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Biomedical subjects

F Ruiz

Publications and source records attributed to F Ruiz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Multiple sclerosis in Chile.

So far as we know this series of 68 cases is one of the first clinical accounts of multiple sclerosis in South America. Average age of onset was 30.7 years and female:male ratio was 2:1. The most frequent initial symptom was motor impairment and less frequent was visual loss. Most affected site of involvement in established cases was the optic nerve. There were no familial cases. The severity of the disease in Chile proved to be the same as elsewhere. No characteristic clinical pattern peculiar to the region emerged.

Chile↗
PubMed1992

Temperature-dependent effects of morphine on the isolated right atrium.

The aim of the present study was to examine whether changes in temperature alter the effects of morphine on isolated right atria. Morphine dose-response curves at different temperatures (30, 37 or 40 degrees C) from right atria of the rat were obtained. The maximal negative chronotropic effect induced by morphine was 11 +/- 3% at 37 degrees C and 20 +/- 1% at 30 degrees C. However, when the temperature was increased to 40 degrees C, morphine induced a positive chronotropic effect. The increase in auricular automaticity induced by morphine at 40 degrees C was antagonized in the presence of naloxone (5 x 10(-6) mol/l). These data demonstrated that: (1) hyperthermia modifies the effects of morphine on isolated right atria and (2) at 40 degrees C morphine induces a positive chronotropic effect by activation of opioid receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Progressive spastic paraparesis associated with human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I).

Patients with progressive spastic paraparesis (PSP), commonly middle-aged women, are distributed throughout the country of Chile. During the three years from 1987 to 1990, we collected 83 cases of PSP from among 225 patients with various neurological diseases. The clinical picture was of a bilateral pyramidal syndrome, with sensory deficits in only 15.5% of the cases, and a slow illness progression in the majority of them. In patients with PSP, antibody to human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) was analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by western blot analysis. Forty-five (54.2%) patients were anti-HTLV-I antibody positive in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood. Among them, 2 patients had leukemia/lymphoma and one had Sjögren syndrome. In the laboratory study of seropositive PSP, mononuclear pleocytosis was found in 35.7%; there was an abnormal increase of the IgG index in 66.6% and an increase in CD2 in blood and CSF, and CD4 in blood. A delayed latency of somatosensory evoked potentials was observed in 90.9%. The neuropsychological study revealed a WAIS with a mean verbal IQ of 80.7 and a mean performance IQ of 84.8. The most impaired items were digit symbol and digit span. Seven subjects (18.9%) with anti-HTLV-I antibody were found among 37 relatives from 19 anti-HTLV-I positive cases of PSP.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Respiratory complications in severe acute pancreatitis].

Respiratory complications are important causes of mortality in severe acute pancreatitis. We analyzed the pleuropulmonary complications that occurred in a series f 63 patients with severe acute pancreatitis. The most frequent were respiratory failure (52.4%) and bronchopulmonary infection (33.3%), both associated with sepsis and a high mortality rate. The initial laboratory workup included serial arterial blood gases and chest roentgenogram within the first 24 hours. The latter was useful to predict mortality. The tracheobronchial cultures isolated only enteral bacteriae. We conclude that pleuropulmonary complications are clearly related to the outcome of severe acute pancreatitis, specially when associated to sepsis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1992

[Treatment of arterial hypertension with captopril in lupus nephropathy].

We present a non-controlled prospective study of 10 hypertensive patients with systemic erythematous lupus and nephropathy, treated with captopril exclusively or combined with other drugs, in order to assess its effectivity and potential side effects. Four of these 10 patients had mild hypertension; 3, moderate hypertension and 3, severe hypertension. In 5 of them, arterial pressures was controlled with just captopril; in other 3, we added furosemide and in one patient, we added furosemide and nifedipine. In one case, hypertension was not controlled. Renal function remained stable and proteinuria improved in six patients. Three patients presented reversible agranulocytosis, during or immediately after treatment. One of them was treated two years after with enalapril, without observing hematologic recurrence. We conclude that captopril is useful in treating arterial hypertension associated to lupous nephropathy, but frequent leukocyte counting controls must be done during the first months.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Ca2+ channel modulation by dihydropyridines modifies sufentanil-induced respiratory depression in cats.

We analyzed the interaction between sufentanil, a selective mu agonist, and two dihydropyridines, the Ca2+ antagonist, nimodipine, and the Ca2+ agonist, Bay K 8644, on the respiratory actions induced in the brainstem of cats. Drugs were applied topically to the ventral medullary surface. Sufentanil (0.26-26 nmol) consistently induced an immediate and dose-dependent reduction in tidal volume. Respiratory frequency was only depressed by the higher doses of the opiate. Pretreatment with nimodipine (0.19 and 0.38 mumol) potentiated the respiratory depression induced by sufentanil (0.26 nmol). The potentiation included both frequency and tidal volume. On the other hand, under the influence of Bay K 8644 (0.28 nmol), the respiratory effect of the opiate (7.8 nmol) was partially antagonized. Our results indicate that modulation of the L-type Ca2+ channels by dihydropyridines modifies sufentanil-induced respiratory depression at the controlling medullary mechanisms of breathing.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1991

Cortical morphogenesis in Paramecium: a transcellular wave of protein phosphorylation involved in ciliary rootlet disassembly.

In Paramecium, the morphogenesis of the cortex at cell division, which assures reconstruction of shape and surface pattern, has been shown to involve transcellular signals which spread across the cortex like a wave, originating principally from the oral apparatus. One of the events these signals control is the reorganization of the ciliary rootlets through a cycle of regression and regrowth. The ciliary rootlets are nucleated on the ciliary basal bodies and form a scaffold extending over the entire cell surface that is important in aligning the basal bodies and the unit territories organized around them in longitudinal rows. We present evidence that the mechanism underlying their reorganization is cell-cycle-dependent phosphorylation of the structural proteins which compose the ciliary rootlets. We have isolated the rootlets and prepared a polyclonal antibody against them. In situ immunofluorescence of dividing cells with the anti rootlet antibody, and with the monoclonal antibody MPM-2 specific for phosphoproteins shows that a wave of phosphorylation of the ciliary rootlets spreads across the cell at division and just precedes their regression. Two-dimensional Western blot analysis of cytoskeleton and isolated rootlets along with alkaline phosphatase treatment demonstrates that the rootlets are composed of phosphoproteins, while experiments with interphase and dividing cells provide direct evidence that hyperphosphorylation of these proteins at division brings about disassembly of the structure.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Interaction between morphine and noradrenaline on isolated heart muscle.

1. We evaluated the interaction between morphine and noradrenaline on the right atria. 2. Noradrenaline significantly increased atrial contraction rate, with an effective concentration 16 (EC16) of 85 +/- 0.8 x 10(-9) M. 3. The EC16 of noradrenaline significantly decreased in the presence of morphine. 4. These results demonstrate that morphine increases the potency of noradrenaline on the isolated right atria.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Demoralization and gender differences in a kibbutz.

Gender differences in demoralization (depressive symptoms) were examined in a first-ever true prevalence study conducted in a kibbutz. The unusual organizational arrangements of this commune, where women have achieved higher levels of equality than in most other societies, offered a laboratory-like opportunity to test the psychosocial factors imputed as a partial explanation for the higher rates of demoralization in women. Demoralization was studied using the 27-item scale of the Psychiatric Epidemiology Research Interview (PERI) in all of the adult population of a single kibbutz. The response rate was close to 95%. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the effects of key sociodemographic and kibbutz-related variables on gender differences. The results showed that women had higher mean scores and rates even after these variables were controlled. The female:male demoralization ratio was well within the range of results obtained in non-socialist Israeli urban settings. The paper concludes with a discussion on the tentative relevance of the study results for the interpretation of the 2:1 female-male ratio of depression found in the epidemiological literature.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1991

[Acipimox in primary hyperlipidemias: safety and efficacy evaluated in six months].

The efficacy and tolerance of 750 mg of Acipimox was tested in 38 pts with primary dyslipidemias: 20 type IIa, 12 type IIb, and 6 type IV. All pts had been poor responders to a 2 month diet according to the recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program. Clinical examination, eye fundus, and the following laboratory tests: total cholesterol (TC), HDL, triglycerides (TG), total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, oxalacetic and pyruvic transaminases, uric acid, plasmatic creatinine, albumin, postprandial glucose test, hematocrit, white blood and platelet count were performed 60 days before drug initiation, 60 and 180 days after treatment had been started. No side effects were observed (myositis, visual gastrointestinal). 50% of the pts had slight to moderate flushing which appeared the first 3 days and lasted 14 +/- 7 days after treatment had been started. Plasmatic creatinine increased from 0.89 to 1.86 mg/dl in pt with one kidney, returning to normal levels 30 days after Acipimox interruption. After 180 days of therapy in the IIa group TC was -27% (p < 0.001), HDL + 15% (p < 0.001); in the IIb group: TC-23% (p < 0.001), HDL +9% (NS), TG -48% (p < 0.001); and in the IV group: TC-10% (p < 0.05), HDL +20% (p < 0.001), TG-53% (p < 0.001). Acipimox is well tolerated and is useful as a lipid-lowering drug in type IIa, IIb and IV dyslipidemias. Further studies are necessary to clear effects of the drug on renal metabolism and on long term survival of coronary pts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

The epidemiology of demoralization in a kibbutz.

This article reports a true prevalence study of demoralization conducted in a kibbutz. This commune, which assures its members all their instrumental needs throughout the individual life span, is probably one of the few of its kind in the world. All adult members (n = 353) of a kibbutz affiliated with the most orthodox of the federations replied to a self-administered interview containing the Psychiatric Epidemiology Research interview 27-item Demoralization Scale. The response rate approached 95%. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using demoralization rates and mean scores as dependent variables. The overall prevalence of demoralization was 25%. Women exhibited higher rates and mean scores. There was a clear association between occupational prestige scores and demoralization in both sexes. Discussion is based on the comparison between the study findings and those published in the literature, both in terms of the overall results and their pattern of association with key sociodemographic variables.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[The rupture of surgical gloves in a general hospital].

We studied the incidence of rupture of surgical gloves used at a general hospital: A) new gloves (n = 114); B) gloves used at a major general, gynecological or urological operation (n = 258), and C) recirculating surgical gloves (n = 86). A special techniques based on transmission of an electrical signal through the rupture was used to identify rupture. Rupture was present in 8.8, 28 and 26% of surgical gloves in groups A, B and C, respectively. Type of surgery or surgeon involved did not influence rupture of gloves in group A. However, rupture increased in relation to the duration of surgery (40% incidence in operations lasting more than 90 min). Our results suggest the need for better quality control of new surgical gloves and glove change after 90 min of operation.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed1989

Secretory character of a group of isoproterenol-induced polypeptides in mouse parotid glands.

The secretory nature of the isoproterenol-induced mouse parotid polypeptides C, D, E, F, and G (molecular weights 64,000, 61,000, 51,500, 38,000, and 37,000, respectively) is documented. Polypeptides C, D, E, F, and G, accumulated in response to successive daily stimulations with isoproterenol, were detected in a fraction enriched in hypertrophic parotid acinar cells. These cells, characterized by an increased content of cytoplasmic granules, maintain a secretory responsiveness to isoproterenol, which has been evidenced by light microscopy, enzymatic analysis, and unidimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Thus, a parallelism in the loss and recovery of both secretory granules, alpha-amylase and polypeptides C, D, E, F, and G, was observed. Moreover, after secretion stimulation, polypeptides C, D, E, F, and G were detected in the fluid collected directly from parotid gland cannulation. Given the secretory character of polypeptides C, D, E, F, and G, mechanisms explaining both their progressive accumulation along the chronic administration of isoproterenol, as well as their progressive disappearance observed after suspending that treatment, are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Interaction between noradrenaline and diltiazem in rat isolated atria.

1. The present study describes the effects of diltiazem (DIL) on noradrenaline (NA) activity in the isolated right atria of the rat. 2. Interactions between DIL and NA showed that DIL significantly shifted the concentration-response curve of NA to the right in a concentration-dependent manner. 3. The antagonist between DIL and NA is not consistent with a competitive antagonist since the slope is significantly lower than the unity. 4. A high calcium solution (4.5 mM) significantly increased the chronotropic effects of noradrenaline. 5. These results suggest that influx of calcium through calcium antagonist sensitive channels may be involved in linking of chronotropic responses to activation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

The effect of diazepam on ventricular automaticity induced by a local injury. Evidence of involvement of "peripheral type" benzodiazepine receptors.

The effect of diazepam on ectopic cardiac automaticity has been examined in rats. We also investigated whether "central" or "peripheral type" benzodiazepine receptors are involved, as well as the role of calcium, on the possible effect of diazepam, by studying the interaction of this drug with either GABA, picrotoxin, RO 15-1788, PK 11195, diltiazem or Bay K 8644. A local injury of the rat isolated right ventricle produced a sustained abnormal rhythm which was completely abolished by diazepam (30-50 microM). This effect was not modified by the presence of either GABA (100 microM) picrotoxin (2 microM) or RO 15-1788 (5 microM) but it was reduced by the antagonist of "peripheral type" benzodiazepine receptors PK 11195 (0.1 microM). On the other hand the calcium channel blocker diltiazem (5 microM) and the calcium channel activator Bay K 8644 (3 nM), respectively, potentiated and reduced the effect of diazepam. It is concluded that diazepam effectively reduces ectopic cardiac automaticity in the rat. The "central type" benzodiazepine receptors are not involved in this effect, but it seems to be, at least, partially mediated by "peripheral type" receptors and is a calcium-dependent phenomenon.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗