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Biomedical subjects

L Muñoz

Publications and source records attributed to L Muñoz.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Toxic trace elements in Chilean seafoods: development of analytical quality control procedures.

Chile is a well known producer and exporter of shell fish. These seafoods, like other specimens of marine origin, are susceptible to environmental and other contamination by trace elements, including toxicants. Therefore, adequate analytical quality assurance is mandatory before accepting analytical results. In this context, the use of at least two independent methods of determination and validation with certified reference materials (CRM) provides acceptable criteria for judging the reliability of the data. This paper describes sample treatments and analytical procedures for Cd, Cu and Hg determinations in mollusc samples. Three independent analytical techniques, namely differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry, neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry, were used. CRM standards of the IAEA, NIST and BCR were analyzed to evaluate quality assurance. Following the quality control phase, the concentrations of cadmium, copper and mercury in fresh and canned mollusc samples Tagelus dombeii and Semelle solida (Navajuelas and Almejas chilenas respectively) from different locations were determined.

Chile↗
PubMed1992

[Concentration of trace elements in children from northern Chile].

Industrial processes may lead to severe alterations of environment affecting the health and quality of life of neighbouring communities. The present study reports the concentrations of Cu, As, Br, Na, K, Se, Hg, Cr, Co, Zn, Fe and Sb in samples of hair from children 6 years of age living in Antofagasta, Chuquicamata, María Elena, Calama and San Pedro de Atacama. Results were compared to those obtained in children of the same age living in Santiago. Samples were obtained according to recommendations from the International Nuclear Energy Organization and were analyzed by the neutron activation method at facilities of the Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission. Values for Cu (38.8 ppm), Cr (4.29 ppm) and As (19.2 ppm) in children from Chuquicamata are considered dangerous according to international standards.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed1992

[Content and bioavailability of carotenoids from peach palm fruit (Bactris gasipaes) as a source of vitamin A].

Four introductions of ripe peach palm fruit (Bactris gasipaes) were analyzed for ether extract, total carotenoids and their biological conversion into vitamin A. Also, edible portion in cooked fruit was estimated. Ether extract content in raw fruit ranged from 8.2 to 12.9% dry basis (DB), cooked between 5.7 to 12.4% DB and nutrient retention after cooking was 69 to 100%. Carotenoids content in raw and cooked pejibaye was similar, 4.8 to 29.6% DB and 4.8 to 29.9% DB, respectively, giving a nutrient retention after cooking greater than 85%. Average edible portion was 68 +/- 2%. The biological study showed significant differences (p < 0.05) of pejibaye carotenoids efficiency conversion in retinol, the values varied from 14 to 50%. Food efficiency results in the control and experimental diets were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Carotenoids content was inversely related (r = -0.8, p < 0.02) with ether extract. Cooking had no significant effect in ether extract and carotenoids content, except in one introduction. Based in the results generated in the study and vitamin A Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) it was estimated that one, in three introductions and seven in the remaining one satisfies an adult RDA's.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Impotence. Behavior therapy with substitute partner].

Some emotional reactions underlying sexual impotence are pointed out. Avoidance phobic behavior in the light of an expected failure is assumed. In order to suppress anxiety, and get a new training in sexual behavior, a therapeutic technique based on learning and conditioning principles is proposed. Under relaxation, previously designed imaginary exercises are presented to patients. Following imaginary sessions, the same exercises are repeated in vivo with a substitute partner, should patient lack partner, or his partner be unwilling to cooperate with treatment. Steps of exercises are described. Out of 8, 7 patients achieved a total improvement. The last patient involved gave up treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Diet as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in residents of the metropolitan area, San Jose, Costa Rica].

The purpose of this study was to define the dietary pattern of fatty acids, cholesterol, fiber and sucrose in a random sample of 51 families of San José, Costa Rica. Food intake was estimated by using the one-day food weighing method. For food composition values, a single table was created using data taken from others. The results indicated that the level of macronutrient diet composition was in accordance with the United States National Cholesterol Education Program Recommendations. Nevertheless, total dietary fiber (20.3 g/d) intake was below the level suggested by the guidelines, and the percentage of calories from sucrose (12.6%) was above those recommendations. In conclusion, the low P/S ratio, low dietary fiber and high percentage of calories from sucrose in the diet of this urban population group of San José, has several atherogenic features representing one of the important risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Thoracic and retroperitoneal dissemination of multiple myeloma. 2 cases].

The dissemination of multiple myeloma out of the bone marrow is very rare, even though the observation of plasmacytosis in the bodies of patients having died of this disease is not rare. We present 2 patients affected by multiple myeloma and with extra-bone marrow plasmacytomas at the diagnosis, localized at posterior mediastinum and retroperitoneum, discovered by tomography.

Humans↗
PubMed1989

[Results and indications of sphincteroplasty in the treatment of complicated biliary lithiasis].

Sphincteroplasty is an internal biliary drainage technique that, along with choledochoduodenostomy, is offered to surgeons as one of the most effective techniques. We report our results and conclusions in a two-year study of a group of 46 patients. We prefer sphincteroplasty in the majority of patients with papillary sclerosis and consider it the most anatomic and physiologic drainage technique, since it eliminates the persistence of a cul de sac and the possible reflux of intestinal contents. It also permits examination of the sphincter of the Wirsung duct. We note that the classic complications of sphincteroplasty (acute pancreatitis and posterior window syndrome) are usually due to technical deficiencies.

Ampulla of Vater↗
PubMed1987

Primary bronchopulmonary malignant melanoma. Case report.

A case of pulmonary melanoma is presented. Because of the tumor's evolution and clinical features and, in particular, its pathoanatomic characteristics, we believe that it complied with sufficient criteria for classification as primary bronchopulmonary malignant melanoma. The literature is briefly reviewed.

Bronchial Neoplasms↗
PubMed1986

Left anterior hemiblock masking the diagnosis of right bundle branch block.

A case is presented in which left anterior hemiblock obscured totally the diagnosis of right bundle branch block by abolishing the S wave in leads 1 and aVL, and terminal R wave in leads V1 and V2. The presence of right bundle branch block was confirmed by recording high V1 and V2 leads. Subsequently, the ECG revealed how a greater degree of conduction delay in the right bundle branch may uncover the previously concealed right bundle branch block. The electrocardiographic features of these findings are discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1986

Coffee intake during pregnancy and lactation in rats: maternal and pup hematological parameters and liver iron, zinc and copper concentration.

To study the effects of maternal coffee intake on trace element status of the fetus and newborn, Sprague-Dawley female rats were fed a control purified diet and were provided ad libitum a freeze-dried coffee solution (1.5% wt/vol) (C) or distilled water (W) as their sole source of liquids from d 0 of gestation. On d 21 of gestation, a subsample of dams from each group was killed and litters were removed for examination. At birth, a subsample of litters from each group was cross-fostered to differentiate between pre- and postnatal exposure to coffee (water prenatally, coffee postnatally = WC; coffee prenatally, water postnatally = CW). Food and fluid intake during gestation, maternal weight gain and litter size were similar in the coffee and control groups, but pup birth weight was lower in the coffee group than in the control group (5.82 vs. 6.45 g, P less than 0.05). Compared with that of control pups, hemoglobin (Hb) was significantly lower in C and WC pups, but not in CW pups, at 3 and 14 d of age. Hematological values were not significantly different between C and W dams or C and W fetuses. Livers of C and WC pups had higher concentrations and total content of Fe, Zn and Cu at 3 d of age compared with controls, but the differences were reduced by 14 d of age. The results suggest that maternal coffee intake may impair mobilization of trace elements from liver reserves in early life and that this may result in reduced hemoglobin synthesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

The clinical features and diagnosis of a discordant atrioventricular connexion.

Seventy-three patients were studied with a discordant atrioventricular connexion (ages 3 months to 46 years). In 58 the diagnosis was proved by angiography and in the other 15 at necropsy. Forty-eight had usual atrial arrangement and 25 mirror-image atria. Fifty-two patients had ventriculo-arterial discordance, 13 double outlet right ventricle, 4 ventriculoarterial concordance, 3 single outlet of the heart and 1 double outlet left ventricle. Nine with ventriculoarterial discordance had no other associated defects. The spatial relationship of the ventricles was variable, but in usual atrial arrangement the morphologically left ventricle tended to be on the right, and in mirror-image arrangement to the left of the morphologically right ventricle. The spatial relationship between the arterial valves was also variable, but in ventriculoarterial discordance and double outlet right ventricle the aortic valve was anterior and either to the right or left of the pulmonary valve in all but 3 cases. There is no typical clinical picture for these malformations. Symptoms depend upon the associated anomalies or the presence of atrioventricular dissociation. The diagnosis of a discordant atrioventricular connexion is best achieved by the echocardiographic and haemodynamic studies, but the electrocardiogram, chest radiograph and nuclear medicine studies may suggest its presence. Most patients are asymptomatic and progress normally to adult life. Only the symptomatic patients require surgical correction. Postoperative follow-up in the survivors is excellent, only 2 of 14 patients dying after surgery.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase in bronchial aspirate from neoplastic and normal pulmonary tissue.

The activities of 4 enzymes, i.e. alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase were studied in bronchial aspirates and serums from two groups of subjects, the first one was composed of 14 subjects without active bronchopulmonary pathology and the other of 20 patients with lung cancer. The results showed a statistically significant decrease of the activities of alkaline phosphatase and beta-glutamyl transferase in bronchial aspirate from patients with bronchogenic malignant tumors in relation to normal subjects. This finding could be explained by the 'fetalism' principle, which states that the quantitative pattern of enzymes of immature human tissues resembles those of neoplastic tissues.

Adolescent↗