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Biomedical subjects

A M Lopez

Publications and source records attributed to A M Lopez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Formulation with CpG ODN enhances antibody responses to an equine influenza virus vaccine.

Previous studies have shown that protection against equine influenza virus (EIV) is partially mediated by virus-specific IgGa and IgGb. In this study we tested whether addition of a CpG ODN formulation to a commercial killed virus vaccine would enhance EIV-specific IgGa and IgGb antibody responses, and improve protection against an experimental EIV challenge. Thirty naïve horses were assigned to one of three groups and vaccinated as follows: 10 were given vaccine (Encevac TC4, Intervet Inc.) alone, 10 were given vaccine plus 0.25 mg CpG ODN 2007 formulated with 30% Emulsigen (CpG/Em), and 10 controls were given saline. All horses were challenged with live virus 12 weeks after the final vaccination. Antibody responses were tested by single radial hemolysis (SRH) and ELISA, and protection was evaluated by determination of temperature, coughing, and clinical scores. Killed virus vaccine combined with CpG/Em induced significantly greater serologic responses than did the vaccine alone. All antibody isotypes tested increased after the addition of CpG/Em, although no shift in relative antibody isotypes concentrations was detected. Vaccination significantly improved protection against challenge but the differences between the two vaccine groups were not statistically significant. This study is the first demonstration that CpG/Em enhances antigen-specific antibody responses in horses and supports its potential to be used as an adjuvant for vaccines against equine infections.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2005

Measurement of the D(s)+ lifetime.

A high statistics measurement of the D(s)+ lifetime from the Fermilab fixed-target FOCUS photoproduction experiment is presented. We describe the analysis of the two decay modes, D(s)+ --> phi(1020)pi+ and D(s)+ -->K*(892)0K+, used for the measurement. The measured lifetime is 507.4 +/- 5.5(stat) +/- 5.1(syst) fs using 8961 +/- 105 D(s)+ --> phi(1020)pi+ and 4680 +/- 90 D(s)+ --> K*(892)0K+ decays. This is a significant improvement over the present world average.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

A high statistics measurement of the Lambda(+)(c) lifetime.

A high statistics measurement of the Lambda(+)(c) lifetime from the Fermilab fixed-target FOCUS photoproduction experiment is presented. We describe the analysis technique with particular attention to the determination of the systematic uncertainty. The measured value of 204.6 +/- 3.4 (stat) +/- 2.5 (syst) fs from 8034 +/- 122 Lambda(+)(c)-->pK(-)pi(+) decays represents a significant improvement over the present world average.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Search for CP violation in the decays D+--> K(S)pi+ and D+-->K(S)K+.

A high-statistics sample of photoproduced charm from the FOCUS experiment has been used to search for direct CP violation in the decay rates for D+-->K(S)pi+ and D+-->K(S)K+. We have measured the following asymmetry parameters relative to D+-->K-pi+pi+: A(CP)(K(S)pi+) = (-1.6+/-1.5+/-0.9)%, A(CP)(K(S)K+) = (+6.9+/-6.0+/-1.5)%, and A(CP)(K(S)K+) = (+7.1+/-6.1+/-1.2)% relative to D+-->K(S)pi+. We have also measured the relative branching ratios and found Gamma(D+-->K(0)pi+)/Gamma(D+-->K-pi+pi+) = (30.60+/-0.46+/-0.32)%, Gamma(D+-->K(0)K+)/Gamma(D+-->K-pi+pi+) = (6.04+/-0.35+/-0.30)%, and Gamma(D+-->K(0)K+)/Gamma(D+-->K(0)pi+) = (19.96+/-1.19+/-0.96)%.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Measurement of the branching ratios of D(+) and D(+)(s) hadronic decays to four-body final states containing a K(S).

We have studied hadronic four-body decays of D(+) and D(+)(s) mesons with a K(S) in the final state using data recorded during the 1996-1997 fixed-target run of the Fermilab high energy photoproduction experiment FOCUS. We report a new branching ratio measurement of gamma(D(+)-->K(S)K-pi(+)pi(+))/gamma(D(+)-->K(S)pi(+)pi(+)pi(-)) = 0.0768+/-0.0041+/-0.0032. We make the first observation of three new decay modes with branching ratios gamma(D(+)-->K(S)K+pi(+)pi(-))/gamma(D(+)-->K(S)pi(+)pi(+)pi(-)) = 0.0562+/-0.0039+/-0.0040, gamma(D(+)-->K(S)K+K-pi(+))/gamma(D(+)-->K(S)pi(+)pi(+)pi(-)) = 0.0077+/-0.0015+/-0.0009, and gamma(D(+)(s)-->K(S)K+pi(+)pi(-))/gamma(D(+)(s)-->K(S)K-pi(+)pi(+)) = 0.586+/-0.052+/-0.043, where in each case the first error is statistical and the second error is systematic.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Study of the decay D0 --> K+pi-.

Using a large sample of photoproduced charm mesons from the FOCUS experiment at Fermilab (FNAL-E831), we observe the decay D0-->K+pi- with a signal yield of 149+/-31 events compared to a similarly cut sample consisting of 36 760+/-195 D0-->K-pi+ events. We use the observed ratio of D0-->K+pi- to D0-->K-pi+ (0.404+/-0.085+/-0.025)% to obtain a relationship between the D0 mixing and doubly Cabibbo suppressed decay parameters.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Quality of life and breast cancer: relationship to psychosocial variables.

The aim of this article is to shed more light on the relationship between quality of life and aspects of the psychosocial experience for women with breast cancer. The literature is briefly reviewed, including highlights of the psychosocial consequences of cancer, an exploration of the relationship of psychosocial variables to cancer, and a brief review of psychosocial interventions for cancer. Further, preliminary findings of an on-going NCI study are introduced. Finally, clinical implications are discussed. The purpose of this article is to provide a context and foundation on which future researchers and clinicians can build. Ultimately, we suggest that the biomedical model of disease, though crucial, does not take into account all of the complex factors involved in cancer. The current literature lends support to the argument that a broader, more integrative framework, which includes psychosocial factors, is needed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2001

Fluctuations in service loads in an established telemedicine program.

The goal of this investigation was to determine if there were identifiable patterns in the volume and types of teleconsults provided by an established telemedicine program over an extended period of time. Data from over 3 years of providing telemedicine consults within a university-based telemedicine programs were analyzed to identify trends and points of significant change in service provision. Teleconsult volume over a 40-month period was best fit by a logarithmic transformation of the regression curve that is characteristic of slow but steady growth. Consults have been provided in 53 subspecialties, with an average of 12 different subspecialties each month. Number of subspecialties per month was best fit by a sixth-order polynomial. Teleconsult volume has varied on a monthly basis, but overall volume has increased over time. This program has maintained its initial goal of being a multispecialty provider. Analyzing telemedicine consult data over extended periods of time is especially useful for long-term program evaluation and development of a successful business plan.

Arizona↗
PubMed2000

A phase I trial of AUC-directed carboplatin with infusional doxorubicin and ifosfamide plus G-CSF in patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies.

The effect of the addition of G-CSF to carboplatin, ifosfamide and doxorubicin (CIA) at the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) was studied in a phase I clinical trial. Nine patients with incurable solid tumors were treated: six endometrial and epithelial ovarian cancers, one colon cancer with pelvic masses and two unknown primary cancers. The carboplatin dose was calculated using the Calvert formula and administered in a standard 30-min intravenous infusion. The initial carboplatin dose was AUC 4.0 mg/ml per min. Fixed doses of ifosfamide (1.25 g/m2 per day), mesna (1.0 g/m2 per day, and doxorubicin (15 mg/m2 per day) were combined and given as a 4-day continuous intravenous infusion in an attempt to decrease nonhematologic toxicity. The dose-limiting toxicity of CIA was myelosuppression, mainly neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Nonhematologic toxicities were hemorrhagic cystitis, weakness, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting. The MTD for CIA was established at the first dose level of carboplatin (4.0 mg/ml per min). Following this, G-CSF was added to the regimen in an unsuccessful effort to escalate the carboplatin dose. Free and total carboplatin pharmacokinetics were determined using flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. There was one complete response and one partial response among eight evaluable patients. Both responding patients had advanced ovarian cancer. We conclude that carboplatin dose intensification beyond an AUC of 4.0 mg/ml per min is not made feasible by the addition of G-CSF to infusional doxorubicin and ifosfamide in patients with advanced gynecologic cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

A model-based approach for assessing in vivo combination therapy interactions.

We present an approach for evaluating the efficacy of combination antitumor agent schedules that accounts for order and timing of drug administration. Our model-based approach compares in vivo tumor volume data over a time course and offers a quantitative definition for additivity of drug effects, relative to which synergism and antagonism are interpreted. We begin by fitting data from individual mice receiving at most one drug to a differential equation tumor growth/drug effect model and combine individual parameter estimates to obtain population statistics. Using two null hypotheses: (i) combination therapy is consistent with additivity or (ii) combination therapy is equivalent to treating with the more effective single agent alone, we compute predicted tumor growth trajectories and their distribution for combination treated animals. We illustrate this approach by comparing entire observed and expected tumor volume trajectories for a data set in which HER-2/neu-overexpressing MCF-7 human breast cancer xenografts are treated with a humanized, anti-HER-2 monoclonal antibody (rhuMAb HER-2), doxorubicin, or one of five proposed combination therapy schedules.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Topical DMSO treatment for pegylated liposomal doxorubicin-induced palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapeutic regimens that utilize fluorouracil, cytarabine, and doxorubicin have been shown to cause a dermatologic syndrome known as hand-foot syndrome, or palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (PPES). Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin has proven effective in the treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, ovarian cancer refractory to platinum and paclitaxel therapies, and metastatic breast cancer. In a study of the treatment of refractory epithelial cell ovarian cancers with lipozomal doxorubicin utilizing intravenous doses of 50 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks, grade 3 PPES was observed in 29% of patients (10/35) and required dose reductions and/or dose delay after a median of three therapy cycles. METHODS: Current methods to prevent pegylated liposomal doxorubicin-induced PPES include dose reduction, lengthening of the drug administration interval and ultimately, drug withdrawal. Topical 99% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) also has shown strong activity in treating tissue extravasation reactions during intravenous administration of doxorubicin. RESULTS: Two patients undergoing chemotherapy with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, 50 mg/m(2) every 4 weeks, developed grade 3 PPE after three cycles. Their PPES resolved over a period of 1 to 3 weeks while receiving topical 99% DMSO four times daily for 14 days. CONCLUSIONS: While these results are promising, patients must be treated in a prospective study of this topical DMSO formulation to definitively document its therapeutic efficacy.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1999

Diagnostic accuracy and image quality using a digital camera for teledermatology.

OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital photography for dermatologic diagnoses and compare it with in-person diagnoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients referred for specialty consultations (n = 308) were recruited from a university dermatology clinic. Patients were examined in-person by one of three board-certified dermatologists who provided clinical diagnoses. Digital photos were obtained on all patients and were evaluated as computer images by a panel of dermatologists. RESULTS: There was 83% concordance between in-person versus digital photo diagnoses. Intradermatologist concordance averaged 84%, and interdermatologist concordance averaged 81%. Decision confidence was rated as "very definite" to "definite" 62% of the time. Concordance with biopsy results was achieved in 76% of the cases. Image sharpness and color quality were rated "good" to "excellent" 83% and 93% of the time, respectively. CONCLUSION: Digital photography for store-and-forward teledermatology produces high-quality images and diagnostic concordance rates that compare favorably with in-person clinical diagnoses.

Arizona↗
PubMed1999

Efficiency analysis of a multi-specialty telemedicine service.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this project was to assess case turn-around times for store-and-forward and real-time video consultations in the Arizona Telemedicine Program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five components contributing to total case turn-around time were analyzed. Each parameter was submitted to statistical analysis and compared for store-and-forward and real-time sessions. RESULTS: Turn-around for real-time are longer than for store-and-forward sessions. Real-time sessions take longer, from when the consulting clinician is contacted to the time the case is reviewed. This is compounded by the fact that real-time sessions sometimes need to be rescheduled. For both types of consults, the time to deliver the final report is the longest segment of the total turn-around time. CONCLUSION: Several factors contribute to case turn-around times. By identifying and analyzing each contributing factor, it is possible to revise consult protocols to improve efficiency.

Arizona↗
PubMed1997

Organ-preserving management of rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate and bladder in children.

Between November 1978 and July 1991, ten children between one and eight years of age with Group III pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma (IRS classification) and considered inoperable at diagnosis were treated primarily with intensive poly-chemotherapy. Complementary radiotherapy and conservative surgery were added as needed. Eight of the ten survive free of disease with functioning bladders for periods ranging from 5.7-18.4 years.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1993

Acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis mimicking bacterial pneumonia and septic shock: a report of two cases.

Two patients with acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis presenting as acute bacterial pneumonia and sepsis are described. One patient died despite appropriate antifungal therapy, whereas the diagnosis in the other patient was only established after postmortem examination. In both cases, coccidioidomycosis had disseminated beyond the lungs. Factors leading to overwhelming coccidioidomycosis are discussed, and the relation of the sepsis syndrome to coccidioidomycosis is reviewed.

Acute Disease↗