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Biomedical subjects

A Aguilera

Publications and source records attributed to A Aguilera.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

[Hepatitis C virus antibodies in alcoholic patients].

It has been reported that chronic alcoholics show a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with a possible role in the pathogenesis and severity of underlying liver disease. Thus, the present study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HCV antibodies (anti HCV-Ab) in a group of patients admitted to an Internal Medicine Department, as well as to compare characteristics of anti-HCV-Ab(+ve) respect to anti-HCV(-ve) patients. The presence of anti-HCV-Ab was prospectively studied in 180 alcoholic patients admitted during a 16-month period using a second generation ELISA. Intravenous drug abusers were excluded. Reasons for admittance were as follows: alcohol withdrawal syndrome (92 cases), complications of liver cirrhosis (mainly ascites) (54 cases), acute pancreatitis (12 cases) and miscellaneous causes (22 cases). Sixty-six patients were cirrhotics, 23 had fatty liver, 27 had liver fibrosis and 28 alcoholic hepatitis (36 patients were not evaluable concerning liver lesion). Twelve patients (6.7%) were anti-HCV-Ab(+ve). Prevalence was higher in patients admitted because of complications of cirrhosis (16.7%) than that of those admitted due to alcohol abstinence syndrome (1.1%, p < 0.01). Likewise, the proportion of HVC-Ab(+ve) patients was higher in patients with liver cirrhosis (16.7%) respect to those with lesser degrees of liver injury (1.3%; p < 0.01). In the latter group, the prevalence of anti-HCV-Ab(+ve) was similar to that of the normal population. Anti-HCV-Ab patients were older than anti-HCV-Ab(-ve) cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Increase in incidence of chromosome instability and non-conservative recombination between repeats in Saccharomyces cerevisiae hpr1 delta strains.

Null hpr1 delta strains show a large increase (up to 2000-fold) over wild type in the frequency of occurrence of deletions between direct repeats on three different chromosomes. However, we show that hpr1 delta mutations have little or no effect on reciprocal exchange, gene conversion or unequal sister chromatid exchange, as determined using intrachromosomal, interchromosomal and plasmid-chromosome assay systems. A novel intrachromosomal recombination system has allowed us to determine that over 95% of deletions in hpr1 delta strains do not occur by reciprocal exchange. On the other hand, hpr1 delta strains show chromosome loss frequencies of up to 100 times the wild-type level. Our results suggest that yeast cells have a very efficient non-conservative recombination mechanism, dependent on RAD1 and RAD52, that causes deletions between direct DNA repeats, and this mechanism is strongly stimulated in hpr1 delta strains. The results indicate that the Hpr1 protein is required for stability of DNA repeats and chromosomes. We propose that in the absence of the Hpr1 protein the cell destabilizes the genome by allowing the initiation of events that lead to deletions of sequences between repeats, and to chromosome instability. We discuss the roles that proteins such as Hpr1 have in maintaining direct repeats and in preventing non-conservative recombination and consider the importance of these functions for chromosome stability.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

[Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 infection in 2 seamen of the northwest of Spain].

The first two cases of HIV-2 infection in autoctonous Spanish subjects are presented. Two sailors (62 and 42 years of age) of Galician origin who travelled to east African countries are reported. The epidemiologic, clinico-evolutive characteristics--with manifestations similar to HIV-1 infection (oral candidiasis and villous leukoplasia)--, and therapeutic response to zidovudine are described. The risk of HIV-2 infection in sailors travelling to Africa and the absence of opportunistic infections in a period of at least 6 to 11 years following infection despite CD4+ lymphocytes being under 0.200 x 10(9)/l, are of note.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

New in-vivo cloning methods by homologous recombination in yeast.

We have devised a new strategy to clone DNA sequences from an yeast autonomously-propagating plasmid into a non-autonomous integrative vector by in-vivo recombination. The method consists of a first step in which the replicative plasmid carrying the DNA fragment of interest forms a co-integrate with the non-replicative plasmid by an induced in-vivo reciprocal exchange accompanied by gene conversion. The dimeric plasmid obtained is then purified and cut with an appropriate restriction enzyme and ligated independently to obtain the two intact monomeric plasmids, the original autonomous plasmid plus the new non-autonomous plasmid carrying the subcloned DNA fragment. The dimeric co-integrate can also serve as substrate for a second in-vivo reciprocal exchange that produces new autonomous plasmids carrying the desired DNA fragment. The technique considerably expands the applications of in-vivo cloning in yeast by complementing three important characteristics of previously published methods: (1) it can be used to clone into non-propagating vectors; (2) co-transformation experiments are not required; and (3) the intermediate co-integrate can be used to generate new types of autonomously-propagating plasmids directly. These characteristics are independent of whether the DNA insert is flanked by appropriate restriction sites or whether it does, or does not, express a detectable phenotype in yeast. The method is particularly useful for the cloning of large DNA fragments and can be used for plasmids from organisms other than yeasts.

Cloning, Molecular↗
PubMed1994

Use of recombinant interferon-alpha in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) has anti-retroviral activity and is a possible HIV infection-limiting factor. The aim of this work is to prevent or delay disease progression in asymptomatic Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) carriers. DESIGN AND INTERVENTIONS: Recombinant IFN alpha-2b (3 x 10(6) IU 3 times weekly) was compared to no treatment (control) in a randomized trial. Endpoints were: (i) appearance of any CDC group IV symptoms and (ii) disease progression (which excluded shifts to group IVC2 or reversible IVA, or IVB). The trial lasted from October 1987 to February 1992. SETTING: The trial was performed at the "Santiago de las Vegas" sanatorium, a specialized institution for the care of HIV-infected and AIDS patients. POPULATION: Subjects were anti-HIV-1 seropositive, Western blot-confirmed, asymptomatic (CDC group II), or with generalized lymphadenopathies (CDC group III). The groups had 79 (control) and 71 (IFN) patients. MAIN RESULTS: Long-term IFN-alpha treatments significantly reduced the proportion of patients who shifted to any group IV (control: 46/79; IFN: 14/71; p < 0.001) or developed AIDS (control: 27/79; IFN: 12/71; p < 0.05). IFN also delayed progression to AIDS (95% confidence interval for 0.5 probability of progression) from 67-83 to 116-180 months after infection. The IFN group had significantly less opportunistic infections and non-infectious complications. CD4 cell count and hemoglobin decreased in the control but not in the IFN group. Fewer IFN-treated patients developed positive serum HIV antigen detection. CONCLUSION: IFN alpha treatment during the early stages of infection seems to be beneficial to the patients.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1994

Formamide sensitivity: a novel conditional phenotype in yeast.

Yeast mutants unable to grow in the presence of 3% formamide have been isolated in parallel with mutants sensitive to either 37 degrees or 6% ethanol. The number of formamide-sensitive mutations that affect different genes that can be identified from yeast cells is at least as large as the number of thermosensitive or ethanol-sensitive mutations. These mutations are of two types: those that are sensitive to formamide, temperature and/or ethanol simultaneously; and those that are specific for formamide sensitivity and show no temperature or ethanol sensitivity phenotype. Those genes susceptible to giving rise to formamide-sensitive alleles include the structural gene for DNA ligase, CDC9, and the structural gene for arginine permease, CAN1. The results indicate that formamide sensitivity can be used as a novel conditional phenotype for mutations on both essential and nonessential genes. This work also confirms that ethanol-sensitivity can be used as a conditional phenotype to identify mutations in at least as many genes as those susceptible to temperature or formamide sensitive mutations.

Alleles↗
PubMed1994

Tumour lysis syndrome after treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with fludarabine.

Fludarabine is one of the most recent and promising therapeutic agents for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. We describe a patient who developed tumour lysis syndrome after the first course of treatment with fludarabine and call attention to this uncommon but potentially lethal complication that has not been previously taken into account in this neoplasia. It should always be anticipated when patients are treated with new and effective drugs.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1994

[The pectoral implant of an automatic defibrillator by cardiologists in an electrophysiology laboratory].

We have performed 2 implantations of transvenous automatic cardioverter defibrillator in a cardiac laboratory devoted to electrophysiology and pacemaker implantation. This is a preliminary experience with a novel implant strategy. Cardiologists were the primary operators. The automatic cardioverter defibrillator were placed in a subcutaneous pectoral region, with a non-thoracotomy lead system. The automatic cardioverter defibrillator were two Medtronic 7219D PCD Jewel, with a Transvene system. There were no perioperative complications. Acceptable defibrillation threshold were obtained in both patients, 12 and 20 J, respectively. Leads were inserted percutaneously through the left subclavian vein. After 8 months of follow-up the patients continue to tolerate the device satisfactorily. Implantation of automatic cardioverter defibrillator systems by trained cardiologists in an electrophysiology laboratory is safe and feasible. Moreover, its cost-effectiveness is superior, the saving includes the surgeons, and the reduction of stay in unit of intensive care and hospitalization.

Defibrillators, Implantable↗
PubMed1994

[Psychiatric and social aspects of AIDS. Report of 4 cases].

A report of four AIDS-related psychiatric cases in Honduras is presented. (2,544 AIDS cases have been reported up to April '93. In the sole city of San Pedro Sula, 1,000 cases have been reported). Measures are suggested for an improved psychiatrical and psychological care of patients (either seropositive patients or AIDS healthy carriers): the former would be helped toward a smoother acceptance of an impending death, the latter could be in a better position to fight against social prejudice and discrimination.

AIDS Dementia Complex↗
PubMed1993

[Evaluation of various criteria for the interpretation of western blot for the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Spanish Group for the Study of HIV-2].

BACKGROUND: The Western blot (WB) is the most commonly used test to confirm the presence of antibodies against the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Different criteria of interpretation of the band profile have been proposed with there being no unanimity as to its reliability. The sensitivity and specificity of several criteria proposed for the interpretation of WB were evaluated and the individual significance of the reactivity of each band of the WB was analyzed. METHODS: The presence of antibodies against HIV-1 was prospectively studied in 8,073 samples of subjects with risk of infection. A total of 1,993 (25%) were reactive by ELISA and 1,261 were analyzed by WB, with a semiquantitative reading of the bands with a point scale from 0 to 2 being performed. The final interpretation of the WB (negative, doubtful, or positive) was carried out following 5 recommendations of usage. A test designed with synthetic peptides (Pepti-lav) was used as a reference and in discordant cases, other more specific serologic tests and/or genetic analysis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed. RESULTS: In order of frequency, the greater sensitivity was found to be for the CRSS (Consortium for Retrovirus Serology Standardization) criteria (97.9%), OMS (96.6%), CDC (Center for Disease Control) (95.9%), ARC (American Red Cross) (95.6%) and FDA (99.8%). The greatest specificity was for the criteria of the OMS, and FDA (99.8%). In order of frequency, the most frequent bands in HIV-1 + individuals were gp160 (99%), gp120, p24, p31, p55, p68, gp41, and p17 (68%). In non infected individuals, the recognized bands were, in decreasing order, p24, p17, p55, p68, p31, and glucoproteins. CONCLUSIONS: Different criteria of interpretation of the Western blot provide different degrees of sensitivity and specificity. The Western blot is a non standardized, expensive, laborious technique of subjective interpretation which provides an appreciable number of undetermined results.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1993

[A multicenter study of infection with human immunodeficiency virus type-2 (HIV-2) in Spain (1991). The Spanish Group for the Study of HIV-2].

BACKGROUND: To January 1991 thirteen cases of HIV-2 infection had been reported in Spain. Paradoxically, neighboring countries, i.e. France and Portugal, have reported more than one thousand cases, and are the most HIV-2 prevalent areas outside West Africa. We report the results of a prospective, nationwide study on the prevalence of HIV-2 infection conducted in Spain in 1991. In addition, an evaluation of testing methodologies is made. METHODS: Sera collected from 8,073 individuals at high-risk for HIV infection were screened by a combined HIV-1 plus HIV-2 ELISA. Reactive samples were further evaluated by three tests, as HIV-1 Western blot (WB), HIV-2 specific WB, and a synthetic peptide assay immuno-dot (Pepti-lav, Pasteur). RESULTS: Fifteen (0.18%) individuals met criteria of HIV-2 infection in both specific WB and SPA. Four (27%) of them showed reactivity to both HIV-1 and HIV-2, and the dual infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 2 out of 3 available samples. The SPA showed higher sensitivity and specificity than WB in the diagnosis and distinction of HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections. CONCLUSIONS: To January 1992, 28 cases of HIV-2 infection have been described in Spain. All but two were African immigrants. The first cases of HIV-1 plus HIV-2 coinfection have been identified. In HIV high-risk populations, SPA may provide an excellent alternative to WB to confirm ELISA reactive samples.

Africa↗
PubMed1993

[Multicenter study of HTLV-I and HTLV-II infection in Spain. Spanish Group for the Study of HTLV-II/II Infection].

BACKGROUND: Human T-lymphotropic viruses type I (HTLV-I) and type II (HTLV-II) infections have been related to lymphoproliferative disorders and subacute neurological diseases. Screening blood donors for specific HTLV-I/II antibody has been implemented in Japan, United States, and recently in France. Should be it recommended in Spain? METHODS: Antibodies to HTLV-I/II were investigated in sera from 7,884 individuals living in Spain. They were classified in four major groups: 1) subjects at high-risk for retrovirus infection, as drug addicts, homosexuals, and polytransfused individuals (n = 4,740), 2) patients suffering HTLV-like symptoms (n = 760), 3) immigrants from or travellers to endemic areas (n = 1,427), and 4) blood donors (n = 957). RESULTS: Eighteen (0.22%) subjects were HTLV-I positive and 11 (0.12%) were classified as HTLV-II reactive. Five (71.5%) of 7 immigrants or travelers to endemic areas reacting against HTLV were typed as HTLV-I. Six (60%) of 10 drug addicts HTLV-reactive were typed as HTLV-II carriers. CONCLUSIONS: Both HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections are present in Spain, although in a low rate and mostly restricted to drug addicts (HTLV-II), and people coming from endemic regions (HTLV-I). All tested blood donors were negative. In this view, HTLV-I/II screening in Spanish blood banks seems to be non urgent, although alternative strategies should be considered.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Comparison of the protective efficacy of Aujeszky's disease (pseudorabies) virus glycoproteins obtained from different sources.

The immunogenic properties of a series of glycoprotein preparations are compared using inactivated conventional vaccines as reference. Serological response and protective efficacy of vaccination of mice and pigs are evaluated for glycoprotein immunogens obtained from various sources. BHK-21 cell cultures were infected with Aujeszky's disease virus and used as antigenic source. Glycoproteins were obtained from (i) the whole culture (ii) the cell sediment and (iii) the clarified supernatant. Both in pigs and in mice, protection was greater with glycoproteins purified from infected-cell membranes than with viral mature particle glycoproteins. The specific profiles of humoral responses were basically identical regardless of the source of glycoprotein. Bartha strain, one of the gI- strains most commonly used as an attenuated vaccine, was also used as a glycoprotein source. Immunogens obtained from this strain were protective in challenge trials with the virulent E-974 strain of the Aujeszky's disease virus. Glycoproteins did not induce detectable delayed type hypersensitivity in mice but conferred greater protection than particulate antigens (which, conversely, did induce a detectable delayed type hypersensitivity reaction). Until the recent proposal of the potency criterion delta 7, no objective method was available to evaluate the degree of protection conferred by Aujeszky's disease vaccines. In this study, we thus used the protection index, a quantitative parameter designed to evaluate potency of vaccines against Aujeszky's disease virus.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

HTLV-I/II infections in Spain. The HTLV-I/II Spanish Study Group.

Antibodies to HTLV-I/II were investigated in sera from 7521 individuals living in Spain. They were classified in four major groups: a) subjects at high risk of retroviral infections e.g. parenteral drug addicts, homosexuals, prostitutes, and multiple-transfused individuals; b) patients suffering illness associated with HTLV-I in endemic regions; c) immigrants from endemic areas; and d) blood donors. Sera were collected from 1984 to December 1991. Repeatedly reactive ELISA was found in 211 samples (2.8%), but Western blot only confirmed the presence of HTLV-I/II antibodies in 23 samples (0.30%), corresponding to eight (0.25%) out of 3207 drug abusers, six (0.72%) out of 894 immigrants (five Africans and one South American), three (0.41%) out of 727 patients with HTLV-related diseases (one woman with HTLV-I associated myelopathy had received blood transfusions in an endemic area), four (0.54%) out of 793 prostitutes, one multiple-transfused native woman, and one (0.16%) out of 603 native seamen. The Western blot antibody pattern confirmed HTLV-II infection instead of HTLV-I in nine (39%) subjects. The remaining 14 (61%) HTLV-reactive samples were interpreted as HTLV-I seropositive, most of which were from immigrants. None of 857 blood donors analysed was reactive for HTLV antibody. These results suggest that both HTLV-I and HTLV-II are present in Spain, although at a low rate and mostly restricted to individuals coming from endemic areas, drug addicts, and prostitutes. Furthermore, diseases related to HTLV-I (particularly lymphoproliferative disorders, and subacute myelopathies) seem to be rarely associated with these viruses in Spain, a non-endemic area.

Adult↗