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Biomedical subjects

A M Padilla

Publications and source records attributed to A M Padilla.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Canine infection and the possible role of dogs in the transmission of American tegumentary leishmaniosis in Salta, Argentina.

Some Leishmania species affect humans in two principal forms: visceral and cutaneous leishmaniosis (CL). Several studies have identified dogs as the main reservoirs of the visceral leishmaniosis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum. The purpose of this work was to carry out a survey of the canine population associated with human cases of American tegumentary leishmaniosis (ATL), in order to establish the clinical, parasitological, serological and immunological characteristics of the canine disease, in an endemic region for both ATL and Chagas' disease in the province of Salta, in northwestern Argentina. Two hundred and eight dogs from the endemic area were examined and 41 (19.7%) of them presented lesions compatible with leishmaniosis. In order to investigate the presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi, sera were screened by ELISA using two complex antigens from these parasites and, because of cross-reactions between them, a specific antigen for diagnosis of T. cruzi infection. Sixty-two (29.8%) of 208 dogs were positive for the complex antigen F45 from Leishmania and 50 (24%) were positive for the complex antigen F105 from T. cruzi. Nine dogs (4.3%) were positive for the specific Ag163B6-cruzipain suggesting that these dogs were truly infected with T. cruzi. Furthermore, three of these nine dogs presented Leishmania sp. in their skin lesions and therefore were considered as infected by both, T. cruzi and Leishmania parasites. The prevalence of Leishmania infection detected by lesions and/or positive serology was 27.4% (57/208). On the basis of previous observations regarding the clustered appearance of human ATL, the dog population was divided into two groups: zone A, dogs living within a 100 m radius from houses with human cases, and zone B, dogs living beyond this limit. The prevalence of ATL in dogs was significantly higher in zone A (34.6%) than in zone B (7.3%), suggesting a strong correlation between canine and human cases. The average time required for a parasitological diagnosis by microscopy was six times longer for dog samples than human ones, and the average number of parasites per 100 microscopic fields was 14-fold lower in canine samples. The high prevalence of Leishmania infection and the close association with human cases, demonstrated that dogs are a very susceptible host for Leishmania infection, but the scarcity of parasites in their lesions suggests that they may not be the main reservoir of the parasite in this endemic area.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Force of infection and evolution of lesions of canine tegumentary leishmaniasis in northwestern Argentina.

A clinical-serological follow-up was carried out in a canine population in endemic foci of Leishmania braziliensis spread in northwestern Argentina. Each dog was studied in at least two visits, 309+/-15 days (X+/-SE) apart. Some initially healthy dogs (n=52) developed seroconversion or lesions. The clinical evolution of the disease in dogs resembles in many aspects the human disease. Similarities include the long duration of most ulcers with occasional healing or appearance of new ones and the late appearance of erosive snout lesions in some animals. Yearly incidence rates of 22.7% for seroconversion and of 13.5% for disease were calculated as indicators of the force of infection by this parasite upon the canine population.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

An enzyme-linked antiglobulin test for assessing anti-D immunoglobulin preparations.

Two enzyme-linked antiglobulin tests (ELAT) for assessing anti-D IgG preparations are described; one is performed in tubes and the other in microtitre plates. An anti-human IgG alkaline phosphatase conjugate and the substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate are used. Both methods were sensitive and reproducible, with variations coefficients of 7.8 and 8.6% for enzyme immunoassay in tubes and microplates, respectively. The linear relationship between the amount of red cell-bound anti-D and the optical density shows that the method is suitable for quantitative studies. Results obtained by the two methods show a very good correlation (r = 0.99) in 12 of the 14 samples assayed, and both give good agreement with results obtained in automated haemagglutination. Since microtitre plate ELAT has numerous advantages over the tube method, it could provide an alternative method for assessing anti-D activity of specific IgG preparations in control laboratories.

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗
PubMed1990

Countertransference in working with victims of political repression.

The countertransferential reactions of psychotherapists working in a threatening environment with victims of political repression are described. Via case studies based on clinical consultation and direct testimony, this paper examines the effects on Chilean therapists living and working in that country. It is suggested that these clinical observations may have application to therapeutic work with victims in other stressful settings.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Posttraumatic stress in immigrants from Central America and Mexico.

International migration has been associated with increased levels of psychological disturbance, particularly among refugees who have fled from war or political unrest. This study examined self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, somatization, generalized distress, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a community sample of 258 immigrants from Central America and Mexico and 329 native-born Mexican Americans and Anglo Americans. Immigrants were found to have higher levels of generalized distress than native-born Americans. Fifty-two percent of Central American immigrants who migrated as a result of war or political unrest reported symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of PTSD, compared with 49 percent of Central Americans who migrated for other reasons and 25 percent of Mexican immigrants. The authors call for more research to document the psychosocial aspects of migration.

Acculturation↗
PubMed1985

Ethnicity and life event cognitive appraisals and experiences.

This study compared the cognitive appraisals and incident ratings of urban American Indians (N = 50), Anglo-Americans (N = 50), and Hispanics (N = 47) on a revised version of the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). Results indicated no overall significant differences among the three ethnic groups. However, on comparison of individual life events items, the groups differed significantly on the cognitive appraisal of 8 items and on the incidence of 10 items. Of these items, only 2 overlapped between cognitive appraisals and actual incidence. Results are discussed in terms of potential use of the revised SRRS with these ethnic groups in future research on the relationship between life events and physical and psychological disorders.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Correlates and changes over time in drug and alcohol use within a barrio population.

Extent and determinants of use of alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, and PCP were explored in a group of 339 Mexican American youths from the East Los Angeles Housing projects. Results from this study were compared to those from a similar survey carried out in the same area 2 years ago. Use of inhalants has declined markedly compared with prevalence reported in the previous report. However, use of alcohol and marijuana have increased across all age and sex cohorts. Prevalence of PCP use, explored for the first time in this report, was shown to be extremely high. Use of all drugs was generally predicted by age, sex, and number of peers reporting use. Self-concept factors, especially one's self-evaluation with respect to others, were also significant predictors to use of marijuana, inhalants, and PCP. However, alcohol use was not related to any self-concept factors. Language (Spanish-English) used both in the home and with peers was related to use of all substances studied. Limitations in the generalization of this study as a result of sampling problems are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Inhalant, marijuana, and alcohol abuse among barrio children and adolescents.

Prevalence of inhalant, marijuana, and alcohol abuse was studied in a sample of 457 male and female Mexican-American children and adolescents between the ages of 9 and 17 years. Subjects interviewed resided in four housing projects located in East Los Angeles. All interviews were conducted by adolescents who resided in the same housing projects. Results indicated that compared to a national sample, Mexican-American adolescents were at least 14 times more likely to be currently abusing inhalants. The prevalence rate of marijuana was double the national rate, but the prevalence of alcohol was equal to that found nationally. Reasons for elevated substance abuse rates are explored.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

Personality assessment and test interpretation of Mexican Americans: a critique.

Reviews the personality test assessment of Mexican Americans. Although there is a paucity of available research there are some indications that Mexican Americans differ in response patterning on projective devices. On objective instruments, problems involving fluency in English obscure the findings. Several recommendations are offered for increasing the efficiency of these instruments for use with Mexican American clients.

Acculturation↗