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Biomedical subjects

A Wassel

Publications and source records attributed to A Wassel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Polymeric matrix membrane sensors for sensitive potentiometric determination of some beta-blockers in pharmaceutical preparations.

Five poly(vinyl chloride) matrix membrane sensors responsive to some beta-blockers (atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, propranolol and timolol) are described and characterized. The sensors are based on the use of the ion-association complexes of the beta-blocker cations with tungstophosphate anion as electroactive materials. The performance characteristics of these sensors, evaluated according to IUPAC recommendations, reveal fast, stable and near-Nernstian response for 10(-2)-2 x 10(-7) mol l(-1) of different beta-blockers over the pH range 2-9. Many inorganic and organic cations as well as drug excipients and diluents normally used in drug formulations do not interfere. The sensors are used for direct potentiometry of beta-blockers in some pharmaceutical preparations. Validation of the method according to the quality assurance standards shows suitability of the proposed sensors for use in the quality control assessment of these drugs. Results with an average recovery of 99.1% and a mean standard deviation of +/- 1.3% of the nominal are obtained which compare fairly well with data obtained using the British Pharmacopoeia method.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

[Comparative study of the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in the prison population between 1985 and 1992].

The prisoner population of the penitentiaries presents an elevated prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1) infection markers. In the last few years different measures have been developed to prevent infection. This study evaluates whether there have been changes in the prevalence of infection by these virus over the last few years within a penitentiary. A group of prisoners (n = 163) studied in 1985 were therefore compared with another group (n = 750) studied in 1992. Demographic, social, risk and penitentiary factors were included. In each of the subjects studied alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hepatitis B virus (HBsAG, antiHBs and antiHBc) and anti-HIV-1 markers were determined. It was globally observed that following the 7 years between the two studies there was a decrease in the prevalence of HBV (X = 14.63, p = 0.0001, OR = 2; CI 95%: 1.38-2.9), which was mainly observed in the group of prisoners with no drug addiction habits. No differences were observed with regard to the prevalence of anti-HIV-1 which remained similar among the IV drug consumers and not consumers (64% and 66.6% in 1985 and 1992, respectively). In conclusion, from 1985 to 1992 a decrease has been observed in the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in the penitentiary population while the prevalence of anti-HIV-1 has remained unchanged.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

[Extrinsic compression of the right atrium due to a mediastinal germ-cell tumor].

A patient with a mediastinal mass detected by plain chest roentgenogram is presented. The echocardiographic-Doppler examination and the computed tomography precise the gross nature and extent of the tumour and its anatomical location producing obstruction of the right atrium and modifying the blood flow pattern in this chamber. The serum tumour markers and the transthoracic biopsy confirm the diagnosis of primary mediastinal germ cell tumour.

Adult↗

[Recurrent benign intrahepatic cholestasis. A case report].

A case of benign and recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis in a 46 year old female is presented. This patient, who correctly coincided with the diagnosis criteria, had 2 episodes of jaundice and pruritus over a period of 4 years. The diagnosis criteria, clinical features, blood tests, etiopathogenesis and treatment are reviewed.

Cholestasis, Intrahepatic↗

Effect of L-carnitine upon ammonia tolerance test in cirrhotic patients.

In a group of liver cirrhosis (LC) patients subjected to a rectal ammonium overload test, the effect of L-carnitine on ammoniemia and on the type A numerical connection and star clock psychomotor tests has been evaluated. On comparing 40 LC patients given L-carnitine with 40 control cirrhotics given a placebo, no significant differences were observed in ammonium levels after performing the overload test in both groups. However, on studying the patients with the greatest liver involvement, those given L-carnitine showed smaller elevations in ammoniemia and better responses to the psychometric tests than those receiving the placebo. The results obtained emphasize the need to continue testing the effect of L-carnitine using either similar tests or carrying out long-term evaluations to determine its protective effect in the appearance of hepatic encephalopathy, perhaps even including its evaluation in the treatment of established encephalopathy.

Aged↗

Prevalence of liver disease and infection by hepatitis B, delta virus, and human immunodeficiency virus in two Spanish penitentiaries.

We studied the prevalence of liver disease and the carrier state for hepatitis B (HBV), delta virus (HDV) and HIV-1 infection in two Valencian penitentiaries, one for males and the other for females. Serological results were correlated with history of intravenous drug addiction, alcohol abuse, homosexuality or prostitution (high-risk groups), and duration and number of internments. A high prevalence of increased transaminase levels (52.2%) and serological markers for HBV infection (66.5%) was observed amongst the inmates, figures being higher amongst high-risk individuals and inmates confined for more than 6 months. No signs of HDV or HIV-1 infection were found amongst the prison staff. Anti-HIV-1 positivity was observed most frequently amongst individuals combining both drug abuse and homosexuality/and prostitution.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

[A comparative study of the oral and rectal ammonium overload test in liver cirrhosis].

The ammonium loading test has been realized in 66 patients, 8 of them without clinical or laboratory data of hepatic disease and 58 diagnosed of hepatic cirrhosis (HC). In 40 patients with HC and 8 patients without liver disease the ammonium was administered by rectum and in the remaining 18 patients with HC it was administrated orally. In each case, non stagnant venous blood was drawn at 0, 30, 45, 60 and 75 minutes after the administration of ammonium and plasmatic levels were measured. The results show that in patients with HC there are no significant differences between rectal and oral administration although the rectal way presented less secondary effects and is better tolerated. The test is discriminatory when comparing patients with HC and patients without liver disease as well as between patients with HC and portal hypertension and those without clinical signs of portal hypertension.

Acetates↗

[Acute hepatitis in heroin addicts: etiologic and follow-up study of 110 cases].

In order to know the etiology and natural history of acute viral hepatitis in intravenous drugs abusers, a panel of 110 heroin addicts, suffering acute hepatitis, is studied. The B virus, by itself or in conjunction with the delta virus was responsible for 63 cases. 35 patients suffered of NANB hepatitis and only two patients were diagnosed of hepatitis A. Delta infection was detected in 38 of the 77 cases of HBsAg-positive acute hepatitis. All the hepatitis B patients had serum conversion within the first 6 months of the acute episode. All the patients suffering acute delta hepatitis and 75% of those suffering non-A, non-B hepatitis, developed chronic hepatic disease. We conclude that in our environment, the B virus is the main responsible for acute hepatitis in heroin addicts. Delta infection is detected in almost half of the heroin addicts with HBsAg-positive acute hepatitis. The acute hepatitis caused by B virus, or by B and delta viruses simultaneously, have a satisfactory evolution, thus, almost all the cases are cured within 6 months. On the contrary, hepatitis caused by NANB or delta viruses usually progresses to chronic hepatic disease.

Adolescent↗

[Action of domperidone on dopamine-induced inhibition of gastric secretion].

The inhibitory action of dopamine on basal gastric secretion and that stimulated by pentagastrin with previous administration of domperidone in 26 male patients, between 18 and 48 years of age, suffering duodenal ulcer has been studied. The administration of domperidone (0.25 mg/kg) produces a significant reduction of the inhibitory action of dopamine on basal gastric secretion and that stimulated by pentagastrin at dose 0.15 microgram/kg/h. Besides dopamine shows a minor, non significant, inhibitory action on acid gastric secretion stimulated by maximal doses of pentagastrin, while showing no differences against the group without administration of domperidone.

Adolescent↗

Nursing assessment of injuries to the lower extremity.

When assessing injuries to the lower extremity, they can best be discussed if divided into two groups: (1) vehicular or crushing injuries; and (2) nonvehicular, torsion, or overuse injuries. Vehicular injuries require speedy, accurate assessment as they are often complex and frequently involve other systems. The patient is initially stabilized, then assessment of orthopedic problems is begun. The nurse's role is an assistive one. If the patient is admitted to the hospital, orthopedic care involves prevention of complications, reduction of pain, and assisting the patient in daily activities. Nonvehicular injuries are more chronic in nature. The patient may have unsuccessfully ignored the problem, tried home remedies, or attempted to work with it. At this point, they are seen in the physician's office, hoping for a cure. After diagnosis, proper instruction for a rehabilitation program is begun. Treatment for a sprain, strain, or overuse syndrome can often be done at home. An active program should be encouraged and the patient should be taught why the problem occurred initially and how it can be prevented in the future.

Ankle Injuries↗