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Biomedical subjects

F Suarez

Publications and source records attributed to F Suarez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The VAD chemotherapy regimen plus a G-CSF dose of 10 microg/kg is as effective and less toxic than high-dose cyclophosphamide plus a G-CSF dose of 5 microg/kg for progenitor cell mobilization: results from a monocentric study of 82 patients.

A study was conducted to compare the efficiency and toxicity of two peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization procedures for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma. Patients from group 1 (n=51) were treated by high-dose cyclophosphamide (HD-CY) plus G-CSF (5 microg/kg/day), and the second group (n=31) by VAD regimen plus G-CSF administration (10 microg/kg/day). Successful mobilization, defined by a minimal count of 2.5 x 10(6) CD34(+) cells/kg collected, was achieved in 96 and 90% of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P=0.15). The mean peripheral blood CD34(+) cells concentration and the mean CD34(+) cells/kg collected were higher in group 2 than in the group 1 (P=0.05). The mean number of leukaphereses necessary to collect a count of 2.5 x 10(6) CD34(+) cells/kg was reduced in group 2 compared to group 1. Adverse events, blood products consumption and time spent in the hospital were significantly greater after HD-CY. In conclusion, VAD plus a G-CSF dose of 10 microg/kg administration seems preferential to HD-CY plus a G-CSF dose of 5 microg/kg for PBSC collection because of equivalent or better efficiency in stem cell mobilization, strong favorable toxicity profile and reduced cost.

Antigens, CD34↗
PubMed2005

Portal vein thrombosis in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation: intraoperative endovascular radiological procedures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of endovascular procedures for portal vein complications during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 1994 and November 2004, we performed 504 OLTs in 464 adults. Seventy-eight patients (16.8%) presented with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). This analysis of patients from May 2000 to September 2004 included 10 patients with PVT, who were treated with endovascular techniques due to low portal flow. We compared this group with patients who were treated surgically with attention to rethrombosis and survival rates. If portal vein problems were due to obstruction, a venoplasty and primary stent placement were performed. We also embolized with coils or surgically ligated remaining competitive portosystemic shunts. RESULTS: Perfusion problems in the allograft were solved in all cases. We placed seven stents and embolized six competitive shunts. One anastomotic dysfunction was repaired. None of the patients died or rethrombosed during surgery or follow-up. CONCLUSION: Endovascular techniques during OLT can resolve some liver graft perfusion problems due to PVT and "steal" phenomena, especially with unsatisfactory eversion thromboendovenectomy in patients with grade IV PVT. Although primary permeability of stents has been good, these results need to be confirmed.

Humans↗
PubMed2004

Chronic hepatitis B reactivation following infliximab therapy in Crohn's disease patients: need for primary prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: There is little information about the effect of infliximab on the clinical course of liver disease in Crohn's disease patients with concomitant hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Theoretically, immunosuppression induced by infliximab will facilitate viral replication which could be followed by a flare or exacerbation of disease when therapy is discontinued. There are no specific recommendations on surveillance and treatment of HBV before infliximab infusion. Two cases of severe hepatic failure related to infliximab infusions have been described in patients with rheumatic diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hepatitis markers (C and B) and liver function tests were prospectively determined to 80 Crohn's disease patients requiring infliximab infusion in three hospitals in Spain. RESULTS: Three Crohn's disease patients with chronic HBV infection were identified. Two of the three patients with chronic HBV infection suffered severe reactivation of chronic hepatitis B after withdrawal of infliximab therapy and one died. A third patient, who was treated with lamivudine at the time of infliximab therapy, had no clinical or biochemical worsening of liver disease during or after therapy. From the remaining 80 patients, six received the hepatitis B vaccine. Three patients had antibodies to both hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and hepatitis B core protein (anti-HBc) with normal aminotransferase levels, and one patient had positive anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, negative HCV RNA, and normal aminotransferase levels. Except for the patients with chronic HBV infection, no significant changes in hepatic function were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Crohn's disease who are candidates for infliximab therapy should be tested for hepatitis B serological markers before treatment and considered for prophylaxis of reactivation using antiviral therapy if positive.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Electrophysiological and morphological diversity of neurons from the rat subicular complex in vitro.

We combined whole-cell recordings with Neurobiotin labeling to examine the electrophysiological and morphological properties of neurons from the ventral subicular complex in vitro (including the subicular, presubicular, and parasubicular areas). No a priori morphological sampling criteria were used to select cells. Cells were classified as bursting (IB), regular-spiking (RS), and fast-spiking (FS) according to their firing patterns in response to depolarizing current pulses. A number of cells remained unclassified. We found 54% RS, 26% IB, 11% FS, and 9% unclassified cells out of a total of 131 neurons examined. We also found cells showing intrinsic membrane potential oscillations (MPO) (6%), which represented a subgroup of the unclassified cells. We analyzed several electrophysiological parameters and found that RS and IB cells can be subclassified into two separate subgroups. RS cells were subclassified as tonic and adapting, according to the degree of firing adaptation. Both responded with single spikes to orthodromic stimulation. IB cells were subclassified in two subgroups according to their capacity to fire more than one burst, and showed different responses to orthodromic stimulation. We observed that bursting in these two subgroups appeared to involve both Ca2+ and persistent Na+ components. Both IB and RS cells, as well as MPO neurons, were projecting cells. FS cells were morphologically identified as local circuit interneurons. We also analyzed the spatial distribution of these cell types from the vicinity of CA1 to the parasubicular areas. We conclude that, in contrast to the commonly accepted idea of the subicular complex as a bursting structure, there is a wide electrophysiological variability even within a given cellular group.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2003

Association of alcohol consumption with total serum immunoglobulin E levels and allergic sensitization in an adult population-based survey.

BACKGROUND: Chronic alcoholism is associated with increased total serum IgE levels. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between alcohol intake and both total serum IgE levels and allergic sensitization in a general adult population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 720 subjects was randomly selected (stratified by age) from the population older than 18 years of A-Estrada (Spain) and invited to participate in the study. From 697 eligible subjects, 469 (67%, median age 54 years, range 18 to 92 years, 44% males, 75% of cases from a rural environment) agreed to participate. A battery of 13 skin prick tests to common aeroallergens was performed in all subjects. Cases with at least one positive test (n = 121, 26%) were considered to have allergic sensitization. The most frequent sensitisers were mites and pollens (24% and 10% of subjects, respectively). Total serum IgE was measured in 465 subjects (99%). Alcohol consumption was registered as the number of standard (approximately 10 g) drinking units habitually consumed per week. A total of 244 subjects (52%) were alcohol consumers (median intake, 14 units/week, range 1 to 147 units/week). Abstainers (n = 225, 48%) constituted the reference category. RESULTS: Alcohol consumption of more than 14 units/week was associated with an increase in serum IgE levels after adjusting for age, gender, allergic sensitization and smoking (P = 0.02). Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with either overall allergic sensitization or mite sensitization after adjusting for age, gender and smoking. However, alcohol consumption of more than 14 units/week was associated with an increased prevalence of pollen sensitization (adjusted OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.19 to 8.34, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption above a certain threshold is associated with an increase in total serum IgE levels. Alcohol consumption may also be associated with an increased prevalence of pollen sensitization.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Properties of polysaccharide produced by Azotobacter vinelandii cultured on 4-hydroxybenzoic acid.

AIMS: Characterization of the exopolysaccharide produced by Azotobacter vinelandii grown on 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (EPS I), and the comparison between this exopolysaccharide and commercial alginate, constituted the main objective of this work. METHODS AND RESULTS: Total carbohydrates, uronic acids, acetyl and pyruvyl groups and proteins were determined by colorimetric methods and composition was confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance studies. Rheological properties were analysed under different physical and chemical conditions. Results showed differences between EPS I and commercial alginate, in relation to both composition and viscosity. Higher amount of guluronnosyl residues were found in EPS I, whereas commercial alginate contained the same proportion of mannuronosyl and guluronnosyl residues. In accordance with this result, EPS I gave rise to solutions of higher viscosity than commercial alginate, although solutions of this polysaccharide showed greater stability when conditions were altered. CONCLUSIONS: The exopolysaccharide produced by A. vinelandii grown on 4-hydroxybenzoic acid showed a different composition in comparison with commercial alginate, which leads to higher viscosity values for the aqueous solutions of EPS I. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: This work describes for the first time the characteristics of an exopolysaccharide produced by A. vinelandii from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, a substrate rarely used as sole carbon source.

Acetates↗
PubMed2002

The effect of different morphological sampling criteria on the fraction of bursting cells recorded in the rat subiculum in vitro.

In spite of the large variability of the fraction of bursting cells reported in the subiculum (from 54 to 100%), this structure has been considered as intrinsically bursting. Here, using visually assisted whole-cell recordings and Neurobiotin labeling in vitro, we correlated the electrophysiological firing modes of subicular cells (bursting, regular-spiking and fast-spiking) with their morphological characteristics (somatic size and shape). We then examined how different morphological sampling criteria for patching affect cell classification. We found a dramatic variability in the fraction of bursting cells, which ranged from 30 to 76% depending on the sampling criteria. We discuss the implications of these findings for the notion of the subiculum as an intrinsically bursting structure.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed2002

Type 2 diabetes mellitus among beneficiaries of the french national health insurance for self-employed workers (AMPI): comparison of the management of craftsmen or tradesmen with professionals patients.

BACKGROUND: Although the management of diabetes mellitus varies according to non medical factors, the influence of socioprofessional category has been not fully studied. This study compared the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in craftsmen or tradesmen with professionals categories. METHODS: All claims to the French National Sickness Insurance Fund for self-employed workers (AMPI) from its mainland France beneficiaries in 1998 were retrospectively analysed. Patients were beneficiaries, insured or dependants of craftsmen or tradesmen, or professionals receiving oral hypoglycemic drugs during a 3-month inclusion period. Patients were compared on the proportion of care received in private practice over the preceding 12 months using adjusted odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: Compared to patients in professionals (n=1,456), patients in craftsmen or tradesmen (n=35,703) were statistically more likely to see a general practitioner (OR 3.867, 95% CI=3.048; 4.907), to have blood glucose test (OR 1.530, 95% CI=1.332; 1.757) and serum creatinine assay (OR 1.207, 95% CI=1.052; 1.270). They were statistically less likely to consult or have a specialist procedure (ophthalmologist, OR 0.792, 95% CI=0.698; 0.900; cardiologist, OR 0.749, 95% CI=0.658; 0.852; dentist, OR 0.679, 95% CI=0.596; 0.773; endocrinologist, OR 0.522, 95% CI=0.424; 0.642), microalbuminuria test (OR 0.749, 95% CI=0.622; 0.902) and serum creatinine assay or microalbuminuria test (OR 0.746, 95% CI=0.611; 0.912). The two groups did not differ on HbA1c, blood lipid tests and electrocardiogram. CONCLUSIONS: The management of type 2 diabetes mellitus differed between craftsmen or tradesmen and professionals patients. These results should be confirmed.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Measurement of fecal sulfide using gas chromatography and a sulfur chemiluminescence detector.

We describe a simple technique to measure sulfide in fecal homogenates (or any other liquid milieu), which involves acidification followed by the G.C. measurement of H2S in a gas space equilibrated with a small quantity of homogenate. An internal standard of Zn35S added to the homogenate permits correction for incomplete recovery of H2S in the gas space. The use of a sulfur chemiluminescence detector, which specifically and sensitively responds to sulfur-containing compounds, greatly facilitates this measurement.

Chromatography, Gas↗
PubMed2000

Comparison of the T cell patterns in leprous and cutaneous sarcoid granulomas. Presence of Valpha24-invariant natural killer T cells in T-cell-reactive leprosy together with a highly biased T cell receptor Valpha repertoire.

The T-cell-reactive (eg, tuberculoid and reversal) forms of leprosy represent a well-defined granulomatous reaction pattern against an invading pathogen. The immune response in cutaneous sarcoidosis is a granulomatous condition that pathologically is very similar to T-cell reactive leprosy. However, it lacks a defined causative agent. In view of the role of NKT cells in murine granulomas induced by mycobacterial cell walls, we have searched for the presence of NKT cells in the cutaneous lesions of both leprosy and sarcoidosis. These cells were present in T-cell-reactive leprosy but were undetectable in cutaneous sarcoidosis. We have also studied the TCR Valpha repertoire in the two diseases. In addition to Valpha24(+) NKT cells, all patients with T-cell-reactive leprosy showed a very restricted T-cell-reactive Valpha repertoire with a strong bias toward the use of the Valpha6 and Valpha14 segments. Valpha6 and Valpha14(+) T cells were polyclonal in terms of CDR3 length and Jalpha usage. In contrast, most sarcoidosis patients showed a diverse usage of Valpha chains associated with clonal or oligoclonal expansions reminiscent of antigen-driven activation of conventional T cells. Thus the origin and perpetuation of the two kinds of granulomatous lesions appear to depend on altogether distinct T-cell recruiting mechanisms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Hepatosplenic alphabeta T-cell lymphoma: an unusual case with clinical, histologic, and cytogenetic features of gammadelta hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma.

Hepatosplenic gammadelta T-cell lymphoma is a recently identified entity in which lymphoma cells bearing the gammadelta T-cell receptor (TCR) infiltrate the sinusoids of the liver and the sinuses of the splenic red pulp and bone marrow, without lymph node involvement. It is also characterized by a recurrent cytogenetic finding, isochromosome 7q (i7q10). The authors report a case of hepatosplenic lymphoma of alphabeta T-cell phenotype that shares the same clinical, histologic, and cytogenetic characteristics of the previously described hepatosplenic gammadelta T-cell lymphoma. Fluorescent in situ hybridization performed with chromosome 7 probes showed the typical pattern of isochromosome 7q. Genomic analysis of the TCR gamma locus failed to detect a clonal rearrangement. This unique case of hepatosplenic lymphoma of alphabeta T-cell phenotype supports the possibility that lymphoid populations of different alphabeta or gammadelta phenotype that share similar homing and presumably functional properties could give rise to lymphomas displaying similar clinical and pathologic findings.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Pancreatic supplements reduce symptomatic response of healthy subjects to a high fat meal.

In a double-blind, crossover study, we determined whether microencapusulated pancreatic enzymes reduce postprandial symptoms experienced by healthy volunteers after ingestion of a high calorie, high fat meal. At 7 AM, 18 subjects ingested 185 g of cookies (1196 calories and 72 g of fat) with three pancrelipase capsules or a placebo. The severity of gastrointestinal symptoms and flatus passages were recorded for 15-17 hr, and end-alveolar samples were obtained hourly for 10 hr. Ingestion of pancreatic supplements was associated with a significant (P = 0.049) reduction in bloating over the entire recording period, and with significant reductions in bloating, gas, and fullness during the dinner to bedtime period. Pancreatic supplements had no significant effect on breath H2 or CH4 concentration. The finding that pancreatic supplements reduce postprandial symptoms in healthy subjects suggests that these supplements also might be beneficial in irritable bowel syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Differentiation of mouth versus gut as site of origin of odoriferous breath gases after garlic ingestion.

Utilizing the sulfur-containing gases of garlic as probes, we investigated the gut versus mouth origin of odoriferous breath gases. Five individuals ingested 6 g of garlic, and sulfur gases in mouth, alveolar air, and urine samples were measured. The mouth normally contained low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, and dimethyl sulfide. Immediately after garlic ingestion, transient high concentrations of methanethiol and allyl mercaptan and lesser concentrations of allyl methyl sulfide (AMS), allyl methyl disulfide, and allyl disulfide were observed. With the exception of AMS, all gases were present in far greater concentrations in mouth than alveolar air, indicating an oral origin. Only AMS was of gut origin as evidenced by similar partial pressures in mouth, alveolar air, and urine. After 3 h, AMS was the predominant breath sulfur gas. The unique derivation of AMS from the gut is attributable to the lack of gut and liver metabolism of this gas versus the rapid metabolism of the other gases. Breath odor after garlic ingestion initially originates from the mouth and subsequently from the gut.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Detoxification of hydrogen sulfide and methanethiol in the cecal mucosa.

Colonic bacteria liberate large quantities of the highly toxic gases hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) and methanethiol (CH(3)SH). The colonic mucosa presumably has an efficient means of detoxifying these compounds, which is thought to occur through methylation of H(2)S to CH(3)SH and CH(3)SH to dimethylsulfide (CH(3)SCH(3)). We investigated this detoxification pathway by incubating rat cecal mucosal homogenates with gas containing H(2)S, CH(3)SH, or CH(3)SCH(3). Neither CH(3)SH nor CH(3)SCH(3) was produced during H(2)S catabolism, whereas catabolism of CH(3)SH liberated H(2)S but not CH(3)SCH(3). Thus, H(2)S and CH(3)SH are not detoxified by methylation to CH(3)SCH(3). Rather, CH(3)SH is demethylated to H(2)S, and H(2)S is converted to nonvolatile metabolites. HPLC analysis of the homogenate showed the metabolite to be primarily thiosulfate. Analysis of cecal venous blood obtained after intracecal instillation of H(2)(35)S revealed that virtually all absorbed H(2)S had been oxidized to thiosulfate. The oxidation rate of H(2)S by colonic mucosa was 10,000 times greater than the reported methylation rate. Conversion to thiosulfate appears to be the mechanism whereby the cecal mucosa protects itself from the injurious effects of H(2)S and CH(3)SH, and defects in this detoxification possibly could play a role in colonic diseases such as ulcerative colitis.

Animals↗