patients, 27 men and 28 women, aged 47 +/- 15 and with a history of CHD of 54.6 +/- 47.6 months were evaluated. NS was classified into: adequate, mild malnutrition, moderate malnutrition and severe malnutrition. A score based on usual laboratory data (total iron-binding capacity [TIBC], albumin and cholesterol), clinical evaluation and anthropometric measurements (body mass index [BMI], mid brachial circumference, tricipital fold [TF], mid brachial muscle circumference [MBMC]), was used. In addition, a 7-days' intake auto-registration plan was conducted, and protein catabolic rate (PCR) was determined. Calorie intake was of 27 +/- 13 kcal/kg/day and protein intake was of 1.2 +/- 0.5 g/kg/day. No correlation was found between the latter and PCR. 49.1% of patients had moderate to severe malnutrition, only 9 patients had an adequate NS. However anthropometric measurements showed that TF, MBMC and BMI were normal in 54.5%, 45%, and 72.7% of patients, respectively. No correlation was found between NS and age onset of CHD, sex, creatinine, dialysis dose (Kt/V x = 1.24 +/- 0.12), PCR and morbidity. A longer history of dialysis was associated with a worse NS (p < 0.01). In addition, NS significantly correlated with albumin (p < 0.01) and mortality (p < 0.05). The estimated death risk was 9.45 times higher in patients with moderate and severe malnutrition.

Energy Intake↗
PubMed1995

Incorporation of diacids into the polyglycine II structure: model studies.

Aliphatic diacids are often incorporated into polypeptide structures in order to obtain model compounds for hormones, protein turns, etc. They are also fundamental components of many commercial polyamides. On the other hand glycine, the simplest amino acid, shows unique conformational features. In order to better understand the structure of such compounds, we have synthetized and determined the molecular structure of three models represented by the general formula CH3-CH2-CH2-NH-CO-CH2-NH-CO-(CH2)n-2-CO-NH-CH2-CO-NH-CH2-CH2-CH3, with n = 3, 4, or 6. Conformational differences have been found in the dicarboxylic moiety, whereas glycine always has the polyglycine II conformation. The -CO-(CH2)n-2-CO-segment adopts a folded conformation: SS, TGT, and SGTGS for n = 3, 4, and 6, respectively. Molecular packing is always pseudohexagonal and a network of hydrogen bonds oriented in three directions at 120 degrees is formed. The results are of interest in order to provide information about polyamides in which glycine residues are incorporated. Our results confirm the tendency of glycine residues to adopt the polyglycine II conformation in its copolymers with aliphatic compounds.

Amino Acid Sequence↗