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Biomedical subjects

A Betancourt

Publications and source records attributed to A Betancourt.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Quality of life after islet transplantation.

This study analyzed quality of life in patients with type 1 diabetes that received islet transplantation. Twenty-three subjects were followed over 3 years. In addition to an interview, patients self-completed two standardized psychometric questionnaires, HSQ 2.0 and DQOL, before and after transplant, and scores were compared. Analysis was also adjusted for potential "confounders" such as graft dysfunction, insulin therapy and adverse events. DQOL: the Impact score significantly improved at all time points of the follow-up; satisfaction and worry scales also significantly improved at selected time points. Longitudinal analysis demonstrated that reintroduction of insulin had a negative effect on all three scales, but significant improvement in Impact scale persisted even after adjusting for this factor. HSQ 2.0: only the Health Perception scale preliminarily showed significant improvement at most time points. Longitudinal analysis showed loss of significance when insulin therapy was considered. Other scores were improved only at selected time points or not affected. Bodily pain scale showed deterioration at selected times. Interview: glucose control stability, not insulin independence, was reported as the main beneficial factor influencing QOL. In conclusion, islet transplantation has a positive influence on patients' QOL, despite chronic immunosuppression side effects. Re-introduction of insulin modifies QOL outcomes.

Female↗
PubMed2002

[Acute necrotizing injuries of the upper gastrointestinal tract].

Because of the rich vascular supply and the density of the intramural vascular network in the upper gastrointestinal tract, acute necrotizing injuries at this site are exceptional. However, low-flow states secondary to certain severe systemic diseases can cause ischemic mucosal damage that finally leads to acute local necrosis. Two cases of acute necrotizing lesions in the esophagus and stomach are presented, together with their endoscopic and pathologic characteristics. The pathogenic, clinical and follow-up features of these injuries are also discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[Acute cholestatic hepatitis induced by dextromethorphan].

A case of a 68-years-old female who was symptomatically treated with the codeine analog dextromethorphan because of a flu-like syndrome is herein reported. Five days later, she developed a cholestatic syndrome without fever or abdominal pain. Dextrometorphan was withdrawn and a rapid clinical improvement was observed, associated with decreasing levels of biochemical markers of cholestasis. Normal values were reached two months later. This type of adverse drug reaction, its potential pathogenic mechanisms and the therapeutic consequences are discussed.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1991

Venezuelan haemorrhagic fever.

An outbreak of severe haemorrhagic illness began in the municipality of Guanarito, Portuguesa State, Venezuela, in September, 1989. Subsequent detailed study of 15 cases confirmed the presence of a new viral disease, designated Venezuelan haemorrhagic fever. Characteristic features are fever, toxicity, headache, arthralgia, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, and haemorrhagic manifestations. Other features include facial oedema, cervical lymphadenopathy, nausea/vomiting, cough, chest or abdominal pain, and convulsions. The patients ranged in age from 6 to 54 years; all were residents of rural areas in central Venezuela, and 9 died. Infection with Guanarito virus, a newly recognised arenavirus, was shown by direct culture or by serological confirmation in all cases. Epidemiological studies suggest that the disease is endemic in some rural areas of central Venezuela and that it is rodent-borne. Venezuelan haemorrhagic fever has many similarities to Lassa fever and to the arenavirus haemorrhagic fevers that occur in Argentina and Bolivia.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1990

Endogenous endophthalmitis due to Salmonella arizonae and Hafnia alvei.

Enteric pathogens rarely involve organs other than those of the gastrointestinal system. We have reported the case of a woman with rheumatoid arthritis who had endogenous endophthalmitis due to Salmonella arizonae and Hafnia alvei. The infection probably resulted from the use of snake powder as a food seasoner. After appropriate intravenous, intraocular, subconjunctival, topical, and oral antibiotic therapy based on laboratory susceptibility studies, the patient's condition clinically improved, but complications resulted in therapeutic enucleation. Because of the ubiquitous nature of these and other potentially pathogenic organisms, great care must be taken in evaluation, management, and education of immunocompromised patients.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1988

Induction of tyrosinase by L-methionine in Streptomyces antibioticus.

Investigations were carried out to establish conditions favorable for the formation of tyrosinase, an inducible metalloenzyme synthesized by Streptomyces antibioticus. It was determined that the size of the inoculum and age of the culture as well as the temperature of incubation were important factors for enzyme synthesis. Induction of tyrosinase by S. antibioticus appears to be specific for L-methionine with maximal enzyme synthesis observed at 0.1 mM. Addition of CuSO4 and D-glucose at the time of induction also are important for increased enzyme activity. Inhibition of tyrosinase synthesis was observed with actinomycin D, rifampicin, and chloramphenicol suggesting that both transcriptional and translational events are required for tyrosinase induction.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1985

Chromosomal translocation 1/29 in Santa Gertrudis sires.

Chromosomal analysis of 38 Holstein, 10 Santa Gertrudis, and 5 Zebu sires revealed for the first time the occurrence of the Robertson translocation in this breed. The importance is stressed of cytogenetic studies for sires.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Trypanosoma vivax in Colombia: interpretation of field results.

The use of the indirect fluorescent antibody test and complementary blood smear examinations in Colombia has shown that Trypanosoma vivax infections of cattle may be considered to be distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the country. However within this distribution the prevalence showed wide variations between herds and localised epidemic situations could occur at the herd and village level. the examination of sequential serum samples from 2 localities has given additional information on incidence and on transmission patterns.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Mortality, weight loss and anaemia in Bos taurus calves exposed to Boophilus microplus ticks in the tropics of Colombia.

One hundred and sixteen pure-bred Normandy calves previously immunised against babesiosis and anaplasmosis were transported to the Caribbean Coast of Colombia where they divided into 2 equal groups and placed in separate pastures. One group sustained heavy infestation with Boophilus microplus ticks. The second group became lightly infested. The heavily infested calves suffered average losses in body weight of 38 kg and a 48% decrease in mean packed cell volume. Twenty-three (40%) died 16 to 39 days following arrival from severe ixodiasis and babesiosis. Mortality did not occur nor were significant weight losses observed in the group of lightly infested calves.

Anemia↗