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Paradela RS, Cabella B, Nucci MP, Ferreira NV, Torres LA, Martino LM, Consolim-Colombo FM, Bortolotto LA, da Costa DI, Irigoyen MC. Computerized working memory training for hypertensive individuals with executive function impairment: a randomized clinical trial. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1185768. [PMID: 37483358 PMCID: PMC10361818 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1185768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hypertension is associated with working memory (WM) impairment. However, the benefits of Cogmed WM training for the hypertensive population are unknown. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate Cogmed's effects on the WM performance of hypertensive individuals with executive function (EF) impairment. Methods We included 40 hypertensive patients (aged 40-70 years, 68% female) with EF impairment. They were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive 10 weeks of adaptive Cogmed training or a non-adaptive control training based on online games. The primary outcome was the WM performance. The secondary outcomes were verbal memory, visuospatial ability, executive function, global cognition, and the neuronal activity measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) under two WM task conditions: low (memorization of 4 spatial locations) and high (memorization of 6 spatial locations). An intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis were performed. Results Cogmed did not show a significant effect on WM or any other cognitive outcome post-training. However, under the WM-low load and WM-high load conditions of the fMRI, respectively, the Cogmed group had an activation decrease in the right superior parietal lobe (ITT and PP analyses) and left inferior frontal lobe (PP analysis) in comparison to the control group. Conclusion The Cogmed showed no effects on the WM performance of hypertensive individuals with EF impairment. However, activation decreases were observed in frontoparietal areas related to the WM network, suggesting a more efficient neuronal activity after training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Silva Paradela
- Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Brenno Cabella
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, São Paulo State University (IFT-UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Penteado Nucci
- Laboratory of Medical Investigations on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (LIM-44), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Naomi Vidal Ferreira
- Division of Geriatrics, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- Research Affairs Office, Amazonia Adventist College, Benevides, Pará, Brazil
| | - Laura Aló Torres
- Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiza Menoni Martino
- Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Aparecido Bortolotto
- Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danielle Irigoyen da Costa
- Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Claudia Irigoyen
- Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Torres LA, Paradela RS, Martino LM, da Costa DI, Irigoyen MC. Higher Perceived Stress as an Independent Predictor for Lower Use of Emotion-Focused Coping Strategies in Hypertensive Individuals. Front Psychol 2022; 13:872852. [PMID: 35686074 PMCID: PMC9171365 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.872852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Individuals with high scores of perceived stress (PS) are more likely to develop arterial hypertension (AH) than those with low levels of stress. In addition to this, AH and stress are both independent risk factors for executive function (EF) impairment and worse quality of life (QoL). Therefore, strategies to control and cope with emotional stress are of paramount importance. However, less is known about the association of PS with EF, QoL, and coping in individuals with hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the association of PS with EF performance, coping strategies use, and QoL in a sample of hypertensive patients. Methods We assessed a group of 45 hypertensive individuals (mean age = 58.42 ± 8.9 years, 71.11% female). The EF evaluation was: Frontal Assessment Battery; Controlled Oral Word Association Test—FAS; Letter-Number Sequencing subtest from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Third Edition (WAIS-III); Digit Span subtest from the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The type and frequency of coping strategies used were measured by the Brief Coping with Experienced Problems Scale (Brief-COPE). The World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire Bref (WHOQOL-bref) was applied to measure QoL. The associations of the PS with EF performance, coping strategies, and QoL were investigated using univariate and multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, systolic pressure, and depression symptoms. Results In the multivariate analyses, higher PS was an independent predictor for a lower frequency of emotion-focused strategy use (β = −0.23; p = 0.03). However, PS was not significantly related to EF and Qol in this sample. The lower the PS, the greater the use of emotion-focused coping. Conclusion Hypertensive individuals with high PS use less frequently positive emotion-focused coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Aló Torres
- Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Regina Silva Paradela
- Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiza Menoni Martino
- Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danielle Irigoyen da Costa
- Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Claudia Irigoyen
- Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Paradela RS, Ferreira NV, Nucci MP, Cabella B, Martino LM, Torres LA, Costa DID, Consolim-Colombo FM, Suemoto CK, Irigoyen MC. Relation of a Socioeconomic Index with Cognitive Function and Neuroimaging in Hypertensive Individuals. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 82:815-826. [PMID: 34092639 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Socioeconomic factors are important contributors to brain health. However, data from developing countries (where social inequalities are the most prominent) are still scarce, particularly about hypertensive individuals. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between socioeconomic index, cognitive function, and cortical brain volume, as well as determine whether white matter hyperintensities are mediators of the association of the socioeconomic index with cognitive function in hypertensive individuals. METHODS We assessed 92 hypertensive participants (mean age = 58±8.6 years, 65.2%female). Cognitive evaluation and neuroimaging were performed and clinical and sociodemographic data were collected using questionnaires. A socioeconomic index was created using education, income, occupation (manual or non-manual work), and race. The associations of the socioeconomic index with cognitive performance and brain volume were investigated using linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, time of hypertension since diagnosis, and comorbidities. A causal mediation analysis was also conducted. RESULTS Better socioeconomic status was associated with better visuospatial ability, executive function, and global cognition. We found associations between a better socioeconomic index and a higher parietal lobe volume. White matter hyperintensities were also not mediators in the relationship between the socioeconomic index and cognitive performance. CONCLUSION Socioeconomic disadvantages are associated with worse cognitive performance and brain volume in individuals with hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Silva Paradela
- Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Naomi Vidal Ferreira
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Adventist University of São Paulo, Engenheiro Coelho, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Penteado Nucci
- Laboratory of Medical Investigations on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (LIM-44), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Brenno Cabella
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, São Paulo State University (IFT-UNESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiza Menoni Martino
- Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Laura Aló Torres
- Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Danielle Irigoyen da Costa
- Brain Institute (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Claudia Kimie Suemoto
- Division of Geriatrics, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Claudia Irigoyen
- Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Sarduy MR, García I, Coca MA, Perera A, Torres LA, Valenzuela CM, Baladrón I, Solares M, Reyes V, Hernández I, Perera Y, Martínez YM, Molina L, González YM, Ancízar JA, Prats A, González L, Casacó CA, Acevedo BE, López-Saura PA, Alonso DF, Gómez R, Perea-Rodríguez SE. Optimizing CIGB-300 intralesional delivery in locally advanced cervical cancer. Br J Cancer 2015; 112:1636-43. [PMID: 25880012 PMCID: PMC4430720 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2015.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We conducted a phase 1 trial in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer by injecting 0.5 ml of the CK2-antagonist CIGB-300 in two different sites on tumours to assess tumour uptake, safety, pharmacodynamic activity and identify the recommended dose. METHODS Fourteen patients were treated with intralesional injections containing 35 or 70 mg of CIGB-300 in three alternate cycles of three consecutive days each before standard chemoradiotherapy. Tumour uptake was determined using (99)Tc-radiolabelled peptide. In situ B23/nucleophosmin was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Maximum tumour uptake for CIGB-300 70-mg dose was significantly higher than the one observed for 35 mg: 16.1 ± 8.9 vs 31.3 ± 12.9 mg (P = 0.01). Both, AUC24h and biological half-life were also significantly higher using 70 mg of CIGB-300 (P < 0.001). Unincorporated CIGB-300 diffused rapidly to blood and was mainly distributed towards kidneys, and marginally in liver, lungs, heart and spleen. There was no DLT and moderate allergic-like reactions were the most common systemic side effect with strong correlation between unincorporated CIGB-300 and histamine levels in blood. CIGB-300, 70 mg, downregulated B23/nucleophosmin (P = 0.03) in tumour specimens. CONCLUSION Intralesional injections of 70 mg CIGB-300 in two sites (0.5 ml per injection) and this treatment plan are recommended to be evaluated in phase 2 studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Sarduy
- Gynecological service, Center for Medical-Surgical Research, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - I García
- CIGB-300 Research and Development Group, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Avenue 31 b/158 and 190, Cubanacán, Playa, PO Box 6162, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - M A Coca
- Direction for Clinical Research, Clinical Investigation Center, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - A Perera
- Direction for Clinical Research, Clinical Investigation Center, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - L A Torres
- Direction for Clinical Research, Clinical Investigation Center, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - C M Valenzuela
- CIGB-300 Research and Development Group, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Avenue 31 b/158 and 190, Cubanacán, Playa, PO Box 6162, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - I Baladrón
- CIGB-300 Research and Development Group, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Avenue 31 b/158 and 190, Cubanacán, Playa, PO Box 6162, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - M Solares
- Gyneco-obstetric Hospital ‘Ramón González Coro', Havana 10400, Cuba
| | - V Reyes
- CIGB-300 Research and Development Group, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Avenue 31 b/158 and 190, Cubanacán, Playa, PO Box 6162, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - I Hernández
- Deparment of Development, Isotope Center (CENTIS), Havana 11100, Cuba
| | - Y Perera
- CIGB-300 Research and Development Group, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Avenue 31 b/158 and 190, Cubanacán, Playa, PO Box 6162, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - Y M Martínez
- Gynecological service, Center for Medical-Surgical Research, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - L Molina
- Gynecological service, Center for Medical-Surgical Research, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - Y M González
- Gynecological service, Center for Medical-Surgical Research, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - J A Ancízar
- CIGB-300 Research and Development Group, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Avenue 31 b/158 and 190, Cubanacán, Playa, PO Box 6162, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - A Prats
- Direction for Clinical Research, Clinical Investigation Center, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - L González
- CIGB-300 Research and Development Group, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Avenue 31 b/158 and 190, Cubanacán, Playa, PO Box 6162, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - C A Casacó
- Direction for Clinical Research, Clinical Investigation Center, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - B E Acevedo
- CIGB-300 Research and Development Group, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Avenue 31 b/158 and 190, Cubanacán, Playa, PO Box 6162, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - P A López-Saura
- CIGB-300 Research and Development Group, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Avenue 31 b/158 and 190, Cubanacán, Playa, PO Box 6162, Havana 11300, Cuba
| | - D F Alonso
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National University of Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - R Gómez
- ELEA Laboratories, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S E Perea-Rodríguez
- CIGB-300 Research and Development Group, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Avenue 31 b/158 and 190, Cubanacán, Playa, PO Box 6162, Havana 11300, Cuba
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López-Pedrera C, Barbarroja N, Aguirre MA, Torres LA, Velasco F, Cuadrado MJ. Genomics and proteomics: a new approach for assessing thrombotic risk in autoimmune diseases. Lupus 2008; 17:904-15. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203308095285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Several systemic autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome, are characterised by enhanced atherosclerosis and, consequently, higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates. The association of these diseases with atherosclerosis suggests a common pathogenic mechanism. Genomic and proteomic studies performed on atherosclerotic plaques have further confirmed the presence of a gene and protein profile similar to that observed in autoimmune diseases with cardiovascular risks. Human sera and body fluids have been analysed and have resulted in the identification of auto-antibodies that can be used as diagnostic markers in specific autoimmune diseases, and proteomic fingerprints of blood cells, tissues and body fluids have resulted in the identification of individual proteins or patterns of protein expression that are deregulated. The information provided by these proteomic studies is of diagnostic and therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss new approaches available for assessing thrombotic risk in autoimmune diseases, focusing in the genomic and proteomic methods now available to deep into the origin of the mechanisms associated with vascular involvement in systemic autoimmune diseases. The increasing data available suggests that when treating patients with these autoimmune disorders, paying attention to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- C López-Pedrera
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
| | - N Barbarroja
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
| | - MA Aguirre
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
| | - LA Torres
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
| | - F Velasco
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
| | - MJ Cuadrado
- Lupus Research Unit, St Thomas Hospital, London, UK
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Velázquez AM, Martínez L, Abrego V, Balboa MA, Torres LA, Camacho B, Díaz-Barriga S, Romero A, López-Castañares R, Angeles E. Synthesis and antihypertensive effects of new methylthiomorpholinphenol derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2007; 43:486-500. [PMID: 17582658 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2007.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2006] [Revised: 03/25/2007] [Accepted: 04/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We present in this work the synthesis and cardiovascular effects of new methylthiomorpholine compounds and they were compared with cardiovascular drugs such as captopril, losartan and omapatrilat.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ma Velázquez
- División de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 54740 Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de México, Mexico
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Cuadrado MJ, Buendía P, Velasco F, Aguirre MA, Barbarroja N, Torres LA, Khamashta M, López-Pedrera C. Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in monocytes from patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome. J Thromb Haemost 2006; 4:2461-9. [PMID: 16968331 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2006.02193.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the described mechanisms leading to thrombosis in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is overexpression of tissue factor (TF) in the monocytes and endothelial cells of patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may stimulate monocyte TF expression through its receptor, the tyrosine kinase Flt-1. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to analyze the following in monocytes of 55 primary APS patients: VEGF and Flt-1 expression levels, their potential regulation by aPL, and the association of VEGF and Flt-1 expression with the increased TF expression found in APS patients. RESULTS Purified monocytes from APS patients showed higher levels of VEGF and Flt-1 than healthy donors, which further correlated with immunoglobulin G (IgG) anticardiolipin titers and TF expression rank. Moreover, monocyte VEGF and Flt-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with than in patients without previous thrombosis. In vitro, IgG from APS patients increased monocyte VEGF and Flt-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. VEGF and Flt-1 expression was significantly inhibited by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580; this suggests the involvement of this kinase in the aPL-induced VEGF and Flt-1 upregulation. CONCLUSIONS Our data show, for the first time in vivo, that monocytes from primary APS patients have an increased expression of VEGF and Flt-1. Furthermore, in vitro results indicated that this cytokine is produced by monocytes when treated with aPL, and that the p38 MAPK signaling pathway plays an important role. Thus, VEGF might act as a regulatory factor in aPL-mediated monocyte activation and TF expression, thereby contributing to the proinflammatory-prothrombotic phenotype of APS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Cuadrado
- Lupus Research Unit, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK, and Research Unit and Rheumatology Department, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
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Ibarra-Junquera V, Torres LA, Rosu HC, Argüello G, Collado-Vides J. Nonlinear software sensor for monitoring genetic regulation processes with noise and modeling errors. Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys 2005; 72:011919. [PMID: 16090013 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.72.011919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2004] [Revised: 02/03/2005] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nonlinear control techniques by means of a software sensor that are commonly used in chemical engineering could be also applied to genetic regulation processes. We provide here a realistic formulation of this procedure by introducing an additive white Gaussian noise, which is usually found in experimental data. Besides, we include model errors, meaning that we assume we do not know the nonlinear regulation function of the process. In order to illustrate this procedure, we employ the Goodwin dynamics of the concentrations [B. C. Goodwin, (Academic, New York, 1963)] in the simple form recently applied to single gene systems and some operon cases [H. De Jong, J. Comput. Biol. 9, 67 (2002)], which involves the dynamics of the mRNA, given protein and metabolite concentrations. Further, we present results for a three gene case in coregulated sets of transcription units as they occur in prokaryotes. However, instead of considering their full dynamics, we use only the data of the metabolites and a designed software sensor. We also show, more generally, that it is possible to rebuild the complete set of nonmeasured concentrations despite the uncertainties in the regulation function or, even more, in the case of not knowing the mRNA dynamics. In addition, the rebuilding of concentrations is not affected by the perturbation due to the additive white Gaussian noise and also we managed to filter the noisy output of the biological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Ibarra-Junquera
- Potosinian Institute of Science and Technology, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
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Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of contraception services in the city of El Alto, Bolivia. In the study design, four components were considered: 1) interpersonal relations between service providers and users, 2) the availability of various contraceptive methods, 3) conditions in the service centers, and 4) user satisfaction. The opinions of three groups were taken into account: service providers, service users, and nonusers. The service centers were classified as either governmental or nongovernmental, depending on the management of the institution to which the service center belonged. The study data came from a situation analysis of the services and from comments gathered from study participants in 1995. The study found that providers held a more favorable view than did service users of the interpersonal relations and personal treatment that physicians provided. Nonusers had an unfavorable perception of physicians' treatment of users. Users' perceptions of receiving egalitarian treatment correlated with their style of dress. With regard to the availability of contraceptive methods, 15 of the 36 centers surveyed did not have modern methods, despite there being a national policy to provide them to the public. The supply of contraception services for couples and for adolescents is limited, especially in the governmental institutions. The analysis of the conditions in the service centers demonstrated that some institutions had serious difficulties providing services of at least a minimum quality. Finally, the study describes how most of the service limitations in El Alto can be corrected through moderate-cost strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Velasco
- Hospital Universitario del Valle, Cali, Colombia
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Iznaga-Escobar N, Torres LA, Morales A, Ramos M, Alvarez I, Pérez N, Fraxedas R, Rodríguez O, Rodríguez N, Pérez R, Lage A, Stabin MG. Technetium-99m-labeled anti-EGF-receptor antibody in patients with tumor of epithelial origin: I. Biodistribution and dosimetry for radioimmunotherapy. J Nucl Med 1998; 39:15-23. [PMID: 9443731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Accurate estimation of biodistribution and absorbed dose to normal organs and tumors is important for immunoscintigraphic studies and radioimmunotherapy treatment planning. METHODS Four patients (3 men, 1 woman; mean age 54.8 +/- 9.2 yr; range 42-64 yr) were administered 3 mg of anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-hEGF-r) antibody (ior egf/r3), radiolabeled with 99mTc activity of 39.5 +/- 1.1 mCi (range 38.5 mCi-40.7 mCi) by intravenous bolus infusion. After administration, blood and urine samples were collected from three patients up to 24 hr after injection. Whole-body anterior and posterior scans were obtained at 5 min and 1, 3, 5 and 24 hr after injection. Using a computer program, regions of interest were drawn over the heart, liver, spleen, bladder and tumor to measure the activity in the source organs at each scanning time. Time-activity curves for each source organ were then fitted to monoexponential or biexponential functions by nonlinear least squares regression using the flexible polyhedrals method, which adequately fit our data with the correlation coefficient of 0.985 +/- 0.013, and were integrated to determine organ residence times. The mean absorbed doses to the whole body and various normal organs were then estimated from residence times and from blood and urine samples using the methods developed by the Medical Internal Radiation Dose Committee. The effective dose equivalent and effective dose were calculated as prescribed in ICRP Publication Nos. 30 and 60. RESULTS Plasma disappearance curves of 99mTc-labeled anti-hEGF-r antibody were best-fit by a two-compartment model in all patients with a distribution half-life (t(1/2alpha)) of 0.207 hr +/- 0.059 hr (mean +/- s.d., n = 3) and an elimination half-life (t(1/2beta)) of 13.9 hr +/- 2.2 hr. Among the various organs, significant accumulation of the radiolabeled antibody was found in the liver (48.5% +/- 4.4%, mean +/- s.d.), heart (3.50% +/- 0.17%) and spleen (3.1% +/- 1.8%) at 5 min postadministration. These values were reduced to 3.2% +/- 0.4%, 0.1% +/- 0.01% and 0.1% +/- 0.1%, respectively, at 24 hr. Mean cumulative urinary excretion of 99mTc-labeled anti-hEGF-r antibody was 4.6% +/- 0.6% at 24 hr postinjection. Estimates of radiation absorbed dose to normal organs in rad/mCi administered (mean +/- s.d., n = 4) were: whole body 0.017 +/- 0.002; gallbladder wall 0.074 +/- 0.007; spleen 0.136 +/- 0.076; and liver 0.267 +/- 0.036. The effective dose equivalent and effective dose estimates for adults were 0.041 +/- 0.008 rem/mCi and 0.027 +/- 0.004 rem/mCi administered. CONCLUSION This feasibility study indicates that 99mTc-labeled anti-hEGF-r antibody (ior egf/r3) can be used safely; this analysis provides a dosimetric framework for future studies. This monoclonal antibody, labeled with 188Re, could possibly permit a successful regional radioimmunotherapy of tumors of epithelial origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Iznaga-Escobar
- Center of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Nephrology, Orthopedic Hospital Frank País, Havana, Cuba
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Batista JF, Galiano MC, Torres LA, Hernández MC, Sosa F, Perera A, Pérez M. Brain single-photon emission tomography with technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime in adolescents with initial-stage schizophrenia. Eur J Nucl Med 1995; 22:1274-7. [PMID: 8575476 DOI: 10.1007/bf00801612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to search for regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) abnormalities in adolescents with initial-stage schizophrenia by means of brain single-photon emission tomography (SPET) using technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HMPAO). SPET studies were performed on a homogeneous sample of 15 carefully selected adolescents with a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia, and without previous electroconvulsive or antipsychotic drug treatment. Computed tomography (CT) and electro-encephalographic (EEG) studies were performed in all patients. Qualitative and semiquantitative analysis of 99mTc-HMPAO SPET studies showed an impaired rCBF in 12 patients (80%). The most common pattern was a decreased uptake of 99mTc-HMPAO in the frontal lobes, usually in the left hemisphere. Conventional and quantitative EEG was positive in 12 (80%) and 15 (100%) patients, respectively. CT findings were positive in two patients (13%). There was a high level of concordance between SPET and EEG results and between SPET and clinical features (P>0.05). This study suggests that previously untreated patients in the first stages of schizophrenia present functional abnormalities that are revealed by brain SPET.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Batista
- Centro de Investigaciones Clínicas, C. Habana, Cuba
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Cifuentes R, Torres LA. [Norplant: an effective option for adolescent women. Subdermal implant contraception in adolescent women. Preliminary findings in 174 cases]. Profamilia 1995; 12:73-7. [PMID: 12319905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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Kunze DL, Andresen MC, Torres LA. Do calcium antagonists act directly on calcium channels to alter baroreceptor function? J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1986; 239:303-10. [PMID: 2430091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effects of antagonists known to act on voltage-dependent calcium channels (chiefly nitrendipine, diltiazem and verapamil) on arterial baroreceptor function. Single fiber discharge of aortic arch baroreceptor preparations of the rat was not altered at concentrations ranging from 10(-11) to 10(-6) M. Increasing pressure in an isolated perfused carotid sinus in the cat produced a reflex arterial pressure response which was not altered significantly when the carotid perfusate contained an antagonist concentration of 10(-7) to 10(-6) M. A higher concentration (10(-5) M) of all three antagonists decreased baroreceptor discharge and depressed the reflex response. In addition, nimodipine and nifedipine had uniformly similar dose-related effects. It is likely that the effects found at the elevated concentrations are nonspecific and probably are independent of voltage-dependent calcium channels. No differences between the dihydropyridine blockers and verapamil were found even at very high doses. Our results suggest that within the range of doses used clinically these antagonists do not directly affect baroreceptor function. In addition, the present results reinforce the notion that voltage-dependent calcium channels are not importantly involved in baroreceptor transduction as suggested by earlier studies of the effects of changing external calcium concentration.
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