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M Quinones

Publications and source records attributed to M Quinones.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Role of candidate modifier genes on the phenotypic expression of hypertrophy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The phenotypic expression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is variable. This phenotypic variability is not completely explained by the responsible mutations or other known factors. Recent data denote a role for the modifier genes and environmental factors. We studied the role of 3 potential modifier genes, i.e., angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin II receptor 1a (AT1a), and endothelin-1 (END1) on the phenotypic expression of LVH in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). METHODS: The study population was comprised of 108 genetically independent patients with HCM. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and LVH score were determined per published protocols. The genotypes of AGT (M235T, T174M, and G-6A), AT1a, and END1 were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) or mutation-specific PCR (MS-PCR). RESULTS: Male patients had higher mean LVMI and LVH score than female patients (146.0 +/- 33.5 vs 129.4 +/- 33.6, p = 0.01 and 6.0 vs 5.0, p = 0.010, respectively). Gender accounted for 4.8% and 5.4% of the variability of LVMI and LVH score, respectively. The END1 genotypes also had a significant influence on LVH scores accounting for 2.9% of their variability (p = 0.042). The median LVH score was greater in patients with the AA and AG genotypes, as compared to patients with the GG genotype (7.0 vs 5.0, p = 0.034). Neither the AGT nor the AT1 genotypes had a significant influence on the expression of LVH. In multivariate regression analysis, END1 and gender accounted for 7.3% of the variability of the LVH score (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that gender and the END1 gene modify the phenotypic expression of hypertrophy in patients with HCM.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Psychological distress, drug and alcohol use as correlates of condom use in HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between psychological distress, alcohol, drug and condom use in HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples. METHODS: Structured interviews were conducted to collect demographic information, detailed data on psychological distress, drug and alcohol use and sexual behavior. RESULTS: Analyses were based on 106 pairs of sexually active discordant couples. Significant differences among heterosexual condom users and non-users varied according to gender and HIV serostatus. Affect domains of interpersonal sensitivity and hostility were significant, as were the variables of regular drug or alcohol use and combining sex with drugs or alcohol. Employment was strongly associated with condom use in HIV-negative women whose regular sexual partners were HIV-positive men. CONCLUSION: The risk of vaginal sex without condoms in HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples may be reduced by specific psychological counseling and attention to drug and alcohol use as risk factors. Further research on the effect of employment of HIV-negative women is required.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

The 44P subunit of the T4 DNA polymerase accessory protein complex catalyzes ATP hydrolysis.

The genes encoding all three T4 DNA polymerase accessory proteins have been cloned into overexpression plasmids. Induction of cells harboring these plasmids results in the synthesis of each accessory protein at levels that approach 10% of the total cellular protein. The solubility of the accessory proteins after induction at 42 degrees C ranges from about 60% to greater than 95%. A plasmid that allows overexpression of the 44P/62P complex has been manipulated further to overexpress selectively the 44P subunit without 62P, permitting us to assess how each subunit contributes to the properties of the 44P/62P complex. A comparison of 44P and 44P/62P by conventional hydrodynamic techniques shows that 44P forms a subcomplex nearly as large as the 44P/62P complex. In addition, 44P catalyzes DNA-dependent ATP hydrolysis with a specific activity similar to that of the 44P/62P ATPase. However, unlike the 44P/62P complex, the ATPase activity of 44P alone is only slightly stimulated by 45P. This suggests that one role of the 62P subunit is to facilitate a productive interaction of 44P and 45P.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1977

Skeletal muscle pseudohypertrophy in primary amyloidosis.

Macroglossia and skeletal muscle enlargement with weakness appeared in a 38-year-old male who was shown to have amyloidosis and light chain multiple myeloma. Free lambda light chains were present in serum and urine. Skeletal muscle contained large amounts of amyloid and other amorphous material infiltrating blood vessel walls and connective tissue. Muscle fibers, particularly the type II variety, were diminished in size. Amyloid and similar amorphous material also were present in skin. This patient represents an unusual, but somewhat uniform, type of involvement of the neuromuscular apparatus in nonfamilial primary amyloidosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

An evaluation of detoxification as an initial step in the treatment of heroin addiction.

Of 802 voluntary patients admitted to the detoxification unit of a comprehensive treatment system, 69% completed detoxification but only 9.6% of thest patients sought long-term treatment. The demographic profile of detoxification patients differed somewhat from that of patients in long-term treatment. The authors suggest that new approaches, including legal pressure, are needed to induce detoxification patients to accept prolonged therapy.

Heroin Dependence↗