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Biomedical subjects

C Campos

Publications and source records attributed to C Campos.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Factors predicting intermediate endpoints of cervical cancer and exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in young women screened as potential targets for prophylactic HPV vaccination in south of Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the predictors of intermediate endpoints of cervical cancer in 500 women living in Porto Alegre. STUDY DESIGN: Five hundred randomly selected women (mean age 20.3 years, range 15-25) were screened using PCR detecting 25 HPV types (HPV6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 34, 35, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 70, and 74). Women were interviewed and serum samples were analysed for antibodies to HPV16 and HPV18 VLPs. Regression models were constructed to analyse predictive factors for (a) HPV PCR status, (b) HPV16-seropositivity, (c) HPV18-seropositivity, and (d) SIL in the PAP smear, used as intermediate endpoints of cervical cancer. RESULTS: Specific HPV types were identified in 137 (27.4%) of the 157 (31.4%) PCR-positive women. PAP test result was the most powerful independent predictor of HPV status in PCR (p = 0.0001), followed by the sexual activity started (p = 0.001) (adjusted OR 34.075, 95% CI: 4.650-249.715). PAP test SIL was independently predicted only by the HPV PCR status (p = 0.0001) (OR 7.561, 95% CI: 2.787-20.514). HPV16 and HPV18 serostatus were the most significant predictors of each other (p=0.0001), and the life-time number of sexual partners was more significant (p=0.001) predictor of HPV16 than HPV18 serostatus (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: These data are useful in evaluating the exposure status of the women to the risk factors of cervical cancer in south of Brazil.

Adolescent↗

Occurrence of bacterial indicators and bacteriophages infecting enteric bacteria in groundwater in different geographical areas.

AIMS: The aim of this research was to determine the suitability of coliphages (bacteriophages) for assessing the microbial quality of groundwater. METHODS AND RESULTS: The number of several bacterial indicators (faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci and spores of sulfite-reducing clostridia) and bacteriophages (somatic coliphages, F-specific RNA bacteriophages and bacteriophages infecting Bacteroides fragilis) were determined in groundwater of aquifers in various geographical areas. Results show that the relative abundance, determined as percentages of positive detections, of the bacterial indicators and bacteriophages varies depending on the aquifer. CONCLUSIONS: A single bacterial indicator may not be enough to assess microbiological quality in certain aquifers. One bacterial indicator and a bacteriophage parameter provide more information than two bacterial indicators. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Coliphages (CPH) provide different information from that provided by bacterial indicators on the microbial quality of groundwater in different geographical areas. Easy, fast and inexpensive methods for the detection of CPH are feasible in both industrialized and developing countries.

Argentina↗

Reduction of bacterial indicators and bacteriophages infecting faecal bacteria in primary and secondary wastewater treatments.

AIMS: To compare the suitability of various bacterial and viral indicators to assess the removal of faecal micro-organisms by primary and secondary wastewater treatment processes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The numbers of several bacterial indicators [faecal coliforms (FC), enterococci (ENT) and sulphite-reducing clostridia (SRC)] and bacteriophages (somatic coliphages, F-specific RNA phages and bacteriophages infecting Bacteroides fragilis strain RYC2056) were determined in incoming raw sewage and effluents from various primary and secondary wastewater treatment processes in several geographical areas. Reductions in the numbers of indicators were calculated as log10 reductions. Processes based on removal and mild disinfection, showed no significant differences in the elimination of any of the indicators tested or between geographical areas. In contrast, treatment processes that include strong microbial inactivation, such as lime-aided flocculation and lagooning, showed significant differences between the log10 reductions of the various micro-organisms studied, FC showing the highest reduction and spores of SRC and phages infecting B. fragilis the lowest. CONCLUSIONS: The microbial elimination performance of treatment processes based principally on removal and mild disinfection can be evaluated with a single indicator. In contrast, processes with additional disinfecting capabilities require more than one indicator for accurate evaluation of the treatment; bacteriophages are good candidates for use as second indicators. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Bacteriophages provide additional information for the evaluation of microbial elimination in some treatment plants. The easy, fast and cheap methods available for phage determination are feasible both in industrialized and developing countries.

Bacteria↗

Occurrence and densities of bacteriophages proposed as indicators and bacterial indicators in river waters from Europe and South America.

AIMS: To evaluate the feasibility of bacteriophages as a complementary tool for water quality assessment in surface waters from different parts of the globe. METHODS AND RESULTS: Faecal coliform bacteria, enterococci, spores of sulphite-reducing clostridia, somatic coliphages, F-specific RNA bacteriophages and bacteriophages infecting Bacteroides fragilis were determined by standardized methods in raw sewage and in 392 samples of river water from 22 sampling sites in 10 rivers in Argentina, Colombia, France and Spain, which represent very different climatic and socio-economic conditions. The results showed that the indicators studied maintained the same relative densities in the raw sewage from the different areas. Classifying the river water samples according to the content of faecal coliform bacteria, it can be observed that the relative densities of the different bacterial indicators and bacteriophages changed according to the concentration of faecal coliform bacteria. There was a relative increase in the densities of all groups of bacteriophages and sulphite-reducing clostridia with respect to faecal coliforms and enterococci in the samples with low counts of faecal coliform bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: The numbers of bacterial indicators and bacteriophages were similar in the different geographical areas studied. Once released in rivers, the persistence of the different micro-organisms differed significantly. Bacteriophages and spores of sulphite-reducing clostridia persisted longer than faecal coliforms and enterococci. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Bacteriophages in river water samples provide additional information to that provided by bacteria about the fate of faecal micro-organisms in river water. The easy, fast and cheap methods for phage determination are feasible both in industrialized and developing countries.

Bacteriophages↗

Usefulness of different groups of bacteriophages as model micro-organisms for evaluating chlorination.

AIMS: To assess the usefulness of bacterial and viral indicators in chlorination processes and to collect quantitative information necessary for risk assessment analysis in water disinfection processes based on chlorination. METHODS AND RESULTS: Naturally occurring bacterial indicators, bacteriophages and enteroviruses were determined to evaluate the effect of chlorination in groundwater and secondary sewage effluents. Additionally, the effect of chlorinating on selected bacteriophages, enteroviruses and Escherichia coli was also tested in spiked samples of bottled water and sewage effluents. Results indicate that chlorination inactivates more efficiently bacteria than phages and enteroviruses. Among the human viruses, phages infecting Bacteroides fragilis and selected somatic coliphages belonging to the Siphoviridae family were the most persistent to chlorination. CONCLUSIONS: The three groups of bacteriophages studied were all more resistant to chlorination than bacteria and some of the phages were more resistant than enteroviruses. Results presented here indicate that it is very risky to generalize from information obtained with inactivation experiments done with single isolates of any phage or virus. If possible, inactivation studies should be done with naturally occurring populations. Phages offer a good opportunity for studying naturally occurring populations. Thus, the bacteriophages offer a range of resistance to chlorination that may represent most of the viruses that can be found in water. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Data reported in this study support the inclusion of bacteriophages as additional indicators of the efficiency of water chlorination processes and water quality.

Bacteriophages↗

Removal of bacterial and viral faecal indicator organisms in a waste stabilization pond system in Choconta, Cundinamarca (Colombia).

A major objective for domestic wastewater treatment using waste stabilization pond systems is the removal of pathogenic microorganisms. Traditional evaluation parameters for faecal contamination are the total and faecal coliforms. However, epidemiological studies, environmental resistance and the behaviour in the treatment systems, show that viruses are an important disease agent and even more resistant to disinfection than bacteria. Therefore, it is important to introduce viruses as a faecal indicator and to compare them with the traditional bacterial indicators. A waste stabilization pond system was evaluated in the municipality of Chocontá, Cundinamarca (Colombia), for the removal of faecal indicators (such as Escherichia coli, Streptococcus faecalis, Clostridium perfringens) and viruses like F+, somatic and Bacteroides fragilis phages. The system includes two facultative ponds in series with a flow of 1555 m3/day. Samples were collected at the entrance of the system, in the two ponds and from the final effluent. Results show a decrease between 0.3 and 4.7 logarithmic units in the bacterial indicators and between 1 and 4.6 logarithmic units with viral indicators.

Bacteria↗

Secondary wastewater disposal for crop irrigation with minimal risks.

A critical objective for any wastewater reuse program is to close the gap between supply of and demand for water and to minimize health and environmental hazards. Thus, the effects of treated effluent on crops, soils and community health must be considered carefully. When applying wastewater to soil-plant systems, it is to be noted that the passage of water through the soil reduces considerably the number of microorganisms carried out by the reclaimed wastewater. Nevertheless, there is a need to study the real rate of organism decay subject to water quality, soil and vegetable characteristics, and irrigation method. The aim of this work is to determine the fate of the fecal coliforms, coliphages F+ and CN13, and helminth eggs survival during the application of reclaimed wastewater in a vineyard orchard near the City of Arad (Israel) via onsurface and subsurface drip irrigation systems. Wastewater obtained from a stabilization pond, and soil samples were tested and an important decrease of microorganisms was reached in both cases, with the better values obtained with the sub-surface drip irrigation system.

Agriculture↗

Biological control tools for wastewater reclamation and reuse. A critical review.

The health related risk of wastewater reclamation and reuse is usually defined by laws, rules or regulations by using only biological tools; i.e. bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens or indicators determination. Those determinations exert some influence in the costs of the mentioned practices, and it seems probable that in the near future more determinations will be required. Nevertheless, a total indication of wastewater biological quality is not given by such organisms; in fact, long-term toxicity is not detected by such means. The future of biological control of reclamation and reuse systems and the price associated to such determinations is examined through a practical application case.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗

[Behcet's disease: retrospective study].

BACKGROUND: Since the criteria for the diagnosis of Behçet's disease was established several isolated cases have been reported to the literature with clinical manifestations associated. We tried to analyze the clinical parameters associated to this disease in 24 patients in our hospital. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of the patients diagnosed of Behçet's disease at Hospital General of Valencia since 1990 to 2000. The diagnosis of Behçet's disease was made by the criteria of the International Study Group for Behçet disease. Data regarding personal, clinical manifestations and clinical course were collected. RESULTS: Of the 24 cases, fourteen (58%) were men and ten (42%) were women. The median of the diagnosed was 33 years. All of them had oral recidivant ulcers. The genital ulcers appeared in twenty (83%) cases. Thirteen cases (54%) had ocular manifestations, and the skin lesions appear in 10 cases (42%). We review other clinical manifestations associated to Behçet disease: articular clinical appear in 17 cases (70%), digestive manifestations in six cases (25%), neurological manifestations three cases (12%), vascular clinical two cases (8%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results are similar to the Mediterranean expression of Behçet's disease. We must study the clinical manifestations associated to this disease that are not include in the criteria of diagnosis.

Adult↗

Quantification of jiggle in real electromyographic signals.

Two parameters have been defined for quantifying jiggle: normalized consecutive amplitude differences (CAD) and the cross-correlational coefficient of consecutive discharges (CCC). In real recordings, artifacts from several sources may increase the variability of these parameters as they were originally defined. Two methodological modifications designed to overcome such a limitation are proposed: estimation of baseline fluctuation from segments of the recording free from nearby concurrent motor unit potentials (MUPs), and waveform alignment of consecutive discharges by correlation maximization (CM). The results obtained by the original and modified methods were compared for MUPs from normal subjects and patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and chronic neurogenic diseases. With the modified method, CAD and CCC showed fewer extreme values and less scatter. The number of successfully aligned MUPs with the CM method was 18.8% higher (n = 394; Chi-square = 54.6; P < 0.001), including irregular and unstable MUPs. The proposed modifications improve our capability to quantify the jiggle of real signals and reduce the necessity of manual interventions although low-interference recordings and operator supervision are still required.

Adult↗

Regulation of cyclooxygenase activity by metamizol.

The ability of metamizol to inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 activities has been evaluated using different cyclooxygenase sources. Metamizol inhibited purified cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 with an IC50 of about 150 microg/ml. A similar IC50 value for cyclooxygenase-2 was obtained in lipopolysaccharide-activated broken murine macrophages. Consistent with these findings, molecular models of the complexes between cyclooxygenase-1 or cyclooxygenase-2 with 4-methylaminoantipyrine, the major active derivative of metamizol, suggested a common binding mode to both isoforms. In intact cells, however, the inhibition profiles were markedly different. The IC50 values of metamizol for cyclooxygenase-1 in intact bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) cells and human platelets were 1730 +/- 150 microg/ml and 486 +/- 56 microg/ml, respectively. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 activity in murine macrophages and primary human leukocytes activated by lipopolysaccharide yielded IC50 values of 12 +/- 1.8 microg/ml and 21 +/- 2.9 microg/ml, respectively. These data indicate that the IC50 values obtained with purified enzymes or disrupted cells cannot always be extrapolated to the cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in intact cells. The data presented here also indicate that cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition could play an important role in the pharmacological effects of metamizol.

Animals↗

Endobronchial intubation causes an immediate increase in peak inflation pressure in pediatric patients.

UNLABELLED: Our purpose was to determine whether endobronchial intubation always causes an immediate increase in peak inflation pressure and, if so, the magnitude of the increase. Fourteen children scheduled for central line placement for prolonged antibiotic administration comprised the study group. After routine premedication and induction of anesthesia (halothane in oxygen), an endotracheal tube was inserted, and its position was verified by auscultation and fluoroscopy. Children were mechanically ventilated using a preset volume pressure-limited ventilator with a 5-L fresh gas flow. All children received a constant tidal volume using a similar circuit, similar tubing, and a similar compression volume. The lowest peak inflation pressure to deliver a tidal volume of 15 mL/kg was used. After adjusting the respiratory rate (end-tidal CO2 30 mm Hg) and anesthetic level (halothane end-tidal 1.2%), the peak inflation pressure at this endotracheal position was recorded. The endotracheal tube was advanced into a bronchus, the position was verified as above, and peak inflation pressure was recorded. The endobronchial tube was then pulled back into the trachea, and placement of the central line proceeded. The peak inflation pressure at the endobronchial position was significantly greater than the peak inflation pressure at the endotracheal position (P < 0.0001). The increase was instantaneous at the endobronchial position. Monitoring peak inflation pressure while inserting an endotracheal tube and during anesthesia can help to diagnose endobronchial intubation. IMPLICATIONS: Monitoring peak inflation pressure while inserting an endotracheal tube and during anesthesia can help to diagnose endobronchial intubation.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗

Caudal block in children: ropivacaine compared with bupivacaine.

BACKGROUND: Bupivacaine provides reliable, long-lasting anesthesia and analgesia when given via the caudal route. Ropivacaine is a newer, long-acting local anesthetic that (at a concentration providing similar pain relief) has less motor nerve blockade and may have less cardiotoxicity than bupivacaine. METHODS: In a double-blind trial, 81 healthy children, undergoing ambulatory surgical procedures, were randomly allocated to receive caudal analgesia with either bupivacaine or ropivacaine, 0.25%, 1 mVkg. All blocks were placed by an attending anesthesiologist or an anesthesia fellow after induction of general anesthesia. RESULTS: Data were available for 75 children. There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics or in anesthesia, surgery, recovery room, or day surgery unit durations. The quality and duration of postoperative pain relief did not differ. Motor and sensory effects were similar. Time to first micturition did not differ. CONCLUSION: Ropivacaine (0.25%, 1 ml/kg) provided adequate postoperative analgesia with no difference from bupivacaine (0.25%, 1 ml/kg) in quality and duration of pain relief, motor and sensory effects, or time to first micturition in our study children.

Amides↗

[Severe and recent hyponatremia and hypokalemia associated to the use of hydrochlorothiazide, enalapril and citalopram. Clinical case].

We report a 72 years old hypertensive female, treated with enalapril 10 mg/day and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg/day during three years. She presented a depressive disorder and cytalopram was prescribed in a dose of 10 mg/day. Two weeks before admission, a serum electrolyte analysis disclosed normal results and the cytalopram dose was increased to 20 mg/day. The patient was admitted with a hyponatremic encephalopathy with a plasma sodium of 100 mEq/L and a plasma potassium of 2.0 mEq/L. Cytalopram, enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide were discontinued, hypertonic NaCl and KCl were administered. The patient had a favorable evolution with a remarkable improvement of her symptoms.

Aged↗

Alfentanil decreases the excitatory phenomena of sodium methohexital.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of alfentanil or lidocaine on the excitatory phenomena (myoclonus, cough, hiccough) caused by methohexital anesthesia and on the hemodynamic changes induced by retrobulbar block. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. SETTING: University-affiliated, tertiary-care hospital. PATIENTS: 60 ASA physical status II and III patients who were admitted for elective cataract extractions and intraocular lens implantations. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups. After adequate preoxygenation in the holding area, Group 1 received alfentanil 5 micrograms/kg intravenously (i.v.), Group 2 received lidocaine 1 mg/kg i.v. and Group 3 received the placebo (saline) i.v. Immediately after the bolus injection of the study solution, sodium methohexital 1.5 mg/kg was injected i.v. over 30 seconds. As soon as the eyelid reflex was lost, the retrobulbar block was placed over 5 seconds. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Occurrences of excitatory phenomena were recorded by an independent observer who was blinded as to treatment allocation. Other side effects such as oculocardiac reflex, nausea, vomiting, itching, or chest wall rigidity were recorded. Vital signs were recorded at baseline and 1, 3, and 5 minutes after placement of the block. In the alfentanil group, the incidence of myoclonus or cough was significantly less than in the lidocaine or placebo groups. Alfentanil also decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly at 1, 3, and 5 minutes after retrobulbar block. Changes in heart rate were not significantly different from baseline. CONCLUSION: A small dose of alfentanil (5 micrograms/kg i.v.) decreases myoclonus and cough induced by sodium methohexital anesthesia i.v., resulting in improved quality of induction of anesthesia. Alfentanil also attenuates the cardiovascular responses caused by placement of a retrobulbar block.

Adult↗