Endoscopic laser surgery after therapeutic amniocentesis in the treatment of severe twin--twin transfusion syndrome.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
M J Castillo
Publications and source records attributed to M J Castillo.
Increased susceptibility to plasma lipid peroxidation in untrained subjects after an extreme mountain bike challenge at moderate altitude.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether acute strenuous physical exercise, partially performed under moderate altitude, influences the susceptibility of plasma lipids to peroxidation. Eleven male amateur cyclists took part in a 95-km mountain bike challenge with a cumulative altitude difference of 2340 m. Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after the race in order to determine plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations, and to assess the susceptibility of the former to peroxidation. Neither plasma lipid nor lipoprotein levels changed significantly after the race. However, the susceptibility of plasma lipids to peroxidation increased by 71.8 %. We concluded that strenuous physical exercise partially performed under hypoxic conditions increases the susceptibility of plasma lipids to peroxidation in untrained subjects.
Adult↗
Serum lipids, body mass index and waist circumference during pubertal development in Spanish adolescents: the AVENA Study.
AIM: To describe the effects of chronological age and biological age (pubertal development) on serum lipid and lipoprotein levels, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in Spanish adolescents. METHODS: A representative Spanish sample of 526 adolescents (254 males and 272 females), were studied. Total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1 and B, and lipoprotein(a) were measured, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) was calculated. Additional measurements included BMI and waist circumference. Adolescents were classified according to chronological age, and pubertal development (also age of menarche in females). RESULTS: In males, serum TC levels were lower at late puberty in comparison with early puberty, and serum LDLc levels were lower at late puberty in comparison with mid and early puberty. Serum HDLc levels were lower at mid puberty in comparison with early and late puberty. Serum TC and LDLc levels were not different when analyzed according to chronological age. In females, HDLc levels were lower at late puberty in comparison with early and mid puberty, but no differences were found when HDLc and the other studied lipid and lipoprotein variables were analyzed according to chronological age, or age of menarche. All the observed differences persisted after adjusting for BMI and waist circumference. In female adolescents, both BMI and waist circumference were higher at late puberty in comparison with early and mid puberty, while in males, BMI and waist circumference were different when analyzed according to chronological age. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the assessment of pubertal development may provide additional valuable information when interpreting lipid profile and body fat in adolescents.
Adolescent↗
Significant improvement of specific bronchial hyperreactivity in asthmatic children after 4 months of treatment with a modified extract of dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.
BACKGROUND: The clinical efficacy of allergen immunotherapy using therapeutic vaccines containing modified allergen extracts has been previously shown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a vaccine containing depigmented, polymerized extract of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in asthmatic children, monosensitized to mites, after 4 months of treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 mite-allergic, asthmatic children (age range, 8-16 years) were entered in the study; 15 were treated with the modified allergen extract (active group) and 15 received only pharmacologic treatment (control group). The study was open, controlled and parallel with random allocation of the patients to each of the groups. Efficacy was evaluated using allergen-specific bronchial challenge tests, dose-response skin-prick tests, and symptom and medication scores. The results of the bronchial challenges and dose-response skin-prick tests were compared at baseline and after 4 months of treatment. The build up phase consisted of 4 injections in 2 days, followed by 4 injections of the maintenance dose. RESULTS: All patients of the active group concluded the study, whereas 2 of the control group did not. In the active group, there was a significant difference in the PC20FEV1 (P <.01) after 4 months. The mean allergen quantity needed was 26 microg at baseline vs. 309 microg after 4 months (a 12.8-fold increase). There was no difference in the control group (5 tg at baseline vs 8 microg at the end). A significant reduction in the number of cases with dual bronchial response was observed in the treated group (P < .05). Two treated patients of this group experienced a negative bronchial challenge after 4 months of treatment. The group of active patients also experienced significant improvement in skin reactivity and symptom and medication scores. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccines containing depigmented polymerized extracts of D pteronyssinus are safe and effective in the treatment of mite allergic asthmatic children, and provide clinical benefit after 4 months of treatment.
Adolescent↗
Extreme mountain bike challenges may induce sub-clinical myocardial damage.
AIM: The relationship between extreme exercise and coronary artery disease is not well understood, and the information available is contradictory. The aim of the present study was to determine whether strenuous endurance exercise, performed under conditions in which the partial pressure of environmental oxygen varies constantly, can induce myocardial cell injury. METHODS: Plasma urea, creatinine, creatine kinase, myoglobin and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations were measured the day before and immediately after a mountain bike challenge (distance 95 km, cumulative altitude difference 2340 m) in eleven amateur male cyclists. RESULTS: All biochemical markers of muscle cell damage increased significantly after exercise. Although cTnI concentrations also increased significantly, they remained below the threshold (0.5 microg/L) indicative of acute myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: In male, amateur mountain bikers, this kind of strenuous exercise may induce sub-clinical myocardial injury.
Adult↗
Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty: sutures versus glue.
INTRODUCTION: This was a prospective, randomised study undertaken from January 2001 to July 2003 firstly to assess the possibility of using glues to fix meshes, secondly to verify whether or not this leads to a higher hernia recurrence rate, and thirdly to assess post-operative pain. METHODS: This study covered a total of 55 patients with bilateral hernias who presented similar characteristics on both sides and on whom fixation of the mesh was undertaken differently, depending on the side. On the right side polypropylene sutures were used (prolene 2/0), while on the left, attachment was done using glue (Tissucol). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Results were similar in both inguinal regions, although there was less post-operative pain and less inflammatory reaction on the left side. There was no hernia recurrence in the follow-up at the end of 1 year.
Aged↗
Sauna-induced rapid weight loss decreases explosive power in women but not in men.
This study aimed at investigating to what extent sauna-induced dehydration is effective to rapidly decrease body weight and whether this practice alters strength and/or explosive power (jump capacity) in healthy athletes. We also investigated whether the observed changes could be rapidly reversed through rehydration. Six male (aged 21.6 +/- 1.8 y) and six female (aged 24.5 +/- 3.7 y) athletes who were not familiar with weight cutting procedures were tested on three occasions: 1) before sauna, 2) after three consecutive sauna sessions (3 x 20 min at 70 degrees C, with 5 min rest interval), and 3) after one hour rehydration period (2.5 ml/kg body weight every 15 min). For rehydration, a carbohydrate beverage (6.3 % glucose, 9.5 mmol/l Na (+), 10 degrees C) was used. Evaluation consisted of body composition, strength (row-strength, handgrip-strength) and jump capacity (squat jump, counter-movement jump and elastic capacity). Sauna-induced dehydration, significantly decreased body weight in men (- 1.8 +/- 0.5 %) and women (-1.4 +/- 0.6 %). This reduction could not be rapidly reversed through rehydration. This weight cutting scheme did not affect strength or jump capacity in men. In women, a statistically significant decrease in squat jump was manifested after rehydration compared to pre-sauna values 23.7 +/- 2.2 vs. 25.2 +/- 1.4 cm, p < 0.05). The squat jump decrease in women was linearly and directly related to the percent reduction of body weight.
Adult↗
Acute exposure to moderate high altitude decreases growth hormone response to physical exercise in untrained subjects.
AIM: Physical exercise in recreational mountain sports is frequently performed without acclimatization to hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia may modify the hormonal and metabolic adaptive response to exercise depending on the type of exercise and on the physical fitness of the subject. This study aims at investigating the growth hormone (GH) response to submaximal exercise after acute exposure to moderate high altitude. METHODS: Ten trained (T) and 10 untrained (UT) male volunteers (mean age 23.8+/-3.2 y) underwent, in random order, 2 submaximal exercise (ergocycle) tests of the same absolute intensity. One test was performed at their habitual living altitude (690 m above sea level); the other, after acute exposure to 2325 m above sea level. Plasma levels of GH, Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and lactate were measured before and immediately after the exercise tests. RESULTS: Plasma GH levels increased after exercise (p<0.05) in both experimental conditions, and for both T and UT subjects. Hypoxia decreased the GH-IGF-1 response to exercise in the UT group. By contrast, the GH-IGF-1 response to exercise was not modified in the T group. The increase in plasma lactate levels induced by exercise was much higher in the UT than in the T group, and it was not affected by hypoxia. CONCLUSION: Acute exposure to hypoxia blunts the GH response to submaximal physical exercise in untrained individuals.
Adult↗
Whole bee for diagnosis of honey allergy.
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Allergens↗
Synthesis and biological activity of 7-oxo substituted analogues of 5-deaza-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolic acid (5-DATHF) and 5,10-dideaza-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolic acid (DDATHF).
We recently described the syntheses of 12a-c, 4-amino-7-oxo substituted analogues of 5-deaza-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolic acid (5-DATHF), and 5,10-dideaza-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolic acid (DDATHF), in six steps from commercially available p-substituted methyl benzoates in 20-27% overall yields. Such analogues were tested in vitro against CCRF-CEM leukemia cells and showed that they are completely devoid of any activity, the IC(50) being higher than 20 microg/mL for all cases. To clarify if the presence of the carbonyl group in position C7, the distinctive feature of our synthetic methodology, is the reason for this lack of activity, we have now obtained the 7-oxo substituted analogues of 5-DATHF and DDATHF, 18a-c, in 10-30% overall yield. Testing of 18a-c in vitro against CCRF-CEM leukemia cells revealed that these compounds are totally inactive. A molecular modeling study of 18b inside the active site of the complex E. coliGARTFase-5-DATHF-GAR pointed to an electronic repulsion between the atoms of the 7-oxo group and the carbonyl group of Arg90 as a possible explanation for the inactivity of 18a-c.
Antineoplastic Agents↗
Three days fast in sportsmen decreases physical work capacity but not strength or perception-reaction time.
This study investigates, in young nonobese healthy athletes, the consequences of a 3-day fast coupled, or not, to enhanced physical activity. Eight male subjects, aged 21+/-2 years, fasted for 3 days on two separate occasions, 4 weeks apart. On the first occasion, subjects continued their daily training activities. On the second occasion, a daily physical exercise program was added to these activities. Subjects were evaluated before and after 24 hours and 72 hours of fasting. Evaluation consisted of body composition, basal respiratory exchange ratio, plasma metabolic parameters, perception-reaction time (both simple and discriminant), hand grip strength, and physical work capacity at 170 beats per minute (PWC170). Fasting determined significant reductions in body weight, body fat, and muscle mass. These reductions were not affected by enhanced physical activity. Basal respiratory exchange ratio decreased with fasting but was not influenced by increased training activities. Fasting determined a significant decrease in blood glucose levels, while plasma proteins, urea, uric acid, and free fatty acids increased. Perception-reaction time and hand grip strength were unmodified during fasting. By contrast, PWC170 was significantly and progressively reduced during fasting, and this decrease was not reversed by an increase in training activities.
Adult↗
[Nutrition in the sport practice: adaptation of the food guide pyramid to the characteristics of athletes diet].
In spite of all the advances in sport nutrition and the importance of an adequate food intake in order to improve sport performance, both recreational and professional athletes forget frequently to include planning an optimum diet and fluid intake in their global strategy for performance. Physiological and metabolic adaptations produced as a consequence of physical exercise lead to the necessity of increasing caloric (in accordance to energy output) and protein (based on the trophic needs of the organism) intake. Likewise, paying major attention to vitamin and mineral intake, specifically B vitamins and zinc and chromium, is required, in order to optimize carbohydrate metabolism, the ultimate limiting factor for sport performance. During the training phase, 60% of calories should come from carbohydrates, protein intake should be 1.2-2 g/kg/day and athletes should follow the recommendations of the food guide pyramid. During the pre-, per- and post-competition phase the healthy aspect of the diet passes to a second level, in order to obtain good sport performance and to guarantee a fast and effective recovery. Again, carbohydrates with a high or medium glycaemic index and water are the nutrients which have to be calculated more thoroughly. In conclusion, athletes have to follow a diet that is adequate to their higher energy output and to their higher metabolic turnover. The food guide pyramid is a graphic expression which facilitates the comprehension and following of a healthy diet. In the present article, the authors introduce the pyramid adapted to the characteristics of sports nutrition, with easy-to-follow practical recommendations regarding the kind and amounts of foodstuffs that should be consumed in order to cover nutrient needs of people who exercise regularly.
Diet↗
No increased insulin sensitivity after a single intravenous administration of a recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor: Fc fusion protein in obese insulin-resistant patients.
Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha results in a marked increase in insulin sensitivity in obese rodents. We investigated the influence of a TNF antagonist [Ro 45-2081, a recombinant fusion protein that consists of the soluble TNF-receptor (p55) linked to the Fc portion of human IgG1] on insulin sensitivity of patients with android obesity. Seven patients (five women and two men; mean +/- SD age, 41 +/- 4 yr; body mass index, 36.1 +/- 4.7 kg/m2; waist to hip ratio, 0.99 +/- 0.11) were studied (three patients with normal glucose tolerance and four patients with impaired glucose tolerance or mild diabetes; all were hyperinsulinemic). Each patient underwent two consecutive euglycemic hyperinsulinemic glucose-clamp tests: 48 h after injection of placebo and 48 h after a single i.v. injection of 50 mg Ro 45-2081. In both tests, steady-state plasma glucose and insulin levels were similar. Insulin-mediated glucose disposal (2.23 +/- 0.74 vs. 2.38 +/- 0.99 mg/kg(-1) x min(-1)) and glucose metabolic clearance rate (2.28 +/- 0.85 vs. 2.48 +/- 1.03 mL/kg(-1) x min(-1)) were similar after placebo and after the drug. Indirect calorimetry showed no difference in substrate oxidation rates between the two experimental conditions. In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, no improvement in insulin sensitivity was observed in obese insulin-resistant patients following a single i.v. administration of a recombinant TNF receptor: Fc fusion protein.
Adult↗
Influence of a transscrotal testosterone propionate administration on the serum level of selected hormones of the hypophyso-gonadal axis.
This study was designed to examine the effect of a percutaneous scrotal administration of testosterone propionate (TP) on selected blood variables, in order to identify a reliable anti-doping probe liable to disclose the illicit use of testosterone. Twelve healthy adult males gave their informed consent for the study. Each morning (8:30) and for 10 consecutive days (D), a placebo (D:1,2,3,...8,9,10) or a testosterone propionate (200mg TP on D:... 4,5,6,7...) scrotal patch was installed. On D2 or D3 (placebo-treated) or D7 (TP-treated), venous blood samples were collected at 5 min intervals from 9:00 until 13:00. Serum LH, FSH, 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17HP), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and SHBG contents were analysed by immunoassays. The high sampling frequency revealed that TP was associated with the complete abolition of serum LH pulses. Although statistically significant, TP treatment was not related to explicit changes in serum FSH, E2, T/E2 and T/SHBG. TP-induced effects were most significant on serum LH, T and 17HP and were most clearly illustrated by a bi-dimensional distribution plot of serum values of the latter variables. The expression of a combination of the latter parameters could eventually serve to detect testosterone misusers.
17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
Identification and characterization of a new serotonergic recognition site with high affinity for 5-carboxamidotryptamine in mammalian brain.
We analyzed the existence of an additional serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtype, sensitive to 5-carboxamidotryptamine, in the mammalian brain. Radioligand binding studies with [3H]5-HT were carried out in rat, guinea pig, and human brain membranes, in the presence of unlabeled drugs to mask the binding to all known 5-HT receptors, with the exception of 5-HT1E sites. Under these conditions, unlabeled 5-carboxamidotryptamine still showed a biphasic competition curve with a nanomolar affinity component. Saturation studies with 5-[3H]carboxamidotryptamine were carried out in the presence of (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin, mesulergine, and ergotamine, to mask the binding to all receptors known to be labeled by 5-carboxamidotryptamine. These studies showed the existence in cortex and hippocampus from guinea pig and human brain of a remaining binding site with high affinity (pK(D) = 7.8-8.1) and a unique pharmacological profile. 5-HT and 5-carboxamidotryptamine showed nanomolar affinity, whereas 5-methoxytryptamine recognized this binding site with intermediate affinity. Other drugs exhibited low or very low potency in inhibiting this binding. The addition of 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate significantly reduced the number of binding sites labeled by 5-[3H]carboxamidotryptamine, in the presence of the masking drugs described above, indicating the interaction with a GTP-binding protein. Preliminary autoradiographic studies in human brain appear to indicate that this 5-HT binding site is present in areas such as the globus pallidus, neocortex, and hippocampus, among others.
8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗
Frequent serum sampling in healthy men discloses testosterone peaks exacerbated by testosterone propionate administration.
Interval samplings uncover blood diurnal oscillations for several hormones, highlighting the importance of short time intervals in the disclosure of subtle pulsatile patterns of some peptide hormones, namely LH. In a study designed to develop new probes against steroid misuse, venous blood was sampled at 5-min intervals for 4 hours from 12 eugonadal adult male athletes, 6 receiving transcutaneous administrations of testosterone propionate and 6 placebo subjects. Brief supraphysiologic serum testosterone peaks were disclosed, the amplitude and frequency of these peaks being larger for the treated group. No solid explanation could be given to explain these bursts. Neither the binding/dissociation kinetics of SHBG molecules with and without increased circulating level of dihydrotestosterone, nor brief testosterone-inducing LH bursts, nor increased Leydig cell release could be invoked to explain these peaks. Their occurrence, although relatively rare, could represent a threat and lead to improper treatment.
Administration, Cutaneous↗
Antimyeloperoxidase antibodies in individuals with occupational exposure to silica.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of autoantibodies to myeloperoxidase (MPO) in a series of patients exposed to silica. METHODS: The study included 52 patients with occupational exposure to silica (mean exposure time seven years) and a control group comprising seven patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS), six patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 15 healthy individuals. Antibodies to MPO were detected using commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plates coated with MPO. Indirect immunoflurescence studies for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were performed using ethanol and formol fixed neutrophils. Clinical and biological data of individuals exposed to silica were recorded (published previously). RESULTS: Antibodies to MPO were detected in 14 individuals exposed to silica (27%). There was a statistically significant difference in anti-MPO ELISA units between the healthy subjects and patients (SLE, PSS, silica exposed individuals) (p < 0.01), but no difference between the different disease groups. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals chronically exposed to silica, whether or not they have a connective tissue disease, have levels of antibodies to MPO (as detected by ELISA) that are greater than those found in the normal population, but similar to those in patients with systemic diseases not induced by silica (SLE/PSS).
Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic↗
Elimination of meat, fish, and derived products from the Spanish-Mediterranean diet: effect on the plasma lipid profile.
UNLABELLED: The effect of eliminating all animal (meat and fish) products except eggs and milk products from the current Spanish-Mediterranean diet was studied in 14 healthy subjects. This dietary manipulation decreased saturated and monounsaturated fat, protein, and cholesterol intakes. During the 2-month intervention period, a decrease in total plasma cholesterol concentrations (4.53 +/- 0.13 vs. 4.29 +/- 0.13 mmol/l, p < 0.05) was observed, mostly as a result of decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (1.66 +/- 0.08 vs. 1.47 +/- 0.08 mmol/l, p < 0.05). The decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (2.51 +/- 0.15 vs. 2.43 +/- 0.13 mmol/l) did not reach statistical significance. Nevertheless, there was a significant association between the decrease in cholesterol intake and the decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (r = 0.719, p < 0.01). The decrease in protein intake was also correlated with the decrease in total cholesterol levels (r = 0.629, p < 0.05). Body weight and lean body mass were not modified during the study. Maximal aerobic power and maximal oxygen consumption were not significantly affected by the diet manipulation. IN CONCLUSION: a 2-month change from the current Spanish-Mediterranean diet to an ovolactovegetarian diet in young healthy persons decreases total plasma cholesterol levels, but mainly due to a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
Adult↗