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Biomedical subjects

A Irizarry

Publications and source records attributed to A Irizarry.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase in interferon-alpha- and acyclovir-treated herpes simplex virus-infected cells.

The 2',5'-oligoadenylate (2-5A) synthetase pathway, induced by interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), has been shown to be responsible for the antiviral action of IFN-alpha against some viruses. Studies were done to determine the role of this pathway in the anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) action of IFN-alpha alone or in combination with acyclovir (ACV), a combination that leads to synergistic anti-HSV activity. Treatment of human corneal cells or Vero cells with 100 IU/ml of IFN-alpha induced expression of 2-5A synthetase mRNA and a 10-fold increase in 2-5A synthetase production compared with untreated cells. HSV infection alone did not induce 2-5A synthetase production, but when IFN-alpha-treated cells were infected with HSV, enzyme level was significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared with that in IFN-alpha-treated, uninfected cells. HSV infection actually decreased the level of 2-5A synthetase mRNA in IFN-alpha-treated cells. Although IFN-alpha treatment induced high levels of 2-5A synthetase with or without HSV infection, no activation of the latent endonuclease was detected by specific cleavage of ribosomal RNA. Treatment of infected cells with 5 microM ACV alone or combined with IFN-alpha did not increase 2-5A synthetase or endonuclease activities above those detected in cells not treated with ACV. The data indicate that the 2-5A synthetase pathway was inducible in corneal cells and Vero cells but did not appear to contribute to the anti-HSV activity of IFN-alpha alone or the synergistic activity of IFN-alpha combined with ACV.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗
PubMed1995

Hypothyroidism: common complaints, perplexing diagnosis.

Hypothyroidism, the most common disorder of thyroid function is especially common in the adult female population. The disease affects every major organ system and metabolic process. The diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism can be perplexing to the clinician because of its insidious onset and wide array of nonspecific manifestations. Complaints of fatigue, muscle weakness, lethargy, and weight gain are often at first attributed to emotional or other health problems. Additionally, patients may not seek medical care because they are unaware that they are ill. Clinicians need to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism so that a timely diagnosis and treatment can be initiated. This article reviews the etiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism as well as the methods of diagnosis and treatment. Elements of patient education are described with particular emphasis on the chronic nature of hypothyroidism and the need for life long treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Isoforms p69 and p100 of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase induced differentially by interferons in vivo and in vitro.

Four isoforms of 2',5'-oligoadenylate (2-5A) synthetase have been identified (40, 44, 69, and 100 kD). The 40- and 44-kD enzymes are encoded by the same gene, probably different from the genes encoding the larger isoforms. In this study, induction of the 100- and 69-KD (p100, p69) isoforms in different individuals and in different cell types was investigated after treatment with recombinant human interferons (IFN): IFN-alpha 2, IFN-beta ser, or IFN-gamma. The p69 and p100 isoforms were quantitated in cell extracts on Western blots using specific polyclonal antibodies, or their activity was measured after purification of cell extracts on immunoaffinity columns. The p69 and p100 isoforms were differentially induced in Daudi, fibroblast, and colon adenocarcinoma cells treated with IFNs. Considerable individual variations in both basal and induced levels of p69 and p100 were observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from normal donors cultured with IFNs in vitro, and from cancer patients treated with IFN-alpha 2 or with IFN-beta ser. These results demonstrate that the p69 and p100 isoforms are present in vivo in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and their level is increased following IFN administration. Furthermore, both the in vivo and in vitro observations indicate that the expression of these enzymes is specific to each cell type and varies among individuals.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗
PubMed1992

Effects of interferons beta or gamma on neopterin biosynthesis and tryptophan degradation by human alveolar macrophages in vitro: synergy with lipopolysaccharide.

Interferons can induce neopterin biosynthesis and tryptophan degradation in monocytic cells. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an inducible cellular enzyme, metabolizes tryptophan to N-formyl-L-kynurenine. Tryptophan degradation has been linked to interferon-mediated inhibition of replication by intracellular pathogens and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. We evaluated the ability of the recombinant human interferons beta ser and gamma to stimulate neopterin production and tryptophan degradation in vitro by alveolar macrophages (AM) obtained from normal volunteers by bronchoalveolar lavage. Additionally, because other biologic response modifiers such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can also stimulate monocytic cells to produce increased amounts of neopterin and degrade tryptophan, we evaluated the effects of LPS on interferon-induced neopterin production and tryptophan degradation by AM. Both interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interferon-beta (IFN-beta) induced neopterin production and tryptophan degradation by AM with corresponding inhibition of intracellular replication by Chlamydia psittaci in AM, but IFN-gamma was a more potent inducer of these responses than IFN-beta. LPS enhanced neopterin production and tryptophan degradation by interferon-exposed cells. This effect was particularly evident at lower concentrations of interferon, and LPS synergy was more pronounced with IFN-beta than IFN-gamma. Concentrations of LPS that alone had no stimulatory effect on tryptophan degradation synergistically enhanced the induction of IDO activity by lower concentrations of interferon. These studies suggest that IFN-gamma stimulates human AM to produce neopterin and degrade tryptophan more potently than IFN-beta, and that low concentrations of LPS can synergistically enhance such effects of interferons on tissue macrophage metabolism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Health conditions among elderly Puerto Ricans: gender differences.

The health conditions of 466 free-living elderly Puerto Ricans were surveyed islandwide between September 1984 and September 1985. The questions pertaining to this topic are made up of 17 items: seven questions about background information and a list of ten of the most frequently reported health conditions among the elderly. It is part of a larger study of the socio-demographic characteristics of this population, comprised of 173 questions. The statistical tests of significance utilized were those of Kendall's Tau B and Cramer's V. The structural variables of sex, age, and marital status were found to be the most statistically significant for the presence of health conditions at the time of the interview. The implications of this for the elderly, social and public policy planners, formal and informal care gives and the health care establishment are discussed.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1991

Health conditions for activity limitations among elder Puerto Rican males.

The impact of health conditions for activity involvement among 235 elder Puerto Rican males 65 years of age and older was studied. This study was made up of 18 questions: a list of ten health conditions and eight activities. It is a part of a larger study (173 questions) concerning the socio-demographic graphic status of the Puerto Rican elderly. The statistical test of significance carried out was that of Kendall's Tau B. Multiple health conditions were found to impair involvement in activities. These were in order of magnitude: heart illness, hearing, mental health and high blood pressure. The activities most impaired were cleaning the yard, tying or putting on shoes, clean or wash floor and climb stairs. These limitations have serious implications for the type of living arrangement that should be pursued by elderly males and the housing options that need to be offered by social policy planners.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1990

Factors influencing health service knowledge among elderly Puerto Ricans.

An absence of relevant knowledge can produce inappropriate user patterns regarding available and suitable health services with detrimental consequences for health costs and mortality rates among others. This study of 466 non-institutionalized elderly Puerto Ricans is made up of ten questions: 8 background and 2 concerning knowledge of services. It is part of a larger study (173 questions) concerning the sociodemographic status of this population. The statistical tests of significance were Phi, Tau B and Cramer's V. The predisposing factor of zone of residence coupled with SES variables was a barrier to the obtaining of health information and equal access to all sectors of the health care system by the rural elderly. This has multiple social and public policy implications at the local and federal level.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Nutritional practices among elderly Puerto Ricans: gender considerations.

Four hundred and sixty six non-institutionalized seniors, 65 years of age and over comprise the sample. The questions pertaining to the specific topic are made up of 17 items: 9 related to background information and 8 relating to nutritional practices. It is part of a larger study of the socio-demographic characteristics of this population. Structured interviews were carried out from September 1984 to September 1985. The tests of significance were those of Kendall's Tau B and Cramer's V. The most statistically significant structural variables were those of education and income. Interestingly, those elderly utilizing food coupons had less complete meals than those not participating in the program. This has implications for social and public policy, and the enhancement of nutrition education and intervention.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

Utilization of health services among the Puerto Rican elderly: gender considerations.

The elderly make considerable demands on the health care system. This study sought to identify the types of health services utilized by these elders and the predisposing and enabling factors impacting upon their use. Fifteen questions concerning the specific topic were analyzed: ten items about background information and five specific questions pertaining to use. The tests of significance were those of Kendall's Tau B and C and Cramer's V. The sub groups of elderly needing the greatest intervention by the health care system were female, the poor, those of rural zone residence, those with limited educational attainment and the elderly of the lowest occupational prestige sectors of the economy. These findings are similar to those found elsewhere.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1988

Functional status and elderly Puerto Ricans.

The ability of the elderly to perform or carry-out a variety of activities that are normal for people in good physical health was measured by 18 questions: ten items about background information and eight questions pertaining to capacity to carry out activities. The capacity range established was 0 and 1. A 0 response revealed that the respondent had no difficulty and a 1 meant that she/he had difficulty at the time of the interview. The tests of significance were those of Kendall's Tau B and C, Cramer's V and Phi. The sub groups of elderly having the most limited functional status were females, urban zone elderly, the oldest old, those of a separated marital status, the never employed, and those with limited education and incomes. These findings are similar to those found in the United States, Europe and Japan.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1987

The health status of the Puerto Rican elderly.

Health is a central theme for all the aged since it affects their situation in all spheres of life. The objective of this study was to identify the health conditions of an islandwide sample of non-institutionalized elderly respondents. This study is part of a 31 page questionnaire concerning the social-demographic status of the Puerto Rican elderly. The questions pertaining to the specific topic of health conditions consist of ten items about background information and ten questions pertaining to health. Structured interviews were carried out from September 1983 to September 1985. The tests of significance were those of Kendall's Tau B and C and Cramer's V. The health conditions of greatest magnitude in this population (arthritis, hypertension) are similar to those found in the elderly elsewhere. The oral illness condition was more frequent in the rural population of the island. Socio-economic considerations were found to be an important influence for the magnitude of health conditions.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Gender differences in pre-retirement attitudes and activities in a Puerto Rican sample.

The objective of this study was to identify the pre-retirement attitudes and activities of personnel at the Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico in order to ascertain the existence of any differences by gender. It was expected that the persistence of the traditional double standard of conduct for men and women in contemporary Puerto Rican society would find women with a more positive attitude towards retirement since, it will not affect their self-esteem relative to the breadwinner role as it does for men. For purposes of this study a questionnaire was developed consisting of: background information, activity level indicator, and a pre-retirement attitude indicator. A sample of 235 subjects was systematically selected, of these 66 (28 per cent) are male and 169 (72 per cent) are female. The gender groups were sub-divided into occupational sub-categories of faculty and non-faculty. The average age of female faculty is 41 years as compared to 37 years for non-faculty females but both groups of males average 41 years. Females had lower levels of educational attainment than the male respondents and this results in their having a lower income level. The relation of occupational category to activity was significant but that of gender was not. Gender was found to influence the types of activities participated in. The findings lead to the conclusion that gender continues to play a central role in an individual's attitudes and activities within Puerto Rican society.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Multiple endocrine neoplasia in a dog.

Multiple endocrine neoplasms, including an insulinoma, bilateral adrenocortical adenocarcinomas and an aortic paraganglioma, were diagnosed after euthanasia in a 12-year-old spayed female dog of mixed breed with a history of progressive anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, polyuria and polydipsia, regenerative anaemia and hypoglycaemia. The clinical, gross pathological, microscopical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings were consistent with the human syndrome of multiple endocrine neoplasia.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nurses' willingness to perform AIDS patient care.

We evaluated nurses from hospitals with different prevalences of AIDS patients and with different levels of nursing education to measure their willingness to provide care to AIDS patients. Nurses who were most experienced in AIDS patient care, employed in high-prevalence hospitals, and who considered themselves most knowledgeable about infectious disease consistently were less willing to provide nursing care for AIDS patients. Nurses with BSN or MSN education employed in hospitals with low and moderate prevalence of AIDS were the most willing to provide AIDS patient care. The results are discussed in light of recent research on universal precautions adherence and factors that may contribute to increasingly negative attitudes for nurses who provide sustained AIDS patient care.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Infectious disease causes of lymphadenopathy: localized versus diffuse.

Lymphadenopathy is commonly associated with numerous infectious diseases. The evaluation of lymphadenopathy may reveal local (regional) node involvement or diffuse (generalized) node involvement. Additional assessment factors used to evaluate the lymphadenopathy include the anatomic location, node characteristics, associated symptoms, medical and social history, and comprehensive physical examination fundings. Infectious diseases that cause generalized lymphadenopathy include HIV disease, toxoplasmosis, secondary syphilis, and tuberculosis. This article discusses the evaluation of lymphadenopathy, infectious causes of generalized lymphadenopathy, as well as those infections that cause regional lymphadenopathy.

Biopsy↗