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Biomedical subjects

M García

Publications and source records attributed to M García.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Effects of Cerebrolysin on in vitro primary microglial and astrocyte rat cell cultures.

In recent years the potential use of neurotrophic factors in the prevention and/or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases has received much attention. To determine whether Cerebrolysin, a porcine brain-derived peptide preparation, was able to modulate in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglial activation and to test the direct effect of Cerebrolysin on astrocyte morphology, survival and proliferation, rat glial and astrocyte cell culture experiments were carried out. The morphology of microglia, ameboid/activated and flat/resting, was examined under contrast microscopy and cell counts obtained. In addition, the release of interleukin (IL)-1 beta and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was measured from cell culture supernatant using an enzyme-linked-immunoassay (ELISA). The results obtained in this study clearly suggest a protective effect of Cerebrolysin as revealed by downregulation of microglial activation after LPS treatment as well as by the control of IL-1 beta expression. No significant differences were observed on astrocyte morphology, survival or the production and/or release of BDNF. In conclusion, these in vitro studies indicate that Cerebrolysin might exert a neuroimmunotrophic function which can in turn reduce the extent of inflammation and accelerate neuronal death under pathological conditions such as human neurodegenerative disorders.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1999

Fine structure of the retina of black bass, Micropterus salmoides (Centrarchidae, Teleostei).

The structure of light- and dark-adapted retina of the black bass, Micropterus salmoides has been studied by light and electron microscopy. This retina lacks blood vessels at all levels. The optic fiber layer is divided into fascicles by the processes of Müller cells and the ganglion cell layer is represented by a single row of voluminous cells. The inner nuclear layer consists of two layers of horizontal cells and bipolar, amacrine and interplexiform cells. In the outer plexiform layer we observed the synaptic terminals of photoreceptor cells, rod spherules and cone pedicles and terminal processes of bipolar and horizontal cells. The spherules have a single synaptic ribbon and the pedicles possess multiple synaptic ribbons. Morphologically, we have identified three types of photoreceptors: rods, single cones and equal double cones which undergo retinomotor movements in response to changes in light conditions. The cones are arranged in a square mosaic whereas the rods are dispersed between the cones.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Stapedectomy versus stapedotomy. Our experience].

Otosclerosis surgery has seen three well-differentiated stages of development: a) SHC fenestration; b) stapes mobilization, and c) platinectomy, a procedure introduced in 1960 by Shea. Since then, only one variation has been proposed: platinotomy. After a comparative study of platinectomy versus platinotomy, we, like other authors, concluded that platinotomy was a better technique because of the ease of execution and good functional results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Treatment of idiopathic facial paralysis: corticoids versus acyclovir versus empirical treatment].

Bell's palsy has no specific treatment because its cause is still debated. The most widely accepted theory postulates an immunovirological origin consisting of the reactivation of a silent herpesvirus on the geniculate ganglion. We studied three groups of patients with Bell's palsy who received different treatments in an attempt to discern differences in evolution between treatment groups.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed1999

[Effect of climatic factors on the epidemiology of rotavirus infection in children under 5 years of age in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela].

Diarrhea is one of the most common problem of public health worldwide, specially in developing countries. In Venezuela, this affection must be weekly reported when it occurs in children under five years of age. During June 1993 to May 1995, 379 stool specimens were obtained from children under five years of age with diarrhea admitted in Hospital de Niños of Maracaibo, Venezuela. Control group was conformed by 93 asymptomatic children. The rotavirus RNA was extracted with phenol-chloroform and precipitated with ethanol. Finally, polyacrylamide-gel-electrophoresis (PAGE), followed by silver staining was employed for rotavirus detection. Our results showed 62 (16.4%) positive cases for rotavirus in symptomatic children and 9 (9.7%) in control group. The highest incidence was showed in the infants under one year of age (21.5%). The electrophoretic analysis revealed only one long electropherotype pattern in studied samples. It was observed a close relationship between the increase of rotavirus cases and the increase of the pluviometric index and a decrease of mean temperature observed during the period of study. Both variables determine the increase or decrease of viral infection in our region. This result shows the importance of the climatic factors in the rotavirus epidemiology.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1999

[Bcl-2 gene protein expression in salivary gland tumors].

BACKGROUND: Salivary gland tumors have heterogeneous pathological features. Oncogene Bcl-2 product expression inhibits apoptosis and therefore is important for tumor proliferation. AIM: To assess the immunohistochemical gene Bcl-2 protein expression in salivary gland tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty seven salivary gland tumors were selected from the archives of the Pathology Department of Temuco Regional Hospital. There were 20 pleiomorphic adenomas, 4 cystic adenoid carcinomas and three mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Immunohistochemical gene Bcl-2 protein expression was determined in paraffin included pathological slices. RESULTS: All pleiomorphic adenomas expressed the protein, specially in tubulo ductal structures, solid and trabecular areas. All cystic adenoid carcinomas expressed the protein in myoepithelial cells. Two mucoepidermoid carcinomas were positive, only in the epidermoid areas. CONCLUSIONS: immunohistochemical gene Bcl-2 protein was expressed in virtually all benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. This observation suggest an important role of this protein in the development of these tumors.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗
PubMed1999

[Multiple mononeuropathy and vasculitis].

BACKGROUND: Seventy percent of vasculitis are neurologically expressed as multiple mononeuropathy (MM) or asymmetrical neuropathy (AN). Concurrent nerve and muscle biopsy increases the diagnostic accuracy of the disease. AIM: To define the pathological features of vascular damage in nerve and muscle in patients with MM or AN. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1980 and 1997, 50 patients with a MM or AN diagnosis, based on neurological and neurophysiological findings, were studied at the Neurology Department of Hospital del Salvador. All underwent nerve and muscle biopsy (of the superficial peroneal nerve and the short peroneal muscle). Slices were stained with hematoxylin eosin, luxol fast blue and Gomori staining. RESULTS: Forty two patients, aged 52 +/- 15 years old (29 female) had a vasculitis. These subjects with MM or AN associated to vasculitis, corresponded to 22% of neuropathies subjected to nerve biopsy at the Department in the study period. Thirty two cases (76%) had necrotizing arteritis, characterized by wall fibrinoid necrosis and lumen occlusion in large vessels (> 100 microns), with lymphoplasmocytic and macrophage infiltration. Ten cases showed an inflammatory reaction and endothelial proliferation without wall necrosis, specially in small epineural arteries. Vascular recanalization was found in 33% of cases. Diagnostic vascular changes were found in 87% of nerve biopsies and 53% of muscle biopsies. No definitive relationship between the intensity of vascular and nerve lesions was found. All muscle biopsies showed some degree of neurogenic atrophy and 5 had micro infarcts. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial peroneal nerve biopsy is diagnostic in most patients with MM or AN associated with vasculitis. Nerve and muscle biopsies are complementary in the diagnostic work up.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Cerebral hemorrhage and angiopathy amyloid].

BACKGROUND: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is considered pathogenic in non traumatic cerebral lobar hemorrhages. AIM: To study the frequency of cerebral amyloid angiopathy in brains of patients dying of non traumatic cerebral hemorrhages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty seven brains from patients, 25 men and aged 65 +/- 10 years old, with cerebral hemorrhages (14 lobar, 18 in basal ganglia and 5 in cerebellum or brainstem) were studied. As controls, the brains of 30 subjects, 14 men and aged 64 +/- 16 years old, dying of non neurological causes were studied. Deep and cortical vessels were stained with hematoxylin eosin, Gomori, Thioflavin T and Bodian. Definitive cerebral amyloid angiopathy was diagnosed when amyloid deposition was observed in the media of vessels. RESULTS: Twenty six out of 32 patients dying of cerebral hemorrhage and 3 of 21 controls had chronic hypertension. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy was present in 19 of 37 brains of patients with cerebral hemorrhage and 13 of 30 control brains. In patients with hypertension, vascular changes independent of the location and volume of amyloid deposition, were observed. Such changes were dilatation, tortuousness, thickening of walls specially in muscular and adventitia and hyaline degeneration. Thirteen brains with hemorrhage had fibrinoid necrosis and 10 had microaneurysms. CONCLUSIONS: In this series of patients, cerebral amyloid deposition was unspecific and its role in the pathogenesis of cerebral hemorrhages was not confirmed. Hypertension was associated with vascular degenerative changes that can lead to cerebral hemorrhages.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[Chronic sclerosing non-specific sialadenitis of the submandibular gland (Küttner tumor). Report of one case].

Chronic sclerosing unspecific sialadenitis or Küttner tumor, is an infrequent inflammatory lesion of submandibular gland. We report a 60 years old male presenting with a slowly growing, painless, bilateral submandibular tumor of two years of evolution. Pathological examinations showed marked atrophy of glandular parenchyma with increased fibrous connective tissue and an intense lymphocytic infiltration with lymphoid follicle formation. Lymphocyte population study with kappa, lambda, CD20 and CD45RO antibodies was similar to that observed in reactive lymph nodes. There was no over expression of Bcl-2 gene protein, involved in the phenomenon of apoptosis of glandular tissue, that could explain the pathogenesis of atrophy. This protein was positive only in lymphoid cells and glandular conducts. An immune etiology, with replacement of glandular tissue by lymphoid and fibrous connective tissue is suggested.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1999

[Changes in prostatic histological composition in subjects with prostatitis].

OBJECTIVES: To explore the links between the histological composition of the prostate and the symptoms related to the clinical BPH. MATERIAL & METHODS: The prostates of 34 patients with symptoms of BPH and 17 asymptomatic patients were biopsied. Using light microscopy, the ratio of stromal to glandular surfaces was calculated. The main dimensions of 5 epithelial cells randomly selected, were examined under electron microscopy in each case. The number and length of microvilli, and the number of secretory granules were determined. The results of symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects were compared by means of Student's t and Mann-Whitney's U tests. RESULTS: The mean ratio of stromal and glandular surfaces came to 4:1 and 6.5:1 in the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.18). Although the average cellular surface of the symptomatic patients was inferior to that of the asymptomatic subjects (74 and 88 mu2. respectively), the differences did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.14). Similarly, the mean nuclear surface of the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (19.5 and 20.8 mu2, respectively) did not differ (p = 0.48). No differences were detected in the number of secretory granules and microvilli, nor in the length of the microvilli. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of symptoms related to the clinical BPH is not due to differences in the composition of the prostate. No clear links seem to exist between the structural changes in the epithelial cells and the development of symptoms. Considering the proportions of epithelium and stroma, therapy focused in the prostatic stroma should yield the best results.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[Acute pancreatitis of uncommon etiology: a physiopathologic approach].

A review of 73 cases of acute pancreatitis (A.P.) of *A in frequent etiology is critically analyzed. The patients were allocated to the following categories: post ingestion of a large meal, dyslipemic, post ERCP, post operative, pregnancy, and puerperium linked., post urlian parotiditis, post stress, idiopathic, drug associated, post traumatic. In each of the above groups those hypotheses that are currently primarily accepted as been mainly concerned with the etiopathogenesis of the inflammatory episode were given preference. One factor upon which the authors has put special emphasis is that of frequent involvement of the nervous system through different types of autonomic are reflexes. This pathogenic mechanism is surprisingly disregarded in the literature. The interrelation ship between the severity of an AP episode and the background provided by the "pancreon" secretory activity is also emphasized. The mortality rate of the whole series was of 7 cases (9.6%). The groups that disclosed the highest rates were related to abdominal surgery (50%) and to dyslipemia (17%).

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

In vitro bactericidal activity of peak serum concentrations of co-amoxiclav, amoxicillin and vancomycin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

In order to explore the bactericidal activity of concentrations similar to the peak serum concentrations obtained after a single i.v. dose of 2,000/200 mg co-amoxiclav and 500 mg vancomycin, killing curves with co-amoxiclav (69/10 microg/ml), amoxicillin (69 microg/ml), clavulanic acid (10 microg/ml), and vancomycin (15 microg/ml) were performed against two isogenic (ss-lactamase positive and negative) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains in cation-supplemented Mueller-Hinton broth with 2% NaCl incubated at 35 degrees C. Colony counts were performed at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours in Mueller- Hinton plates supplemented with 4% NaCl and 25 microg/ml oxacillin to measure the resistant population. Similar initial inocula reductions were obtained for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and vancomycin for both strains, and significant differences were found in comparison to the control. Clavulanic acid decreased the growth rate of the ss-lactamase negative strain when compared to control curves. The penicillin-binding protein 2a affinity of old ss-lactams in conjunction with clavulanic acid overcoming ss-lactamase resistance may explain these results.

Amoxicillin↗
PubMed1999

[Evidence-based medicine and the validation of quality-of-life questionnaires: the Spanish version of the MOS-HIV questionnaire for the evaluation of the quality of life in patients infected by HIV].

BACKGROUND: To validate the Spanish version of the MOS-HIV questionnaire for measuring quality of life in HIV-infected patients. METHODS: 275 HIV-infected patients distributed in three diagnostic categories (asymptomatic, symptomatic and AIDS) and 40 blood donors as healthy controls were recruited from 23 Spanish hospitals and answered the MOS-HIV. Feasibility was assessed by analysing the mean time of administration and the percentage of patients with missing response. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. A subsample of 48 stable patients completed the questionnaire on two occasions to assess test-retest reliability using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. Validity was assessed by calculating the area under the Receiver's Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve between patients and controls, and by correlating MOS-HIV scores with the VAS of Euroqol, the number of symptoms, the CD4+ count and viral load. RESULTS: The mean time of administration was 16 minutes and 18.9% of patients did answer the MOS-HIV with some missing response. All the scales showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.78-0.89). Test-retest reliability of Physical Health (PHS) and Mental Health (MHS) Summary Scores was 0.58 y 0.85, respectively. The MOS-HIV discriminated between patients and controls (ROC = 0.77, CI = 0.69-0.85 and ROC = 0.80, CI = 0.72-0.88, for the PHS and MHS, respectively). The correlation of the scales of the MOS-HIV with the CD4+ count and viral load was low (r = -0.26 to 0.3), and with the number of symptoms and the VAS of Euroqol were moderate (r = -0.28 to -0.49 and r = 0.4 to 0.66, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Considering evidence-based medicine principles, the Spanish version of the MOS-HIV has shown adequate feasibility, reliability and validity for its use in clinical research, but their use in clinical practice is limited because of their time of administration, the low reproducibility of some scales and the features of their scoring system.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Effect of iron supplementation and its frequency during pregnancy].

The iron (Fe) nutritional status of 203 healthy pregnant women was assessed at the first prenatal visit (To) (gestational age: 16.9 weeks +/- 3.81. Women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: G1 and G2 were supplemented with ferrous fumarate (60 mg elemental Fe) daily or intermittently (three times a week), respectively; and GC was the control group, without supplementation. The follow up was carried out until 34-37 weeks of gestational age (Tf), but only 43% of pregnant women completed the trial. At To and Tf fasting blood samples were collected and Hematocrit (Hct), Hemoglobin (Hb), Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin (EP) and Serum Ferritin (FERR) were determined. The percentage of women with abnormal biochemical values at To (n = 203) was: Hb (g/dl) < 10.5: 2.6%; PE (microgram/dl of red blood cells) > 70: 4.8%; FERR (ng/ml) < 10: 4.4%. Results (X +/- DE) of women that completed the follow up were at To and Tf, respectively: Hct (%): GC: 37.7 +/- 3.4 and 36.0 +/- 3.2 (p < 0.05); G1: 38.8 +/- 2.2 and 38.0 +/- 2.6; G2: 39.0 +/- 2.7 and 37.7 +/- 3.7; Hb (g/dl): GC: 12.5 +/- 1.2 and 11.9 +/- 1.3 (p < 0.05); G1: 12.6 +/- 1.1 and 12.8 +/- 1.1; G2: 12.9 +/- 0.9 and 12.2 +/- 1.5; PE (microgram/dl red blood cells): GC: 30 +/- 17 and 43 +/- 22 (p < 0.01); G1: 26 +/- 13 and 38 +/- 21 (p < 0.01); G2: 26 +/- 16 and 31 +/- 26; FERR (ng/ml): GC: 75 +/- 67 and 31 +/- 49 (p < 0.01); G1: 46 +/- 34 and 19 +/- 10 (p < 0.01); G2: 43 +/- 11 and 11 +/- 7 (p < 0.01). These results show: a) Fe administration was efficient to mitigate Hb decrease; b) Fe stores decreased during pregnancy regardless of Fe supplementation and frequency; c) EP values indicate that intermittent Fe administration was more efficient to maintain normal erythropoiesis.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Health status and functional limitations in the elderly population of the University Region of Health of Puerto Rico: methodologic aspects and prevalence estimates].

In order to plan the health services for the elderly population, it is necessary to quantify their health status and their functional capacity. In Puerto Rico, few epidemiological studies have been conducted regarding functional capacity and chronic diseases in the elderly population. One of the difficulties to undertake these studies is the high cost and risks to move this population for clinical exams, in addition to the methodology limitation of self-report in the elderly population. This study shows the use of logistic regression to estimate the prevalence of chronic diseases and functional capacity, when the observed data are not consisted with the planed sampling scheme. Four hundred and eighty-seven elderly persons (65 yr. and over) were interviewed in the municipalities of Canóvanas, Carolina, Loíza and Trujillo Alto in Puerto Rico, using a cross-sectional design. More than half of the elderly had visual problems (IC 95%: 54.8%, 63.8%), arthritis (IC 95%: 52.7%, 61.5%) and hypertension (IC 95%: 47.3%, 56.3%). In the case of hypertension, significant differences (p < 0.05) by sex were observed, where women reported a higher prevalence than men. One of the higher prevalences in the functional capacity status was with urine accidents. More than one-third of the population is estimated to have this problem (IC 95%: 34.7%, 43.4%). One-fourth of the population had limitations with going out for shopping (IC 95%: 23.9%, 31.9%) and using public and private transportation (IC 95%: 19.5%, 26.9%). We conclude that the applied methodology was consistent with the estimation presented in the literature and statistics from the Puerto Rico Health Department. However, it is necessary to continue assessing the design and analytical methodology, in order to undertake consistent and periodic evaluations of the elderly population.

Activities of Daily Living↗