Cell Culture Engineering IX.
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Journal Article↗
Biomedical subjects
O Ramirez
Publications and source records attributed to O Ramirez.
QTL mapping for teat number in an Iberian-by-Meishan pig intercross.
The aim of this study was to investigate chromosomal regions affecting the number of teats in pigs and possible epistatic interactions between the identified quantitative trait loci (QTL). An experimental F2 cross between Iberian and Chinese Meishan lines was used for this purpose. A genomic scan was conducted with 117 markers covering the 18 porcine autosomes. Linkage analyses were performed by interval mapping using an animal model to estimate QTL and additive polygenic effects. Complementary analyses with models fitting two QTL were also carried out. The results showed three genomewide significant QTL mapping on chromosomes 5, 10 and 12, whose joint action control up to 30% of the phenotypic variance of the trait. Meishan alleles had a positive additive effect on teat number, and a positive-additive x additive-epistatic interaction was detected between QTL on chromosomes 10 and 12.
Animals↗
What is your diagnosis? Primary splenic tumor and suppurative peritonitis due to gallbladder rupture.
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Animals↗
What is your diagnosis? Soft tissue neoplasm of the right carpus in a dog.
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Amputation, Surgical↗
Postoperative care following carbon dioxide laser resurfacing. Avoiding pitfalls.
Facial skin resurfacing using the carbon dioxide laser has become an increasingly popular procedure. Improvements in carbon dioxide laser technology have made the procedure simpler and more reliable. However, difficulties and problems in the postoperative period can lead to patient morbidity and physician anxiety. The authors have performed laser resurfacing in almost 2,000 patients in the last 4 years. Problems encountered and methods formulated to minimize postoperative complications are discussed.
Dermatologic Surgical Procedures↗
Iodinated glycerol has no effect on pulmonary function, symptom score, or sputum properties in patients with stable chronic bronchitis.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that therapy with iodinated glycerol (IG) can improve the quality of life for patients with chronic bronchitis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of IG therapy on the quality of life, pulmonary function, and on the properties of sputum collected from adults with stable chronic bronchitis. DESIGN: Thirty-two week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over study. SETTING: A university outpatient pulmonary clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six adults with stable chronic bronchitis completed the study; 28 completed the first treatment arm. INTERVENTIONS: Sixteen weeks each of placebo or IG 60 mg qid. MEASUREMENTS: First, pulmonary function by spirometry and plethysmography. Second, symptom score measured using a questionnaire. Third, sputum bulk and surface rheology, spinnability, mucociliary transportability and cough transportability. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in pulmonary function, clinical scores, or sputum properties related to therapy with IG. There was a significant improvement in the Global Petty score after both IG (p = 0.01) and placebo (p < 0.01) when compared with baseline, but there was no difference between treatment periods. There was a positive correlation between changes in the Global score during therapy and changes in sputum spinnability (p < 0.01, r = 0.38). CONCLUSIONS: This study clearly demonstrates that in chronic bronchitis, 16 weeks of therapy with IG does not produce any appreciable effect on pulmonary function, well being, or on sputum viscoelasticity or clearability.
Adult↗
Airway mucus and epithelial function in a canine model of single lung autotransplantation.
Impaired mucociliary function following lung transplantation has been reported in several human and animal studies. This could be a result of altered ciliary function or mucus properties or both. We assessed airway epithelial function by means of transepithelial potential difference (PD) measurements and physical analysis of mucus. Six mongrel dogs underwent single lung autologous transplantation. Measurements were performed preoperatively and 1, 2, 4, and 10 months postoperatively. At 1 and 2 months postoperatively, there was a significant fall in PD for the transplanted, left mainstem bronchus only (-13.5 +/- 1.7 mV at 1 month and -14.6 +/- 1.7 mV at 2 months postoperatively vs -18.6 +/- 2.3 mV preoperatively, baseline; p < 0.001 for both). The PD values in the small airways, right mainstem bronchus, and the trachea remained unchanged. At 2 months postoperation, the mucus collection rate on the left side was increased (p = 0.03), while the mucus viscoelasticity was decreased (p = 0.04). By 4 months postoperation, all epithelial parameters had returned to baseline, and there was no difference in radioaerosol clearance between the two lungs. The PD decrease and alterations in secretion rate and viscoelasticity reflect disturbed epithelial functional integrity at the site of anastomosis still present at 2 months postoperation. Recovery of bronchial epithelial function and clearance in canine studies of lung autotransplantation after healing of the anastomosis area suggest that persistent impairment of lung clearance observed in some long-term human lung transplantation survivors may be due to other mechanisms such as impaired healing or epithelial function or both, during immunosuppressive therapy. Mucociliary function in the anastomosis area is compromised until complete healing ensues; we speculate that chest physiotherapy may aid in overcoming this obstacle.
Animals↗
The subperiosteal lift.
The subperiosteal lift developed by Tessier is a technique for rejuvenating the face and emphasizing beauty. It is performed using two approaches: intraoral and bicoronal or precapillary. It entails a total subperiosteal undermining of the face beginning 2 cm over the orbits and continuing on the orbital rims, the zygomatic arches, and the malar bones. This allows total lifting of the soft tissues of the face (DMAS, deep musculo aponeurotic system). The lateral and vertical traction allows elevation of the superior two thirds of the face, eyebrows, and cheeks. Lifting pulls up from the forehead to the mandibular line. The fixation of the superficial layer of the temporal aponeurosis in traction to the upper part also has an effect on tissue elevation. The best candidates for this procedure are women in their late 30s or early 40s but can be used on those from 30 to 50 and more. It is highly specialized operation which requires substantial surgical experience both in selecting the patient and in execution.
Adult↗
Plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. 3. Confirmation of activity against enterobacteria of 16 plants.
Ethnobotanical surveys and literature review identified 408 plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The screening of 84 showed that 34 inhibit one or more enterobacteria; 16 of these were selected for further investigation. Extracts were obtained with three solvents of different polarity (n-hexane, acetone and alcohol) and the in vitro activity was demonstrated against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis and Shigella flexneri. The activity of nine ethanolic extracts against enterobacteria, particularly Acalypha guatemalensis, Diphysa robinioides, Lippia dulcis, Psidium guajava and Spondias purpurea was confirmed. The plants with antibacterial activity are discussed.
Diarrhea↗
Amiloride inhalation therapy in cystic fibrosis. Influence on ion content, hydration, and rheology of sputum.
Amiloride inhalation as treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease has been shown in independent studies to increase mucus clearance by ciliary and/or cough action and to retard the decline in lung function. It is hypothesized that amiloride therapy decreases the excess sodium and water absorption that is a characteristic of CF airway epithelium and that it leads to an improvement in the rheologic properties of mucus favoring airway mucus clearance. The aim of this study was to investigate whether amiloride treatment (5 x 10(-3) M amiloride in one-third normal saline four times a day) would change sputum electrolyte composition in patients with CF after 25 wk of therapy as compared with placebo (one-third normal saline), and whether appropriate changes in sputum water content and rheologic properties would accompany any changes in electrolyte composition. Sputum samples were obtained from six patients with CF undergoing amiloride therapy, using the dental cotton protection technique to avoid salivary contamination. The samples were stored at -80 degrees C until analyzed. For electrolyte analyses an aliquot of the sputum (minimum, 30 mg) was analyzed with ion-selective electrodes for sodium and potassium, and a chloride meter was used to measure chloride content. Chronic (25-wk) amiloride therapy increased significantly the sputum sodium (94.8 +/- 16.4 to 121.4 +/- 15.4 mmol/L, p = 0.001) and chloride (64.4 +/- 11.8 to 77.2 +/- 8.0 mmol/L, p = 0.10) content when compared with 25 wk of saline treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Administration, Inhalation↗
Frequencies of chromosomal aberrations in rodents of the Rimac Valley-Perú.
The present study analyzes the frequency of chromosomal aberrations found in rodents living in a polluted area near the Rimac river (Casapalca, minery zone) at 120 Km of Lima, compared to that observed in a non-polluted area in the Department of Lima, Perú. The species analyzed were: Phyllotis andium, P. darwini and Akodon boliviensis. The rodents were captured alive and bone marrow was processed the same day of capture to obtain metaphases. The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in the rodents of the exposed area (2.46% of cells) vs those of the control area (0.82% of cells). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that heavy metals and pesticides present in the Rimac river may increment the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in rodents living near that river.
Animals↗
Ferret tracheal mucus rheology, clearability and volume following administration of substance P or methacholine.
We studied the effects of substances P administration on tracheal mucus viscoelasticity, water content, clearability and secretion rate. Six neutered adult male ferrets (weight 1.1-1.5 kg) were studied, on four occasions each. They were anaesthetized with ketamine and xylazine, and intubated shallowly. Control mucus (pre- and post-Ringer instillation) was compared with the mucus obtained following instillation of 200 microliters of 10(-6), 10(-5), and 10(-4) M substance P (SP), and 10(-4) M methacholine chloride as a reference. Tracheal mucus was collected by inserting a soft-bristled cytology brush to the level of the carina, and leaving it in contact with the mucosa for 30 min. After withdrawing the brush, the adherent mucus was quickly scraped off and layered with paraffin oil to prevent evaporation. The mucus was analysed for viscoelasticity by magnetic rheometry and solids content by evaporation to dryness. Mucus transportability was assessed by comparison with model gels, and also by means of the frog palate assay, which indicates how well mucus is cleared by normal ciliary action. There was a dose-related increase in mucus volume, and a dose-related decrease in mucus viscosity and elasticity, with substance P administration. Mucus transportability increased with both substance P and methacholine. The effects of 10(-4) SP and methacholine were comparable in terms of viscoelasticity and volume; with both methacholine and SP, there appeared to be an additive effect. The mucus solids content did not correlate with the viscoelastic changes for SP administration, whereas it did for methacholine. These observations suggest that the hypersecretion induced by these two agents might involve different pathways.
Analysis of Variance↗
Respiratory mucus from asymptomatic smokers is better hydrated and more easily cleared by mucociliary action.
We compared the physical and transport properties of tracheal mucus collected from 16 asymptomatic smokers and from 18 nonsmokers. The smokers produced a larger volume of mucus (wet weight 18.6 versus 11.2 mg; p = 0.04) with a lower solids content (11.5 versus 16.3%; p = 0.02) and a lower modulus of rigidity (log G* 2.37 versus 2.62; p = 0.04). Although the smokers mucus had a 40% faster mucociliary transport rate on the frog palate (p = 0.04), the cough clearability was nearly identical to the mucus from nonsmokers. The differences are similar to those observed in rats or dogs chronically exposed to cigarette smoke. These data suggest both a quantitative and a qualitative difference in the composition of mucus from asymptomatic smokers. The increased volume of a watery mucus with increased mucociliary clearability may help to protect the airways from the injurious effects of inhaled smoke.
Adult↗
Mucus rheology and transport in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and the effect of surfactant therapy.
BACKGROUND: Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is caused by a deficiency of pulmonary surfactant. Alveolar collapse and obstruction of conducting airways leads to mismatch of ventilation and perfusion and profound hypoxemia. We postulated that surfactant deficiency could alter the properties of respiratory mucus in such a way that it would be poorly cleared from airways and promote airway luminal obstruction and that these changes might be reversed by the exogenous administration of a synthetic surfactant preparation. METHODS: Respiratory mucus coating an endotracheal tube (ETT) or suction catheter was collected from 14 neonates (gestational age, 24 to 36 weeks; birth weight, 600 to 2,400 g) with RDS who required tracheal intubation and ventilation. Eight of these neonates received 5 ml/kg of an intratracheal artificial surfactant preparation (Exosurf), given between 2 and 10 h of age and six neonates received 5 ml/kg of air. Mucus viscoelasticity, hydration (percentage of solid composition of mucus), and mucociliary clearability (NFPTR) were measured for each specimen. RESULTS: The total volume of mucus collected from the surfactant-treated and control infants was similar, but mucus hydration was significantly less in babies with RDS who did not receive Exosurf (percentage of solid composition of mucus 18.7 vs 11.4; p = 0.013). Ciliary transportability was also less in the untreated babies (NFPTR 0.39 vs 0.86; p = 0.018) and this mucus was more rigid (increased viscoelasticity: log G* 1 rad/s 2.28 vs 1.50; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that airway obstruction in RDS may be due, in part, to abnormal mucus properties and impaired ciliary transport. Surfactant therapy appears to improve mucus clearability. Exogenously administered surfactant may also be beneficial for the treatment of other selected respiratory conditions associated with impaired mucus clearance.
Drug Combinations↗
Mucus-depleted frog palate as a model for the study of mucociliary clearance.
To better understand the frog palate model of mucociliary transport, we measured the transport rate of mucus (MTR) from the leopard frog, Rana pipiens, and from the bullfrog, R. catesbeiana, recorded the stability of the MTR over a period of hours and days and over the course of 1 yr, and measured the viscoelasticity, percent solid composition, and spinnability (filance) of mucus from both species. Bullfrog mucus was less rigid than leopard frog mucus (log G* at 1 rad/s 2.09 vs. 2.61; P less than 0.01) and had a higher viscosity-to-elasticity ratio (tan delta at 1 rad/s 0.36 vs. 0.26; P less than 0.05). It also had a lower solids content (8.71 vs. 13.72%; P = 0.02), and there was a trend to lower spinnability for bullfrog mucus (filance 26.7 vs. 33.5 mm). These data suggest that bullfrog mucus has viscoelastic properties similar to normal mammalian respiratory mucus and leopard frog mucus has viscoelasticity similar to sputum samples. MTR was significantly slower in the winter than in the summer months (17 vs. 30 mm/min; P less than 0.0001). Although the leopard frog palate could be used for at least 7 consecutive days without exhaustion, bullfrog palates could be used for only 5 days. Palates of either species could generally be tested for 6 h/day without a significant decrease in MTR. These data clarify some of the sources of variability in the use of this system and suggest methods of standardization.
Animals↗
Collection and analysis of respiratory mucus from subjects without lung disease.
We collected the respiratory mucus coating the endotracheal tubes used during short surgical procedures in 27 patients with no clinical evidence of respiratory disease. Twelve were male and 15 were female, and they ranged from 1 to 64 yr of age (mean, 28.7 yr). The viscoelastic properties, frog palate transport rate, and percent solid composition were in the normal range reported for both canine and human mucus collected using the bronchoscopy brush technique. There were no significant differences noted between male and female patients, and there were no changes in mucus or transport properties seen with aging. Mucus was also collected separately from the inside of the tube exposed to constant gas flow (13 patients), and from the outside of the endotracheal tubes in 25 patients. Although there were no significant differences in viscoelastic properties between inside and outside mucus, there was a greater thread formation (filance, 45 versus 26 mm; p less than 0.005) and a higher percentage of solids in mucus from the inside of the endotracheal tube (15.9 versus 11.4%; p less than 0.05), which is compatible with reduced hydration. The duration of anesthesia ranged from 25 to 195 min (mean, 85 min). There was no effect of duration of anesthesia on any of the measured mucus properties. This technique for mucus collection allows us to study alterations in mucus properties in patients with and without pulmonary disease at the time of incidental surgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adolescent↗
General anesthesia does not alter the viscoelastic or transport properties of human respiratory mucus.
Observations that mucus transport rates (MTR) are depressed in anesthetized animals and humans have led to speculation that general anesthesia depresses ciliary activity or adversely alters the physical properties of the respiratory mucus (RM). We investigated the possibility that anesthesia changes the physical properties of RM in such a way as to depress ciliary transport. We collected 33 samples of RM from the endotracheal tubes (ETTs) of 25 people aged 1 to 79 years undergoing elective surgery who had no clinical evidence of lung disease. We measured the rigidity, viscoelasticity, spinnability, and the percentage of solid composition of these specimens as well as the transport of the collected RM across the mucus-depleted frog palate. These physical properties were not significantly different from RM collected from awake volunteers using the bronchoscopy brush collection technique. Differences in spinnability, transportability, and solid content of paired mucus samples from the inside and outside of the ETTs are suggestive of altered RM hydration, but this requires further study. The decrease in MTR during general anesthesia is probably due to mechanisms other than alterations in the physical properties of mucus.
Adolescent↗
[Current status of ashy dermatosis. Synonym--erythema dyschromicum perstans].
A clinical, histopathological, therapeutical and epidemiologic review of Ashy Dermatosis is done. This research has been taken from scientific publications, computers and personal communications. In twenty five years of scientific medical investigations it has not been determined its truth etiology , nor its therapeutic; this confirms it, as a new nosologic entity well defined. The epidemiologic researches are concludent that this is not a tropical disease exclusively, but one of all over the world. We hope to obtain more references on this dermatosis throughout the Sessions of Specialties of CILAD regarding this disease.
Diagnosis, Differential↗