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Biomedical subjects

O Rodríguez

Publications and source records attributed to O Rodríguez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Changes in parasite transmission stage excretion after pheasant release.

The production of parasite transmission stages was investigated in the faeces of 77 farm-bred ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Coccidian oocysts (Eimeria sp.), and nematode eggs (Heterakis sp., and Capillaria-like eggs) were recovered before and after release but all birds were treated prior to release. Treatment with fenbendazole significantly reduced the abundance of transmission-stage excretion for all parasites, and reduced the prevalence in the case of Eimeria sp. and Heterakis sp. Nonetheless, a significant increase in the excretion abundance for all parasites and in the prevalence of Eimeria sp. and Heterakis sp. was found after release. Eggs of Ascaridia sp. were found only after releasing, suggesting infection ocurred in the wild. A negative relationship was found between the pheasant body condition and Heterakis excretion abundance and a higher abundance of Capillaria sp. eggs in female birds. No significant relationship was found between parasite excretion abundance and pheasant survival. Despite this, results suggest that an increase in the excretion of parasite transmission stages follows the release of captive pheasants into the wild. This can in part explain restocking failures, but also means that autochtonous free-living birds may become exposed to new and potentially harmful pathogens. To avoid these risks it is proposed that improved prophylactic measures should be taken.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

A novel mutation (K317M) in the MAPT gene causes FTDP and motor neuron disease.

BACKGROUND: Frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism is often linked to chromosome 17 and is related to mutations in the MAPT gene. In some families the genetic basis is still unknown. The authors report two pedigrees with FTDP-17 harboring a novel mutation (K317M) in exon 11 in the MAPT gene. METHODS: The authors identified two apparently unrelated pedigrees with an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative condition. Thirteen patients were examined and eight autopsies were performed. RESULTS: Mean age at onset was 48 years. Mean disease duration was 6 years. Dysarthria often heralded the disease. All cases had parkinsonism and pyramidalism and half of them had amyotrophy. Behavioral or personality changes were not a prominent feature. Cognitive decline appeared late in the evolution. Neuropathologically, a massive degeneration of the substantia nigra without Lewy bodies was a constant finding. A variable degree of frontotemporal atrophy was found. Corticospinal tract degeneration and anterior horn neuron loss were present in six of seven autopsies in which the spinal cord was examined. An extensive deposition of abnormal tau protein in a mixed pattern (neuronal, glial) was observed. Pick's bodies were not seen. Biochemical analysis of tau revealed two bands of 64 and 68 kDa. CONCLUSION: Genetic analysis revealed the same novel mutation (K317M) in exon 11 of the MAPT gene in both pedigrees. A common haplotype between members of the two pedigrees suggests that they belong to the same family.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep-brain stimulation (STN-DBS) in Parkinson's disease: initial experience in Cruces Hospital].

INTRODUCTION: Clinical outcomes of Parkinson's disease patients treated for 12 months with STN-DBS were analyzed. PATIENTS ADN METHODS: Twelve patients were selected using the CAPSIT protocol criteria and placement of electrodes in the appropriate target was performed according to results of fusion image techniques and intraoperative microrecording. RESULTS: A reduction in motor UPDRS (44 %) and activities of daily living (58 %) scores during < > phases were observed. < > time with dyskinesias was reduced (86 %), while severe dyskinesias disappeared. Levodopa dosage was also lowered (44 %). Patients and caregivers showed a clear-cut benefit on quality of life (58 % and 61 % respectively). No cognitive deterioration was observed and morbidity was in the same range as that published by other teams. CONCLUSION: Bilateral STN-DBS is an effective symptomatic therapy for complicated Parkinsońs disease patients. It improves the quality of life of patients and their caregivers and allows a reduction of levodopa dosage.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

[The determination of antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in samples of dried blood on filter paper].

The possibility of detecting HIV-1 antibodies by an immunoblotting kit is studied in a panel of 125 known specimens of dried blood spotted on filter paper and their corresponding serum samples. No differences were observed in the patterns of bands with both types of samples or in the sensitivity and specificity, where 100% figures were attained, allowing to conclude that the blood specimen taken on filter paper may be used for the detection of HIV-1 antibodies by the DAVIH-BLOT system and may be kept at 4 degrees C during 30 weeks.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed1998

Technetium-99m-labeled anti-EGF-receptor antibody in patients with tumor of epithelial origin: I. Biodistribution and dosimetry for radioimmunotherapy.

UNLABELLED: Accurate estimation of biodistribution and absorbed dose to normal organs and tumors is important for immunoscintigraphic studies and radioimmunotherapy treatment planning. METHODS: Four patients (3 men, 1 woman; mean age 54.8 +/- 9.2 yr; range 42-64 yr) were administered 3 mg of anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-hEGF-r) antibody (ior egf/r3), radiolabeled with 99mTc activity of 39.5 +/- 1.1 mCi (range 38.5 mCi-40.7 mCi) by intravenous bolus infusion. After administration, blood and urine samples were collected from three patients up to 24 hr after injection. Whole-body anterior and posterior scans were obtained at 5 min and 1, 3, 5 and 24 hr after injection. Using a computer program, regions of interest were drawn over the heart, liver, spleen, bladder and tumor to measure the activity in the source organs at each scanning time. Time-activity curves for each source organ were then fitted to monoexponential or biexponential functions by nonlinear least squares regression using the flexible polyhedrals method, which adequately fit our data with the correlation coefficient of 0.985 +/- 0.013, and were integrated to determine organ residence times. The mean absorbed doses to the whole body and various normal organs were then estimated from residence times and from blood and urine samples using the methods developed by the Medical Internal Radiation Dose Committee. The effective dose equivalent and effective dose were calculated as prescribed in ICRP Publication Nos. 30 and 60. RESULTS: Plasma disappearance curves of 99mTc-labeled anti-hEGF-r antibody were best-fit by a two-compartment model in all patients with a distribution half-life (t(1/2alpha)) of 0.207 hr +/- 0.059 hr (mean +/- s.d., n = 3) and an elimination half-life (t(1/2beta)) of 13.9 hr +/- 2.2 hr. Among the various organs, significant accumulation of the radiolabeled antibody was found in the liver (48.5% +/- 4.4%, mean +/- s.d.), heart (3.50% +/- 0.17%) and spleen (3.1% +/- 1.8%) at 5 min postadministration. These values were reduced to 3.2% +/- 0.4%, 0.1% +/- 0.01% and 0.1% +/- 0.1%, respectively, at 24 hr. Mean cumulative urinary excretion of 99mTc-labeled anti-hEGF-r antibody was 4.6% +/- 0.6% at 24 hr postinjection. Estimates of radiation absorbed dose to normal organs in rad/mCi administered (mean +/- s.d., n = 4) were: whole body 0.017 +/- 0.002; gallbladder wall 0.074 +/- 0.007; spleen 0.136 +/- 0.076; and liver 0.267 +/- 0.036. The effective dose equivalent and effective dose estimates for adults were 0.041 +/- 0.008 rem/mCi and 0.027 +/- 0.004 rem/mCi administered. CONCLUSION: This feasibility study indicates that 99mTc-labeled anti-hEGF-r antibody (ior egf/r3) can be used safely; this analysis provides a dosimetric framework for future studies. This monoclonal antibody, labeled with 188Re, could possibly permit a successful regional radioimmunotherapy of tumors of epithelial origin.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Postoperative follow-up of pituitary adenomas after trans-sphenoidal resection: MRI and clinical correlation.

Our purpose was to correlate the morphological changes seen on MRI studies of the sellar region after trans-sphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas with clinical and hormonal studies. Between January 1993 and March 1994, 16 patients with a pituitary adenoma (9 macroadenomas and 7 microadenomas) were subjected to trans-sphenoidal resection and included in a prospective study. The protocol consisted of MRI, hormonal and visual studies at the following times: immediately postoperative (1st week), 1st month, 4th month and 1st year after surgery. The evolution of the contents of the sella turcica (tumour remnant, packing material and gland tissue), effects on the infundibulum, optic chiasm, cavernous sinus and sphenoid sinus were correlated with the clinical and hormonal studies. Stabilisation of the postsurgical changes occurred by the 4th month. Tumour remnants were noted in the immediate postoperative period in macroadenomas. Compression of the infundibulum was the only reliable indicator of possible involvement. Optic chiasm compression, defined as close contact between the chiasm and the tumour, was the only morphological finding that indicated visual impairment. There was no standard repneumatisation pattern in the sphenoid sinus, since mucosal changes resembling sinusitis were one of the postsurgical changes. We found MRI not to be useful for follow-up of microadenomas.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1994

[Complications associated with nonfunctioning pacemaker electrodes retained within the cardiovascular system].

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the complications in patients with functionless pacing leads retained in the cardiovascular system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 39 patients: 31 underwent surgery for electrical or mechanical failure (group I) and eight for cutaneous pocket infection (group II). The follow-up was 45 +/- 34 months. RESULTS: Only one patient (3%) from group I presented infectious complications probably related to the retained pacing lead. Seven patients (87%) in group II presented recurrence of the infection with persistent fever and/or septicemia due to skin erosion and unnoticed pacing lead infection (p < 0.0005). Removal of the infected generator was performed in 8/39 (21%) of the patients. Thoracotomy to explant the infected retained leads was required in five of them (62%). No patient presented lead migration or venous thrombosis during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Retained pacing leads in the cardiovascular system are well tolerated. However, in spite of adequate antibiotic treatment, patients with local and pacemaker system infection may present recurrence of the infection with persistent fever and/or septicemia. Early surgical pacemaker system removal is recommended in these patients due to the high morbidity.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Comparative assessment of the leprosy antibody absorption test, Mycobacterium leprae extract enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and gelatin particle agglutination test for serodiagnosis of lepromatous leprosy.

A comparative assessment of three serological methods for leprosy diagnosis (the fluorescent leprosy antibody absorption [FLA-ABS] test, the Mycobacterium leprae soluble-extract enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], and the M. leprae particle agglutination [MLPA] test) was carried out. The objective was to identify their performance in clinical and epidemiological diagnosis of leprosy. The study group included 45 lepromatous leprosy patients under treatment. Specificity was > 95% for all three assays, and sensitivity was 95, 58, and 74% for the FLA-ABS test, the MLPA test, and the ELISA, respectively. The only cross-reactivity for M. tuberculosis-infected patients was with the soluble-extract ELISA. Although the FLA-ABS test displayed the highest specificity and sensitivity values, it can only be used in well-developed laboratories, and the patient's clinical and epidemiological background must be considered when results are interpreted because the test remains positive after therapeutic success and could be positive for some household contacts. The MLPA test is easier to perform and interpret, and it is adequate for small laboratories and epidemiological studies intended to detect active untreated or irregularly treated leprosy cases. Therefore, the FLA-ABS and MLPA tests are complementary, and both should be used for serodiagnosis of leprosy.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1993

Dietary fiber analysis of cassava using gravimetric methods.

We report the application of a method which combines digestion with pancreatin and neutral detergent treatment in the analytical study of dietary fiber from cassava. The use of pancreatin previous to the detergent extraction enabled rapid filtration, thus giving more reproducible results for neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, lignin and pectin were also determined. The values obtained for NDF (4.65%) and pectin (1.17%) are very important, considering their role in the digestive process.

Cellulose↗
PubMed1989

[Drug use among students in Cali, Colombia].

The use of alcohol, tobacco, marihuana, cocaine, and bazuco was examined in a cross-sectional study of a random sample of 512 secondary-school students enrolled in public and private schools in Cali, Colombia. The overall prevalence of use for any of these substances was 59.38% in the public schools and 36.96% in the private schools (z = 4.6, P less than 0.05). The probability of finding an alcohol user was about 55.26%. The frequency of use for all the substances was 18.9% in the public schools and 7.46% in the private ones. Experience with marihuana, cocaine, and bazuco was more frequent in the public schools. The average age of users (19.91 years) was higher than that of non-users (16.25 years): t = 8.34, P less than 0.05. Students in the public schools with a family history of mental illness had almost a ninefold greater risk of being substance users (RR = 8.84, IC 95% = 1.22-3.37); among students in the private schools, having personal conflicts with authority figures (teachers and the police) was a significant risk factor (RR = 2.03, IC 95% = 1.22-3.37).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Translational pauses during a spider fibroin synthesis.

The large ampullate glands of Nephila clavipes synthesize a tissue-specific fibroin for the web and dragline. Its secretory product migrates as one homogeneous band of approximately 320,000 daltons in denaturing electrophoresis. Similar analyses of the secretory epithelium reveal, in addition to the final product, a step ladder array of peptides in a highly reproducible and consistent pattern. We have correlated these peptide ladders with the process of fibroin synthesis. First, the peptides are very prominent in stimulated glands and quite dim in non stimulated ones. Secondly, by offering the cultured glands different amino acids in the incubating medium, we have linked the presence of the bands with those amino acids which abound in the fibroin. The evidence correlates the peptides with active fibroin synthesis, thus they are products of translation, and possibly reflect discontinuities in the translational process such as those demonstrated during the synthesis of Bombyx fibroin.

Amino Acids↗