Biomedical subjects

A Arana

Publications and source records attributed to A Arana.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1983

Transection of the spermatic vessels (Bevan's technique): an experimental study.

Intracanalicular or intra-abdominal undescended testicles often present a difficult surgical problem, due to a vascular pedicle shortening that prohibits scrotal placement with a 1 stage orchiopexy. The division of spermatic vessels to properly place the testis in the scrotum solves the problem of the shortening of the vessels, but raises the question of whether the endocrine function and the potential for fertility are preserved. In the present study transection of spermatic vessels before arterial branch-off was done intra-abdominally in rats. Angiographic, patho-anatomic and hormonal evaluations have been made. Revascularization of the testicular artery through the vasal artery has occurred in all cases. The anastomotic circuit, however, does not always have the same functional value. The spermatogenic alterations suggest that fertility can be impaired in a significant percentage of cases. Spermatogenesis was quantified taking into account the mean tubular diameter and the situation of seminiferous epithelium, expressed as the percentage of tubules containing well-developed spermatogenesis. Plasma testosterone levels are in a low range. However, Leydig cell functional response to human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation is maintained in every case and so are plasma and pituitary luteinizing hormone levels, suggesting that plasma testosterone levels are high enough to maintain an adequate hormonal activity.

Animals↗

PubMed1980

Ketoconazole in paracoccidioidomycosis: efficacy of prolonged oral therapy.

Ketoconazole, a new oral imidazole derivative, was employed for the treatment of five patients with paracoccidioidomycosis. The response was excellent, with objective clinical improvement and healing of both mucocutaneous and pulmonary lesions. Mycological and serological tests, as well as delayed hypersensitivity, were assessed and found to correlate with clinical improvement. Therapy was conducted for 12 months with a dose of 200 mg day in 2 patients; in the remainder the dose was reduced (100 mg day) after the first 6 months and maintained as such for an equal period. No side-effects or toxicity were noted despite prolonged treatment. The advantages of the new therapeutic approach are discussed.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1977

Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen titer by immunofluorescence with microplates: new semiautomated method based on the microtiter system.

A semiautomated method of an indirect immunofluorescence technique for the titration of antibodies directed against viral capsid antigens of Epstein-Barr virus has been developed with Microtiter system units. By this method, a technician is able to titrate some hundred samples daily. The technique is safe, easy, and reproducible. The various procedures are described, and the sensitivity of the test is discussed.

Antigens, Viral↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Ketoconazole: a new drug for the treatment of paracoccidioidomycosis.

Ketoconazole was administered orally to 13 patients with paracoccidioidomycosis. Therapy consisted of 200 mg per day for periods ranging from three to 12 months. All patients improved markedly, with healing of pulmonary, mucosal, and skin lesions. Patients exhibiting the latter two manifestations began to improve two weeks after therapy, and healing occurred within three months. Pulmonary lesions regressed at a slower pace and healed by fibrosis. Mycologic tests have corroborated the clinical improvement. Adverse effects were not observed; monitoring of renal, hematologic, and hepatic functions did not reveal any abnormalities. Five patients completed a year of therapy and were free of symptoms when therapy was discontinued. Of these patients, four were followed for several months and had no relapses; the fifth patient developed tuberculosis and died. The results indicate that ketoconazole is a safe and effective drug for therapy in the treatment of paracoccidioidomycosis.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Parkinsonian syndromes in Medellin (Colombia)].

INTRODUCTION: The definition of parkinsonian syndromes is based on clinical criteria. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and management of parkinsonism, using criteria of inclusion and exclusion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We selected 302 consecutive patients, 147 females and 155 males, with parkinsonism, age 66.8 (11.4) (range: 13-90), grades of education 7.5 (4.3) (range: 0-20). A structured and quantitative protocol was applied to the sample. RESULTS: The most frequent parkinsonian syndrome was the defined idiopathic Parkinson's disease with 132 participants (43.7%). Probably idiopathic Parkinson's disease was found in 60 cases (19.9%), and possible idiopathic Parkinson's disease in eight cases (2.6%); early onset Parkinson's disease in 10 cases (3.3%), juvenile Parkinson's disease in one case (0.3%), familial Parkinson's disease in five cases (1.7%); cortical Lewy body disease in 16 cases (5.4%), progressive supranuclear palsy in nine cases (3.3%), multiple systemic atrophy in eight cases (2.6%). Secondary Parkinson's disease was distributed as follow: vascular disease in 24 cases (8%), local lesion in 11 cases (3%), medications in 16 cases (5.3%), meningoencephalitis in one case (0.3%) and syphilis in one case (0.3%). Without medication was found 1.5% of sample, which was in Hoehn & Yarh's state I to II. In monotherapy was found 23.2%, with two medications 46.7%, with three 23.5% and with four drugs 5.1%. Levodopa was prescript to 70.9%, anticholinergic to 51.3%, MAO-B-I to 33.4%, amantadine to 33.1%, D2 stimulants to 18.5%, and COMT-I to 2.6%. CONCLUSION: Structured protocol for assessment of parkinsonian syndromes allows reliable diagnoses for clinical and epidemiological purposes.

Adolescent↗