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R Astorga

Publications and source records attributed to R Astorga.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Epidemiological tracing of Salmonella enterica serotype Abortusovis from Spanish ovine flocks by PFGE fingerprinting.

Salmonella enterica serotype Abortusovis, an ovine host-specific serotype, rare in most countries, is responsible for epidemic abortion episodes in Spain. With the aim of surveillance and detection of the spread of specific clones, 55 Abortusovis isolates collected during 1996-2001 from flocks in 11 provinces, were studied using XbaI-PFGE. Despite the fact that the strains were geographically and spatially related, PFGE demonstrated an epidemiologically acceptable discriminating power, identifying 20 clones (similarity, 52-96%). Clones Sabv6, 1, 5 were disseminated in seven, five and two areas respectively, while another 17 clones appeared in single places. Clones from nearby geographic regions showed a high relatedness (one band of difference in the PFGE profile) Sabv1-2-3, Sabv5-6, Sabv7-8, and Sabv13-14, suggesting a common ancestor. Co-isolation in the same flock (Sabv5-6, Sabv1-3, Sabv1-6) was detected. PFGE surveillance detected the predominance and widespread distribution of clone Sabv6 in 21 out of the 55 Abortusovis serotype episodes studied in Spain.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed2006

Efficacy of lanreotide Autogel administered every 4-8 weeks in patients with acromegaly previously responsive to lanreotide microparticles 30 mg: a phase III trial.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Depot somatostatin analogues are well accepted as either adjuvant or primary therapy for acromegaly, and their long dosage intervals facilitate adherence to treatment. Our objective was to evaluate whether lanreotide Autogel 120 mg, every 4-8 weeks, was as effective in controlling acromegaly as lanreotide microparticles 30 mg, every 1-2 weeks. PATIENTS DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS: Patients who had used lanreotide microparticles 30 mg, >or= 2 months prestudy, and had responded to treatment were recruited to this open, prospective, multicentre phase III trial. Three to five injections of lanreotide Autogel 120 mg were administered. Lanreotide Autogel 120 mg was injected every 4, 6 or 8 weeks in patients previously receiving lanreotide microparticles every 7, 10 or 14 days, respectively. GH and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels were assessed one dosing interval after the final injections. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were enrolled and 93 completed. Steady-state GH concentrations demonstrated similar efficacy between the formulations (upper 95% confidence interval of the quotient, 77.7%). Mean (SE) GH levels were lower with lanreotide Autogel than with lanreotide microparticles (3.8 (0.5) vs 4.3 (0.5) ng/ml; P < 0.001). GH levels < 2.5 ng/ml were observed in 54% and 46% of patients; 40% and 35% having GH < 2.5 ng/ml and normalized IGF-1 with lanreotide Autogel and microparticles, respectively. Symptoms were controlled better with lanreotide Autogel and treatment was well accepted. CONCLUSIONS: Lanreotide Autogel 120 mg every 4-8 weeks, is at least as effective and as well tolerated in acromegaly as lanreotide microparticles 30 mg injected every 7-14 days.

Acromegaly↗
PubMed2006

Molecular typing and anti-microbial susceptibility of clinical isolates of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus from equine bacterial endometritis.

The anti-microbial susceptibility and genetic diversity of 65 strains of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (Sez) isolated from mares presenting clinical signs of endometritis was determined by disk agar diffusion and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) methods, respectively. Overall, Sez isolates were susceptible to beta-lactams, enrofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and gentamicin. These anti-microbials could be recommended as empiric anti-microbial therapy in cases of endometritis caused by Sez. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis typing revealed a great genetic diversity (56 different PFGE macrorestriction profiles) and a low level of genetic relatedness amongst the isolates.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Minimal model analysis in nondiabetic renal transplant recipients with hepatitis C.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological data suggest that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may contribute to the development of posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM). METHODS: We investigated the glucose metabolism in 19 renal transplant recipients with antiHCV antibodies and without DM according to World Health Organization criteria before or after transplantation. We measured insulin sensitivity (SI), glucose effectiveness (SG), and pancreatic insulin response using the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT). SI and SG were estimated using the Bergman minimal model method and pancreatic insulin response was expressed as the area under insulin curve (AUIC) between 0 and 19 minutes. RESULTS: Impaired glucose tolerance was shown in 42% of patients, some (31.5%) in the range of glucose intolerance (KG: 1-1.5) and others (10.5%) in the diabetes range (KG < 1). SI and SG were decreased in 39% and 63% of patients, respectively. Pancreatic insulin response revealed high variation among patients although showing a tendency to be enhanced. CONCLUSIONS: A high number of HCV-positive renal transplant recipients without clinically manifest PTDM have impaired glucose tolerance, which suggests the future development of diabetes in these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Variability in the presence of the metabolic syndrome in Type 2 diabetic patients attending a diabetes clinic. Influences of age and gender.

In this study, we have assessed age and gender-related influences on the presence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and closely related variables in Type 2 diabetic patients attending a diabetes clinic. For this purpose, we have taken retrospective clinical and biochemical data from consecutive Type 2 diabetic patients (n = 291) and we have classified them by gender, age (with 55 and 70 years as cut-off levels) and having or not having the MS (using both the WHO and NCEP-ATP III MS definitions). A higher prevalence of adiposity and hypertension was present in the females. Males were characterized by higher uric acid and lower HDL-cholesterol and apoA(1) levels (two-way ANOVA considering jointly age and gender as main effects, P < 0.05 in every case). Overall the prevalence of NCEP-ATP III-defined MS was less frequent than WHO-defined MS (63.2% versus 81.1%, respectively). This difference was greater for males (42.1% versus 77.6%, respectively) than for females (75.5% versus 83.2% respectively). The kappa-coefficient for the concordance between both MS definitions was 0.46 for males and 0.72 for females in the first age band, 0.29 for males and 0.48 for females in the second age band and 0.24 for males and 0.51 for females in the third age band. Thus, this study reveals relevant differences in the application of WHO and NCEP-ATP III MS definitions in a clinic-based Type 2 diabetic population from Southern Spain. In addition, the data suggest that gender confers a specific influence upon some MS-associated features in Type 2 diabetic patients attending a diabetes clinic irrespective of age band.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Association between diabetes mellitus and hepatitis C in kidney transplant patients].

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus appearing after transplant (PTDM) has generally been attributed to immunosuppressive treatment. However, the findings of several studies suggest a possible relationship between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and diabetes mellitus, both in the general population and in liver or kidney transplant patients. METHODS: We reviewed data corresponding to 325 kidney transplant patients who did not have diabetes before transplant and were treated with ciclosporin A posttransplant. We explored whether factors such as age, gender, weight, renal disease, immunosuppression, rejection episodes or HCV could be independent risk factors for PTDM. RESULTS: Ninety four of the 325 patients were HCV positive and 231 were HCV negative. PTDM was observed in 22.3% of the HCV positive patients versus 6.5% of the HCV negative patients (p < 0.001). The independent factors found by multivariate analysis to be predictive of PTDM were: HCV positivity (OR: 5.65, IC 95%: 2.6-12), body mass index (OR: 1,10, IC 95%: 1.02-1.2) and age (OR: 1.07, IC 95%: 1.03-1.12). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support a link between HCV and PTDM.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Relationships of apolipoprotein B(100) with the metabolic syndrome in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The current study assessed whether features of the metabolic syndrome are associated with higher apolipoprotein B(100) (apoB(100)) levels in people with Type 2 diabetes (n = 298) not taking lipid-lowering drugs. Body-mass index (BMI), waist:hip ratio (WHR), urinary albumin excretion rate, presence or absence of hypertension, uric acid levels, and apoB(100) levels were assessed. Both higher BMI and urinary albumin excretion rate were associated with higher apoB(100) levels (1.02 +/- 0.25 ( +/- S.D.) g/l in normal weight, 1.07 +/- 0.22 g/l in overweight and 1.14 +/- 0.25 g/l in obese individuals; P < 0.01; 1.09 +/- 0.23 g/l in normoalbuminuric patients, 1.06 +/- 0.22 g/l if urinary albumin excretion rate 20-50 microg/min and 1.17 +/- 0.27 g/l if urinary albumin excretion rate > 50 microg/min; P < 0.05). An association between the number of features of the metabolic syndrome and higher apoB(100) levels was found (1.03 +/- 0.22 g/l if no features, 1.08 +/- 0.25 g/l if one feature, 1.11 +/- 0.20 g/l if two features and 1.15 +/- 0.27 g/l if > 2 features; P for trend < 0.01). Thus apoB(100) levels show an association with the metabolic syndrome and, hypothetically, to insulin-insensitivity in Type 2 diabetes. BMI (but not WHR) and urinary albumin excretion rate accounted for most of the power of this relationship.

Age of Onset↗
PubMed2002

Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire (ACROQOL) a new health-related quality of life questionnaire for patients with acromegaly: development and psychometric properties.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a disease-specific questionnaire suitable to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in acromegaly (ACROQOL). DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: For the development of the ACROQOL questionnaire different sources of information were used: First, a literature search was performed to identify relevant papers describing the impact of acromegaly in HRQOL. Second, 10 endocrinologists identified the main domains of impact on HRQOL in patients with acromegaly. Third, 10 in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted in acromegalic patients to identify domains and items related to the self-perceived impact of acromegaly in patients' life. Qualitative analyses of the information were performed identifying domains and items to be included in the questionnaire. Those items considered ambiguous, complicated to read, double-barrelled, with jargon terms, too long, or negatively worded were excluded. Each remaining item was subsequently rated by the same panel of endocrinologists and experts in HRQOL evaluation, and assessed according to clarity of wording, frequency of occurrence and importance among patients with acromegaly. Analysis of internal consistency of the questionnaire was evaluated with a Cronbach's Alpha. A preliminary questionnaire was administered to 72 patients with acromegaly. Rasch analysis (dichotomous logistic response model) of the answers given by these patients allowed parameter estimates and model data fit indices to be computed and misfitting items deleted. Frequency of occurrence and degree of agreement with the statements were selected as response choices in a 5-point Likert type scale. RESULTS: The following domains related to HRQOL in acromegaly were identified: physical and psychological functions, social, daily activities, symptoms, cognition, general health perception, sleep, sexual function, pain, energy and body image. An initial set of 204 expressions were identified from the initial transcripts of the patient interviews. After elimination of ambiguous or unclear expressions, 142 items remained drafted in question form. From the quantitative analysis of the item rank position within each of the three areas of clarity, frequency and importance, the 38-item questionnaire was produced, with satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha 0.94). Rasch analysis produced a further reduction to the final 22-item questionnaire (Cronbach's Alpha 0.91) containing two scales that evaluate physical (eight questions) and psychological aspects related to appearance and personal relations (seven items each). The evaluation of the item parameters confirmed the construct validity of the new instrument. The substantial reliability of the questionnaire suggested the sample was well targeted by the questionnaire. The initial Spanish version was translated into English and presented to five English-speaking Australian patients with acromegaly to assess and correct for comprehension, clarity, cultural relevance and suitable wording. CONCLUSIONS: We present the ACROQOL questionnaire, developed and preliminarily validated to specifically assess HRQOL in patients with acromegaly.

Acromegaly↗
PubMed2001

Glycaemic control in type 1 diabetic patients using optimised insulin aspart or human insulin in a randomised multinational study.

Insulin aspart (IAsp), is a rapid-acting analogue of human insulin (HI), for use in the meal related treatment of diabetes mellitus. The degree of glycaemic control achieved by IAsp in comparison with HI after algorithm-driven dose optimisation was tested over 3 months. The prospective, multicentre, randomised, open-label study with parallel groups was performed in 48 centres in 11 countries and included 423 basal-bolus treated patients with Type 1 diabetes. Main outcome measures were blood glucose control assessed by HbA1c, nine-point self-monitored blood glucose profiles, insulin dose, quality of life, hypoglycaemia and adverse events. An algorithm-driven increase occurred in the dose and number of daily injections of basal insulin, particularly in the IAsp group. After 12 weeks of treatment, HbA1c was significantly lower in IAsp compared to HI treated subjects by 0.17 (95% CI 0.30-0.04) (P<0.05). Comparison of the blood glucose profiles showed lower blood glucose levels with IAsp after breakfast (mean 8.4 vs 10.1 mmol/l; P<0.0001) and dinner (8.2 vs 9.3 mmol/l; P<0.01). There were no differences between treatments in the incidence of hypoglycaemic episodes or in the adverse event profiles. The WHO Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire score for perceived hyperglycaemia was lower with Iasp (P=0.005), and patients found the insulin aspart treatment more flexible (P=0.022). The current study underlines the need for optimising the basal insulin regimen in order to take full advantage of the pharmacodynamics of IAsp.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Effects of minor constituents (non-glyceride compounds) of virgin olive oil on plasma lipid concentrations in male Wistar rats.

We aimed to assess the effects of minor constituents (MC) from virgin olive oil upon the plasma lipid profile of experimental animals. Therefore, 32 Wistar rats were fed for 6 weeks with one of four different diets with a similar fatty acid composition but different MC: high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), virgin olive oil (VOO), 400%-MC enriched olive oil (EOO) and MC poor (impoverished) olive oil (IOO). At the end of the week 6 of dietary treatment, blood samples were obtained for analysis of lipid composition. A statistically significant influence was observed upon both total HDL (1.593+/-0.4, 1.204+/-0.212, 0.991+/-0.244 and 0.827+/-0.279 mmol/L for EOO, HOSO, VOO and IOO, respectively, Kruskal-Wallis test, P<0.05) and HDL(2)cholesterol levels (1.16+/-0.26, 0.576+/-0.191, 0.585+/-0.216 and 0.583+/-0.207 mmol/L for EOO, HOSO, VOO and IOO, respectively, Kruskal-Wallis test, P<0.05). No statistically significant effect was observed upon LDL-cholesterol or triglycerides. Thus, MC supplementation has beneficial effects on HDL concentrations in Wistar rats.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Intralesional recombinant interferon alpha-2b in Peyronie's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate interferon alpha-2b (IFN) in the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) since IFN exerts antifibrotic action through collagen synthesis inhibition and fibrolysis stimulation. METHODS: The study comprised 34 patients, aged 31 to 63, with clinical and ultrasonographic (US) diagnosis of PD, who gave their consent to enter the study. They had the disease for 10.1 +/- 5.6 (2-22) months. Ten million IU of IFN were injected intralesionally, twice weekly for 14 weeks or less if there was complete remission. Clinical evaluation included penis angle at erection, sexual dysfunction (pain, possibility of intercourse) and palpable plaque. Plaque size was evaluated by US. Systemic and local adverse reactions, and anti-IFN antibodies were monitored as well. RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction disappeared in 19/24 (79.2%) patients with this disorder, palpable lesions in 21/34 (62%), angle at erection in 15/32 (47%), and pain in 16/17 (94%). Complete clinical response was achieved in 16/34 patients (47%). Ultrasonographic response rate was 88%, (53% complete). Plaque size decreased from 56.7 +/- 42.9 (median: 35.4) before treatment to 12.7 +/- 22.6 mm2 (median: 0) (p < 0.00001; Wilcoxon's paired test). Clinical and US responses correlated. No patient showed progression. Eight of 9 patients in whom other treatments had failed responded to IFN therapy (5 complete). The main systemic adverse reaction in most patients (mild or moderate) was the flu-like syndrome expected for IFN. Local reactions, more related to the administration procedure than to IFN itself, were small hematoma (10 patients), edema (3), cysts that were excised surgically (2), and venous leak (1). No patient developed anti-IFN antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: IFN treatment can be a suitable option for the management of PD. The results appear to be better than those achieved with other procedures. Further work should include comparative studies, long-term follow-up of treated patients, and alternative ways of administration.

Adult↗