Guadalupe Rodriguez - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Guadalupe Rodriguez

Activin, a member of the TGF-␤ superfamily, is an important modulator of FSH synthesis and secret... more Activin, a member of the TGF-␤ superfamily, is an important modulator of FSH synthesis and secretion and is involved in reproductive dysfunctions and cancers. It also regulates ovarian follicle development. To understand the mechanisms and pathways by which activin regulates follicle function, we performed a microarray study and identified 240 activin regulated genes in mouse granulosa cells. The gene most strongly inhibited by activin was Cyp26b1, which encodes a P450 cytochrome enzyme that degrades retinoic acid (RA). Cyp26b1 has been shown to play an important role in male germ cell meiosis, but its expression is largely lost in the ovary around embryonic d 12.5. This study demonstrated that Cyp26b1 mRNA was expressed in granulosa cells of follicles at all postnatal developmental stages. A striking inverse spatial and temporal correlation between Cyp26b1 and activin-␤A mRNA expression was observed. Cyp26b1 expression was also elevated in a transgenic mouse model that has decreased activin expression. The Cyp26 inhibitor R115866 stimulated the proliferation of primary cultured mouse granulosa cells, and a similar effect was observed with RA and activin. A pan-RA receptor inhibitor, AGN194310, abolished the stimulatory effect of either RA or activin on granulosa cell proliferation, indicating an involvement of RA receptor-mediated signaling. Overall, this study provides new insights into the mechanisms of activin action in the ovary. We conclude that Cyp26b1 is expressed in the postnatal mouse ovary, regulated by activin, and involved in the control of granulosa cell proliferation.

Current Opinion in Ophthalmology, 2021

Purpose of review Fitting rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGP CLs) in keratoconic patients is... more Purpose of review Fitting rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGP CLs) in keratoconic patients is the most common visual rehabilitation option to improve patients’ quality of life, but require long patient and practitioner chair time. The purpose of this review is to provide evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPG) in the management of patients with keratoconus with RGP CLs. Recent findings An extensive literature review from 1990 to 2017 identified 354 potentially relevant publications. Fifty-two articles were reviewed and included in the CPG. An international expert panel of eight contact lens practitioners, with vast experience in keratoconus management reviewed and appraised the CPG following the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II consortium requirements. The developed CPG clearly outlines a strategy for the successful fitting of RGP CLs in patients with keratoconus. This includes how to calculate parameters of the first diagnostic lens, criteria for assessing good fit and a standardized schedule of wear time and follow-up appointments. Summary The current evidence and consensus-based CPG helps guide clinicians in a successful strategy for fitting RGP CLs in patients with keratoconus.

Behavioural Brain Research, 2021

Transgenic mouse models of Aβ amyloidosis generated by knock-in of a humanized Aβ sequence can of... more Transgenic mouse models of Aβ amyloidosis generated by knock-in of a humanized Aβ sequence can offer some advantages over the transgenic models that overexpress amyloid precursor protein (APP). However, systematic comparison of memory, behavioral, and neuropathological phenotypes between these models has not been well documented. In this study, we compared memory and affective behavior in APP NLGF mice, an APP knock-in model, to two widely used mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, 5xFAD and APP/PS1 mice, at 10 months of age. We found that, despite similar deficits in working memory, object recognition, and social recognition memory, APP NLGF and 5xFAD mice but not APP/PS1 mice show compelling anxiety-and depressive-like behavior, and exhibited a marked impairment of social interaction. We quantified corticolimbic Aβ plaques, which were lowest in APP NLGF , intermediate in APP/PS1, and highest in 5xFAD mice. Interestingly, analysis of plaque size revealed that plaques were largest in APP/PS1 mice, intermediate in 5xFAD mice, and smallest in APP NLGF mice. Finally, we observed a significantly higher percentage of the area occupied by plaques in both 5xFAD and APP/PS1

Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2021

Background: Elderly patients treated with antipsychotic drugs often experience increased severity... more Background: Elderly patients treated with antipsychotic drugs often experience increased severity and frequency of side effects, yet the mechanisms are not well understood. Studies from our group indicate age-related histone modifications at drug targeted receptor gene promoters may contribute to the increased side effects, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors entinostat (MS-275) and valproic acid (VPA) could reverse typical antipsychotic haloperidol (HAL) induced motor-side effects. However, whether such effects could be dose dependent and whether HDAC inhibitors could improve memory function in aged mice is unknown.Methods: We co-treated selective class 1 HDAC inhibitor tacedinaline (CI-994) at different doses (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) with HAL (0.05 mg/kg) in young (3 months) and aged (21 months) mice for 14 consecutive days, then motor and memory behavioral tests were conducted, followed by biochemical measurements.Results: CI-994 at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg could decrease HAL...

Journal of Neurochemistry, 2020

Signaling pathways mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor and its receptor 1 (CRF1) play a ce... more Signaling pathways mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor and its receptor 1 (CRF1) play a central role in stress responses. Dysfunction of the CRF system has been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. However, dynamic changes in the CRF system during brain development and aging are not well investigated. In this study, we characterized CRF1, CRF, and corticotropin-releasing factor binding protein (CRFBP) expression in different brain regions in both male and female C57BL/6J mice from 1 to 18 months of age under basal conditions as well as after an acute 2-hr-restraint stress. We found that CRF and CRF1 levels tended to increase in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, and to decrease in the prefrontal cortex with aging, especially at 18 months of age, whereas CRFBP expression followed an opposite direction in these brain areas. We also observed area-specific sex differences in the expression of these three proteins. For example, CRF expression was lower in females than in males in all the brain regions examined except the prefrontal cortex. After acute stress, CRF and CRF1 were up-regulated at 1, 6, and 12 months of age, and down-regulated at 18 months of age. Females showed more robust changes compared to males of the same age. CRFBP expression either decreased or remained unchanged in most of the brain areas following acute stress. Our findings suggest that brain CRF1, CRF, and CRFBP expression changes dynamically across the lifespan and under stress condition in a sex-and regional-specific manner. Sex differences in the CRF system in response to stress may contribute to the etiology of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.

Journal of Refractive Surgery, 2005

PURPOSE: To describe reverse geometry rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens fitting in eyes with... more PURPOSE: To describe reverse geometry rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens fitting in eyes with irregular surface induced by complications after myopic corneal refractive surgery. METHODS: Reverse geometry RGP contact lenses were fit in nine eyes that underwent myopic corneal refractive surgery and experienced a reduction in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) Snellen lines postoperatively. RESULTS: Comparing the BSCVA with contact lenses, 5 (55.6%) eyes improved >2 lines of BSCVA, 2 (22.2%) eyes improved 1 line, and 2 (22.2%) eyes maintained the same BSCVA as the one eye with spectacles (P<.004). No eye lost lines of BSCVA. All patients reported excellent tolerance and subjective visual quality with the contact lenses. The mean time of contact lens wear was 10.44?0.88 hours per day (95% confidence interval, 9.76 to 11.12). CONCLUSIONS: Reverse geometry RGP contact lens fitting is effective in correcting surgically induced irregular surfaces with improved visual a...

Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 2018

S1-S37 (17 ± 18 m) in the right eye and from nasal 5 mm (29 ± 43 m) to central (13 ± 15 m) to tem... more S1-S37 (17 ± 18 m) in the right eye and from nasal 5 mm (29 ± 43 m) to central (13 ± 15 m) to temporal 1 mm (11 ± 14 m) in the left eye. Conclusions: Central corneal thickness thinned by 17 ± 16 m after 24 months of toric ortho-k lens wear and changes was more significant in the nasal than temporal side.

Blood, 2018

Background: MDS comprise a group of disorders characterized by bone marrow (BM) failure, cytogene... more Background: MDS comprise a group of disorders characterized by bone marrow (BM) failure, cytogenetic and molecular alterations, and progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Most lower-risk MDS patients (pts) eventually need chronic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions because of impaired hematopoiesis, resulting in iron overload (IO) that damages organ function and contributes to shortened survival. Though iron chelation therapy (ICT) has been consistently shown to improve outcomes in lower-risk MDS pts, most studies had limitations (eg retrospective analyses, registry studies, pts not stratified by performance status). As such, a prospective, controlled study of ICT and survival in Low/Intermediate (Int-1)-risk MDS pts was needed. Aims: TELESTO (NCT00940602) was a Phase II randomized, double-blind study that evaluated event-free survival (EFS) and safety of deferasirox (DFX) vs placebo (PBO) in Low/Int-1-risk MDS pts. Methods : Eligible pts were aged ≥18 yrs, had IPSS Low/Int-1-ri...

Contact lens & anterior eye : the journal of the British Contact Lens Association, Jan 2, 2017

To calculate and validate a new web-based algorithm for selecting the back optic zone radius (BOZ... more To calculate and validate a new web-based algorithm for selecting the back optic zone radius (BOZR) of spherical gas permeable (GP) lens in keratoconus eyes. A retrospective calculation (n=35; multiple regression analysis) and a posterior prospective validation (new sample of 50 keratoconus eyes) of a new algorithm to select the BOZR of spherical KAKC design GP lenses (Conoptica) in keratoconus were conducted. BOZR calculated with the new algorithm, manufacturer guidelines and APEX software were compared with the BOZR that was finally prescribed. Number of diagnostic lenses, ordered lenses and visits to achieve optimal fitting were recorded and compared those obtained for a control group [50 healthy eyes fitted with spherical GP (BIAS design; Conoptica)]. The new algorithm highly correlated with the final BOZR fitted (r(2)=0.825, p<0.001). BOZR of the first diagnostic lens using the new algorithm demonstrated lower difference with the final BOZR prescribed (-0.01±0.12mm, p=0.65; ...

Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, Aug 1, 2016

To compare the anterior corneal measurements between Placido-based topography and dual-Scheimpflu... more To compare the anterior corneal measurements between Placido-based topography and dual-Scheimpflug topography in healthy and keratoconus eyes. Optometry Research Group, Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain. Comparative case series. The mean simulated keratometry (K), flat K, steep K, astigmatism power, corneal astigmatism axis, J0, J45, maximum corneal power point, and white-to-white (WTW) distance were collected and compared between healthy eyes and keratoconus eyes. The study evaluated in 56 healthy eyes and 56 keratoconus eyes. Placido-based topography underestimated all topographic values except J45 and WTW in healthy eyes and J0, maximum corneal power point, and WTW in keratoconus eyes, with statistically significant differences in astigmatism (healthy), flat K (keratoconus), axis (keratoconus), J0, J45, and WTW (P < .05). Healthy eyes showed better agreement (95% limits of agreement: simulated K -0.13 to 0.40; stee...

Ext Revista De Extension De La Unc, Sep 4, 2012

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries, yet children as young as 10 years of age are... more Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries, yet children as young as 10 years of age are allowed to work on farms in the U.S. These agricultural jobs seldom offer the same occupational safeguards present in other industries. However, little research has addressed the occupational safety and health of youth farmworkers. The objective of this study is to describe the occupational safety and health characteristics of youth farmworkers in North Carolina. Data are from a cross-sectional survey of 87 youth farmworkers who completed interviewer administered questionnaires. Participants included 54 boys and 33 girls with 23 (26%) aged 10-13, 34 (39%) aged 14-15, and 30 (35%) aged 16-17. Most participants (78%) were born in the US, and 75% were attending school. The crops in which most of the youth worked included tobacco, berries, and sweet potatoes. Few had received recent training in pesticides (6%), tool use (14%), or machinery (7%). Work safety climate was limited; 32% reported...

American Journal of Public Health, 2015

Objectives. We analyzed aspects of the behavioral, situational, and psychological elements of wor... more Objectives. We analyzed aspects of the behavioral, situational, and psychological elements of work safety culture of hired youth farmworkers in North Carolina. Methods. Data were from interviewer-administered questionnaires completed with 87 male and female hired farmworkers aged 10 to 17 years in North Carolina in 2013. We computed means, SDs, and Cronbach α values for the perceived work safety climate and safety perception summary scores. Results. Hired youth farmworkers in North Carolina described a negative work safety culture. Most engaged in unsafe general and unsafe work behaviors, few received training, and many were sexually harassed at work. They had mixed safety attitudes and knew that their employment was precarious. They reported a poor perceived work safety climate characterized by the perception that their supervisors “are only interested in doing the job fast and cheaply.” However, we could not detect statistically significant associations between work safety culture...

Journal of Agromedicine, 2014

Agriculture is a unique US industry in how youth are involved. Youth employed in agriculture expe... more Agriculture is a unique US industry in how youth are involved. Youth employed in agriculture experience high rates of injury, and youth migrant and seasonal farmworkers may be extremely vulnerable. The primary aim for this analysis is to describe the personal characteristics, work characteristics, occupational safety behaviors, and occupational injuries of North Carolina youth farmworkers. This pilot study uses data from interviewer-administered questionnaires with 87 youth farmworkers. Participants included males (62.1%) and females (37.9%), with 26.4% aged 10-13 years, 39.1% 14-15 years, and 34.5% 16-17 years. The majority (78.2%) were born in the United States. Most worked in tobacco (46.0%), sweet potatoes (28.7%), and berries (28.7%). They were paid by the hour (54.0%) and piece rate (55.2%); 21.8% reported a problem getting paid the amount earned. Three quarters wore a hat, and 63.2% wore gloves while working. Five (5.7%) had received pesticide use training in the past year. Over half reported a musculoskeletal injury (54.0%), a traumatic injury (60.9%), or a dermatological injury (72.4%) in the last year. Six of the injuries led to medical treatment, and 10 resulted in missed school or work. Farmworker youth in North Carolina are at times not treated fairly when they work, occupational safety behaviors are limited (increasing exposure to pesticides and other environmental hazards), and they commonly experience injuries. Research on the occupational exposures and health experienced by youth farmworkers is needed to inform policy. Changes in policy are warranted to improve the safety of youth farmworkers.

Optometry Reports, 2012

This study aimed to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of Orbscan for anterior and p... more This study aimed to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of Orbscan for anterior and posterior best fit sphere (BFS), simulated keratometry (Sim-K), and central (CCT) and mid-peripheral (PCT) corneal thickness measurements in healthy eyes. Orbscan was performed in 40 healthy eyes (20 subjects) three consecutive times on each cornea during three visits scheduled over one week. Repeatability and reproducibility coefficients [Bland and Altman’s coefficient (BAC), coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation (ICC)] were calculated for Orbscan anterior and posterior BFS, Sim-K and corneal pachymetry (central, superior, inferior, nasal and temporal locations). Repeatability was calculated using three consecutive measurements during each visit, while reproducibility was calculated using the average of the measurements obtained at each visit. High repeatability was found for all Orbscan measurements (r2<0.01; P>0.05, two-way ANOVA) with BAC and CV <1% (...

Optometry and Vision Science, 2014

Purpose. To determine and compare the repeatability of a Placido-based corneal topography (Oculus... more Purpose. To determine and compare the repeatability of a Placido-based corneal topography (Oculus Keratograph) in a sample of healthy and keratoconus eyes. Methods. The corneal topography, determined using the Oculus Keratograph, of 25 healthy and 25 keratoconus eyes was assessed three consecutive times. A single randomized eye was included per patient. Coefficient of variation (CV) of the eccentricity, corneal diameter, index of surface variance, index of vertical asymmetry, keratoconus index (KI), smallest sagittal curvature radius (Rmin), aberration coefficient, and maximum corneal power and minimum corneal power (diopters) in the 3.0-mm zone in addition to the maximum corneal power point (MCPP) (diopters) were calculated and compared between healthy and keratoconus eyes. Results. Healthy eyes showed lower topographic values (p G 0.05) than keratoconus eyes, except with regard to the Rmin value. Corneal diameter (p = 0.45) was similar in both groups. All variables showed good CVs in healthy and keratoconus eyes (maximum corneal power [0.21 and 0.47%, respectively], minimum corneal power [0.19 and 0.36%], MCPP [0.22 and 0.77%], corneal diameter [0.27 and 0.33%], index of surface variance [4.82 and 3.10%], index of vertical asymmetry [7.05 and 3.80%], KI [0.29 and 0.72%], Rmin [0.53 and 0.78%], and aberration coefficient [0 and 4.00%]) except for the eccentricity CV (5.79 and 14.53%, respectively). Statistically significant differences (p G 0.05) between healthy and keratoconus groups were found for all variables, except with respect to the MCPP, eccentricity, corneal diameter, KI, and Rmin (p 9 0.07). Conclusions. The Oculus Keratograph provides repeatable measurements of corneal topography in healthy and keratoconus eyes. These results could improve the topographical diagnosis of keratoconus, thus aiding in patient management.

Salud Pública de México, 1999

Objetivo. Desarrollar y evaluar suplementos alimenticios destinados a un programa de asistencia s... more Objetivo. Desarrollar y evaluar suplementos alimenticios destinados a un programa de asistencia social. Material y métodos. Para desarrollar los suplementos alimenticios se establecieron criterios de composición, propiedades fisicoquímicas, así como de facilidad de producción y utilización. Los productos desarrollados se evaluaron inicialmente mediante pruebas sensoriales de nivel de agrado comparativas en 40 niños, 52 mujeres embarazadas y 62 mujeres en periodo de lactancia; posteriormente, se hicieron estudios de aceptación y consumo en 108 niños y 128 mujeres de una comunidad rural del estado de Morelos. Resultados. Se presentan las fórmulas específicas y los procesos para la elaboración de los suplementos alimenticios. En las evaluaciones sensoriales los productos fueron ampliamente aceptados, de tal manera que se presentaron calificaciones promedio de entre 4.11 y 4.29 en la bebida para niños y de entre 3.98 y 4.15 en la papilla (calificación de 1 a 5). Los productos para mujeres recibieron calificaciones promedio de entre 4.75 y 5.70 en las embarazadas y de entre 4.8 y 5.4 en las que estaban en periodo de lactancia (calificación de 1 a 7). En el estudio en comunidad los suplementos fueron ampliamente aceptados en general. Los consumos promedio fueron >75% de lo ofrecido en los niños y >98% de lo ofrecido en las mujeres. En promedio las mujeres recibieron 244 Kcal/día, y los niños, 168 Kcal/día con la papilla y 147 Kcal/día con la bebida; en todos los casos se observó consistencia en el consumo a lo largo del tiempo. Conclusiones. Se desarrollaron y evaluaron nueve suplementos alimenticios que cumplen con las características nutricias, fisicoquímicas e higiénicas adecuadas para la población objetivo, además de que su http://www.scielosp.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0036-36341999000300003 (1 de 16)06/10/2005 10:48:34 p.m. Salud Pública de México-Development and evaluation of nutritional supplements for the Program on Education, Health and Nutrition elaboración es relativamente sencilla y resultan ampliamente aceptados.

Vision Research, 2006

The mouse eye is a widely used model for retinal disease and has potential to become a model for ... more The mouse eye is a widely used model for retinal disease and has potential to become a model for myopia. Studies of retinal disease will benefit from imaging the fundus in vivo. Experimental models of myopia often rely on manipulation of the visual experience. In both cases, knowledge of the optical quality of the eye, and in particular, the retinal image quality degradation imposed by the ocular aberrations is essential. In this study, we measured the ocular aberrations in the wild type mouse. Methods: Twelve eyes from six four-week old black C57BL/6 wild type mice were studied. Measurements were done on awake animals, one being also measured under anesthesia for comparative purposes. Ocular aberrations were measured using a custom-built Hartmann-Shack system (using 680-nm illumination). Wave aberrations are reported up to fourth order Zernike polynomials. Spherical equivalent and astigmatism were obtained from the 2nd order Zernike terms. Modulation Transfer Functions (MTF) were estimated for the best focus, and through-focus, to estimate depth-of-focus. All reported data were for 1.5-mm pupils. Results: Hartmann-Shack refractions were consistently hyperopic (10.12 ± 1.41 D, mean and standard deviation) and astigmatism was present in many of the eyes (3.64 ± 3.70 D, on average). Spherical aberration was positive in all eyes (0.15 ± 0.07 lm) and coma terms RMS were significantly high compared to other Zernike terms (0.10 ± 0.03 lm). MTFs estimated from wave aberrations show a modulation of 0.4 at 2 c/deg, for best focus (and 0.15 without cancelling the measured defocus). For that spatial frequency, depthof-focus estimated from through-focus modulation data using the Rayleigh criterion was 6 D. Aberrations in the eye of one anesthetized mouse were higher than in the same eye of the awake animal. Conclusions: Hyperopic refractions in the mouse eye are consistent with previous retinoscopic data. The optics of the mouse eye is far from being diffraction-limited at 1.5-mm pupil, with significant amounts of spherical aberration and coma. However, estimates of MTFs from wave aberrations are higher than previously reported using a double-pass technique, resulting in smaller depth-of-field predictions. Despite the large degradation imposed by the aberrations these are lower than the amount of aberrations typically corrected by available correction techniques (i.e., adaptive optics). On the other hand, aberrations do not seem to be the limiting factor in the mouse spatial resolution. While the mouse optics are much more degraded than in other experimental models of myopia, its tolerance to large amounts of defocus does not seem to be determined entirely by the ocular aberrations.

Salud Pública de México, 1999

Acceptance of nutritional supplements among pregnant and lactating women and children under five ... more Acceptance of nutritional supplements among pregnant and lactating women and children under five years of age.

Activin, a member of the TGF-␤ superfamily, is an important modulator of FSH synthesis and secret... more Activin, a member of the TGF-␤ superfamily, is an important modulator of FSH synthesis and secretion and is involved in reproductive dysfunctions and cancers. It also regulates ovarian follicle development. To understand the mechanisms and pathways by which activin regulates follicle function, we performed a microarray study and identified 240 activin regulated genes in mouse granulosa cells. The gene most strongly inhibited by activin was Cyp26b1, which encodes a P450 cytochrome enzyme that degrades retinoic acid (RA). Cyp26b1 has been shown to play an important role in male germ cell meiosis, but its expression is largely lost in the ovary around embryonic d 12.5. This study demonstrated that Cyp26b1 mRNA was expressed in granulosa cells of follicles at all postnatal developmental stages. A striking inverse spatial and temporal correlation between Cyp26b1 and activin-␤A mRNA expression was observed. Cyp26b1 expression was also elevated in a transgenic mouse model that has decreased activin expression. The Cyp26 inhibitor R115866 stimulated the proliferation of primary cultured mouse granulosa cells, and a similar effect was observed with RA and activin. A pan-RA receptor inhibitor, AGN194310, abolished the stimulatory effect of either RA or activin on granulosa cell proliferation, indicating an involvement of RA receptor-mediated signaling. Overall, this study provides new insights into the mechanisms of activin action in the ovary. We conclude that Cyp26b1 is expressed in the postnatal mouse ovary, regulated by activin, and involved in the control of granulosa cell proliferation.

Current Opinion in Ophthalmology, 2021

Purpose of review Fitting rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGP CLs) in keratoconic patients is... more Purpose of review Fitting rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGP CLs) in keratoconic patients is the most common visual rehabilitation option to improve patients’ quality of life, but require long patient and practitioner chair time. The purpose of this review is to provide evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPG) in the management of patients with keratoconus with RGP CLs. Recent findings An extensive literature review from 1990 to 2017 identified 354 potentially relevant publications. Fifty-two articles were reviewed and included in the CPG. An international expert panel of eight contact lens practitioners, with vast experience in keratoconus management reviewed and appraised the CPG following the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II consortium requirements. The developed CPG clearly outlines a strategy for the successful fitting of RGP CLs in patients with keratoconus. This includes how to calculate parameters of the first diagnostic lens, criteria for assessing good fit and a standardized schedule of wear time and follow-up appointments. Summary The current evidence and consensus-based CPG helps guide clinicians in a successful strategy for fitting RGP CLs in patients with keratoconus.

Behavioural Brain Research, 2021

Transgenic mouse models of Aβ amyloidosis generated by knock-in of a humanized Aβ sequence can of... more Transgenic mouse models of Aβ amyloidosis generated by knock-in of a humanized Aβ sequence can offer some advantages over the transgenic models that overexpress amyloid precursor protein (APP). However, systematic comparison of memory, behavioral, and neuropathological phenotypes between these models has not been well documented. In this study, we compared memory and affective behavior in APP NLGF mice, an APP knock-in model, to two widely used mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, 5xFAD and APP/PS1 mice, at 10 months of age. We found that, despite similar deficits in working memory, object recognition, and social recognition memory, APP NLGF and 5xFAD mice but not APP/PS1 mice show compelling anxiety-and depressive-like behavior, and exhibited a marked impairment of social interaction. We quantified corticolimbic Aβ plaques, which were lowest in APP NLGF , intermediate in APP/PS1, and highest in 5xFAD mice. Interestingly, analysis of plaque size revealed that plaques were largest in APP/PS1 mice, intermediate in 5xFAD mice, and smallest in APP NLGF mice. Finally, we observed a significantly higher percentage of the area occupied by plaques in both 5xFAD and APP/PS1

Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2021

Background: Elderly patients treated with antipsychotic drugs often experience increased severity... more Background: Elderly patients treated with antipsychotic drugs often experience increased severity and frequency of side effects, yet the mechanisms are not well understood. Studies from our group indicate age-related histone modifications at drug targeted receptor gene promoters may contribute to the increased side effects, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors entinostat (MS-275) and valproic acid (VPA) could reverse typical antipsychotic haloperidol (HAL) induced motor-side effects. However, whether such effects could be dose dependent and whether HDAC inhibitors could improve memory function in aged mice is unknown.Methods: We co-treated selective class 1 HDAC inhibitor tacedinaline (CI-994) at different doses (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) with HAL (0.05 mg/kg) in young (3 months) and aged (21 months) mice for 14 consecutive days, then motor and memory behavioral tests were conducted, followed by biochemical measurements.Results: CI-994 at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg could decrease HAL...

Journal of Neurochemistry, 2020

Signaling pathways mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor and its receptor 1 (CRF1) play a ce... more Signaling pathways mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor and its receptor 1 (CRF1) play a central role in stress responses. Dysfunction of the CRF system has been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. However, dynamic changes in the CRF system during brain development and aging are not well investigated. In this study, we characterized CRF1, CRF, and corticotropin-releasing factor binding protein (CRFBP) expression in different brain regions in both male and female C57BL/6J mice from 1 to 18 months of age under basal conditions as well as after an acute 2-hr-restraint stress. We found that CRF and CRF1 levels tended to increase in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, and to decrease in the prefrontal cortex with aging, especially at 18 months of age, whereas CRFBP expression followed an opposite direction in these brain areas. We also observed area-specific sex differences in the expression of these three proteins. For example, CRF expression was lower in females than in males in all the brain regions examined except the prefrontal cortex. After acute stress, CRF and CRF1 were up-regulated at 1, 6, and 12 months of age, and down-regulated at 18 months of age. Females showed more robust changes compared to males of the same age. CRFBP expression either decreased or remained unchanged in most of the brain areas following acute stress. Our findings suggest that brain CRF1, CRF, and CRFBP expression changes dynamically across the lifespan and under stress condition in a sex-and regional-specific manner. Sex differences in the CRF system in response to stress may contribute to the etiology of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.

Journal of Refractive Surgery, 2005

PURPOSE: To describe reverse geometry rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens fitting in eyes with... more PURPOSE: To describe reverse geometry rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens fitting in eyes with irregular surface induced by complications after myopic corneal refractive surgery. METHODS: Reverse geometry RGP contact lenses were fit in nine eyes that underwent myopic corneal refractive surgery and experienced a reduction in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) Snellen lines postoperatively. RESULTS: Comparing the BSCVA with contact lenses, 5 (55.6%) eyes improved >2 lines of BSCVA, 2 (22.2%) eyes improved 1 line, and 2 (22.2%) eyes maintained the same BSCVA as the one eye with spectacles (P<.004). No eye lost lines of BSCVA. All patients reported excellent tolerance and subjective visual quality with the contact lenses. The mean time of contact lens wear was 10.44?0.88 hours per day (95% confidence interval, 9.76 to 11.12). CONCLUSIONS: Reverse geometry RGP contact lens fitting is effective in correcting surgically induced irregular surfaces with improved visual a...

Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 2018

S1-S37 (17 ± 18 m) in the right eye and from nasal 5 mm (29 ± 43 m) to central (13 ± 15 m) to tem... more S1-S37 (17 ± 18 m) in the right eye and from nasal 5 mm (29 ± 43 m) to central (13 ± 15 m) to temporal 1 mm (11 ± 14 m) in the left eye. Conclusions: Central corneal thickness thinned by 17 ± 16 m after 24 months of toric ortho-k lens wear and changes was more significant in the nasal than temporal side.

Blood, 2018

Background: MDS comprise a group of disorders characterized by bone marrow (BM) failure, cytogene... more Background: MDS comprise a group of disorders characterized by bone marrow (BM) failure, cytogenetic and molecular alterations, and progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Most lower-risk MDS patients (pts) eventually need chronic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions because of impaired hematopoiesis, resulting in iron overload (IO) that damages organ function and contributes to shortened survival. Though iron chelation therapy (ICT) has been consistently shown to improve outcomes in lower-risk MDS pts, most studies had limitations (eg retrospective analyses, registry studies, pts not stratified by performance status). As such, a prospective, controlled study of ICT and survival in Low/Intermediate (Int-1)-risk MDS pts was needed. Aims: TELESTO (NCT00940602) was a Phase II randomized, double-blind study that evaluated event-free survival (EFS) and safety of deferasirox (DFX) vs placebo (PBO) in Low/Int-1-risk MDS pts. Methods : Eligible pts were aged ≥18 yrs, had IPSS Low/Int-1-ri...

Contact lens & anterior eye : the journal of the British Contact Lens Association, Jan 2, 2017

To calculate and validate a new web-based algorithm for selecting the back optic zone radius (BOZ... more To calculate and validate a new web-based algorithm for selecting the back optic zone radius (BOZR) of spherical gas permeable (GP) lens in keratoconus eyes. A retrospective calculation (n=35; multiple regression analysis) and a posterior prospective validation (new sample of 50 keratoconus eyes) of a new algorithm to select the BOZR of spherical KAKC design GP lenses (Conoptica) in keratoconus were conducted. BOZR calculated with the new algorithm, manufacturer guidelines and APEX software were compared with the BOZR that was finally prescribed. Number of diagnostic lenses, ordered lenses and visits to achieve optimal fitting were recorded and compared those obtained for a control group [50 healthy eyes fitted with spherical GP (BIAS design; Conoptica)]. The new algorithm highly correlated with the final BOZR fitted (r(2)=0.825, p<0.001). BOZR of the first diagnostic lens using the new algorithm demonstrated lower difference with the final BOZR prescribed (-0.01±0.12mm, p=0.65; ...

Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, Aug 1, 2016

To compare the anterior corneal measurements between Placido-based topography and dual-Scheimpflu... more To compare the anterior corneal measurements between Placido-based topography and dual-Scheimpflug topography in healthy and keratoconus eyes. Optometry Research Group, Instituto Universitario de Oftalmobiología Aplicada, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain. Comparative case series. The mean simulated keratometry (K), flat K, steep K, astigmatism power, corneal astigmatism axis, J0, J45, maximum corneal power point, and white-to-white (WTW) distance were collected and compared between healthy eyes and keratoconus eyes. The study evaluated in 56 healthy eyes and 56 keratoconus eyes. Placido-based topography underestimated all topographic values except J45 and WTW in healthy eyes and J0, maximum corneal power point, and WTW in keratoconus eyes, with statistically significant differences in astigmatism (healthy), flat K (keratoconus), axis (keratoconus), J0, J45, and WTW (P < .05). Healthy eyes showed better agreement (95% limits of agreement: simulated K -0.13 to 0.40; stee...

Ext Revista De Extension De La Unc, Sep 4, 2012

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries, yet children as young as 10 years of age are... more Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries, yet children as young as 10 years of age are allowed to work on farms in the U.S. These agricultural jobs seldom offer the same occupational safeguards present in other industries. However, little research has addressed the occupational safety and health of youth farmworkers. The objective of this study is to describe the occupational safety and health characteristics of youth farmworkers in North Carolina. Data are from a cross-sectional survey of 87 youth farmworkers who completed interviewer administered questionnaires. Participants included 54 boys and 33 girls with 23 (26%) aged 10-13, 34 (39%) aged 14-15, and 30 (35%) aged 16-17. Most participants (78%) were born in the US, and 75% were attending school. The crops in which most of the youth worked included tobacco, berries, and sweet potatoes. Few had received recent training in pesticides (6%), tool use (14%), or machinery (7%). Work safety climate was limited; 32% reported...

American Journal of Public Health, 2015

Objectives. We analyzed aspects of the behavioral, situational, and psychological elements of wor... more Objectives. We analyzed aspects of the behavioral, situational, and psychological elements of work safety culture of hired youth farmworkers in North Carolina. Methods. Data were from interviewer-administered questionnaires completed with 87 male and female hired farmworkers aged 10 to 17 years in North Carolina in 2013. We computed means, SDs, and Cronbach α values for the perceived work safety climate and safety perception summary scores. Results. Hired youth farmworkers in North Carolina described a negative work safety culture. Most engaged in unsafe general and unsafe work behaviors, few received training, and many were sexually harassed at work. They had mixed safety attitudes and knew that their employment was precarious. They reported a poor perceived work safety climate characterized by the perception that their supervisors “are only interested in doing the job fast and cheaply.” However, we could not detect statistically significant associations between work safety culture...

Journal of Agromedicine, 2014

Agriculture is a unique US industry in how youth are involved. Youth employed in agriculture expe... more Agriculture is a unique US industry in how youth are involved. Youth employed in agriculture experience high rates of injury, and youth migrant and seasonal farmworkers may be extremely vulnerable. The primary aim for this analysis is to describe the personal characteristics, work characteristics, occupational safety behaviors, and occupational injuries of North Carolina youth farmworkers. This pilot study uses data from interviewer-administered questionnaires with 87 youth farmworkers. Participants included males (62.1%) and females (37.9%), with 26.4% aged 10-13 years, 39.1% 14-15 years, and 34.5% 16-17 years. The majority (78.2%) were born in the United States. Most worked in tobacco (46.0%), sweet potatoes (28.7%), and berries (28.7%). They were paid by the hour (54.0%) and piece rate (55.2%); 21.8% reported a problem getting paid the amount earned. Three quarters wore a hat, and 63.2% wore gloves while working. Five (5.7%) had received pesticide use training in the past year. Over half reported a musculoskeletal injury (54.0%), a traumatic injury (60.9%), or a dermatological injury (72.4%) in the last year. Six of the injuries led to medical treatment, and 10 resulted in missed school or work. Farmworker youth in North Carolina are at times not treated fairly when they work, occupational safety behaviors are limited (increasing exposure to pesticides and other environmental hazards), and they commonly experience injuries. Research on the occupational exposures and health experienced by youth farmworkers is needed to inform policy. Changes in policy are warranted to improve the safety of youth farmworkers.

Optometry Reports, 2012

This study aimed to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of Orbscan for anterior and p... more This study aimed to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of Orbscan for anterior and posterior best fit sphere (BFS), simulated keratometry (Sim-K), and central (CCT) and mid-peripheral (PCT) corneal thickness measurements in healthy eyes. Orbscan was performed in 40 healthy eyes (20 subjects) three consecutive times on each cornea during three visits scheduled over one week. Repeatability and reproducibility coefficients [Bland and Altman’s coefficient (BAC), coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation (ICC)] were calculated for Orbscan anterior and posterior BFS, Sim-K and corneal pachymetry (central, superior, inferior, nasal and temporal locations). Repeatability was calculated using three consecutive measurements during each visit, while reproducibility was calculated using the average of the measurements obtained at each visit. High repeatability was found for all Orbscan measurements (r2<0.01; P>0.05, two-way ANOVA) with BAC and CV <1% (...

Optometry and Vision Science, 2014

Purpose. To determine and compare the repeatability of a Placido-based corneal topography (Oculus... more Purpose. To determine and compare the repeatability of a Placido-based corneal topography (Oculus Keratograph) in a sample of healthy and keratoconus eyes. Methods. The corneal topography, determined using the Oculus Keratograph, of 25 healthy and 25 keratoconus eyes was assessed three consecutive times. A single randomized eye was included per patient. Coefficient of variation (CV) of the eccentricity, corneal diameter, index of surface variance, index of vertical asymmetry, keratoconus index (KI), smallest sagittal curvature radius (Rmin), aberration coefficient, and maximum corneal power and minimum corneal power (diopters) in the 3.0-mm zone in addition to the maximum corneal power point (MCPP) (diopters) were calculated and compared between healthy and keratoconus eyes. Results. Healthy eyes showed lower topographic values (p G 0.05) than keratoconus eyes, except with regard to the Rmin value. Corneal diameter (p = 0.45) was similar in both groups. All variables showed good CVs in healthy and keratoconus eyes (maximum corneal power [0.21 and 0.47%, respectively], minimum corneal power [0.19 and 0.36%], MCPP [0.22 and 0.77%], corneal diameter [0.27 and 0.33%], index of surface variance [4.82 and 3.10%], index of vertical asymmetry [7.05 and 3.80%], KI [0.29 and 0.72%], Rmin [0.53 and 0.78%], and aberration coefficient [0 and 4.00%]) except for the eccentricity CV (5.79 and 14.53%, respectively). Statistically significant differences (p G 0.05) between healthy and keratoconus groups were found for all variables, except with respect to the MCPP, eccentricity, corneal diameter, KI, and Rmin (p 9 0.07). Conclusions. The Oculus Keratograph provides repeatable measurements of corneal topography in healthy and keratoconus eyes. These results could improve the topographical diagnosis of keratoconus, thus aiding in patient management.

Salud Pública de México, 1999

Objetivo. Desarrollar y evaluar suplementos alimenticios destinados a un programa de asistencia s... more Objetivo. Desarrollar y evaluar suplementos alimenticios destinados a un programa de asistencia social. Material y métodos. Para desarrollar los suplementos alimenticios se establecieron criterios de composición, propiedades fisicoquímicas, así como de facilidad de producción y utilización. Los productos desarrollados se evaluaron inicialmente mediante pruebas sensoriales de nivel de agrado comparativas en 40 niños, 52 mujeres embarazadas y 62 mujeres en periodo de lactancia; posteriormente, se hicieron estudios de aceptación y consumo en 108 niños y 128 mujeres de una comunidad rural del estado de Morelos. Resultados. Se presentan las fórmulas específicas y los procesos para la elaboración de los suplementos alimenticios. En las evaluaciones sensoriales los productos fueron ampliamente aceptados, de tal manera que se presentaron calificaciones promedio de entre 4.11 y 4.29 en la bebida para niños y de entre 3.98 y 4.15 en la papilla (calificación de 1 a 5). Los productos para mujeres recibieron calificaciones promedio de entre 4.75 y 5.70 en las embarazadas y de entre 4.8 y 5.4 en las que estaban en periodo de lactancia (calificación de 1 a 7). En el estudio en comunidad los suplementos fueron ampliamente aceptados en general. Los consumos promedio fueron >75% de lo ofrecido en los niños y >98% de lo ofrecido en las mujeres. En promedio las mujeres recibieron 244 Kcal/día, y los niños, 168 Kcal/día con la papilla y 147 Kcal/día con la bebida; en todos los casos se observó consistencia en el consumo a lo largo del tiempo. Conclusiones. Se desarrollaron y evaluaron nueve suplementos alimenticios que cumplen con las características nutricias, fisicoquímicas e higiénicas adecuadas para la población objetivo, además de que su http://www.scielosp.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0036-36341999000300003 (1 de 16)06/10/2005 10:48:34 p.m. Salud Pública de México-Development and evaluation of nutritional supplements for the Program on Education, Health and Nutrition elaboración es relativamente sencilla y resultan ampliamente aceptados.

Vision Research, 2006

The mouse eye is a widely used model for retinal disease and has potential to become a model for ... more The mouse eye is a widely used model for retinal disease and has potential to become a model for myopia. Studies of retinal disease will benefit from imaging the fundus in vivo. Experimental models of myopia often rely on manipulation of the visual experience. In both cases, knowledge of the optical quality of the eye, and in particular, the retinal image quality degradation imposed by the ocular aberrations is essential. In this study, we measured the ocular aberrations in the wild type mouse. Methods: Twelve eyes from six four-week old black C57BL/6 wild type mice were studied. Measurements were done on awake animals, one being also measured under anesthesia for comparative purposes. Ocular aberrations were measured using a custom-built Hartmann-Shack system (using 680-nm illumination). Wave aberrations are reported up to fourth order Zernike polynomials. Spherical equivalent and astigmatism were obtained from the 2nd order Zernike terms. Modulation Transfer Functions (MTF) were estimated for the best focus, and through-focus, to estimate depth-of-focus. All reported data were for 1.5-mm pupils. Results: Hartmann-Shack refractions were consistently hyperopic (10.12 ± 1.41 D, mean and standard deviation) and astigmatism was present in many of the eyes (3.64 ± 3.70 D, on average). Spherical aberration was positive in all eyes (0.15 ± 0.07 lm) and coma terms RMS were significantly high compared to other Zernike terms (0.10 ± 0.03 lm). MTFs estimated from wave aberrations show a modulation of 0.4 at 2 c/deg, for best focus (and 0.15 without cancelling the measured defocus). For that spatial frequency, depthof-focus estimated from through-focus modulation data using the Rayleigh criterion was 6 D. Aberrations in the eye of one anesthetized mouse were higher than in the same eye of the awake animal. Conclusions: Hyperopic refractions in the mouse eye are consistent with previous retinoscopic data. The optics of the mouse eye is far from being diffraction-limited at 1.5-mm pupil, with significant amounts of spherical aberration and coma. However, estimates of MTFs from wave aberrations are higher than previously reported using a double-pass technique, resulting in smaller depth-of-field predictions. Despite the large degradation imposed by the aberrations these are lower than the amount of aberrations typically corrected by available correction techniques (i.e., adaptive optics). On the other hand, aberrations do not seem to be the limiting factor in the mouse spatial resolution. While the mouse optics are much more degraded than in other experimental models of myopia, its tolerance to large amounts of defocus does not seem to be determined entirely by the ocular aberrations.

Salud Pública de México, 1999

Acceptance of nutritional supplements among pregnant and lactating women and children under five ... more Acceptance of nutritional supplements among pregnant and lactating women and children under five years of age.