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Biomedical subjects

J Solano

Publications and source records attributed to J Solano.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Design of a continuous wave blood flow bi-directional Doppler system.

This paper describes the design of a continuous wave blood flow bi-directional Doppler system based on an open, high-resolution architecture that is portable and low cost. The system incorporates the advantages of expensive systems with dedicated hardware. The system is composed of a flow detector probe, a signal conditioning stage, a direction detection module, a signal processing stage and a graphic user interface. The direction detection of the signal is achieved using a fast digital phasing filter. The Doppler signal is processed using a short-time Fourier transform-based algorithm. This is commonly used as a reference. Nevertheless, the system allows us to incorporate alternative high-resolution spectral estimation methods that might offer more precise information to the specialist.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2006

[Study of in-patient hospital stay following total laryngectomy: multivariable retrospective analysis of a 442 total laryngectomies].

INTRODUCTION: Pharyngocutaneous salivary fistula is the most common complication following total laryngectomy. Fistulae can lead to prolonged hospitalization and increased patient morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate those factors related to increased length of stay following total laryngectomy. To further analyze those related with fistula after surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study on 442 patients who undenwent total laryngectomy. Study of the covariance (ANCOVA). Uni and multivariate analysis of factors related to salivary fistula. RESULTS: We identified alcohol intake, year of surgery and salivaly fistula as factors independently related with increased length of stay at the hospital. Factors independently related with fistula were alcohol intake, tumors affecting tongue base or pyriform sinus, surgeon, fever in the inmediate postoperative period, or wound closure using fibrin blue (negative association with the later). CONCLUSIONS: Pharyngocutaneous salivary fistula increases three times hospital length of stay in patients undergoing total laryngectomy. We identified the surgeon as the factor more closely related with this complication, and we suggest the need to create well-defined head and neck cancer groups to deal with these surgical procedures.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Suspicion of metastases in laryngeal carcinomas].

OBJECTIVE: To look for models predicting metastasis in laryngeal/hypopharyngeal carcinomas. DESIGN: Prospective study. PATIENTS: Sixty patients bearing laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who were treated with curative purposes were followed prospectively with at least 10-year follow-up. PARAMETERS: Clinical (Staging, site, age, alcohol and smoking intake, surgery on the primary tumor, neck surgery) and pathological (size, number of metastatic lymph nodes, T and N staging, degree of differentiation, Jakobsson's and Glanz's scoring of malignancy, both scores in biopsies and surgical specimens) parameters were recorded in each case. METHODS: A multivariate analysis was performed to find out those parameters independently related to presence of metastases. RESULTS: The prospective study rendered tumor burden and Glanz's scoring from biopsies to be independently related with the presence of metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Malignancy grading systems must be included in laryngeal carcinoma patients' planning of neck treatment.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed2004

The effect of social rank on the physiological response during repeated stressful handling in Zebu cattle (Bos indicus).

Although the order of entry to a handling chute is related to social rank, it is still not clear what the consequences are for Zebu cattle of occupying different ranks when being exposed repeatedly to a stressful handling procedure. Eighteen Brahman cows were observed for 243 h to obtain information on social interactions. From that information, indices of success in displacing other individuals of the herd were calculated to reflect social status of each cow. One week after behavioral observations, the cows were forced 19 times to enter a handling chute where they were palpated and 7 ml of blood was collected from their caudal vein. To have an adrenal activity profile along the experimental period, five blood samples (Days 2, 6, 10, 15, and 19) were chosen for cortisol determination. On each sampling day, the average time in the chute, the order of entry, and a value of entrance consistency were calculated. On average, the high-ranking cows entered the chute before the medium- and low-ranking cows. Medium-ranking cows showed higher consistency when entering the race than high- and low-ranking cows. Low-ranking cows had significantly lower cortisol levels than the other two groups since the second sample (Day 6 in the race), and had higher cortisol levels the first time handled than at subsequent sampling days. It is suggested that low-ranking cows adopt a passive strategy that allows them to have a better control over the stressful event, while high-ranking cows respond with higher cortisol levels perhaps because of the need to become aroused to deal with challenges. It was concluded that the herd (a) habituated to repeat handling in a squeeze chute and (b) low-ranking cows responded with lower cortisol concentration to handling.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed2003

Treatment of neuroendocrine tumours in adults with 131I-MIBG therapy.

This is a retrospective review of 131I-MIBG therapy for metastatic neuroendocrine tumours in 25 adult patients. The tumours comprised 17 carcinoids, six paragangliomas, one somatostatinoma and one intestinal smooth muscle sarcoma. All patients (age range 28-84 years) had stage IV disease and a positive diagnostic 123I-MIBG scan. Patients received 11.1 GBq (300 mCi) of 131I-MIBG given in three cycles at 3-monthly intervals. The mean cumulative dose was 27.7 GBq (751 mCi). Symptomatic response was observed in 80%, hormonal response in 55% and tumour response in 48% (WHO criteria). Of the 25 patients, 40% are still under follow-up. Death was due to disease progression in all except one. The median survival time was 48 months from diagnosis of metastatic disease, and 17 months from the last 131I-MIBG therapy. The 5-year survival rate was 59% (95% confidence interval, 34%-78%). There was no statistical difference in survival between previously treated (chemo/radiotherapy) and treatment-naive patients. Side-effects were minimal and commonly include nausea (in the first 24 h) and a transient fall in platelet count. 131I-MIBG provides a good therapeutic response in patients with metastatic neuro-endocrine tumours.

3-Iodobenzylguanidine↗
PubMed2002

Laser augmented by brachytherapy versus laser alone in the palliation of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and cardia: a randomised study.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with advanced malignant dysphagia are not suitable for definitive treatment. The best option for palliation of dysphagia varies between patients. This paper looks at a simple technique for enhancing laser recanalisation. AIM: To assess the value of adjunctive brachytherapy in prolonging palliation of malignant dysphagia by endoscopic laser therapy. PATIENTS: Twenty two patients with advanced malignant dysphagia due to adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus or gastric cardia, unsuitable for surgery or radical chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: Patients able to eat a soft diet after laser recanalisation were randomised to no further therapy or a single treatment with brachytherapy (10 Gy). Results were judged on the quality and duration of dysphagia palliation, need for subsequent intervention, complications, and survival. RESULTS: The median dysphagia score for all patients two weeks after initial treatment was 1 (some solids). The median dysphagia palliated interval from the end of initial treatment to recurrent dysphagia or death increased from five weeks (control group) to 19 weeks (brachytherapy group). Three patients had some odynophagia for up to six weeks after brachytherapy. There was no other treatment related morbidity or mortality. Further intervention was required in 10 of 11 control patients (median five further procedures) compared with 7/11 brachytherapy patients (median two further procedures). There was no difference in survival (median 20 weeks (control), 26 weeks (brachytherapy)). CONCLUSIONS: Laser therapy followed by brachytherapy is a safe, straightforward, and effective option for palliating advanced malignant dysphagia, which is complementary to stent insertion.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

Direct measurement of the pion valence-quark momentum distribution, the pion light-cone wave function squared.

We present the first direct measurements of the pion valence-quark momentum distribution which is related to the square of the pion light-cone wave function. The measurements were carried out using data on diffractive dissociation of 500 GeV/c pi(-) into dijets from a platinum target at Fermilab experiment E791. The results show that the /q&q> light-cone asymptotic wave function describes the data well for Q2 approximately 10 (GeV/c)(2) or more. We also measured the transverse momentum distribution of the diffractive dijets.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Observation of color-transparency in diffractive dissociation of pions.

We have studied the diffractive dissociation into dijets of 500 GeV/c pions scattering coherently from carbon and platinum targets. Extrapolating to asymptotically high energies (where t(min)-->0), we find that when the per-nucleus cross section for this process is parametrized as sigma = sigma0Aalpha, alpha has values near 1.6, the exact result depending on jet transverse momentum. These values are in agreement with those predicted by theoretical calculations of color-transparency.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Search for rare and forbidden Charm Meson decays D0 --> Vl+l- and hhll.

We report results of a search for flavor-changing neutral current (FCNC), lepton flavor, and lepton-number violating decays of the D0 (and its antiparticle) into three and four bodies. Using data from Fermilab charm hadroproduction experiment E791, we examine modes with two leptons (muons or electrons) and a rho(0), K( *0), or straight phi vector meson or a nonresonant pi(pi), Kpi, or KK pair of pseudoscalar mesons. No evidence for any of these decays is found. Therefore, we present branching-fraction upper limits at 90% confidence level for the 27 decay modes examined (18 new).

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Some effects of repeated handling and the use of a mask on stress responses in zebu cattle during restraint.

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of repeated handling and the use of a mask on the order of entry, temperament, cortisol concentration and heart and respiratory rates of Brahman cattle during restraint in a squeeze chute. In the first experiment, 18 cows were restrained in the chute for 10min on 19 test-days and blood samples were collected during five of the trials. Habituation to handling was reflected by a decrease in cortisol concentration as the study advanced (P<0.01). In the second experiment, conducted 6 months later, animals were randomly allotted to two groups, alternating the use of a mask over test-days while restraining the cows in the chute for 3min. Respiratory and heart rates were measured at the beginning and end of each 3min trial. A blood sample was also taken at the end of each trial. Respiratory rates decreased while the animals were restrained and this decrease tended to be greater (P=0.09) when the animals were wearing masks (3.06) than when not (2.2breaths/min). Heart rates also decreased and more so for masked animals (10.6beats/min) than for non-masked (5.0, P<0.01). Cortisol values tended to be higher (9.9 versus 4.7ng/ml, P=0.08) when animals were restrained without a mask. Temperament scores were lower (P>0.01) when cows were masked and have a relative high correlation (r=0.58) with flight distance values, (P<0.05). Finally, the order of entrance was found consistent over test-days, (P<0.01). It is concluded that Brahman cattle: (a) habituate to repeat handling in a squeeze chute; (b) are less emotionally reactive when their eyes were covered during this process and (c) establish a repeatable order of entrance to the chute.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Study of the D(+)(s)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decay and measurement of f(0) masses and widths.

From a sample of 848+/-44 D(+)(s)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decays, we find gamma(D(+)(s)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+))/gamma(D(+)(s)-->straight phipi(+)) = 0.245+/-0.028(+0.019)(-0.012). Using a Dalitz plot analysis of this three body decay, we find significant contributions from the channels rho(0)(770)pi(+), rho(0)(1450)pi(+), f(0)(980)pi(+), f(2)(1270)pi(+), and f(0)(1370)pi(+). We also present the values obtained for masses and widths of the resonances f(0)(980) and f(0)(1370).

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Experimental evidence for a light and broad scalar resonance in D(+) --> pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decay.

From a sample of 1172 +/- 61 D(+)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+) decays, we find gamma(D(+)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+))/gamma(D(+)-->K-pi(+)pi(+)) = 0.0311 +/- 0.0018(+0.0016)(-0.0026). Using a coherent amplitude analysis to fit the Dalitz plot of these decays, we find strong evidence that a scalar resonance of mass 478(+24)(-23) +/- 17 MeV/c(2) and width 324(+42)(-40) +/- 21 MeV/c(2) accounts for approximately half of all decays.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Sexual behavior of Zebu cattle (Bos indicus) following estrous induction by Syncro-Mate B, with or without estrogen injection.

The effect of estrogen administered with norgestomet implants in the expression of behavioral estrous of Zebu cattle was studied in a herd of 18 cycling Brahman cows, in two trials. In the first and second trials, six different cows were treated with progestagen on successive days. In addition, in the first trial, estrogen injection was applied with the treatment. With the purpose of enhancing mounting behavior in treated and/or non-treated animals, on the third day of each trial, three other cows with an active CL were injected with 25 mg of PGF2alpha. All animals were examined three times a week by rectal ultrasound, and a blood sample was also taken for progesterone analysis. Sexual activity was monitored by a closed-circuit TV from 1500 to 0600 h. Direct observation was carried out from 0900 to 1200 h. A total of 15 cows displayed 36 mounting periods (11 with ovulation). Twenty-five annovulatory estrous periods were observed, 77% supported by large follicles. More cows (66% vs. 16%) showed mounting activity when estradiol valerate was used as part of the progestagen treatment (P=.03). Ovulation rate in response to the effect of norgestomet implant was 16%, independent of treatment. It is concluded that estrogen administered with norgestomet implants increases the expression of behavioral estrous in Bos indicus cattle but does not improve ovulation rate.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Serotonin depletion attenuates cocaine-seeking behavior in rats.

RATIONALE: Alterations in serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission during cocaine withdrawal may be involved in incentive motivation for cocaine. OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the effects of 5-HT depletion on cocaine- and food-seeking behavior (i.e., non-reinforced operant responding). METHODS: Separate groups of rats were trained to lever press for cocaine infusions (0.33 mg/kg/0.1 ml, i.v.) or for food pellets (45-mg Noyes food pellets) on a fixed-ratio one schedule of reinforcement during 14 daily 2-h sessions. Half of each group then received treatment with either saline or the tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor para-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA; 100 mg/kg, i.p.) on post-training day 5 and day 6. Twenty-four hours after their last treatment, rats were tested for cocaine- or food-seeking behavior by measuring operant responding in the absence of reinforcement until they reached an extinction criterion of no responses for 30 min. Animals were sacrificed 24 h after testing and brain 5-HT levels in various regions were quantified. RESULTS: In cocaine-trained animals, p-CPA treatment significantly decreased cocaine-seeking behavior and produced a trend toward a decrease in extinction latency relative to saline treatment. In food-trained animals, p-CPA treatment failed to alter any of the behavioral measures during testing, suggesting that p-CPA treatment did not alter the animals' memory or ability to perform an operant response. p-CPA significantly depleted 5-HT by 73-85% in every brain region examined. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that decreasing 5-HT neurotransmission may decrease incentive motivation for cocaine.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

How individuals' responses and attractiveness influence aggression.

The influence of one's physical appearance is enormous, especially during social interactions with others. The effect of sex on aggressiveness during social encounters with confederates of different sexes and attractiveness was investigated. Undergraduate college participants, 40 men and 40 women, had water spilled on them as an aggression-provoking situation. All participants were rated for aggression by the two experimenters and by themselves. The main effect for attractiveness as observed by the experimenters was significant, with unattractive confederates having more aggression manifested toward them than toward their attractive peers. The main effect for response was significant, with confederates responding neutrally to having more aggression manifested toward them than confederates who apologized. No other main effects or interactions were significant.

Aggression↗
PubMed1996

Cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and high-dose folinic acid in patients with advanced unresectable head and neck cancer.

For patients with advanced, unresectable head and neck (HN) cancer, surgery and/or radiotherapy are the standard treatments but have poor results. A phase II trial of a continuous infusion of cisplatin, 5-FU, and high dose folinic acid (PFL) as induction chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated, locally advanced HN cancer was performed in an attempt to confirm the encouraging results reported by Dana Farber investigators using an identical regimen. Forty-five consecutive patients with unresectable HN cancer were treated every 28 days with a continuous infusion of cisplatin 25 mg/m(2)/day (days 1-5), 5-FU 800 mg/m(2)/day (days 2-6), and folinic acid 500 mg/m(2)/day (days 1-6). After three courses of chemotherapy, patients were treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy. Objective responses were observed in 26 of 38(69%) evaluable patients with 14(37%) clinical complete responses. Grade III-IV toxicity was important and consisted mainly of mucositis and neutropenia that were found in 47 and 18%, respectively , of patients after the first course. There was one toxic death. PFL is an active, toxic induction regimen for far-advanced HN cancer, yielding a response rate in the range of the widely used cisplatin and 5-FU (PF) schedule; a comparative trial is warranted before concluding that PFL is superior to the latter combination.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Laser and brachytherapy in the palliation of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and cardia.

BACKGROUND: Palliation of malignant dysphagia is possible by a variety of methods although all have significant drawbacks. Laser therapy is an effective and safe treatment but has to be repeated at four to five weekly intervals to maintain palliation. A means of augmenting the benefits while reducing the need for repeat treatments would be highly beneficial to these patients. AIMS: To prospectively explore the safety and efficacy of intraluminal radiotherapy (brachytherapy) when used to augment laser recanalisation for malignant dysphagia. PATIENTS: Nineteen patients with dysphagia due to advanced adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus or cardia were recruited. METHODS: All patients received laser recanalisation until able to swallow a soft diet or better, before the application of a single dose of brachytherapy (10 Gy at 1 cm from the source). Patients were followed up and treated promptly by further endoscopic means in the event of their dysphagia worsening. RESULTS: Six patients (32%) required no further treatment until death at a median of 10 weeks (range 1-20 weeks). Further therapy was required at a median of 11 weeks (range 4-37 weeks) after brachytherapy for those 13 patients with recurrent dysphagia. Subsequent symptom control required endoscopic intervention at an average of once every nine weeks. There was no mortality associated with laser or brachytherapy. Median survival from initial treatment and including the one survivor was 36 weeks (range 5-132 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: Laser plus brachytherapy offers a safe and effective means of palliating malignant dysphagia due to adenocarcinoma, with a longer dysphagia free interval than historical controls treated with laser alone.

Adenocarcinoma↗