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Esteva M, Maidana C, Sinagra A, Luna C, Ruiz AM, Stoka AM. Effect of a juvenile hormone analogue on Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis. Exp Parasitol 2005; 110:162-4. [PMID: 15888299 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2005.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2004] [Revised: 01/28/2005] [Accepted: 02/01/2005] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Esteva
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología "Dr. Mario Fatala Chabén," Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Altclas J, Sinagra A, Dictar M, Luna C, Verón MT, De Rissio AM, García MM, Salgueira C, Riarte A. Chagas disease in bone marrow transplantation: an approach to preemptive therapy. Bone Marrow Transplant 2005; 36:123-9. [PMID: 15908978 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1705006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of preemptive therapy was evaluated in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) recipients associated with Chagas disease (CD). The criterion to include patients in the protocol was the serological reactivity for CD in recipients and/or donors before transplant. After BMT, the monitoring was performed using the direct Strout method (SM), which detects clinical levels of Trypanosome cruzi parasitemia, and CD conventional serological tests. Monitoring took place during 60 days in ABMT and throughout the immunosuppressive period in allogeneic BMT. Reactivation of CD was diagnosed by detecting T. cruzi parasites in blood or tissues. In primary T. cruzi infection, an additional diagnostic criterion was the serological conversion. A total of 25 CD-BMT patients were included. Two ABMT and four allogeneic BMT recipients showed CD recurrences diagnosed by SM. One patient also showed skin lesions with T. cruzi amastigotes. Benznidazole treatment (Roche Lab), an antiparasitic drug, was prescribed at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day during 4-8 weeks with recovery of patients. Primary T. cruzi infection was not observed. This report proves the relevance of monitoring CD in BMT patients and demonstrates that preemptive therapy was able to abrogate the development of clinical and systemic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Altclas
- ICTEM Sanatorio Antártida, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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53
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Acosta MC, Peral A, Luna C, Pintor J, Belmonte C, Gallar J. Tear secretion induced by selective stimulation of corneal and conjunctival sensory nerve fibers. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2004; 45:2333-6. [PMID: 15223813 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.03-1366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To measure the increase in tear secretion evoked by selective stimulation of the different populations of sensory receptors of the cornea and conjunctiva by using moderate and intense mechanical, chemical, and cold stimuli. METHODS Six healthy subjects participated in the study. Tear secretion was measured in both eyes by the Schirmer's test conducted under control conditions and after stimulation of the center of the cornea and the temporal conjunctiva with a gas esthesiometer. Mechanical stimulation consisted in three pulses of 3 seconds' duration of warmed air (at 34 degrees C on the eye surface) applied at moderate (170 mL/min) and high (260 mL/min) flow rates. Cold thermal stimulation was made with cooled air that produced a corneal temperature drop of -1 degrees C or -4.5 degrees C. Chemical (acidic) stimulation was performed with a jet of gas containing a mixture of 80% CO(2) in air. RESULTS The basal volume of tear secretion increased significantly (P < 0.05, paired t-test) after stimulation of the cornea with high-flow mechanical stimuli (260 mL/min), intense cooling pulses (-4.5 degrees C), and chemical stimulation (80% CO(2)). The same stimuli were ineffective when applied to the conjunctiva. Moderate mechanical (170 mL/min) and cold (-1 degrees C) stimulation of the cornea or the conjunctiva did not change significantly the volume of tear secretion. CONCLUSIONS Reflex tear secretion caused by corneal stimulation seems to be chiefly due to activation of corneal polymodal nociceptors, whereas selective excitation of corneal mechanonociceptors or cold receptors appears to be less effective in evoking an augmented lacrimal secretion. Conjunctival receptors stimulated at equivalent levels do not evoke an increased tear secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Carmen Acosta
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Campus de San Juan, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.
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Abstract
Inherited disorders of energy metabolism are increasingly being recognized as important causes of cardiomyopathy in children. We previously reported that heteroplasmic point substitutions in the mitochondrial DNA D-loop were found in 15 of 75 children at risk for mitochondrial disease (vs 0/95 controls). Four of these cases presented with severe cardiomyopathy in congestive failure in addition to other anomalies and are presented here. In each case, myocardial dysfunction greatly improved following supportive therapy aimed at reversing both congestive failure and catabolism. D-loop point heteroplasmy may be a marker for severe, reversible, infantile multisystem disease that can present with cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Boles
- Division of Medical Genetics, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
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55
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Luna C, Sansberro P, Mroginski L, Tarragó J. Micropropagation of Ilex dumosa (Aquifoliaceae) from nodal segments in a tissue culture system. BIOCELL 2003; 27:205-12. [PMID: 14510239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Micropropagation of Ilex dumosa var. dumosa R. ("yerba señorita") from nodal segments containing one axillary bud was investigated. Shoot regeneration from explants of six-year-old plants was readily achieved in 1/4 strength Murashige and Skoog medium (1/4 MS) plus 30 gr x L(-1) sucrose and supplemented with 4.4 microM BA. Further multiplication and elongation of the regenerated shoots were obtained by subculture in a fresh medium of similar composition with 1.5 gr x L(-1) sucrose. Rooting induction from shoots were achieved in two steps: 1) 7 days in 1/4 MS (30 gr x L(-1) sucrose, 0.25% Phytagel) with 7.3 microM IBA and 2) 21 days in the same medium without IBA and 20 microM of cadaverine added. Regenerated plants were successfully transferred to soil. This micropropagation schedule can be implemented in breeding programs of Ilex dumosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Luna
- Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias (UNNE), Sargento Cabral 2131, CC: 209. (3400) Corrientes, Argentina
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56
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Luna C, Hoa NT, Zhang J, Kanzok SM, Brown SE, Imler JL, Knudson DL, Zheng L. Characterization of three Toll-like genes from mosquito Aedes aegypti. Insect Mol Biol 2003; 12:67-74. [PMID: 12542637 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2583.2003.00388.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Three Toll-related genes (AeToll1A, AeToll1B and AeToll5) were cloned and characterized from the yellow fever vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti. All three genes exhibited high levels of amino acid sequence similarity with Drosophila melanogaster (Dm)Toll1 and DmTehao (Toll5). AeToll1A and AeToll1B are 1124 and 1076 amino acid residues long, respectively. Both contain a carboxyl extension downstream of the Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain. AeToll5 is 1007 residues long and, like DmTehao, lacks the carboxyl terminal extension. Expression of these three genes was examined throughout development and after immune challenge. Both AeToll1A and AeToll5, like their Drosophila counterparts, activate transcription of drosomycin promoter in both Aedes and Drosophila cell lines. Deletion of the carboxyl extension of AeToll1A did not result in a further elevated level of the antifungal response. The intracellular signalling process appears to be species specific based on two observations. (1) DmToll is completely inactive in an Aedes cell line, suggesting a higher specificity requirement for DmToll in the intracellular signalling process. (2) Only one of three amino acid residues essential for DmToll function is required for AeToll1A function.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Luna
- Yale University School of Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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57
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Luna C, Sansberro P, Mroginski L, Tarrag� J. Micropropagation of Ilex dumosa (Aquifoliaceae) from nodal segments in a tissue culture system. BIOCELL 2003. [DOI: 10.32604/biocell.2003.27.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Cabedo H, Luna C, Fernandez AM, Gallar J, Ferrer-Montiel A. Molecular determinants of the sensory and motor neuron-derived factor insertion into plasma membrane. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:19905-12. [PMID: 11896060 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m201587200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The sensory and motor neuron-derived factor (SMDF) is a type III neuregulin that regulates development and proliferation of Schwann cells. Although SMDF has been shown to be a type II protein, the molecular determinants of membrane biogenesis, insertion, and topology remain elusive. Here we used heterologous expression of a yellow fluorescent protein-SMDF fusion protein along with a stepwise deletion strategy to show that the apolar/uncharged segment (Ile(76)-Val(100)) acts as an internal, uncleaved membrane insertion signal that defines the topology of the protein. Unexpectedly, removal of the transmembrane segment (TM) did not eliminate completely membrane association of C-terminal fragments. TM-deleted fusion proteins, bearing the amino acid segment (Ser(283)-Glu(296)) located downstream to the epidermal growth factor-like motif, strongly interacted with plasma membrane fractions. However, synthetic peptides patterned after this segment did not insert into artificial lipid vesicles, suggesting that membrane interaction of the SMDF C terminus may be the result of a post-translational modification. Subcellular localization studies demonstrated that the 40-kDa form, but not the 83-kDa form, of SMDF was segregated into lipid rafts. Deletion of the N-terminal TM did not affect the interaction of the protein with these lipid microdomains. In contrast, association with membrane rafts was abolished completely by truncation of the protein C terminus. Collectively, these findings are consistent with a topological model for SMDF in which the protein associates with the plasma membrane through both the TM and the C-terminal end domains resembling the topology of other type III neuregulins. The TM defines its characteristic type II membrane topology, whereas the C terminus is a newly recognized anchoring motif that determines its compartmentalization into lipid rafts. The differential localization of the 40- and 83-kDa forms of the neuregulin into rafts and non-raft domains implies a central role in the protein biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Cabedo
- Centro de Biologia Molecular y Celular and Instituto de Neurociencias-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante 03202, Spain
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59
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Anzueto A, Jardim JR, López H, Luna C, Antonio Mazzei J, Abreu de Oliveira JC, Pereira J, Gonzáles P, Lisboa C, Maldonado D, Torres C, Martínez Selmo S, Miravitles M, Rodríguez de Castro F, Torres A, Ramírez J, Luna JM, Díaz M, Pérez Padilla R, Ramírez A, Sansores R. [ALAT (Latin American Thoracic Association) recommendations on infectious exacerbation of COPD]. Arch Bronconeumol 2001; 37:349-57. [PMID: 11562321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Anzueto
- Grupo de Trabajo de la Asociación Latinoamericana del Tórax (ALAT)
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60
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal hemodynamic performance and potential growth of the pulmonary autograft has led to expanded indications for the Ross procedure. We reviewed our institutional experience to assess midterm results with the Ross operation. METHODS In a 7-year period (1992 to 1999), 111 patients with a median age of 15.7 years (range 2 days to 67 years), underwent the Ross procedure. Ninety-five patients had isolated aortic valve disease and 16 pediatric patients had a more complex left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. RESULTS There were 3 early (2.7%) and 3 late deaths over a median follow-up of 3.6 years (range 6 months to 7.6 years). Actuarial survival at 5 years was 94%+/-2%. In pediatric patients, the pulmonary autograft annulus enlarged from 14.7+/-6.2 mm to 22+/-6.3 mm. This growth followed the expected increase in pulmonary valve diameter based on body surface area. Eight reoperations were necessary for autograft insufficiency at a median interval of 14 months (range 2 days to 31 months). Freedom from replacement of the pulmonary autograft was 91%+/-3% at 5 years. Three patients developed important obstruction of the pulmonary homograft requiring reoperation at a median of 29 months (range 9 to 31 months). CONCLUSIONS The Ross procedure can be performed with good midterm results. In pediatric patients, autograft growth has been appropriate. The potential for development of important autograft insufficiency suggests close follow-up through the intermediate and late term.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pessotto
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90027, USA
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61
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Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, tsetse flies are the vectors of trypanosomes, the causative agents of sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in animals. Certain wild populations of the palpalis group exhibit intraspecific variation and are suspect of manifest differences in vectorial capacity. The current study reports the identification of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci from Glossina palpalis palpalis Robinean-Desvoidy. The majority of these markers amplify corresponding loci from the related species C. p. gambiensis Vanderplank, G. f. fuscipes Newstead, and G. tachinoides Westwood. Only seven of 13 loci were amplified from G. austeni Newstead. Genetic variability was estimated in one field population of G. p. gambiensis. These results confirmed that microsatellite markers may be used to examine the subpopulation structure of tsetse flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Luna
- Yale University School of Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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62
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Abstract
An 11-year-old patient with diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) developed marked elevation of troponin I in the absence of electrocardiographic signs of ischemia after two episodes of supraventricular tachycardia. At follow-up the level of troponin I returned to normal. The role of troponin I in patients with HCM as a risk marker deserves further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Luna
- Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center, Women's and Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
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63
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Luna C, Villanueva LA. [Physiological significance of zinc: perinatal approximation]. Ginecol Obstet Mex 2001; 69:77-81. [PMID: 11339178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Zinc is a very important micronutrient in several biological functions. During pregnancy, zinc deficiency causes fetal-growth retardation, malformations and others poor pregnancy outcomes. The additional need for zinc during pregnancy can be met by an increase in zinc intake, bioavailability or by physiologic adjustments in zinc homeostasis. However, there are factors associated with low intestinal zinc absorption such as diets high in phytate, and iron or calcium supplementation. Further studies of maternal zinc status are necessary to define a prophylactic supplementation to prevent zinc deficiency during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Luna
- Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Secretaría de Salud
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64
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de Luca M, Seffino LG, Grunberg K, Salgado M, Córrdoba A, Luna C, Ortega L, Rodríguez A, Castagnaro A, Taleisnik E. Physiological causes for decreased productivity under high salinity in Boma, a tetraploid Chloris gayana cultivar. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1071/ar00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth) is widely cultivated
in the semi-arid tropics and favoured for salt tolerance; nevertheless,
productivity decreases significantly under saline conditions, especially in
tetraploid cultivars. The purpose of this work was to explore, in the
tetraploid cultivar Boma, the physiological causes for such decrease.
Experiments were carried out in vegetative plants in the greenhouse. At high
salinity (200 mM NaCl), an early reduction in leaf area expansion was
observed, and, later, decreased dry matter accumulation, suggesting that the
central effect of salinity was a limitation of leaf growth. This was evaluated
in 2 closely related Boma clones, exhibiting different degrees of salt
tolerance. Growth, ion accumulation and excretion, sugars, and proline
concentrations were measured under a range of salt concentrations (0–200
mM NaCl). Differences between the clones in leaf expansion were expressed only
at high salinity, but were not associated with differences in water potential
or hydraulic conductance in the expanding region. At all salinity levels, the
proportion of dry leaves was higher in the clone which also had lower salt
gland density and Na excretion rates. Less efficient Na extrusion, associated
with high oxidative stress, may be the main cause for leaf senescence and
differences in productivity between these clones.
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Sansberro P, Rey H, Bernardis A, Luna C, Collavino M, Mroginski L. Plant regeneration of Ilex paraguariensis (Aquifoliaceae) by in vitro culture of nodal segments. BIOCELL 2000; 24:53-63. [PMID: 10893800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
In vitro regeneration of complete plants from nodal single bud segments of "yerba mate" (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) was studied under defined nutritional and environmental conditions. Nodal segments harvested from actively growing shoots of conventionally raised plants were cultured on nutrient medium with the mineral salts and vitamins of Murashige and Skoog medium at 1/4 strength, supplemented with various concentrations of sucrose and 6-benzyladenine (BAP). Shoot regeneration from explants of both young (2 years old) and adult (20 years old) mother plants were readily achieved in the medium supplemented with 0.04-0.09 M sucrose with or without BAP. As many as 60-65% of the nodal segments cultured formed shoots. Rooting of regenerated shoots was observed in 50% of the explants harvested from young plants, whereas 25% of the explants rooted when the nodal explants were harvested from adult plants. The best rooting induction was achieved on 1/4 strength MS medium with vermiculite as the substrate and supplemented with 1-1.5% IBA (indolebutyric acid) and 1-2% PPZ (3-methyl-1-phenyl-2 pyrazolin-5-one). Plantlets were successfully transferred to soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sansberro
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias (UNNE) IBONE, Corrientes, Argentina
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66
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Acherman RJ, Siassi B, Pratti-Madrid G, Luna C, Lewis AB, Ebrahimi M, Castillo W, Kamat P, Ramanathan R. Systemic to pulmonary collaterals in very low birth weight infants: color doppler detection of systemic to pulmonary connections during neonatal and early infancy period. Pediatrics 2000; 105:528-32. [PMID: 10699104 DOI: 10.1542/peds.105.3.528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Angiographic visualization of systemic to pulmonary collaterals (SPC) has been documented in premature infants needing prolonged ventilatory support. Noninvasive identification of such communications in premature infants was reported recently. The purpose of this study was to describe: 1) incidence, 2) clinical findings and implications, and 3) short-term follow-up of SPC diagnosed by echocardiography in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS From December 1, 1994 to August 31, 1996, 196 infants with birth weight <1500 g were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit; 133 of them received serial echocardiographic evaluations at 1 to 2 days, at 2 weeks, and at 1, 2, and 3 months of life. Follow-up echocardiograms were scheduled at 6 months and 1 year of age for patients with SPC persisting at 3 months of age. RESULTS SPC were demonstrated in 88 patients (66%) at 1 to 90 days of life (mean 28 days). In most cases, the SPC originated at the distal aortic arch or the proximal descending aorta. Ten patients (11%) were treated for congestive heart failure. The symptoms improved and anticongestive therapy was discontinued in 9. One patient with persistent congestive heart failure underwent therapeutic cardiac catheterization and 1 prominent SPC was embolized. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of SPC in VLBW infants is much higher than previously reported. We postulate that SPC are bronchopulmonary communications that enlarge and/or proliferate in response to a given stimulus. These communications are associated with increased time on positive pressure ventilation and length of stay in the hospital. SPC may lead to pulmonary edema and should be searched for in VLBW infants with a more complicated course. Echocardiographic examination with color Doppler performed in premature infants to evaluate left to right shunts should include careful search for systemic to pulmonary collaterals.echocardiography, systemic to pulmonary collaterals, aortopulmonary collaterals, prematurity, pulmonary edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Acherman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Women's and Children's Hospital Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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Riarte A, Luna C, Sabatiello R, Sinagra A, Schiavelli R, De Rissio A, Maiolo E, Garcìa MM, Jacob N, Pattin M, Lauricella M, Segura EL, Vázquez M. Chagas' disease in patients with kidney transplants: 7 years of experience 1989-1996. Clin Infect Dis 1999; 29:561-7. [PMID: 10530448 DOI: 10.1086/598634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas' disease was present in 17.22% of persons undergoing kidney transplantation in an Argentine Hospital. The criterion for attributing reactivation of chronic Chagas' disease and transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi to grafts was detection of parasites in blood (patent parasitemia) or tissues. Reactivation was diagnosed in 5 (21.7%) of 23 recipients. Ten (43.4%) of 23 chagasic recipients without reactivation of chronic Chagas' disease had abrogation of serological reactivity. T. cruzi infection was transmitted to 3 (18.7%) of 16 non-chagasic recipients. Reactivation and infection were diagnosed by patent parasitemia or cutaneous panniculitis. For diagnosis, detection of parasites in blood and tissues had more relevance than serology. Sequential monitoring detected early reactivation and infection, permitting application of preemptive or therapeutic therapy with benznidazole, thus inhibiting, in all patients, severe clinical disease produced by a progressive and systemic replication of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Riarte
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitologia Dr. Mario Fatala Chabén, the Hospital Dr. Cosme Argerich, Municipalidad de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Lane J, Acherman RJ, Khongphattanayothin A, Luna C, Ramanathan R, Wong PC, Siassi B. Reverse aortic arch flow secondary to severe pulmonary hypertension in the neonate. Am J Perinatol 1999; 16:143-9. [PMID: 10438196 DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-993848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of reverse aortic arch flow in newborn infants with pulmonary hypertension, and no other identifiable cause for flow reversal, being considered for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) 2) compare the left ventricular output, and 3) outcomes, of these infants, with those in the group of patients with normal arch flow. We reviewed the medical records and echocardiograms of all infants referred to our institution for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for pulmonary hypertension, between August 1994 and April 1996. Neonates with pulmonary hypertension and reverse aortic arch flow had significantly lower left ventricular output (p = 0.005), and had significantly higher mortality (p = 0.04), than those with normal aortic arch flow. They required significantly higher ventilatory support (p = 0.01) and tended to need more inotropic support. Reverse aortic arch flow in newborn infants with pulmonary hypertension, and no other cause for the reverse flow, indicates significantly decreased left ventricular output, and may be a marker for a more difficult clinical course and poor prognosis. In this group of patients with pulmonary hypertension, the survival was significantly higher in infants with no PDA or with pure left to right shunt across a PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lane
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, California, USA
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69
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Altclas J, Sinagra A, Jaimovich G, Salgueira C, Luna C, Requejo A, Milovic V, De Rissio A, Feldman L, Riarte A. Reactivation of chronic Chagas' disease following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and successful pre-emptive therapy with benznidazole. Transpl Infect Dis 1999; 1:135-7. [PMID: 11428981 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-3062.1999.010207.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This report shows the early detection of reactivation of chronic Chagas' disease (CCd) in a 27-year-old man with chronic myelogenous leukemia undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). Pre-emptive therapy with benznidazole during a period of 7 weeks led to a rapid recovery of the patient, who remains free of parasitemia 2 years after the bone marrow transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Altclas
- Instituto de Criopreservación y Trasplante de médula ósea, IMA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Sosa Estani S, Campanini A, Sinagra A, Luna C, Peralta M, Coutada V, Medina L, Riarte A, Salomón D, Gómez A, Segura EL. [Clinical features and diagnosis of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in patients of an endemic area in Salta]. Medicina (B Aires) 1999; 58:685-91. [PMID: 10347960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A total of 39 patients with a clinical diagnosis of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, in an endemic area for leishmaniasis in Salta, Argentina, were examined between June 1990 and December 1992. Of these cases, 87% (34/39) presented the cutaneous simple form, 10.3% the cutaneous multiple form and 2.6% the mucosal form. Lesions were more frequently located in legs and arms (71.8%), followed by trunk and multiple location (10.3%). Of the patients, 43% were housewives, students or children, suggesting that the infection could be contracted in the domestic or peridomestic environment. Of 39 patients diagnosed, in 22 (56.4%) the parasite was found. Direct microscopy (smear) permitted a diagnosis in 13 (59.4%) of these 22 patients. Among these, 5 (22.7%) had positive diagnosis by culture, and 9 (40.9%) by inoculation in hamsters. Ten parasite isolates (45.4%) were obtained. The smear is recommended as a diagnostic method for epidemiological surveillance due to the sensibility demonstrated herein and its easy application in the endemic area. The time of clinical evolution, from the appearance of the lesion up to the detection of the patient by Sanitary Agents, was approximately 90 days. This would be related to the frequency of the visits, usually every 3 months. Only one of 30 treated patients had a relapse at 6 months, due to non fulfillment of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sosa Estani
- Centro Nacional de Diagnóstico e Investigación de Endemo-epidemias (CENDIE)/Administración Nacional de Laboratorios, Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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71
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Dictar M, Sinagra A, Verón MT, Luna C, Dengra C, De Rissio A, Bayo R, Ceraso D, Segura E, Koziner B, Riarte A. Recipients and donors of bone marrow transplants suffering from Chagas' disease: management and preemptive therapy of parasitemia. Bone Marrow Transplant 1998; 21:391-3. [PMID: 9509974 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1701107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We report the clinical course of five adult patients with chronic Chagas' disease (Cd) who underwent BMT. Two patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and one with ALL received an ABMT. Allogeneic BMT was performed in two patients with AML and CML respectively. One donor had chronic Cd. Samples of peripheral blood for parasite investigation by the Strout method, blood culture, and immunological studies by indirect immunofluorescent assay, ELISA and indirect hemagglutination tests were performed weekly from the start of chemotherapy until day +60 for ABMT and during the period of immunosuppression for allogeneic BMT. No prophylaxis was given to any of these patients. In only one ABMT patient were trypomastigotes detected early by blood culture without symptoms of reactivation. Benznidazole as preemptive treatment was administered at 5-8 mg/kg/daily for 30 days. Parasitemia was rapidly cleared and at the end of therapy xenodiagnosis was negative. The other Cd patients showed no evidence of relapse of parasitemia or signs and symptoms of reactivation. In brief, evidence of Cd should be sought in all BMT patients coming from endemic areas because parasitemia and reactivation are potential complications during the period of neutropenia and immunosuppression. The strategy used for early detection and treatment of parasitemia and reactivation was safe and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dictar
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and Infectious Diseases Service, CP Independencia, Buenos Aires, Capital Federal, Argentina
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72
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Sinagra A, Riarte A, Luna C, Campanini A, Segura EL. Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis: biological behavior in golden hamsters of isolates from Argentine patients. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1997; 57:115-8. [PMID: 9242330 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.1997.57.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study reports intraspecific variations of native isolates of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis from patients with leishmaniasis from Salta, Argentina. These isolates induced skin lesions in golden hamsters, initially showing rapid development, reaching their largest size between 28 and 35 days postinfection (PI). Thereafter, the infections were self-limiting and total regression was observed at 80-150 days PI. The majority of the native isolates were characterized by low infectivity in the experimental animals, and a classic pattern of dissemination to systemic organs was established. However, unusual features for L. braziliensis were displayed by two isolates; one showed evidence of high infectivity in hamsters characterized by a short prepatent period and larger, severe and persistent lesions at the inoculation site. The other isolate, of low infectivity, showed cutaneous metastasis and recurrent systemic dissemination in the same animals, suggesting dissociation between infectivity and pathogenicity. Metastasis has been frequently described in hamsters infected with L. (V) guyanensis and L. (V) panamensis, but not in infections induced by L. (V) braziliensis, as was observed in this study. Active and/or regressive histopathologic lesions were observed, depending on the stage of the infection. An exudative and mixed inflammatory pattern with microabscesses and necrotic areas was observed during early infection, while well-defined granulomas and collagen formation were the predominant features detected at a later time. Amastigotes were easily detected in the tissues, although in low numbers. Schaumann bodies were always detected. The characterization of the unique features of these native isolates, and the verification of their reproducibility in vitro and in vivo will be useful tools in tests related to immunoprophylaxis and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sinagra
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitologia Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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73
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Bogdanov P, Albesa I, Sperandeo NR, Luna C, de Bertorello MM. Antibacterial effect of 2-hydroxy-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1, 4-naphthoquinone-4-imine on Staphylococcus aureus. Experientia 1996; 52:600-4. [PMID: 8698097 DOI: 10.1007/bf01969737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism by which a new naphthoquinone derivative, the 2-hydroxy-N-(3,4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1, 4-naphthoquinone-4-imine (INQI-E) has antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus was studied. The interaction of INQI-E with the bacteria was followed by absorption spectroscopy at 323 and 490 nm. The absorption band of INQI-E at 490 nm undergoes a hypochromic shift with a decrease of intensity. This effect was found to be reversible by oxygenation during the first hours of incubation. The participation of an oxidation-reduction process related to the respiratory chain was demonstrated by oxygen consumption. An increase in O2 uptake and inhibition of S. aureus growth was observed. Experiments with three inhibitors of the respiratory chain demonstrated that the pathway induced by INQI-E was antimycin-resistant and KCN- and salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM)-sensitive, which suggests that INQI-E is capable of diverting the normal electron flow to an alternate superoxide-producing route. On the other hand, experiments with Tiron, a specific scavenger of superoxide, hindered the effect of INQI-E against S. aureus, indicating that the inhibitory growth effect of this quinone-imine is mainly due to the production of the cytotoxic superoxide radical.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bogdanov
- Departmento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
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Jolly E, Aguirre L, Jorge E, Luna C. [Acute effect of lorazepam on respiratory muscles in stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. Medicina (B Aires) 1996; 56:472-8. [PMID: 9239882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines are known to cause muscle hypotonia, but their effects on respiratory muscle function, particularly on diaphragm, have not yet been studied. Our aim was to look for any effect of lorazepam on respiratory muscle function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nine stable COPD patients (mean +/- SD forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 0.91 +/- 0.31 l) were included in the study. The following measurements were performed before and 1 hour after lorazepam administration (doses: 1.5 to 2 mg) by sublingual route: forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1, maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2), minute ventilation (Ve), tidal volume (Vt), respiratory rate (f), inspiratory time/inspiratory plus expiratory time (Ti/Ttot)-, mean inspiratory flow (Vi), maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures, maximal pleural pressure (Pplmax), transdiaphragmatic pressures (Pdi) and skeletal muscle strength and endurance. As expected, no change was noted in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC (Table-1). Besides stability of expiratory flows, this denotes no change in collaboration in spite of the sedative effects of lorazepam. There was a 20% decrease in Ve, due to a Vt reduction and a small increase in PaCO2. These could be explained by the central effects of benzodiazepines. Skeletal muscle strength and endurance decreased significantly (22 and 50% respectively-Table 2), in accordance with the previously reported muscular actions of this pharmacological group. Respiratory muscle function parameters, MIP, MEP, MVV and Ppl showed significant reductions (10 to 20 per cent), as was the case with diaphragmatic function measured by Pdi (Muller maneuver with abdominal protrussion and maximal open-glottis expulsive maneuver) (Table 3). This study demonstrates that a single lorazepam dose reduces strength and endurance of respiratory muscle in chronic stable COPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Jolly
- División Neumonología, Hospital de Clinicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Abstract
After reviewing 986 consecutive cases of breast carcinoma from our files, 27 ductal infiltrating cancers showing micropapillary differentiation in invasive areas (MP) were selected. Special immunohistological and ultrastructural techniques were used, and their characteristics compared to those of the Not Otherwise Specified type of carcinomas (NOS). Diagnostic areas of MP were easily identified in H&E sections and were composed of solid or tubular neoplastic cell groups inside a spongy background, where they appeared to swim in aqueous or mucinous material. Neoplastic cells displayed the reverse polarity typical of the papillary phenotype. This was revealed by the detection of acid mucinous rims, lineal deposits of EMA substances, and microvilli in a peripheral position, even in areas where the micropapillae resembled tubules. Histologically, most MP were mixed with N0S, Papillary, or Mucinous patterns, but regardless of the extension of their micropapillary diagnostic component, their tumour size, or their WHO histological grade, two thirds had extensive lymphatic vessel invasion and all the cases presented massive axillary lymph node metastasis. Six of the twelve patients followed died within a mean of 22 months. In conclusion, we propose the recognition of "Invasive Micropapillary Carcinoma of the Breast" as a new special entity with a potentially high degree of aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Luna-Moré
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Regional Carlos Haya, Málaga, Spain
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine quantitative measles, mumps, and rubella serum antibody levels as a function of time since vaccination in a sample of vaccinated Baltimore children. DESIGN Cross-sectional serologic survey. SETTING Pediatric outpatient departments at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore. PARTICIPANTS One hundred seventy children, ranging in age from 1.5 through 16 years, who had measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination between ages 12 and 18 months. RESULTS Serum antibody levels to measles and rubella declined with increasing time since vaccination. However, no such decline in antibody levels to mumps was observed. Children who were vaccinated between ages 12 and 14 months did not have lower antibody levels than children who were vaccinated at age 15 months or older. CONCLUSIONS In areas free from natural disease, antibody levels resultant from measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine are likely to decline with advancing age. Revaccination with measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine may boost falling antibody titers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C King
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
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Lulich A, Luna C, Lupidi S, Severina MDLA. [The prevalence of spinal column pathologies. Preventive measures]. Rev Fac Cien Med Univ Nac Cordoba 1992; 50:35-7. [PMID: 1344186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been observed that a high percentage of students present problems with the spinal column; this is due to the lack of prevention in the activities of daily life and in hospitals' practice. Added to this, is the presence of a large percentage of alterations of the feet. This coincides with our hypothesis of work, and brings us to suggest the correct positions in the principal postures.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lulich
- Cátedra de Medicina Preventiva, Escuela de Kinesiología y Fisioterapia, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba
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