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Biomedical subjects

A Esparza

Publications and source records attributed to A Esparza.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

An economic model of haemophilia in Mexico.

A model was developed to assess the lifetime costs and outcomes associated with haemophilia in Mexico. A retrospective chart review of 182 type A haemophiliacs was conducted for patients aged 0-34 years receiving one of three treatments: (i) cryoprecipitate at clinic; (ii) concentrate at home; or (iii) concentrate at clinic. Patients treated at home experienced 30% less joint damage, used 13-54% less factor VIII, had four times fewer clinic visits, and utilized half as many hospital days than those treated at a clinic. For cryoprecipitate at clinic patients, the annual incidence rates of HCV and HIV were calculated to be 3.6% and 1.4% respectively. The life expectancy for patients receiving cryoprecipitate and those receiving concentrate was estimated to be 49 years and 69 years respectively, with 58% of cryoprecipitate patients predicted to die of AIDS before age 69. Across the lifespan, the average annual cost of care was US$11,677 (MN$110,464) for cryoprecipitate at clinic patients, US$10,104 (M$95,580) for concentrate at home patients and US$18,819 (MN$178,027) for concentrate at clinic patients. Using a 5% discount rate, the incremental lifetime cost per year of life added for treatment with concentrate at home compared with cryoprecipitate at a clinic was US$738 (MN$6981). Rank order stability analysis demonstrated that the model was most sensitive to the cost of fVIII. These results indicate that treatment with concentrate at home compared with cryoprecipitate at a clinic substantially improves clinical outcomes at reduced annual cost levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Preparation and thermoluminescence properties of aluminium oxide doped with europium.

There is little information concerning the use of rare earths as dopants of Al2O3. This paper presents the preparation method and the results of studying the thermoluminescence characteristics of Al2O3:Eu exposed to ultraviolet light. Phosphor powder was obtained by the evaporation method. Optimum dopant concentration was 10% at an evaporation temperature of 700 degrees C. The powder obtained was submitted to thermal treatments at high temperatures in order to stabilise the traps. Diffraction patterns showed amorphous powder up to 500 degrees C; as the temperature was raised crystalline phases of Al2O3 appeared. The photoluminescence spectrum induced by 250 nm UV light exhibited four well defined peaks characteristic of the Eu3+ ion. The glow curve exhibited two peaks at 180 and 350 degrees C. The sensitivity of Al2O3:Eu was 10 times lower than Al2O3:C. The thermoluminescence response was linear from 2.4 to 3000 microJ.cm(-2) of spectral irradiance, and the fading 2% in a month. From these results it can be concluded that Al2O3:Eu has potential as an UV dosemeter.

Aluminum Oxide↗
PubMed1996

[Periodical EEG pattern modifications in herpetic encephalitis treated with acyclovir].

The presence of PLED or localized or lateralized periodic activity in encephalitis strongly suggests that the encephalitis is due to the herpes simplex virus. Nevertheless, there has been controversy over its clinical significance. In addition, since the introduction of antiviral drugs in the treatment of herpes encephalitis in its initial stages, the prognosis of the disease has improved. We studied nine patients all diagnosed as having herpes encephalitis and treated with acyclovir. The presence or absence of periodic activity and its characteristics were analyzed. It was seen that either there was no such activity, or if there was, it was not exactly as classically described.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed1995

Molecular heterogeneity of G-6-PD deficiency in Mexico.

DNA samples from seven G-6-PD deficient Mexican mestizo patients were analyzed. Three different G-6-PD genotypes were observed: G-6-PD A-202A/376G (three patients), G-6-PD A-376G/968C (three patients) and G-6-PD Seattle844C. The present results, along with previous reports, suggest not only G-6-PD A-genotypes are relatively common but also G-6-PD deficiency seems to be heterogeneous at DNA level in Mexico.

Africa↗
PubMed1993

Spontaneous growth hormone release in term infants: changes during the first four days of life.

Healthy term infants have higher umbilical cord GH levels compared to older infants and children. In the sheep, GH concentrations rapidly fall within an hour of birth; the physiology of GH release after parturition in the human term infant is less well known. The purpose of this study was to investigate spontaneous 12-h GH release in male and female term infants of varying postnatal ages. We studied 14 infants (7 males and 7 females). Subjects were divided into those studied earlier following delivery (28.2 +/- 3.4 h of age, mean +/- SE) and into those studied at a later time (74.8 +/- 3.5 h, P < 0.0005). The age at study was defined as the age (hours) when blood sampling began. There were eight infants studied at an early age (four males and four females) and six studied at a later age (three males and three females). Subjects were comparable with respect to gestational age, birth weight, and length; all were biochemically euthyroid. One infant was large for gestational age although his head circumference was in the normal range. Blood (0.1 mL) was taken every 30 min over a 12-h period from an indwelling umbilical catheter; no stress occurred during the blood withdrawal. GH was determined by a double-antibody RIA using 0.01 mL plasma. GH pulse detection was undertaken using Cluster, a computerized pulse detection algorithm. Total insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) was measured following separation of the IGFs from the serum binding proteins. Spontaneous pulsatile GH release was observed in all infants studied. No differences in GH characteristics were found between male and female subgroups in the early or late study groups. In subsequent analysis, the data for the males and females are combined. The GH pulse frequency per 12 h was greater in the earlier studied group, 5.1 +/- 0.9 (mean +/- SE) vs. 2.5 +/- 0.7 in the later group (P < 0.05). The maximal pulse amplitude was 47.1 +/- 7.9 micrograms/L in the early and 27.1 +/- 4.1 in the later studied group (P < 0.06). The incremental pulse amplitude was 26.4 +/- 3.4 micrograms/L in the early and 12.8 +/- 2.7 in the later group (P = 0.01). The pulse width was greater in the later studied group (202.8 +/- 71.1 min vs. 84.1 +/- 21.6, P < 0.06).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Aging↗
PubMed1993

[Fetal hemoglobin and the gamma G/gamma A chain ratio in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia L1 and L2].

PURPOSE: To search in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) for specific pattern of expression of foetal haemoglobin (HbF) and its G gamma/A gamma chain ratio. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 60 children with ALL were examined: 29 with ALL-L1, and 31 with ALL-L2, and 25 healthy children as control group, which were subdivided in three groups: A) 0-5, B) 6-10 and C) 11-18 years. We performed HbF and HbA2 quantification and Hb electrophoresis. G gamma and A gamma globin chain percentages were obtained with a new method based on the precipitation of the HbF eluate by Singer's method with sulphosalycilic acid, the globin chains were separated in polyacrylamide with Triton X-100 and quantified by densitometry. RESULTS: HbF showed similar levels in both ALL groups by the Betke and Singer's methods; (ALL-L1: 2.2 +/- 1.5%, ALL-L2: 2.0 +/- 1.2%; and ALL-L1: 2.0 +/- 1.2%, ALL-L2: 2.1 +/- 1.5% respectively), but there were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) when compared with the control group (0.9 +/- 0.4%, and 1.0 +/- 0.6% for Betke and Singer's method). The G gamma/A gamma ratio showed to be different between the ALL-L1 and ALL-L2 (p < 0.001), with higher levels of G gamma in ALL-L1 (51.0%), the ALL-L2 and the control group showed similar G gamma values (37.5% and 42.1% respectively). CONCLUSION: The factors involved in the increase of HbF are similar for both ALL-L1 and ALL-L2. However there seems to be different factors affecting the expression of G gamma or A gamma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Extrarenal cytokines modulate the glomerular response to IgA immune complexes.

Clinical episodes of IgA nephropathy coincide recurrently with microbial infections. Cytokines produced during such infections may play a role in the pathogenesis of IgA-associated glomerulonephritis. To test this hypothesis, we examined the influence of passively administered proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IFN-gamma and IL-6) on the development of glomerulonephritis in an experimental model of IgA nephropathy. Glomerular IgA immune deposits were induced in mice by administration of IgA anti-phosphorylcholine (PC) with either a PC-containing carbohydrate antigen of Pneumococcal C polysaccharide (PnC) or a protein antigen of PC-conjugated bovine serum albumin (PC-BSA). The effect of IL-1 on the IgA-PC-BSA induced glomerular changes resulted in an increase of mesangial hypercellularity that was associated with mild proteinuria and hematuria. Mice treated with IL-1 and IgA-PnC developed diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis with proteinuria and hematuria. In contrast, IL-6 treatment with IgA-PC-BSA of IgA-PnC failed to exert any significant renal effect. The combination of IL-6 and IL-1, however, intensified the mesangial hypercellularity of the IgA-PC-BSA, and induced severe proliferative glomerulonephritis with inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils infiltrates in the IgA-PnC treated mice. These glomerular changes were also accompanied by increased proteinuria and hematuria. Similarly, the combination of IFN with IL-1 produced histologic changes and compromised renal function more than IFN or IL-1 exerted independently. These results suggest that extrarenal cytokines influence the renal response to IgA immune deposits. We also conclude that a synergy of multiple cytokines and nephritogenic antigens immobilized in glomerular IgA immune deposits may lead to rapid progression of IgA-associated glomerulonephritis.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Spontaneous pulsatile growth hormone release in male and female premature infants.

Although premature infants have high umbilical cord GH levels, little is known about spontaneous GH release in these individuals. The purpose of our study was to investigate spontaneous 12-h GH release in appropriate for gestational age male and female premature infants. We studied 22 premature infants (15 males and 7 females) of appropriate length and weight for age. Gestational ages, birth weights, birth lengths, and ages at the time of study were similar in male or female infants. All infants were biochemically euthyroid. Blood was taken every 30 min over a 12-h period from an indwelling umbilical catheter; no stress occurred during the blood withdrawal. GH was determined by a double antibody RIA, using 0.01 mL plasma. GH pulse detection was undertaken using Cluster, a computerized pulse detection algorithm. Total insulin-like growth factor-I and -II (IGF-I and -II) levels were measured after separation of the IGFs from the serum binding proteins. Spontaneous pulsatile GH release was observed in all infants studied. No differences were found between males and females in the pulse characteristics of frequency, maximal amplitude, incremental amplitude, width, or area. The GH pulse frequency per 12 h was 3.2 +/- 0.3 (mean +/- SE) in males and 3.0 +/- 0.7 in females. The maximal pulse amplitude was 50.7 +/- 6.2 micrograms/L in males and 44.7 +/- 9.0 micrograms/L in females. The incremental pulse amplitude was 24.3 +/- 3.2 micrograms/L in males and 20.2 +/- 3.9 micrograms/L in females. The mean 12-h GH level was 37.1 +/- 4.8 micrograms/L in males and 35.8 +/- 8.5 micrograms/L in females; the average GH nadir was 26.1 +/- 4.0 micrograms/L in males and 24.4 +/- 8.3 micrograms/L in females. Both IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations were similar in males and females. The mean IGF-I levels were 10.7 +/- 1.5 ng/mL in males and 7.5 +/- 1.1 ng/mL in females; IGF-II levels were 96.0 +/- 12.0 ng/mL in males and 115.4 +/- 17.1 ng/mL in females. These results demonstrate similar pulsatile GH release in male and female premature infants at a mean age of 32-33 weeks. Compared with previously reported values for mean GH concentration and average GH nadir in older children, the values in these premature infants were much higher. We speculate that the higher GH levels in premature infants may result from decreased negative feedback associated with low IGF-I levels. The premature infant's somatotrophs may also not fully respond to the GH inhibitory action of somatostatin.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed1990

A behavioral model of international labor and nonlabor migration: the case of Turkish movements to West Germany, 1960-1986.

"In this paper behavioral models of international labor and nonlabor migration are presented. The models are based on the concept of chain migration, where the immigrant stock, differentiated by the duration of stay, induces and directs future migration flows. Three roles of the immigrant stock in inducing the inflow of potential migrants are identified: provider of assimilation aid; transmitter of information; and source of family reunification. Operationalized versions of the models are empirically tested for Turkish labor and nonlabor migration to West Germany, 1960-86. The results support the importance of information for labor migrants, and reunification ties for nonlabor migrants."

Acculturation↗
PubMed1987

Severe glomerulonephritis with late emergence of classic Wegener's granulomatosis. Report of 4 cases and review of the literature.

We have analyzed an unusual group of 19 patients (15 previously reported) with Wegener's granulomatosis, who presented with severe glomerulonephritis and developed diagnostic respiratory lesions only after 4 to 78 months. Necrotizing glomerulonephritis, often with crescents, and rarely with vasculitis, was the predominant renal lesion. Wegener's granulomatosis was unsuspected initially, since systemic manifestations, such as fever, arthralgias, malaise, and even pulmonary hemorrhage, were nonspecific or transient, and because renal biopsy findings resembled those seen in microscopic polyarteritis or idiopathic crescentic nephritis. Despite therapy, usually with corticosteroids, only 4 patients maintained adequate renal function. Most patients were receiving chronic dialysis when respiratory involvement developed. Cavitary nodular pulmonary infiltrates were seen in 12 of the 17 patients with lung involvement, and otorhinological disease occurred in 10 patients. Arthralgias, fever, and cough, with or without hemoptysis, were common. Wegener's granulomatosis was diagnosed by lung biopsy in 15 cases and by nasal biopsy in 4. Specific treatment was required for the respiratory disease and was delayed in many patients, because of lack of awareness that Wegener's granulomatosis may present with primary glomerulonephritis and become active during chronic renal failure or dialysis. Nevertheless, all but 1 patient eventually responded to treatment, although 3 additional patients died of late complications.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1984

Seminoma of testicle metastatic to thyroid.

A twenty-four-year-old white man is described who presented with seminoma and initially was treated with standard inguinal orchiectomy and radiation therapy for retroperitoneal disease. The case is reported because of the unusual nature of his later recurrence of disease, which was in the right lobe of the thyroid gland. This is a rare site for isolated recurrence, and there is a paucity of reports of metastatic tumor of any type to the thyroid gland. The patient had a complete remission after combined chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, bleomycin, and cisplatin.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Leiomyosarcoma arising in an arteriovenous fistula.

The case of a man who developed a leiomyosarcoma in association with a surgically created arteriovenous fistula is reported. This unusual complication of a dialysis fistula is the first reported case of a leiomyosarcoma occurring in a surgically created fistula.

Aged↗
PubMed1982

Monocyte-dependent serum suppression of lymphocyte blastogenesis in Hodgkin's disease: an association with nephrotic syndrome.

A factor inhibitory to PHA-induced lymphocyte blastogenesis was found to be present in the serum of a patient with advanced Hodgkin's disease and nephrotic syndrome. The inhibitory activity for both syngeneic and allogeneic lymphocytes was dependent on the presence of peripheral blood monocytes. The Raji-cell serum assay, as well as immunofluorescence and light and electron microscopy of the renal biopsy, showed no evidence of immune complexes. Nevertheless, a high serum IgE level as well as the finding that ultracentrifugation and heating at 56 degrees C significantly reduced the inhibitory activity (P less than 0.01) suggested the possibility that an immune complex might have mediated the suppressive activity. Treatment of the Hodgkin's disease with combined chemotherapy caused a marked reduction in the monocyte-dependent serum inhibitory activity which in turn coincided with a prompt remission of the nephrotic syndrome and marked regression of disease.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Changes in hemoglobin in patients with hemolytic anemia].

Hb alterations studied throughout 2 years in 129 patients are reported, these patients had hemolytic anemia or the possibility of a hemoglobinopathy : 5 were heterozygotes to thalassemia b; 3 were compound-heterozygote of thalassemia a1 and thalassemia a2; 2 for thalassemia b and 2 for thalassemia b and Hb S; 2 homozygotes and 2 heterozygotes for Hb S; 2 was bearing unstable Hb and the other had Hereditary Persistence of Hb F. These results allow the conclusion that thalassemia is the Hb alteration which most frequently causes hemolytic anemia in our population and underscores the importance of the study of these pathologies in selected populations.

Anemia, Hemolytic↗