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Biomedical subjects

J M Casas

Publications and source records attributed to J M Casas.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Antibiotic resistance pattern and visual outcome in experimentally-induced Staphylococcus epidermidis endophthalmitis in a rabbit model.

OBJECTIVE: To study whether the clinical outcome of Staphylococcus epidermidis-induced endophthalmitis in rabbits is related to the antibiotic resistance pattern of the infecting strain. DESIGN: Experimental animal study. PARTICIPANTS: The right eyes of 36 New Zealand white albino rabbits were inoculated with strains of S. epidermidis that displayed various patterns of antibiotic resistance. METHODS: There were 12 rabbits in each of three study groups: fully antibiotic susceptible (FS), partially antibiotic resistant (PR), and multiresistant (MR). Five days after inoculation, the eyes were enucleated and prepared for histologic studies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparisons among the three groups were made based on electroretinographic (ERG) findings, histologic evaluation by a masked observer, and clinical examination. RESULTS: Electroretinographic findings on all rabbits were made by an unmasked observer. At 30 hours after inoculation, the ERG was diminished to 65% of normal for group FS, compared with a flat ERG waveform for groups PR (P < 0.05) and MR (P < 0.05). The ERG waveform was flat for all three groups at 72 hours after inoculation. Histologic evaluation by use of a histologic score revealed that the degree of inflammation and destruction of the retina was less for group FS (n = 10) compared with groups PR (n = 8) and MR (n = 8). Clinical examination revealed that there was a trend of less ocular inflammation for group FS compared with groups PR and MR. CONCLUSIONS: In a rabbit model of S. epidermidis-induced endophthalmitis, antibiotic-susceptible strains caused less inflammation and destruction of the infected retina than did antibiotic-resistant strains.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Cigarette use among migrant and nonmigrant Mexican American youth: a socialization latent-variable model.

A self-report survey of cigarette use among 10th- and 12th-grade Mexican American students found no differences in rates of use by migrant status. Male students reported higher levels of lifetime, experimental, and daily smoking than female students, and 12th-grade students reported higher levels of daily smoking than 10th-grade students. A socialization model of cigarette use based on peer cluster theory was evaluated using structural equation methods, examining the effects of family strength, family tobacco use, school adjustment, religious identification, and peer tobacco associations. The basic latent-structure socialization model was supported in all groups, but final models including specific effects identified both unique and common relationships by gender and migrant status. Common patterns across groups suggest that completely different prevention programs may not be necessary for these youth. However, program elements based on subtle group differences may serve to tailor prevention efforts and make them more effective.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[The diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome with a portable device. Our experience with 100 cases].

UNLABELLED: Portable devices might be an alternative method to diagnose patients suspected for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). We have analized one hundred patients consecutively referred to our especialized out-patient clinic for sleep breathing disorders. We have used a previously validated portable device-Polygraphics CNS-which records thoracoabdominal movement, nasobuccal airflow, ECG, oxymetry, body position, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Sixty patients showed an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) > 15. Seven patients showed an AHI > 10f plus symptoms suggestive of OSAS. Two patients had an AHI between 5-10 and very high suspicion for OSAS; a subsequent CPAP treatment showed the disappearance of respiratory events and an evident improvement in oxymetric records. Twenty two patients showed an AHI < 5. Nine patients could not be classified and other diagnostic method were deemed necessary. CONCLUSION: A previously validated cardiorrespiratory portable polygraphic device was useful in most cases for taking diagnostic decisions in OSAS.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Evaluation of methods of tick removal in human ixodidiasis].

BACKGROUND: There are two questions regarding tick transmitted diseases (Ixodidae) not sufficiently elucidated: How to remove the arthropod? and: should antibiotic prophylaxis be administered after the bite? SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From June 1st, 1991, to December, 31, 1992, all patients who were attended at La Rioja Hospital relating immediate bite or tick bite within the 48 hours before were prospectively studied. In all those patients an epidemiological inquiry was obtained, which included, apart from personal data and risk factors for tick bites, how arthropods had been removed, health exam and blood drawn for serological study for Borrelia burgdorferi and Rickettsia conorii. The protocol was repeated at one, two, four and six months after the bite. The removal method used at the Hospital was by pulling with fine tweezers and later disinfection with iodine povidone. RESULTS: Out of a total of 52 individuals who complied with the established criteria, only 41 ended the follow-up. A 63.4 percent of patients experienced some type of complication, including 3 cases of LB (erythema migrans). With regard to the type of removal method and the development of complications, only three patients who had ticks pulled with tweezers experienced complications compared with 23 patients who used other methods (p = 0.0058). With regard to specific complications (LB and/or spotted fever) and/or development of B. burgdorferi or R. conorii infection significant differences were also observed when tweezers were used for removal of ticks compared with other tick removal methods (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The removal of ticks with tweezers significantly protects from the development of complications and infection by tick-borne microorganisms. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended when the removal of the arthropod is carried out by using a method other than the recommended one.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[Usefulness of warning flags in the handling of biological samples in an emergency room].

The present study evaluates the utility of biohazard precautions labels for identifying biological samples of patients with probable severe transmissible infectious diseases. The study was performed in a total of 633 patients in the emergency department of a General Hospital. In an anonymous way we determine the presence or absence of serological markers of HIV and hepatitis B infection (HBsAg) and we evaluated the labeling of the sample. Our results demonstrate the very low usefulness of this common procedure: a total of 54.5% of HIV positive patients and 87.5% of those positive to HBsAg were not marked correctly. We discuss the necessity of using universal precautions instead of labeling samples in the current way.

Blood Specimen Collection↗
PubMed1990

[The prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in a population at risk].

Given the increasing interest in Lyme borreliosis in our community, and the lack of epidemiological studies in our country, we have considered convenient to analyze the presence of anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in a group of workmen who we have considered at high risk since they carry out their everyday work in an environment infested by ticks. Significant antibody titers (= or greater than 1/128) are found in 38% of cases versus 0% in the control group. The significance of these results in relation to the presence or not of compatible clinical manifestations and tick bites are studied.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗
PubMed1987

Partial monosomy 15q due to de novo t(15;22)(q15;p11).

We report a 2-years-old infant who presented psychomotor delay and facial dysmorphic features. He has a partial monosomy of 15q resulting from de novo t(15;22)(q15;p11). Up to now three other cases with a similar 15q monosomy have been reported, but the present case is the first one with a "pure" monosomy 15q.

Child, Preschool↗