Maria Jimenez - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Maria Jimenez
Use of Torulaspora delbrueckii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in semi-industrial sequential inoculation to improve quality of Palomino and Chardonnay wines in warm climates
Journal of applied microbiology, Jan 15, 2016
We have evaluated for the first time the impact of two commercial yeast strains (Torulaspora delb... more We have evaluated for the first time the impact of two commercial yeast strains (Torulaspora delbrueckii TD291 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae QA23) inoculated sequentially in musts of Chardonnay and Palomino fino grape varieties grown under warm climate (South West of Spain). Semi-industrial scale alcoholic fermentations were performed during the 2011 and 2012 harvests. Implantation analyses demonstrated that T. delbrueckii became the predominant strain until the end of the alcoholic fermentation phase. Wines with sequential inoculation resulted in the production of low levels of acetic acid (which gives wine an undesirable 'vinegary' character), low acetaldehyde in Chardonnay and high in Palomino wines. The most salient attributes that contribute to the quality of the Chardonnay and Palomino wines produced were aroma intensity, fresh and tropical fruit character. This study demonstrated that sequential inoculation of T. delbrueckii and S. cerevisiae contribute significantly t...
Glutathione (GSH) and homo-GSH (hGSH) are the major low-molecular weight thiols synthesized in Me... more Glutathione (GSH) and homo-GSH (hGSH) are the major low-molecular weight thiols synthesized in Medicago truncatula. Two M. truncatula cDNAs (gshs1 and gshs2) corresponding to a putative GSH synthetase (GSHS) and a putative hGSH synthetase (hGSHS) were characterized. Heterologous expression of gshs1 and gshs2 cDNAs in an Escherichia coli strain deficient in GSHS activity showed that GSHS1 and GSHS2 are a GSHS and an hGSHS, respectively. Leucine-534 and proline-535 present in hGSHS were substituted by alanines that are conserved in plant GSHS. These substitutions resulted in a strongly stimulated GSH accumulation in the transformed E. coli strain showing that these residues play a crucial role in the differential recognition of -alanine and glycine by hGSHS. Phylogenetic analysis of GSHS2 and GSHS1 with other eukaryotic GSHS sequences indicated that gshs2 and gshs1 are the result of a gene duplication that occurred after the divergence between Fabales, Solanales, and Brassicales. Analysis of the structure of gshs1 and gshs2 genes shows they are both present in a cluster and in the same orientation in the M. truncatula genome, suggesting that the duplication of gshs1 and gshs2 occurred via a tandem duplication.
Electric permittivity and dynamic mobility of dilute suspensions of plate-like gibbsite particles
Langmuir, 2015
In this work we discuss the electrokinetic evaluation of model plate-like particles. By model par... more In this work we discuss the electrokinetic evaluation of model plate-like particles. By model particles we mean homogeneous and controlled size and shape. The electrokinetic analysis in such complex geometries cannot be limited to a single data point as in usual electrophoresis in constant (dc) fields. The information can be made much richer if alternating (ac) fields with a sufficiently wide range of frequencies are used. In this case, two techniques can be applied: one is the determination of the frequency spectrum of the electric permittivity or dielectric constant (low-frequency dielectric dispersion), and the other is electroacoustics of suspensions and determination of the frequency dispersion of the electrophoretic mobility (dynamic or ac mobility). In this work, these techniques are used with planar gibbsite (γ-Al(OH)3) particles, modeled as oblate spheroids with a small aspect ratio. As in other laminar minerals, a particular charge distribution, differing between edges and faces, gives rise to very peculiar electrokinetic behavior. It is found that pH 7 approximately separates two distinct field responses: below that pH the dielectric dispersion and dynamic mobility data are consistent with the existence of individual, highly charged platelets, with charge mainly originated on edge surfaces. At pH 4, a low-frequency relaxation is observed, which must be originated by larger particles. It is suggested that these are individual ones bridged by negatively charged fiber-like structures, coming from partial decomposition of gibbsite particles. On the other side of the measured pH spectrum, the overall charge of the particles is low, and this probably produces aggregates with a relatively large average size, with relaxation frequencies at the low side. This is confirmed by dynamic mobility data, showing that a coherent picture of the nanostructure can be reached by combining the two techniques.
Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950), 1998
Recent studies have suggested that hemorrhagic shock followed by resuscitation renders patients m... more Recent studies have suggested that hemorrhagic shock followed by resuscitation renders patients more susceptible to lung injury by priming for an exaggerated response to a second stimulus, the so-called "two-hit" hypothesis. We investigated the role of C-X-C chemokines in mediating the augmented lung inflammation in response to LPS following resuscitated shock. In a rodent model, animals exposed to antecedent shock exhibited enhanced lung neutrophil sequestration and transpulmonary albumin flux in response to intratracheal LPS. This effect correlated with an exaggerated expression of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) protein and mRNA, but not macrophage-inflammatory protein 2. Strategies designed to inhibit CINC, both anti-CINC Ab and supplementation with the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine, prevented the enhanced neutrophil sequestration, suggesting that CINC played a central role in the enhanced leukocyte accumulation following shock plus LPS treatment. Sh...
Veterinary research communications, 1998
The responses of the plasma concentrations of catecholamines and cortisol in horses to varied rel... more The responses of the plasma concentrations of catecholamines and cortisol in horses to varied relative intensities of exertion were examined. The plasma concentrations of cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine increased significantly (p < 0.05) with exertion. The plasma cortisol concentrations at relative work intensities of 48.3% +/- 1.4%, 82.3% +/- 2.0% and 99.6% +/- 0.4% of VO2max were 114%, 124%, and 126%, respectively, of those at rest, whereas the plasma epinephrine concentrations were 239%, 772% and 3483%, and the norepinephrine concentrations were 138%, 255%, and 1121% of the values at rest. There was a significant (p < 0.0001) relationship between the plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations. The blood lactate concentration and the plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were significantly (p < 0.0001) related, as were the relative work intensity (%VO2max) and the plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations. The relationships bet...
Revista Española de Medicina Legal, 2008
Rev esp med legal. 2008;34(1):43-6 KEY WORDS Pret erm newborn. Germinal mat rix haemorrhage. Head... more Rev esp med legal. 2008;34(1):43-6 KEY WORDS Pret erm newborn. Germinal mat rix haemorrhage. Head t rauma. Delivery. Forensic aut opsy.
Studies on age determination and growth pattern of the wedge sole Dicologoglossa cuneata (Moreau, 1881) in the Spanish waters of the Gulf of Cadiz (southwest Iberian Peninsula)
The wedge sole Dicologoglossa cuneata (Moreau, 1881) is a typical coastal soleid which is con- si... more The wedge sole Dicologoglossa cuneata (Moreau, 1881) is a typical coastal soleid which is con- sidered as one of the main target species in the demersal fishery of Spain's southern Atlantic region. This paper presents a study on the growth pattern of wedge sole in the Gulf of Cadiz. Age was determined by observing and analysing whole otoliths (sagittae), thereby
P-322 Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon beta
International Hepatology Communications, 1995
In the HINDAS programme, nuclear data in the 20-2 000 MeV range are evaluated by means of a combi... more In the HINDAS programme, nuclear data in the 20-2 000 MeV range are evaluated by means of a combination of nuclear models and well-selected intermediate- and high-energy experiments. A panoply of European accelerators is utilised to provide complete sets of experimental data for iron, lead and uranium over a large energy range. Nuclear model codes are being improved and validated
The environmental impacts of teleworking
Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 2004
This paper analyses the environmental impacts of teleworking. Some empirical studies indicate a p... more This paper analyses the environmental impacts of teleworking. Some empirical studies indicate a positive relationship between the use of teleworking and the reduction of commuting and pollution. The article discusses the variables that impact on the use of teleworking in urban environments, and shows a case estimation for a Spanish city.
Introduction. The effectiveness of chemotherapy as prophylaxis of tumor recurrence after liver tr... more Introduction. The effectiveness of chemotherapy as prophylaxis of tumor recurrence after liver transplantation in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma is controversial Aim. Our goal was to assess the outcomes of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with chemotherapy after liver transplant.
Glycoconjugate Journal, 2001
In this work, we characterized chemically the N-acetyl-D-galactosamine specific lectin from Amara... more In this work, we characterized chemically the N-acetyl-D-galactosamine specific lectin from Amaranthus leucocarpus syn hypocondriacus lectin (ALL). It is a dimeric glycoprotein composed by three isoforms with pl at 4.8, 4.9, and 5.2. Circular dichroism analysis indicated that the secondary structure of ALL contains 45% of b-sheet and 5% of a-helix. Amino acid sequence of the purified lectin and its isoforms was determined from peptides obtained after trypsin digestion by MALDI-TOF (Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight). The tryptic peptides prepared from the purified lectin and the three isoforms showed different degrees (80 to 83%) of identity with the amino acid sequence belonging to a previously described high nutritional value protein from A. hypocondriacus not shown at the time to be a lectin. Furthermore, analysis of tryptic peptides obtained from ALL previously treated with peptide N-glycosidase, revealed a 93% identity with the aforementioned protein. Presence of N-glycosidically linked glycans of the oligomannosidic type and, in minor proportion, of the N-acetyllactosaminic type glycans was determined by affinity chromatography on immobilized Con A. 2 ALL ---AH corresponds to the determined sequence of the high nutritional value protein from A. hypocondriacus . In bold letters, the amino sequence of ALL matching with A. hypocondriacus protein. In cursive letters, the amino acid sequence identified after deglycosylation and trypsin treatment. *The NH 2 -terminal end of ALL is blocked. Putative N-glycosylation sites (underlined) were determined with the Prosite Pattern Search.
Beta(1)/beta(2)/beta(3)-adrenoceptor knockout mice are obese and cold-sensitive but have normal lipolytic responses to fasting
FEBS letters, Jan 23, 2002
Catecholamines are viewed as major stimulants of diet- and cold-induced thermogenesis and of fast... more Catecholamines are viewed as major stimulants of diet- and cold-induced thermogenesis and of fasting-induced lipolysis, through the beta-adrenoceptors (beta(1)/beta(2)/beta(3)). To test this hypothesis, we generated beta(1)/beta(2)/beta(3)-adrenoceptor triple knockout (TKO) mice and compared them to wild type animals. TKO mice exhibited normophagic obesity and cold-intolerance. Their brown fat had impaired morphology and lacked responses to cold of uncoupling protein-1 expression. In contrast, TKO mice had higher circulating levels of free fatty acids and glycerol at basal and fasted states, suggesting enhanced lipolysis. Hence, beta-adrenergic signalling is essential for the resistance to obesity and cold, but not for the lipolytic response to fasting.
Malaria journal, Jan 6, 2006
The naturally-acquired immune response to Plasmodium vivax variant antigens (VIR) was evaluated i... more The naturally-acquired immune response to Plasmodium vivax variant antigens (VIR) was evaluated in individuals exposed to malaria and living in different endemic areas for malaria in the north of Brazil. Seven recombinant proteins representing four vir subfamilies (A, B, C, and E) obtained from a single patient from the Amazon Region were expressed in Escherichia coli as soluble glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins. The different recombinant proteins were compared by ELISA with regard to the recognition by IgM, IgG, and IgG subclass of antibodies from 200 individuals with patent infection. The frequency of individuals that presented antibodies anti-VIR (IgM plus IgG) during the infection was 49%. The frequencies of individuals that presented IgM or IgG antibodies anti-VIR were 29.6% or 26.0%, respectively. The prevalence of IgG antibodies against recombinant VIR proteins was significantly lower than the prevalence of antibodies against the recombinant proteins representing two ...
Talanta, Jan 15, 2007
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has been applied to multi... more Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has been applied to multi-element determination in compost samples. Since compost is a heterogeneous mixture of organic and inorganic materials, the influence of sample heterogeneity on the accuracy and precision of analysis was investigated. Several parameters related to the following were studied: laser (energy, laser-beam diameter, preablation. rastering speed, carrier-gas flow rate), sample preparation (use of compacted pellets, grinding time, particle size, sample amount, length of hydraulic press treatment, position of line scan), and the ICP-MS system (quantitative versus semiquantitative analysis, matrix-matched standards and liquid standards calibration). The main causes of imprecision in sample preparation were determined to be particle size and grinding time. The effect of sample heterogeneity on precision was also evaluated by using different test samples (pellets). For Ni, Zn and Pb, the greatest co...
Effect of Solution Composition on the Energy Production by Capacitive Mixing in Membrane-Electrode Assembly
The journal of physical chemistry. C, Nanomaterials and interfaces, Jan 24, 2014
In this work, we consider the extent to which the presence of multivalent ions in solution modifi... more In this work, we consider the extent to which the presence of multivalent ions in solution modifies the equilibrium and dynamics of the energy production in a capacitive cell built with ion-exchange membranes in contact with high surface area electrodes. The cell potential in open circuit (OCV) is controlled by the difference between both membrane potentials, simulated as constant volume charge regions. A theoretical model is elaborated for steady state OCV, first in the case of monovalent solutions, as a reference. This is compared to the results in multi-ionic systems, containing divalent cations in concentrations similar to those in real seawater. It is found that the OCV is reduced by about 25% (as compared to the results in pure NaCl solutions) due to the presence of the divalent ions, even in low concentrations. Interestingly, this can be related to the "uphill" transport of such ions against their concentration gradients. On the contrary, their effect on the dynamic...
OBJETIVOS: El cáncer de vulva es una enfermedad de mujeres en edad avanzada, también ha sido obse... more OBJETIVOS: El cáncer de vulva es una enfermedad de mujeres en edad avanzada, también ha sido observado en mujeres premenopáusicas. Generalmente es del tipo carcinoma de células escamosas, aunque se presentan otros tipos histológicos. La cirugía es la terapéutica de elección por ser más eficaz, incluye exéresis amplias, vulvectomías parciales, simples, radicales (esta última con vaciamiento inguino femoral) y exenteraciones pélvicas. La radioterapia y poliquimioterapia son terapéuticas generalmente adyuvantes al tratamiento quirúrgico.
Collagen fiber orientation as quantified by small angle light scattering in wounds treated with transforming growth factor-beta2 and its neutalizing antibody
Wound Repair and Regeneration, 1999
The purpose of this study was determine quantitative differences in collagen fiber orientation in... more The purpose of this study was determine quantitative differences in collagen fiber orientation in a wound healing model in the presence of transforming growth factor-beta2 and anti-transforming growth factor-beta2,3 antibody. Full-thickness wounds were made in the paravertebral area of two young pigs. Wounds were treated once, topically, with either transforming growth factor-beta2 or anti-transforming growth factor-beta2 antibody, or with methylcellulose gel. Control wounds were left untreated. Tissue biopsies were obtained from each wound on days 7, 14 and 46 post wounding. Tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and collagen fiber preferred orientation was quantified using small angle light scattering. Our results indicated that wounds treated with transforming growth factor-beta2 and anti-transforming growth factor-beta2,3 antibody had a significantly higher degree of orientation of collagen fibers than normal unwounded skin on days 7, 14 and 46 (p < 0.001). Transforming growth factor-beta2- treated wounds had a higher degree of orientation of collagen fibers than control wounds on days 7 and 14 (p < 0.001), and control wounds displayed a higher degree of orientation than wounds treated with anti-transforming growth factor-beta2,3 and normal unwounded skin at all time points (p < 0.001). These results suggest that differences in the dermal collagen degree of orientation correlate with scarring, and show that small angle light scattering can be used quantitatively to assess differences in the collagen fiber architecture of dermal wounds.
Influence of different post-planting treatments on the development in Holm oak afforestation
Trees, 2007
... semi-arid zones, these plantings are characterized by low survival and slow growth, apparentl... more ... semi-arid zones, these plantings are characterized by low survival and slow growth, apparently due to the vul-nerability of this species to environmental factors, partic-ularly during the dry period of the first summer after planting (Matney and Hodges 1991; Gómez and Elena ...
Use of Torulaspora delbrueckii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in semi-industrial sequential inoculation to improve quality of Palomino and Chardonnay wines in warm climates
Journal of applied microbiology, Jan 15, 2016
We have evaluated for the first time the impact of two commercial yeast strains (Torulaspora delb... more We have evaluated for the first time the impact of two commercial yeast strains (Torulaspora delbrueckii TD291 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae QA23) inoculated sequentially in musts of Chardonnay and Palomino fino grape varieties grown under warm climate (South West of Spain). Semi-industrial scale alcoholic fermentations were performed during the 2011 and 2012 harvests. Implantation analyses demonstrated that T. delbrueckii became the predominant strain until the end of the alcoholic fermentation phase. Wines with sequential inoculation resulted in the production of low levels of acetic acid (which gives wine an undesirable 'vinegary' character), low acetaldehyde in Chardonnay and high in Palomino wines. The most salient attributes that contribute to the quality of the Chardonnay and Palomino wines produced were aroma intensity, fresh and tropical fruit character. This study demonstrated that sequential inoculation of T. delbrueckii and S. cerevisiae contribute significantly t...
Glutathione (GSH) and homo-GSH (hGSH) are the major low-molecular weight thiols synthesized in Me... more Glutathione (GSH) and homo-GSH (hGSH) are the major low-molecular weight thiols synthesized in Medicago truncatula. Two M. truncatula cDNAs (gshs1 and gshs2) corresponding to a putative GSH synthetase (GSHS) and a putative hGSH synthetase (hGSHS) were characterized. Heterologous expression of gshs1 and gshs2 cDNAs in an Escherichia coli strain deficient in GSHS activity showed that GSHS1 and GSHS2 are a GSHS and an hGSHS, respectively. Leucine-534 and proline-535 present in hGSHS were substituted by alanines that are conserved in plant GSHS. These substitutions resulted in a strongly stimulated GSH accumulation in the transformed E. coli strain showing that these residues play a crucial role in the differential recognition of -alanine and glycine by hGSHS. Phylogenetic analysis of GSHS2 and GSHS1 with other eukaryotic GSHS sequences indicated that gshs2 and gshs1 are the result of a gene duplication that occurred after the divergence between Fabales, Solanales, and Brassicales. Analysis of the structure of gshs1 and gshs2 genes shows they are both present in a cluster and in the same orientation in the M. truncatula genome, suggesting that the duplication of gshs1 and gshs2 occurred via a tandem duplication.
Electric permittivity and dynamic mobility of dilute suspensions of plate-like gibbsite particles
Langmuir, 2015
In this work we discuss the electrokinetic evaluation of model plate-like particles. By model par... more In this work we discuss the electrokinetic evaluation of model plate-like particles. By model particles we mean homogeneous and controlled size and shape. The electrokinetic analysis in such complex geometries cannot be limited to a single data point as in usual electrophoresis in constant (dc) fields. The information can be made much richer if alternating (ac) fields with a sufficiently wide range of frequencies are used. In this case, two techniques can be applied: one is the determination of the frequency spectrum of the electric permittivity or dielectric constant (low-frequency dielectric dispersion), and the other is electroacoustics of suspensions and determination of the frequency dispersion of the electrophoretic mobility (dynamic or ac mobility). In this work, these techniques are used with planar gibbsite (γ-Al(OH)3) particles, modeled as oblate spheroids with a small aspect ratio. As in other laminar minerals, a particular charge distribution, differing between edges and faces, gives rise to very peculiar electrokinetic behavior. It is found that pH 7 approximately separates two distinct field responses: below that pH the dielectric dispersion and dynamic mobility data are consistent with the existence of individual, highly charged platelets, with charge mainly originated on edge surfaces. At pH 4, a low-frequency relaxation is observed, which must be originated by larger particles. It is suggested that these are individual ones bridged by negatively charged fiber-like structures, coming from partial decomposition of gibbsite particles. On the other side of the measured pH spectrum, the overall charge of the particles is low, and this probably produces aggregates with a relatively large average size, with relaxation frequencies at the low side. This is confirmed by dynamic mobility data, showing that a coherent picture of the nanostructure can be reached by combining the two techniques.
Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950), 1998
Recent studies have suggested that hemorrhagic shock followed by resuscitation renders patients m... more Recent studies have suggested that hemorrhagic shock followed by resuscitation renders patients more susceptible to lung injury by priming for an exaggerated response to a second stimulus, the so-called "two-hit" hypothesis. We investigated the role of C-X-C chemokines in mediating the augmented lung inflammation in response to LPS following resuscitated shock. In a rodent model, animals exposed to antecedent shock exhibited enhanced lung neutrophil sequestration and transpulmonary albumin flux in response to intratracheal LPS. This effect correlated with an exaggerated expression of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) protein and mRNA, but not macrophage-inflammatory protein 2. Strategies designed to inhibit CINC, both anti-CINC Ab and supplementation with the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine, prevented the enhanced neutrophil sequestration, suggesting that CINC played a central role in the enhanced leukocyte accumulation following shock plus LPS treatment. Sh...
Veterinary research communications, 1998
The responses of the plasma concentrations of catecholamines and cortisol in horses to varied rel... more The responses of the plasma concentrations of catecholamines and cortisol in horses to varied relative intensities of exertion were examined. The plasma concentrations of cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine increased significantly (p < 0.05) with exertion. The plasma cortisol concentrations at relative work intensities of 48.3% +/- 1.4%, 82.3% +/- 2.0% and 99.6% +/- 0.4% of VO2max were 114%, 124%, and 126%, respectively, of those at rest, whereas the plasma epinephrine concentrations were 239%, 772% and 3483%, and the norepinephrine concentrations were 138%, 255%, and 1121% of the values at rest. There was a significant (p < 0.0001) relationship between the plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations. The blood lactate concentration and the plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were significantly (p < 0.0001) related, as were the relative work intensity (%VO2max) and the plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations. The relationships bet...
Revista Española de Medicina Legal, 2008
Rev esp med legal. 2008;34(1):43-6 KEY WORDS Pret erm newborn. Germinal mat rix haemorrhage. Head... more Rev esp med legal. 2008;34(1):43-6 KEY WORDS Pret erm newborn. Germinal mat rix haemorrhage. Head t rauma. Delivery. Forensic aut opsy.
Studies on age determination and growth pattern of the wedge sole Dicologoglossa cuneata (Moreau, 1881) in the Spanish waters of the Gulf of Cadiz (southwest Iberian Peninsula)
The wedge sole Dicologoglossa cuneata (Moreau, 1881) is a typical coastal soleid which is con- si... more The wedge sole Dicologoglossa cuneata (Moreau, 1881) is a typical coastal soleid which is con- sidered as one of the main target species in the demersal fishery of Spain's southern Atlantic region. This paper presents a study on the growth pattern of wedge sole in the Gulf of Cadiz. Age was determined by observing and analysing whole otoliths (sagittae), thereby
P-322 Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon beta
International Hepatology Communications, 1995
In the HINDAS programme, nuclear data in the 20-2 000 MeV range are evaluated by means of a combi... more In the HINDAS programme, nuclear data in the 20-2 000 MeV range are evaluated by means of a combination of nuclear models and well-selected intermediate- and high-energy experiments. A panoply of European accelerators is utilised to provide complete sets of experimental data for iron, lead and uranium over a large energy range. Nuclear model codes are being improved and validated
The environmental impacts of teleworking
Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 2004
This paper analyses the environmental impacts of teleworking. Some empirical studies indicate a p... more This paper analyses the environmental impacts of teleworking. Some empirical studies indicate a positive relationship between the use of teleworking and the reduction of commuting and pollution. The article discusses the variables that impact on the use of teleworking in urban environments, and shows a case estimation for a Spanish city.
Introduction. The effectiveness of chemotherapy as prophylaxis of tumor recurrence after liver tr... more Introduction. The effectiveness of chemotherapy as prophylaxis of tumor recurrence after liver transplantation in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma is controversial Aim. Our goal was to assess the outcomes of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with chemotherapy after liver transplant.
Glycoconjugate Journal, 2001
In this work, we characterized chemically the N-acetyl-D-galactosamine specific lectin from Amara... more In this work, we characterized chemically the N-acetyl-D-galactosamine specific lectin from Amaranthus leucocarpus syn hypocondriacus lectin (ALL). It is a dimeric glycoprotein composed by three isoforms with pl at 4.8, 4.9, and 5.2. Circular dichroism analysis indicated that the secondary structure of ALL contains 45% of b-sheet and 5% of a-helix. Amino acid sequence of the purified lectin and its isoforms was determined from peptides obtained after trypsin digestion by MALDI-TOF (Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight). The tryptic peptides prepared from the purified lectin and the three isoforms showed different degrees (80 to 83%) of identity with the amino acid sequence belonging to a previously described high nutritional value protein from A. hypocondriacus not shown at the time to be a lectin. Furthermore, analysis of tryptic peptides obtained from ALL previously treated with peptide N-glycosidase, revealed a 93% identity with the aforementioned protein. Presence of N-glycosidically linked glycans of the oligomannosidic type and, in minor proportion, of the N-acetyllactosaminic type glycans was determined by affinity chromatography on immobilized Con A. 2 ALL ---AH corresponds to the determined sequence of the high nutritional value protein from A. hypocondriacus . In bold letters, the amino sequence of ALL matching with A. hypocondriacus protein. In cursive letters, the amino acid sequence identified after deglycosylation and trypsin treatment. *The NH 2 -terminal end of ALL is blocked. Putative N-glycosylation sites (underlined) were determined with the Prosite Pattern Search.
Beta(1)/beta(2)/beta(3)-adrenoceptor knockout mice are obese and cold-sensitive but have normal lipolytic responses to fasting
FEBS letters, Jan 23, 2002
Catecholamines are viewed as major stimulants of diet- and cold-induced thermogenesis and of fast... more Catecholamines are viewed as major stimulants of diet- and cold-induced thermogenesis and of fasting-induced lipolysis, through the beta-adrenoceptors (beta(1)/beta(2)/beta(3)). To test this hypothesis, we generated beta(1)/beta(2)/beta(3)-adrenoceptor triple knockout (TKO) mice and compared them to wild type animals. TKO mice exhibited normophagic obesity and cold-intolerance. Their brown fat had impaired morphology and lacked responses to cold of uncoupling protein-1 expression. In contrast, TKO mice had higher circulating levels of free fatty acids and glycerol at basal and fasted states, suggesting enhanced lipolysis. Hence, beta-adrenergic signalling is essential for the resistance to obesity and cold, but not for the lipolytic response to fasting.
Malaria journal, Jan 6, 2006
The naturally-acquired immune response to Plasmodium vivax variant antigens (VIR) was evaluated i... more The naturally-acquired immune response to Plasmodium vivax variant antigens (VIR) was evaluated in individuals exposed to malaria and living in different endemic areas for malaria in the north of Brazil. Seven recombinant proteins representing four vir subfamilies (A, B, C, and E) obtained from a single patient from the Amazon Region were expressed in Escherichia coli as soluble glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins. The different recombinant proteins were compared by ELISA with regard to the recognition by IgM, IgG, and IgG subclass of antibodies from 200 individuals with patent infection. The frequency of individuals that presented antibodies anti-VIR (IgM plus IgG) during the infection was 49%. The frequencies of individuals that presented IgM or IgG antibodies anti-VIR were 29.6% or 26.0%, respectively. The prevalence of IgG antibodies against recombinant VIR proteins was significantly lower than the prevalence of antibodies against the recombinant proteins representing two ...
Talanta, Jan 15, 2007
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has been applied to multi... more Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has been applied to multi-element determination in compost samples. Since compost is a heterogeneous mixture of organic and inorganic materials, the influence of sample heterogeneity on the accuracy and precision of analysis was investigated. Several parameters related to the following were studied: laser (energy, laser-beam diameter, preablation. rastering speed, carrier-gas flow rate), sample preparation (use of compacted pellets, grinding time, particle size, sample amount, length of hydraulic press treatment, position of line scan), and the ICP-MS system (quantitative versus semiquantitative analysis, matrix-matched standards and liquid standards calibration). The main causes of imprecision in sample preparation were determined to be particle size and grinding time. The effect of sample heterogeneity on precision was also evaluated by using different test samples (pellets). For Ni, Zn and Pb, the greatest co...
Effect of Solution Composition on the Energy Production by Capacitive Mixing in Membrane-Electrode Assembly
The journal of physical chemistry. C, Nanomaterials and interfaces, Jan 24, 2014
In this work, we consider the extent to which the presence of multivalent ions in solution modifi... more In this work, we consider the extent to which the presence of multivalent ions in solution modifies the equilibrium and dynamics of the energy production in a capacitive cell built with ion-exchange membranes in contact with high surface area electrodes. The cell potential in open circuit (OCV) is controlled by the difference between both membrane potentials, simulated as constant volume charge regions. A theoretical model is elaborated for steady state OCV, first in the case of monovalent solutions, as a reference. This is compared to the results in multi-ionic systems, containing divalent cations in concentrations similar to those in real seawater. It is found that the OCV is reduced by about 25% (as compared to the results in pure NaCl solutions) due to the presence of the divalent ions, even in low concentrations. Interestingly, this can be related to the "uphill" transport of such ions against their concentration gradients. On the contrary, their effect on the dynamic...
OBJETIVOS: El cáncer de vulva es una enfermedad de mujeres en edad avanzada, también ha sido obse... more OBJETIVOS: El cáncer de vulva es una enfermedad de mujeres en edad avanzada, también ha sido observado en mujeres premenopáusicas. Generalmente es del tipo carcinoma de células escamosas, aunque se presentan otros tipos histológicos. La cirugía es la terapéutica de elección por ser más eficaz, incluye exéresis amplias, vulvectomías parciales, simples, radicales (esta última con vaciamiento inguino femoral) y exenteraciones pélvicas. La radioterapia y poliquimioterapia son terapéuticas generalmente adyuvantes al tratamiento quirúrgico.
Collagen fiber orientation as quantified by small angle light scattering in wounds treated with transforming growth factor-beta2 and its neutalizing antibody
Wound Repair and Regeneration, 1999
The purpose of this study was determine quantitative differences in collagen fiber orientation in... more The purpose of this study was determine quantitative differences in collagen fiber orientation in a wound healing model in the presence of transforming growth factor-beta2 and anti-transforming growth factor-beta2,3 antibody. Full-thickness wounds were made in the paravertebral area of two young pigs. Wounds were treated once, topically, with either transforming growth factor-beta2 or anti-transforming growth factor-beta2 antibody, or with methylcellulose gel. Control wounds were left untreated. Tissue biopsies were obtained from each wound on days 7, 14 and 46 post wounding. Tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and collagen fiber preferred orientation was quantified using small angle light scattering. Our results indicated that wounds treated with transforming growth factor-beta2 and anti-transforming growth factor-beta2,3 antibody had a significantly higher degree of orientation of collagen fibers than normal unwounded skin on days 7, 14 and 46 (p < 0.001). Transforming growth factor-beta2- treated wounds had a higher degree of orientation of collagen fibers than control wounds on days 7 and 14 (p < 0.001), and control wounds displayed a higher degree of orientation than wounds treated with anti-transforming growth factor-beta2,3 and normal unwounded skin at all time points (p < 0.001). These results suggest that differences in the dermal collagen degree of orientation correlate with scarring, and show that small angle light scattering can be used quantitatively to assess differences in the collagen fiber architecture of dermal wounds.
Influence of different post-planting treatments on the development in Holm oak afforestation
Trees, 2007
... semi-arid zones, these plantings are characterized by low survival and slow growth, apparentl... more ... semi-arid zones, these plantings are characterized by low survival and slow growth, apparently due to the vul-nerability of this species to environmental factors, partic-ularly during the dry period of the first summer after planting (Matney and Hodges 1991; Gómez and Elena ...