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Arends A, Alvarez M, Velázquez D, Bravo M, Salazar R, Guevara JM, Castillo O. Determination of beta-globin gene cluster haplotypes and prevalence of alpha-thalassemia in sickle cell anemia patients in Venezuela. Am J Hematol 2000; 64:87-90. [PMID: 10814985 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-8652(200006)64:2<87::aid-ajh2>3.0.co;2-b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell anemia and alpha-thalassemia have a heterogeneous distribution in Venezuela with a high frequency in the coastal area (sea level) and few cases in the mountains. Most of our population is an ethnic admixture of Europeans (Spaniards colonists), Africans (slaves), and Amerindians. The purpose of our study was to determine the origin of the beta(s) globin haplotype, age and survival dependency, and the admixture among the different African groups in our population. The alpha(3.7) globin gene deletion status was also studied and found in a very high frequency. DNA from peripheral blood of 191 non-related patients (81 with HbS homozygous and 15 patients compound heterozygous for HbS, HbC, HbD with beta-thalassemia, and 95 with sickle cell trait) were studied. The beta(s) chromosome was linked 51% to the Benin Haplotype, 29.5% with the CAR, 12.5% to the Senegal, and 2.5% to the Cameroon. We did not find any significant difference between the haplotype distribution among adults and children and among sickle cell patients and traits. Only 8.6% of the patients have homozygosity for the Benin haplotype. These results show a very high frequency of admixture in our African origin population.
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Espi A, Prieto JM, Fernandez M, Alvarez M. Serological prevalence to six leptospiral serovars in cattle in Asturias (Northern Spain). Epidemiol Infect 2000; 124:599-602. [PMID: 10982084 PMCID: PMC2810946 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268899003969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of antibody to six serovars of Leptospira interrogans in cattle in Asturias (Northern Spain) was determined by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Using 50% agglutination or lysis at a dilution of 1:10 or more as the criteria for seropositivity, 371 of 3578 (10.36%) animals were found to react with one serovar. The most commonly detected serovars were pomona (5.59%) and grippotyphosa (2.37%), whilst serovar hardjo (0.75%), icterohaemorrhagiae (0.64%), poi (0.64%) and autumnalis (0.36%) were found at lower frequencies.
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Monzón-Mayor M, Alvarez M, Arbelo-Galván J, Romero-Alemán M, Yanes C, Plaza ML, Rodríguez JR, Rodríguez JJ, Toledano A. Long-term evolution of local, proximal and remote astrocyte responses after diverse nucleus basalis lesioning (an experimental Alzheimer model): GFAP immunocytochemical study. Brain Res 2000; 865:245-58. [PMID: 10821927 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(00)02231-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A study on long-term astrocytic responses (from 1 day to 20 months after lesioning in 4-month-old rats, and from 1 day to 6 months in 20-month-old rats) to diverse unilateral damage of the nucleus basalis (nbM) by injection of 40 nmol of ibotenic acid, or 50 or 100 nmols of quisqualic acid was performed using a histochemical method (immunoreactivity against the glial fibrillary acidic protein GFAP). Glial reactivity (i.e., isolated or clustered hypertrophic and/or hyper-reactive astrocytes) was evaluated in several ipsilateral and contralateral brain regions: the 'local response' within the damaged nbM region; the 'proximal response' (a new concept proposed by us) in the non-damaged structures neighbouring the nbM; and the 'remote response' in the ipsilateral brain cortex and in the contralateral cortex and nbM. In 4-month-old animals, the remote cortical glial responses, independent of the involution of cortical cholinergic activity and randomly located in layers I-V of motor and somatosensory cortical regions, were similar in appearance over a long period (13-20 months), with the highest reactivity 45 days after lesioning. The proximal response lasted from 1 day to 13 months and afterwards tended to disappear. Contralateral reactivity and ipsilateral cortical scars were observed. The local (nbM) glial response was maintained throughout the period studied. Subsets of astrocytes of different reactivities were observed, most of their elements being highly intermeshed. In 20-month-old animals, nbM lesions produced less positive, but similar, glial reactive patterns. This glial reactivity was superposed onto the glial reactivity of old age. All these results are discussed. The maintenance of reactive astrocytes many months after lesioning suggests the existence of cellular factors other than those produced by damaged nbM neurons. Taking into account the role of glial cells under pathological conditions, it is possible that these reactive astrocytes in humans could promote neurodegenerative processes, such as amyloid plaque formation and neurodegeneration (Alzheimer's disease). Along this line, nbM cholinergic involution could then originate cortical involution through induced reactive astrocytosis.
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Rodriguez-Guardado R, Alvarez M, Méndez Lage S, Iglesias B, Villaverde S. [Bilateral salpingitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae in a patient without risk factors]. Med Clin (Barc) 2000; 114:758-9. [PMID: 10919135 DOI: 10.1016/s0025-7753(00)71427-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Mc-Nab P, Fuentealba C, Ballesteros F, Pacheco D, Alvarez M, Dabanch J, Cona E. [Nocardia asteroides infection in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus]. Rev Med Chil 2000; 128:526-8. [PMID: 11008357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Nocardia asteroides infection are unusually observed in systemic Lupus erithematous (SLE) patients. They are generally associated to steroidal and immunosuppressive therapy. We report a 24 years old female with SLE diagnosed in 1994 who developed a severe preeclampsia in her first pregnancy requiring emergency caesarean section. Post partum acute renal failure and type IV lupus nephropathy were treated with hemodialysis, methylprednisolone, cyclophosphamide and prednisone. Three months later, while she was receiving the fourth cyclophosphamide dose, she presented with a pleuro pneumonia and occipital abscess, both caused by Nocardia asteroides. She was treated with cotrimoxazole + cefixime and pleural decortication was required. Five months later, she developed Meningitis caused by Nocardia asteroides and hydrocephalus. She was treated with ceftriaxone, vancomycin, cotrimoxazole and ventricular shunting procedure. Two months later, a retroperitoneal abscess was diagnosed and surgically drained but the patient died, due to a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus septicemia.
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Prieto JM, Fernandez F, Alvarez V, Espi A, García Marín JF, Alvarez M, Martín JM, Parra F. Immunohistochemical localisation of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus VP-60 antigen in early infection of young and adult rabbits. Res Vet Sci 2000; 68:181-7. [PMID: 10756137 DOI: 10.1053/rvsc.1999.0357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the time course distribution of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) structural protein VP60 in tissues from experimentally infected rabbits from three different age groups. Viral VP60 antigen could not be detected in tissue samples from animals under four weeks, and only a few hepatocytes (0.01 to 0.2 per cent) were stained in the 6-week-old animals. A 6-week-old rabbit euthanised at 72 hpi showed VP60-labelling in hepatocytes and macrophages close to areas of inflammation. Viral VP60 antigen was detected as early as 12 hpi in a few hepatocytes (0.03 per cent) from adult animals. Within this age group, the extent of hepatocyte labelling considerably increased at 18 (3.0 per cent), 24 (25.5 per cent), 36 (50 per cent) and 48 (60 per cent) hpi. Extrahepatic viral VP60 antigen was also detected at 36 and 48 hpi in spleen macrophages and lymphocytes from adult rabbits. These findings support the hypothesis that the hepatocyte is the only cell type in the liver able to support RHDV replication almost immediately after viral infection.
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307
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Alvarez M, Alvarez ME, Máiz L, Asensio A, Baquero F, Canton R. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of oropharyngeal viridans group streptococci isolates from cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis patients. Microb Drug Resist 2000; 4:123-8. [PMID: 9650999 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.1998.4.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of 77 oropharyngeal viridans streptococci isolates from 34 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and 58 isolates from 43 healthy non-CF patients were studied by the E-test and the standard disk diffusion methods. Overall penicillin and cefotaxime resistances (intermediate plus resistant isolates) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) among CF isolates (72.7% and 45.5%, respectively) than among non-CF isolates (51.7% and 15.5%, respectively). No significant difference was observed in overall (intermediate plus resistant) erythromycin resistance rates, although high-level erythromycin resistance (> or =32 microg/mL) was more frequently found in CF isolates (24.6%) than in non-CF isolates (12.1%). An unexpected high percentage of isolates showed low level erythromycin resistance (MIC range, 0.5-15 microg/mL): 41.5% in cystic fibrosis and 46.5% in non-CF isolates. No significant differences were observed regarding the percentage of colonized patients with at least one penicillin-resistant isolate. On the contrary, colonization with cefotaxime (p < 0.001) or erythromycin (p = 0.014) resistant isolates were significantly more prevalent in CF patients. Similar tetracycline and chloramphenicol resistance rates were observed for both groups. Viridans isolates resistant to a single antibiotic were more prevalent among non-CF patients and multiple resistance was higher among CF patients. Prior antibiotic exposure could result in differences in beta-lactam resistance and colonization rates with resistant isolates between both groups. None of the non-CF patients was previously treated with antimicrobials for a period of three months before sampling. In contrast, 94.1% of CF patients were treated with antimicrobials within the same period; 65.6% with beta-lactam antibiotics. Patients with CF disease, frequently exposed to antimicrobials, may be a reservoir of viridans streptococci isolates with resistance determinants, particularly to beta-lactam antibiotics.
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Barrero AF, Oltra JE, Rodríguez-García I, Barragán A, Alvarez M. Preparation, stereochemistry, and cytotoxic activity of the melampolides from Mikania minima. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2000; 63:305-307. [PMID: 10757707 DOI: 10.1021/np990436w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The semisyntheses of melampolides 1 and 2, previously found in Mikania minima, were carried out in order to confirm their chemical structures and to establish their absolute configurations. Their conformational analyses, performed using molecular mechanics, experimental (1)H NMR coupling constants, and NOE experiments, showed a preferred DU conformer in solution at room temperature. The cytotoxic activities of 1 and 2 against three tumor cell lines were also determined. Conjugated aldehyde 2 showed higher activity than alcohol 1.
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309
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Rué M, Valero C, Quintana S, Artigas A, Alvarez M. Interobserver variability of the measurement of the mortality probability models (MPM II) in the assessment of severity of illness. Intensive Care Med 2000; 26:286-91. [PMID: 10823384 DOI: 10.1007/s001340051151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the interobserver variability of the measurement of the MPM II system. DESIGN Random sample of an inception cohort. SETTING Fifteen adult medical and surgical intensive care units (ICUs) in Spain. PATIENTS A 5% random sample (n = 119) of 2332 patients consecutively admitted in the ICU, aged 18 years or older. INTERVENTIONS Prospective data collection during the stay of the patient in the ICU. Repeated data collection, after the patient's hospital discharge. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Demographic information, length-of-stay and vital status at both ICU and hospital discharge, as well as all variables necessary for computing the MPM II system were measured. Interobserver variability for categorical variables was measured computing the kappa index. For interval variables the interobserver variability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient, the paired t-test, and linear regression. In the MPM II0 index, the variables coma, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, chronic renal insufficiency, metastatic neoplasm, acute renal failure, cardiac dysrhythmia and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, showed moderate or low levels of agreement. In the MPM II24 index, the variables coma or deep stupor, PaO2 and prothrombin time showed low or moderate interobserver agreement. Agreement for the MPM II probability of death was high, although the external observer obtained a lower estimation than the hospital observer. CONCLUSIONS The MPM II severity system showed a high level of stability when used in groups of patients. Nevertheless, the observed variability in some variables means that it should be used with caution for individual patients.
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310
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Segura EL, Cura EN, Estani SA, Andrade J, Lansetti JC, de Rissio AM, Campanini A, Blanco SB, Gürtler RE, Alvarez M. Long-term effects of a nationwide control program on the seropositivity for Trypanosoma cruzi infection in young men from Argentina. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2000; 62:353-62. [PMID: 11037777 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2000.62.353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Unselected nationwide cohorts of Argentine men 18 years of age summoned for military service were tested for antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi each year from 1981 to 1993. After an initial screening using indirect hemagglutination test, the positive sera were retested by titrated indirect hemagglutination and immunofluorescence antibody tests at 39 laboratories or at the national reference center in Buenos Aires. Nearly 1.8 million men were examined for T. cruzi antibodies using the same standardized procedures under a quality assurance program. The prevalence of seropositivity for T. cruzi decreased significantly from 5.8% in 1981 to 1.9% in 1993, but the decrease was not homogeneous among provinces within each region or constant over time. Prior to the nationwide control campaign initiated in 1961-1962, 15 provinces had high (> 20%) percentages of houses with domiciliary infestation by Triatoma infestans bugs, which decreased to nine provinces in 1982, and four provinces in 1992. The observed decrease in the prevalence of seropositivity for T. cruzi may be mostly attributed to the spraying with insecticides to eliminate the domiciliary populations of Triatoma infestans. The lack of a sustainable triatomine surveillance program set a limit to the decrease of seropositivity rates and prompted a revised strategy based on community participation.
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311
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Barrero AF, Oltra JE, Alvarez M, Raslan DS, Saúde DA, Akssira M. New sources and antifungal activity of sesquiterpene lactones. Fitoterapia 2000; 71:60-4. [PMID: 11449472 DOI: 10.1016/s0367-326x(99)00122-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In the search for new sources of sesquiterpene lactones, six Centaurea species have been analyzed. The activity against the fungus Cunninghamella echinulata of (+)-cnicin (1) and (+)-salonitenolide (2), isolated from the Centaurea plants, as well as that of (+)-costunolide (3), (-)-dehydrocostuslactone (4), (-)-lychnopholide (5) and (-)-eremantholide C (6), has been evaluated. Compounds 3 and 4 showed noticeable EC50 values, whilst more polar lactones were inactive. These results suggest that a relatively low polarity is one of the molecular requirements for the antifungal activity of sesquiterpene lactones.
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312
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Bartolí R, Fernández-Bañares F, Navarro E, Castellà E, Mañé J, Alvarez M, Pastor C, Cabré E, Gassull MA. Effect of olive oil on early and late events of colon carcinogenesis in rats: modulation of arachidonic acid metabolism and local prostaglandin E(2) synthesis. Gut 2000; 46:191-9. [PMID: 10644312 PMCID: PMC1727832 DOI: 10.1136/gut.46.2.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal model studies have shown that the colon tumour promoting effect of dietary fat depends not only on the amount but on its fatty acid composition. With respect to this, the effect of n9 fatty acids, present in olive oil, on colon carcinogenesis has been scarcely investigated. AIMS To assess the effect of an n9 fat diet on precancer events, carcinoma development, and changes in mucosal fatty acid composition and prostaglandin (PG)E(2) formation in male Sprague-Dawley rats with azoxymethane induced colon cancer. METHODS Rats were divided into three groups to receive isocaloric diets (5% of the energy as fat) rich in n9, n3, or n6 fat, and were administered azoxymethane subcutaneously once a week for 11 weeks at a dose rate of 7.4 mg/kg body weight. Vehicle treated groups received an equal volume of normal saline. Groups of animals were colectomised at weeks 12 and 19 after the first dose of azoxymethane or saline. Mucosal fatty acids were assessed at 12 and 19 weeks. Aberrant crypt foci and the in vivo intracolonic release of PGE(2) were assessed at week 12, and tumour formation at week 19. RESULTS Rats on the n6 diet were found to have colonic aberrant crypt foci and adenocarcinomas more often than those consuming either the n9 or n3 diet. There were no differences between the rats on the n9 and n3 diets. On the other hand, administration of both n9 and n3 diets was associated with a decrease in mucosal arachidonate concentrations as compared with the n6 diet. Carcinogen treatment induced an appreciable increase in PGE(2) formation in rats fed the n6 diet, but not in those fed the n3 and n9 diets. CONCLUSIONS Dietary olive oil prevented the development of aberrant crypt foci and colon carcinomas in rats, suggesting that olive oil may have chemopreventive activity against colon carcinogenesis. These effects may be partly due to modulation of arachidonic acid metabolism and local PGE(2) synthesis.
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313
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Ortega N, Castillo R, Blanco C, Alvarez M, Carrillo T. Oral iron cutaneous adverse reaction and successful desensitization. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2000; 84:43-5. [PMID: 10674564 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)62739-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oral administering of iron preparations sometimes produces adverse gastrointestinal effects. In contrast, cutaneous reactions are extremely rare. OBJECTIVE We report a patient with several episodes of generalized pruritus and erythematous maculopapular eruption after receiving oral compounds of iron and on whom desensitization with oral iron was attempted. METHODS We studied a female with microcytic anemia due to gynecologic blood loss who presented several episodes of cutaneous eruption after receiving oral compounds of iron. Skin prick-test and two simple-blind, placebo-controlled oral challenges were performed with various iron compounds, and finally desensitization with oral iron was carried out. RESULTS Skin prick-test and patch-test with iron preparations were negative. Two simple-blind, placebo-controlled oral challenges were performed and the patient began experiencing similar cutaneous symptoms. We started a slow desensitization protocol using increasing doses until the target amount of the drug was tolerated without adverse effects. The chronic administration of oral iron therapy once a day for 9 months sustained the desensitized state and the anemia disappeared. CONCLUSION We present methods to effectively manage iron supply for a microcytic anemia patient with cutaneous reactions due to oral iron compounds, to avoid repeated transfusions, slow desensitization with oral iron was successfully attempted.
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314
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de Mingo L, Alvarez M, Morato P, Rollán V. [Pulmonary cystic adenomatoid malformation with anomalous vascularization with systemic origin]. CIRUGIA PEDIATRICA : ORGANO OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE CIRUGIA PEDIATRICA 2000; 13:41-2. [PMID: 12602023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
We report an infant with the diagnosis of Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation. He was operated and we found an abnormal systemic blood supply associated in that lobe. We make a review of the literature, and we make a distinction between this rare combination and others like pseudo pulmonary sequestration, or Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation associated to pulmonary sequestration.
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315
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Alvarez JB, Asensio E, Lozano JE, Alvarez M, Portos JM. Early heart rate variations during head-up tilt table testing as a predictor of outcome of the test. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2000; 23:26-31. [PMID: 10666750 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2000.tb00646.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Head-up tilt table testing (HUTT) is a useful tool for the diagnosis of unknown origin of syncope. A setback is its duration. This study tries to establish a specific parameter that, according to the heart rate elevation in the test's initial phase, allows a reliable prediction of its outcome. In a prospective study, every patient being under unknown syncope workup was included. A two-phase 20-minute tilt table test was performed. The initial phase was passive, and the second required pharmacological stimulation with isoproterenol. The basal and 5- and 10-minute heart rate values of the passive phase were measured and compared within the group and against negative tests. During a 1-year period, 115 HUTT were performed: 88 were positive and 27 negative. The negative HUTT patients had an increase in HR of 5.05 (+/- 13.5) beats/min at 5 minutes, and 5.79 (+/- 12.9) beats/min at 10 minutes (P = 0.2). Those with a positive HUTT had an increase of 9.05 (+/- 14.5) beats/min at 5 minutes, and of 10 (+/- 13.4) beats/min at 10 minutes (P < 0.001). There were no significant changes in HR when comparing positive to negative HUTT. There is no specific number that allows predication of outcome early in HUTT. Within the group, variations are important. Only a group tendency can be established, which strongly correlates with the results obtained during the test.
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316
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Martínez-Campillo F, Terán M, Alvarez M, Rigo MV, Roda J, Salinas M, García JM. [Prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies and efficacy of pre-vaccine detection at institutions for mentally retarded of the city of Alicante]. Aten Primaria 2000; 25:552-5. [PMID: 10876948 PMCID: PMC7683934 DOI: 10.1016/s0212-6567(00)78566-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and efficacy of the anti-HAV antibodies detection in institucions for mentally retarded people in the city of Alicante. DESIGN Prevalence study. SETTING Two institucions for mentally retarded people in the city of Alicante. PARTICIPANTS One hundred and seven residents and seventy seven in care of them. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS We have investigated the anti-HAV antibodies prevalence by enzymeinmunoanalysis of microparticle test. The efficacy of the anti-HAV antibodies detection before the vaccination has been studied by calculating the threshold of prevalence with the following formula: unit cost of detection + (1 - X) x unit cost vaccination anti-HAV negative subjects = unit cost vaccination. RESULTS The global prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies was 56.5% (95% CI, 49-63.7). The prevalence of the residents was 55.1% (95% CI, 45.2-64.7) and 58.4% in care of them (95% CI, 46.6-69.5). Among the sociodemographic variables evaluated only the age was associated with the prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies (p < 0.001). The unit cost of prevaccination detection of anti-HAV antibodies was calculated as 998 pesetas and the unit cost of the vaccination as 3595, obtaining a prevalence anti-HAV threshold of 27.8%. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies in this collective studied is similar to the prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies of the spaniard population. The direct vaccination without a previous marker study is recommended to people under the age of 31 in this population group.
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Soza A, Riquelme F, Alvarez M, Duarte I, Glasinovic JC, Arrese M. [Hepatotoxicity by amoxicillin/clavulanic acid: case report]. Rev Med Chil 1999; 127:1487-91. [PMID: 10835757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
We report a 72 years old diabetic male that, after the use of combined amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, developed pruritus and jaundice. Liver function tests showed serum total bilirubin of 4.3 mg/dL aspartate aminotransferase 140 U/l (normal < 35 U/L), alanine aminotransferase 470 U/L (normal < 40) and alkaline phosphatases of 400 U/L (normal < 100). Serology for hepatitis A, B and C viruses was negative, ERCP showed a normal biliary tree and liver biopsy disclosed a cholestatic hepatitis. Ursodeoxycholic was started to relieve pruritus. Liver function tests improved shortly thereafter, suggesting that this drug may be useful in the treatment of drug induced cholestasis.
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318
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Porcel JM, Alvarez M, Salud A, Vives M. Should a cytologic study be ordered in transudative pleural effusions? Chest 1999; 116:1836-7. [PMID: 10593821 DOI: 10.1378/chest.116.6.1836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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319
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Lázaro C, de Cid R, Sunyer J, Soriano J, Giménez J, Alvarez M, Casals T, Antó JM, Estivill X. Missense mutations in the cystic fibrosis gene in adult patients with asthma. Hum Mutat 1999; 14:510-9. [PMID: 10571949 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-1004(199912)14:6<510::aid-humu10>3.0.co;2-o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a complex genetic disorder that affects 5% of adults and 10% of children worldwide. The complete characterization of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene identified missense mutations in 15% of 144 unrelated adult patients with asthma, but in none of 41 subjects from the general population. The four more common mutations were analyzed in an extended sample consisting of 184 individuals from the general population and did not show a significant difference in frequency. The hyperfunctional CFTR M470 allele was detected in 90% of patients with CFTR missense mutations, but in 63% of subjects from the general population and 63% of asthma patients without CFTR mutations. None of the patients with missense mutations had the 5T allele of intron 8 of CFTR, responsible for low CFTR levels, while it was detected in 8% of asthma patients without CFTR mutations and in 9% of subjects from the general population. These findings suggest a putative role for a combination of CFTR missense mutations, including the M470 allele, in the genetic variability of asthma.
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320
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Maes D, Zeelen JP, Thanki N, Beaucamp N, Alvarez M, Thi MH, Backmann J, Martial JA, Wyns L, Jaenicke R, Wierenga RK. The crystal structure of triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) from Thermotoga maritima: a comparative thermostability structural analysis of ten different TIM structures. Proteins 1999; 37:441-53. [PMID: 10591103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms that evolution has been employing to adapt to environmental temperatures are poorly understood. To gain some further insight into this subject we solved the crystal structure of triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima (TmTIM). The enzyme is a tetramer, assembled as a dimer of dimers, suggesting that the tetrameric wild-type phosphoglycerate kinase PGK-TIM fusion protein consists of a core of two TIM dimers covalently linked to 4 PGK units. The crystal structure of TmTIM represents the most thermostable TIM presently known in its 3D-structure. It adds to a series of nine known TIM structures from a wide variety of organisms, spanning the range from psychrophiles to hyperthermophiles. Several properties believed to be involved in the adaptation to different temperatures were calculated and compared for all ten structures. No sequence preferences, correlated with thermal stability, were apparent from the amino acid composition or from the analysis of the loops and secondary structure elements of the ten TIMs. A common feature for both psychrophilic and T. maritima TIM is the large number of salt bridges compared with the number found in mesophilic TIMs. In the two thermophilic TIMs, the highest amount of accessible hydrophobic surface is buried during the folding and assembly process.
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Badia M, Trujillano J, Gascó E, Casanova JM, Alvarez M, León M. Skin lesions in the ICU. Intensive Care Med 1999; 25:1271-6. [PMID: 10654212 DOI: 10.1007/s001340051056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to identify the dermatological disorders (DDs) responsible for the most common skin lesions in the ICU, their incidence and their impact on mortality, degree of severity and length of stay in the ICU. DESIGN AND SETTING We performed a 2-year prospective study in a general medical and surgical ICU including, exceptionally, paediatric cases. PATIENTS We included all patients who presented skin lesions upon admission or developed them during their ICU stay. RESULTS Forty-six patients (10% of all admissions) were enrolled, with 51 DDs. SAPS II score (43) and mean length of stay (19 days) were significantly higher than in the general group of ICU admissions. Differences in mortality rates (26% versus 29%) were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS DDs are entities that should be borne in mind in the critically ill patient; their incidence is by no means negligible and makes careful examination of the skin mandatory both on admission and during a patient's ICU stay.
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Alvarez M, Levesque D, Weis JJ. Monte Carlo approach to the gas-liquid transition in porous materials. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL PHYSICS, PLASMAS, FLUIDS, AND RELATED INTERDISCIPLINARY TOPICS 1999; 60:5495-504. [PMID: 11970424 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.60.5495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/1999] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
The gas-liquid transition of a "quenched-annealed"(QA) system is studied by grand-canonical Monte Carlo simulation. The "quenched" particles are hard spheres within configurations chosen randomly from those of an equilibrium hard-sphere system at given density. The fluid particles interact with the matrix particles by a hard-core potential and with each other by a hard-core potential and an additional potential of a Lennard-Jones type. Our results are in good qualitative agreement with various theoretical approaches. With increasing matrix density the critical temperature is lowered compared to that of the bulk system and the gap between the gas and liquid densities narrowed. Our simulations confirm, for this QA system, the possibility of two fluid-fluid transitions substituting for the unique gas-liquid transition of the bulk system. They demonstrate the necessity to average over a significant number of matrix realizations in order to obtain a quantitative location of the phase coexistence lines.
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Arlet P, Sailler L, Dingremont C, Alvarez M, Ollier S. [Excavated pneumopathy due to Salmonella: a new observation]. Presse Med 1999; 28:1362. [PMID: 10506866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
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324
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Camacho DE, Guzmán MG, Morier L, Alvarez M, Rodríguez R, Comach G. [Study of various biological properties of 3 strains of dengue 2 with differences in their nucleotide sequences]. REVISTA CUBANA DE MEDICINA TROPICAL 1999; 51:177-80. [PMID: 10887584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Some biological properties of Dengue-2 strains such as A-15 (isolated in Cuba in 1981); Jamaica (isolated in Jamaica in 1981) and New Guinea "C" (NG"C") standard strain differing in their nucleotide sequences were studied. The results showed that the cytopathic effect in C6/36 HT cell line occurred earlier in A-15 strain and that fluorescence was first detected in Jamaica and A-15 strains. This seems to indicate that rapid detection of strains does not have any relation to neither their history of passage nor the original isolation system. A-15 and NG"C" strains exhibited an heterogeneous pattern formed by big and small plaques but average size of plaques in NG"C" was lower whereas Jamaica showed only small plaques. The most neurovirulent strain in mice was NG"G" followed by A-15 whereas Jamaica was not neurovirulent at all. These results indicate that A-15 has a different biological behaviour which is probably due to intrinsic differences. It should be taken into account that 7 amino acid changes were found in the envelope protein which may have affected the expression of some biological properties.
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325
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Bravo M, Salazar R, Arends A, Alvarez M, Velázquez D, Guevara JM, Castillo O. [Detection of beta thalassemia by the technique of refractory amplification of mutation systems (ARMS-PCR)]. INVESTIGACION CLINICA 1999; 40:203-13. [PMID: 10531753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
beta Thalassemia (Thal) mutations were studied in DNA from 80/159 patients with hemolytic anemia and high levels of Hb A2 by the amplification refractory mutation system technique (ARMS-PCR). This method detects point mutations and insertions or deletions of just a few nucleotides in the beta globin gene by the polymerase chain reaction of allele-specific priming. In 43/80 patients with different clinical presentations of beta Thalassemia and 37/80 compound heterozygous for hemoglobinopathies and beta Thalassemia the most frequent mutation found was the -29 (of African origin), followed by the CD39 (of Mediterranean origin) and in a lower frequency also was found the -88, the IVSI-6 and the IVSI-110. We conclude that this technique is an useful approach in determining the beta thalassemia mutations in population surveys, because it allows to make a differential diagnosis between beta Thalassemia minor and individuals with high levels of Hb A2. It helps to clarify the diagnosis of patients with structural hemoglobinopathies that also presents high levels of Hb A2.
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