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Biomedical subjects

C Blanco

Publications and source records attributed to C Blanco.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Anaphylaxis after ingestion of wheat flour contaminated with mites.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis after ingestion of flours contaminated with mites has been recently reported. OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to determine whether four-induced reactions in the absence of food sensitivity may result from mite contamination. METHODS: Patients with systemic reactions after ingestion of foods containing wheat flour and without food sensitivities were included in a prospective study. The flours were examined microscopically, and major Dermatophagoides allergens were quantified by monoclonal antibody techniques. Skin prick tests and IgE determinations to mites and flours were performed. Single-blind, placebo-controlled oral challenges were also performed. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included in our protocol. They showed respiratory allergies to dust mites (100%) and intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid (87%). Microscopic examination of four flours implicated in allergic reactions revealed a high degree of mite contamination: Dermatophagoides farinae in one case and Thyreophagus entomophagus in three cases. Our patients' skin test and specific IgE responses to the flours implicated in the reactions were positive. A high level of Der 2 was found in the flour infested by D. farinae. Three of six food challenges with contaminated flours resulted in systemic reactions. Good tolerance to control flours was shown in our patients. CONCLUSION: Ingestion of foods contaminated with mites may induce systemic anaphylactic reactions in patients with respiratory allergy to mites.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Anaphylactoid reactions due to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: clinical and cross-reactivity studies.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylactoid reactions due to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs have been described. OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical characteristics of 21 patients with anaphylactoid reactions due to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and to determine the cross-reactivity to non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs not involved in the previous reactions nor structurally related by means of single-blind, placebo-controlled drug challenges. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients who exhibited clinical evidence of anaphylactoid reactions after nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs were recruited for the study at the time of admission in Emergency Unit of our Hospital, Single-blind, placebo controlled oral challenges with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (except those reported by the patient as being responsible for the previous reaction), were performed in all patients. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were woman and six man, with a mean age of 35.7 years (range 18 to 62 years). Thirteen patients (60%) were normal subjects without concomitant diseases. No increase in frequency of atopy in comparison to the general population was observed. Pyrazole derivatives were the most common nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs involved (71.3%). A tolerance to drugs included in drug challenge protocol was noted in all patients. CONCLUSION: In our population, pyrazole derivatives were the most common nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs involved in anaphylactoid reactions. Most patients appeared to be otherwise normal subjects without concomitant disease and no cross-reactivity with other non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs not involved in the anaphylactoid reaction nor structurally related was found.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1996

Intolerance to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: results of controlled drug challenges in 98 patients.

BACKGROUND: Controlled oral challenge is the only definitive way to detect the different clinical manifestations of intolerance to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to describe the clinical manifestations of drug challenges in a population with histories of intolerance to NSAIDs. METHODS: Two-hundred forty subjects were included in a single-blind, placebo-controlled drug challenge protocol. RESULTS: Eighty patients exhibited a positive response to drug challenge: 52 had isolated periorbital angioedema, 13 had cutaneous rashes, eight had bronchial asthma (7 with associated periorbital angioedema), three had nasoocular reactions, and four had systemic anaphylaxis. In another 18 patients who were referred for treatment because of a reaction suggesting systemic anaphylaxis, the implicated drug was not given, but tolerance to other NSAIDs was found. The mean age of patients with isolated periorbital angioedema was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than that of the other groups of NSAID reactors. A significant increase (p < 0.001) in atopy was found among patients with isolated periorbital angioedema (100%) in comparison with other patients with NSAID intolerance (45.6%). NSAID cross-reactivity was a common finding, but cross-reactivity was not found in two cases of periorbital angioedema, one case of urticaria, one case of bronchial asthma, and 18 cases of systemic anaphylaxis. CONCLUSION: In atopic subjects, isolated periorbital angioedema constitutes the most frequent manifestation of NSAID intolerance. Such patients are younger than other NSAID reactors and commonly have intolerance to several NSAIDs.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1996

Characterization of the Erwinia chrysanthemi osmoprotectant transporter gene ousA.

Growth of Erwinia chrysanthemi in media of elevated osmolarity can be achieved by the uptake and accumulation of various osmoprotectants. This study deals with the cloning and sequencing of the ousA gene-encoded osmoprotectant uptake system A from E. chrysanthemi 3937. OusA belongs to the superfamily of solute ion cotransporters. This osmotically inducible system allows the uptake of glycine betaine, proline, ectoine, and pipecolic acid and presents strong similarities in nucleotide sequence and protein function with the proline/betaine porter of Escherichia coli encoded by proP. The control of ousA expression is clearly different from that of proP. It is induced by osmotic strength and repressed by osmoprotectants. Its expression in E. coli is controlled by H-NS and is rpoS dependent in the exponential phase but unaffected by the stationary phase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Genetic characterization of site-specific integration functions of phi AAU2 infecting "Arthrobacter aureus" C70.

All the essential genetic determinants for site-specific integration of corynephage phi AAU2 are contained within a 1,756-bp DNA fragment, carried on the integrative plasmid p5510, and are shown to be functional in Escherichia coli. One open reading frame, ORF4, encoding a protein of 266 amino acids was shown to represent the phi AAU2 integrase. The nucleotide sequence of the phi AAU2 attachment site, attP, and the attB, attL, and attR sequences in the host "Arthrobacter aureus" C70 were determined. Identical nucleotide sequences were shown to be responsible for the integration of p5510 in the chromosomes of Corynebacterium glutamicum, Brevibacterium divaricatum, and B. lactofermentum, and a sequence almost identical to attB was found to be present in these three strains. In contrast to other phage site-specific recombination systems, a plasmid encompassing only int-attP failed to integrate into the host chromosome. This led to the identification of an 800-bp noncoding region, immediately upstream of int, absolutely required for site-specific integration of p5510.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Pathological gambling and platelet MAO activity: a psychobiological study.

OBJECTIVE: The authors studied platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and psychological characteristics of male pathological gamblers. METHOD: Twenty-seven male pathological gamblers were compared with a group of healthy individuals who were matched by age, sex, and tobacco consumption. Measures included platelet MAO activity and scores on the MMPI and Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale. RESULTS: Platelet MAO activity and scores on several MMPI scales for the two groups were significantly different, but measures of sensation seeking were not. No correlations of biological significance were found between platelet MAO activity and psychological ratings. CONCLUSIONS: Low platelet MAO activity may be a biological predisposition for impulsivity in pathological gamblers. Although no psychological pattern is characteristic of pathological gamblers, they differ from healthy individuals in some personality traits. No significant relationship could be established between platelet MAO activity and psychological measures.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Anaphylaxis to subcutaneous neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin with simultaneous sensitization to protamine and insulin.

We report an insulin-treated diabetic patient who suffered, in a 2-month period, three severe anaphylactic reactions immediately after self-administered subcutaneous injections of neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) human recombinant-DNA insulin. These reactions consisted of local and systemic symptoms, including dyspnea and hypotension. A simultaneous sensitization to human insulin and to protamine was demonstrated, both by skin tests and by the determination of serum specific IgE. Suspecting protamine allergy, we performed a test dose to human lente insulin with perfect tolerance. After a 1-year follow-up with lente-insulin treatment, no reactions have occurred, despite treatment interruptions. Therefore, protamine IgE-mediated allergy probably caused our patient's reactions. In conclusion, protamine sensitization should be ruled out in any patient with a history of reactions to subcutaneous protamine-containing insulins, even if insulin sensitization is present.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and bronchial asthma due to Phoenix canariensis pollen allergy.

We report a case of occupational bronchial asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis caused by Phoenix canariensis (PC) pollen. The canary palm is a type of palm tree, belonging to the Arecaceae family, which is widely distributed in frost-free regions as an ornamental tree. Our patient was referred because he suffered symptoms of bronchial asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and contact urticaria when pruning dried leaves from PC during the pollination months. The skin prick test (SPT) with a PC pollen extract was positive, as was the specific IgE to PC pollen determined by Phadezym RAST, indicating an IgE-mediated sensitization. The nonspecific bronchial provocation test (BPT) performed with methacholine disclosed a mild bronchial hyperreactivity, and specific BPT with PC pollen elicited an immediate fall of 25% in FEV1 with respect to baseline. On RAST inhibition studies, a significant cross-reactivity was found between PC pollen and date palm (P. dactylifera) pollen. These results suggest that PC pollen could be a potential allergen in PC-growing areas.

Asthma↗
PubMed1995

[Presence of Helicobacter pylori in the duodenum, antrum, and fundus in control subjects and patients with duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, gastritis, or erosive duodenitis. Histological analysis of 357 subjects].

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was studied in 152 subjects with a normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 125 with duodenal ulcer, 25 with gastric ulcer, 46 with erosive gastritis and 9 with erosive duodenitis. Two biopsies from duodenum, antrum and fundus were obtained from each subject during endoscopy for histological diagnosis and Helicobacter pylori search. None of the patients with normal endoscopy and 2% of patients with duodenal ulcers had Helicobacter pylori in duodenal biopsies. These last patients had a significantly higher frequency of Helicobacter pylori in the antrum (71%) than the rest of the studied groups. Five percent of subjects with normal endoscopy and 5% of those with duodenal ulcers had Helicobacter pylori in the antrum. An active gastritis was demonstrated in almost all patients with Helicobacter infection. Intestinal metaplasia occurred almost exclusively in the absence of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Effect of varying protein intake on energy balance, protein balance and estimated weight gain composition in premature infants.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the effect of varying only protein intake on energy balance, protein balance and estimated weight gain composition in premature infants fed either a formula with a protein content of 2.0 g/100 ml (F2) or a protein content of 1.5 g/100 ml (F1.5). DESIGN: Premature infants were randomly allocated to receive F1.5 or F2. Weight gain composition was estimated from protein and energy balances. Energy expenditure was measured with doubly labelled water. PATIENTS: F1.5, n = 8; gestational age 32 +/- 3 weeks, birth weight 1716 +/- 560 g. F2, n = 8; gestational age 32 +/- 3 weeks, birth weight 1544 +/- 488 g. RESULTS: Infants fed F2 showed a significantly higher protein accretion (P = 0.003) and weight gain (P = 0.011) when compared to the infants fed F1.5. There were no differences in the energy balance. The estimated weight gain composition was different between both groups. CONCLUSION: The F2 fed infants had an estimated weight gain composition comparable to the reported intrauterine values, while the F1.5 fed infants showed a weight gain composition more comparable to the reported values of the full term infant. The impact of nutrient composition in premature infant formulas on body composition and growth is discussed.

Body Composition↗
PubMed1995

[Prevalence of digestive symptoms in normal adult women and its association with cholelithiasis].

The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of biliary diseases and digestive symptoms in normal adult women. Four hundred nineteen women were chosen; of these 145 were discarded due to previous gastrointestinal diseases (20), previous gastrointestinal complaints (38) and previous cholecystectomy (85). Two hundred seventy six women were subjected to abdominal ultrasound examination; of these 53 had cholelithiasis and in three a gallbladder cancer was suspected (and confirmed by surgery). Considering women with previous cholecystectomy, cholelithiasis and gallbladder cancer, a 33.6% prevalence of biliary diseases can be inferred. An interrogation about gastrointestinal symptoms was performed to women subjected to ultrasound examinations, by 2 professionals unaware of ultrasound results. A high frequency of pyrosis, food intolerance and constipation was found, not observing differences between women with or without cholelithiasis. However, these last women had a higher frequency of upper abdominal pain. Both groups had also a high rate of previous surgical procedures.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Epidemiological and etiological aspects of upper digestive hemorrhage. Multicenter study in nine Chilean hospitals (1980-1990)].

An epidemiological survey about the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding during three periods (1980, 1985 and 1990), was performed in 9 Chilean hospitals. Its annual incidence decreased in 1990, when compared to 1980. Likewise the etiologies changed, with an increase in the incidence of duodenal ulcers and a decrease in the incidence of erosive gastritis and bleeding of unknown origin in 1990. A seasonal variation with higher bleeding rates in autumn was also recorded.

Chile↗
PubMed1994

Anti-immunoglobulin antibodies in children with Schönlein-Henoch syndrome. Absence of serum anti-IgA antibodies.

Circulating immune complexes (CIC) that simultaneously contain IgG and IgA are frequently found in IgA nephropathy (IgA-N) and the Schönlein-Henoch syndrome (SHS). The presence of anti-immunoglobulin antibodies (IgA anti-IgG and IgG anti-IgA) was studied by ELISA in the serum of 39 children with SHS and compared to 30 normal children. The mean level of IgG anti-IgA antibodies (240 +/- 104 u/ml) in SHS patients was similar to control values (251 +/- 85 u/ml); the IgA anti-IgG antibodies were increased, although only the antibodies against Fc fraction of IgG were elevated (185 +/- 71 u/ml in patients vs 127 +/- 24 mu/ml in controls, P < 0.0001) without a significant increase of IgA anti-IgGFab antibodies (141 +/- 54 mu/ml vs. 137 +/- 25 u/ml); 16/39 (41%) of the patients had increased levels of IgA anti-IgGFc and 6 of these had also high IgA anti-IgGFab. None of these patients had high IgA anti-IgGFab antibodies without simultaneous augmentation of IgA anti-IgGFc. Only 3/39 (7.7%) of SHS patients showed high levels of IgG anti-IgA antibodies. The correlation of IgA anti-IgGFc antibodies with IgA anti-IgGFab was very strong (P < 0.0001) but lower with IgG anti-IgA antibodies (P < 0.002). In addition, 8/39 children had renal involvement, nevertheless in these patients the findings were quite similar, with a non-significant elevation of IgA anti-IgGF ab antibodies. These results show that the IgA anti-IgG antibodies are more frequently increased than IgG anti-IgA antibodies in the SHS; moreover they are mainly directed against Fc fraction and are IgA-FR isotype. Our findings suggest that the CIC in SHS are likely formed by the reaction of IgA anti-bodies against IgG and not vice versa.

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗
PubMed1994

Usefulness of thyrotropin-releasing hormone test, SMS 201-995, and bromocriptine in the diagnosis and treatment of gonadotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas.

Five patients with gonadotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas were studied. The utility of gonadotropin response to TRH stimulation in the diagnosis and follow-up of these tumors was evaluated, as well as the effects of somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995 and bromocriptine on gonadotropin release. Three patients had FSH and LH secreting adenomas while the other two tumors secreted FSH and alpha-subunit. Transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary adenomas were performed in all patients. Following preoperative TRH administration (400 micrograms i.v.), marked increases were observed in FSH levels in two cases, in LH levels in three and in alpha-subunit in one. The FSH and LH responses to t.his stimulus persisted in the same patients after surgery. Following acute bromocriptine administration (5 mg orally), FSH was reduced in all cases by 19% to 46%, LH in three cases by 50-67% and alpha-subunit in one by 33%. In patient no. 5, with persistent high FSH levels in the immediate postoperative period, long-term bromocriptine treatment was administered (15 mg/d orally), resulting in normalization of FSH levels 6 months later, although the size of the tumor was not reduced. After acute SMS 201-995 administration (100 micrograms sc) FSH decreased in two cases by 38% and 76%, LH in three by 30-56% and alpha-subunit in one by 20%. We conclude that gonadotropin response to TRH stimulation is useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with gonadotroph adenoma. Bromocriptine and SMS 201-995 may be effective as coadjuvant treatment following surgery and radiotherapy in these patients, although long-term studies will be necessary to confirm these proposals.

Adenoma↗