[Staphylococcus bovis infective endocarditis associated with gastric adenocarcinoma].
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Adenocarcinoma↗
Biomedical subjects
M Torres
Publications and source records attributed to M Torres.
[Intravenous cannulae: complications arising from their use and analysis of their predisposing factors].
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the complications derived from the use of intravenous cannulae with particular attention being paid to the possible predisposing factors. METHODS: A prospective follow up of 569 intravenous cannulae placed in the emergency department or the medical ward of a county hospital was carried out. 492 of these cannulae were peripheral (PC) and 77 central inserted through peripheral veins (CPVC). RESULTS: Fifty-one percent of the catheters were withdrawn due to complications with the most frequent being phlebitis (35%), followed by extravasation (11.5%). The mean time in situ was 3.61 +/- 3.2 days. The daily risk of complications ranged from 2 to 9% for the CPVC (non significant differences) and between 15% (day 1) and 30% (6 or more days) for the PC. In the latter case there were no differences in the daily specific rate of complications after the first 24 hours. The probability of a catheter remaining in place more than three and six days without complications was 51% and 31%, respectively for the CP and 91% and 87% for the CPVC (p < 0.0001). Of the variables analyzed, age > 65 years, female sex, insertion of the cannula into the back of the hand, the fact of the route being peripheral without the administration of heparin were significantly associated to the development of complications, while the intravenous administration of aminophillin was associated with the appearance of phlebitis. Thirteen percent of the catheters withdrawn due to phlebitis were infected. CONCLUSIONS: The complication most frequent observed in intravenous cannulation was phlebitis, an entity which is generally not of an infectious nature. The risk of unspecific complications every day during catheterization is constant in the case of central peripheral vein cannulae as well as in peripheral cannulae which do show problems during the first 24 hours after placement. Insertion of the cannulae into the veins of the back of the hand, female sex, advanced age and intravenous administration of certain drugs influence in the development of phlebitis.
Actuarial Analysis↗
The 47-kD protein increased in neutrophil actin dysfunction with 47- and 89-kD protein abnormalities is lymphocyte-specific protein.
A male child born of related parents suffered recurrent infections because of neutrophil actin dysfunction with increased amounts of a 47-kD protein and decreased amounts of an 89-kD protein (NAD 47/89). The patient and family members were studied to define the nature of the abnormal proteins and to examine their role in the functional defects of neutrophil actin dysfunction (NAD) 47/89 polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). NAD 47/89 PMNs are defective in motility, microfilamentous cytoskeletal structure, and formyl peptide-induced actin polymerization and express increased amounts of a 47-kD protein and decreased amounts of an 89-kD proteins intermediate abnormality in amount of 47-kD and 89-kD proteins in PMNs from parents and a female sibling suggest the disease is an autosomal recessive disorder. Immunoblots with monoclonal antibody (MoAb1) and polyclonal antibody raised to 47-kD protein showed the 89-kD protein is antigenically distinct from the 47-kD protein and the 89-kD protein is not gelsolin. 125I-actin binding to one-dimensional (1 D) and 2 D gels of PMN proteins from NAD 47/89 proband, family members, and controls showed the 47-kD protein binds actin, is acidic (pl = 4.5 to 4.7), is recognized by the MoAb1, exists on 2-D gels as three distinct actin binding species (MWapp 52 kD, 47-kD, and 44-kD), and is present in control PMNs in lesser amount than in PMNs of NAD 47/89 proband or parents. Immunoaffinity purification of the 47 kD actin binding protein on MoAb1 matrix yielded a multimolecular complex with proteins of MWapp 180 kD, 71 kD, 47 kD and actin. Cloning, sequencing, and expression of a 1.58-kb cDNA selected for MoAb1 reactivity from a HL60 expression library and microsequence of native PMNs, 47-kD actin binding protein showed the overexpressed 47-kD protein is lymphocyte-specific protein 1 (LSP1), which is a known actin binding protein. The results show LSP1 is expressed in PMNs and suggest overexpression of LSP1 is related to the motility and cytoskeletal abnormalities in NAD 47/89 PMNs.
Actins↗
Sex determination in Drosophila melanogaster: X-linked genes involved in the initial step of sex-lethal activation.
Sex determination is the commitment of an embryo to either the female or the male developmental pathway. The ratio of X chromosomes to sets of autosomes is the primary genetic signal that determines sex in Drosophila, by triggering the functional state of the gene Sex-lethal: in females (2X;2A) Sxl will be ON, whereas in males (X;2A) Sxl will be OFF. Genetic and molecular studies have defined a set of genes involved in the formation of the X:A signal, as well as other genes, with either maternal or zygotic effects, which are also involved in regulating the initial step of Sex-lethal activation. We review these data and present new data on two more regions of the X chromosome that define other genes needed for Sxl activation. In addition, we report on the interaction between some of the genes regulating Sxl activation.
Animals↗
DNA methylation changes during mouse spermatogenesis.
Genomic imprinting in mammals is thought to be mediated by differences in the methylation level of cytosine residues in the genome. These differences in DNA methylation are thought to be generated during the development of the germ line. To characterize the profile of global methylation of the mouse genome during male gametogenesis, we have quantified the relative level of methylation in individual cells during meiosis and spermatogenesis. A decrease in the level of DNA methylation is observed from meiotic cells to elongated spermatids. The erasure of the somatic pattern of methylation during spermatogenesis suggests the existence of a subsequent mechanism generating the parental specific methylation patterns leading to genomic imprinting of specific alleles.
Alleles↗
Surface-modified nanocrystalline ceramics for drug delivery applications.
Drug delivery systems comprised of various types of carriers have long been the object of pharmacological investigation. The search has been stimulated by the belief that carriers will lead to reduced drug toxicity, dosage requirements, enhanced cellular targeting and improved shelf-life. Among the carriers investigated are complex polymeric carbohydrates, synthetic proteins and liposomal structures. For the past four years, we have been experimenting with a radically new class of carriers comprised of surface-modified nanocrystalline ceramics. While the ceramics provide the structural stability of a largely immutable solid, the surface modification creates a glassy molecular stabilization film to which pharmacological agents may be bound non-covalently from an aqueous phase with minimal structural denaturation. As a consequence of maintained structural integrity and owing to concentration effects afforded by the surfaces of the nanocrystalline materials, drug activity following surface immobilization is preserved. We have used successfully surface-modified nanocrystalline ceramics to deliver viral antigens for the purpose of evoking an immune response, oxygenated haemoglobin for cell respiration and insulin for carbohydrate metabolism. The theoretical principles, technical details and experimental results are reviewed. Surface-modified nanocrystalline materials offer an exciting new approach to the well-recognized challenges of drug delivery.
Animals↗
Possible role of nitric oxide in catecholamine secretion by chromaffin cells in the presence and absence of cultured endothelial cells.
We studied the effect of cultured endothelial cells on the secretion of catecholamines by cultured bovine chromaffin cells. Chromaffin cell catecholamine secretion was stimulated by either boluses of potassium (K+) or the nicotinic agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP). Endothelial cells inhibited the catecholamine release and stimulatory effects of K+ and DMPP. This inhibition increased with time, and in 25 min the initial stimulated secretory response (100%) to 30 mM K+ or 25 microM DMPP dropped to 45 +/- 3% and 53.5 +/- 2.3%, respectively. This endothelial cells-induced inhibition was blocked by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitors N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and N-monoethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), and by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor methylene blue, indicating that the L-arginine/nitric oxide/cyclic GMP pathway is involved in this endothelial cell-chromaffin cell interaction. In the absence of endothelial cells, incubation of chromaffin cells with L-NAME, L-NMMA, or methylene blue also augmented the secretagogue-induced catecholamine secretion, indicating that nitric oxide from chromaffin cells could be implicated in an autoinhibitory process of catecholamine release. These results provide indirect evidence for the presence of nitric oxide synthase in bovine adrenomedullary chromaffin cells. Our results show that there is an autoinhibitory mechanism of catecholamine release in chromaffin cells and that an additional level of inhibition is observed when cultured vascular endothelial cells are present. These two inhibitory processes may have different origins, but they appear to converge into a common pathway, the L-arginine/nitric oxide synthase/guanylate cyclase pathway.
Adrenal Medulla↗
Comparison of the immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens between a group of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis and healthy household contacts.
The mycobacterial antigens and the factors related to protection for the development of active tuberculosis are not known. In a natural model of tuberculosis, we studied 10 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (non-protective immune response) and 38 healthy household contacts (protective immune response). We tested the lymphocyte proliferative response by T cell Western blotting to eight different antigen fractions and to two purified mycobacterial antigens of 30 and 64 kD. Patients with active tuberculosis recognized fractions with molecular weights of 80-114, 60-80, 28-41 and 14-19 kD. Household contacts recognized the same fractions except the 14-19 kD. The response to the 64-kD antigen was not significantly different between groups. In contrast, 10% of the patients with active tuberculosis and 73% of the household contacts responded to the 30-kD antigen. The humoral response against the 30-kD antigen by ELISA showed a significantly higher production of antibodies in tuberculosis patients compared with household contacts. We conclude that patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis develop an immune response characterized by poor proliferative response to the 30-kD antigen with a strong humoral response, whereas the opposite occurs in healthy subjects infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Antibodies, Bacterial↗
Evidence for a dopaminergic involvement in the renal action of centrally administered JA116a, a novel compound with possible dopaminergic activity, in rats.
Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of JA116a, induces an increase in urinary volume and sodium excretion in conscious male hydrated rats. The involvement of brain dopaminergic neurons in the JA116a renal action was investigated. Diuretic and natriuretic action of JA116a was blocked by haloperidol pretreatment. The renal effect was prevented by selective dopaminergic neuron, denervation by i.c.v. administration of 6-hydroxydopamine in combination with desmethylimipramine. Our results suggest that JA116a acts centrally, at least in part, via an interaction with endogenous dopamine neurons.
Acenaphthenes↗
Effect of dietary nucleotides on small intestinal repair after diarrhoea. Histological and ultrastructural changes.
The effects of specific nutrients on intestinal maturation and repair after injury are practically unknown. The purpose of this work was to study the effects of dietary nucleotides on the repair of the intestinal mucosa after chronic diarrhoea induced by a lactose enriched diet in the weanling rat. One group of weanling rats was fed with a standard semipurified diet (control group), and another group was fed with the same diet containing lactose as the only soluble carbohydrate (lactose group). After 14 days the lactose group was allowed to recover for four weeks with the control diet (lactose-control group) or with the control diet supplemented with AMP, GMP, IMP, CMP, and UMP 50 mg/100 g each (lactose-nucleotide group). The control group was divided into two subgroups, which were fed with the control diet and the nucleotide supplemented diet for the same period (control-control group and control-nucleotide group). The lactose diet induced diarrhoea after 24 hours of feeding. Two weeks later there were changes in intestinal structure with loss of enterocyte microvillar surface, significant lymphocyte infiltration, supranuclear cytoplasmic vesiculation, decreased number of goblet cells, and enlarged mitochondria with low density and few cristae. After recovery from diarrhoea, animals fed the nucleotide enriched diet showed an intestinal histology and ultrastructure closer to that of the normal control group. Mitochondrial ultrastructure was closer to normal in comparison with the lactose-control diet group. In this second group the number of goblet cells as well as the villous height/crypt depth ratio was reduced and the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes increased compared with the nucleotide supplemented group. These results suggest that dietary nucleotides may be important nutrients for intestinal repair.
Animals↗
[Nuclear magnetic resonance and tuberculous meningoencephalitis].
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Adult↗
Quantitative study of the bronchial bacterial flora in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
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Bacterial Infections↗
[Hodgkin's disease following non-Hodgkin's lymphoma].
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Female↗
8-Azido-adenine nucleotides as substrates of ecto-nucleotidases in chromaffin cells: inhibitory effect of photoactivation.
The components of the ecto-nucleotidase pathway at the extracellular surface of adrenal chromaffin cells are the enzymatic activities responsible for the hydrolysis of granular nucleotide compounds released during the secretory response. The azido-nucleotides have been largely employed to characterize nucleotide binding sites. The 8-azido-adenine nucleotides were studied as substrates of ecto-nucleotidases in cultured chromaffin cells by HPLC procedures. 8-Azido-ATP (8-N3-ATP) was a good substrate for ecto-ATPase activity, the Km value was 256.30 +/- 36.41 microM, and the Vmax value was 14.33 +/- 0.84 nmol/min x 10(6) cells. 8-Azido-ADP (8-N3-ADP) was dephosphorylated by the ecto-ADPase activity with a Km value of 595.29 +/- 67.44 microM and Vmax value of 6.86 +/- 0.45 nmol/min x 10(6) cells. These kinetic parameters were similar to those obtained with ATP and ADP in the same culture and incubation conditions. 8-Azido-AMP (8-N3-AMP) was not hydrolyzed by the ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity. The 8-azido-nucleotides competitively inhibited the hydrolysis of adenine nucleotides, with Ki values in the same range as the Km. After uv photoactivation, the three 8-azido-nucleotides (100 microM) irreversibly inhibited and to a similar extent, between 40 and 55%, each of ecto-nucleotidase activities. UV photoactivation in the presence of nucleotides in the same concentration range was an effective protection from the inhibition.
5'-Nucleotidase↗
[Mixed cryoglobulinemia and chronic hepatitis C. Treatment with interferon].
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Chronic Disease↗
Stimulation of human neutrophils with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine induces tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of two distinct mitogen-activated protein-kinases.
Stimulation of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils with the chemotactic peptide FMLP induces an increase in the phosphorylation of several proteins on tyrosine residues. Immunoblotting of whole cell lysates with antiphosphotyrosine antibodies demonstrated this increase to be predominant in two proteins with apparent m.w. of 40,000 and 42,000, respectively. We identify these two proteins as members of the mitogen-activated-protein (MAP) kinase family. These results are based on comigration of the tyrosine phosphorylated proteins with two proteins of same apparent m.w., recognized by a series of antibodies raised against sequences contained within members of this family. This was further confirmed by immunoprecipitation with either an antiphosphotyrosine antibody or a MAP kinase-specific antibody. To assess whether neutrophil stimulation with FMLP increased MAP kinase activity, the cells were stimulated with various doses of FMLP and the phosphotransferase activity in cell lysates was measured against two identified substrates of MAP kinase: myelin basic protein and T-669, the epidermal growth factor receptor Thr 669 synthetic peptide modeled after the major site of phosphorylation of the receptor. A dose- and time-dependent increase in MAP kinase activity was detected in the lysates from FMLP-stimulated PMN, which closely correlated with the dose and time course of tyrosine phosphorylation of the 40- and 42-kDa proteins. Additionally, the MAP kinases in crude lysates were enriched by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and further resolved on a MonoQ column by fast performance liquid chromatography. The respective eluates contained the two proteins, each recognized by anti-MAP kinase antibodies and, after stimulation, each was phosphorylated on tyrosine residues and expressed T-669 phosphotransferase activity. Treatment with genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, reduced the tyrosine phosphorylation of the 40- and 42-kDa proteins in a dose-dependent manner, decreased the activation of the MAP kinases, and inhibited the production of superoxide anion by FMLP-stimulated neutrophils. Therefore, this study demonstrates that human polymorphonuclear neutrophils contain two distinct members of the MAP kinase family, antigenically related to sea star p44mpk and rat p43erk1 and that both MAP kinase isoforms are implicated in the cascade of protein phosphorylation induced by neutrophil stimulation with FMLP. Furthermore, these data suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of these two enzymes may play a regulatory role in the signal transduction pathway leading to the respiratory burst induced by FMLP.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
ED management of acute congestive heart failure in renal dialysis patients.
This is a descriptive report of the management techniques used effectively in the emergency department (ED) treatment of acute congestive heart failure (CHF) in renal dialysis patients. Study design included a prospective case series of consecutive renal dialysis patients who presented to the ED of a regional dialysis center in acute CHF. Clinical presentation, ED management, and outcome were recorded. Forty-six patients (38 hemodialysis and 8 peritoneal dialysis) were included in this study. Presentation classifications for these patients were minimal distress (13 patients), moderate distress (16 patients), and severe distress (17 patients). In addition to supplemental oxygen, treatment focused on pharmacological preload and afterload reduction. Patients received sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG) (30 patients), transdermal NTG (36 patients), captopril sublingual (10 patients) nifedipine oral (nine patients), nitroprusside (four patients), morphine sulfate (one patient), NTG infusion (one patient), and clonidine (one patient). There were no deaths in the study group, and 32 of the patients were able to be dialyzed and discharged, including seven patients in the severe group. Six patients required intubation, one of whom was extubated and discharged from the ED after dialysis. Intravascular access was obtained in 29 patients but was used in only six. All patients on nitroprusside drips were weaned during the course of their dialysis. Effective ED management of acute CHF in renal dialysis patients can be accomplished through preload reduction with nitrates and afterload reduction with captopril, nifedipine, and, in severe cases, nitroprusside.
Acute Disease↗
Stimulation of the rat alveolar macrophage respiratory burst by extracellular adenine nucleotides.
Exogenous nucleotides can serve as extracellular factors that cause significant functional changes in numerous cells, including phagocytes. In the current study, addition of ATP, ADP, and ATP gamma S directly stimulated the respiratory burst (superoxide production) by rat alveolar macrophages, whereas adenosine and AMP did not. The relative potency of these nucleotides at saturating concentration was ADP > or = ATP gamma S >> ATP; however, simultaneous addition of maximally stimulatory concentrations of ADP and ATP (100 microM of each) produced an additive effect suggesting involvement of two P2 receptors. Following addition of the nucleotides, an elevation of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) occurred within seconds, followed by a decline within 1 min but with a prolonged elevation above baseline for at least 5 min. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ only slightly attenuated the initial elevation, indicating that adenine nucleotides stimulate the rapid release of intracellular Ca2+ stores. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ also eliminated the sustained elevation in [Ca2+]i and markedly suppressed the respiratory burst. Incubation with verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker, also significantly inhibited the respiratory burst stimulated by ATP. These studies demonstrate that adenine nucleotides stimulate a Ca(2+)-dependent respiratory burst by rat alveolar macrophages, probably through purinergic receptors.
Adenine Nucleotides↗