Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) levels as potential early biomarker of cardiovascular disease in a Mexican population.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally. In recent years, follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) has been proposed as an emerging potential clinical biomarker of CVD, since its concentration is upregulated in heart failure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of FSTL1 levels and classic biomarkers with the risk of CVD in Mexican population. A case-control study was carried out in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), arterial hypertension, but not CVD (cardiovascular risk factor-CRF), and healthy controls (control group) from the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Lipid profile, homocysteine (Hcys), serum amyloid A (SAA), FSTL1 concentration, PON1 concentration and activities [Arylesterase (ARE), and Lactonase (LAC)] were evaluated. High levels of FSTL1 were found in the CRF group and a positive association of FSTL1 (OR = 4.55; 95% CI 1.29-16.04, p = 0.02) with the presence of arterial hypertension, as well as Hcys (OR, 3.09; 95% CI 1.23-7.76, p = 0.02) and SAA (OR, 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.05, p < 0.01) with the presence of CVD. LAC activity (OR, 0.26; 95% CI 0.07-0.94, p = 0.04) and PON1 concentration (OR, 0.17; 95% CI 0.05-0.62, p = 0.01) were associated with a decrease in OR belonging to the group with CVD. Our results suggest that FSTL1 may be a useful biomarker for monitoring cardiovascular risk in clinical settings. However, longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate how FSTL1 could influence the association of PON1 activity and Hcys with CVD.

Preliminary survey of the occurrence of mycotoxins in cereals and estimated exposure in a northwestern region of Mexico.

Mycotoxins have several toxicological implications. In the present study, we evaluate the presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and fumonisin (FB1) in paddy rice, polished rice, and maize from the fields and markets in Nayarit State (Mexico). The results indicated the presence of AFB1 in 21.21% of paddy rice samples and 11.11% of market maize samples. OTA was present in only 3.03% (one sample) of paddy rice samples. FB1 was detected in 87.50% and 88.88% of maize samples from field and market, respectively. The estimated human exposure was calculated for FB1 using the probable daily intake (PDI), which suggested that FB1 could contribute to the development of diseases through the consumption of contaminated maize. Positive samples indicated that some rice and maize samples were not suitable for human consumption. Further efforts are needed to continue monitoring mycotoxins and update national legislation on mycotoxins accordingly.

Changes in objectively measured physical activity in adolescents with Down syndrome: the UP&DOWN longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: It is a priority to understand that physical activity behaviour over time is a priority in Down syndrome population in order to design and promote succesfull interventions to maintain or increase levels of physical activity. We aimed to study 1 and 2-year changes in objectively measured physical activity among a relatively large sample of adolescents with Down syndrome. METHODS: This study comprised a total of 99 adolescents with Down syndrome (38 girls) aged from 11 to 20 years old at baseline. Participants with valid accelerometer data at baseline and at least one of the follow-up visits were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Overall, levels of physical activity observed in adolescents with Down syndrome declined from baseline to follow-ups, but these changes were not significant (all P > 0.05). Moderate-to-moderately high tracking of physical activity was observed in adolescents with Down syndrome (all P < 0.001). Youths who met physical activity guidelines at baseline demonstrated a greater decline in physical activity in 1 and 2-year changes (P < 0.05), although they were also more likely to meet physical activity guidelines at 1 and 2-year follow-ups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with Down syndrome do not change their levels of physical activity at 2-year follow-ups, but those who met physical activity guidelines presented stronger declines in physical activity over time.

Mueller-matrix modeling and characterization of a dual-crystal electro-optic modulator.

A general mathematical model based on Mueller-matrix calculation is presented to describe the optical behavior of a dual-crystal electro-optic modulator. The two crystals inside the modulator are oriented at ± 45° with respect to the horizontal, thereby cancelling natural birefringence and temperature-induced birefringence. We describe the behavior of the modulator as a function of the ellipticity of the crystals, the rotation angles of the crystals and the applied voltage. By fitting the measured data with a Mueller-matrix model that uses values for the ellipticity and orientation angles of the crystals, the simulated data and the experimental measurements could be matched. This Mueller-matrix includes physical properties of the thermally compensated electro optic modulator, and the matrix can be used in simulations where these device-specific properties are important, for instance in the modeling of a polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography system.

Discrete perturbation theory for continuous soft-core potential fluids.

In this work, we present an equation of state for an interesting soft-core continuous potential [G. Franzese, J. Mol. Liq. 136, 267 (2007)] which has been successfully used to model the behavior of single component fluids that show some water-type anomalies. This equation has been obtained using discrete perturbation theory. It is an analytical expression given in terms of density, temperature, and the set of parameters that characterize the intermolecular interaction. Theoretical results for the vapor-liquid phase diagram and for supercritical pressures are compared with previous and new simulation data and a good agreement is found. This work also clarifies discrepancies between previous Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulation results for this potential.

Refractive index and geometrical thickness measurement of thin optical samples by a transmitted Gaussian beam.

We describe a technique for simultaneously measuring the local geometrical thickness and the refractive index of semi-transparent thin plates by means of the diffractive properties of a transmitted Gaussian beam. The technique is based on measuring the semi-width of the transmitted beam and the shift of the Gaussian centroid caused by introducing a tilt on the sample under test. A homodyne technique is devised to accurately characterize the Gaussian beam. Our proposal does not require any prior information of the sample under study. We present analytical support of our technique and we give experimental results.

Refractive index and geometrical thickness measurement of a transparent pellicle in air by Gaussian beam defocusing.

We demonstrate that it is possible to measure the local geometrical thickness and the refractive index of a transparent pellicle in air by combining the diffractive properties of a Gaussian beam with the analytical equations of the light that propagates through a thin layer. We show that our measurement technique is immune to inherent piston-like vibrations present in the pellicle. As our measurements are based on characterizing properly the Gaussian beam in a plane of detection, a homodyne technique for this purpose is devised and described. The feasibility of our proposal is confirmed by measuring local geometrical thicknesses and the refractive index of a commercially available stretch film.

Coherent control of two Jaynes-Cummings cavities.

We uncover new features on the study of a two-level atom interacting with one of two cavities in a coherent superposition. The James-Cummings model is used to describe the atom-field interaction and to study the effects of quantum indefiniteness on such an interaction. We show that coherent control of the two cavities in an undefined manner allows novel possibilities to manipulate the atomic dynamics on demand which are not achievable in the conventional way. In addition, it is shown that the coherent control of the atom creates highly entangled states of the cavity fields taking a Bell-like or Schrödinger-cat-like state form. Our results are a step forward to understand and harness quantum systems in a coherent control, and open a new research avenue in the study of atom-field interaction exploiting quantum indefiniteness.

Targets for antibiotic and healthcare resource stewardship in inpatient community-acquired pneumonia: a comparison of management practices with National Guideline Recommendations.

PURPOSE: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most common infection leading to hospitalization in the USA. The objective of this study was to evaluate management practices for inpatient CAP in relation to Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society (IDSA/ATS) guidelines to identify opportunities for antibiotic and health care resource stewardship. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of adults hospitalized for CAP at a single institution from 15 April 2008 to 31 May 2009. RESULTS: Of the 209 patients with CAP who presented to Denver Health Medical Center during the study period and were hospitalized, 166 (79 %) and 43 (21 %) were admitted to a medical ward and the intensive care unit (ICU), respectively. Sixty-one (29 %) patients were candidates for outpatient therapy per IDSA/ATS guidance with a CURB-65 score of 0 or 1 and absence of hypoxemia. Sputum cultures were ordered for 110 specimens; however, an evaluable sample was obtained in only 49 (45 %) cases. Median time from antibiotic initiation to specimen collection was 11 [interquartile range (IQR) 6-19] h, and a potential pathogen was identified in only 18 (16 %) cultures. Blood cultures were routinely obtained for both non-ICU (81 %) and ICU (95 %) cases, but 15 of 36 (42 %) positive cultures were false-positive results. The most common antibiotic regimen was ceftriaxone + azithromycin (182, 87 % cases). Discordant with IDSA/ATS recommendations, oral step-down therapy consisted of a new antibiotic class in 120 (66 %), most commonly levofloxacin (101, 55 %). Treatment durations were typically longer than suggested with a median of 10 (IQR 8-12) days. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of patients hospitalized for CAP, management was frequently inconsistent with IDSA/ATS guideline recommendations, revealing potential targets to reduce unnecessary antibiotic and healthcare resource utilization.

Total retardance measurements based on the complex Fourier coefficients for the rotating polarizer analyzer system.

We propose a demodulation algorithm based on the calculus of the complex Fourier coefficients; we used a dual rotating polarizer-analyzer polarimeter to show the feasibility of our proposal. Our demodulation algorithm considers the frequency response obtained by the system, and its possible to calculate the total retardation, fast axis orientation and ellipticity of a sample. Our proposal does not require recovering the full Mueller matrix from getting those parameters. In addition, as the proposal does not use retarders for the measurement, the system presents potential applications for multi-wavelength measurements on phase retardation samples. We show experimental results showing the capabilities of our proposal in characterizing a polarization retardance sample.

Discrete perturbation theory for the hard-core attractive and repulsive Yukawa potentials.

In this work we apply the discrete perturbation theory [A. L. Benavides and A. Gil-Villegas, Mol. Phys. 97, 1225 (1999)] to obtain an equation of state for the case of two continuous potentials: the hard-core attractive Yukawa potential and the hard-core repulsive Yukawa potential. The main advantage of the presented equation of state is that it is an explicit analytical expression in the parameters that characterize the intermolecular interactions. With a suitable choice of their inverse screening length parameter one can model the behavior of different systems. This feature allows us to make a systematic study of the effect of the variation in the parameters on the thermodynamic properties of this system. We analyze single phase properties at different conditions of density and temperature, and vapor-liquid phase diagrams for several values of the reduced inverse screening length parameter within the interval kappa( *)=0.1-5.0. The theoretical predictions are compared with available and new Monte Carlo simulation data. Good agreement is found for most of the cases and better predictions are found for the long-range ones. The Yukawa potential is an example of a family of hard-core plus a tail (attractive or repulsive) function that asymptotically goes to zero as the separations between particles increase. We would expect that similar results could be found for other potentials with these characteristics.

Screening of extracts of algae from Baja California sur, Mexico as reversers of the antibiotic resistance of some pathogenic bacteria.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sixty ethanol extracts of marine flora of Baja California Sur (Mexico) were screened to evaluate the reversing effect of the bacterial resistance to antibiotics in combination with a sublethal concentration of ampicillin or erythromycin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The activity was assayed by using a modification of the classical agar-diffusion method against 3 resistant, pathogenic bacteria; Escherichia coil (ATCC BAA196), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC BAA42), and Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC BAA946). RESULTS: From the 60 ethanolic extracts, 12 (20%) of them in combination with ampicillin were able to reverse the resistance of Staphylococcus aureus and 8 (13%) with erythromycin yielded the same reversal with Streptococcus pyogenes. An extract from Sargassum horridum was the only one that reversed the resistance to antibiotics against both Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that some algae may be source of compounds with the potential to reverse the antibiotic resistance of some bacteria. In addition, of the assayed extracts, 35 (57%) showed inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, 48 (78%) were active against Streptococcus pyogenes, but none was active against Escherichia coil. The most active extracts were from Laurencia spp., Gelidium robustum, Chnoospora implexa, Padina mexicana, Gracilaria subsecundata, and Dictyopteris undulata.

Acetylcholinesterase and metallothionein in oysters (Crassostrea corteziensis) from a subtropical Mexican Pacific estuary.

Substantial efforts have been devoted to developing and applying biomarkers for ecological risk assessment. Bivalve mollusks, such as mussels and oysters, are commonly used in environmental monitoring programs because of their wide geographical distribution, great sensitivity to environmental pollutants, and ability to accumulate anthropogenically derived chemicals at a high rate. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and metallothionein (MT's) content are representative specific biomarkers that indicate the presence of anticholinesterasic compounds (like organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides) and metals, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate AChE activity and MT's content in Crassostrea corteziensis from Boca de Camichín estuary. The results obtained here showed that AChE activity was 65% lower in oysters from Boca de Camichín than in control organisms. In contrast, MT's content in collected organisms was not statistically different from that in control organisms. AChE activity and MT's content in oysters could be used as early biomarkers of effects and exposure to pesticides and heavy metals, respectively, in aquatic environments.

PON1 status and homocysteine levels as potential biomarkers for cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death. The mainly risks factors for CVD are diabetes, hypertension and high levels of homocysteine (Hcys), among others. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) has been proposed as an antiatherogenic target for its ability to hydrolyzing oxi-Low-Density-Lipoproteins (LDL) and Hcys-thiolactone. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of Hcys levels, and the activities and concentration of PON1, as well as vitamin B from the diet with a risk for CVD. METHODS: A case-control study was carry out in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), Arterial hypertension, but not CVD (AH), and in healthy controls (control group) from the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Lipid profile, intake of vitamin B, Hcys, serum amyloid A (SAA), PON1 concentration, and PON1 activities (Arylesterase activity (ARE), Lactonase activity (LAC), and CMPA activity (CMPA)) were evaluated. RESULTS: The CVD group had the highest concentration of Hcys and SAA than in the AH and control groups (p < 0.01). ARE, LAC, and CMPA activities and PON1 concentration were lowest in the CVD group. A positive-independent association between Hcys levels and CVD was found (OR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.69-2.56) and this increase when it was adjusted by age, BMI, ApoA1, vitamin B intake, SAA, and PON1 (OR = 14.41; 95% CI: 1.75-118.71). LAC and CMPA, as well as PON1 concentration, were inversely associated with CVD. CONCLUSION: LAC activity, PON1 concentration, and Hcys levels might be good biomarkers for CVD and their association could be modified by the intake of vitamin B.

Multiple myeloma-associated amyloidosis is an independent high-risk prognostic factor.

Several prognostic factors have been recognized in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Among the most important are: the serum levels of beta2-microglobulin, albumin, and LDH; the labeling index; and an abnormal karyotype. Patients with amyloidosis (AL) have poor prognosis; however, little is known concerning the prognostic significance of AL associated to MM. In 201 consecutive patients with de novo MM, we performed a fat-pad biopsy needle aspiration (FPBNA) that was stained with Congo red. Sixty eight (34%) patients had AL and a poorer prognosis disease: lower performance status, presence of B symptoms, higher LDH and calcium values, and worse response to chemotherapy. Cox regression model for overall survival detected three variables having independent prognostic significance: the presence of AL (RR = 3.4, P < 0.004), serum albumin levels <3.5 g/dl (RR 3.2, p < 0.005), and patients not achieving complete remission or very good partial remission (RR 2.9, p < 0.02). In 28% of patients with de novo MM, FPBNA was useful to detect incidental amyloidosis. During follow-up, 69% of these patients had symptoms of AL. Excluding 16 patients with obvious symptoms of AL at diagnosis, overall survival was worse in patients who developed later symptoms of AL. MM-associated AL represents a poorer prognosis disease even in the absence of symptoms at diagnosis, and this specific association may be considered as an independent high-risk prognostic factor. The routine study of periumbilical fat-pad tissue should be mandatory in all patients with MM.

CD4+ CD25+ lymphocyte and dendritic cell mobilization with intermediate doses of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in healthy donors.

We prospectively conducted a quantitative and phenotypic analysis of T, B, natural killer (NK), NKT, type 1 and 2 dendritic cells (DC), and regulatory T cells, before and after mobilization with intermediate doses of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (16 microg/kg per day). Between November, 2003, and December, 2004, we collected stem cells from 25 HLA identical sibling donors for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Before mobilization and 3 h after the fourth and fifth doses of G-CSF, blood samples were taken for blood counts and flow cytometry. The median number of regulatory T cells before and after G-CSF was statistically different (69 +/- 41 x 10(6)/L versus 161 +/- 159 x 10(6)/L, p < 0.01). We observed a 1.7-fold increase in NK and NKT cells (p < 0.009 and p < 0.02, respectively). DC were mobilized with a 11.5-fold increase in type 2 (p < 0.004) and a 8.5-fold increase in type 1 DC (p < 0.003). The patients received a mean of: 2.2 x 10(7)/kg +/- 1.4 x 10(7)/kg of NK cells, 0.95 x 10(7)/kg +/- 0.81 x 107/kg of NKT cells, 0.43 x 107/kg +/- 0.53 x 10(7)/kg of type 1 DC, 0.3 v 10(7)/kg +/- 0.45 x 10(7)/kg of type 2 DC and 1.4 x 10(7)/kg +/- 1.2 x 10(7)/kg of regulatory T cells. Using intermediate doses of G-CSF, we have demonstrated the mobilization of different lymphocyte subsets, in particular regulatory T cells and DC, which can be expanded later and used in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

[CD200 protein, bad prognostic in patients with multiple myeloma]. / Proteína CD200 de mal pronóstico en pacientes con mieloma múltiple.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a monoclonal gammopathy characterized by abnormal proliferation of malignant plasma cells. The median overall survival rate has changed from 2-3 to 5-6 or more years with the introduction of novel agents. Recently CD200 protein has been described as an immunosuppressive protein that confers a poor prognostic factor in several neoplastic diseases, including MM. The purpose of our study was to determine CD200 protein in plasma cells of newly diagnosed patients with MM and in CD3+ lymphocytes of healthy donors. METHODS: 35 newly diagnosed MM patients and 25 healthy donors were studied. For flow cytometry tests, a FacsCalibur device and CellQuestPro software were used. Monoclonal antibodies for CD38 (PeCyC5), CD138 (APC), and CD200 (PE) were used. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 19v. Mann-Whitney U test, Kaplan-Meier survival curves with Log-Rank tests were done when indicated. RESULTS: The frequencies of anemia, hypercalcemia, increased in LDH, serum creatinine and b2-microglobulin were 68%, 34%, 20%, 22% and 45% respectively. The treatment consisted in MPT 20 (57%), Thal-Dex 8 (23%), and VAD 7 (20%). Five patients (14%) achieved complete response, 17 (49%) partial response, and 13 (37%) minor response or failure to treatment. CONCLUSION: CD200 is a poor prognostic factor for overall survival in multiple myeloma patients. Bone marrow CD3 lymphocytes from MM patients express CD200 protein in higher proportion than healthy donors.

Introducción: el mieloma múltiple (MM) es una gammopatía monoclonal caracterizada por la proliferación anormal de células plasmáticas malignas. La proteína CD200 se ha descrito como una proteína con funciones inmunosupresoras y que es un factor de mal pronóstico en algunas enfermedades malignas, incluyendo al MM. El objetivo de este artículo es determinar la cantidad de proteína CD200 en células plasmáticas de pacientes con MM de reciente diagnóstico y en linfocitos CD3+ de donadores sanos. Métodos: se estudiaron 35 pacientes con diagnóstico reciente de MM y 25 individuos sanos. Se usaron los anticuerpos monoclonales para CD38 (PeCyC5), CD138 (APC), y CD200 (PE). El análisis estadístico fue realizado con el programa SPSS 19v. Se utilizaron las pruebas estadísticas U de Mann Whitney, curvas de supervivencia de Kaplan y Meier y la prueba de log-rank. Resultados: las frecuencias de anemia, hipercalcemia, elevación de DHL, creatinina sérica y beta-2 microglobulina fueron de 68%, 34%, 20%, 22% y 45% respectivamente. El tratamiento administrado fue MPT 20, Tal-Dex 8, y VAD 7. Cinco pacientes lograron respuesta completa, 17 respuesta parcial, y 13 respuesta menor o falla al tratamiento. Conclusiones: el CD200 es un factor de mal pronóstico para supervivencia global en pacientes con mieloma múltiple. Los linfocitos CD3+ de medula ósea de pacientes con MM expresan en mayor proporción CD200 en comparación con sujetos sanos.

Construction and characterization of new cloning vehicles. V. Mobilization and coding properties of pBR322 and several deletion derivatives including pBR327 and pBR328.

A DNA sequence essential for the R64drd11 + ColK-mediated conjugal transfer of pBR322 has been located in a 540 bp HaeIII fragment (HaeIII-2) between the vegetative origin of replication and the tetracycline resistance (Tcr) gene of this vector. The pBR322 derivatives pBR327 and pBR328 lack this DNA sequence and are not mobilized by conjugation. Two derivatives of pBR328 were constructed by re-inserting the HaeIII-2 fragment in both orientations into the chloramphenicol-resistance gene of the same vector. One orientation of the HaeIII-2 fragment permitted mobilization by conjugation while the opposite orientation prevented mobilization. Further examination of pBR322 and derivatives revealed that the region between the origin of replication and Tcr gene also plays a role in regulating plasmid copy number.

Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation using reduced intensity versus myeloablative conditioning regimens for the treatment of leukemia.

Reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) have allowed the application of transplantation to older patients and to patients with underlying medical problems. Between October, 1999, and June, 2003, 61 patients with acute leukemia or chronic myeloid leukemia received allogeneic peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from HLA-identical siblings. Thirty-four were conditioned with myeloablative protocols and twenty-seven with RIC regimens. The patients in the myeloablative group were younger (29 vs. 37 years; p < 0.0003), most of them were transplanted in complete remission (74% vs. 59%; p < 0.03), had a shorter interval between diagnosis and HSCT (12 vs. 21 months; p < 0.02) and a greater proportion belonged to standard-risk prognosis (68% vs. 48%; p < 0.1). The median times to neutrophil, platelet and red blood cell engraftment for the myeloablative and RIC groups were 14 versus 11 days (p < 0.009), 17 versus 9 days (p < 0.0001), and 19 versus 12 days (p < 0.007), respectively. Transfusion requirements were lower in the RIC group. Severe mucositis was present in 32% and 7%, respectively (p < 0.01). The proportion of patients having acute graft versus-disease (GVHD), chronic GVHD, and infections was the same, as well as early and late mortality, disease-free survival, and overall survival. Analyzing all the patients together, three factors significantly influenced overall survival: standard risk patients, complete remission at transplant, and the absence of severe acute GVHD. In conclusion, our data suggest that even in high-risk patients, RIC transplantation seems to be as useful as ablative HSCT.