Segmental aplasia of the uterus associated with hydrometra in a goat.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
F González
Publications and source records attributed to F González.
Biosorption of heavy metals by activated sludge and their desorption characteristics.
The biosorption of different metals (Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, Ni2+ and Pb2+) was investigated using activated sludge. The optimum pH was 4 for Cd, Cu and Pb sorption and 5 for Ni and Zn. Biomass metal uptake clearly competed with protons present in the aqueous medium, making pH an important variable in the process. Protons consumed by biomass in control tests versus protons exchange in biosorption tests confirmed a maximum exchange between metal cations and protons at pH 2. The study of the influence of biomass concentration revealed that the amount of protons released from biomass increased with biomass concentration. This would confirm the hypothesis of ion exchange between both types of ions. The application of the Langmuir and Freundlich models showed a better fitting of experimental data to the first model. The maximum sorption uptake of the studied metals by the activated sludge showed the following decreasing order: Pb>Cu>CdZn>Ni. Desorption experiments showed that HCl was a good eluent for the five metals tested, particularly at low pH values (1 and 2). At pH 3 or 4 the desorption yield was significantly lower. However, its use did not allow the reuse of biomass in subsequent loading and unloading cycles. EDTA was also a good desorption agent, achieving the total recovery for the five metals tested at a concentration of 1mM, with the advantage that biomass could be reused for three sorption-desorption cycles.
Adsorption↗
Microbial activity in weathering columns.
The aim of the present work was to evaluate the metabolic activity of the microbial population associated with a pyritic tailing after a column-weathering test. For this purpose, a column 150cm high and 15cm diameter was used. The solid was a tailing with 63.4% pyrite and with minor amounts of Cu, Pb and Zn sulfides (1.4, 0.5 and 0.8%, respectively). The column model was the habitual one for weathering tests: distilled water was added at the top of the column; the water flowed down through tailings and finally was collected at the bottom for chemical and microbiological analysis. Weathering was maintained for 36 weeks. The results showed a significant presence of microbial life that was distributed selectively over the column: sulfur- and iron-oxidizing aerobic bacteria were in the more oxygenated zone; anaerobic sulfur-reducing bacteria were isolated from the samples taken from the anoxic part of the column. Activity testing showed that (oxidizing and reducing) bacteria populations were active at the end of the weathering test. The quality of the water draining from the column was thus the final product of biological oxidation and reduction promoted by the bacteria consortia.
Bacteria, Aerobic↗
Plasmon spectroscopy of metallic nanoparticles above flat dielectric substrates.
We numerically analyze the spectral properties of localized plasmon resonances in metal nanoparticles when these are above a dielectric substrate. This analysis is performed as a function of the various parameters involved in the problem (relative optical properties, particle-substrate separation, angle of incidence, etc.). It can be shown that from the spectral behavior of the resonance in the far field, information about particle near-field interactions can be obtained.
Journal Article↗
Monitoring small defects on surface microstructures through backscattering measurements.
The detection and characterization of small defects on particles or structures of a size comparable with the incident wavelength and located on flat substrates is numerically analyzed. For metallic scattering systems, calculations based on the extinction theorem of physical optics show that geometrical information about a small Gaussian defect can be obtained by partially integrating the backscattering patterns.
Journal Article↗
Uterine estrogen receptor alpha and progesterone receptor during the follicular and luteal phase in llamas.
Estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) and progesterone receptor (PR) were characterized in different endometrial cell types as luminal and glandular epithelium and stroma during the follicular (FP) and the luteal phase (LP) in llamas. Animals were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography for the determination of the presence of an ovulatory follicle and ovulation was immediately induced by a GnRH injection (Day 0). Endometrial samples were obtained by transcervical biopsies from the left uterine horn on Day 0 (FP) and 9 days after the GnRH injection (Day 9, LP). Blood samples were collected on these days for estradiol 17beta and progesterone determination by RIA. An immunohistochemical technique was used to visualize ERalpha and PR immunostaining which was then analyzed by two independent observers. Total positive area and average staining for ERalpha were affected by the phase of the ovarian activity: in the three cell types there was more positive area and intense staining during the FP than during the LP. Similar findings were observed for PR, more positive stained areas were found during the FP than during the LP in the epithelia. In addition, the three cell types had more intense staining during the FP than during the LP. An effect of the cell type for ERalpha and PR was observed; epithelia (luminal and glandular) had more positive stained areas and greater intensity than stromal cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that in llamas, like in other ruminants, estradiol has a stimulatory effect while progesterone downregulates the ERalpha and PR and that the receptor is cell type specific.
Animals↗
Cyclosporine-associated leukoencephalopathy in organ transplant recipients: experience of three clinical cases.
Leukoencephalopathy is a structural alteration of cerebral white matter mainly involving damage to myelin. Several reports have linked cyclosporine (CsA) with this alteration. The clinical features vary from qualitative alterations of consciousness to neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrates the damage to the white matter, which is essential for the differential diagnosis. We describe three clinical cases of leukoencephalopathy. The first case is a 43-year-old man received a cadaveric kidney transplant using immunosuppression with of mycophenolate mofetil, prednisone, and CsA. Four months later he developed meningism and bilateral sixth nerve palsy. The second case is a 50-year-old man with a cadaveric kidney transplant received immunosuppressive treatment with azathioprine and prednisone. As a result of gouty arthritis of the ankle, azathioprine was replaced with CsA to allow addition of allopurinol. Two weeks later he developed confusion and personality changes. The third case is a 16-year-old man received a orthotopic liver transplant. Postoperatively he suffered generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In all patients the CsA levels were toxic and signs of neurological alterations were present on MRI. All patients recovered rapidly after CsA withdrawal.
Adolescent↗
Influence of the freezing technique (nitrogen liquid vs ultrafreezer of -152 degrees C) and male-to-male variation over the semen quality in Canarian Mastiff breed dogs.
This study was carried out to assess the in vitro quality of canine semen frozen in an ultrafreezer at -152 degrees C and to evaluate the male-to-male variation of frozen semen in five male dogs of the Canarian Mastiff breed. Four ejaculates of each dog were processed individually (5% glycerol and 0.5% Equex) to reach a final concentration of 100 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml. Then, two freezing techniques were tested to assess the seminal quality (sperm motility, live spermatozoa and abnormal sperm cell percentages) at 1, 30, 60, 120 and 360 days after freezing: (i) semen was frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen; (ii) semen was frozen and stored in the ultrafreezer at -152 degrees C. After freezing-thawing, both freezing protocols showed no significant differences in sperm motility and the percentages of live and abnormal spermatozoa. On the other hand, the microscopic characteristics of spermatozoa in fresh semen were practically similar among males; however, after the semen processing and freezing, significant differences were observed (p < 0.05) among males, especially as regards sperm motility. This inter-individual variability was detected in both freezing protocols, showing that the male-to-male variation in the seminal quality post-freezing was independent of the freezing technique used. The in vitro results obtained in the Canarian Mastiff breed confirmed that the use of ultra-freezers at -152 degrees C is a potential alternative to liquid nitrogen for storing canine semen for long periods of time.
Animals↗
In vitro evidence that hyperglycemia stimulates tumor necrosis factor-alpha release in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are often insulin resistant and have chronic low-level inflammation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of hyperglycemia in vitro on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha release from mononuclear cells (MNC) in PCOS. Twelve reproductive-age women with PCOS (six lean, six obese) and 12 age-matched controls (six lean, six obese) were studied. Insulin sensitivity (IS(HOMA)) was estimated from fasting levels of glucose and insulin and percent truncal fat was determined by dual energy absorptiometry (DEXA). TNFalpha release was measured from MNC cultured under euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions. IS(HOMA) was higher in obese women with PCOS than in lean women with PCOS (student's t-test; 73.7 +/- 14.8 vs 43.1 +/- 8.6, P < 0.05), but similar to that of obese controls. IS(HOMA) was positively correlated with percent truncal fat (r=0.57, P < 0.04). Obese women with PCOS exhibited an increase in the percent change in TNFalpha release from MNC in response to hyperglycemia compared with obese controls (10 mM, 649 +/- 208% vs 133 +/- 30%, P < 0.003; 15 mM, 799 +/- 347% vs 183 +/- 59%, P < 0.04). The TNFalpha response directly correlated with percent truncal fat (r=0.45, P < 0.03) and IS(HOMA) (r=0.40, P < 0.05) for the combined groups, and with plasma testosterone (r=0.60, P < 0.05) for women with PCOS. MNC of obese women with PCOS exhibit an increased TNFalpha response to in vitro physiologic hyperglycemia. MNC-derived TNFalpha release may contribute to insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, particularly when the combination of PCOS and increased adiposity is present.
Abdominal Fat↗
[Orbital metastases. A report of four cases and a review of the literature].
OBJECTIVE: To report four cases of orbital metastases and review the literature related to this condition. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records of the four patients and the appropriate world literature. RESULTS: Two women 51 and 82 years old presented with orbital metastases from a primary breast tumour and a third woman (45 years old) had orbital metastases from a primary lung tumour. One man 60 years old presented with a metastases from a renal tumour. Two patients, one with breast metastases and the one with lung metastases, died of their disease. The remaining two patients are still alive with stable disease at the time of writing this report. CONCLUSION: The metastases in our series originated from tumours that frequently produce orbital metastases- the breast, lung and kidney. The clinical characteristics of the orbital syndromes they caused were similar to those reported in the literature. The clinical presentation was torpid in three cases and had a fulminating course in the case with lung metastases.
Aged, 80 and over↗
Gold and silver uptake and nanoprecipitation on calcium alginate beads.
Calcium alginate beads were investigated for their biosorption performance in the removal of gold and silver from aqueous solutions. It was found that uptake capacities were significantly affected by the solution pH, with optimum pH values of 2 and 4 for gold and silver, respectively. Kinetic and isotherm experiments were carried out at the optimum pH. The maximum uptake capacities were 290 mg/g for Au and 52 mg/g for Ag. FTIR analysis indicated that both carboxylic and hydroxylic functional groups in alginate beads are involved in the metal binding and later reduction of gold (+3) and silver (+1) to gold (0) and silver (0). SEM and X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of gold and silver nanoparticles.
Adsorption↗
Factors affecting the transformation of a pyritic tailing: scaled-up column tests.
Two different methods for predicting the quality of the water draining from a pyritic tailing are compared; for this, a static test (ABA test) and a kinetic test in large columns were chosen. The different results obtained in the two experimental set-ups show the necessity of being careful in selecting both the adequate predictive method and the conclusions and extrapolations derived from them. The tailing chosen for the weathering tests (previously tested in shake flasks and in small weathering columns) was a pyritic residue produced in a flotation plant of complex polymetallic sulphides (Huelva, Spain). The ABA test was a modification of the conventional ABA test reported in bibliography. The modification consisted in the soft conditions employed in the digestion phase. For column tests, two identical methacrylate columns (150 cm high and 15 cm diameter) were used to study the chemical and microbiological processes controlling the leaching of pyrite. The results obtained in the two tests were very different. The static test predicted a strong potential acidity for the tailing. On the contrary, pH value in the effluents draining from the columns reached values of only 5 units, being the concentration of metals (<600 mg/L) and sulphate ions (<17,000 mg/L) very small and far from the values of a typical acid mine drainage. In consequence, the static test may oversize the potential acidity of the tailing; whereas large columns may be saturated in water, displacing the oxygen and inhibiting the microbial activity necessary to catalyse mineral oxidation.
Environmental Monitoring↗
Colonization by high-level aminoglycoside-resistant enterococci in intensive care unit patients: epidemiology and clinical relevance.
A cohort study was performed to investigate the risk factors for colonization with high-level aminoglycoside-resistant enterococci (HLARE) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Colonization was investigated by performing surveillance samples during ICU stay. Clonal relatedness of the isolates was assessed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Eighty-six patients with an ICU stay of >48 h were included; two were colonized with HLARE at admission, and 24 (28.5%) acquired HLARE during their stay in the ICU. HLARE were initially isolated from rectal swabs alone. Thirty-five percent of Enterococcus faecalis and 57% of E. faecium showed high-level resistance to gentamicin or streptomycin. Most isolates were clonally unrelated. Using multi-variate analysis, the only variable associated with HLARE colonization was previous antimicrobial use. Five patients had HLARE isolated from clinical samples, three of them with infection; in all of these, colonization with the same clone had been detected previously by surveillance samples. We conclude that most infections due to HLARE in the ICU are preceded by previous colonization, and that antimicrobial use is the main risk factor for colonization.
Aminoglycosides↗
Impact of pregnancy on the function of transplanted kidneys.
INTRODUCTION: This study reviewed the course of pregnancies in terms of impact on renal function and delivery-related data among women who received kidney transplants in our unit. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of women transplanted between 1982 and 2002 who became pregnant. We recorded the data of medical, obstetrical, and transplant-related complications, plasma creatinine levels, and blood pressures at baseline, delivery, and 12 months after delivery. RESULTS: Thirty women had 37 pregnancies. Immunosuppressive protocols included cyclosporine, ketoconazole, azathioprine, and prednisone in 22 patients or azathioprine and prednisone in 15. Renal function decreased significantly: mean creatinine levels at baseline, delivery, and after 1 year were: 1.19 +/- 0.38 mg/dL; 1.44 +/- 0.70 mg/dL; and 1.38 +/- 0.53 mg/dL, respectively (P = .023 and P = .004 vs baseline respectively). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures at delivery were higher than at baseline (134 +/- 19 and 86 +/- 14 mm Hg vs 126 +/- 21 and 79 +/- 13 mm Hg (P = .029 and P = .053, respectively). These values normalized 1 year later (128 +/- 21 and 80 +/- 16). Decreased use of antihypertensive drugs were the cause of poor blood pressure control (1.8 +/- 1.3 vs 0.9 +/- 0.7, P < .01). Blood pressure control improved following delivery. The most frequent complications were preeclampsia (18.9%), intrahepatic cholestasis (13.5%), and urinary tract infections (13.5%). There were five rejection episodes. Seven miscarriages took place and one mole. Eleven pregnancies were uncomplicated. CONCLUSION: Renal transplantation is the best treatment for fertile women with end-stage renal disease who want to become pregnant. However, pregnancy is risky for the mother, fetus, newborn, and allograft.
Blood Pressure↗
Prevention of hyperacute rejection in a model of orthotopic liver xenotransplantation from pig to baboon using polytransgenic pig livers (CD55, CD59, and H-transferase).
INTRODUCTION: The search for alternative sources for transplant organs leads us to the search for animals as an inexhaustible source of organs. The objective of this study was to analyze whether livers from polytransgenic pigs expressing the human complement regulatory proteins CD55 (hDAF), CD59, and alfa alpha1,2-fucosyltransferase (H-transferase), protected against hyperacute rejection after orthotopic liver xenotransplantation to a baboon and also to study pig liver function in a nonhuman primate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine liver transplants from pig to baboon were divided into two groups: a control group (n = 4) of genetically unmodified pigs and an experimental group (n = 5) of pigs transgenic for CD55, CD59, and H-transferase as donors. All the donating piglets obtained through hysterectomy were maintained in specific pathogen-free conditions. The selection of transgenic pig donors followed demonstration of transgene expression using monoclonal antibodies (antiCD55, antiCD59) and immunohistological studies on liver biopsies. RESULTS: All animals in the control group developed hyperacute rejection with survival rates less than 16 hours without function of transplanted livers. In the experimental group none of the animals suffered hyperacute rejection. Survival in this group was between 13 and 24 hours. The livers were functional, producing bile and maintaining above 35% prothrombin activity. Only in one case was there primary dysfunction of the xenograft. CONCLUSION: Polytransgenic livers for complement regulatory proteins prevent hyperacute rejection when xenotransplanted into a baboon.
Acute Disease↗
The effect of removal of seminal plasma, egg yolk level and season on sperm freezability of canary buck (Capra hircus).
Goat semen is different from that of other domestic species in its limited tolerance to the inclusion of egg yolk in the freezing medium, and this tolerance depends on the presence of enzymes in the seminal plasma that react with egg yolk, producing toxic compounds to the spermatozoa. Moreover, the goat is a seasonal breeder that shows variations in semen quality throughout the year, and those variations may affect semen freezability; hence in freezing protocols, for instance, removal of seminal plasma (washing) yields varying results. This work was designed to study this problem in Canary goats: semen from six males was collected in spring, autumn or winter, washed or non-washed, diluted in a freezing extender with 1.5, 6 or 12% egg yolk, frozen, and thawed after 2 days, 2 or 6 months of cryopreservation. The effect of egg yolk concentration in the freezing extender was far more important than the effect of washing or season on sperm cryosurvival. The quality of frozen-thawed semen tended to improve as egg yolk concentration increased regardless of the effects of season, washing or period of cryopreservation. Washing produced a positive effect on frozen-thawed semen collected during spring or autumn, but the difference decreased as the concentration of yolk increased. However, washing produced a negative effect on frozen-thawed semen collected during winter, diluted with either 6 or 12% egg yolk. There was no apparent seasonal effect on gross measures of sperm production but the seasonal effect was ever present and was reinforced by freezing.
Acrosome↗
Two-particle model to study fluctuations of scattered radiation: multiple-scattering effects.
The intensity fluctuations of light scattered from a simple particle aggregate system consisting of two dipole-like particles separated by a fixed distance and floating freely in space are calculated numerically and analyzed statistically. The behavior of two statistical parameters, the second-order factorial moment of the intensity fluctuations and the probability of obtaining zero cross-polarized intensity, are studied as a function of both the particle polarizability and the interparticle distance. Effects of multiple-scattering processes on these statistical parameters are accounted for in particular.
Journal Article↗
[The impact factor and the Archivos de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmología].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Bibliometrics↗