PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M A Quiroga

Publications and source records attributed to M A Quiroga.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Comparative analysis of different correction methods for measuring Rod-and-Frame Test performance.

A comparative analysis was conducted of five different methods for scoring the Rod-and-Frame Test to examine the convergent validities of each of the five methods with performance on the Embedded Figures Test for a sample of 408 13- to 16-yr.-olds. The scoring methods included the absolute error, the algebraic error, the absolute value of the algebraic error, the frame effect, and an assessment of relative field dependence. Correlations obtained among the five methods and the Embedded Figures Test indicated different patterns for boys and girls. In general, the method which employed the absolute value of the algebraic error yielded the strongest convergent validity coefficients with scores on the Embedded Figures Test and Group Embedded Figures Test for boys (.62 and -.54, respectively), although, for girls, the absolute algebraic error and absolute error both yielded coefficients of .50 with Embedded Figures Test scores and -.46 with Group Embedded Figures Test scores.

Adolescent↗

[Experimental model for the study of molybdenosis in the primary copper deficiency in rats].

An experimental model in rats was evaluated to differentiate the effects between Copper deficiency and Molybdenosis. Sixty weaning rats (30 male and 30 female) received a diet with 70% complete powder milk (1 ppm Cu) and 30% maize meal (0.8-1.5 ppm Cu). Three experimental groups received the following mineral supplementation: copper deficiency (40 ppm Fe), molybdenosis (40 ppm Fe + 40 ppm Cu + 500 ppm Mo) and control (40 ppm Fe + 40 ppm Cu). The animals were weighed each 14 days. At 70 days of treatment were sacrificed. Blood and liver were sampled for analyzing hematocrit, ceruloplasmin activity and Cu and Mo liver concentration. Copper deficiency group had less serum ceruloplasmin activity. Cu and Mo liver concentration were higher in the animals with molybdenosis. We concluded that when Cu levels are higher than minimum requirement, feeding with high Mo, do not affect ceruloplasmin activity. In addition, high Mo liver concentration allows us to elucidate effects "per se" of molybdenosis.

Animals↗

Mycotoxin T-2 and aflatoxin B1 as immunosuppressors in mice chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii.

The aim of this study was to determine whether repeated ingestion of mycotoxin T-2 (T2) or aflatoxin B1 (AFL) at low doses could contribute to the activation of toxoplasmosis in experimentally infected mice. Mice were divided into two groups: Control (C) and Infected (I). The cyst-forming Beverley strain of Toxoplasma gondii was used to produce the infection one month before treatment with mycotoxins. Mycotoxins were given intragastrically for a 50-day period. The average weight gain was reduced in the groups treated with mycotoxins. Mice developed specific IgG to T. gondii. Histopathological studies showed severe encephalitis in all groups infected. The number of unruptured and ruptured cysts was established and the severity of the lesions was evaluated, the groups treated with mycotoxins being the most severely affected. Immunohistochemical studies of the brain showed free antigen in tissues surrounding ruptured cysts. It is suggested that low and repeated doses of mycotoxins, necessary to produce a subclinical intoxication, precipitate Toxoplasma cyst rupture and consequently the activation of chronic toxoplasmosis.

Aflatoxin B1↗

Treatment of recurrent and resistant CAPD peritonitis by temporary withdrawal of peritoneal dialysis without removal of the catheter.

Recurrent and resistant continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) peritonitis is usually treated by removal of the catheter and temporary hemodialysis. We treated 3 patients: 1 with resistant Klebsiella peritonitis and 2 with recurrent peritonitis (one due to Staphylococcus and the other to Enterococcus), by stopping CAPD for a 2-4 week period, leaving the catheter in situ and continuing antibiotic therapy. All 3 patients had resolution of their infections and restarted CAPD. This therapeutic modality reduced catheter replacements, limited admissions to the hospital, reduced psychological impact, and diminished risks and costs of CAPD.

Adult↗