139 results on '"Ballesteros N"'
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2. DONES EVO: Risk mitigation for the IFMIF-DONES facility
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Weber, M., Marchena, A., Aguilar, J., Ballesteros, N., Cobo, I., Echeverría, A., Esperante, D., Fernández, E., García, A., García, T., Garcinuño, B., Gavela, D., Gil, P., Gómez, A., Gutiérrez, L., Ibarra, A., Iriarte, D., Lázaro, A., Lorenzo, R., López-Melero, E., Maestre, J., Maldonado, R., Martínez, A.J., Mendoza, L., de la Morena, C., Mota, F., Oliver, C., Ortíz, M.I., Patiño, J., Podadera, I., Porras, I., Praena, J., Regidor, D., Rodrigo, F.J., Bastarrarena, J., Romero, J., Sánchez, M., Sánchez, J., Sanz, S., Sarmiento, G., Serna, J., Tarancón, C., and Ugarte, E.
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- 2024
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3. List of contributors
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Abishek, K.G., primary, Abnous, Khalil, additional, Adewale, Olusola Bolaji, additional, Aguilar-Aguilar, Angélica, additional, Ahmed, Marya, additional, Akturk, Omer, additional, Alam, Mohammad Sarwar, additional, Almalki, Waleed H., additional, Anadozie, Scholastica Onyebuchi, additional, Anegundi, Raghavendra Vamsi, additional, Arumuganainar, Deepavalli, additional, Casagrande, Laura De Roch, additional, Conte-Junior, Carlos Adam, additional, Dandela, Rambabu, additional, Daunert, Sylvia, additional, Davids, Hajierah, additional, De Oliveira, Jade, additional, Dogan, Nesrin, additional, El-Kholy, Abdullah Ibrahim, additional, Fadel, Maha, additional, Farfán-Castro, Susan, additional, Ford, John Chetley, additional, García-Soto, Mariano J., additional, González-Ballesteros, N., additional, González-Ortega, Omar, additional, Hara, Daiki, additional, Hashemzadeh, Hadi, additional, Iftikhar, Fizza, additional, Kaur, Gurleen, additional, Kesharwani, Prashant, additional, Khoshbin, Zahra, additional, Krishnamurthi, Indhu, additional, Kumar, Pawan, additional, Manu, K.R., additional, Medina-Cruz, David, additional, Mishra, Vineet Kumar, additional, Mostafavi, Ebrahim, additional, Naderi-Manesh, Hossein, additional, Polack, Alan, additional, Prakash, Kishan, additional, Qazi, Rida e Maria, additional, Ramadoss, Ramya, additional, Rath, Jyotisman, additional, Rehman, Fawad Ur, additional, Rey-Méndez, R., additional, Rodríguez-Argüelles, M.C., additional, Rosales-Mendoza, Sergio, additional, Rout, Smruti Rekha, additional, Roux, Saartjie, additional, Sahebkar, Amirhossein, additional, Sajid, Zahra, additional, Saravanan, Muthupandian, additional, Schmidt, Ryder, additional, Shi, Junwei, additional, Silveira, Gustavo De Bem, additional, Silveira, Paulo Cesar Lock, additional, Soltani, M., additional, Souri, Mohammad, additional, Taghdisi, Seyed Mohammad, additional, Tao, Wensi, additional, Tessaro, Leticia, additional, Truong, Linh B., additional, Venturini, Ligia Milanez, additional, Vieira, Italo Rennan Sousa, additional, Wheate, Nial J., additional, Yadalam, Pradeep Kumar, additional, Yadav, Harlokesh Narayan, additional, Yang, Yupin, additional, Yilmaz, Bengi, additional, Zahraee, Hamed, additional, and Zhao, Chunqiu, additional
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- 2023
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4. Flower, stem, and leaf extracts from Hypericum perforatum L. to synthesize gold nanoparticles: Effectiveness and antioxidant activity
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Rey-Méndez, R., Rodríguez-Argüelles, M.C., and González-Ballesteros, N.
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- 2022
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5. Synthesis, process optimization and characterization of gold nanoparticles using crude fucoidan from the invasive brown seaweed Sargassum muticum
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González-Ballesteros, N., Flórez-Fernández, N., Torres, M.D., Domínguez, H., and Rodríguez-Argüelles, M.C.
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- 2021
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6. Toxicity in vitro and in Zebrafish Embryonic Development of Gold Nanoparticles Biosynthesized Using Cystoseira Macroalgae Extracts
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Machado S, González-Ballesteros N, Gonçalves A, Magalhães L, Passos MSP, Rodríguez-Argüelles MC, and Gomes AC
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gold nanoparticles ,green synthesis ,cystoseira sp. ,zebrafish embryotoxicity test ,bioactivity ,toxicity ,Medicine (General) ,R5-920 - Abstract
Sofia Machado,1,* Noelia González-Ballesteros,2,* Anabela Gonçalves,1,3 Luana Magalhães,1 Marisa Sárria Pereira de Passos,4,5 Maria Carmen Rodríguez-Argüelles,2 Andreia Castro Gomes1,3 1Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal; 2CINBIO, Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, 36310, Spain; 3Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal; 4International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Braga, 4715-330, Portugal; 5European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, 21027, Italy*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Andreia Castro GomesInstitute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, 4710-057, PortugalTel +351 253 601511Email agomes@bio.uminho.ptMaria Carmen Rodríguez-ArgüellesCINBIO, Departamento de Química Inorgánica. Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, 36310, SpainTel +34 986 812410Email mcarmen@uvigo.esIntroduction: Research on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) occupies a prominent place in the field of biomedicine nowadays, being their putative toxicity and bioactivity areas of major concern. The green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using extracts from marine organisms allows the avoidance of hazardous production steps while maintaining features of interest, thus enabling the exploitation of their promising bioactivity.Objective: To synthesize and characterize AuNPs using, for the first time, macroalga Cystoseira tamariscifolia aqueous extract (Au@CT).Methods: Algal aqueous extracts were used for the synthesis of AuNPs, which were characterized using a wide panel of physicochemical techniques and biological assays.Results: The characterization by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Z-potential and infrared spectroscopy confirmed that Au@CT were stable, spherical and polycrystalline, with a mean diameter of 7.6 ± 2.2 nm. The antioxidant capacity of the extract, prior to and after synthesis, was analyzed in vitro, showing that the high antioxidant potential was not lost during the synthesis. Subsequently, in vitro and in vivo toxicity was screened, by comparing two species of the genus Cystoseira (C. tamariscifolia and C. baccata) and the corresponding biosynthesized gold nanoparticles (Au@CT and Au@CB). Cytotoxicity was tested in mouse (L929) and human (BJ5ta) fibroblast cell lines. In both cases, only the highest (nominal) test concentration of both extracts (31.25 mg/mL) or Au@CB (12.5 mM) significantly affected cell viability, as measured by the MTT assay. These results were corroborated by a Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity (FET) test. Briefly, it was shown that, at the highest (nominal) tested concentration (31.25 mg/mL), CT extract induced significantly higher cytotoxicity and embryotoxicity than CB extract. However, it was demonstrated that Au@CT, but not Au@CB, were generally non-toxic. At sub-lethal (nominal) test concentrations (1.25 and 2.5 mM), Au@CT affected zebrafish embryonic development to a much lesser extent than Au@CB. In vitro wound healing assays also revealed that, while other experimental conditions did not impact cell migration, CT and Au@CT displayed a moderate positive effect.Conclusion: Au@CT and Au@CB display promising features, desirable for biomedical applications, as wound healing.Keywords: gold nanoparticles, green synthesis, Cystoseira sp., zebrafish embryotoxicity test, bioactivity, toxicity
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- 2021
7. Saccorhiza polyschides used to synthesize gold and silver nanoparticles with enhanced antiproliferative and immunostimulant activity
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González-Ballesteros, N., Diego-González, L., Lastra-Valdor, M., Grimaldi, M., Cavazza, A., Bigi, F., Rodríguez-Argüelles, M.C., and Simón-Vázquez, R.
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- 2021
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8. Synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles by Sargassum muticum biomolecules and evaluation of their antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties
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González-Ballesteros, N., Rodríguez-Argüelles, M. C., Lastra-Valdor, M., González-Mediero, G., Rey-Cao, S., Grimaldi, M., Cavazza, A., and Bigi, F.
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- 2020
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9. XAP-Lab: A software tool for designing flexible X-ray acquisition protocols
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Martínez, A., García-Santos, A., Ballesteros, N., Desco, M., and Abella, M.
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- 2019
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10. Harnessing the wine dregs: An approach towards a more sustainable synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles
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González-Ballesteros, N., Rodríguez-González, J.B., and Rodríguez-Argüelles, M.C.
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- 2018
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11. Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using brown algae Cystoseira baccata: Its activity in colon cancer cells
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González-Ballesteros, N., Prado-López, S., Rodríguez-González, J.B., Lastra, M., and Rodríguez-Argüelles, M.C.
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- 2017
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12. Chapter 2 - Green synthesis and characterization parameters of gold nanoparticles
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González-Ballesteros, N., Rey-Méndez, R., and Rodríguez-Argüelles, M.C.
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- 2024
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13. Copper(I) complexes of methyl 4-aryl-6-methyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-thione-5-carboxylates. Synthesis, characterization and activity in human breast cancer cells
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González-Ballesteros, N., Pérez-Álvarez, D., Henriques, M.S.C., Nascimento, B.F.O., Laranjo, M., Santos, K., Casalta-Lopes, J., Abrantes, A.M., Botelho, M.F., Pineiro, M., Paixão, J.A., and Rodríguez-Argüelles, M.C.
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- 2015
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14. Use of small intestinal submucosa for corporal body grafting in cases of epispadias and epispadias/exstrophy complex
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Ballesteros, N., Moscardi, P.R.M., Blachman-Braun, R., Salvitti, M., Alam, A., Castellan, M., Kozakowski, K., Gosalbez, R., and Labbie, A.
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- 2019
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15. List of contributors
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Abishek, K.G., Abnous, Khalil, Adewale, Olusola Bolaji, Aguilar-Aguilar, Angélica, Ahmed, Marya, Akturk, Omer, Alam, Mohammad Sarwar, Almalki, Waleed H., Anadozie, Scholastica Onyebuchi, Anegundi, Raghavendra Vamsi, Arumuganainar, Deepavalli, Casagrande, Laura De Roch, Conte-Junior, Carlos Adam, Dandela, Rambabu, Daunert, Sylvia, Davids, Hajierah, De Oliveira, Jade, Dogan, Nesrin, El-Kholy, Abdullah Ibrahim, Fadel, Maha, Farfán-Castro, Susan, Ford, John Chetley, García-Soto, Mariano J., González-Ballesteros, N., González-Ortega, Omar, Hara, Daiki, Hashemzadeh, Hadi, Iftikhar, Fizza, Kaur, Gurleen, Kesharwani, Prashant, Khoshbin, Zahra, Krishnamurthi, Indhu, Kumar, Pawan, Manu, K.R., Medina-Cruz, David, Mishra, Vineet Kumar, Mostafavi, Ebrahim, Naderi-Manesh, Hossein, Polack, Alan, Prakash, Kishan, Qazi, Rida e Maria, Ramadoss, Ramya, Rath, Jyotisman, Rehman, Fawad Ur, Rey-Méndez, R., Rodríguez-Argüelles, M.C., Rosales-Mendoza, Sergio, Rout, Smruti Rekha, Roux, Saartjie, Sahebkar, Amirhossein, Sajid, Zahra, Saravanan, Muthupandian, Schmidt, Ryder, Shi, Junwei, Silveira, Gustavo De Bem, Silveira, Paulo Cesar Lock, Soltani, M., Souri, Mohammad, Taghdisi, Seyed Mohammad, Tao, Wensi, Tessaro, Leticia, Truong, Linh B., Venturini, Ligia Milanez, Vieira, Italo Rennan Sousa, Wheate, Nial J., Yadalam, Pradeep Kumar, Yadav, Harlokesh Narayan, Yang, Yupin, Yilmaz, Bengi, Zahraee, Hamed, and Zhao, Chunqiu
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- 2024
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16. Experimental assessment of scouring and deposition processes around arrays of permeable gabion groynes
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Romero, M, primary, Ballesteros, N, additional, and Lucana, V, additional
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- 2014
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17. Eco-friendly extraction of Mastocarpus stellatus carrageenan for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles with improved biological activity
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González-Ballesteros, N., primary, Torres, M.D., additional, Flórez-Fernández, N., additional, Diego-González, L., additional, Simón-Vázquez, R., additional, Rodríguez-Argüelles, M.C., additional, and Domínguez, H., additional
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- 2021
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18. Evaluation of the Antioxidant Capacities of Antarctic Macroalgae and Their Use for Nanoparticles Production
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González-Ballesteros, N., primary, Rodríguez-Argüelles, M. C., additional, and Lastra-Valdor, M., additional
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- 2021
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19. The pyloric caeca area is a major site for IgM+ and IgT+ B cell recruitment in response to oral vaccination in rainbow trout: P-113
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Ballesteros, N. A., Saint-Jean, S. S.R., Perez-Prieto, S. I., Castro, R., Abos, B., and Tafalla, C.
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- 2013
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20. Immunostimulant and biocompatible gold and silver nanoparticles synthesized using the Ulva intestinalis L. aqueous extract
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González-Ballesteros, N., primary, Diego-González, L., additional, Lastra-Valdor, M., additional, Rodríguez-Argüelles, M. C., additional, Grimaldi, M., additional, Cavazza, A., additional, Bigi, F., additional, and Simón-Vázquez, R., additional
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- 2019
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21. Comparison of the effectiveness of several commercial products and two new copper complexes to control Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae
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Corrado, L., primary, González-Ballesteros, N., additional, Scortichini, M., additional, Rodríguez-Argüelles, M.C., additional, Gallego, P.P., additional, and Barreal, M.E., additional
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- 2018
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22. New application of two Antarctic macroalgae Palmaria decipiens and Desmarestia menziesii in the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles
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González-Ballesteros, N., primary, González-Rodríguez, J.B., additional, Rodríguez-Argüelles, M.C., additional, and Lastra, M., additional
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- 2018
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23. El Aprendizaje Servicio en los grados de ingeniería: abriendo el entorno a la Universidad
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Cabedo Mas, L., Hernández López, L., Giménez García, I., Lapeña Barrachina, L., Beltrán Sansegundo, H., Royo González, M., Izquierdo Escrig, R., Gámez Pérez, J., Salan Ballesteros, N., Segarra Rubí, M., Diaz, E., Puerto, I., Guraya Diez, T., and Moliner Miravet, Lidón
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Aprendizaje Servicio ,Interuniversitario ,Ingenierías ,Interdisciplinar ,Responsabilidad social universitaria - Abstract
El presente trabajo pretende mostrar cómo el Aprendizaje Servicio (APS) es una herramienta que permite trabajar la competencia de compromiso social en el marco de los estudios de Grado en Ingeniería. Además, se reflexiona sobre la posibilidad de implementar este tipo de actividades en asignaturas de grado. Para ello, presentamos dos proyectos que se han liderado desde la Universitat Jaume I (UJI) de Castellón durante el presente curso y se analiza la viabilidad de los mismos, así como los resultados obtenidos. El primero de los proyectos, es una experiencia de APS que se trabaja junto con la metodología del Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos (ABP). En esta iniciativa se implican diferentes asignaturas del ámbito de la ciencia de los materiales de tres universidades públicas españolas y tres grados distintos. El segundo proyecto es una experiencia llevada a cabo por estudiantado de tres grados de Ingeniería diferentes pero de una misma facultad durante su Trabajo Fin de Grado, en el marco de un Proyecto de Cooperación Universitaria al Desarrollo entre la UJI y la Bahir Dar University en la región de Amhara, Etiopía. Los resultados muestran la gran satisfacción de todos los implicados en estas experiencias.
- Published
- 2016
24. Synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles by Sargassum muticumbiomolecules and evaluation of their antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties
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González-Ballesteros, N., Rodríguez-Argüelles, M. C., Lastra-Valdor, M., González-Mediero, G., Rey-Cao, S., Grimaldi, M., Cavazza, A., and Bigi, F.
- Abstract
Abstract: The present work reports on the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of gold and silver nanoparticles, synthesized by an extract of the brown macroalga Sargassum muticum(SM). These nanoparticles were synthesized and fully characterized by means of UV–Vis spectroscopy and electron microscopy. These techniques confirmed that spherical nanoparticles, with mean diameters of 10.4 ± 1.2 nm for Au@SM and 41.0 ± 5.7 nm for Ag@SM, were formed. To investigate the possible role of these biomolecules in this green synthetic process, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis was performed before and after the synthesis of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the carbohydrate composition was examined along with other variations observed after the synthesis of nanoparticles by size-exclusion chromatography. The study of the changes observed indicated that the polysaccharide fraction of the extract plays a role in the formation of the nanoparticles as well as in their stabilization. The in vitro antioxidant activity was analyzed by the determination of the reducing power, total content of phenolic compounds and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. Lastly, the antibacterial activity was tested against three types of bacteria with different cell wall composition. In particular, Ag@SM showed good inhibitory capacity on Gram+, especially on Staphylococcus aureuswith a MIC of 3.38 µg/mL. Graphic abstract:
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- 2020
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25. Propuesta Diseño De Control Para Material Particulado Área De Lijado Empresa Promadeco
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Ballesteros N., Andrea, Mejía P., Beatriz, Quintero V., Gicela, and Si Asesor.
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Diseño S.S.T. en Promadeco Muebles Q - Abstract
La madera está considerada como uno de los recursos de tipo renovables de la naturaleza, dado que es posible hacer plantaciones y volver a obtener lo ya consumido., Pregrado, Profesional en Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo
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- 2005
26. Establishment and characterization of a new cell line ( SSP ‐9) derived from Atlantic salmon Salmo salar that expresses type I if n
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Rodriguez Saint‐Jean, S., primary, González, C., additional, Monrás, M., additional, Romero, A., additional, Ballesteros, N., additional, Enríquez, R., additional, and Perez‐Prieto, S., additional
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- 2014
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27. The pyloric caeca area is a major site for IgM+ and IgT+ B cell recruitment in response to oral vaccination in rainbow trout
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Ballesteros, N. A., Castro, R., Abos Gracia, Beatriz, Rodríguez Saint-Jean, S. S., Pérez-Prieto, S. I., Tafalla Piñeiro, Carolina, Ballesteros, N. A., Castro, R., Abos Gracia, Beatriz, Rodríguez Saint-Jean, S. S., Pérez-Prieto, S. I., and Tafalla Piñeiro, Carolina
- Abstract
Although previous studies have characterized some aspects of the immune response of the teleost gut in response to diverse pathogens or stimuli, most studies have focused on the posterior segments exclusively. However, there are still many details of how teleost intestinal immunity is regulated that remain unsolved, including the location of IgM+ and IgT+ B cells along the digestive tract and their role during the course of a local stimulus. Thus, in the current work, we have studied the B cell response in five different segments of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) digestive tract in both naïve fish and fish orally vaccinated with an alginate-encapsulated DNA vaccine against infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV). IgM+ and IgT+ cells were identified all along the tract with the exception of the stomach in naïve fish. While IgM+ cells were mostly located in the lamina propria (LP), IgT+ cells were primarily localized as intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). Scattered IgM+ IELs were only detected in the pyloric caeca. In response to oral vaccination, the pyloric caeca region was the area of the digestive tract in which a major recruitment of B cells was demonstrated through both real time PCR and immunohistochemistry, observing a significant increase in the number of both IgM+ and IgT+ IELs. Our findings demonstrate that both IgM+ and IgT+ respond to oral stimulation and challenge the paradigm that teleost IELs are exclusively T cells. Unexpectedly, we have also detected B cells in the fat tissue associated to the digestive tract that respond to vaccination, suggesting that these cells surrounded by adipocytes also play a role in mucosal defense. © 2013 Ballesteros et al.
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- 2013
28. MICROPROPAGATION OF GERBERAS FROM FLORAL BUDS
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Posada, M., primary, Ballesteros, N., additional, Obando, W., additional, and Angarita, A., additional
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- 1999
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29. Anales de Edafología y Agrobiología Tomo 47 Número 7-8
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lriarte Mayo, A., Pozzuoli, A., Barahona Fernández, E., Díez, J. A., Rodríguez, M. R., Velasco, F., Mulders, M. A., Slurink, J., Boixadera, J., Boluda Hernández, R., Moraleda Esteve, M., Andreu Pérez, V., Sánchez Díaz, J., García Rodríguez, M. P., Forteza Bonnin, J., García Rodríguez, A., Lorenzo Martín, L. F., Najac Ballesteros, N., Hernández, J. A., Rubio, José Luis, Jiménez Mendoza, C., Tejedor Salguero, M. L., Rodríguez-Rodríguez, A., Haroun Tabraue, J. A., Hernández, E., López-Andréu, Francisco J., Esteban Alvarez, R. M., Molla Lorente, E., Carpena, O., Torres, M., Martínez-Honduvilla, C. F., Lal, P., Lal, R., Puerto Martín, A., García, J. A., Matías, M. D., Saldaña, J. A., Pérez, C., Baztán, J., and Ruano, A.
- Abstract
l. Suelos. Química. Estudio de los suelos de la depresión Guadix-Baza (Granada). II. Análisis de factores en modo R. Por A. lriarte Mayo, A . Pozzuoli y E. Barahona Fernández. Revisión del método de determinación automatizada de nitrógeno U. V. oxidable en extractos de suelos. Por J. A. Díez.-- Biología Consideraciones ecológicas y bioquímicas sobre la humificación en sabinares desarrollados sobre material calizo y gneísico. Por M. R. Rodríguez y F. Velasco.-- Génesis, Clasificación y Cartografía Suelos, geología y geomorfología en zonas erosionadas de la cuenca del Valdeamargos, depresión de Calatayud. Por M. A. Mulders, J. Slurink y J. Boixadera.-- Aplicación de la metodología de la cartografía básica a la comarca La Plana de Requena-Utiel (Valencia). Por R. Boluda Hernández, M. Moraleda Esteve, V. Andréu Pérez y J. Sánchez Díaz.-- Estudio de caracterización de minerales (fracción arena) en suelos gleicos de una zona semiárida. Por Mª P. García Rodríguez, J. Fortéza Bonnin, A. García Rodríguez y L. F. Lorenzo Martín, con la colaboración técnica de N. Najac Ballesteros.-- Clasificación de sectores ecológicos en la sierra del Negrete y Utiel (Valencia), utilizando el sensor thematic mapper del satélite Landsat-5. Por R. Boluda Hernández.-- Unidades de paisaje en el tercio norte del valle de Ayora (Valencia, España). Por J. A. Hernandez y J. L. Rubio.-- Suelos de la Isla de Gomera (1. Canarias). l. Vertiente septentrional. Características morfológicas, físico-químicas, mineralógicas, micromorfológicas, clasificación e interpretación. Por C. Jiménez Mendoza, M. L. Tejedor Salguero y A. Rodríguez Rodríguez.-- Suelos de la Isla de Gomera (1. Canarias). 11. Vertiente meridfonal. Ecología, Características morfológicas, físico-químicas, mineralógicas. micromorfológicas, clasificación e interpretación. Por C. Jiménez Mendoza, A. Rodrr'guez Rodríguez y M. L. Tejedor Salguero.--. Fertilidad Efecto de fertilizantes orgánicos sobre el cultivo de patatas y sobre las propiedades del suelo. Por J. A. Haroun Tabraue y E. Hernández.-- II. Biología Vegetal-Nutrición. Influencia del sistema de nutrición en la calidad de los frutos de tomate. l. Rendimientos, parámetros físicos, fracciones nitrogenadas, acidez y azúcares. Por F.J. López-Andréu, R . M. Esteban, E. Molla y O. Carpena.-- Influencia del sistema de nutrición en la calidad de los frutos de tomate. 11. Caro- tenoides, ácido ascórbico, sustancias pécticas y Flavonoides. Por F. J. López- Andréu, R. M. Esteban, E. Molla y O. Carpena.-- Fisiología Efecto de tres cultivares en el vigor de semillas de girasol. Por M. Torres y C. J. Martínez-Honduvilla.-- Agro biología Effect of qualities of irrigation water and N P K fertilizers on soil properties. Por P. Lal and R. Lal.-- Modelos estructurales condicionados por el arbolado en comunidades de diferente trofismo. Por A. Puerto, J. A. Garcra, M. D. Matías, J. A. Saldaña y C. Pérez.-- III. Trabajo recapitulativo. Relación entre el contenido de¡olifenoles y actividad fotosintéticas bajo radiación ultravioleta. PorJ. Baztan y Ruano, 2019-08.- CopyBook.- Libnova.- Biblioteca ICA
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- 1988
30. [Multiple cysts of the scalp with carcinomatous degeneration of 1 of them]
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G, JAQUETI, RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ, and B, BALLESTEROS N GORDON
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Scalp ,Cysts ,Neoplasms ,Carcinoma ,Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ,Humans - Published
- 1962
31. Exploring dietary differences among developmental stages of triatomines infected with Trypanosoma cruzi in different habitats.
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Urbano P, Hernández C, Ballesteros N, Vega L, Alvarado M, Velásquez-Ortiz N, Martínez D, Barragán K, Ramírez A, Páez-Triana L, Urrea V, Ramírez JD, and González C
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- Animals, Colombia, Feeding Behavior, Humans, Diet, Parasite Load, Trypanosoma cruzi physiology, Ecosystem, Chagas Disease transmission, Chagas Disease parasitology, Rhodnius parasitology, Rhodnius growth & development, Insect Vectors parasitology, Insect Vectors physiology
- Abstract
Chagas disease affects millions of people in Colombia and worldwide, with its transmission influenced by ecological, environmental, and anthropogenic factors. There is a notable correlation between vector transmission cycles and the habitats of insect vectors of the parasite. However, the scale at which these cycles operate remains uncertain. While individual triatomine ecotopes such as palms provide conditions for isolated transmission cycles, recent studies examining triatomine blood sources in various habitats suggest a more intricate network of transmission cycles, linking wild ecotopes with human dwellings. This study aims to provide further evidence on the complexity of the scale of Trypanosoma cruzi transmission cycles, by exploring the different blood sources among developmental stages of infected triatomines in different habitats. We evaluated infection rates, parasite loads, feeding sources, and the distribution of Rhodnius prolixus insects in Attalea butyracea palms across three distinct habitats in Casanare, Colombia: peridomestics, pastures, and woodlands. Our results show that there is no clear independence in transmission cycles in each environment. Analyses of feeding sources suggest the movement of insects and mammals (primarily bats and didelphids) among habitats. A significant association was found between habitat and instar stages in collected R. prolixus. The N1 stage was correlated with pasture and woodland, while the N4 stage was related to pasture. Additionally, adult insects exhibited higher T. cruzi loads than N1, N2, and N3. We observed higher T. cruzi loads in insects captured in dwelling and pasture habitats, compared with those captured in woodland areas. Effective Chagas disease control strategies must consider the complexity of transmission cycles and the interplay between domestic and sylvatic populations of mammals and vectors., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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32. SARS-CoV-2 Mu variant in dogs visiting veterinary clinics during the third pandemic peak in Eastern Colombia.
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Sandoval-Ramírez CM, Ballesteros N, Pinilla JC, Hernández C, Muñoz M, and Ramírez JD
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- Animals, Dogs, Colombia epidemiology, Phylogeny, Male, Female, COVID-19 epidemiology, COVID-19 veterinary, COVID-19 virology, COVID-19 transmission, Dog Diseases virology, Dog Diseases epidemiology, SARS-CoV-2 genetics, Hospitals, Animal
- Abstract
The global presence of SARS-CoV-2 in household pets is acknowledged, yet documentation remains scarce, leaving many regions unexplored. Thus, our study sought to fill this gap by investigating SARS-CoV-2 presence in dogs visiting veterinary clinics during the third pandemic peak in eastern Colombia. We collected and analyzed 43 oropharyngeal and rectal swabs using real-time PCR assays targeting the Envelope Gene of SARS-CoV-2. Out of these, two dogs tested positive, indicating an infection rate of 4.7%. Further examination through complete sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed the lineage B.1.621 for the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Consequently, our study unveils the first documented cases of Canis lupus familiaris infected with the Mu variant of SARS-CoV-2, the variant with the most death burden during the whole pandemic in Colombia. Remarkably, these cases presented mild and reversible respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, or no clinical manifestations at all. This sheds light on the virus's interaction with our four-legged companions, offering valuable insights into its transmission dynamics and potential effects on animal health., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)
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- 2024
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33. Acute Chagas disease outbreaks in Colombia in 2019.
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Segura-Alba ML, Hernandez C, Guerra AP, Luna N, Cortes LJ, Acevedo CR, Ballesteros N, Ayala MS, Vera MJ, Caicedo Diaz RA, Ardila SC, Flórez AC, Patiño LH, Paniz-Mondolfi AE, and Ramírez JD
- Abstract
This study seeks to address the critical knowledge gap surrounding the acute phase of Chagas disease in Colombia, with a specific focus on cases reported in 2019. The acute phase of Chagas disease is a pivotal period for intervention, yet it remains poorly understood, particularly in regions where oral transmission is presumed to be a significant factor. By analyzing these recent cases, our research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics of Chagas disease during its acute phase in Colombia in 2019. This understanding is essential not only for improving disease management and treatment strategies but also for enhancing public health responses to this neglected tropical disease. In particular, our study highlights the importance of identifying and addressing the unique challenges posed by oral transmission routes, which have been increasingly recognized within Colombia's Chagas disease landscape., Competing Interests: The authors have no competing interests to declare., (© 2024 The Author(s).)
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- 2024
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34. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Green-Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles and Ericaria selaginoides Extract for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
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Fontes NFA, Fernandes M, González-Ballesteros N, Rodríguez-Argüelles MC, Gomes AC, and Duarte ASG
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Addressing disease remission and treatment adherence in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn's disease, poses significant challenges due to underlying oxidative and inflammatory processes. Nanotechnology emerges as a promising avenue for enhancing therapeutic outcomes in IBD by optimizing drug bioactivity, reducing toxicity, and extending circulation time. Gold nanoparticles, known for their resistance to gastrointestinal pH and possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offer particular promise. They can be produced by green synthesis with seaweed Ericaria selaginoides (ES), itself associated with gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. In a murine model of Crohn's disease induced with 8% acetic acid, pretreatment with dexamethasone (0.2 mL/30 g) or Au@ES (25 and 50 mg/kg) effectively mitigated inflammatory features. Notably, ES (50 mg/kg) and Au@ES (50 mg/kg) administration resulted in significant reductions in both macroscopic and microscopic inflammation scores compared to the disease control group. Furthermore, these treatments normalized inflammatory cytokine expression while safeguarding myenteric plexus glial cells. They also impeded neutrophil activation, leading to reduced myeloperoxidase activity and lipid peroxidation, coupled with increased glutathione levels. In conclusion, ES and Au@ES exhibit potent efficacy in counteracting inflammation and oxidation processes in an experimental Crohn's disease model, suggesting their potential as alternative therapeutic strategies for IBD.
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- 2024
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35. Enhancing Trypanosomatid Identification and Genotyping with Oxford Nanopore Sequencing: Development and Validation of an 18S rRNA Amplicon-Based Method.
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Cruz-Saavedra L, Ospina C, Patiño LH, Villar JC, Sáenz Pérez LD, Cantillo-Barraza O, Jaimes-Dueñez J, Ballesteros N, Cáceres T, Vallejo G, and Ramírez JD
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- Humans, Animals, Genotype, RNA, Ribosomal, 18S genetics, Nanopore Sequencing, Coinfection, Chagas Disease parasitology, Trypanosoma cruzi genetics
- Abstract
Trypanosomatids, including Trypanosoma and Leishmania species, present significant medical and veterinary challenges, causing substantial economic losses, health complications, and even fatalities. Diagnosing and genotyping these species and their genotypes is often complex, involving multiple steps. This study aimed to develop an amplicon-based sequencing (ABS) method using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing to enhance Trypanosomatid detection and genotyping. The 18S rDNA gene was targeted for its inter-species conservation. The Trypanosomatid-ABS method effectively distinguished between 11 Trypanosoma species (including Trypanosoma evansi, Trypanosoma theileri, Trypanosoma vivax, and Trypanosoma rangeli) and 6 Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units (TcI to TcVI and TcBat), showing strong concordance with conventional methods (κ index of 0.729, P < 0.001). It detected co-infections between Trypanosomatid genera and T. cruzi, with a limit of detection of one parasite per mL. The method was successfully applied to human, animal, and triatomine samples. Notably, TcI predominated in chronic Chagas samples, whereas TcII and TcIV were found in the acute stage. Triatomine vectors exhibited diverse Trypanosomatid infections, with Triatoma dimidiata mainly infected with TcI and occasional TcBat co-infections, and Rhodnius prolixus showing TcI and TcII infections, along with T. rangeli co-infections and mixed TcII infections. Animals were infected with T. vivax, T. theileri, and T. evansi. The ABS method's high resolution, sensitivity, and accuracy make it a valuable tool for understanding Trypanosomatid dynamics, enhancing disease control strategies, and enabling targeted interventions., Competing Interests: Disclosure Statement None declared., (Copyright © 2024 Association for Molecular Pathology and American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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36. Global and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater.
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Patiño LH, Ballesteros N, Muñoz M, Ramírez AL, Castañeda S, Galeano LA, Hidalgo A, Paniz-Mondolfi A, and Ramírez JD
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The analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater has enabled us to better understand the spread and evolution of the virus worldwide. To deepen our understanding of its epidemiological and genomic characteristics, we analyzed 10,147 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from 5 continents and 21 countries that were deposited in the GISAID database up until January 31, 2023. Our results revealed over 100 independent lineages of the virus circulating in water samples from March 2020 to January 2023, including variants of interest and concern. We observed four clearly defined periods of global distribution of these variants over time, with one variant being replaced by another. Interestingly, we found that SARS-CoV-2 water-borne sequences from different countries had a close phylogenetic relationship. Additionally, 40 SARS-CoV-2 water-borne sequences from Europe and the USA did not show any phylogenetic relationship with SARS-CoV-2 human sequences. We also identified a significant number of non-synonymous mutations, some of which were detected in previously reported cryptic lineages. Among the countries analyzed, France and the USA showed the highest degree of sequence diversity, while Austria reported the highest number of genomes (6,296). Our study provides valuable information about the epidemiological and genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, which can be employed to support public health initiatives and preparedness., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)
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- 2024
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37. Transmission ecology of Trypanosoma cruzi by Rhodnius prolixus (Reduviidae: Triatominae) infesting palm-tree species in the Colombian Orinoco, indicates risks to human populations.
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Urbano P, Hernández C, Velásquez-Ortiz N, Ballesteros N, Páez-Triana L, Vega L, Urrea V, Ramírez A, Muñoz M, Ibarra-Cerdeña CN, González C, and Ramírez JD
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- Animals, Humans, Trees, Colombia epidemiology, Armadillos, Rhodnius, Triatominae, Trypanosoma cruzi genetics, Chagas Disease epidemiology
- Abstract
Background: Chagas disease, affecting approximately eight million individuals in tropical regions, is primarily transmitted by vectors. Rhodnius prolixus, a triatomine vector, commonly inhabits in ecotopes with diverse palm tree species, creating optimal conditions for vector proliferation. This study aims to explore the transmission ecology of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative parasite of Chagas disease, by investigating the feeding patterns and natural infection rates of R. prolixus specimens collected from various wild palm species in the Colombian Orinoco region., Materials and Methods: To achieve this objective, we sampled 35 individuals from three palm species (Attalea butyracea, Acrocomia aculeata, and Mauritia flexuosa) in a riparian forest in the Casanare department of eastern Colombia, totaling 105 sampled palm trees. DNA was extracted and analyzed from 115 R. prolixus specimens at different developmental stages using quantitative PCR (qPCR) for T. cruzi detection and identification of discrete typing units. Feeding preferences were determined by sequencing the 12S rRNA gene amplicon through next-generation sequencing., Results: A total of 676 R. prolixus specimens were collected from the sampled palms. The study revealed variation in population densities and developmental stages of R. prolixus among palm tree species, with higher densities observed in A. butyracea and lower densities in M. flexuosa. TcI was the exclusive T. cruzi discrete typing unit (DTU) found, with infection frequency positively correlated with R. prolixus abundance. Insects captured in A. butyracea exhibited higher abundance and infection rates than those from other palm species. The feeding sources comprised 13 mammal species, showing no significant differences between palm species in terms of blood sources. However, Didelphis marsupialis and Homo sapiens were present in all examined R. prolixus, and Dasypus novemcinctus was found in 89.47% of the insects., Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of wild palms, particularly A. butyracea, as a substantial risk factor for T. cruzi transmission to humans in these environments. High population densities and infection rates of R. prolixus were observed in each examined palm tree species., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Urbano et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)
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- 2024
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38. Validation of Oxford nanopore sequencing for improved New World Leishmania species identification via analysis of 70-kDA heat shock protein.
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Patiño LH, Ballesteros N, Muñoz M, Jaimes J, Castillo-Castañeda AC, Madigan R, Paniz-Mondolfi A, and Ramírez JD
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- Humans, Animals, Dogs, Cats, HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins genetics, Nanopore Sequencing, Cat Diseases, Coinfection, Dog Diseases diagnosis, Dog Diseases parasitology, Leishmania genetics, Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous diagnosis, Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous parasitology, Leishmaniasis, Visceral veterinary
- Abstract
Background: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by obligate intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania. This infection is characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations, with symptoms greatly dependent on the causal parasitic species. Here we present the design and application of a new 70-kDa heat shock protein gene (hsp70)-based marker of 771 bp (HSP70-Long). We evaluated its sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic performance employing an amplicon-based MinION™ DNA sequencing assay to identify different Leishmania species in clinical samples from humans and reservoirs with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). We also conducted a comparative analysis between our novel marker and a previously published HSP70 marker known as HSP70-Short, which spans 330 bp., Methods: A dataset of 27 samples from Colombia, Venezuela and the USA was assembled, of which 26 samples were collected from humans, dogs and cats affected by CL and one sample was collected from a dog with VL in the USA (but originally from Greece). DNA was extracted from each sample and underwent conventional PCR amplification utilizing two distinct HSP70 markers: HSP70-Short and HSP70-Long. The subsequent products were then sequenced using the MinION™ sequencing platform., Results: The results highlight the distinct characteristics of the newly devised HSP70-Long primer, showcasing the notable specificity of this primer, although its sensitivity is lower than that of the HSP70-Short marker. Notably, both markers demonstrated strong discriminatory capabilities, not only in distinguishing between different species within the Leishmania genus but also in identifying instances of coinfection., Conclusions: This study underscores the outstanding specificity and effectiveness of HSP70-based MinION™ sequencing, in successfully discriminating between diverse Leishmania species and identifying coinfection events within samples sourced from leishmaniasis cases., (© 2023. The Author(s).)
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- 2023
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39. Characterization of microbial communities in seven wetlands with different anthropogenic burden using Next Generation Sequencing in Bogotá, Colombia.
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Ballesteros N, Páez L, Luna N, Reina A, Urrea V, Sánchez C, Ramírez A, Ramirez JD, and Muñoz M
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- Animals, Humans, Ecosystem, Colombia, High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing, Bacteria genetics, Wetlands, Microbiota genetics
- Abstract
Wetlands represent key ecosystems due to their remarkable biodiversity, ecological functions and multiple ecosystem services provided. In Colombia, there are 31,702 wetlands, 13 of which are in Bogotá, capital of the country. Despite the fundamental socioecological support of these aquatic ecosystems, a tremendous loss and degradation of these ecosystems has been observed due to anthropogenic perturbations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the status of seven Bogotá wetlands with variable anthropogenic interventions by measuring organoleptic, physicochemical, and microbiological parameters, using commercial kits, highly sensitive equipment, and next-generation sequencing of the 16S- and 18S-rRNA genes. Our findings describe the status of seven wetlands with different anthropogenic burden in Bogotá-Colombia where physicochemical and microbiology signals of contamination were observed. Additionally, some profiles in the composition of the microbial communities, together with certain physicochemical characteristics, may represent an insight into the environmental dynamics, where Beta Proteobacteria such as Malikia represent a potential keystone in aquatic ecosystems impacted by wastewater effluent discharges; the presence of nitrates and phosphates explain the abundance of bacteria capable of oxidizing these compounds, such as Polynucleobacter. Moreover, the presence of specific prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, such as Clostridium, Cryptococcus, Candida, and Naegleria, reported in one or more of the wetlands assessed here, could represent a possible pathogenic risk for human and animal health. This study performed a complete evaluation of seven Bogotá wetlands with different anthropogenic impacts for the first time, and our findings emphasize the importance of maintaining continuous monitoring of these water bodies given their remarkable ecological importance and potential spill-over of several pathogens to humans and animals., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)
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- 2023
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40. The first report of Dirofilaria repens infection in dogs from Colombia.
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Ballesteros N, Castañeda S, Muñoz M, Flórez A, Pinilla JC, and Ramírez JD
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- Animals, Dogs, Humans, Colombia epidemiology, Mosquito Vectors, Dirofilariasis diagnosis, Dirofilariasis epidemiology, Dirofilariasis parasitology, Dirofilaria repens genetics, Dog Diseases diagnosis, Dog Diseases epidemiology, Dirofilaria immitis genetics
- Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Dirofilaria parasites, affecting both wild and domestic animals, including humans considered as accidental hosts. Dirofilaria repens is the principal causative agent of dirofilariasis in the Old World, with increasing reports of the parasite in countries where it has not been previously identified, due to several factors such as the expansion of mosquito vectors' geographical distribution. By utilizing newly designed primers for molecular detection and confirming through next-generation sequencing, here, we report the first plausible cases of D. repens in dogs from Colombia. Our results support the classification of this species as an emergent pathogen in the Americas. Finally, we encourage an increase in diagnostic and surveillance efforts to prevent and control the current and future dirofilariasis cases in this region., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)
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- 2023
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41. Differential expression of meiosis and homologous recombination-related genes in the life cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi.
- Author
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Cruz-Saavedra L, Caceres T, Ballesteros N, Posada-Forero B, and Ramírez JD
- Subjects
- Animals, Cell Cycle Proteins genetics, Cell Cycle Proteins metabolism, Homologous Recombination, Meiosis genetics, Life Cycle Stages genetics, Trypanosoma cruzi genetics, Trypanosoma cruzi metabolism
- Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi has a complex life cycle consisting of four morphological and distinct biological stages. Although some authors suggest that T. cruzi primarily follows clonal reproduction, recent genomic and transcriptomic studies indicate an unorthodox capacity for recombination. We aimed to estimate the differential gene expression of 10 meiosis/homologous recombination-related genes during the T. cruzi life cycle, including epimastigotes, under two different types of stress (oxidative stress and pH changes). We performed RT-qPCR tests using novel-designed primers to estimate the differential gene expression (∆Ct and ∆∆Ct) of nine genes (SPO11, HAP2, RAD50, MRN complex, BRCA2, DMC1, MND1, and RPA1) and RAD51, which was previously reported. Our results show basal expression of all genes during the life cycle, indicating their hypothetical role in several cellular processes but with specific signatures of differential gene expression during the life cycle (HAP2, RPA, RAD50, BRCA2, MND1, and DMC1) and oxidative stress (RPA, MRE11, NBS1, BRCA2, MND1, and RAD51). Additionally, we found that the MRN complex has an independent level of expression in T. cruzi, with profiles of MRE11 and NBS1 upregulated in some stages. Recent studies on other trypanosomatids have highlighted the influence of HAP2 and RPA in recombination and hybridization. If T. cruzi uses the same repertoire of genes, our findings could suggest that metacyclogenesis may be the putative step that the parasite uses to undergo recombination. Likewise, our study reveals the differential profiles of genes expressed in response to oxidative and pH stress. Further studies are necessary to confirm our findings and understand the recombination mechanism in T. cruzi., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)
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- 2023
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42. Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 variants during the first two years of the pandemic in Colombia.
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Jimenez-Silva C, Rivero R, Douglas J, Bouckaert R, Villabona-Arenas CJ, Atkins KE, Gastelbondo B, Calderon A, Guzman C, Echeverri-De la Hoz D, Muñoz M, Ballesteros N, Castañeda S, Patiño LH, Ramirez A, Luna N, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Serrano-Coll H, Ramirez JD, Mattar S, and Drummond AJ
- Abstract
Background: The emergence of highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants has led to surges in cases and the need for global genomic surveillance. While some variants rapidly spread worldwide, other variants only persist nationally. There is a need for more fine-scale analysis to understand transmission dynamics at a country scale. For instance, the Mu variant of interest, also known as lineage B.1.621, was first detected in Colombia and was responsible for a large local wave but only a few sporadic cases elsewhere., Methods: To better understand the epidemiology of SARS-Cov-2 variants in Colombia, we used 14,049 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes from the 32 states of Colombia. We performed Bayesian phylodynamic analyses to estimate the time of variants' introduction, their respective effective reproductive number, and effective population size, and the impact of disease control measures., Results: Here, we detect a total of 188 SARS-CoV-2 Pango lineages circulating in Colombia since the pandemic's start. We show that the effective reproduction number oscillated drastically throughout the first two years of the pandemic, with Mu showing the highest transmissibility (Re and growth rate estimation)., Conclusions: Our results reinforce that genomic surveillance programs are essential for countries to make evidence-driven interventions toward the emergence and circulation of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants., (© 2023. The Author(s).)
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- 2023
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43. Valorisation of the Invasive Macroalgae Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar for the Green Synthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential.
- Author
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González-Ballesteros N, Fernandes M, Machado R, Sampaio P, Gomes AC, Cavazza A, Bigi F, and Rodríguez-Argüelles MC
- Subjects
- Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology, Anti-Bacterial Agents chemistry, Antioxidants pharmacology, Silver pharmacology, Silver chemistry, Gold chemistry, Bacteria, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Undaria, Metal Nanoparticles chemistry, Seaweed, Anti-Infective Agents chemistry
- Abstract
Bacterial and fungal infections are a challenging global problem due to the reported increasing resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to conventional antimicrobials. Nanomaterials are a promising strategy to fight infections caused by multidrug-resistant microbes. In this work, gold (Au@UP) and silver (Ag@UP) nanoparticles were produced for the first time by green synthesis using an aqueous extract of the invasive macroalgae Undaria pinnatifida (UP). The nanoparticles were characterized by a wide range of physicochemical techniques. Au@UP and Ag@UP demonstrated to be spherical and crystalline with an average size of 6.8 ± 1.0 nm and 14.1 ± 2.8 nm, respectively. Carbohydrates and proteins of the UP extract may participate in the synthesis and capping of the nanoparticles. The UP extract, Ag@UP, and Au@UP were assessed for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans , and Candida auris. Ag@UP showed the highest antimicrobial activity with very low MIC and MBC values for all the tested bacteria, and Au@UP demonstrated to be very effective against biofilm-producing bacteria. The antifungal properties of both Ag@UP and Au@UP were remarkable, inhibiting hyphae formation. This study points towards a very promising biomedical exploitation of this invasive brown algae.
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- 2023
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44. Description of pathogenic bacteria in patients with respiratory symptoms associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Colombia.
- Author
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Zuluaga N, Martínez D, Hernández C, Ballesteros N, Castañeda S, Ramírez JD, and Muñoz M
- Subjects
- Humans, SARS-CoV-2, Colombia epidemiology, Streptococcus pneumoniae, COVID-19, Pneumonia
- Abstract
Viral respiratory infections may predispose to co-infections with other pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, pathogenic respiratory bacteria were detected using commercial kit Allplex
™ Respiratory Panel 4 from nasopharyngeal samples from individuals suffering respiratory symptoms with and without severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Patients without respiratory symptoms were included as controls. Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were detected from 12 patients (6%) in both, patients with respiratory symptoms (including hospitalized) (n = 6) and individual without symptoms (n = 6). Pathogenic bacteria possibly proliferate due to the limited immune response of patients with SARS-CoV-2, perhaps due to dysbiosis generated by the viral infection., (© 2023. The Author(s).)- Published
- 2023
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45. Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized with Cystoseira algae extracts.
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Fernandes M, González-Ballesteros N, da Costa A, Machado R, Gomes AC, and Rodríguez-Argüelles MC
- Subjects
- Silver pharmacology, Silver chemistry, Antioxidants pharmacology, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Plant Extracts chemistry, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Escherichia coli, Biofilms, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Metal Nanoparticles chemistry, Anti-Infective Agents, Phaeophyceae
- Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is an ever-growing global concern to public health with no clear or immediate solution. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have long been proposed as efficient agents to fight the growing number of antibiotic-resistant strains. However, the synthesis of these particles is often linked to high costs and the use of toxic, hazardous chemicals, with environmental and health impact. In this study, we successfully produced AgNPs by green synthesis with the aid of the extract of two brown algae-Cystoseira baccata (CB) and Cystoseira tamariscifolia (CT)-and characterized their physico-chemical properties. The NPs produced in both cases (Ag@CB and Ag@CT) present similar sizes, with mean diameters of around 22 nm. The antioxidant activity of the extracts and the NPs was evaluated, with the extracts showing important antioxidant activity. The bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties of both Ag@CB and Ag@CT were tested and compared with gold NPs produced in the same algae extracts as previously reported. AgNPs demonstrated the strongest bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties, at concentrations as low as 2.16 µg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Finally, the capacity of these samples to prevent the formation of biofilms characteristic of infections with a poorer outcome was assessed, obtaining similar results. This work points towards an alternative for the treatment of bacterial infections, even biofilm-inducing, with the possibility of minimizing the risk of drug resistance, albeit the necessary caution implied using metallic NPs., (© 2023. The Author(s).)
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- 2023
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46. Mu SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.621) variant: A genomic snapshot across the Colombian-Venezuelan border.
- Author
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Patiño LH, Ballesteros N, Muñoz M, Ramírez AL, Luna N, Castañeda S, Gutierrez-Marin R, Mendoza-Ibarra JA, Rodriguez R, Bohada DP, Ramírez JD, and Paniz-Mondolfi A
- Subjects
- Humans, Colombia epidemiology, Genomics, SARS-CoV-2 genetics, COVID-19 epidemiology
- Published
- 2023
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47. Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized by an Aqueous Extract of Codium tomentosum as Potential Antitumoral Enhancers of Gemcitabine.
- Author
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González-Ballesteros N, Maietta I, Rey-Méndez R, Rodríguez-Argüelles MC, Lastra-Valdor M, Cavazza A, Grimaldi M, Bigi F, and Simón-Vázquez R
- Subjects
- Humans, Gemcitabine, Gold pharmacology, Gold chemistry, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Plant Extracts chemistry, Green Chemistry Technology methods, Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared, X-Ray Diffraction, Metal Nanoparticles chemistry, Chlorophyta, Neoplasms
- Abstract
Cancer still poses a global threat, since a lot of tumors remain untreatable despite all the available chemotherapeutic drugs, whose side effects, it must also be noted, still raise concerns. The antitumoral properties of marine seaweeds make them a potential source of new, less toxic, and more active antitumoral agents. Furthermore, these natural extracts can be combined with nanotechnology to increase their efficacy and improve targeting. In this work, a Codium tomentosum (CT) aqueous extract was employed for the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au@CT). The complete characterization of Au@CT was performed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Zeta potential, electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), high-performance steric exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), and by the determination of their antioxidant capacity. The antiproliferative activity of Au@CT was then tested in hepatic (HEPG-2) and pancreatic (BxPC-3) cell lines. Their potential capacity as enhancers of gemcitabine, a drug frequently used to treat both types of tumors, was also tested. The activity of Au@CT was compared to the activity of the CT extract alone. A synergistic effect with gemcitabine was proven for HEPG-2. Our results showed that gold nanoparticles synthesized from seaweed extracts with antitumoral activity could be a good gemcitabine enhancer.
- Published
- 2022
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48. Trypanosoma cruzi Parasite Burdens of Several Triatomine Species in Colombia.
- Author
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Velásquez-Ortiz N, Hernández C, Cantillo-Barraza O, Ballesteros N, Cruz-Saavedra L, Herrera G, Buitrago LS, Soto H, Medina M, Palacio J, González MS, Cuervo A, Vallejo G, Zuleta Dueñas L, Urbano P, Muñoz M, and Ramírez JD
- Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi , the causal agent of Chagas disease, is mainly transmitted by insects of the Triatominae subfamily. In Colombia, there are 26 triatomine species, and 16 of them are naturally infected with the parasite. The parasite loads of naturally infected vectors can be significant in targeting specific species that can affect the epidemiology of the disease. Studying their ecology and behavior is vital to understand their role in T. cruzi transmission dynamics. We evaluated the parasite loads of 182 field-collected triatomines corresponding to 10 species in 13 departments across Colombia. We standardized a methodology to quantify T. cruzi DNA in these insects. We obtained a LOD (limit of detection) of 3.05 p-eq/mL. The 82% of triatomines we evaluated were positive for T. cruzi infection, with loads ranging from hundreds to millions of equivalent parasites per milliliter. Panstrongylus geniculatus , Rhodnius prolixus , and Triatoma dimidiata were the species with the highest loads of T. cruzi ; however, other species whose role as vectors is still unknown were also found with high loads of parasites. Our results suggest the relevance of secondary species for T. cruzi transmission in Colombia. We hope our data can help improve entomological surveillance and vector control programs in the country and the region.
- Published
- 2022
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49. A Robust, Highly Multiplexed Mass Spectrometry Assay to Identify SARS-CoV-2 Variants.
- Author
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Hernandez MM, Banu R, Shrestha P, Gonzalez-Reiche AS, van de Guchte A, Farrugia K, Sebra R, Gitman MR, Nowak MD, Cordon-Cardo C, Simon V, van Bakel H, Sordillo EM, Luna N, Ramirez A, Castañeda SA, Patiño LH, Ballesteros N, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD, and Paniz-Mondolfi AE
- Subjects
- Humans, Mass Spectrometry, RNA, Nucleotides, Amino Acids, SARS-CoV-2 genetics, COVID-19 diagnosis
- Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants are characterized by differences in transmissibility and response to therapeutics. Therefore, discriminating among them is vital for surveillance, infection prevention, and patient care. While whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is the "gold standard" for variant identification, molecular variant panels have become increasingly available. Most, however, are based on limited targets and have not undergone comprehensive evaluation. We assessed the diagnostic performance of the highly multiplexed Agena MassARRAY SARS-CoV-2 Variant Panel v3 to identify variants in a diverse set of 391 SARS-CoV-2 clinical RNA specimens collected across our health systems in New York City, USA and Bogotá, Colombia (September 2, 2020 to March 2, 2022). We demonstrated almost perfect levels of interrater agreement between this assay and WGS for 9 of 11 variant calls (κ ≥ 0.856) and 25 of 30 targets (κ ≥ 0.820) tested on the panel. The assay had a high diagnostic sensitivity (≥93.67%) for contemporary variants (e.g., Iota, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron [BA.1 sublineage]) and a high diagnostic specificity for all 11 variants (≥96.15%) and all 30 targets (≥94.34%) tested. Moreover, we highlighted distinct target patterns that could be utilized to identify variants not yet defined on the panel, including the Omicron BA.2 and other sublineages. These findings exemplified the power of highly multiplexed diagnostic panels to accurately call variants and the potential for target result signatures to elucidate new ones. IMPORTANCE The continued circulation of SARS-CoV-2 amid limited surveillance efforts and inconsistent vaccination of populations has resulted in the emergence of variants that uniquely impact public health systems. Thus, in conjunction with functional and clinical studies, continuous detection and identification are quintessential to informing diagnostic and public health measures. Furthermore, until WGS becomes more accessible in the clinical microbiology laboratory, the ideal assay for identifying variants must be robust, provide high resolution, and be adaptable to the evolving nature of viruses like SARS-CoV-2. Here, we highlighted the diagnostic capabilities of a highly multiplexed commercial assay to identify diverse SARS-CoV-2 lineages that circulated from September 2, 2020 to March 2, 2022 among patients seeking care in our health systems. This assay demonstrated variant-specific signatures of nucleotide/amino acid polymorphisms and underscored its utility for the detection of contemporary and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
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- 2022
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50. Pan-stage real-time PCR for quantitation of Trypanosoma cruzi parasitic loads in blood samples.
- Author
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Ramírez JD, Cao L, Cruz-Saavedra L, Hernandez C, Castañeda S, Muñoz M, Ballesteros N, Banu R, Shrestha P, Cordon-Cardo C, Sordillo EM, and Paniz-Mondolfi A
- Subjects
- Humans, Molecular Diagnostic Techniques, Parasite Load methods, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction methods, Chagas Disease parasitology, Trypanosoma cruzi genetics
- Abstract
Chagas disease is a complex zoonosis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. The diagnosis of this infection is complex and molecular tools are suggested to detect the parasite in blood samples. A long-standing question arises in Chagas disease molecular diagnostics and is related to the feasibility of using epimastigotes in standard curves to quantify parasitic loads. Herein, we conducted experiments running standard curves with all the known life stages of T. cruzi. Our results indicate that regardless of the life stage employed, there are no statistically significant differences when calculating parasitic loads in blood samples. Our results have practical implications from a laboratory perspective in terms of the usability of epimastigotes to build standard curves for T. cruzi pan-stage assessment. Future studies are needed to further improve T. cruzi molecular diagnostic methods and enhance their impact in clinical practice., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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