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López G, López-Parra M, Fernández L, Martínez-Granados C, Martínez F, Meli ML, Gil-Sánchez JM, Viqueira N, Díaz-Portero MA, Cadenas R, Lutz H, Vargas A, Simón MA. Management measures to control a feline leukemia virus outbreak in the endangered Iberian lynx. Anim Conserv 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2009.00241.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Fernández L, Silvani V, Bompadre J, Pérgola M, Godeas A. Transformed soybean (Glycine max) roots as a tool for the study of the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-009-0065-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Iglesias C, Pato E, Ocio S, Ortigosa JC, Santamarina S, Merino MJ, Alonso MJ, Fernández L, Alonso JL, Rodríguez L. [Treatment with venlafaxine extended release for climacteric women with depression or anxiety diagnosis. An open-label study]. ACTAS ESPANOLAS DE PSIQUIATRIA 2009; 37:137-142. [PMID: 19533425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this observational study was to assess under real clinical practice conditions the effectiveness and safety of venlafaxine extended release in anxiety-depressed and hormone-related symptoms in climacteric women with anxiety or depressive disorders. METHODOLOGY Observational, prospective, open-label, multicenter, 24-week study, carried out in Spain. A sample of 45 outpatients, adult women between 45 and 55 years of age, diagnosed of depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder were analyzed. Venlafaxine extended release was administered for 24 weeks at doses according to the investigator's clinical criteria. RESULTS Of the total of 45 patients who were included in the study, 43 (95.6%) completed it. The patients' age range was of 47 to 55 years old, median of 50 and mean of 50.82. The clinical condition evolution was assessed with the evaluation scales scores: Blatt-Kuppermann Menopausal Index, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Clinical Global Impression. During the 24-week period, a significant decrease in the different scales scores showed a clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS The results achieved show that treatment with venlafaxine extended release significantly improved the clinical condition of climacteric patients with anxiety or depressive disorder. If these results are confirmed with placebo-controlled clinical trials, they will support the utility of Venlafaxine extended release in this kind of patients.
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González-Pinto I, Miyar A, García-Bernardo C, Vázquez L, Barneo L, Cortés E, Díaz P, Gutiérrez N, Fernández L, Moreno M. Renoportal Anastomosis as a Rescue Technique in Postoperative Portal Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation. Transplant Proc 2009; 41:1057-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2009.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Antón A, Ruiz A, Seguí M, Calvo L, Muñoz M, Lao J, Sancho F, Fernández L. Phase I clinical trial of liposomal-encapsulated doxorubicin citrate and docetaxel, associated with trastuzumab, as neo-adjuvant treatment in stages II and IIIA, HER2-overexpressing breast cancer patients. GEICAM 2003-03 study. Ann Oncol 2009; 20:454-459. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdn663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
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Velayos B, Herreros de Tejada A, Fernández L, Aller R, Almaraz A, Olmo LD, Calle FDL, Arranz T, González JM. Upper gastrointestinal findings detected by capsule endoscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2009; 101:11-9. [DOI: 10.4321/s1130-01082009000100002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Ramírez M, Tudela C, Crespo JB, Rubles A, Jiménez A, Tarazona G, Fernández L, Sánchez P, Kroncke D, Tabanera N, Pérez J, Sánchez M, Tormo JR, Peláez F. Automation of Sample Dispensing Using Pocket Tips for Evaluation of CYP2C9 Isoenzyme Reversible Inhibition in an Evolution Precision Pipetting Platform. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jala.2008.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Most of the medicinal chemistry compounds received from other Merck Research Laboratories (MRL) for evaluation in our in vitro counterscreenings are in pure DMSO solution. This solvent has shown to be a key interference factor in the radiometric evaluation of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) inhibition. To avoid this problem, we have been using a ternary solvent solution that keeps DMSO concentration to a minimum during the titration of the compounds. The equipment used at our laboratory to perform the dose—response titration of the compounds in the CYP assays is PerkinElmer Evolution Precision Pipetting Platform (EP3) robots with limited microliter capabilities using disposable tips. The need for a nanoliter dispensing technique that keeps the percentage of DMSO at levels that do not affect the assay, and the need to use pure DMSO solutions at high concentrations to avoid solubility issues of the compounds, moved us to design a new automated sample management process for all compounds that were requested to be tested in these assays. The PocketTips system (nAscent BioSciences Inc., Wellesley Hills, MA) seemed to be a good option for pipetting very low volumes without acquiring new expensive nanoliter liquid handling equipment. Apparent difficulties with implementation were the unavailability of PocketTips for the 96-tips head of the EP3 (PerkinElmer, Waltham, MA) and the need for testing several CYP isoenzymes (up to four) by using the same rack of tips to save run time and reduce costs. In this article, we discuss the entire process to introduce and validate a new dispensing process for sampling of compounds with multiple nanoliters dispensing at the assay level, indicating in detail how we implemented the use of recycled PocketTips in our PerkinElmer EP3 workstations.
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Velayos B, Muñoz MF, Fernández L, Aller R, Lozano F, de la Calle F, del Olmo L, Arranz T, González JM. [Measurement of lesion size by capsule endoscopy: an unsolved issue]. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2008; 100:248-9. [PMID: 18563988 DOI: 10.4321/s1130-01082008000400015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Maseda E, Lillo M, Fernández L, Villagrán MJ, Gómez-Rice A, Ramasco F. [Septic shock due to community-acquired complicated intra-abdominal infection treated with ertapenem: outcome in 25 cases]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 55:227-31. [PMID: 18543505 DOI: 10.1016/s0034-9356(08)70553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of ertapenem in patients admitted to a surgical intensive care unit with septic shock due to community-acquired complicated intra-abdominal infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients undergoing emergency surgery for community-acquired complicated intra-abdominal infection were enrolled prospectively. All patients were given intravenous ertapenem at a rate of 1 g/24 h and the guidelines of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign were applied. Outcome measures were duration of antibiotic therapy, mean length of stay in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU), antibiotic failure, and death while in the surgical ICU. RESULTS Twenty-five patients with a mean (SD) age of 74 (14) years were enrolled. The origin of infection was the colon in 56% of the cases; most patients (76%) had generalized peritonitis. The mean stay in the surgical ICU was 10 (7) days. The mean duration of antibiotic therapy was 5.8 (1.26) days. Antibiotic failure occurred in 12%. Mortality in the surgical ICU was 28%. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that patients with community-acquired intra-abdominal infection and septic shock have a good chance of survival when treated according to the guidelines of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign. Ertapenem seems to give good results when used in this setting.
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Amorocho B, López D, Albero P, Fernández L, Nicolás M, Landeras J. Positive effect with laser assisted hatching (LAH) in frozen embryo cycles with LAH and its relation to the thickness of the zona pelllucida. Fertil Steril 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.07.1292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Torres R, Ravelo V, Perera M, Manzano M, Amor M, Fernández L, López M, Garcı´a L, López K. 49. Screening for language delays in the infant population of the Marianao Municipality in Havana. Clin Neurophysiol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2008.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Alvarez-Sánchez B, Alvarez-Lerma F, Romero J, Fernández L, Ruiz F, Sancho H. [Obtain best usage of meropenem dose in severe infections. Results of an observational multicenter study]. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA 2008; 21:143-148. [PMID: 18792813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the effectiveness and tolerability of the dose adjustment of meropenem in empirical treatment of nosocomial infections in critically-ill patients admitted to intensive care medicine services. METHODS Prospective, observational and multicenter study in patients admitted to 17 intensive care medicine services with nosocomial infection, who were initially treated with meropenem, 1 g every 8 h, were eligible. The initial dose was adjusted to 0.5 g every 8 h if there were: a) a favorable clinical course, and b) microbiological isolation of meropenem-susceptible pathogens or absence of pathogens in cultures. RESULTS Ninety-two patients in whom meropenem doses were adjusted to 0.5 g every 8 h were included. Ventilator-associated pneumonia followed by bacteremia was the most frequently treated infections. Microbiological studies were positive in 53 patients, with a predominance of gram-positive bacteria (53.7%), especially methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, followed by gram-negative bacteria (42.7 %). A total of 18 patients were not evaluable at the end of treatment. Sixty-seven (90.5 %) of the 74 evaluable patients had a favorable clinical course (54 patients cured and 13 improved). In 50 out of 53 microbiologically evaluable cases, eradication or apparent eradication of initial microorganisms was achieved. In 3 cases, the initial pathogen persisted: Acinetobacter baumannii (2 cases) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1 case). On three occasions, new pathogens developed during treatment: A. baumannii (2 cases) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (1 case). Adverse events occurred in 3 patients (4%), none of which was considered severe, and withdrawal of meropenem was not necessary. A total of 25 (27.2 %) patients died, three of them in relation to the infectious process. CONCLUSIONS Dose adjustment of meropenem to 0.5 g every 8 h is a useful tool in the treatment of severe nosocomial infections in patients admitted to services of intensive care medicine except in cases in which causative pathogens are non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria.
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Iturriza N, Fernández L, Chizhik A, Vara G, Pierna AR, del Val JJ. Structural and magnetic behaviour of soft magnetic Finemet-type ribbons. JOURNAL OF NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY 2008; 8:2912-2922. [PMID: 18681027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Different kinds of magnetic anisotropies have been induced during the nanocrystallization process of Co- and Ni-rich amorphous ferromagnetic (Finemet) ribbons by the application of a constant stress or an axial magnetic field during the annealing process. Magnetization measurements have evidenced the presence od macroscopic anisotropy in the treated samples. The main goal of this work has been, after a careful DSC study, the structural analysis of the treated ribbons using X-ray Diffraction and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), detecting substantial differences in the crystallization state and grain size of the samples depending on the thermal treatment that was carried out. Moreover, AFM measurements revealed in all the treated samples a strong nanocrystallisation of the surface without evidences of amorphous matrix, which contrast with XRD measurements that have shown a high content of amorphous phase in the bulk of the ribbons. Magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements have been performed with the aim to elucidate the complex magnetic behaviour that is expected for the surface of the ribbons, measuring surface hysteresis loops that showed much higher coercive field values than that obtained in the bulk material.
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Reviriego C, Fernández L, Rodríguez JM. A food-grade system for production of pediocin PA-1 in nisin-producing and non-nisin-producing Lactococcus lactis strains: application to inhibit Listeria growth in a cheese model system. J Food Prot 2007; 70:2512-7. [PMID: 18044428 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-70.11.2512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Food-grade heterologous production of pediocin PA-1 in nisin-producing and non-nisin-producing Lactococcus lactis strains, previously selected because of their technological properties for cheese making, was achieved. Plasmid pGA1, which contains the complete pediocin operon under the control of the strong P32 promoter and is devoid of any antibiotic marker, was introduced into L. lactis ESI 153 and L. lactis ESI 515 (Nis+). Transformation of L. lactis ESI 515 with pGA1 did not affect its ability to produce nisin. The antimicrobial activity of the pediocin-producing transformants on the survival of Listeria innocua SA1 during cheese ripening was also investigated. Cheeses were manufactured from milk inoculated with 1% of the lactic culture and with or without approximately 4 log CFU/ml of the Listeria strain. L. lactis ESI 153, L. lactis ESI 515, and their transformants (L. lactis GA1 and GA2, respectively) were used as starter cultures. At the end of the ripening period, counts of L. innocua in cheeses made with the bacteriocin-producing lactococcal strains were below 50 CFU/g in the L. lactis GA1 cheeses and below 25 CFU/g in the L. lactis GA2 ones, compared with 3.7 million CFU/g for the controls without nisin or pediocin production.
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Roncal T, Oviedo A, López de Armentia I, Fernández L, Villarán MC. High yield production of monomer-free chitosan oligosaccharides by pepsin catalyzed hydrolysis of a high deacetylation degree chitosan. Carbohydr Res 2007; 342:2750-6. [PMID: 17889843 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2007.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2007] [Revised: 08/28/2007] [Accepted: 08/29/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The high molecular weight of chitosan, which results in a poor solubility at neutral pH values and high viscosity aqueous solutions, limits its potential uses in the fields of food, health and agriculture. However, most of these limitations are overcome by chitosan oligosaccharides obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of the polymer. Several commercial enzymes with different original specificities were assayed for their ability to hydrolyze a 93% deacetylation degree chitosan and compared with a chitosanase. According to the patterns of viscosity decrease and reducing end formation, three enzymes--cellulase, pepsin and lipase A--were found to be particularly suitable for hydrolyzing chitosan at a level comparable to that achieved by chitosanase. Unlike the appreciable levels of both 2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose monomers released from chitosan by the other enzymes after a 20h-hydrolysis (4.6-9.1% of the total product weight), no monomer could be detected following pepsin cleavage. As a result, pepsin produced a higher yield of chitosan oligosaccharides than the other enzymes: 52% versus as much as 46%, respectively. Low molecular weight chitosans accounted for the remaining 48% of hydrolysis products. The calculated average polymerization degree of the products released by pepsin was around 16 units after 20h of hydrolysis. This product pattern and yield are proposed to be related to the bond cleavage specificity of pepsin and the high deacetylation degree of chitosan used as substrate. The optimal reaction conditions for hydrolysis of chitosan by pepsin were 40 degrees C and pH 4.5, and an enzyme/substrate ratio of 1:100 (w/w) for reactions longer than 1h.
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Fernández M, Caballero J, Fernández L, Abreu JI, Acosta G. Classification of conformational stability of protein mutants from 2D graph representation of protein sequences using support vector machines. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2007. [DOI: 10.1080/08927020701377070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Antón A, Ruiz A, Seguí MA, Calvo L, Muñoz M, Lao J, Vázquez C, Fernández L. Phase I/II study of a 3 weekly liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin/docetaxel/pegfligrastrim in combination with weekly trastuzumab as primary treatment in HER2 positive (HER2+) early stage breast cancer (ESBC) patients (pt). GEICAM 2003–03 study. J Clin Oncol 2007. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.11032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
11032 Background: The liposome-encapsulated form of doxorubicin (Myocet™) (M) seems to be safe in terms of cardiotoxicity in combination with standard doses of trastuzumab (H) and paclitaxel in BC. This phase I/II study of M, H, docetaxel (T) and pegfligrastrim (N) was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination, and define the MTD, in order to examine the selected regimen in a phase II trial. Methods: Cohorts of 3 HER2+ (FISH+) ESBC pt were treated at fixed dose of N (6 mg) and H (2 mg/kg/week). M and T were administered at the following dose levels (DL) (mg/m2): DL0, 60/75; DL-1, 55/75; DL-2, 50/70; DL-3, 50/65; DL-4, 50/60. The MTD was defined as >1/6 pt in any cohort experiencing a predefined dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) in cycle (cy) 1 or 2. LVEF was assessed at baseline and every 2 cy. Results: Nineteen pt have been enrolled in phase I; all are evaluable for efficacy and toxicity. Median age was 45. Twelve pt (63%) were premenopausal. Median tumour size was 45 mm (20–80); 13 (68%) and 6 pt (32%) presented with stage II and IIIA BC respectively. Six (32%) of tumours were G3. DLT were G3 diarrhoea, febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, infection, and G4 asthenia. Three additional pt were treated at DL-4 for confirmation of the recommended dose; none of them had a DLT. One pt (DL-2) experienced asymptomatic, reversible LVEF decrease to 49%. All pt have been assessed for pathological response: 6 (32%) and 5 pt (26%) achieved one pCR and one pPR in breast, defined as Miller and Payne score of 5 and 4, respectively. Conclusions: Concomitant administration of M plus THN is highly active regimen with manageable toxicity in pt with HER2+ ESBC tumours. DL-4 has been selected as the DL for the ongoing phase II study with an enrolment target of 59 pt. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Reviriego C, Fernández L, Kuipers O, Kok J, Rodríguez J. Enhanced production of pediocin PA-1 in wild nisin- and non-nisin-producing Lactococcus lactis strains of dairy origin. Int Dairy J 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2006.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Fernández L, Borrás C, Carrero H. Electrochemical behavior of phenol in alkaline media at hydrotalcite-like clay/anionic surfactants/glassy carbon modified electrode. Electrochim Acta 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2006.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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García-Labattut A, Tena F, Díaz J, Pajares R, Sandoval J, González J, Taberna MA, García A, Abdel-Hadi H, Pérez FJ, Fernández L, Vázquez M. [Degree of public awareness regarding intensive care units (ICUs) and intensive care physicians in Castilla y León]. Med Intensiva 2006; 30:45-51. [PMID: 16706328 DOI: 10.1016/s0210-5691(06)74468-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM To determine degree of public awareness regarding the activities and health care professionals that comprise intensive care units (ICUs) in the autonomous community of Castilla y León. DESIGN Questionaire in the form of a true-false test dealing with a) description of an ICU; b) description of ICU patients, and c) degrees and qualifications held by ICU physicians. LOCATION Waiting rooms of outpatient clinics and ICUs of 9 hospitals in Castilla y León. SUBJECTS AND METHODS During the period from 1 October 2003 to 29 February 2004, there were surveyed a group of those persons accompanying outpatients arriving for appointments (OP, n = 2,293), and a group comprised of relatives of ICU patients (ICU, n = 727) upon discharge from the ICU. RESULTS The average age of those subjects surveyed was 45.6 years old. 62.1% were women and 52.8% had received education through secondary level or higher. Of the 1,354 analyzed OP questionnaires, 27.7%, 25.5% and 48.4% responded correctly to questions A, B and C, respectively. Of the 284 analyzed ICU questionnaires, 38.6%, 41.0%, and 63.5% responded correctly to questions A, B and C, respectively. Differences between results from the two surveyed groups were statistically significant, and the best results from the ICU group were found among those subjects whose family members had remained in ICU for 2 days or more. CONCLUSIONS In the described scope, of the citizens of Castilla y León, 27.7% know as it is a ICU, 25.5% know what type of patients usually is entered there, and 48.4% recognize their doctors like ICU specialists specifically. These knowledge improve significantly after having some relative entered in ICU for more than 2 days.
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Amorocho B, Gómez E, López D, Nicolas M, Fernández L, Landeras J. P-948. Fertil Steril 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.07.1341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Ortega LL, Sánchez J, Más R, Fernández L, Mendoza S, Gámez R, Fernández JC, Illnait J, Alvarez E. Effects of Policosanol on Patients with Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Open Study. J Med Food 2006; 9:378-85. [PMID: 17004902 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2006.9.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a major health problem worldwide. Its pharmacological management includes thrombolytic therapy for the acute phase and antiplatelet drugs for stroke recovery and prevention. Statins can help in the acute phase and in preventing stroke in secondary prevention patients. Policosanol is a cholesterol-lowering drug with concomitant antiplatelet effects, with protective effects in stroke models. This observational study investigated the effects of policosanol (20 mg/day) administered during the acute phase and for 5 years later on the neurological recovery of patients with ischemic stroke treated with antiplatelets and vitamins. After hospital discharge, patients were followed up every 3 (first year) and 6 (thereafter) months. Neurological improvement was assessed with the modified Canadian Neurological Scale. Adverse events were recorded. Fifty patients were included; all completed the study. Neurological score improved throughout the study. No patient died, and most [40 (80.0%)] did not experience new vascular events; only one (2.0%) suffered a new stroke, and two (4.0%) suffered more than one transient ischemic attack. The time to the first recurrent event was 46.2 months. Policosanol persistently lowered serum total cholesterol, with such reduction correlating with the neurological improvement (R = 0.995253301). Triglycerides were unchanged. Treatment was well tolerated. Policosanol administered to patients suffering ischemic stroke treated with aspirin and vitamins showed good results on neurological outcomes and recurrent events. This study, however, has limitations, since it was open and uncontrolled, and patients also consumed aspirin and vitamins. New randomized, controlled studies are needed to assess the usefulness of policosanol in stroke management.
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Martín R, Jiménez E, Olivares M, Marín ML, Fernández L, Xaus J, Rodríguez JM. Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713, a potential probiotic strain isolated from infant feces and breast milk of a mother-child pair. Int J Food Microbiol 2006; 112:35-43. [PMID: 16843562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2006.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2005] [Revised: 03/01/2006] [Accepted: 06/03/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 was originally isolated from feces of a one-month-old breast-fed infant. Since it has been suggested that the gut microbiota of breast-fed infants reflects that of the maternal breast milk, we investigated if this specific strain was present in breast milk of the respective mother. RAPD and PFGE analysis revealed the presence of the strain L. salivarius CECT 5713 in this biological fluid. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a L. salivarius strain isolated from breast milk. L. salivarius CECT 5713 produced l-lactate, acetate and hydrogen peroxide, which may be responsible for its antimicrobial activity against most of the indicator organisms used in this study; in addition, this strain showed a high survival rate after exposition to conditions simulating those found in the gastrointestinal tract. Finally, it was strongly adhesive to Caco-2 and HT-29 cells did not produce biogenic amines and were unable to degrade gastric mucin in vitro.
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Velayos Jiménez B, Beltrán de Heredia J, del Olmo L, García Castaño J, Fernández L, González JM. [Persistent intestinal bleeding secondary to pancreatic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma]. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2006; 98:222-4. [PMID: 16737425 DOI: 10.4321/s1130-01082006000300013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Velayos B, Fernández L, Aller R, de la Calle F, del Olmo L, Arranz T, González Hernández JM. Public opinion survey after capsule endoscopy: patient's point of view on its utility. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2006; 98:436-48. [PMID: 16948543 DOI: 10.4321/s1130-01082006000600005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM When programming a medical test such as capsule endoscopy (CE), finding the closest point between the patient's experience and his/her expectation is essential to improve any further explorations. For this purpose we designed a form which tries to collect the information required. MATERIAL AND METHODS From December 2003 to January 2005 we examined the small intestine of 98 patients with the help of CE. Later they were sent an anonymous questionnaire in July 2005, which included 10 questions upon the origin and previous knowledge of the patient about this technique, their tolerance to it, and the value they attached to it with regard to finding a new diagnosis and assigning different treatments, and also the incidence in the positive or negative evolution of their disease in particular and of medicine in general. RESULTS Answer rate reached 58% and was slightly higher among women and people over 70 years; 80% of repliers had been informed about CE by a physician, while nearly all the rest had received previous information from the media; 37% had had symptoms for more than 12 months, while only 17% had suffered them for one month before the exploration. A bit over 30% did not know what the specific diagnostic field of the test was (most of them women and young people), although most of them were not surprised by the procedure. Over 75% showed "acceptable" or "excellent" tolerance, while 5.5% (most of them young people) found it hard to bear. The opinion about its utility in the diagnosis was 37%, and although 70% thought that CE had revealed nothing new about their pathology, over 60% declared feeling better after the test; 84% pointed out that it had achieved a breakthrough for their quality of life (most of them men and very old people), and only 13% thought it was worthless. However, nearly all the answers agreed in that CE was an "important" or "very important" diagnostic device. CONCLUSIONS After the test using CE, the diagnostic benefit detected by the patient is not the same as that shown by technical studies. Nevertheless, the test can be highly satisfactory for the patient in particular, and also in an overall view. CE is a well-tolerated test, applied in our setting to chronic diseases and that, contrary to what we supposed, is explained to patients mainly by a physician. Most of them are not familiar with its specific indications.
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