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Biomedical subjects

D Ramos

Publications and source records attributed to D Ramos.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Hemorheological alterations in patients with chronic renal failure. Effect of hemodialysis.

The rheological profile of 45 patients who had kidney failure and were undergoing periodical hemodialysis was studied to ascertain whether they showed rheological alterations and if these alterations improved after hemodialysis. Our results indicate that the patients studied suffer rheological alterations with respect to the control group, specifically increased plasma fibrinogen (436 +/- 119 vs 271 +/- 43 mg/dl, p < 0.001), increased plasma viscosity (1.30 +/- 0.10 vs 1.22 +/- 0.05 mPa.s, p < 0.001), higher erythrocyte aggregability (8.3 +/- 1.2 vs 7.4 +/- 1.4, p < 0.01) and a lower hematocrit (31.2 +/- 5.9 vs 43.4 +/-3.7, p < 0.001). In contrast, erythrocyte deformability did not seem to be altered with respect to the control group. The analyses carried out immediately after hemodialysis showed that in general the rheological profile worsened during this treatment; there was a significant increase in fibrinogen and in plasma viscosity. The rheological alterations detected may play a role in the development of the atherosclerosis processes often experienced by these patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

[Adjuvant therapy with a glycoprotein IIb-IIa inhibitor (abciximab) in coronary angioplasties with a high thrombotic risk].

INTRODUCTION: We retrospectively studied our experience with adjunctive therapy with glycoprotein IIb-IIIa inhibitor (abciximab) on patients with a high risk of thrombotic complications during coronary angioplasty (PTCA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September 1996 to November 1997, we performed PTCA in 210 patients, and abciximab was given to 38 (18%) of them. The interventions were urgent (primary PTCA in acute myocardial infarction) in 55% of the cases. The mean age of patients was 68.6 +/- 12 years and 71% were male. The reasons for coronary intervention were: acute myocardial infarction in 21 patients (55.3%), unstable angina in 9 (23.7%) and stable angina in 8 (21%). Coronary stents were implanted in 13 patients (34%) and an intra aortic balloon pump was used in 4 (11%). The reasons for using abciximab were: thrombus containing lesion: 22 (57.9%); other type B2/C lesion characteristics: 6 (15.9%); acute closure post balloon PTCA: 9 (23.7%), sub-acute stent thrombosis: 1 (2.6%). Oral acetilsalicilic acid and intravenous heparin were given to all patients at the beginning of the intervention. The mean APTT was 124 +/- 32 seconds at the end of the procedure. RESULTS: The arterial sheaths (8 French) were removed six hours after procedure, according to the normalisation of APTT values. Angiographic success in this group of patients was 100%. One patient died during hospitalisation due to left ventricular failure. There was no need for repeated angioplasty or coronary bypass grafting during hospital stay. The main complications related to the use of abciximab were: bleeding (requiring transfusion) in four patients 10.5%); severe thrombocytopenia (< 50,000 platelets/mm3): 1 (2.6%): cardiac tamponade (requiring pericardiocentesis): 1 (2.6%) and pseudo-aneurysm of femoral artery (requiring vascular surgery): 1 (2.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of abciximab as adjunctive therapy in this small group of patients undergoing coronary interventions with high risk of thrombotic complications is associated with high procedural success, but at the expense of high rates of bleeding complications. Therefore, special care must be applied during and after the procedure to enhance the safety of the patients treated with this drug.

Abciximab↗
PubMed1996

Primary repair of complete sternal cleft with pectoralis major muscle flaps.

We report the successful coverage of a complete sternal cleft with exposed pericardium using bilateral pectoralis major muscle flaps in a newborn. The patient was transferred to our institution with nearly complete sternal aplasia, rectus diastasis, and only dessicated pericardium covering the visible heart. Complete closure without compromise of cardiac function was achieved at 2 days of age with bilateral pectoralis major muscle flaps and fasciocutaneous advancement flaps.

Female↗
PubMed1996

Protein and microsatellite single locus variability in Salmo salar L. (Atlantic salmon).

We describe genetic variation at three microsatellite single loci and six allozyme loci of seven natural Atlantic salmon populations from Ireland and Spain. A comparison of genetic variability detected at both types of loci is performed. Also, the relative value of microsatellite single locus variability with regard to the identification of individual salmon populations is assessed. Microsatellite loci are shown to display higher levels of variation than allozyme loci. Mean number of alleles (6 +/- 1.53) and heterozygosity (0.46 +/- 0.04) at microsatellite loci are greater than those found for allozymes (1.85 +/- 0.05 and 0.21 +/- 0.03, respectively), and some microsatellite alleles appear to be specific for a location or geographical area. Allozyme and microsatellite variation show the same pattern of differentiation between populations with Irish and Spanish populations grouped into different clusters. However, greater values of genetic distance were found among microsatellite (D = 0.0747 +/- 0.011) rather than among allozyme loci (D = 0.0449 +/- 0.008). These results provide evidence that microsatellite-based analysis of genetic variation will be useful in the identification of individual populations of Atlantic salmon.

Alleles↗
PubMed1995

A novel donor splice site in intron 11 of the CFTR gene, created by mutation 1811+1.6kbA-->G, produces a new exon: high frequency in Spanish cystic fibrosis chromosomes and association with severe phenotype.

mRNA analysis of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene in tissues of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients has allowed us to detect a cryptic exon. The new exon involves 49 base pairs between exons 11 and 12 and is due to a point mutation (1811+1.6kbA-->G) that creates a new donor splice site in intron 11. Semiquantitative mRNA analysis showed that 1811+1.6kbA-->G-mRNA was 5-10-fold less abundant than delta F508 mRNA. Mutation 1811+1.6kbA-->G was found in 21 Spanish and 1 German CF chromosomes, making it the fourth-most-frequent mutation (2%) in the Spanish population. Individuals with genotype delta F508/1811+1.6kbA-->G have only 1%-3% of normal CFTR mRNA. This loss of 97% of normal CFTR mRNA must be responsible for the pancreatic insufficiency and for the severe CF phenotype in these patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Long-term results of irradiation for basal cell carcinoma of the skin of the nose.

The long-term outcome of basal cell carcinoma of the nose in patients treated with radiation therapy has not been well documented. To make this evaluation, we assessed the cosmetic and oncologic results in 26 patients after an average interval of 9.3 years following radiation therapy. The majority of the patients were treated with only three doses of radiation from a superficial 50-kVp unit. The cosmetic result was evaluated independently by the patient and two of the authors using a defined grading system. The local control rate was 96 percent, with none of the patients having recurrence noted at the follow-up examination. The patient evaluated the cosmetic result as excellent or good in 81 percent (21 of 26) of cases and physicians in 77 percent (20 of 26) of cases. The cosmetic result appears to remain stable over time; 86 percent of the patients treated more than 13 years ago were rated as having an excellent or good cosmetic result. These data suggest that superficial irradiation is associated with good to excellent cosmetic results in most patients and should be considered an important treatment option for patients with basal cell carcinoma of the skin of the nose.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Histochemical study of glycoconjugates in the nasal mucosa of the rat and guinea pig.

A histochemical study was carried out on the glycoconjugates of the nasal mucosa of rat and guinea pig using conventional techniques and peroxidase-labelled lectins. Both the respiratory mucosa and neuroepithelium were studied. Sulphate and sialic acid groups were found in the mucous layer of the neuroepithelia, Bowman's glands and goblet cells. In contrast, the nasal glands did not possess these groups, and only a few showed neutral mucins. Carbohydrate residues were more numerous in the acini of the Jacobson glands. Thus, the nasal glands in the rat and guinea pig are probably of a serous type because of the scarcity of carbohydrate residues.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Dental student education in oncology: design and assessment of an undergraduate course.

Five-year survival rates of oral cancer patients remain poor. To better prepare undergraduate dental students to recognize this problem and contribute to solutions, a 24-hour lecture course in oral oncology was instituted. A pre-course quiz, daily quizzes, a midterm and a final examination were administered to assess student knowledge. The course covered all aspects of oral cancer from epidemiology and etiology, through diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Student oncology knowledge was assessed by analyzing the test results of two consecutive third-year dental classes. Overall, students adequately meet the course objectives, but assessment of specific topics reveal some deficits in particular areas. Evaluation of student knowledge provides valuable information to instructors for improving course content and student achievement.

Curriculum↗
PubMed1991

Lectin histochemistry of the olfactory surface in two teleostean fishes.

A histochemical study on carbohydrate sequences in the epithelial surface of the olfactory organs in 2 teleostean species was carried out by means of lectins conjugated with peroxidase. At the same time, the distribution of the 2 kinds of epithelium are found, and the influence of decalcification with HNO3 in the pattern of reactivity to the lectins used were studied. The 2 components which reacted with the lectins were: 1. the apical surface of the olfactory epithelium, which was rich in L-mannose, N-acetyl-glucosamine, or sialic acid residues, and 2. the goblet cells which presented N-acetyl-glucosamine or sialic acid and N-acetyl-galactosamine. In neither site were found residues of L-fucose. The non-olfactory epithelium, where the goblet cells were located, showed signs of proceeding from a metaplasia of the olfactory epithelium. The decalcification in general terms supposed an intensification of the binding of the lectins to the tissues studied, and also the presence of new affinities which were not found without this treatment. In conclusion, the olfactory epithelium of these 2 teleostean fishes showed a rich layer of carbohydrates on its surface that is probably not only secreted by the goblet cells but also by the supporting cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Measurement of multiple microcirculatory parameters in human nasal mucosa using laser-Doppler velocimetry.

LDV has been modified to measure four microcirculatory responses in human nasal mucosa. Resting nasal blood flow was measured in 115 observations in 23 nonatopic subjects and 111 observations in 21 atopic subjects with allergic nasal disease. Other parameters measured concurrently were the number density of moving red blood cells (RBC), mean RBC speed, and flow pulsatility. Challenges with aerosolized buffered saline or water had no significant effect on any parameter. By contrast, nasal application of alpha-adrenergic agonists, oxymetazoline and phenylephrine, produced significant dose-dependent reductions in flow without any significant change in RBC number density. These results suggest a selective alpha-agonist effect on resistance vessels but not on capacitance vessels. Topical cholinergic stimulation with methacholine selectively reduced the RBC number density without affecting other parameters. These modifications of LDV may prove useful in analyzing nasal responses to provocation and determining the sites of action of vasoactive agents on the microcirculation.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Distraction lengthening for the congenitally short metatarsal: a case report.

Distraction lengthening has gained wide acceptance in general orthopedics and in upper extremity reconstructions. The application of this technique to the foot is presented. The congenitally short fourth metatarsal of a 16-yr-old girl was successfully lengthened by a two-stage procedure. At the first stage, an open diaphyseal osteotomy was performed and the distraction apparatus was secured. Over the ensuing 5 weeks, 36 mm of distraction was achieved. At the second stage, the distracted gap was filled with a fibular bone graft. Following uncomplicated healing, there was no gait, intrinsic muscle, or tendon abnormalities. Metatarsal distraction lengthening can be safely accomplished provided there is good bone stock, adequate soft tissue, and a cooperative patient.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Intraoperative, two-dimensional echocardiography-guided removal of retained intracardiac air.

The removal of intracardiac air after cardiotomy may be simplified with the use of two-dimensional echocardiography. This technique can be used to readily identify retained pockets of air and can function as a guide to needle aspiration of the ventricular chambers. With a valve prosthesis in place, de-airing can be accomplished with minimal displacement of the heart. The technique is easy to use and the images are simple to interpret.

Air↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ofloxacin versus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in the treatment of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. Study of Ofloxacin in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Research Group.

An open-label, randomized, comparative, parallel-group study of ofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was performed in 162 outpatients diagnosed with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. Ofloxacin 400 mg once daily was administered orally; the dose could be increased to 400 mg twice daily if patients had not improved after 72 hours of treatment. The other treatment group received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 960 mg twice daily orally. The duration of treatment was 10 to 14 days for both treatment groups. Successful clinical response (defined as cure or major improvement in symptoms) was achieved in 65 (80.2%) patients in the ofloxacin group and in 42 (51.9%) patients in the trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole group; the differences between groups were statistically significant. Bacteriologic success (classified as eradication or presumptive eradication of the causative pathogen) was achieved in 27 (50.0%) patients in the ofloxacin group and in 16 (29.1%) patients in the trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole group; these differences between groups were also statistically significant. Reinfection occurred in 18 (33.3%) and 4 (7.3%) patients treated with ofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, respectively. No serious adverse events were reported.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

46,XX gonadal agenesis in a neonate with multiple congenital anomalies: case report and review of the literature.

We report a neonate with 46,XX gonadal agenesis, a rare disorder, confirmed by autopsy, karyotype determination, and fluorescent in situ hybridization examination of intact cells. Multiple other anomalies, including diaphragmatic hernia, a doomed bicuspid aortic valve, and müllerian derivative defects, were present. There was no sexual ambiguity. The age of this patient and the presence of anatomically dispersed congenital anomalies are unique among reported examples of 46,XX gonadal agenesis. Review of the literature reveals that all five previously reported cytogenetically confirmed patients with 46,XX gonadal agenesis were 17 to 25 years of age, none were diagnosed before their teens, all had female phenotype with sexual infantilism, three had müllerian derivative anomalies, and none had nongenitourinary anomalies. The abnormalities in this case may represent a polytopic field defect due to unknown insults occurring at approximately 6 weeks of developmental age.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗