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1.
Eat Weight Disord ; 24(1): 3-11, 2019 Feb.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28290118

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: The differential prevalence of eating disorders in males and females can be explained by the impact of gender-role orientations. Inside the Italian socio-cultural context, gender socialization can be influenced by stereotypical gender beliefs, and this may contribute to the psychological distress of individuals who identify with discrepant gender roles from their biological sex. Our study explored, within the Italian context, the potential moderating effect of masculinity and femininity on the relationships between gender and attitudes about body and eating. METHODS: Nine hundred and twenty Italian male and female adolescents (M = 427, F = 493; age 14-21 years) completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) and the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI). RESULTS: A moderating effect of gender role on the relationship between gender and bulimia, and drive of thinness emerged. Girls with higher levels of masculinity scored higher on bulimia than did their counterparts with lower levels, and boys with higher levels of femininity scored higher on bulimia and on drive for thinness than did their counterparts with lower levels. Data did not reveal a moderating effect of gender role on the relationship between gender and body satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that adolescents who endorsed a gender role that is socially considered discrepant from their biological sex (girls with higher levels of masculinity and boys with higher levels of femininity) are more likely to show higher level of bulimia and drive of thinness. This suggests the need for prevention and treatment programmes for eating disorders that take into account individuals' gender-role orientation and the influence that culturally dominant gender beliefs can exert on it.


Asunto(s)
Actitud , Imagen Corporal/psicología , Cultura , Ingestión de Alimentos/psicología , Conducta Alimentaria/psicología , Identidad de Género , Adolescente , Bulimia/psicología , Femenino , Humanos , Italia , Masculino , Motivación , Satisfacción Personal , Factores Sexuales , Delgadez/psicología , Adulto Joven
2.
Bull Environ Contam Toxicol ; 100(2): 240-244, 2018 Feb.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29181607

RESUMEN

Cryptosporidium spp. has been recognized as an important pathogen. As bivalve mollusks are noted as potential sources of several pathogens due to their consumption as foodstuffs, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in Perna perna mussels and in seawater samples from a mussel farm in Southeastern Brazil, where mussels are grown directly in the sea, attached to ropes. Oocysts were observed by microscopy and confirmed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Oocysts were present in mussel gills and GI tracts, as well as in the seawater. Of the 100 females, 10% and 11% showed contaminated GI tracts and gills, respectively, while this rate was lower in males, at 5% and 8.9%. Oocysts were present in higher amounts in the GI tract compared to gills and water. Contamination of the study area is apparent, leading to public health risks. More in-depth studies are needed, including molecular investigations, to identify Cryptosporidium species in mussels, as well as the implementation of monitoring actions in animals destined for human consumption.


Asunto(s)
Cryptosporidium/fisiología , Exposición Dietética/estadística & datos numéricos , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Contaminación de Alimentos/estadística & datos numéricos , Perna/patogenicidad , Mariscos/estadística & datos numéricos , Animales , Brasil , Branquias , Humanos , Oocistos , Alimentos Marinos , Agua de Mar
3.
4.
J Mater Sci Mater Med ; 25(9): 2205-14, 2014 Sep.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24997984

RESUMEN

The infections give rise to a range of clinical problems and prolong hospitalization with increased healthcare costs. Moreover, persistent infections exasperate the problem of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was the development of effective and low-cost antibacterial silver coatings on surgical sutures by adopting an innovative photochemical deposition process to prevent early contamination of surgical wounds. The silver deposition technology adopted in this work is an innovative process based on the in situ photoreduction of a silver solution. The samples were dipped in the silver solution and then exposed to UV radiation in order to induce the synthesis of silver clusters on the surface of the suture. The homogeneous distribution of silver particles on the surface and on the cross-section of the treated sutures was demonstrated. All the antibacterial studies clearly demonstrated that the use of novel silver treated sutures could represent clinical advantages in terms of the prevention of surgical infections against bacterial colonization. The silver coating deposited on the sutures demonstrated no cytotoxic effect on a selected cell population. The results obtained suggested that the antibacterial silver-coated sutures developed in this work could represent an interesting alternative to conventional sutures, with evident advantages in terms of prevention of the surgical infections and on the health costs. In addiction, very low concentrations of silver significantly inhibited the microbial load, without affecting the cell viability.


Asunto(s)
Materiales Biocompatibles Revestidos , Nanopartículas del Metal , Seda , Plata/química , Infección de la Herida Quirúrgica/prevención & control , Suturas/efectos adversos , Células 3T3 , Animales , Antibacterianos/administración & dosificación , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Recuento de Colonia Microbiana , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Escherichia coli/aislamiento & purificación , Ratones , Staphylococcus aureus/efectos de los fármacos , Staphylococcus aureus/aislamiento & purificación , Resistencia a la Tracción
5.
Clin Ter ; 175(Suppl 1(4)): 10-15, 2024.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39054972

RESUMEN

Background: Investigating deaths related to chronic cocaine abuse can be a difficult task, particularly when they occur suddenly and without explanation. Cocaine abuse can trigger biological effects similar to physiological stressors, causing the body to produce heat-shock proteins (HSPs). However, there is still limited information on the specific levels of each HSP type. This systematic review aims to comprehensively collect and analyze all existing literature data regar-ding the relationship between HSPs and cocaine abuse to investigate whether HSPs can be utilized as forensic markers for accurately dia-gnosing cocaine-related deaths. Materials and Methods: The Authors conducted the literature search using PubMed and Scopus databases, searching for articles published between 1 January 1992 and 1 April 2024 using the text string: "heat shock protein" AND "cocaine". Conclusion: Twenty articles were collected, but only nine were included in the systematic review. The data gathered pertained to both human and murine species. The majority of the analyzed articles revealed an elevation in HSP25, HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, HSP72, and HSP73 levels in the brain, cerebellum, and liver, indicating cocaine-induced stress. The relationship between HSP and cocaine has been unclear over time. However, recent studies have shown that cocaine consumption leads to an increase in HSP levels, particularly in the central nervous system. This correlation can also be observed in certain types of liver cells that are capable of binding cocaine metabolites. In conclusion, HSP brain levels, along with other biomarkers, may be used to diagnose sudden, unexpected death related to cocaine abuse.


Asunto(s)
Trastornos Relacionados con Cocaína , Proteínas de Choque Térmico , Humanos , Trastornos Relacionados con Cocaína/complicaciones , Proteínas de Choque Térmico/metabolismo , Animales , Cocaína/efectos adversos , Ratones , Biomarcadores/metabolismo
6.
Clin Ter ; 175(Suppl 1(4)): 70-74, 2024.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39054986

RESUMEN

Background: The role of forensic pathologists is pivotal in definitively diagnosing drowning cases. Further differentiation becomes essential for distinguishing between freshwater drowning (FWD) and saltwater drowning (SWD). Aquaporins are small integral membrane proteins that serve as major water transport pathways in various cell types. AQP4 appears to be involved in mechanisms related to cerebral volume regulation. Our study aims to examine the expression of AQP4 in the brain as a potential marker for differentiating between FWD and SWD relating to autopsy-performing timing. Materials and Methods: A total of 23 cases were classified into three groups: FWD, SWD, and controls. All samples were classified upon autopsy-performing timing into two subgroups: within and after 72 hours of death. The samples were then processed for histological and immunohistochemical investigations. Conclusion: For autopsies performed within 72 hours of death, we found a significantly higher value of AQP4-positive astrocytes in cases of FWD compared to SWD and control groups. We also found a significantly lower AQP4 expression in SWD cases compared to the control group. For autopsies conducted after 72 hours, the immunohistochemical staining does not reveal the peripheral terminations of astrocytes, which appear blurred and only recognizable as halos. In conclusion, the data aligns with existing literature about autopsies performed within 72 hours. However, in autopsies conducted after 72 hours, uncertain and even opposed results are observed. The difference can be ascribed to the post-mortem transformative processes that take place upon the cessation of vital functions.


Asunto(s)
Acuaporina 4 , Autopsia , Ahogamiento , Inmunohistoquímica , Humanos , Acuaporina 4/análisis , Ahogamiento/diagnóstico , Masculino , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores de Tiempo , Agua Dulce , Anciano , Encéfalo/patología , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Adulto Joven , Agua de Mar , Adolescente , Astrocitos/metabolismo , Astrocitos/patología
7.
Clin Ter ; 175(Suppl 1(4)): 32-35, 2024.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39054977

RESUMEN

Background: Homicide by burning is rare, involving victims exposed to direct flames, often with accelerants. This demonstrates excessive force by the assaulter. A thorough investigation is vital as fire can conceal pathological findings. This study presents two emblematic cases of intentional burning. Case report: Two cases of homicide by fire are detailed. The first involves a male found dead in a fire-damaged apartment, doused with flammable liquid and set on fire by his partner. The autopsy showed heat hematoma and soot in the trachea and large bronchi. The second case involves a female set on fire with gasoline by an acquaintance, sustaining burns over 90% of her body and dying from hypovolemic shock. The autopsy revealed effusions in pleural and peritoneal cavities and a hyperaemic trachea. Conclusions: Intentional burnings are sporadic and difficult to classify without testimonial evidence. The difference between homicide and accidental burns relies on circumstantial evidence and antemortem injuries. Vital reactions to thermal lesions include red-base blisters, dilated capillaries, leukocyte infiltration, coagulative necrosis, heat hematoma, and soot in the airways. High carboxyhemoglobin levels indicate vitality. The first case showed heat hematoma and tracheal soot, while the second exhibited severe burns leading to hypovolemic shock. Testimonial evidence and crime scene examination were crucial in determining the homicidal nature. Forensic investigation of charred corpses requires a comprehensive evaluation of all available data. Crime scene analysis, combined with autopsy, toxicological tests, and post-mortem CT scans, helps establish the cause of death and differentiate between ante- and postmortem injuries.


Asunto(s)
Quemaduras , Incendios , Homicidio , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Quemaduras/etiología , Quemaduras/complicaciones , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Autopsia
8.
Clin Ter ; 175(Suppl 2(4)): 143-147, 2024.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39101413

RESUMEN

Background: Homicide by drowning in adults is rare. Usually, marks of violence are found on both the victim and the perpetrator, unless the victim was under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or was unexpectedly forced or dragged into the water. Indeed, many cases of drowning in adults are believed to be accidental, but they may be the result of drunken fights or attempts to make the death appear ac-cidental. In order to define the manner of death, cooperation between the forensic pathologist and the investigators is mandatory. Indeed, the autopsy is important to distinguish homicide by drowning from other kinds of drowning. The purpose of this study is to highlight the features of homicide by drowning. Materials and Methods: Literature search was conducted using PubMed databases, using the following keywords: "(homicide) and (drowning)". 3 articles were included in the systematic review, in addition to 3 cases observed in our institute. Conclusions: Both external examination and autopsy findings and the results of the investigation are essential to differentiate a homicide by drowning from accidental ones. The low specificity and variability of external and internal findings, the possibility of atypical asphyctic and nonasphyctic pathophysiological mechanisms, whose nature is not detectable at postmortem examinations, makes the diagnosis of cause of death difficult and often based on exclusion criteria only. In complex cases only using a strict forensic method allows to use the essential tools to identify the real manner of death.


Asunto(s)
Ahogamiento , Homicidio , Humanos , Homicidio/estadística & datos numéricos , Ahogamiento/mortalidad , Masculino , Adulto , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Autopsia
9.
Minerva Chir ; 67(5): 429-32, 2012 Oct.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23232481

RESUMEN

AIM: In the evaluation of nodular thyroid lesions, cytology is the main diagnostic instrument, associated with ultrasound examination. METHODS: We prospectively categorized into a dedicated database, 612 patients submitted to thyroidectomy from January 2009 to December 2011. We selected two groups of patients: the cases with "follicular lesions" and the cases classified as "THYR 3" using Bethesda Classification. RESULTS: Of 612 patients submitted to TT, in 68 cases, 8 males (M) and 60 females (F), we recorded a preoperative cytological diagnosis compatible with THYR 3 class. In 56 cases, 82.4% of the patients (5 M, 51 F), we performed a thyroidectomy with Conventional technique (CT) and in 12 cases, 12.6% of the patients (3M, 9F) with video-assisted technique (MIVAT). In 39 cases (57.1%) of the THYR 3 patients treated, a benign disease was found while in the other 29 cases (42.9%) a differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) were found. In patients with nodules classified as "follicular proliferation", treated in the same period and by the same surgical team, we recorded 97 cases (79 F, 18 M). The patients were treated with TT in 72 cases, with MIVAT in 22 cases; in 3 cases we performed a HT with traditional technique. Adenomatous hyperplasia was found in 51; DTC was found in 21 cases and adenoma in 25 cases. The analysis of the incidence of benign versus malignant disease between the 2 groups showed a P<0.0001. CONCLUSION: In our experience, we recommend surgery, TT or HT, for THYR 3 nodules analyzed for the first time by FNAB with sonographic pattern suspicious for malignancy.


Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de la Tiroides/patología , Enfermedades de la Tiroides/cirugía , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/patología , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/cirugía , Tiroidectomía , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Cuidados Preoperatorios , Estudios Prospectivos , Enfermedades de la Tiroides/clasificación , Neoplasias de la Tiroides/clasificación
10.
Clin Ter ; 173(2): 149-154, 2022 Apr 04.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35385038

RESUMEN

Objectives: Proximal femur fractures (PFF) usually occur in ge-riatric patients and lead to high mortality and disability. This study aims to analyze the mortality rate at 30 days in over-65 -years hospitalized patients with proximal femur fractures, comparing the data collected from three public hospitals in Lazio Region, focusing on early surgery outcomes. Materials and Methods: They were gathered data from the Regional Program for the Evaluation of the Outcomes of Health Interventions (P.Re.Val.E.) dated 2019, managed by the Department of Epidemiology of the Regional Health Service of Lazio (DEP), concerning femur fractures' treatment and outcome in elderly patients. Three hospitals were selected (called A, B, or C), belonging to a specific Local He-alth Authority in Rome, and for each of them were identified some indicators (total number of hospitalizations, origin of the admissions, destination of patients, surgery within 48 hours or two days, 30-day mortality, number of hospitalizations). Results: In Hospital A, the mortality rate at 30 days (305 registe-red patients) was 2.6%, the lowest among the hospitals considered. In Hospital B, the total mortality at 30 days (254 registered patients) was 7.48%, above the regional average of 5.95%. In Hospital C, the mortality rate at 30 days (71 registered patients) was 4.23%, below the regional average. Conclusions: P.Re.Val.E. represents a fundamental tool to evaluate the work of the Local Health Authorities and the structures that are part of it. In particular, about proximal femoral fractures in over-65-years patients, the results of surgical treatment in 48 hours and the morta-lity rate at 30 days represent a reproducible index of quality of the healthcare system. However, other variables need to be considered in future studies, taking into account different features of various hospitals, even if they belong to the same Local Health Authority. v.


Asunto(s)
Fracturas del Fémur , Fracturas de Cadera , Anciano , Atención a la Salud , Fracturas del Fémur/cirugía , Fémur , Fracturas de Cadera/cirugía , Hospitalización , Hospitales , Humanos , Estudios Retrospectivos
11.
Clin Ter ; 173(1): 1-5, 2022 Feb 07.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35147638

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT: Post-traumatic gas gangrene is a rare but potentially life-threa-tening condition due to soft tissues infection by Clostridium species. These anaerobic microaerophile bacteria are highly resistant to external insults related to their ability to produce spores, which can survive on any surface for long periods. Under certain conditions suitable for proliferation (such as in ischemic tissues), bacteria produce many to-xins. In particular, Clostridium perfringens type A represents the most frequent cause of traumatic gas gangrene nowadays. It produces toxins responsible for thrombotic and necrotic phenomena in soft tissues and rapid disease diffusion to muscles. Clinical manifestations usually start as local edema and emphysema but rapidly evolve into a septic state. Prognosis is poor in 20-30% of cases, and death occurs due to multiorgan failure. Because of its rapid evolution, clinical diagnosis is not always obtained, thus determining the need for post-mortem investigation. This case report presents a rare case of fulminant gas gangrene due to Clostridium Perfrigens infection developed after trau-matic injury. Despite the prompt antibiotic administration and surgical intervention on the site of trauma, gas gangrene rapidly evolved into septic shock, leading to the patient's death. Post-mortem investigations were conducted and confirmed multiorgan failure as the cause of death. Cultural analysis was also performed but showed no bacterial growth. Negativity on culture tests should be related to antibiotic administration before blood sampling and bacterial characteristics. In such cases, the correct identification of the cause of death was only possible following a careful and detailed forensic methodological approach.


Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Clostridium , Gangrena Gaseosa , Choque Séptico , Infecciones por Clostridium/complicaciones , Infecciones por Clostridium/diagnóstico , Clostridium perfringens , Gangrena Gaseosa/diagnóstico , Gangrena Gaseosa/etiología , Humanos , Necrosis
12.
Clin Ter ; 172(4): 369-371, 2021 Jul 05.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34247221

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT: Anaphylaxis is defined as a rapid systemic reaction that develops in individuals previously exposed to specific allergens. The new exposure causes systemic cellular degranulation, which in turn leads to cardiovascular and respiratory changes that are fatal if not treated immediately. One of the main problems of this scenario in the forensic field is the determination of a correct post-mortem diagnosis. Traditional methods, such as histopathological examination of the respiratory tract and the use of specific antibodies used in immunohistochemistry, are sensitive but not always specific and therefore do not guarantee a high degree of probability in the diagnosis of anaphylaxis. For this reason, a new and promising research frontier in this field of forensic pathology could be represented by the application of miRNAs as biomarkers, as has been done in other areas of medicine.


Asunto(s)
Anafilaxia/diagnóstico , Anafilaxia/mortalidad , Anafilaxia/fisiopatología , Autopsia/métodos , Causas de Muerte , Patologia Forense/métodos , Biomarcadores/análisis , Humanos , Triptasas/análisis
13.
J Endocrinol Invest ; 32(7): 601-5, 2009 Jul.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19498323

RESUMEN

AIMS: The aim of this study was to establish whether short-term GH treatment causes obstructive apnea in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome and normal upper airway patency. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We performed an observational longitudinal 6-week GH treatment study. Thirty-four non-severely obese Prader-Willi syndrome patients (20 boys, age range 0.94-11.8 yr, median 2.24 yr) entered an observational longitudinal 6-week study. Sixteen boys received recombinant human GH (rhGH) treatment; the remaining 18 represented the control group and received no treatment. Polysomnography monitoring and othorhinolaringoiatric video endoscopy were performed one night before and after 6 weeks of rhGH treatment (0.03 mg/kg body weight/day). All patients underwent auxologic assessment, fasting blood glucose, insulin and IGF-I evaluation. The main polysomnographic parameter considered was total apnea hypopnea index, consisting of two components: central apnea hypopnea index and obstructive apnea hypopnea index. All patients were free of severe or moderate upper airway obstruction when rhGH treatment began. RESULTS: After 6 weeks of rhGH therapy, obstructive apnea hypopnea index increased in 8/16 (50%), decreased in 5/16 (31%), and did not change in 3/16 (19%) patients. The changes were not statistically significant. The rhGH-treated group did not differ from the control group for the apnea hypopnea index both before and after 6 weeks of treatment. Adenoids and tonsils showed a slight increase in 1 and 2 patients on rhGH treatment, respectively, and did not change in the untreated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that short-term rhGH treatment does not cause restrictions of the upper airways in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome and normal upper airway patency.


Asunto(s)
Hormona de Crecimiento Humana/uso terapéutico , Obesidad/complicaciones , Síndrome de Prader-Willi , Proteínas Recombinantes/uso terapéutico , Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño , Tráquea/efectos de los fármacos , Antropometría , Glucemia/metabolismo , Composición Corporal , Índice de Masa Corporal , Niño , Preescolar , Humanos , Lactante , Insulina/sangre , Resistencia a la Insulina/fisiología , Masculino , Polisomnografía , Síndrome de Prader-Willi/tratamiento farmacológico , Síndrome de Prader-Willi/fisiopatología , Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño/etiología , Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño/fisiopatología , Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño/terapia , Tráquea/patología
14.
Toxicon ; 52(8): 944-53, 2008 Dec 15.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18948130

RESUMEN

BJ-32 (also known as BjcuL) is a C-type lectin from the venom of Bothrops jararacussu with specificity for beta-galactosides and a remarkable ability to agglutinate several species of trypanosomatids. Our objective was to study the oligomerization state of native BJ-32 by using different biophysical and computational methods. Small-angle X-ray light scattering (SAXS) experiments disclosed a compact, globular protein with a radius of gyration of 36.72+/-0.04A and molecular weight calculated as 147.5+/-2.0kDa. From analytical ultracentrifugation analysis, it was determined that the BJ-32 sedimentation profile fits nicely to a decamer model. The analysis of the intrinsic emitted fluorescence spectra for BJ-32 solutions indicated that association of subunits in the decamer is accompanied by changes in the environment of Tryptophan residues. Both ab initio and comparative models of BJ-32 supported the resemblance of the decamer in the crystallographic structure from a close homologue, the rattlesnake venom lectin (RSL) from Crotalus atrox.


Asunto(s)
Bothrops , Venenos de Crotálidos/química , Lectinas Tipo C/química , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Animales , Dicroismo Circular , Simulación por Computador , Venenos de Crotálidos/análisis , Venenos de Crotálidos/aislamiento & purificación , Lectinas Tipo C/análisis , Lectinas Tipo C/aislamiento & purificación , Modelos Moleculares , Datos de Secuencia Molecular , Estructura Cuaternaria de Proteína , Dispersión del Ángulo Pequeño , Alineación de Secuencia , Espectrometría de Masa por Ionización de Electrospray , Ultracentrifugación
15.
Eur Psychiatry ; 40: 65-75, 2017 02.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27992836

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Subjects at ultra high-risk (UHR) for psychosis have an enhanced vulnerability to develop the disorder but the risk factors accounting for this accrued risk are undetermined. METHOD: Systematic review of associations between genetic or environmental risk factors for psychosis that are widely established in the literature and UHR state, based on comparisons to controls. RESULTS: Forty-four studies encompassing 170 independent datasets and 54 risk factors were included. There were no studies on association between genetic or epigenetic risk factors and the UHR state that met the inclusion criteria. UHR subjects were more likely to show obstetric complications, tobacco use, physical inactivity, childhood trauma/emotional abuse/physical neglect, high perceived stress, childhood and adolescent low functioning, affective comorbidities, male gender, single status, unemployment and low educational level as compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The increased vulnerability of UHR subjects can be related to environmental risk factors like childhood trauma, adverse life events and affective dysfunction. The role of genetic and epigenetic risk factors awaits clarification.


Asunto(s)
Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/estadística & datos numéricos , Trastornos Psicóticos/epidemiología , Trastornos Psicóticos/psicología , Medio Social , Adolescente , Ambiente , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Escalas de Valoración Psiquiátrica , Factores de Riesgo , Ajuste Social
16.
Biochimie ; 88(1): 59-68, 2006 Jan.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16085351

RESUMEN

We show here that serum of piaussu, a Neotropical characin fish, has the highest butyrylcholinesterase activity so far described for humans and fish. To clarify whether this cholinesterase could protect piaussu against anticholinesterase pesticides by scavenging organophosphates, we purified it 1700-fold, with a yield of 80%. Augmenting concentrations (from 0.01 to 20 mM) of butyrylthiocholine activated it. The pure enzyme was highly inhibited by chlorpyriphos-oxon (ki=10,434x10(6) M-1 min-1) and by the specific butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor, isoOMPA (ki=45.7x10(6) M-1 min-1). Electrophoresis of total serum and 2-D electrophoresis of the purified cholinesterase showed that some enzyme molecules could circulate in piaussu serum as heterogeneously glycosylated dimers. The enzyme's N-terminal sequence was similar to sequences found for butyrylcholinesterase from sera of other vertebrates. Altogether, our data present a novel butyrylcholinesterase with the potential of protecting a fish from poisoning by organophosphates.


Asunto(s)
Butirilcolinesterasa/sangre , Peces/sangre , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Animales , Butirilcolinesterasa/aislamiento & purificación , Butirilcolinesterasa/metabolismo , Butiriltiocolina/metabolismo , Cloropirifos/análogos & derivados , Cloropirifos/farmacología , Inhibidores de la Colinesterasa/farmacología , Electroforesis en Gel Bidimensional , Electroforesis en Gel de Poliacrilamida , Humanos , Datos de Secuencia Molecular , Intoxicación por Organofosfatos , Paraoxon/análogos & derivados , Paraoxon/farmacología , Intoxicación/prevención & control , Alineación de Secuencia , Tetraisopropilpirofosfamida/farmacología
17.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16750943

RESUMEN

Affinity chromatography based on the commercial resin Sepharose CL-6B was used to isolate new C1-beta-type lectins from crude preparations of snake venoms (Bothrops jararaca, Bothrops jararacussu, Bothrops newiedi, Bothrops moojeni, Lachesis muta rhombeata). Most of the C-type lectins could be eluted with almost 100% recovery using the competitor isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) or through Ca2+ sequestration with EDTA. The lectin yield varied considerably among the different snake species, but B. newiedi venom was a particularly rich source of lectin, retaining 2.7 mg of lectin by milliliter of resin in saturating conditions. C1-alpha-lectins from Crotalus durisus terrificus venom, from the jack fruit (jacalin) and from bread fruit seeds extract (frutalin) had no affinity, either with or without Ca2+ added, for Sepharose CL-6B, showing that the resin is specific for C1-beta-type lectins. Sepharose CL-6B used as galactose-affinity chromatography provides a simple and fast method for isolating C-type beta-galactoside binding lectins from crude sample preparations.


Asunto(s)
Cromatografía de Afinidad/métodos , Galectinas/análisis , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Animales , Bothrops/metabolismo , Venenos de Crotálidos/análisis , Venenos de Crotálidos/química , Venenos de Crotálidos/farmacología , Galectinas/química , Galectinas/aislamiento & purificación , Pruebas de Hemaglutinación , Humanos , Sefarosa/análogos & derivados , Sefarosa/química , Análisis de Secuencia de Proteína , Homología de Secuencia de Aminoácido , Especificidad de la Especie , Venenos de Víboras/análisis , Venenos de Víboras/química , Venenos de Víboras/farmacología , Viperidae/metabolismo
18.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15994137

RESUMEN

Snake venoms contain several trypsin-like enzymes with equivalent physicochemical characteristics and similar inhibition profiles. These are rather difficult to separate by classical purification procedures and therefore constitute a good model for affinity chromatography analysis. Some of these trypsin homologues present fibrinogenase activity, mimicking one or more features of the central mammalian coagulation enzyme, thrombin. It was previously demonstrated that a number of amidine derivatives are able to interact specifically with some of these serine proteases. To understand the enzyme-sorbent interactions we have investigated the ability of two commercially available benzamidine affinity matrices to purify thrombin-like serine proteases (TLSP) with similar biological properties from two snake venoms (Bothrops jararacussu and Lachesis muta rhombeata). Curiously, each sorbent retained a single but distinct TLSP from each venom with high yield. Molecular modeling analysis suggested that hydrophobic interactions within a specific region on the surface of these enzymes could be generated to explain this exquisite specificity. In addition, it was demonstrated that a specific tandem alignment of the two benzamidine sorbents enables the purification of three other enzymes from B. jararacussu venom.


Asunto(s)
Benzoilarginina-Nitroanilida/química , Cromatografía de Afinidad/métodos , Venenos de Crotálidos/enzimología , Sefarosa/análogos & derivados , Serina Endopeptidasas/aislamiento & purificación , Venenos de Víboras/enzimología , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Animales , Bothrops , Interacciones Hidrofóbicas e Hidrofílicas , Modelos Moleculares , Sefarosa/química , Serina Endopeptidasas/metabolismo , Inhibidores de Serina Proteinasa/química , Viperidae
19.
Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol ; 140(3): 369-80, 2005 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15694584

RESUMEN

Trypsin-like proteases from the midgut of Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were purified on an aprotinin-agarose column equilibrated with 0.01 M Tris-HCl containing 5 mM CaCl2 (pH 7.5). The yield was 66.7% with a purification factor of 107 and a final specific activity of 6.88 mM/min/mg protein with the substrate N-alpha-benzoyl-L-Arg-p-nitroanilide (L-BApNA). The purified fraction showed three bands with proteolytic activity and molecular weights of 66,000, 71,000 and 91,000 (sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE)). Enzyme specificity assays were carried out using seven synthetic peptides containing 13 amino acid residues, but differing only on the 5th residue (K, R, Y, L, W or P). Peptide cleavage takes place only with amino acids K or R at the 5th position, which is typical of trypsin. The partially purified enzymes hydrolyzed casein and the synthetic trypsin substrates L-BApNA and N-alpha-p-tosyl-L-Arg methyl ester (L-TAME). Higher activity was observed at pH 8.5 and 35 degrees C when using L-BApNA as substrate and at pH 8.0 and 30 degrees C when using L-TAME. Maximum enzyme activity against L-BApNA was obtained with 20 mM CaCl2 in the reaction mixture. The partially purified enzymes showing trypsin activity were sensitive to inhibition by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), phenylmethyl sulphonyl fluoride (PMSF), N-alpha-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK), benzamidine and aprotinin. Highest inhibition was obtained with TLCK and benzamidine. KM values obtained were 0.32 mM for L-BApNA and 52.5 microM for L-TAME.


Asunto(s)
Lepidópteros/enzimología , Serina Endopeptidasas/química , Serina Endopeptidasas/metabolismo , Animales , Calcio/farmacología , Quelantes/farmacología , Ácido Edético/farmacología , Péptidos/química , Inhibidores de Proteasas/farmacología , Serina Endopeptidasas/aislamiento & purificación , Inhibidores de Serina Proteinasa/farmacología , Especificidad por Sustrato , Tosilarginina Metil Éster/química , Tripsina/química , Tripsina/metabolismo
20.
Int J Biochem Cell Biol ; 32(4): 427-33, 2000 Apr.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10762068

RESUMEN

The present investigation deals with the purification and the partial characterization of the soluble creatine kinase (CK) isoenzyme, isolated from the electric organ electrocyte of Electrophorus electricus (L.). Purification was performed by precipitation of the enzyme in the crude extract with ammonium sulfate (80%). The precipitate obtained was analyzed on an ion exchange column of diethylaminoethyl cellulose-52 (DEAE) followed by gel filtration on Superose 12 in a Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) system. Electrophoretic mobility of the active peak confirmed previous results identifying the hybrid isoenzyme MB in the electrocyte cytoplasm. Electrocyte CK is a dimeric enzyme with two identical subunits of approximately 40 kDa as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The sequence analysis of the N-terminal peptide (14 amino acids) of the 40 kDa subunit showed homology with other CK enzymes from electric fish (Torpedo) and human muscle type CK.


Asunto(s)
Creatina Quinasa/aislamiento & purificación , Órgano Eléctrico/química , Animales , Creatina Quinasa/química , Electroforesis en Gel de Poliacrilamida , Electrophorus , Isoenzimas/química , Isoenzimas/aislamiento & purificación , Análisis de Secuencia de Proteína
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