Biomedical subjects

Francisco J Garcia

Publications and source records attributed to Francisco J Garcia.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

High Smac/DIABLO expression is associated with early local recurrence of cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: In a recent pilot report, we showed that Smac/DIABLO mRNA is expressed de novo in a subset of cervical cancer patients. We have now expanded this study and analyzed Smac/DIABLO expression in the primary lesions in 109 cervical cancer patients. METHODS: We used immunohistochemistry of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections to analyze Smac/DIABLO expression in the 109 primary lesions. Seventy-eight samples corresponded to epidermoid cervical cancer and 31 to cervical adenocarcinoma. The median follow up was 46.86 months (range 10-186). RESULTS: Smac/DIABLO was expressed in more adenocarcinoma samples than squamous tumours (71% vs 50%; p = 0.037). Among the pathological variables, a positive correlation was found between Smac/DIABLO immunoreactivity and microvascular density, a marker for angiogenesis (p = 0.04). Most importantly, Smac/DIABLO immunoreactivity was associated with a higher rate of local recurrence in squamous cell carcinoma (p = 0.002, log rank test). No association was found between Smac/DIABLO and survival rates. CONCLUSION: Smac/DIABLO expression is a potential marker for local recurrence in cervical squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2006

Conjugate heptavalent pneumococcal vaccine outcome improvements.

Heptavalent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (PCV7) is now routinely administered to infants. Medical records from a pediatric outpatient clinic were used to identify two study groups: 1) those born between January 1995-May 1997(controls), 2) those born between April 2000--May 2001 (PCV7 group). The PCV7 group showed a lower incidence of otitis media episodes, clinic visits for fever and respiratory symptoms, antibiotic prescriptions, ceftriaxone use, and hospitalizations (singled sided probabilities).

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed2003

Which IO model best simulates the real thing?

OBJECTIVE: To determine which model best simulates the actual IO procedure in children. METHODS: Forty emergency and critical care physicians with significant IO experience (6 or more IO procedures) in real children were recruited at 4 academic centers. Study subjects were provided with a kit containing 15 gauge IO needles and 5 IO models; a plastic IO doll leg (PL), a turkey femur/thigh (TT), a turkey tibia/drumstick (TD), a chicken femur/thigh (CT), and a pork rib (PR). Study participants scored the similarity of the bone model to that of placing an IO in a child (0 = no experience, 1 = perfect simulation, 2 = excellent, but not perfect, 3 = good, 4 = moderate, 5 = poor) and the hardness of the bone (H = too hard, J = just right, S = too soft) for each age group (preterm, newborn, 1-4 months, 5-12 months, 12-36 months, 3-6 years, 6-12 years, and >12 years old) of whom they had previous experience. Mean scores were calculated and compared to determine which model provided the best simulation. RESULTS: After excluding zero scores, overall mean scores for the CT, TD, TT, PL, and PR models were 3.2, 3.3, 3.3, 3.3, and 4.4 (P < 0.001), respectively. The pork rib had the worst score in all age groups, while the other 4 models had roughly similar scores. All models had substantial percentages of the models classified as too hard or too soft, except for the pork rib, which was predominantly too hard. CONCLUSIONS: For IO research and teaching purposes, bone models should be age appropriate. This study suggests that there is great variability in preference with the chicken, turkey, and plastic models.

Academic Medical Centers↗

PubMed2002

Jaundice as an early diagnostic sign of urinary tract infection in infancy.

OBJECTIVE: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common clinical problem in febrile infants younger than 8 weeks old, with a prevalence between 5% and 11%. Previous studies have noted that jaundice may be one of the first signs of a bacterial infection in infants. Our goal was to determine the incidence of UTIs in asymptomatic, jaundiced infants younger than 8 weeks old and to determine which historical and laboratory parameters are associated with UTIs. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated asymptomatic, jaundiced infants younger than 8 weeks old for evidence of a UTI (defined as >10 000 colony-forming units per milliliter of a single pathogen, obtained by bladder catheterization). A serum fractionated bilirubin level was obtained on all study patients. Detailed questionnaires were completed, which included demographic information, prenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal events. RESULTS: Twelve (7.5%) of 160 infants had a UTI (95% confidence interval: 3.9%-12.7%). Isolated organisms included Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, group B Streptococcus, Streptococcus viridans, and Staphylococcus aureus. Patients with the onset of jaundice after 8 days of age had a higher incidence of UTI, 6 (50%) of 12 infants in the positive culture group, versus 15 (10%) of 148 infants in the negative culture group. Abnormal urinalysis and microscopy results were noted in 5 (42%) of 12 infants with a UTI, and 6 (55%) of 11 infants had abnormal renal ultrasound results. CONCLUSION: A UTI was found in 7.5% of asymptomatic, afebrile, jaundiced infants younger than 8 weeks old. In addition, infants with the onset of jaundice after 8 days of age or patients with an elevated conjugated bilirubin fraction were more likely to have a UTI. Therefore, we recommend that testing for a UTI be included as part of the evaluation in asymptomatic, jaundiced infants presenting to the emergency department.

Age Factors↗