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Makineli S, van Diest PJ, Fernandez MA, Witkamp AJ. Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis after ductoscopy: A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2021; 88:106540. [PMID: 34741856 PMCID: PMC8577070 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2021.106540] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction and importance Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is an uncommon, benign, chronic inflammatory breast disease of unknown etiology, unpredictable duration, and unclear therapy. Presentation of case A 41-year-old woman presented with pathological nipple discharge for which ductoscopy was performed. Post-ductoscopy, the patient developed abscesses in her breast with histopathological confirmation of granulomatous mastitis (GM). Clinical discussion and conclusion IGM has an unknown etiology and atypical presentation. This is the only case described in which IGM occurred after ductoscopy. This can be related to trauma-induced GM or underlying IGM aggravated by ductoscopy. Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) has an atypical presentation. Radiological findings are non-specific in diagnosing IGM. GM can occur after ductoscopy. Whether this is trauma-induced GM or underlying IGM aggravated by ductoscopy remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Makineli
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - P J van Diest
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M A Fernandez
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A J Witkamp
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- MA Fernandez
- Oxford Trauma, University of Oxford, Kadoorie Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - M Costa
- Oxford Trauma, University of Oxford, Kadoorie Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Fernandez-Golfin C, Hinojar-Baydes R, Esteban Peris A, Gonzalez-Gomez A, Fernandez MA, Alonso Salinas G, Monteagudo JM, Pardo A, Abellas M, Garcia-Martin A, Jimenez-Nacher JJ, Zamorano JL. P4678Cardiac magnetic resonance left ventricular myocardial mechanics in patients with significant aortic resgurgitation. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy563.p4678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - M A Fernandez
- University Hospital Ramon y Cajal de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - J M Monteagudo
- University Hospital Ramon y Cajal de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Pardo
- University Hospital Ramon y Cajal de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Abellas
- University Hospital Ramon y Cajal de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - J L Zamorano
- University Hospital Ramon y Cajal de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
The Fragility Fracture Network is coordinating international initiatives to promote collaborative research, multidisciplinary care, and the secondary prevention of fragility fractures. This review discusses the use of national audit processes and the collection of common outcomes to facilitate research, as well as the key role played by patient and public involvement, and strategies to overcome research barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Fernandez
- Clinical Research Fellow in Orthopaedic Trauma, Oxford Trauma, University of Oxford, Kadoorie Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK; Specialty Registrar in Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
| | - M L Costa
- Professor of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery, Oxford Trauma, University of Oxford, Kadoorie Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
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Abstract
Aims Ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) bearings in total hip arthroplasty (THA) are commonly used, but concerns exist regarding ceramic fracture. This study aims to report the risk of revision for fracture of modern CoC bearings and identify factors that might influence this risk, using data from the National Joint Registry (NJR) for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Patients and Methods We analysed data on 223 362 bearings from 111 681 primary CoC THAs and 182 linked revisions for bearing fracture recorded in the NJR. We used implant codes to identify ceramic bearing composition and generated Kaplan-Meier estimates for implant survivorship. Logistic regression analyses were performed for implant size and patient specific variables to determine any associated risks for revision. Results A total of 222 852 bearings (99.8%) were CeramTec Biolox products. Revisions for fracture were linked to seven of 79 442 (0.009%) Biolox Delta heads, 38 of 31 982 (0.119%) Biolox Forte heads, 101 of 80 170 (0.126%) Biolox Delta liners and 35 of 31 258 (0.112%) Biolox Forte liners. Regression analysis of implant size revealed smaller heads had significantly higher odds of fracture (chi-squared 68.0, p < 0.001). The highest fracture risk was observed in the 28 mm Biolox Forte subgroup (0.382%). There were no fractures in the 40 mm head group for either ceramic type. Liner thickness was not predictive of fracture (p = 0.67). Body mass index (BMI) was independently associated with revision for both head fractures (odds ratio (OR) 1.09 per unit increase, p = 0.031) and liner fractures (OR 1.06 per unit increase, p = 0.006). Conclusions We report the largest independent study of CoC bearing fractures to date. The risk of revision for CoC bearing fracture is very low but previous studies have underestimated this risk. There is good evidence that the latest generation of ceramic has greatly reduced the odds of head fracture but not of liner fracture. Small head size and high patient BMI are associated with an increased risk of ceramic bearing fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1012–19.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. P. Howard
- University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust, Gwendolen
Road, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
| | - P. D. H. Wall
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, UK
| | - M. A. Fernandez
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, UK
| | - H. Parsons
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, UK
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Sliding Hip Screw (SHS) is commonly used to treat trochanteric hip fractures. Fixation failure is a devastating complication requiring complex revision surgery. One mode of fixation failure is lag screw cut-out which is greatest in unstable fracture patterns and when the tip-apex distance of the lag screw is > 25 mm. The X-Bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System (X-Bolt Orthopaedics, Dublin, Ireland) is a new device which aims to reduce this risk of cut-out. However, some surgeons have reported difficulty minimising the tip-apex distance with subsequent concerns that this may lead to an increased risk of cut-out. PATIENTS AND METHODS We measured the tip-apex distance from the intra-operative radiographs of 93 unstable trochanteric hip fractures enrolled in a randomised controlled trial (Warwick Hip Trauma Evaluation, WHiTE One trial). Participants were treated with either the sliding hip screw or the X-Bolt dynamic hip plating system. We also recorded the incidence of cut-out in both groups, at a median follow-up time of 17 months. RESULTS There was a significantly increased tip-apex distance with the use of the X-Bolt (mean difference 3.7mm (95% confidence interval 1.58 to 5.73); SHS mean 17.1 mm, X-Bolt mean 20.8; p = 0.001. However, this was not associated with an increased incidence of cut-out at a median follow-up time of 17 months, with three cut-outs (6%) in the SHS group and 0 (0%) in the X-Bolt group. CONCLUSION The X-Bolt is a safe implant with no increased risk for cut-out. Concerns about minimising the tip-apex distance may be justified but do not appear to be clinically important.Cite this article: M. A. Fernandez, A. Aquilina, J. Achten, N. Parsons, M. L. Costa, X. L. Griffin. The tip-apex distance in the X-Bolt dynamic plating system. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:-207. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.64.BJR-2015-0016.R2.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Fernandez
- University of Oxford, NDORMS, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU and Specialty Registrar, Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Coventry, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - A Aquilina
- University of Oxford, NDORMS, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - J Achten
- University of Oxford, NDORMS, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - N Parsons
- Statistics and Epidemiology Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - M L Costa
- University of Oxford, NDORMS, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - X L Griffin
- University of Oxford, NDORMS, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Passos KJR, Fiorini A, Rosado FR, Freitas DVB, Lima Neto QA, Pattaro Junior JR, Gaspar VP, Fernandez MA. Ability of HMGB1 protein to bind to intrinsically bent and non-bent DNA sites in the AMPD2 gene amplicon. Genet Mol Res 2016; 15:gmr7441. [PMID: 27323150 DOI: 10.4238/gmr.15027441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
HMGB-like proteins are architectural chromatin factors, and their function is heavily dependent on their ability to interact with DNA (especially non-canonical DNA structures). HMGB1 is involved in many DNA processes, and dysregulation of HMGB protein expression has profound effects on cellular transcription, resulting in severe developmental defects as well as cancer. During DNA replication, elements that form the origin are still not well defined in metazoans. Sites with A (adenine) or T (thymine) repeats cause intrinsic curvatures in the DNA and are described to be involved in the replication machinery by providing binding sites to replication proteins. As a result, the DNA molecule shows intrinsically bent DNA sites, caused by periodic repeats of 2 or more As/Ts (dA/dT) as well as intrinsically non-bent DNA sites (INBDs), due to a succession of curvatures that cancel each other. In the present study, we mapped 11 INBDSs present in the AMPD2 gene that are related to each replication origin (oriGNAI3, oriC, oriB, and oriA). Following characterization of INBDSs, we tested the ability of HMGB1 to bind to the bent (b1, b2, b4a, b4b, b5, b6, b7, and b8) and non-bent DNA fragments (nb7, nb11, nb1, nb2, nb4, and nb5) via electrophoretic mobility shift assays. All fragments showed efficient binding to HMGB1. However, the non-bent DNA fragments nb2, nb4, and nb5 showed slightly reduced binding efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J R Passos
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - A Fiorini
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - F R Rosado
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - D V B Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - Q A Lima Neto
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - J R Pattaro Junior
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - V P Gaspar
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - M A Fernandez
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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Abstract
Hip fracture is a common injury associated with high mortality, long-term disability and huge socio-economic burden. Yet there has been relatively little research into best treatment, and evidence that has been generated has often been criticised for its poor quality. Here, we discuss the advances made towards overcoming these criticisms and the future directions for hip fracture research: how co-ordinating existing national infrastructures and use of now established clinical research networks will likely go some way towards overcoming the practical and financial challenges of conducting large trials. We highlight the importance of large collaborative pragmatic trials to inform decision/policy makers and the progress made towards reaching a consensus on a core outcome set to facilitate data pooling for evidence synthesis and meta-analysis. These advances and future directions are a priority in order to establish the high-quality evidence base required for this important group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Fernandez
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Rd, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - X L Griffin
- University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - M L Costa
- University of Oxford, Headley Way, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hip fracture poses a significant global challenge both to healthcare systems and to patients themselves. We outline the management of this injury, highlight areas where the evidence is deficient and discuss research efforts towards improving the quality of the evidence base. SOURCES OF DATA We searched MEDLINE, PubMed and the Cochrane Library, using the core search terms 'hip fracture' and 'proximal femoral fracture'. In addition we reviewed national treatment guidelines for hip fracture care and references from relevant articles. Only articles published in English from inception to March 2015 were included. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Modern hip fracture management should consist of a coordinated multidisciplinary approach with orthogeriatrician input, early surgery, adequate analgesia and liaison with related services to facilitate safe supported discharge. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY The optimum thromboprophylaxis to reduce venous thromboembolism remains a topic for debate. The use of bone cement has received much attention recently with concerns about its safety in the frailest of hip fracture patients. GROWING POINTS An increasing understanding of the severity and impact of sustaining a hip fracture upon quality of life. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Strategies to improve postoperative mobility, postoperative nutrition and the role of home-based rehabilitation. There is a need to identify the optimum analgesic regimes and assessment tools for hip fracture patients with cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Fernandez
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - X L Griffin
- Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - M L Costa
- University of Oxford, Kadoorie Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Fernandez MA, Wallis K, Venus M, Skillman J, Young J, Costa ML. The impact of a dedicated orthoplastic operating list on time to soft tissue coverage of open lower limb fractures. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2015; 97:456-9. [PMID: 26274740 DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2015.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An observational study was conducted of 105 patients presenting with an open fracture of the tibia or ankle to determine the impact of a dedicated orthoplastic operating list on our management of these injuries over the time period January 2012 to July 2014. There were 51 patients before and 54 after the introduction of the orthoplastic list. Significant improvements were noted in our ability to deliver a service in line with national guidelines across all Gustilo-Anderson grades of injury. Among patients with the most severe grades of injury (Gustilo types IIIB and IIIC), there was a trend towards an improved time to first skeletal stabilisation (29.5 vs 14.2 hours, p=0.068), an improvement in time to soft tissue coverage (173.6 vs 88.1 hours, p=0.009) and a trend towards a reduced length of inpatient stay (32.6 vs 23.2 days, p=0.138). Where the 72-hour target had been breached, there was a significant improvement in the proportion of patients covered within 7 days of injury (48.2% vs 83.3%, p=0.017). Our compliance with national management standards increased significantly to reflect these improvements in care. These results support the implementation of dedicated orthoplastic operating sessions to meet the growing burden of patients presenting with open fractures at specialist centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Fernandez
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust , UK
| | - K Wallis
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust , UK
| | - M Venus
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust , UK
| | - J Skillman
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust , UK
| | - J Young
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust , UK
| | - M L Costa
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust , UK
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Fernandez MA, Karthikeyan S, Wyse M, Foguet P. The incidence of postoperative urinary retention in patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2014; 96:462-5. [PMID: 25198980 DOI: 10.1308/003588414x13946184902523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Postoperative urinary retention requiring urethral catheterisation increases the risk of joint sepsis following arthroplasty. Spinal anaesthesia with opiate administration is used widely in lower limb arthroplasty. We sought to establish whether the choice of opiate agent had any effect on the incidence of postoperative retention and therefore the risk of joint sepsis. METHODS A total of 445 consecutive patients who underwent primary elective lower limb arthroplasty were reviewed retrospectively. Patients had general anaesthesia and femoral nerve block (GA+FNB), spinal anaesthesia and intrathecal fentanyl (SA+ITF) or spinal anaesthesia and intrathecal morphine (SA+ITM). RESULTS Urinary retention was observed in 14% of male and 2% of female patients with GA+FNB, 9% of male and 3% of female patients with SA+ITF, and 60% of male (p=0.0005) and 5% of female patients with SA+ITM. Men who experienced retention were older (68 vs 64 years, p=0.013) and had longer inpatient stays (6.7 vs 4.6 days, p=0.043). Fewer patients in the SA+ITM group required breakthrough analgesia (28% vs 58%, p=0.004). Concusions: The use of ITM in men significantly increases the incidence of urinary retention requiring urethral catheterisation and subsequently increases the risk of deep joint sepsis. Its use should be rationalised against the intended benefits and alternatives sought where possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Fernandez
- University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, UK
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Bignotto TS, Munhoz REF, Pereira NC, Bespalhuk R, Saez CRN, Fassina VA, Fernandez MA. Allelic Variability in the Intronic Region of the Fibroin Heavy-Chain Gene in Silkworm Bombyx mori L. Strains of Brazilian Germplasm Bank. Neotrop Entomol 2014; 43:252-259. [PMID: 27193621 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-014-0205-1] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The domesticated silkworm Bombyx mori L. is currently found only in germplasm banks. Therefore, characterization and conservation of this genetic resource is crucial. Based on previous studies that revealed nucleotide differences in silkworm strains, the intron of the fibroin heavy chain gene (H-fib) can be used for molecular silkworm characterization. The H-fib gene has two exons and a unique intron, and encodes the principal component of the silk fiber, the fibroin heavy chain. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the genetic variability of the unique intron of H-fib gene of 20 silkworm strains maintained at the Universidade Estadual de Maringá Brazilian Germplasm Bank (UBGB) by conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis (CSGE) and nucleotide sequencing. Genomic DNA extracted from silkworm moths was PCR amplified. CSGE revealed that most of the analyzed silkworm strains had only homoduplex molecules. However, DNA from the Japanese strains B106, B82, and M12-2 had two extra DNA fragments produced by heteroduplex molecules, revealing variation between alleles. Sequencing of the H-fib intron was used to confirm the variation previously detected by CSGE and detected a significant polymorphism characterized by a 17-base pair (bp) deletion, a 2-bp insertion, and eight nucleotide substitutions. Although genetic and allelic variability was detected in some silkworm strains, the intron of the H-fib gene revealed not to be the best molecular marker for the characterization of B. mori strains from UBGB.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S Bignotto
- Depto de Biotecnologia, Biologia Celular e Genética, Univ Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Bloco B36, 87020-900, Maringá, PR, Brasil.
| | - R E F Munhoz
- Depto de Biotecnologia, Biologia Celular e Genética, Univ Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Bloco B36, 87020-900, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - N C Pereira
- Depto de Biotecnologia, Biologia Celular e Genética, Univ Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Bloco B36, 87020-900, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - R Bespalhuk
- Depto de Biotecnologia, Biologia Celular e Genética, Univ Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Bloco B36, 87020-900, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - C R N Saez
- Depto de Biotecnologia, Biologia Celular e Genética, Univ Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Bloco B36, 87020-900, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - V A Fassina
- Depto de Biotecnologia, Biologia Celular e Genética, Univ Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Bloco B36, 87020-900, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - M A Fernandez
- Depto de Biotecnologia, Biologia Celular e Genética, Univ Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Bloco B36, 87020-900, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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Fernandez MA. Additional thoughts on 'Does the addition of deep breathing exercises to physiotherapy-directed mobilisation alter patient outcomes following high-risk open upper abdominal surgery? Cluster randomised controlled trial'. Physiotherapy 2014; 100:275. [PMID: 24680095 DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M A Fernandez
- Utica College, Health Studies, 1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY 13502, USA.
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Gaspar VP, Shimauti ELT, Fernandez MA. Chromosomal localization and partial sequencing of the 18S and 28S ribosomal genes from Bradysia hygida (Diptera: Sciaridae). Genet Mol Res 2014; 13:2177-85. [PMID: 24737466 DOI: 10.4238/2014.march.26.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In insects, ribosomal genes are usually detected in sex chromosomes, but have also or only been detected in autosomal chromosomes in some cases. Previous results from our research group indicated that in Bradysia hygida, nucleolus organizer regions were associated with heterochromatic regions of the autosomal C chromosome, using the silver impregnation technique. The present study confirmed this location of the ribosomal genes using fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. This analysis also revealed the partial sequences of the 18S and 28S genes for this sciarid. The sequence alignment showed that the 18S gene has 98% identity to Corydalus armatus and 91% identity to Drosophila persimilis and Drosophila melanogaster. The partial sequence analysis of the 28S gene showed 95% identity with Bradysia amoena and 93% identity with Schwenckfeldina sp. These results confirmed the location of ribosomal genes of B. hygida in an autosomal chromosome, and the partial sequence analysis of the 18S and 28S genes demonstrated a high percentage of identity among several insect ribosomal genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- V P Gaspar
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - E L T Shimauti
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - M A Fernandez
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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Lima Neto QA, Rando FS, Freitas DVB, Rodrigues LF, Rosado FR, Fiorini A, Gimenes F, Tavares J, Fernandez MA. Straight core structure of DNA replication origins in the mammalian AMPD2 locus. Biochemistry (Mosc) 2014; 79:37-43. [PMID: 24512662 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297914010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Identification of the nucleotide consensus sequence in mammalian replication origins is a difficult and controversial problem. The hypothesis that local DNA topology could be involved in recognition by replication proteins is an exciting possibility. Secondary DNA structures, including intrinsically bent DNA, can be easily detected, and they may indicate a specific pattern in or near mammalian replication origins. This work presents the entire mapping of the intrinsically bent DNA sites (IBDSs), using in silico analysis and a circular permutation assay, of the DNA replication origins oriGNAI3, oriC, oriB, and oriA in the mammalian amplified AMPD2 gene domain. The results show that each origin presents an IBDS that flanks the straight core of these DNA replication sites. In addition, the in silico prediction of the nucleosome positioning reveals a strong indication that the center of an IBDS is localized in a nucleosome-free region (NFR). The structure of each of these curved sites is presented together with their helical parameters and topology. Together, the data that we present here indicate that the oriGNAI3 origin where preferential firing to the replication initiation events in the amplified AMPD2 domain occurs is the only origin that presents a straight, narrow region that is flanked on both sides by two intrinsically bent DNA sites within a short distance (~300 bp); however, all of the origins present at least one IBDS, which is localized in the NFR region. These results indicate that structural features could be implicated in the mammalian DNA replication origin and support the possibility of detecting and characterizing these segments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q A Lima Neto
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, UEM, Maringá, Paraná, 87020-900, Brasil.
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Hu M, Wang C, Zhang GY, Saito M, Wang YM, Fernandez MA, Wang Y, Wu H, Hawthorne WJ, Jones C, O'Connell PJ, Sparwasser T, Bishop GA, Sharland AF, Alexander SI. Infiltrating Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells from spontaneously tolerant kidney allografts demonstrate donor-specific tolerance. Am J Transplant 2013; 13:2819-30. [PMID: 24102948 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) have an essential role in immune and allograft tolerance. However, in both kidney and liver transplantation in humans, FOXP3(+) Tregs have been associated with clinical rejection. Therefore, the role and function of graft infiltrating Tregs have been of great interest. In the studies outlined, we demonstrated that Foxp3(+) Tregs were expanded in tolerant kidney allografts and in draining lymph nodes in the DBA/2 (H-2(d) ) to C57BL/6 (H-2(b) ) mouse spontaneous kidney allograft tolerance model. Kidney allograft tolerance was abrogated after deletion of Foxp3(+) Tregs in DEpletion of REGulatory T cells (DEREG) mice. Kidney allograft infiltrating Foxp3(+) Tregs (K-Tregs) expressed elevated levels of TGF-β, IL-10, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), the transcriptional repressor B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1) and chemokine receptor 3 (Cxcr3). These K-Tregs had the capacity to transfer dominant tolerance and demonstrate donor alloantigen-specific tolerance to skin allografts. This study demonstrated the crucial role, potency and specificity of graft infiltrating Foxp3(+) Tregs in the maintenance of spontaneously induced kidney allograft tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hu
- Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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17
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Negrão FJ, Gardinali NR, Headley SA, Alfieri AA, Fernandez MA, Alfieri AF. Phylogenetic analyses of the hemagglutinin gene of wild-type strains of canine distemper virus in southern Brazil. Genet Mol Res 2013; 12:2549-55. [PMID: 23546971 DOI: 10.4238/2013.march.11.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the phylogenetic relationship of strains of canine distemper virus (CDV) collected from Paraná State, Brazil, based on the hemagglutinin gene. Urine samples were collected from 4 dogs from northern Paraná State that demonstrated clinical manifestations of canine distemper. The participation of CDV was initially confirmed by RT-PCR targeting the nucleocapsid protein, after which the complete hemagglutinin gene was sequenced from each sample. Sequences were deposited in and compared with those already in GenBank. Phylogenetic analyses, using amino acid and nucleotide sequences based on the hemagglutinin gene, demonstrated that these strains of CDV are closely related to those from the Europe 1 lineage of CDV, with marked differences from other recognized geographical clusters of CDV isolates and from the vaccine strains. The strains of CDV from this region of southern Brazil appear to be related to those from Europe 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Negrão
- Laboratório de Virologia Animal, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil
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18
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Pereira NC, Munhoz REF, Bignotto TS, Bespalhuk R, Garay LB, Saez CRN, Fassina VA, Nembri A, Fernandez MA. Biological and molecular characterization of silkworm strains from the Brazilian germplasm bank of Bombyx mori. Genet Mol Res 2013; 12:2138-47. [PMID: 23913391 DOI: 10.4238/2013.june.28.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Brazil has only one public genetic pool of Bombyx mori strains, which was established in 2005 at Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Paraná State. This genetic bank has been maintained, and the strains have been characterized using genetic and morphological tools. The quantitative and qualitative traits, directly or indirectly related to productivity, were evaluated in 14 silkworm strains. In addition to biological and productivity analyses, DNA markers related to susceptibility to the B. mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) were analyzed. BmNPV is a major cause of production loss and is a serious problem for Paraná sericulture. The silkworm strains from diverse geographic origins were found to have different characteristics, including body weight, larval stage duration, cocoon weight, and other biological traits. In terms of productivity, the raw silk percentages were almost uniform, with an overall average of 16.28%. Overall, the Chinese strain C37 gave the best performance in many of the quantitative traits, and it surpassed the other strains in productivity traits. Therefore, it can be used as one of the strains that compose the elite germplasm for silkworm breeding programs. Additionally, genetic molecular markers were efficient in discriminating between B. mori strains that had been identified based on their geographical origin. We found that all Japanese strains produced a 400-bp molecular marker that has been associated with susceptibility to BmNPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- N C Pereira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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19
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Toste R, Pessoa IA, Dore MP, Parahyba MA, Fernandez MA. Is aphallic vas deferens development in females related to the distance from organotin sources? A study with Stramonita haemastoma. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2013; 91:162-170. [PMID: 23485038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2013.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Imposex, a syndrome characterized by the appearance of a penis and/or vas deferens in female gastropods due the presence of organotins in environment, is still observed in Brazilian gastropod populations, as in other countries, even after the tributyltin (TBT) ban. Nevertheless, the progressive controls on the use of organotins in antifouling systems at national and international levels and the consequent reduction of their environmental concentrations have led to changes in the characteristics of imposex development observed in Stramonita haemastoma. Populations of this species were analyzed on the coast of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) between 2007 and 2008, and the developmental pathways associated with the syndrome were identified. Compared with previous works, it was noted that imposex expression was reduced in most of Guanabara Bay. Aphallic imposex development, on the other hand, showed a marked increase. The pathways of imposex development were also evaluated in a temporal data series from a fixed sampling station at Vermelha beach, and the incidence of aphallic imposex development was found to show a marked increase from 1998 onward. Furthermore, the observation of either the presence or absence of a penis in imposex-affected females may indicate that penis development is related to the contaminant exposure level and that the decreasing TBT concentrations in the local environment result in the predominance of an aphallic route of imposex development. These findings support the idea that imposex female aphally in this species could be a dose-dependent response, rather than a genetic anomaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Toste
- Programa de Ecotoxicologia Marinha, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, São Francisco Xavier St. 524, 4018E, 20550-013 Maracanã, RJ, Brazil.
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20
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Hossain FS, Patel S, Fernandez MA, Konan S, Haddad FS. A performance based patient outcome score for active patients following total knee arthroplasty. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2013; 21:51-9. [PMID: 23063619 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2012.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Revised: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/29/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop and validate a user friendly performance based knee outcome score for use in active patients undergoing TKA surgery. DESIGN We prospectively studied a cohort of 50 subjects without any knee symptoms, and 50 patients who underwent TKA for osteoarthritis (OA). The patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively. SF-36 and WOMAC were concurrently administered for comparison. Patients completed seven physical tasks of the finalised outcome instrument which were objectively assessed and scored. RESULTS The mean functional score was 31.7 in the normal subjects. The mean functional score improved postoperatively from 10.0 to 17.7 (P < 0.001) in the TKA group. Our results confirm that the performance based score has a high test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.89), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.84) and construct validity showing expected correlations with relevant components of the WOMAC and SF-36 scores. The responsiveness as measured by the effect size compared favourably with the same relevant components of the SF-36 and WOMAC. CONCLUSIONS Our performance based knee function score is a reliable dimension specific tool to detect change in musculoskeletal function after TKA. It complements existing self-reported outcome tools in facilitating a comprehensive assessment of patients following TKA.
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Affiliation(s)
- F S Hossain
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, University College London Hospital, 250 Euston Road, London NW1 2PG, UK.
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21
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Tavares J, Bravo JP, Gimenes F, Neto QAL, Fiorini A, Fernandez MA. Differential structure of the intronic promoter of the Bombyx mori A3 actin gene correlated with silkworm sensitivity/resistance to nucleopolyhedrovirus. Genet Mol Res 2011; 10:471-81. [PMID: 21476193 DOI: 10.4238/vol10-1gmr978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Previous reports demonstrated that actin is necessary for nucleocapsid transport and viral gene expression during nucleopolyhedrovirus infection of Bombyx mori. The first intron of B. mori A3 actin contains a cryptic promoter that drives expression of a rare isoform. We detected differences in the size and nucleotide composition of the first intron of the A3 actin gene from B. mori strain C24A, which is more resistant to nucleopolyhedrovirus than the M11A strain (22 and 95% lethality, respectively). We sought to determine if resistance to BmMNPV infection and the A3 actin promoter structure are correlated. Intrinsically bent DNA sites in these sequences, which determine curved structures, were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility assays and the helical parameters ENDS ratio, roll and twist. We found both fragments to have non-centralized bent DNA sites with distinct ENDS ratio values, nucleotide positions and two-dimensional structures. Additionally, a conformational-sensitive gel electrophoresis assay identified an allelic variation found in strain M11A that is absent in strain C24A. These data suggest that A3 actin intronic sequence variations impair virus propagation and are markers of BmMNPV-resistant populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tavares
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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22
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Dourado LA, Ribeiro LFC, Brancalhão RMC, Tavares J, Borges AR, Fernandez MA. Silkworm salivary glands are not susceptible to Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus. Genet Mol Res 2011; 10:335-9. [PMID: 21365549 DOI: 10.4238/vol10-1gmr996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A nuclear polyhedrosis virus isolated from infected Bombyx mori, BmNPV, was used to inoculate silkworms to determine salivary gland cell susceptibility. The salivary gland was removed from infected silkworms at different times post-inoculation and examined by light microscopy. The salivary gland cells did not exhibit any signs of BmNPV infection; however, fat body and tracheal cells, used as positive controls, showed characteristic cytopathological changes caused by BmNPV infection, which confirmed inoculum viability. The morphological distribution of tracheal branches and the basal lamina, which serves as a barrier to viral penetration, are apparently involved in this resistance to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Dourado
- Laboratório de Organização Funcional do Núcleo, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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23
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Heideman C, Munhoz REF, Pattaro Júnior JR, Fernandez MA. Genetic diversity analysis with RAPD linked to sex identification in the sugar cane borer Diatraea saccharalis. Genet Mol Res 2010; 9:2343-8. [PMID: 21128215 DOI: 10.4238/vol9-4gmr974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Diatraea saccharalis is an insect that causes considerable losses in the sugar cane crop. Our aim was to contribute to the knowledge of the biology of D. saccharalis, with the report of DNA fragments involved in the differentiation between the male and female of this species using the RAPD sex molecular marker GyakuU-13, which is specific for the W chromosome of Bombyx mori. Another point evaluated in this study was the genetic diversity of a D. saccharalis population maintained by inbreeding in a laboratory culture. The profile of sex-specific fragments was analyzed, and the genetic variability of this population was estimated. An analysis of the molecular markers showed only one fragment, of approximately 700 bp, that could be considered as a female sex marker in D. saccharalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Heideman
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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24
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Mendez P, Taron M, Moran T, Carcereny E, Quiroga V, Grassi P, Fernandez MA, Gomez P, Sanchez J, Rosell R. Feasibility of a prospective host cell reactivation assay (HCRA) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. J Clin Oncol 2010. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2010.28.15_suppl.10586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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25
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Silva JLC, Barbosa JF, Bravo JP, Souza EMD, Huergo LF, Pedrosa FO, Esteves E, Daffre S, Fernandez MA. Induction of a gloverin-like antimicrobial polypeptide in the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis challenged by septic injury. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 43:431-6. [PMID: 20490430 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2010005000010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2009] [Accepted: 02/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is an important pest for Brazilian sugarcane. In the present study, we detected two distinct spots in hemolymph from septic injured larvae (HDs1 and HDs2), which are separated by 2DE gel electrophoresis. Both spots were subjected to in-gel tryptic digestion and MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis, which revealed the sequence VFGTLGSDDSGLFGK present in both HDs1 and HDs2. This sequence had homology and 80% identity with specific Lepidoptera antimicrobial peptides called gloverins. Analyses using the ImageMaster 2D software showed pI 8.94 of the HDs1 spot, which is similar to that described to Hyalophora gloveri gloverin (pI 8.5). Moreover, the 14-kDa molecular mass of the spot HDs1 is compatible to that of gloverins isolated from the hemolymph of Trichoplusia ni, Helicoverpa armigera and H. gloveri. Antimicrobial assays with partially purified fractions containing the HDs1 and HDs2 polypeptides demonstrated activity against Escherichia coli. This is the first report of antimicrobial polypeptides in D. saccharalis, and the identification of these peptides may help in the generation of new strategies to control this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L C Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, PR, Brasil
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26
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Barbosa JF, Bravo JP, Zanatta DB, Silva JLC, Fernandez MA. Allelic variability in the third intron of the fibroin light chain gene in Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). Genet Mol Res 2009; 8:197-206. [PMID: 19283686 DOI: 10.4238/vol8-1gmr543] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis is a useful method for identifying allele polymorphism; it provides co-dominant molecular markers. Using this method, we identified genetic variability in the third intron of the fibroin light chain gene, fib-L, in six Bombyx mori strains. Only Chinese C21A strain did not demonstrate allelic alterations, showing only homoduplex DNA molecules. We found distinct heteroduplex profiles in the Japanese HAA, M12B and M19-2 and the Chinese C25B and C24-2 strains. Analysis with restriction endonuclease fingerprinting conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis demonstrated the potential of this method for the identification of allelic variability in B. mori; this was confirmed by cloning and sequencing the different alleles. The main alteration was a 12-bp deletion in two alleles of the C24-2 strain and one allele of the HAA strain; this deletion results in specific heteroduplex DNA molecule profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Barbosa
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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27
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Brancalhão RMC, Torquato EFB, Fernandez MA. Cytopathology of Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) silk gland caused by multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus. Genet Mol Res 2009; 8:162-72. [PMID: 19283683 DOI: 10.4238/vol8-1gmr545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus previously isolated from infected Bombyx mori L. larvae (BmMNPV) in Paraná state, Brazil, was inoculated into B. mori larvae to examine susceptibility and cytopathology in silk gland cells. The anterior, middle and posterior silk glands were removed from the infected silkworm at different times post-inoculation and processed for cytopathology studies by light and transmission electron microscopy. BmMNPV infection was only detected at 72 h post-inoculation in cells of the middle and posterior silk glands. No sign of infection was found in the anterior silk gland. Cytopathological characteristics were similar to those found in other target tissues; initially, they consisted of nuclear hypertrophy and the formation of virogenic stroma (viroplasm), in which the progeny virions are produced. The virions are then enveloped and occluded in protein crystal structures, the polyhedra. After viral replication, cells undergo lysis and release a great number of BmMNPV polyhedra into the hemocoele. Histopathology showed early infection foci in regions surrounding trachea insertions, demonstrating that trachea is an infection-spreading organ in the insect body. Trachea penetrates the middle and posterior silk gland basal lamina, considered a barrier to virus, facilitating the penetration of budded virus. The anterior silk gland does not have tracheal insertions into the basal lamina, which reduces budded virus infection. Tracheal branches provide a conduit for non-occluded virions (budded virus) to pass through the basal lamina barrier and disseminate BmMNPV in the silkworm silk gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M C Brancalhão
- Laboratório de Organização Funcional do Núcleo, Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
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28
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Abstract
We reviewed the use and relevance of barcodes for insect studies and investigated the barcode sequence of Diatraea saccharalis. This sequence has a high level of homology (99%) with the barcode sequence of the Crambidae (Lepidoptera). The sequence data can be used to construct relationships between species, allowing a multidisciplinary approach for taxonomy, which includes morphological, molecular and distribution data, all of which are essential for the understanding of biodiversity. The D. saccharalis barcode is a previously undescribed sequence that could be used to analyze Lepidoptera biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Bravo
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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29
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Abstract
Intrinsically bent DNA is an alternative conformation of the DNA molecule caused by the presence of dA/dT tracts, 2 to 6 bp long, in a helical turn phase DNA or with multiple intervals of 10 to 11 bp. Other than flexibility, intrinsic bending sites induce DNA curvature in particular chromosome regions such as replication origins and promoters. Intrinsically bent DNA sites are important in initiating DNA replication, and are sometimes found near to regions associated with the nuclear matrix. Many methods have been developed to localize bent sites, for example, circular permutation, computational analysis, and atomic force microscopy. This review discusses intrinsically bent DNA sites associated with replication origins and gene promoter regions in prokaryote and eukaryote cells. We also describe methods for identifying bent DNA sites for circular permutation and computational analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gimenes
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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Gimenes F, Gouveia FDS, Fiorini A, Fernandez MA. Intrinsic bent DNA sites in the chromosomal replication origin of Xylella fastidiosa 9a5c. Braz J Med Biol Res 2008; 41:295-304. [PMID: 18392452 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2008000400007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2007] [Accepted: 03/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The features of the nucleotide sequences in both replication and promoter regions have been investigated in many organisms. Intrinsically bent DNA sites associated with transcription have been described in several prokaryotic organisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate intrinsic bent DNA sites in the segment that holds the chromosomal replication origin, oriC, of Xylella fastidiosa 9a5c. Electrophoretic behavior analyses, as well as in silico analyses of both the 2-D projection and helical parameters, were performed. The chromosomal segment analyzed contains the initial sequence of the rpmH gene, an intergenic region, the dnaA gene, the oriC sequence, and the 5' partial sequence of the dnaN gene. The analysis revealed fragments with reduced electrophoretic mobility, which indicates the presence of curved DNA segments. The analysis of the helical parameter ENDS ratio revealed three bent DNA sites (b1, b2, and b3) located in the rpmH-dnaA intergenic region, the dnaA gene, and the oriC 5' end, respectively. The chromosomal segment of X. fastidiosa analyzed here is rich in phased AT tracts and in CAnT motifs. The 2-D projection indicated a segment whose structure was determined by the cumulative effect of all bent DNA sites. Further, the in silico analysis of the three different bacterial oriC sequences indicated similar negative roll and twist >34.00 degrees values. The DnaA box sequences, and other motifs in them, may be associated with the intrinsic DNA curvature.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gimenes
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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31
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Abstract
Recent approaches have failed to detect nucleotide sequence motifs in Scaffold/Matrix Attachment Regions (S/MARs). The lack of any known motifs, together with the confirmation that some S/MARs are not associated to any peculiar sequence, indicates that some structural elements, such as DNA curvature, have a role in chromatin organization and on their efficiency in protein binding. Similar to DNA curvature, S/MARs are located close to promoters, replication origins, and multiple nuclear processes like recombination and breakpoint sites. The chromatin structure in these regulatory regions is important to chromosome organization for accurate regulation of nuclear processes. In this article we review the biological importance of the co-localization between bent DNA sites and S/MARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fiorini
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá Maringá, Paraná 87020-900, Brazil
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32
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Fernandez MA, de Luca Rebello Wagener A, Limaverde AM, Scofield AL, Pinheiro FM, Rodrigues E. Imposex and surface sediment speciation: a combined approach to evaluate organotin contamination in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mar Environ Res 2005; 59:435-452. [PMID: 15603768 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2004.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2003] [Revised: 07/24/2004] [Accepted: 07/24/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
An integrated biological-chemical survey of organotin compounds was carried out in Guanabara Bay, the second most important Brazilian harbor complex. The biological survey revealed high levels of imposex in Stramonita haemastoma populations. Inside the bay values of relative penis length index from 42.7 to 107.6 and vas deferens sequence index from III to VI were found, while organisms collected outside the bay had values ranging from <0.1 to 35.2 and from 0 to II. None of the females sampled inside the bay were normal and imposex was found in all stations. Surface sediments in the bay are contaminated by tributyltin (10-522 ng/g d.w.) and triphenyltin (<3.9-39.4 ng/g d.w.) with greater concentrations close to shipyards and marinas. The observed predominance of parent compounds (TBT and TPT) is commonly found when recent inputs occur, but may also indicate slow degradation processes in the anoxic conditions of these sediments. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a combined imposex-sediment approach to evaluate organotin contamination in marine environments of South America, and also the first report of TPT detection in environmental matrices in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Fernandez
- Chemistry Department, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Saenz MT, Tornos MP, Alvarez A, Fernandez MA, García MD. Antibacterial activity of essential oils of Pimenta racemosa var. terebinthina and Pimenta racemosa var. grisea. Fitoterapia 2004; 75:599-602. [PMID: 15351118 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2004.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 04/14/2004] [Accepted: 06/03/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The antibacterial activity of essential oils of Pimenta racemosa var. terebinthina and P. racemosa var. grisea was determined against Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria. P. racemosa var. grisea demonstrated a more pronounced activity. These data would indicate the potential usefulness of the variety grisea as a microbiostatic, antiseptic or disinfectant agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Saenz
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, C/Profesor García González s/n, University of Sevilla, 41012-Sevilla, Spain.
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Thiengo SC, Fernandez MA, Boaventura MF, Grault CE, Silva HF, Mattos AC, Santos SB. Freshwater snails and schistosomiasis mansoni in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: I-- Metropolitan mesoregion. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2002; 96 Suppl:177-84. [PMID: 11586447 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762001000900028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to elaborate a planorbid chart of the State of Rio de Janeiro a survey of freshwater gastropods in the Metropolitan Mesoregion of this State was performed and revealed the occurrence of 20 species: Antillorbis nordestensis (Lucena, 1954); Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818); Biomphalaria schrammi (Crosse, 1864); Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker, 1848); Biomphalaria tenagophila (Orbigny, 1835); Burnupia sp.; Drepanotrema anatinum (Orbigny, 1835); Drepanotrema cimex (Moricand, 1839); Drepanotrema lucidum (Pfeiffer, 1839); Ferrissia sp.; Gundlachia ticaga (Marcus & Marcus, 1962); Heleobia davisi Silva & Thomé, 1985; Lymnaea columella Say, 1817; Melanoides tuberculatus (Müller, 1774); Physa cubensis Pfeiffer, 1839; Physa marmorata Guilding, 1828; Pomacea sp.; Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822); Pomacea lineata (Spix, 1827) and Pomacea sordida (Swainson, 1823). Among the planorbid species B. tenagophila was the most frequent, occurring in all municipalities surveyed. The present study extends the distribution of B. straminea in the State of Rio de Janeiro and reports new records for A. nordestensis, B. schrammi, G. ticaga, H. davisi and the genera Burnupia and Ferrissia. An account about the current transmission areas of schistosomiasis mansoni in this Mesoregion is presented as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Thiengo
- Departamento de Malacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brasil.
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Fernandez MA, Pieri OS. Infection by Schistosoma mansoni Sambon 1907 in the first four months of life of Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker, 1848) in Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2002; 96 Suppl:185-92. [PMID: 11586448 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762001000900029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Compatibility between Schistosoma mansoni and Biomphalaria straminea when exposed to the parasite on the first four months of age was assessed for five parasitological aspects: indices of infection and mortality, duration of precercarial and cercarial periods, and rate of cercarial emission. Infections were made on molluscs from laboratory colonies, at the following ages: 8, 13, 18, 21, 53, 83 and 114 days. Two B. straminea colonies were used (Camorim, PE and Picos, PI), and one B. glabrata colony (Ressaca, MG) was used as control. The main results are as follows: (I) infection was significantly associated with mollusc age, being proportionally higher in sexually immature than in mature molluscs for the three colonies; (II) for B. straminea from Camorim, mortality did not differ significantly between infected and non-infected snails; for B. straminea from Picos significantly more deaths occurred among infected than among non-infected snails, while the opposite was observed for B. glabrata from Ressaca; (III) for the three colonies, the precercarial period was significantly shorter for immature molluscs than for mature ones; (IV) the duration of the cercarial period was extremely variable for the three colonies; (V) sexual maturity did not influence cercarial emission for the three colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Fernandez
- Departamento de Malacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brasil.
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Fiorini A, Basso LR, Paçó-Larson ML, Fernandez MA. Mapping of intrinsic bent DNA sites in the upstream region of DNA puff BhC4-1 amplified gene. J Cell Biochem 2001; 83:1-13. [PMID: 11500949 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.1188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We have identified bent DNA sites in the distal and proximal DNA puff BhC4-1 amplified gene promoter region of Bradysia hygida. The 2D modeling of the 3D DNA path and the ENDS ratio values calculated in this promoter region resulted in the identification of ten pronounced bent sites named BhC4B - 9 to + 1. The 1847 bp fragment (- 3697 to - 1850) in relation to the transcription start site shows multiple bending sites, BhC4B - 9 to BhC4B - 4, with periodicity approximately 300 bp. The analysis of the other identified bent region, starting at position - 957, reveals that the BhC4B + 1 bent site colocalizes with the putative BhC4-1 minimal promoter. The sequence analysis of bent site BhC4B - 4 shows a distribution of dA*dT at approximately 10 bp intervals between the middle of each tract, but intervals with more than one turn, approximately 20 bp, two helix turns, were detected in the other bent sites described here. The bent sites BhC4B - 6 and BhC4B - 4, contain two consensus sequences, with 60 bp each. The apparent molecular weight of fragments in the BhC4-1 promoter region were estimated in agarose gels and compared with the data obtained in polyacrylamide gels without and with ethidium bromide. The mobility reduction ratios (R-values) were determined, and a high R-value, 1.80, for a 1215 bp fragment in the distal promoter region and a 1.23 significant R-value for a 662 bp fragment in the proximal segment were found. To further analyze the predicted bent DNA sites in these fragments, the 2D trajectories of the 3D DNA path and other parameters, AT percentage, roll angle, ENDS ratio and DeltaG, were determined. The role of these bent sites in the BhC4-1 transcription regulation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fiorini
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Paraná 87020-900, Brazil
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Abstract
A survey of freshwater gastropods of the Campus of Manguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, was carried out during the last two years aiming to compare the current species with those found at the beginning of this century. Among 18 breeding sites in 880,000m2 of the surveyed area, 13 showed the following species: Antillorbis nordestensis; Biomphalaria glabrata; Biomphalaria straminea; Lymnaea columella; Melanoides tuberculatus; Physa cubensis; Pomacea glauca and Pomacea lineata. Notably, Biomphalaria tenagophila reported by Lutz in 1918, had disappeared and B. straminea and the Asiatic thiarid M. tuberculatus had been introduced. No specimens infected with Schistosoma mansoni were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Fernandez
- Departamento de Malacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ.
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Borges AR, Gaspar VP, Fernandez MA. Unequal X chromosomes in Bradysia hygida (Diptera:Sciaridae) females: karyotype assembly and morphometric analysis. Genetica 2001; 108:101-5. [PMID: 11145415 DOI: 10.1023/a:1004016809267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The mitotic chromosomes of Bradysia hygida (Diptera:Sciaridae) neuroblast cells are described together with their morphometric data. Giemsa-stained neuroblast chromosomes from female and male larvae confirm the chromosome number of this species, 2n = 8 (XX) and 2n = 7 (XO), respectively. The karyotype assembly reveals two metacentric autosomic pairs, the A and B chromosomes; a subtelocentric, the C chromosome, the smallest one; and a sexual unequal metacentric pair, X chromosome, in female karyotype and a one sexual metacentric X chromosome in male. The implications of the unequal X chromosome pair are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Borges
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Paraná, Brasil
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Lindberg J, Fernandez MA, Ropp JD, Hamm-Alvarez SF. Nocodazole treatment of CV-1 cells enhances nuclear/perinuclear accumulation of lipid-DNA complexes and increases gene expression. Pharm Res 2001; 18:246-9. [PMID: 11405299 DOI: 10.1023/a:1011001022570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Lindberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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Beutler E, Gelbart T, Lee P, Trevino R, Fernandez MA, Fairbanks VF. Molecular characterization of a case of atransferrinemia. Blood 2000; 96:4071-4. [PMID: 11110675] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary atransferrinemia is a rare but instructive disorder that has previously been reported in only 8 patients in 6 families. It is characterized by microcytic anemia and by iron loading, and can be treated effectively by plasma infusions. We now report the first case known in the United States. We determined the sequences flanking the exons of the human transferrin gene and sequenced all of the exons and some of the flanking regions of the patient's DNA and that of her parents. The patient's DNA revealed a 10-base pair (bp) deletion, followed by a 9-bp insertion of a duplicated sequence. There was also a G-->C transversion at complementary DNA (cDNA) nt 1429, predicting that a proline was substituted for the alanine in amino acid position 477 (Ala 477 Pro). The latter mutation occurs at an evolutionarily highly conserved site; 704 control alleles were screened and this point mutation was not found. Each of the patient's transferrin genes contains one mutation, ie, the patient is a compound heterozygote for these mutations, because one was found in each of her parents. In addition to these mutations, which we regard to be causative in the patient's atransferrinemia, a silent polymorphism at cDNA 1572 G-->C was found in exon 13 as well as 2 previously unreported polymorphisms at IVS8 + 62 c-->t and IVS14-4 c-->a. The mutation in nt 1572 and that in intron 8 were common in the general population; the intron 14 mutation is rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Beutler
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037, USA.
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Abstract
We report the prenatal diagnosis of vasa previa using transvaginal sonography and color Doppler. This case supports the previously reported association of vasa previa with second trimester low-lying placentas and in-vitro fertilization. Sonographic examination for vasa previa should be considered in pregnancies with low-lying placentas and those resulting from in-vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Oyelese
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC 20007, USA.
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Abstract
The exact frequency of HLA class I losses in human tumors is unknown. We have previously shown that primary breast and colorectal carcinomas frequently lose HLA class I molecules (88% and 73%, respectively). Now we report that this phenomenon is also a frequent event in laryngeal carcinomas. Of a total of 76 laryngeal carcinomas analyzed, 66% of the tumors showed an alteration in HLA class I phenotype. These altered HLA phenotypes were classified as total HLA loss (10.52%) (phenotype I); HLA-A locus-specific loss (13.15%) (phenotype IIIa); HLA-B locus-specific loss (10.52%) (phenotype IIIb); HLA allelic loss (27.63%) (phenotype IV); and HLA-A and B locus loss (3.9%). Comparison of histopathological parameters with HLA expression showed that poorly differentiated tumors had the lowest levels of HLA class I expression (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- T Cabrera
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Universidad de Granada, Spain
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Fernandez MA, Mani SA, Rangarajan PN, Seshagiri PB. Sperm-mediated gene transfer into oocytes of the golden hamster: assessment of sperm function. Indian J Exp Biol 1999; 37:1085-92. [PMID: 10783740] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The possibility of sperm as a vehicle to deliver foreign DNA to oocytes was tested in hamsters. Epididymal spermatozoa, incubated with linearized plasmid DNA encoding ovine growth hormone (pCMXoGH), showed a spontaneous tendency to interact with DNA. Kinetics of sperm uptake of DNA was determined by using [32P]-labeled DNA. Spermatozoa took up the added DNA by 15-30 min and the uptake was inhibited by human seminal fluid in a dose dependent manner. Addition of DNA did not affect the functional competence of spermatozoa, in terms of their ability to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction (34.5% +/- 2.2 vs 35% +/- 1.5). The fertilizing ability of DNA treated-spermatozoa from hamsters and humans was assessed by zona-free hamster egg penetration assay. Number of sperm penetrated per oocyte were 23 +/- 4.5 and 1.4 +/- 1.3 for hamster and human spermatozoa, respectively. Penetrated oocytes harbored sperm-treated DNA both with hamster (30.2 cpm/oocyte) and human (19.2 cpm/oocyte) spermatozoa. These results show that the hamster and human spermatozoa have a strong tendency to interact with exogenous (foreign) DNA and are able to transfer DNA to oocytes. Sperm may be used as a vector for DNA transfer and this approach has potential in the production of transgenic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Fernandez
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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Thiengo SC, Fernandez MA, Boaventura MF, Stortti MA. A survey of freshwater gastropods in the Microrregião Serrana of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 1999; 93 Suppl 1:233-4. [PMID: 9921357 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02761998000700041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S C Thiengo
- Departamento de Malacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Fernandez MA, Alonso C, Gonzalez MJ, Hernandez LM. Occurrence of organochlorine insecticides, PCBs and PCB congeners in waters and sediments of the Ebro River (Spain). Chemosphere 1999; 38:33-43. [PMID: 10903089 DOI: 10.1016/s0045-6535(98)00167-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Organochlorine insecticides and poychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in water and sediment samples taken from thirteen sites along the Ebro River (Spain), the most agricultural and industrial basin in the North of the Iberian Peninsula. Concentrations of 10 insecticides, PCBs and 13 PCB congeners were determined: grouping all chemicals by structural affinity, these can be arranged in descending order as follow: PCBs > total DDT > total cyclodiene insecticides > total HCH. Higher levels of organochlorine pollutants were detected in sediments from the middle and lower parts of the stream where are located the main important inputs in Ebro River.
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Affiliation(s)
- MA Fernandez
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Institute (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Ni J, Fernandez MA, Danielsson L, Chillakuru RA, Zhang J, Grubb A, Su J, Gentz R, Abrahamson M. Cystatin F is a glycosylated human low molecular weight cysteine proteinase inhibitor. J Biol Chem 1998; 273:24797-804. [PMID: 9733783 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.38.24797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A previously undescribed human member of the cystatin superfamily called cystatin F has been identified by expressed sequence tag sequencing in human cDNA libraries. A full-length cDNA clone was obtained from a library made from mRNA of CD34-depleted cord blood cells. The sequence of the cDNA contained an open reading frame encoding a putative 19-residue signal peptide and a mature protein of 126 amino acids with two disulfide bridges and enzyme-binding motifs homologous to those of Family 2 cystatins. Unlike other human cystatins, cystatin F has 2 additional Cys residues, indicating the presence of an extra disulfide bridge stabilizing the N-terminal region of the molecule. Recombinant cystatin F was produced in a baculovirus expression system and characterized. The mature recombinant protein processed by insect cells had an N-terminal segment 7 residues longer than that of cystatin C and displayed reversible inhibition of papain and cathepsin L (Ki = 1.1 and 0.31 nM, respectively), but not cathepsin B. Like cystatin E/M, cystatin F is a glycoprotein, carrying two N-linked carbohydrate chains at positions 36 and 88. An immunoassay for quantification of cystatin F showed that blood contains low levels of the inhibitor (0.9 ng/ml). Six B cell lines in culture secreted barely detectable amounts of cystatin F, but several T cell lines and especially one myeloid cell line secreted significant amounts of the inhibitor. Northern blot analysis revealed that the cystatin F gene is primarily expressed in peripheral blood cells and spleen. Tissue expression clearly different from that of the ubiquitous inhibitor, cystatin C, was also indicated by a high incidence of cystatin F clones in cDNA libraries from dendritic and T cells, but no clones identified by expressed sequence tag sequencing in several B cell libraries and in >600 libraries from other human tissues and cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ni
- Human Genome Sciences, Inc., Rockville, Maryland 20850-3338, USA
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Cabrera T, Collado A, Fernandez MA, Ferron A, Sancho J, Ruiz-Cabello F, Garrido F. High frequency of altered HLA class I phenotypes in invasive colorectal carcinomas. Tissue Antigens 1998; 52:114-23. [PMID: 9756399 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.1998.tb02274.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the expression of HLA class I antigens in 78 tumor tissue samples obtained from patients diagnosed as having colorectal carcinomas. A broad panel of mAbs defining HLA monomorphic, locus-specific and allele-specific determinants was used. In addition, an antibody defining HLA-C locus-specific determinant (L31) was also tested. Previous reports on these tumors indicated HLA class I losses of 30 to 40%. At least 73% of the patients in the present study had a detectable HLA class I alteration. These altered HLA phenotypes were classified as total HLA loss (18%) (phenotype I); HLA-A locus-specific loss (9%) (phenotype IIIa); HLA-B locus-specific loss (8%) (phenotype IIIb); HLA-A and B locus losses (2%) and HLA allelic losses (36%) (phenotype IV). We found no HLA-C locus losses. Autologous peripheral blood lymphocyte HLA class I typing was always necessary to define phenotype IV. We also studied the CD3 zeta chain in tumor tissues to correlate possible changes in the CD3 signal transduction pathway with HLA alterations. The CD3 ratio was frequently altered, but this alteration could not be correlated with tumor HLA phenotypes. The high frequency of HLA class I losses in colorectal carcinomas suggests that this finding is a widespread phenomenon and may be required to escape T-cell recognition. It remains to be determined whether HLA expression is "normal" in the rest of the 27% of our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Cabrera
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
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Toledo F, Baron B, Fernandez MA, Lachagès AM, Mayau V, Buttin G, Debatisse M. oriGNAI3: a narrow zone of preferential replication initiation in mammalian cells identified by 2D gel and competitive PCR replicon mapping techniques. Nucleic Acids Res 1998; 26:2313-21. [PMID: 9580680 PMCID: PMC147574 DOI: 10.1093/nar/26.10.2313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The nature of mammalian origins of DNA replication remains controversial and this is primarily because two-dimensional gel replicon mapping techniques have identified broad zones of replication initiation whereas several other techniques, such as quantitative PCR, have disclosed more discrete sites of initiation at the same chromosomal loci. In this report we analyze the replication of an amplified genomic region encompassing the 3'-end of the GNAI3 gene, the entire GNAT2 gene and the intergenic region between them in exponentially growing Chinese hamster fibroblasts. These cells express GNAI3 but not GNAT2 . The replication pattern was first analyzed by two-dimensional neutral-alkaline gel electrophoresis. Surprisingly, the results revealed a small preferential zone of replication initiation, of at most 1.7 kb, located in a limited part of the GNAI3 - GNAT2 intergenic region. Mapping of this initiation zone was then confirmed by quantitative PCR. The agreement between the two techniques exploited here strengthens the hypothesis that preferred sites of replication initiation do exist in mammalian genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Toledo
- Unité de Génétique Somatique (URA CNRS 1960), Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Trujillo
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Caracas, Central University of Venezuela
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Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the levels of prolactin (PRL) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of HIV-infected patients with regard to nonHIV-infected patients, and to assess the levels of prolactin in the CSF of HIV-infected patients with and without neurological HIV-involvement. Seventeen HIV-infected patients with different degrees of immunological and neurological involvement were studied. A second group of six HIV-seronegative patients with varying clinical conditions requiring lumbar punctures were included as controls. CSF was collected from patients and controls. Patients were studied neurologically and neuropsychologically, and computed tomography of the brain were performed. They were staged according to CDC clinical classification for HIV infection, and on the basis of tomographic findings into one of five stages. An additional classification for neurological involvement in AIDS was used. CD4+ cell counts, CSF studies, serum-prolactin levels and CSF-prolactin levels were performed as principal laboratory tests. CSF PRL concentrations were significantly higher in the HIV-infected group (n = 17) than the nonHIV infected control group (n = 6) (mean +/- s.d.; 5.77 +/- 2.22 vs. 3.53 +/- 0.69 x 10(-6) g l-1, respectively; p = 0.009, Mann-Whitney U-test). Moreover, even CSF-PRL concentration was higher in HIV-infected patients without cognitive impairment (stage 0 of the clinical classification), (n = 12) in comparison with nonHIV infected controls (n = 6) (mean +/- s.d.; 5.51 +/- 2.31 vs. 3.53 +/- 0.69 x 10(-1) g l-1, respectively; p = 0.028, Mann-Whitney U-test). There was a good correlation between serum and CSF-PRL levels in HIV-infected patients when measured by the Spearman Rank Test (rs = 0.773; p = 0.005). PRL raised serum levels were found in 4 out of 13 patients (30.73%). We conclude that higher levels of CSF-PRL are more frequently found in HIV-infected patients in comparison to uninfected controls. High levels of circulating PRL were also found in HIV-infected patients corroborating results from other work. A good correlation coefficient was found between circulating and CSF-PRL levels in HIV-infected patients, suggesting that disruption of the blood-brain barrier might account for a possible pathogenic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Montero
- Department of AIDS, Hospital de Emergencias, Rosario, Argentina
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