Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Moreno

Publications and source records attributed to J Moreno.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Modeling of the acclimation/deacclimation process of a mixed culture degrading 4-chlorophenol.

The variation of concentration of the toxic substrate has a negative effect on the sludge activity. Although this loss of activity of the microorganisms under toxic starvation has been reported, this variable is not taken into account in the operation of biological wastewater treatment plants. In order to monitor and control the biological plant with a certain confidence it is necessary to consider the acclimation and deacclimation processes to avoid the reactor malfunctioning, resulting in loss of efficiency or in false data acquisition during monitoring. This paper proposes a model for the acclimation/deacclimation process. The experiments have been done in a sequencing batch reactor during the 4-chlorophenol degradation. The basic idea of the model is to consider the variation of the kinetic parameters of the Haldane law in terms of the acclimation and deacclimation state. The idea is discussed, and the results obtained are presented.

Bioreactors↗
PubMed2003

Accumulation of astaxanthin and lutein in Chlorella zofingiensis (Chlorophyta).

When grown photoautotrophically, Chlorella zofingiensis strain CCAP 211/14 accumulates a significant amount of valuable carotenoids, namely astaxanthin and lutein, of increasing demand for use as feed additives in fish and poultry farming, as colorants in food, and in health care products. Under standard batch-culture conditions, this microalgal strain exhibits high values of both growth rate (about 0.04 h(-1)) and standing cell population (over 10(11) cells l(-1), or 7 g dry weight l(-1)). Lutein, in a free (unesterified) form, was the prevalent carotenoid during early stages of cultivation (over 0.3 pg cell(-1), equal to 4 mg g(-1) dry weight, or 20 mg l(-1) culture), whereas esterified astaxanthin accumulated progressively, to reach a maximum (over 0.1 pg cell(-1), equal to 1.5 mg g(-1) dry weight, or 15 mg l(-1) culture) in the late stationary phase. A differential response of lutein and astaxanthin accumulation was also recorded with regard to the action of some environmental and nutritional factors. C. zofingiensis CCAP 211/14 represents a unique model system for analyzing the differential regulation of the levels of primary (lutein) and secondary (astaxanthin) carotenoids. Relevant also from the biotechnological viewpoint, this photosynthetic organism, with outstanding attributes for fast photosynthetic growth and carotenoid accumulation, might prove most valuable for its application to the mass production of either or both lutein and astaxanthin.

Chlorella↗
PubMed2003

Isolation of microorganisms for biological detoxification of lignocellulosic hydrolysates.

Acid pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass releases furan and phenolic compounds, which are toxic to microorganisms used for subsequent fermentation. In this study, we isolated new microorganisms for depletion of inhibitors in lignocellulosic acid hydrolysates. A sequential enrichment strategy was used to isolate microorganisms from soil. Selection was carried out in a defined mineral medium containing a mixture of ferulic acid (5 mM), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF, 15 mM), and furfural (20 mM) as the carbon and energy sources, followed by an additional transfer into a corn stover hydrolysate (CSH) prepared using dilute acid. Subsequently, based on stable growth on these substrates, six isolates--including five bacteria related to Methylobacterium extorquens, Pseudomonas sp, Flavobacterium indologenes, Acinetobacter sp., Arthrobacter aurescens, and one fungus, Coniochaeta ligniaria--were chosen. All six isolates depleted toxic compounds from defined medium, but only C. ligniaria C8 (NRRL 30616) was effective at eliminating furfural and 5-HMF from CSH. C. ligniaria NRRL 30616 may be useful in developing a bioprocess for inhibitor abatement in the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to fuels and chemicals.

Acids↗
PubMed2003

Humoral immune response and hematologic evaluation of pregnant Jersey cows after vaccination with Anaplasma centrale.

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the safety of an Anaplasma centrale vaccine in pregnant pure bred Jersey cows selected from a herd located at Miranda State, Venezuela. Ten cows of 3-5 months of gestation were chosen and previous vaccination all cows were tested for Anaplasma antibodies by the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), so only seronegative cows were included in the group, and for blood parameters, rectal temperature, and pregnancy. Selected cows were vaccinated intramuscularly with 1ml of an A. centrale live vaccine which had 10(8) A. centrale per ml. Over the next 2 months cows were checked weekly for hematological parameters and Anaplasma antibodies, and then for the next 2 months these evaluations were performed monthly. Among the values monitored were: A. centrale parasitemia, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and white blood cells (WBCs) (neutrophil, lymphocyte and eosinophil counts). Levels of Anaplasma antibodies were measured by IFA. Anaplasma were observed for the first time in blood films of two vaccinated cows at 14 days post-vaccination (PV), 6 out of 10 cows were A. centrale positive at 30 days PV, and all cows were A. centrale positive at 42 days PV. A. centrale often showed low parasitemia, 1-3%. Anaplasma antibodies were detected at day 14 PV in all vaccinated cows with a mean group titre of 360 (range: 80-1280). All vaccinated cows showed few changes in their hematologic parameters or in rectal temperature, and all gave birth to healthy calves. In conclusion, adult pregnant cows were safely vaccinated with this live A. centrale vaccine, which may help to develop a cross-protective immunity against field strains of A. marginale.

Anaplasma↗
PubMed2003

Loss of heterozygosity and methylation of p16 in renal cell carcinoma.

To investigate the possible role of genomic aberrations of chromosome 9p21 in the tumorigenesis of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC), 40 sporadic RCCs were studied using PCR analyses. The tumours were predominantly low stage and low grade. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was observed in nine of 39 informative cases, but no homozygous deletion was noticed. Hypermethylation of the promoter region of p16 occurred in eight of the 40 RCCs. No correlation was found between hypermethylation of the p16 gene and LOH on 9p21. A similar level of LOH and methylation was observed in the 40 RCCS regardless of histology, grade and stage. These results suggest that inactivation of p16 and the possibility of other unknown tumour suppressor genes located on other chromosomes could be involved in the pathogenesis of RCC.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗
PubMed2003

Results of percutaneous revascularization in cardiac allograft vascular disease.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome of transplant patients with CGD treated by PTCA in our center. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all PTCA procedures performed on heart transplant patients in our hospital. RESULTS: Among 13 patients (11 men, 52.9+/-9.7 years), 20 lesions were treated with PTCA with 95% initial angiographic success. The indications for PTCA was heart failure or ventricular systolic dysfunction (n=4), of ischemia (n=4) and angiographic criteria alone (n=5). Ten lesions were treated with balloon angioplasty. A stent was implanted in 10 lesions, including one patient with a previous atherectomy. There were no complications. Angiographic follow-up was performed on 11 patients, four of whom (36%) showed restenosis. Mean follow-up was 33 months. Four patients (30.8%) are alive without retransplantation, two (15.4%) are alive after retransplantation, and seven (53.4%) died, all from cardiac causes. Graft survival rates estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method were 62% in the first year and 46% in the second year. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that PTCA represents a palliative method of treatment for heart transplant patients with CGD.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗
PubMed2003

Isotopic composition and origin of uranium and plutonium in selected soil samples collected in Kosovo.

Soil samples collected from locations in Kosovo where depleted uranium (DU) ammunition was expended during the 1999 Balkan conflict were analysed for uranium and plutonium isotopes content (234U, 235U, 236U, 238U, 238Pu, (239 + 240)Pu). The analyses were conducted using gamma spectrometry (235U, 238U), alpha spectrometry (238Pu, (239 + 240)Pu), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (234U, 235U, 236U, 238U) and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) (236U)). The results indicated that whenever the U concentration exceeded the normal environmental values (approximately 2 to 3 mg/kg) the increase was due to DU contamination. 236U was also present in the released DU at a constant ratio of 236U (mg/kg)/238U (mg/kg) = 2.6 x 10(-5), indicating that the DU used in the ammunition was from a batch that had been irradiated and then reprocessed. The plutonium concentration in the soil (undisturbed) was about 1 Bq/kg and, on the basis of the measured 238Pu/(239 + 240)Pu, could be entirely attributed to the fallout of the nuclear weapon tests of the 1960s (no appreciable contribution from DU).

Environmental Monitoring↗
PubMed2003

Changes in gluconic acid, polyols and major volatile compounds in sherry wine during aging with submerged flor yeast cultures.

The traditional biological process by which sherry wines are aged can be accelerated by using submerged Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. capensis (G1) strain cultures previously grown in glycerol. The used controlled shaking conditions raise the acetaldehyde, acetoin, and meso 2,3-butanediol contents in the wine, and increases the consumption of gluconic acid by flor yeast relative to traditional biological aging under flor yeast velum.

Cell Culture Techniques↗
PubMed2003

Properties of polysaccharide produced by Azotobacter vinelandii cultured on 4-hydroxybenzoic acid.

AIMS: Characterization of the exopolysaccharide produced by Azotobacter vinelandii grown on 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (EPS I), and the comparison between this exopolysaccharide and commercial alginate, constituted the main objective of this work. METHODS AND RESULTS: Total carbohydrates, uronic acids, acetyl and pyruvyl groups and proteins were determined by colorimetric methods and composition was confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance studies. Rheological properties were analysed under different physical and chemical conditions. Results showed differences between EPS I and commercial alginate, in relation to both composition and viscosity. Higher amount of guluronnosyl residues were found in EPS I, whereas commercial alginate contained the same proportion of mannuronosyl and guluronnosyl residues. In accordance with this result, EPS I gave rise to solutions of higher viscosity than commercial alginate, although solutions of this polysaccharide showed greater stability when conditions were altered. CONCLUSIONS: The exopolysaccharide produced by A. vinelandii grown on 4-hydroxybenzoic acid showed a different composition in comparison with commercial alginate, which leads to higher viscosity values for the aqueous solutions of EPS I. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: This work describes for the first time the characteristics of an exopolysaccharide produced by A. vinelandii from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, a substrate rarely used as sole carbon source.

Acetates↗
PubMed2003

Temperature effect on Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis survival during horticultural waste composting.

AIMS: The aim of this work was to study the effect of high temperatures generated during composting process, on the phytopathogen fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis. This investigation was achieved by both in vivo (semipilot-scale composting of horticultural wastes) and in vitro (lab-scale thermal treatments) assays. METHODS AND RESULTS: Vegetable residues infected with F. oxysporum f.sp. melonis were included in compost piles. Studies were conducted in several compost windrows subjected to different treatments. Results showed an effective suppression of persistence and infective capacity, as this process caused complete fungal elimination after 2-3 days of composting. In order to confirm the effect of high temperature during this process, in vitro experiments were carried out. Temperature values of 45, 55 and 65 degrees C were tested. All three treatments caused the elimination of fungal persistence. Treatment at 65 degrees C was especially effective, whereas 45 degrees C eliminated fungal persistence only after 10 days. CONCLUSIONS: The composting process is an excellent alternative for the management of plant wastes after harvesting, as this procedure is able to suppress infective capacity of several harmful phytopathogens such as F. oxysporum f.sp. melonis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis is a plant pathogen fungus specially important in the province of Almería (south-east Spain), where intensive greenhouse horticulture is very extended. High temperatures reached during composting of horticultural plant wastes ensure the elimination of phytopathogen microorganisms such as F. oxysporum f.sp. melonis from vegetable material, providing an adequate hygienic quality in composts obtained.

Cucumis↗
PubMed2003

Extracts from plants used in Mexican traditional medicine activate Ca(2+)-dependent chloride channels in Xenopus laevis oocytes.

The two-electrode voltage-clamp technique was employed to investigate the effects of chloroform-methanol (1:1) extracts derived from five medicinal plants on Xenopus laevis oocytes. When evaluated at concentrations of 1 to 500 microg/ml, the extracts prepared from the aerial parts of Baccharis heterophylla H.B.K (Asteraceae), Chenopodium murale L. (Chenopodiaceae), Desmodium grahami Gray (Leguminosae) and Solanum rostratum Dun (Solanaceae) produced concentration-dependent oscillatory inward currents in the oocytes, while the extract of Gentiana spathacea did not induce any response. The reversal potential of the currents elicited by the active extracts was -17 +/- 2 mV and was similar to the chloride equilibrium potential in oocytes. These ionic responses were independent of extracellular calcium. However, they were eliminated by overnight incubation with BAPTA-AM (10 microM), suggesting that the currents were dependent on intracellular Ca2+ increase. Thus the plant extracts activate the typical oscillatory Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- currents generated in the Xenopus oocyte membrane more probably via a mechanism that involves release of Ca2+ from intracellular reservoirs. These observations suggest that Xenopus oocyte electrophysiological recording constitutes a suitable assay for the study of the mechanisms of action of herbal medicines.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Corynebacterium spheniscorum sp. nov., isolated from the cloacae of wild penguins.

Twenty unidentified Gram-positive, rod-shaped organisms were recovered from the cloacae of apparently healthy wild penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. On the basis of cellular morphology and biochemical criteria, the isolates were tentatively assigned to the genus Corynebacterium, although the organisms did not appear to correspond to any recognized species. Lipid studies confirmed this generic placement, and comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the unidentified organisms represent a hitherto unknown subline, associated with a small subcluster of species that includes Corynebacterium diphtheriae and its close relatives. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown isolates from penguins be classified in the genus Corynebacterium, as Corynebacterium spheniscorum sp. nov. The type strain is strain PG 39T (=CCUG 45512T =CECT 5986T).

Animals↗
PubMed2003

The pathogenesis of Leishmania/HIV co-infection: cellular and immunological mechanisms.

The intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania have been recognized as opportunistic pathogens in immunosuppressed individuals, including those infected with human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1). Leishmaniasis and AIDS overlap in several sub-tropical and tropical regions around the world, including the Mediterranean area. In 1994, 3%-7% of HIV-1-infected individuals in southern Europe developed visceral leishmaniasis. In humans, interestingly, both HIV-1 and Leishmania interact with, invade, and multiply within cells of myeloid or lymphoid origin. The combined modulation of Leishmania - and HIV-1-related pathogenesis in the co-infected cases is therefore probably a realistic goal. In the light of the recent demonstration that L. donovani can up-regulate HIV-1 replication, both in monocytoid and lymphoid cells in vitro and in co-infected individuals, it is clear from the epidemiological data available that Leishmania can probably act as a powerful co-factor in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. In those who are co-infected, complex mechanisms involving cytokine secretion and cellular-signalling events play pivotal roles in the Leishmania-mediated activation and pathogenesis of HIV-1. An overview of the recent findings concerning this Leishmania/HIV-1 interaction is presented here.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2003

Lack of association between hyperprolactinemia and soluble IL-2 receptor levels in systemic lupus erythematosus.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between hyperprolactinemia and T lymphocyte activation through the soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Seventy SLE patients, 18 of them with hyperprolactinemia (HPRL), were compared with 18 normoprolactinemic (NPRL) patients and 10 age-matched healthy blood-bank donor women. Patients were evaluated by means of the SLE activity index (SLEDAI). Total serum IgG and sIL-2R levels were determined by an ELISA assay. Differences between sIL-2R and IgG serum levels in patients and controls were examined by Kruskal-Wallis analysis and a Spearman r correlation to determine the association between sIL-2R, IgG and prolactin (PRL) levels. IgG and sIL-2R serum levels did not differ significantly between HPRL and NPRL patients: 1827.3 (1428-2226) vs 2028.8 (1586-2467) mg/dl and 882.2 (511-1254) vs 740.1 (534-946.4) U/ml, respectively (confidence interval 95%). In the total SLE group, sIL-2R and IgG serum levels were positively associated (P = 0.0009), however, this was not the case for sIL-2R and PRL (P > 0.49). We did not demonstrate an association between HPRL and lymphocyte activation measured through serum sIL-2R in female patients with SLE.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Accuracy of endometrial biopsy with the Cornier pipelle for diagnosis of endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the accuracy of endometrial biopsy with the Cornier pipelle in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer and atypical endometrial hyperplasia in our milieu. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We reviewed 1,535 anatomopathologic reports on endometrial biopsies taken from outpatients using the Cornier pipelle between 1997 and 2000, in pre- and postmenopausal patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding. In 168 patients (10.9%), curettage and/or hysterectomy was subsequently carried out. In these cases, the anatomopathologic reports were compared to determine sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and likelihood ratio (LR). RESULTS: Sensitivity was 84.2%, specificity was 99.1%, accuracy was 96.9%, PPV was 94.1%, NPV was 93.7% and LR was 93.5. In 249 cases (16.09%) the material was insufficient for study. CONCLUSION: We determined that endometrial biopsy taken with the Cornier pipelle is, as we practice it, an accurate method for diagnosis of endometrial cancer and its precursor, atypical hyperplasia.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Automated sequencing batch bioreactor under extreme peaks of 4-chlorophenol.

The operation of a sequencing batch bioreactor is evaluated when high concentration peaks of a toxic compound (4-chlorophenol, 4CP) are introduced into the reactor. A control strategy based on the dissolved oxygen concentration, measured on line, is utilized. To detect the end of the reaction period, the automated system search for the moment when the dissolved oxygen has passed by a minimum, as a consequence of the metabolic activity of the microorganisms and right after to a maximum due to the saturation of the water (similar to the self-cycling fermentation, SCF, strategy). The dissolved oxygen signal was sent to a personal computer via data acquisition and control using MATLAB and the SIMULINK package. The system operating under the automated strategy presented a stable operation when the acclimated microorganisms (to an initial concentration of 350 mg 4CP/L), were exposed to a punctual concentration peaks of 600 mg 4CP/L. The 4CP concentrations peaks superior or equals to 1,050 mg/L only disturbed the system from a short to a medium term (one month). The 1,400 mg/L peak caused a shutdown in the metabolic activity of the microorganisms that led to the reactor failure. The biomass acclimated with the SCF strategy can partially support the variations of the toxic influent since, at the moment in which the influent become inhibitory, there is a failure of the system.

Automation↗
PubMed2003

[Peripartum cardiomyopathy and preeclampsia: an association with fatal outcome].

A 33-year-old obese gypsy woman was admitted in labor with signs of preeclampsia followed by sudden pulmonary edema and cardiac arrest. Cesarean delivery was performed during resuscitation maneuvers, but both mother and fetus died. The diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy was confirmed by pathology. The association of latent peripartum cardiomyopathy and episodes of hypertension greatly increases the risk of maternal and fetal death. Careful management of anesthesia and rigorous measures are necessary with a view to possible litigation.

Adult↗