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Biomedical subjects

M Vélez

Publications and source records attributed to M Vélez.

26 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

[Becker's myotonia in Peru].

INTRODUCTION: The word myotonia was used for the first time by Strümpell in 1891. Diseases associated with this symptom are called myotonias. They are classified on the basis of their clinical features in: congenita myotonia, paramyotonia congenita, myotonic dystrophy and Schwartz-Jampel syndrome. Becker's myotonia is a generalized congenita nondystrophic myotonia transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait and caused by allelic mutation of the gene encoding the chloride channel CLC-1 of the skeletal muscle fiber surface membrane, localized on chromosome 7q35. At the present time, nondystrophic myotonias are referred as channelopathies. CLINICAL CASE: We describe a case of generalized myotonia in a Peruvian young male, descending of Europeans, without familial history. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss his clinical symptoms, laboratory and electrophysiologic findings, differential diagnosis, and response to the treatment with carbamazepine. We report the first case of Becker's myotonia in Peru.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Chin tremor in a peruvian family].

INTRODUCTION: Chin tremor is an uncommon hereditary autosomic dominant disorder, characterized by involuntary, episodic, and repetitive movements involving chin muscles, stimulated by stress. It was first described by Massaro in 1894 like geniospasmo . The most reported cases are from Europeans or Americans families. CLINICAL CASE: A 53 years old man with chin tremor since childhood. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first Peruvian family with chin tremor without European nor American ascendancy with six affected members in four generations.

Chin↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[A case of Isaacs' syndrome associated with dextrocardia].

INTRODUCTION: Isaacs syndrome is a disorder of unknown etiology characterized by muscular rigidity, cramps and myokymias. Described by Isaacs in 1961 and called by him as continuous muscular activity syndrome. There are few reports in Latino american countries. CLINICAL CASE: A 31 year-old man with sustained muscular contractions in lower limbs and diffuse myokymias since he was eighteen-year old. Dextrocardia was disclosed on clinical examination. CONCLUSION: We report the case of a patient with Isaacs syndrome and dextrocardia.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Adolescent student's compliance with testicular self examination.

To determine what adolescents students know or feel about testicular cancer, (TC) and the testicular self examination, (TSE), technique, 127 males students (mean age 16.14 years) were given a 21 item questionnaire. The role of the primary physician and the role of written and visual educational material were assessed for effectiveness in increasing the regular performance of monthly testicular self examination by male students at a Health Education Course at Cervantes Public School at Bayamón, P.R. Out of 127 male student, only 2.4%, (n = 3), initially knew about the symptoms of TC. Analysis of the attitude and knowledge questions revealed that respondents were not sure about general concepts in TC and, were not sure that this cancer could be self diagnosed. This study pretends to assess the effects of modeling and guiding practice as components within a comprehensive testicular self examination education program for adolescents male students. Three groups were studied from 10th, 11th, and 12th, grade. The variables investigated were knowledge of testicular cancer, attitudes toward testicular cancer, and frequency of self reported testicular self examination. The participants then received written material plus a physician's lecture on TC and TSE. Upon follow up, 87.5%, (n = 113) of the students reported performing monthly TSE, (P < 0.001), a statistically significant increase in performance. Although 20.3% (n = 26) reported having a physical examination by a physician within the previous 3 months, less than 4.7%, (n = 6) reported being taught TSE by a physician. Physicians need to educate males about testicular cancer and its early detection.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Profile of a population using a primary health care center in Puerto Rico.

PURPOSE: To describe the services delivered by the Family Medicine Physicians at a Community Health Center. METHODS: All information from patient visits during the natural year 1996 were registered using a commercialized computer program. The information was gathered by different means: initial interview, physician's report, records, and personal interviews. RESULTS: A total of 13,203 visits were registered; this represent a total of 4,493 patients. Most of the patients were women, and with a mean age of 38. As expected, most of the patients have Medicaid. The most common conditions seen were hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. The mean number of visits during the year for almost all conditions was three. Most of the children and adolescents visit the Center due to respiratory conditions, while adults come due to hypertension, diabetes, and musculoskeletal conditions.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Internal and external environment of the Puerto Rican adolescent in the use of alcohol, drugs and violence].

PURPOSE: Identify risk factors associated to violent behavior among adolescent students. METHODS: A survey was conducted using a two-staged stratified cluster sampling design. It represents all junior and high school students of Puerto Rico. Students from 117 schools were administered an anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS: Alcohol use was reported by 78.7% of students, and 14% reported illegal drug use. About 25% committed one violent act during the previous year, and 22% committed two acts or more. Drug use, alcohol use, not getting along with their parents, being a male, school failure and drug use by siblings were identified as risk factors for violent behavior. Church attendance was identified as a protective factor. DISCUSSION: Primary physicians can play an important role in violence prevention through early identification of family violence.

Adolescent↗