Biomedical subjects

C Martínez-Costa

Publications and source records attributed to C Martínez-Costa.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Bactericidal activity of human milk: stability during storage.

Human milk provides infants with defensive factors against many illnesses. This study aims to analyse global bactericidal activity in fresh human milk and evaluate its stability in relation to milk manipulation and its possible alteration following refrigeration. Nineteen milk samples (mature milk) from 19 healthy women are analysed. Viability testing involving a strain of Escherichia coli NCTC 9111, serovar O111:K58(B4):H- was used to determine the bactericidal effect of human milk. Degree of bacteriolysis is calculated as the difference between E. coli counts in controls and in milk samples, expressed as a percentage of the control sample counts. An evaluation of the effect of refrigeration at 4-6 degrees C after 24, 48 and 72 hours, and at -20 degrees C for seven days on bactericidal capacity is made. Bactericidal activity was detected in all milk samples analysed (77.33 +/- 15.14%). This activity persisted after refrigeration for 48 hours and after freezing for 10 days, but showed a significant decrease after refrigeration for 72 hours. In conclusion, maternal milk has bactericidal capacity, providing defence and protection against infection for newborn infants. This property can be altered during the storage of milk. Consequently, if storage in excess of 48 hours is required, freezing is preferable to refrigeration.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2005

[Functional constipation: prospective study and treatment response].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of functional constipation (FC) with and without encopresis, the factors involved in its onset, and treatment response. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 62 children was performed using a standard questionnaire (onset-age, regular toilet use, encopresis, complications, dietary habits and environmental and psychological factors) and physical and anthropometric assessment. FC was defined as a stool frequency of less than 3 bowel movements/week, with passage of large or scybalous stools, with or without 2 or more soiling episodes per week, without underlying disease. Treatment included demystification, behavioral modification and drugs (mineral oil and senna). Each child was periodically re-evaluated, and treatment was considered successful when the defecation rate was 3 or more bowel movements/week, discomfort was absent, and fecal soiling frequency was 2 or fewer episodes/ month. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: FC accounted for 13 % of all first consultations (60 % boys, 40 % girls; mean age at diagnosis 6.1 years). The most frequent manifestations were painful defecation (60 %), rectorrhagia (42 %), obstructive episodes (34 %) and anal fissure or hemorrhoids (17 %); 19 patients (31 %) had encopresis. Nutritional assessment revealed that 84 % of the patients was well nourished and 16 % was overweight. Fiber intake was deficient in more than 60 %. Sixteen (26 %) patients underwent successful relief of impaction with senna (20-30 mg/dose) combined with mineral oil. Maintenance treatment included mineral oil (15-30 ml/day) and senna at the minimum effective dose (5-15 mg/day). Satisfactory results were achieved 1 month later in 32 % of the children, 3-6 months later in 71 %, and 6-12 months later in 85 %; successful response was closely related to regular toilet habits, dietary modification and a shift in the family's attitude.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

A study of factors that may influence the determination of copper, iron, and zinc in human milk during sampling and in sample individuals.

The aim of this study was to establish the possible effects of the sampling protocol (between-breast, within-feed, and diurnal differences) and the mother's personal factors (age, parity, iron supplementation, smoking habits, and lactation period) on the copper, iron, and zinc contents in human milk. One hundred thirty-six human milk samples identified by their origin and sampling conditions were analyzed. The samples were obtained from the 2nd to 15th d postpartum from 62 women. The data on the individuals required for the study were available. Mineral determinations were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry following a standardized protocol. The results showed that iron contents were higher in hind-milk samples and at the nighttime feeding and depended on the breast from which the sample was taken. The copper and zinc concentrations showed no significant variations. There was no significant relationship among the mothers' age, parity, smoking habits, iron supplementation, and copper content. Milk from older women had lower zinc contents than that of younger women. Increased amounts of iron were found in multiparous women. Between colostrum and transitional milk, a sharp decrease in zinc content was observed, whereas copper and iron contents remained constant. All of these results make it clear that standardized sampling protocols are needed in order to obtain comparable values.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Nutritional intervention in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Relationship with pulmonary function].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of early and continuous nutritional intervention in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and its possible implication in pulmonary function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Included is the follow-up of 19 patients with CF (11 female and 8 male children), from 17 months to 18 years of age, and a mean disease duration of 10 years. Genotype from 16 patients is delta F 508 (10 homozygotic, 6 heterozygotic). The following items have been performed every 2-3 months: clinical, dietary and anthropometrical assessment, classifying nutritional status (NS) by Z scores of weight/height, % of weight to height, body mass index, and Z scores of height/age. Concurrently, respiratory secretions culture and spirometry were obtained; and annually, biochemistry, hematologic and feces determinations. Nutritional intervention included: dietary recommendations, oral or invasive enteral nutrition (EN) and pharmacologic treatment with pancreatic enzymes, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and oligoelements. RESULTS AND COMMENTARIES: Most of them experienced anthropometrical improvement being significant for weight, the relationship of weight/height and the tricipital fold (p < 0.05). The Z score for height has remained steady. Sixteen patients (84%) have developed exocrine pancreatic failure, and 3 (16%) glucose intolerance. Fourteen (73%) have been colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Last mean spirometry values were: FVC (%) 85.4 +/- 18.6 and FEV1 (%) 85.9 +/- 24.1, with a significant correlation between % of weight to height and FVC (coefficient 0.552, p = 0.022) and FEV1 (coefficient 0.625, p = 0.007). Seventy nine percent have required some sort of nutritional support: 3 cases (16%) invasive EN, and the remaining oral EN. CONCLUSIONS: Without nutritional support, many patients with CF do not seem to meet their demands. EN monitoring allows for and early and effective intervention. A close correlation has been demonstrated between nutritional status and pulmonary function.

Adolescent↗