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de Carlos A, Borrajo JP, Serra J, González P, León B. Behaviour of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells on wood-based biomorphic SiC ceramics coated with bioactive glass. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2006; 17:523-9. [PMID: 16691350 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-006-8935-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2005] [Accepted: 08/09/2005] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to test the in vitro cytotoxicity of wood-based biomorphic Silicon Carbide (SiC) ceramics coated with bioactive glass, using MG-63 human osteoblast-like cells, with a view to their application in bone implantology. To better understand the scope of this study, it should be taken into account that biomorphic SiC ceramics have only recently been developed and this innovative product has important properties such as interconnected porosity, high strength and toughness, and easy shaping. In the solvent extraction test, all the extracts had almost no effect on cellular activity even at 100% concentration, and cells incubated in the bioactive glass-coated SiC ceramics extracts showed a proliferation rate similar to that of the Thermanox control. There were no significant differences when the cellular attachment response of the cells on the wood-based biomorphic SiC ceramics, uncoated or coated with bioactive glass, was compared to the one exhibited by reference materials like Ti6Al4V and bulk bioactive glass. This fact looks very promising for biomedical applications.
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Serra J. [Clinical research techniques in functional digestive disorders]. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2006; 29:255-62. [PMID: 16584697 DOI: 10.1157/13085973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Functional digestive disorders are characterized by symptoms related to the digestive tract for which no pathological causes can be found using routine diagnostic techniques. In the last few years, several methods have been developed to the study digestive function allow relation between in humans functional alterations, mainly motor and sensory and to be related to functional digestive symptoms. As a result of these advances, both motor and sensory alterations have been identified in subgroups of patients with functional digestive disorders. This knowledge should enable current symptom-based classifications of these disorders to be replaced with new classifications based on specific physiopathologic mechanisms. This would allow more effective therapies aimed at the specific mechanism causing the symptoms to be developed.
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Bostock H, Campero M, Serra J, Ochoa JL. Temperature-dependent double spikes in C-nociceptors of neuropathic pain patients. Brain 2005; 128:2154-63. [PMID: 15947060 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awh552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Five patients with small-fibre neuropathy characterized by temperature-dependent spontaneous pain, hyperalgesia/allodynia and signs of neurogenic inflammation were studied clinically and thermographically, and by microneurography. Thermography revealed hyperthermia confined to painful and hyperalgesic skin of distal extremities, in absence of sympathetic vasomotor denervation. Quantitative sensory testing documented either reduced thresholds or increased suprathreshold magnitude for heat pain. Microneurography identified 13 primary cutaneous C-nociceptors generating abnormal impulses in response to electrical stimuli and, in one patient, nociceptors firing spontaneously. All five patients showed examples of double spikes, in which a single brief electrical stimulus occasionally or regularly evoked two impulses. In one case, a second impulse occurred at one of three different delays. In all five patients, warming of the skin increased the probability of a second impulse occurring. Impulse doubling has previously been reported as occurring rarely in normal subjects and is attributable to unfiltering of multiple orthodromic impulses due to unidirectional conduction failure at branch points. A higher incidence of double firing in neuropathic pain patients is probably due to a reduced safety factor for conduction in the terminal arborizations of their C-nociceptors. These observations show that unidirectional conduction block provides a peripheral mechanism of temperature-dependent nociceptor hyperactivity in small-fibre neuropathy that may contribute to hyperalgesia.
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Borrajo J, González P, Liste S, Serra J, Chiussi S, León B, Pérez-Amor M. The role of the thickness and the substrate on the in vitro bioactivity of silica-based glass coatings. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2005.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Passos MC, Serra J, Azpiroz F, Tremolaterra F, Malagelada JR. Impaired reflex control of intestinal gas transit in patients with abdominal bloating. Gut 2005; 54:344-8. [PMID: 15710981 PMCID: PMC1774394 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2003.038158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with abdominal bloating and distension exhibit impaired transit of intestinal gas which may lead to excessive gas retention and symptoms. Furthermore, we have previously shown that intestinal gas transit is normally accelerated by rectal distension. We hypothesise that in patients with functional bloating this modulatory mechanism fails and impairs gas transit. METHODS In 12 healthy subjects and eight patients with abdominal bloating we compared, by paired studies, the effect of rectal versus sham distension on intestinal gas transit. Gas was infused into the jejunum (12 ml/min) for three hours with simultaneous perfusion of lipids into the duodenum (Intralipid 1 kcal/min) while measuring evacuation of gas per rectum. RESULTS In healthy subjects, duodenal lipid infusion produced gas retention (409 (68) ml) which was prevented by rectal distension (90 (90) ml; p<0.05 v sham distension). In contrast, rectal distension in patients with abdominal bloating failed to reduce lipid induced gas retention (771 (217) ml retention during rectal distension v 730 (183) ml during sham distension; NS; p<0.05 v healthy controls for both). CONCLUSION Failure of distension related reflexes impairs intestinal gas propulsion and clearance in patients with abdominal bloating.
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Campero M, Serra J, Ochoa JL. Peripheral projections of sensory fascicles in the human superficial radial nerve. Brain 2005; 128:892-5. [PMID: 15716303 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awh438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The sensory territories of different cutaneous fascicles of the superficial radial nerve were delineated by microneurography at the level of the distal forearm in humans. Three fascicular patterns were found at this level: one supplying the dorsum of the radial aspect of the dorsum of the hand over the first dorsal interosseous space; another supplying the lateral aspect of the first metacarpal extending to the lateral aspect of the thumb; and a third innervating the second interosseous space and the proximal phalanx of the index and middle fingers. The compound fascicular territory is comparable to the classical territory described for the superficial radial nerve. Intraneural microstimulation of individual fascicles did not evoke paraesthesiae or pain beyond their fascicular territory, regardless of the stimulus intensity. We conclude that the superficial radial nerve at the forearm in man is composed of only three fascicles, as shown by the present study and from previous anatomical work. Referred pain seems related to nerve activity in afferent fibres from fascicles supplying deep tissues and muscles, not from cutaneous afferents.
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Campero M, Serra J, Bostock H, Ochoa JL. Partial reversal of conduction slowing during repetitive stimulation of single sympathetic efferents in human skin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 182:305-11. [PMID: 15491409 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-201x.2004.01357.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To describe and identify the function of a class of human C fibre with an unusual response to repetitive electrical stimulation. Other C fibres slow progressively at 2 Hz (type 1), reach a latency plateau (type 2) or hardly slow at all (type 3). METHODS C fibres innervating hairy skin were recorded by microneurography in the superficial peroneal nerves of 19 healthy volunteers. Baseline electrical stimulation of the skin was at 0.25 Hz, and activity-dependent slowing recorded during stimulation at 2 Hz for 3 min and after a 3-min pause in stimulation. RESULTS In 41 units, there was a partial recovery of latency during repetitive stimulation. These were classified as 'type-4' units, and identified as sympathetic efferents, since they exhibited spontaneously activity, which was enhanced by manoeuvres that increase sympathetic outflow (15 of 16 cases) and/or suppressed by a proximal anaesthetic block (eight of eight cases). The peak slowing during 2 Hz trains averaged 6.47 +/- 2.06% (mean +/- SD, n=41), but after 3 min the slowing had reduced to 4.90 +/- 2.20%, which was less than in all type 1 (nociceptor) fibres but similar to that in type 2 (cold) fibres. Compared with cold fibres, type-4 sympathetic fibres slowed more after the first 10 impulses at 2 Hz (2.57 +/- 0.45%) and also after a pause in stimulation (1.66 +/- 0.51%). CONCLUSIONS The distinctive activity-dependent slowing profiles of these type-4 sympathetic C units may help identification in vitro, and suggest that hyperpolarization-activated channels have a particularly prominent role in the axonal membrane.
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Lloveras E, Pérez C, Solé F, Zamora L, Lladonosa A, Espinet B, Silvestre E, Serra J, Vendrell T, Fernández B, Salido M, Plaja A. Two cases of tetrasomy 9p syndrome with tissue limited mosaicism. Am J Med Genet A 2004; 124A:402-6. [PMID: 14735590 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.20447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Tetrasomy of short arm of chromosome 9 constitutes a clinically recognizable chromosomal syndrome. Isochromosome 9p shows a strong propensity to tissue-limited mosaicism. It occurs predominantly in peripheral blood cultures, often at a lower frequency or even absent in skin, amniotic fluid or chorionic villous cell cultures. Tissue-limited nature of mosaicism may render prenatal detection of this condition very difficult. Herein, we report two new cases of mosaic tetrasomy 9p. Conventional cytogenetics (CC) and FISH studies demonstrated a differential expression of the mosaicism in several tissues. We review the literature and discuss the implications of these findings in cytogenetic prenatal diagnosis.
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González P, Serra J, Liste S, Chiussi S, León B, Pérez-Amor M, Martínez-Fernández J, de Arellano-López AR, Varela-Feria FM. New biomorphic SiC ceramics coated with bioactive glass for biomedical applications. Biomaterials 2004; 24:4827-32. [PMID: 14530079 DOI: 10.1016/s0142-9612(03)00405-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A new generation of light, tough and high-strength material for medical implants for bone substitutions with a good biological response is presented. The innovative product that fulfills all these requirements is based on biomorphic silicon carbide ceramics coated with a bioactive glass layer. The combination of the excellent mechanical properties and low density of the biomorphic SiC ceramics, used as a base material for implants, with the osteoconducting properties of the bioactive glass materials opens new possibilities for the development of alternative dental and orthopedic implants with enhanced mechanical and biochemical properties that ensures optimum fixation to living tissue. Biomorphic SiC is fabricated by molten-Si infiltration of carbon templates obtained by controlled pyrolysis of wood. Through this process, the microstructure of the final SiC product mimics that of the starting wood, which has been perfected by natural evolution. The basic features of such microstructure are its porosity (ranging from 30% to 70%) and its anisotropy, which resembles the cellular microstructure and the mechanical characteristics of the bone. The SiC ceramics have been successfully coated with a uniform and adherent bioactive glass film by pulsed laser ablation using an excimer ArF laser. The excellent coverage of the SiC rough surface without film spallation or detachment is demonstrated. In order to assess the coating bioactivity, in vitro tests by soaking the samples in simulated body fluid have been carried out. After 72 h, the formation of a dense apatite layer has been observed even in interconnecting pores by SEM and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis demonstrating the bioactive response of this product.
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Hernando-Harder AC, Serra J, Azpiroz F, Malagelada JR. Sites of symptomatic gas retention during intestinal lipid perfusion in healthy subjects. Gut 2004; 53:661-5. [PMID: 15082583 PMCID: PMC1774027 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2003.026385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gas pooling within the gut may produce abdominal symptoms but the segment of the intestine responsible for gas retention is unknown. Our aim was to determine the role of the proximal and distal bowel in symptomatic gas accumulation using an experimental model of gas retention triggered by intraluminal lipids. SUBJECTS Sixteen healthy subjects. METHODS A gas mixture (N2, O2, and CO2 in venous proportions) was infused into the intestine at12 ml/min for three hours and gas evacuation was continuously measured via an anal cannula connected to a barostat. Abdominal perception and girth changes were measured at 10 minute intervals. Lipids (1 kcal/min) were simultaneously perfused either into the duodenum (n = 8) or into the ileum (n = 8). Each subject was studied twice on separate days, with gas infused into the jejunum or ileum. RESULTS Duodenal lipids produced retention of gas infused into the jejunum (646 (62) ml) but the volume retained was much smaller when gas was infused directly into the ileum (262 (90) ml; p<0.05). The effects on gas retention were even more pronounced during ileal perfusion of lipids (1546 (184) ml during jejunal gas infusion and 847 (142) ml during ileal gas infusion; p<0.05). Abdominal distension correlated with the volume of gas retained (r = 0.87; p<0.001). Healthy subjects tolerated gas retention, and significant symptoms (score 3.7 (0.8)) developed only during jejunal gas infusion plus ileal lipid perfusion when gas retention was very large. CONCLUSION Intraluminal lipids induce intestinal gas retention, predominantly acting on the proximal small bowel.
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Cruccu G, Anand P, Attal N, Garcia-Larrea L, Haanpää M, Jørum E, Serra J, Jensen TS. EFNS guidelines on neuropathic pain assessment. Eur J Neurol 2004; 11:153-62. [PMID: 15009162 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2004.00791.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 385] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In September 2001, a Task Force was set up under the auspices of the European Federation of Neurological Societies with the aim of evaluating the existing evidence about the methods of assessing neuropathic pain and its treatments. This review led to the development of guidelines to be used in the management of patients with neuropathic pain. In the clinical setting a neurological examination that includes an accurate sensory examination is often sufficient to reach a diagnosis. Nerve conduction studies and somatosensory-evoked potentials, which do not assess small fibre function, may demonstrate and localize a peripheral or central nervous lesion. A quantitative assessment of the nociceptive pathways is provided by quantitative sensory testing and laser-evoked potentials. To evaluate treatment efficacy in a patient and in controlled trials, the simplest psychometric scales and quality of life measures are probably the best methods. A laboratory measure of pain that by-passes the subjective report, and thus cognitive influences, is a hopeful aim for the future.
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Grandes G, Sánchez A, Torcal J, Ortega Sánchez-Pinilla R, Lizarraga K, Serra J. [Protocol for the multi-centre evaluation of the Experimental Programme Promotion of Physical Activity (PEPAF)]. Aten Primaria 2004; 32:475-80. [PMID: 14636505 PMCID: PMC7668998 DOI: 10.1016/s0212-6567(03)79318-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative programme to promote physical activity (PEPAF) introduced into the daily consultations of the family doctor. DESIGN Clinical trial with control, randomised for groups of 100 patients seen by one of the 70 doctors taking part, allocated to two parallel groups and monitored for 24 months.Setting. 13 primary care centres coordinated through the Network of Research into Preventive and Health Promotion Activities conducted in primary care. PARTICIPANTS Sample with probability of 7000 sedentary patients, selected from among those who consulted for any reason their family doctor during the third quarter of 2003. Patients with cardiovascular disease or other problems meaning that exercise could cause adverse effects will be excluded. INTERVENTIONS The doctors allocated to the PEPAF will design a plan of physical activity with those patients prepared to make the change. Those not prepared to will be briefly counselled and given material to help them. All will be monitored at random. The control group doctors will postpone any systematic intervention on exercise until after 2005, excepting those patients whose health problem is directly related to a sedentary life-style. MEASUREMENTS The main measurement of results will be the increase in the level of physical activity from the base measurement to those at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months, using 7-day physical activity recall. Health-related quality of life (SF 36) and physical fitness will also be measured. Variables that might be predictive or confusing, such as sex, age, comorbidity, social class, etc., will be considered. Analysis. The average changes observed in the two groups will be compared, on the basis of intention to treat, through analysis of covariance. We will use mixed-effect models able to cover the intra-patient, intra-doctor and intra-centre correlation.
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Portabella F, Serra J, Mast R, Orduña M, Montero A, Narváez J. Tratamiento del osteoma osteoide mediante radiofrecuencia guiada por TAC. Rev Esp Cir Ortop Traumatol (Engl Ed) 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s1888-4415(04)76163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with functional gut disorders manifest poor tolerance to intestinal gas loads but the mechanism of this dysfunction is unknown. AIM Our aims were firstly, to explore the relative importance of the amount of intestinal gas versus its distribution on symptom production, and secondly, to correlate gut motility and perception of gas loads. SUBJECTS Fourteen healthy subjects with no gastrointestinal symptoms. METHODS In each subject a gas mixture was infused (12 ml/min) either into the jejunum or rectum for one hour during blocked rectal gas outflow, and subsequently gas clearance was measured over one hour of free rectal evacuation. We measured abdominal perception, distension, and gut tone by duodenal and rectal barostats. RESULTS Similar magnitude of gas retention (720 ml) produced significantly more abdominal symptoms with jejunal compared with rectal infusion (perception score 4.4 (0.4) v 1.5 (0.5), respectively; p<0.01) whereas abdominal distension was similar (15 (2) mm and 14 (1) mm girth increment, respectively). Jejunal gas loads were associated with proximal contraction (by 57 (5)%) and colonic loads with distal relaxation (by 99 (20)%). CONCLUSION The volume of gas within the gut determines abdominal distension whereas symptom perception depends on intraluminal gas distribution and possibly also on the gut motor response to gas loads.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients describe that body posture may affect their abdominal bloating, distension, and flatulence, but whether changes in position have objectively demonstrable effects, either beneficial or deleterious, has not been investigated. AIM To determine the effect of body posture, upright versus supine, on intestinal transit of gas loads. SUBJECTS Eight healthy subjects without gastrointestinal symptoms. METHODS In each subject a gas mixture was continuously infused into the jejunum (12 ml/min) for three hours, and gas evacuation, clearance of a non- absorbable gaseous marker, perception, and abdominal girth were measured. Paired studies were randomly performed in each subject on separate days in the upright and supine positions. RESULTS In the upright position, intestinal gas retention was much smaller than when supine (13 (52) ml v 146 (75) ml retention at 60 minutes, respectively; p<0.05), and clearance of the gas marker was expedited (72 (10)% clearance v 49 (16)% at 60 minutes, respectively; p<0.05). The gas challenge test was well tolerated both in the upright and supine positions without abdominal distension. CONCLUSION Body posture has a significant influence on intestinal gas propulsion: transit is faster in the upright position than when supine.
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Serra J, Gutierrez PS. [Anatomoclinical correlation. A 35 years-old man with progressive heart failure, transient ischemic attack, aortic regurgitation and aortic dissection (Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da FMUSP, São Paulo)]. Arq Bras Cardiol 2002; 79:628-33. [PMID: 12532247 DOI: 10.1590/s0066-782x2002001500009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Serra J, González P, Liste S, Chiussi S, León B, Pérez-Amor M, Ylänen HO, Hupa M. Influence of the non-bridging oxygen groups on the bioactivity of silicate glasses. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2002; 13:1221-1225. [PMID: 15348669 DOI: 10.1023/a:1021174912802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The effect of the composition and bonding configuration of the bioactive silica-based glasses on the initial stage in vitro bioactivity is presented. Information of the IR active Si-O groups of glass in the system SiO(2)-P(2)O(5)-CaO-Na(2)O-K(2)O-MgO-B(2)O(3) was obtained by fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Two different bands associated to non-bridging oxygen stretching vibrations (Si-O-1NBO and Si-O-2NBO) and a gradual shifting of the bridging oxygen stretching vibration (Si-O) have been observed and evaluated. Both effects are attributed to a decrease of the local symmetry originating from the incorporation of alkali ions into the vitreous silica network. The Si-O-NBO(s)/Si-O(s) absorbance intensity ratio increases with a gradual incorporation of the alkali ions (diminution of SiO(2) content) following a linear dependence up to values close to 50 wt % of SiO(2). In vitro test analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) showed a correlation between the amount and type of the non-bridging oxygen functional groups and the growth of the silica-rich and CaP layers. It was found that a minimum concentration of Si-O-NBO bonds in the glass network is required in order to have an efficient ion exchange and dissolution of the silica network. Finally, the bioactivity of the glass is favored by the presence of the Si-O-2NBO groups in the glassy network. The role of these functional groups in the dissolution of the silica network through the formation of silanol groups and the adsorption of water is discussed.
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Pareja JA, Caminero AB, Serra J, Barriga FJ, Barón M, Dobato JL, Vela L, Sánchez del Río M. Numular headache: a coin-shaped cephalgia. Neurology 2002; 58:1678-9. [PMID: 12058099 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.58.11.1678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Numular headache is a chronic, mild to moderate, pressurelike pain in a circumscribed cranial area of approximately 2 to 6 cm in diameter. Pain usually is limited to the parietal region, although it may appear in any cranial site. It is a benign process of usually unknown origin.
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Rubio L, Luis-Arteaga M, Cambra M, Serra J, Moreno P, Guerri J. First Report of Broad bean wilt virus 1 in Spain. PLANT DISEASE 2002; 86:698. [PMID: 30823269 DOI: 10.1094/pdis.2002.86.6.698c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In late summer 2001, field-grown pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants showing chlorotic blotching in leaves and fruits were observed in Benicarló, Castellón, Spain. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of extracts of these plants with a collection of plant virus antisera showed a positive reaction only with Broad bean wilt virus serotype 1 (BBWV-1) antiserum. To confirm BBWV-1 infection, primers B1 (GCTCTTCCCCATATAACTTTC) and B2 (GTCTCTATCTTCTCTTCTTCC) were designed based on the nucleotide sequence of BBWV-1 isolate PV132 (GenBank Accession No. AB018702), and were used for reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. RNAs extracted from symptomatic plants yielded a cDNA product of ~500 bp that was not obtained using RNA extracts from healthy plants. The sequence of this cDNA fragment was determined, and it showed ~80% nucleotide identity with a BBWV-1 genomic region, encompassing part of the two coat proteins genes. Amino acid identities were ~94% with BBWV-1 isolates and ~60% with BBWV-2 isolates. BBWV-1 and BBWV-2 are considered different species of the genus Fabavirus. BBWV-1 and BBWV-2 are distributed worldwide and infect a wide range of plants. In the Mediterranean Basin, BBWV-1 has been serologically identified in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco (2), and Italy (1), but no nucleotide sequence data is available. To our knowledge, this is the first report of BBWV-1 in Spain. References: (1) M. G. Bellardi et al. Plant Dis. 81:959, 1997. (2) K. M. Makkouk et al. Neth. J. Plant Pathol. 96:291, 1990.
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Villa P, Iborra J, Serra J, Gilsanz A, Casaña P, Aznar JA, Aznar J. Evaluation of an automated method for the quantification of von Willebrand factor antigen. Its application in the study of vascular dysfunction. Haematologica 2001; 86:1180-5. [PMID: 11694404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Abnormally high levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) have been described as a response to physiologic and chronic alterations. It is therefore of great interest to have sensitive, accurate, fast and easy to use assays to quantify VWF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of the immunoturbidimetric assay IL Test VWF:Ag and the use of this determination in the study of vascular dysfunction. DESIGN AND METHODS The reproducibility, accuracy and linearity of the method were determined. A method comparison study was performed using an ELISA as the reference test. The assay reference range and its age-dependence were established. To evaluate the utility of the assay in vascular dysfunction, a cohort of 30 type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients were analyzed, 11 of whom showed microvascular complications. RESULTS The linearity range found was 10-150 IU/dL. Reported values above 150 IU/dL should be diluted and reanalyzed, expanding the range up to 600 IU/dL. The coefficients of variation were below 5% and inaccuracies below +/-15% within the linearity range. The comparison with the reference ELISA showed a good correlation coefficient (r = 0.985, VWF values from 5-680 IU/dl). The reference range was found to be 40.8 - 158.1 IU/dL. Significant differences between the DM type 1 patients with microvascular complications and a sex-age matched control group were observed. This difference was not observed for the DM patients not showing vascular alterations. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS The method is reproducible, accurate and linear. The assay correlates well with the reference ELISA. There is a relationship between patients showing microvascular diabetic complications and high levels of VWF:Ag. The assay is easy to perform, fully automated, and suitable for analyzing a small number of samples.
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Campero M, Serra J, Bostock H, Ochoa JL. Slowly conducting afferents activated by innocuous low temperature in human skin. J Physiol 2001; 535:855-65. [PMID: 11559780 PMCID: PMC2278822 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7793.2001.t01-1-00855.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
1. Microneurography was used to search for primary afferents responsive to innocuous low temperature in human nerves supplying the hairy skin of the hand or foot. Eighteen units were identified as cold-specific units: they displayed a steady-state discharge at skin temperatures in the range 28-30 degrees C, they were sensitive to small changes in temperature, and they responded vigorously when a cool metal probe touched their receptive fields (RFs). They were insensitive to mechanical stimuli and sympathetic activation. Their RFs comprised one, or at most two, spots less than 5 mm in diameter. 2. Nine units were characterised in detail by a series of 10 s cooling and warming pulses from a holding temperature of 35 degrees C. The threshold temperature for activation by cooling was 29.4 +/- 2.0 degrees C (mean +/- S.D.). Adaptation of the responses to supra-threshold cooling pulses was partial: mean peak and plateau firing rates were maximal on steps to 15 degrees C (35.9 and 19.9 impulses x s(-1), respectively). Three of these units also displayed a paradoxical response to warming, with a mean threshold of 42.3 degrees C. 3. Sixteen of the eighteen cold-specific units were also studied by electrical stimulation of their RFs. They conducted in the velocity range 0.8-3.0 m x s(-1). When stimulated at 2 Hz, their latency increased according to a characteristic time course, reaching a plateau within 3 min (mean slowing (+/- S.D.) 5.2 +/- 1.1 %) and recovering quickly (50 % recovery in 17.8 +/- 4.5 s). 4. To reconcile these findings with previous studies of reaction times and the effects of nerve compression on sensation, it is concluded that either human cold-specific afferent fibres are incompletely myelinated 'BC' fibres, or else there are C as well as A(delta) cold fibres, with the C fibre group contributing little to sensation.
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Serra J, Azpiroz F, Malagelada JR. Mechanisms of intestinal gas retention in humans: impaired propulsion versus obstructed evacuation. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2001; 281:G138-43. [PMID: 11408265 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.2001.281.1.g138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
To explore the clinical role of intestinal gas dynamics, we investigated two potential mechanisms of gas retention, defective propulsion and obstructed evacuation. In healthy subjects, a gas mixture was continuously infused into the jejunum (4 ml/min) 1) during a 2-h control period of spontaneous gas evacuation and 2) during a 2-h test period either with impaired gut propulsion caused by intravenous glucagon (n = 6) or with obstructed (self-restrained) anal evacuation (n = 10) while anal gas evacuation, symptom perception (0-6 scale), and abdominal girth were measured. Impaired gut propulsion and obstructed evacuation produced similar gas retention (558 +/- 68 ml and 407 +/- 85 ml, respectively, vs. 96 +/- 58 ml control; P < 0.05 for both) and abdominal distension (8 +/- 3 mm and 6 +/- 3 mm, respectively, vs. 1 +/- 1 mm control; P < 0.05 for both). However, obstructed evacuation increased symptom perception (2.3 +/- 0.6 score change; P < 0.05), whereas gas retention in the glucagon-induced hypotonic gut was virtually unperceived (-0.4 +/- 0.7 score change; not significant). In conclusion, the perception of intestinal gas accumulation depends on the mechanism of retention.
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Serra J, Velasco J, Godoy P, Mendoza J. [Can the Brucellacapt test be substituted for the Coombs test in the diagnosis of human brucellosis?]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2001; 19:202-5. [PMID: 11446907 DOI: 10.1016/s0213-005x(01)72613-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Throughout this work we have studied the capacity of Brucellacapt test to replace Coombs test in the serological diagnosis of human brucellosis. METHODS A total of 66 initial sera from patients with diagnostic of brucellosis were studied. The patients were divided in two groups: 42 patients showing a primo-infection (group1), and 24 patients with a previous case of brucellosis (group 2). As a controls, for the group 1 we have used 100 sera from healthy donors, and for group 2, 28 sera from people that have had clinical brucellosis but actually are in good health. All serum samples were tested in either Coombs and Brucellacapt tests. The diagnostic yield was calculated using ROC (receiver-operating characteristic) plots.Moreover, the results obtained in Coombs and Brucellacapt tests with 397 serum samples from 66 patients with brucellosis were compare with a non-parametric method. RESULTS The sensibility and specificity for group1 were respectively 1 and 0.98 for Coombs and, 1 and 0.95 for Brucellacapt tests. For group 2, the results in Coombs test were 1 and 0.80, and in Brucellacapt test 0.95 and 0.74. In this second group, the area under the ROC plot was 0.950 for Coombs and 0.904 for Brucellacapt tests. Non statistical differences were observed comparing both serological tests using the Wilcoxon method (Z= -0.213; p=0.8). CONCLUSIONS Brucellacapt and Coombs tests yield similar diagnostic results in the follow-up of serological samples from patients with brucellosis, and its should consider as interchangeables.
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Serra J, Peraíta A, Pinilla E. [Training of non-medical professionals to practice clinical microbiology]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2001; 19:183. [PMID: 11333608 DOI: 10.1016/s0213-005x(01)72602-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) frequently complain of excessive gas but their fasting volume of intestinal gas is apparently normal. We hypothesised that the pathophysiological mechanism involved may be impairment of intestinal gas transit. AIM To investigate intestinal gas transit and tolerance in IBS patients compared with healthy subjects. METHODS A gas mixture (N(2), O(2), and CO(2) in venous proportions) was infused into the jejunum of 20 patients with IBS and 20 healthy controls at 12 ml/min for four hours. Gas evacuation, initially flatus from the anus (two hours) and then intrarectally (two hours), was continuously recorded. Symptom perception (0-6 scale) and abdominal distension were measured at 10 minute intervals. RESULTS After two hours of external gas (flatus) collection, 18 of 20 IBS patients had developed gas retention (>400 ml), increased gastrointestinal symptoms (score >3), or abdominal distension (>3 mm girth increment) compared with only four of 20 control subjects. During intrarectal gas collection, 13 of 17 patients still exhibited abnormal responses. CONCLUSION A large proportion of patients with IBS can be shown to have impaired transit and tolerance of intestinal gas loads. This anomaly may represent a possible mechanism of IBS symptoms, specifically pain and bloating.
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