22,645 research outputs found
Serum Level of Metalloproteinase in Patients Infected with Helicobacter Pylori in Ardabil
No full textBackground & Objectives: Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), a member of photolytic enzyme family, degrade the extra cellular matrix. MMPs have very important roles in physiological and pathological processes. It has been reported that MMPs concentration increase in malignancies such as stomach, breast, colon, lung, head and neck cancers. Infection with Helicobacter pylori is risk factor for gastric cancer and may increase the serum level of MMP-9. The aim of this study was to measure the concentration of MMP-9 in sera of patients infected with H. pylori.
Methods: In a descriptive-experimental study, apparent healthy individuals who were refereed for stool and blood tests were randomly selected and their stools and sera samples were collected. A questionnaire containing age, sex, smoking and special diseases in family and type of their diseases was filled for every volunteer. The sera collected immediately after blood sampling and stored in -70oC until used. The concentration of MMP-9 was assessed using ELISA. Stool samples were used for detection of H. pylori antigen.
Results: H. pylori positive, negative and equivocal volunteers were 52.38%, 29.76% and 17.85%, respectively. Differences between MMP-9 concentration and H. pylori negative and positive groups were not significant (p =0.25). A significant increase in MMP-9 concentration was found in sera from drivers in compare with housewives.
Conclusion: Although there was an increase in serum concentration of MMP-9 in H. pylori infected person, differences between H. pylori negative and positive groups were not significant. The raised concentration of MMP-9 in drivers may arise from difference in their health condition in compare with the housewives. This study suggests that MMP-9 level in serum may increase before initiation of gastric cancer in H. pylori infected individuals
Stability of sorbitol dehydrogenase activity in bovine and equine sera
No full textSerum sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) activities in 10 cows and nine horses were measured using an automated clinical analyzer. The serum samples were divided into aliquots that were stored at room temperature (21 degrees C), refrigerated (0-5 degrees C), or frozen (-30 degrees C). The stability of the SDH activity was monitored at various intervals. SDH activity in bovine sera remained stable for at least 5 hours at room temperature, 24 hours refrigerated, and 72 hours frozen without any significant (p < 0.05) differences from the initial serum values. In equine sera, SDH activity remained stable for at least 5 hours at room temperature and 48 hours frozen. The activity of the refrigerated equine sera was stable for at least 5 hours but less than 24 hours. An evaluation of fresh bovine serum and heparinized plasma samples indicated that there was no significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two sampling methods and that either may be employed for automated measurement of SDH activity following the established protocol. Sample type comparison indicated that there was a small but statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference between the results obtained comparing fresh serum and heparinized plasma samples for the horse. A reference range for Holstein cows was established using sera from 71 clinically healthy cattle (mean -/+ 2 SD = 32 -/+ 26 U/L)
Malarial proteases and host cell egress: an 'emerging' cascade.
No full textMalaria is a scourge of large swathes of the globe, stressing the need for a continuing effort to better understand the biology of its aetiological agent. Like all pathogens of the phylum Apicomplexa, the malaria parasite spends part of its life inside a host cell or cyst. It eventually needs to escape (egress) from this protective environment to progress through its life cycle. Egress of Plasmodium blood-stage merozoites, liver-stage merozoites and mosquito midgut sporozoites relies on protease activity, so the enzymes involved have potential as antimalarial drug targets. This review examines the role of parasite proteases in egress, in the light of current knowledge of the mechanics of the process. Proteases implicated in egress include the cytoskeleton-degrading malarial proteases falcipain-2 and plasmepsin II, plus a family of putative papain-like proteases called SERA. Recent revelations have shown that activation of the SERA proteases may be triggered by regulated secretion of a subtilisin-like serine protease called SUB1. These findings are discussed in the context of the potential for development of new chemotherapeutics targeting this stage in the parasite's life cycle
Development of a polyclonal competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibodies to Ehrlichia ruminantium
No full textA polyclonal competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (PC-ELISA) is described for detection of antibodies to Ehrlichia (Cowdria) ruminantium by using a soluble extract of endothelial cell culture-derived E. ruminantium as the antigen and biotin-labeled polyclonal goat immunoglobulins as the competitor. For goats, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were both 100% with a cutoff of 80% inhibition (80 PI), with detection of antibodies for 550 days postinfection. For cattle, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 86 and 100%, respectively, with a cutoff of 50 PI and 79 and 100% with a cutoff of 70 PI. Cross-reactions with high-titer experimental or field antisera to other Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species were observed at up to 68 PI in cattle and up to 85 PI in sheep, and therefore to exclude these cross-reactions, cutoffs of 70 PI for bovine serology and 85 PI for small-ruminant serology were selected. Application of the PC-ELISA to bovine field sera from South Africa gave a higher proportion of positive results than application of the murine macrophage immunofluorescent antibody test or indirect ELISA, suggesting a better sensitivity for detection of recovered cattle, and results with bovine field sera from Malawi were consistent with the observed endemic state of heartwater and the level of tick control practiced at the sample sites. Reproducibility was high, with average standard deviations intraplate of 1.2 PI and interplate of 0.6 PI. The test format is simple, and the test is economical to perform and has a level of sensitivity for detection of low-titer positive bovine sera that may prove to be of value in epidemiological studies on heartwater
[ALBUM - DIARIO- ZAPATA TU GLORIA SERA ETERNA] [Material gráfico]
No full textESCUELA ESPAÑOLANUMERO AUTOGRAFO ANGULO SUPERIOR DERECHA Y LEYENDA: -ZAPATA TU GLORIA SERA ETERNA-. PARTE INFERIOR AUTOGRAFAMUSEO DEL PRADOCopia digital. Madrid : Ministerio de Cultura. Subdirección General de Coordinación Bibliotecaria, 201
Avidity of thyroglobulin antibody in sera from patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis with different thyroid functional status
No full textP>The mechanism of disease progression in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is still unclear. Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) is a diagnostic hallmark of HT. The aim of our study was to evaluate the avidity of TgAb in sera from HT patients with different thyroid functional status. Sera from 50 patients with newly diagnosed HT were collected and divided into three groups according to thyroid function: patients with hypothyroidism (H, n = 18), subclinical hypothyroidism (sH, n = 18) and euthyroidism (Eu, n = 14). Titres and avidity of TgAb were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Avidity constant (aK) was determined as the reciprocal value of the thyroglobulin molar concentration in the liquid phase resulting in 50% inhibition of TgAb binding to thyroglobulin in solid-phase ELISAs. The titres and aK of TgAb were performed using log-transformation, and expressed as lgT and lgaK, respectively. Mean lgT of TgAb in sera was 4 center dot 19 +/- 0 center dot 60 in H, 3 center dot 77 +/- 0 center dot 63 in sH, and 3 center dot 29 +/- 0 center dot 64 in Eu, respectively. The median avidity of TgAb was 2 center dot 30 x 109 in H, 8 center dot 80 x 108 in sH, 2 center dot 00 x 107 in Eu, respectively. lgT and lgaK of TgAb were at significantly lower levels in Eu than in sH and H (P < 0 center dot 05). Correlation was found between lgT and lgaK (r = 0 center dot 594, P < 0 center dot 05). lgaK was also related to TSH (r=0 center dot 308, P < 0 center dot 05). Our study indicated that patients with high-avidity TgAb might be at high risk of developing subclinical, even to overt, hypothyroidism.http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000278396900009&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=8e1609b174ce4e31116a60747a720701ImmunologySCI(E)9ARTICLE165-7016
Screening of a HUVEC cDNA library with transplant-associated coronary artery disease sera identifies RPL7 as a candidate autoantigen associated with this disease.
No full textA HUVEC cDNA library was screened with sera from two patients who had developed transplant-associated coronary artery disease (TxCAD) following cardiac transplantation. A total of six positive clones were isolated from a primary screen of 40 000 genes. Subsequent DNA sequence analysis identified these to be lysyl tRNA synthetase, ribosomal protein L7, ribosomal protein L9, beta transducin and TANK. Another gene whose product could not be identified showed homology to a human cDNA clone (DKFZp566M063) derived from fetal kidney. Full-length constructs of selected genes were expressed as his-tag recombinant fusion proteins and used to screen a wider patient base by ELISA to determine prevalence and association with TxCAD. Of these ribosomal protein L7 showed the highest prevalence (55.6%) with TxCAD sera compared to 10% non-CAD
La transformación de la percusión en el festejo afroperuano : un análisis de los roles y recursos interpretativos de la percusión en cuatro canciones de Perú Negro entre las décadas de 1970 y 2000
No full textEl presente trabajo de investigación se desarrolla en el campo musicológico y responde a la
escasa documentación formal relacionada con la percusión afroperuana. En ese sentido, el
objetivo principal de esta tesis es realizar un análisis rítmico y sonoro del ensamble de percusión
grabado en cuatro festejos por la agrupación Perú Negro entre las décadas de 1970 y 2000. Para
alcanzar el objetivo planteado, se trabajó el análisis musical en base a los roles y recursos
interpretativos, conceptos que se obtienen producto de la revisión bibliográfica y discográfica del
ámbito afroperuano. El trabajo se divide en dos partes: revisión del estado del arte e implicancias
históricas, y el análisis rítmico. El primero, contextualiza al lector sobre dónde y cómo se ubica
Perú Negro dentro de la línea temporal de la historia de la música afroperuana, así como los
sucesos históricos que influyeron en la sonoridad de la percusión de la agrupación en su periodo
fundacional y los años posteriores. El segundo, analiza y compara rítmicamente cuatro
canciones: “Ollita Nomá” (1973) y “El Alcatraz Quema Tú” (1974) y las versiones modernas
grabadas por la misma agrupación en los años 2000 y 2004 respectivamente. La metodología
analítica y descriptiva permite evidenciar los patrones y recursos rítmicos utilizados por el
ensamble de percusión de Perú Negro en las canciones seleccionadas, las cuales, posteriormente
son sometidas a una comparación temporal entre las décadas del 70 y 2000, en donde se
encuentran tanto convergencias como diferencias. Luego del proceso de investigación, se
concluye que la transformación sonora en dicho ensamble responde a la consolidación de nuevos
instrumentos de origen afrocubano, y al empleo de nuevos conceptos y recursos rítmicos.The following thesis is developed within the musicological field in response of the limited
research regarding the Afroperuvian percussion. Therefore, this paper’s principal objective is to
achieve a rhythmic and sonorous analysis of the Afroperuvian percussion ensemble recorded in
four festejo songs between the decades of 1970 and 2000. In order to attain this thesis’ purpose,
the rhythmic analysis was worked through the roles and interpretative concepts obtained after the
bibliographical and discographic research of the main books and authors, as well as artists of the
Afroperuvian culture. This work is divided in two main parts: state of the art and historical
background, and the rhythmic analysis. The first one, provides the lector with the necessary
context of Peru Negro within the Afroperuvian traditions and the historical background that may
influenced sonority of the percussion ensemble on their early years and later. The second one,
rhythmically analyses and compares four songs: “Ollita Nomá” (1973) and “El Alcatraz Quema
Tú” (1974). And their new versions recorded by the same cast in the 2000 and 2004 respectively.
An analytical and descriptive methodology sets forth a deep understanding about the rhythmic
patterns and resources on the Peru Negro’s percussion ensemble used on the mentioned
recordings. Thereupon are compared through a chronological point of view, allowing to find
convergences and differences. This research concludes that the transformation of the rhythmic
and sonorous elements of this ensemble, responses to the consolidation of Afrocuban instruments
within the ensemble and the incorporation of new rhythmic concepts. The principal
accomplishment of this thesis is that it permits to visualize and understand the musical aspects
that are assimilated by the Afroperuvian percussion ensemble during its natural modernization
process
“Mi Compadre Nicolás” y “Son de los Diablos”: La transformación rítmica y sonora del ensamble de percusión afroperuano en la década de 1970
No full textEl son de los diablos y el festejo son dos formas musicales afroperuanas presentes, no solo en
la escena musical limeña, sino también han logrado traspasar la barrera nacional.
Actualmente, el son de los diablos es conocido como un tipo de festejo, las primeras
apariciones de este datan de pinturas de Martínez Compañón en el siglo XVIII. Por su lado, el
festejo es uno de los géneros musicales afroperuanos más conocidos a nivel mundial. Lo que
más resalta de él es su riqueza musical, en especial en la percusión, y su danza. La presente
investigación está centrada en el análisis musical de los principales rasgos que caracterizaron
el proceso de transformación rítmico y sonoro del ensamble de percusión dentro de la música
afroperuana durante la década de 1970. Para tener una muestra significativa del análisis se
escogieron dos temas de los principales representantes de esta cultura, Nicomedes Santa Cruz
y Perú Negro: “Mi Compadre Nicolás” y “Son de los Diablos”. Santa Cruz conocido por su
trabajo dentro del renacimiento cultural afroperuano, y Perú Negro considerada la compañía
más representativa de folklore negro en el Perú. Como resultado, la percusión pasa de ser una
línea de acompañamiento a tener un protagonismo notorio dentro de la música afroperuana.
Todo esto debido a los cambios rítmicos, sonoros y al desarrollo del lenguaje musical que
lideró Perú Negro.The son de los diablos and the festejo are two Afro-Peruvian musical forms that are present,
not only in the music scene of Lima, but have also managed to cross the national barrier.
Currently, the son de los diablos is known as a type of festejo, the first appearances of this
date back to paintings by Martínez Compañón in the 18th century. For its part, the festejo is
one of the best-known Afro-Peruvian musical genres worldwide. What stands out the most
about it, is his musical richness, especially in percussion, and his dance. This research focuses
on the musical analysis of the main features that characterized the process of rhythmic and
sound transformation of the percussion ensemble within Afro-Peruvian music during the
1970s. To have a significant sample of the analysis, two themes of the main representatives
of this culture, Nicomedes Santa Cruz and Perú Negro, were chosen: “Mi Compadre Nicolás”
and “Son de los Diablos”. Santa Cruz known for his work within the Afro-Peruvian cultural
revival, and Perú Negro considered the most representative company of Black folklore in
Peru. As a result, percussion goes from being an accompaniment line to having a leading role
in Afro-Peruvian music. All of this, due to the rhythmic and sound changes, besides the
development of the musical language led by Perú Negro
Polarographic Studies of Human Pregnant Sera
No full textThe important rôle of the sulfhydryl group in metabolic processes has long been recognized. It is suggested the possibility that toxemias of pregnancy may be related to the sulfhydryl contents in sera. Therefore, the sulfhydryl activity in sera was measured in normal and toxemic pregnant women. The author has carried out experiments according to Brdicka's polarographic method on sera from 43 pregnant women. Summary 1 The free sulfhydryl group in sera was estimated by a Brdicka's method. 2 Among normal non-pregnant women, the sulfhydryl content expressed as a wave height on polarogram were nearly uniform. 3 Sulfhydryl activities of pregnant women in the last trimester show values about 21.8% lower than non-pregnant women. 4 Sera obtained from pregnant women with marked edema showed a significant reduction in the sulfhydrylcontent and markedly in women with eclampsia. 5 The application of serial serum sulfhydryl determinations in pregnant women may be of value for study on toxemias of pregnancy
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