[Acquisition and regression of resistance to pristinamycin in Staphylococcus aureus].
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Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
Biomedical subjects
A Castro
Publications and source records attributed to A Castro.
Histologic localization of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones in the rat testis.
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Animals↗
Inhibitory effects of 3-imino-5-phenyl-3H-1,2-dithiole on poliovirus type 1 replication in vitro.
The effect of 3-imino-5-phenyl-3H-1,2-dithiole (PDTI) on different steps of the replicative cycle of poliovirus type 1 in HEp-2 cells was studied. This compound inhibited the replication of poliovirus type 1 as shown by cytopathic effect and virus yield reduction. This inhibitory action was not due to a virucidal effect, nor did the cells to have been pretreated. Under one-step growth conditions 3-imino-5-phenyl-3H-1,2-dithiole caused the greatest inhibition if added within 1 h after poliovirus adsorption. [5-3H]uridine incorporation into RNA showed that PDTI reduced poliovirus RNA synthesis. In fact, in the presence of PDTI viral RNA synthesis was shut off completely at 2 h post infection, and at 4 h post infection viral RNA synthesis was reduced by 50%. The compound may have an inhibitory effect on the early transcriptional and/or replicative functions of the poliovirus genome.
Antiviral Agents↗
[Speech discrimination through telephone in patients implanted with a Combi 40+].
OBJECTIVE: To assess speech discrimination through line and mobile telephone in cochlear implanted patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen patients implanted with a Combi 40+ went through different speech discrimination tests with a line telephone and three mobile telephones, in quiet and noisy environment. RESULTS: Mean scores for telephonic speech discrimination were 84-92% using CID sentences, 27-58% using bisyllabic words in quiet environment and 15-41% using bisyllabic words in noisy environment. Among the mobile telephones tested, the Siemens M55 reached the best scores. CONCLUSIONS: Telephonic speech discrimination is achieved by a significant number of cochlear implanted patients. Certain mobile telephone models appear to be more advisable for these patients.
Acoustic Stimulation↗
New nuclear functions for calmodulin.
The data reported here summarize a series of results which reveal new functions for nuclear calmodulin (CaM). The addition of CaM inhibitors to cultures of proliferating NRK cells blocked the activity of the cyclin-dependent protein kinases 4 (cdk4) and 2 (cdk2), which are enzymes implicated in the progression of G1 and in the onset of DNA replication, respectively. CaM modulates the activity of cdk4 by regulating the nuclear location of both cdk4 and cyclin D, its associated regulatory subunit. By using CaM-affinity chromatography, we have recently identified two new nuclear CaM-binding proteins: (i) the protein La/SSB, which is an autoantigen implicated in several autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome (since La/SSB participates in the process of transcription mediated by RNA polymerase III, CaM could be involved in the regulation of this process); and (ii) the protein SAP145, a member of the spliceosome-associated proteins (SAPs) which is a subunit of the splicing factor SF3(b). This finding suggests the involvement of CaM in pre-mRNA splicing. Finally, a screening for new CaM-binding proteins in the fission yeast performed by using the phage display analysis, revealed that several nucleolar-ribosomal proteins associate to CaM, suggesting that CaM modulates ribosomal assembly and/or function.
Animals↗
Concentration of antibodies by freezing serum.
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Antibodies↗
Electrophysiological characteristics of the human atria after cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.
BACKGROUND: In animal models, induced atrial fibrillation shortens the atrial effective refractory period (ERP) and reverses its physiological adaptation to rate. It is not clear whether this process, known as "electrical remodeling," occurs in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: We determined the ERPs, at 5 pacing cycle lengths (300 to 700 ms) and in 5 right atrial sites, after internal cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation in 25 patients (14 in pharmacological washout and 11 on amiodarone). The ERPs were 195.5+/-18.8 ms in the washout and 206.3+/-17.9 ms in the amiodarone patients (P<0.0001). ERPs were closely correlated with the stimulation rates (r=0.95 in the washout and r=0.94 in the amiodarone group), and slope values indicating a normal (>/=0.07) or nearly normal (0.05 to 0.06) adaptation of ERP to rate were found in 77% of the 84 paced sites. The mean ERP was shorter in the lateral wall (198.1+/-17.9 ms) than in the atrial roof (203.3+/-21.5 ms) and in the septum (210.5+/-20.0 ms) (P<0.03). After 4 weeks of sinus rhythm, the mean ERP, determined again in 8 patients (4 in wash-out and 4 on amiodarone), was significantly increased compared with the basal study (221. 4+/-21.4 versus 197.8+/-18.3 ms, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: After cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation, (1) atrial ERP adaptation to rate was normal or nearly normal in the majority of the cases, (2) a significant dispersion of refractoriness between different right atrial sites was present, and (3) ERPs were significantly increased after 4 weeks of sinus rhythm in both washout and amiodarone patients.
Adaptation, Physiological↗
[Hemodynamics changes in children and adolescents with mitral valve replacement].
The authors analyze the pre and post-operative hemodynamic picture of 30 children and adolescents with mitral valve replacement, which corresponds to a group of 106 patients operated on from 1964 to 1974. At variable time periods, between 9 days and 48 months (average 28 months) from the valve replacement, a new catheterization was done. The majority of the studies were done in the period between 13 and 36 months. Of the 30 cases, 21 were carriers of the Starr-Edwards valve, and the rest of different types. The Starr-Edwards valves produced a lawering of the CVP from 23.0 to 11.0 mm. Hg (average values) whereas with the other types the average pre-operative figure was 21.0 and in the post-operative period it fell to 11.0 mm. Hg. In the group with SE valves, pre-operative SPP was an average of 64.3 and in the post-operative period it was 32.0 mm. Hg. In the cases of SE valves the pre-operative total pulmonary resistances were 12.3 units and post-operatively they fell to 3.7 units. With the other types of valves the pre-opeative average was 10.9 units and post-operatively it was 5.3 units. The hemodynamic results obtained over a period of time with valvular substitution were similar in the distinct types of valves. However in the SE the benefits resulted more constant. The value of radiological and electrocardiographic study in order to predict the early post-operative hemodynamic changes is discussed. These studies serve essentially for a long range evaluation, whereas the hemodynamic, and clinical improvement maintained a strict relationship. This work shows that, in children and adolescents, the presence of severe venous-capillary and arterial pulmonary hypertension, and the elevated pulmonary resistences, are not contraindications for surgical treatment. It equally proves the eficacy of the valvular replacement, when the surgical indication and the control of the patients are handled in the proper way.
Child↗
[Parkinson disease of juvenile onset with systemic lupus erythematosus in a pre-symptomatic stage].
INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease of juvenile onset is known to be rarely seen in clinical neurology. Occasionally it may be secondary to other pathological processes which have to be excluded by investigation of such cases, since the clinical, therapeutic and prognostic significance varies considerably depending on whether the condition is idiopathic or secondary. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a patient whose illness started when she was 16 years old. She complained of rigidity, tremor and akinesia. Her condition was studied to find whether the syndrome was secondary. Thus, on four occasions, at annual visits during a period of five years, immunological changes suggestive of systemic lupus erythematous were observed. Neuroimaging, magnetic resonance and computerized axial tomography studies were completely normal on all four occasions over the five years during which the patient had annual follow-up reviews. CONCLUSION: We considered whether the rigidity-akinesia-tremor syndrome might have been secondary to systemic lupus erythematous, due to a probable pathological focus of cerebral vasculitis, in this clinical case which we report.
Adolescent↗
[A radiological study of the cervical alterations in Down syndrome. New findings on computerized tomography and three dimensional reconstructions].
OBJECTIVE: We studied a large proportion of the population in our health district who have Down's syndrome to determine the incidence and variety of changes in the spine and to define the guidelines for preventive diagnosis advisable in relation to atlanto-axial instability, a common disorder in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: First phase: a plain X-ray of the cervical spine in a neutral lateral projection and in flexion in 188 patients, measuring the atlanto-odontoid distance. Second phase: computerized tomography (CT) studies and three dimensional reconstructions in 25 patients (13.3%) chosen at random. The axial cuts from the upper portion of C3 to the occiput were 3 mm in thickness with 3 mm intervals and a standard reconstruction algorithm. RESULTS: The incidences of atlanto-axial instability with an atlodontoid distance (3)5 mm were not comparable with the published series. There was a lower incidence (4.2%), with no difference between measurements in flexion and in the neutral lateral views. There was a greater incidence of malformations than in other reports, including a rare case of os odontoideum and also constant asymmetry of the occipital condyles (100%) in the patients of the CT series and consequently instability of the atlas (96%) and off-centered odontoides (84%). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that there was deficient asymmetrical development of the occipital bone, which caused different heights of the occipital condyles and led to cervico-cranial mal-position. For study of the degree of error of position and congenital anomalies. We recommend replacing plain X-ray studies by CT with three dimensional reconstructions.
Adolescent↗
Effect of tamoxifen on GH and IGF-1 serum level in stage I-II breast cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE: Tamoxifen suppresses insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plasma levels in early and advanced breast cancer patients. Relationships between tamoxifen (GH) and IGF-1 are complex and not completely described yet. The present investigation was performed to evaluate the effect of acute and chronic tamoxifen administration on GH response to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), as well as on IGF-1 serum levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Evaluation of GH after administration of GHRH was performed (a) at baseline, (b) 3 hours after 20 mg oral administration of tamoxifen and (c) after 12 weeks of 20 mg a day oral tamoxifen treatment, in fifteen postmenopausal stage I-II breast cancer patients. IGF-I was measured at baseline and after chronic tamoxifen administration. RESULTS: The GH response to GHRH was significantly reduced after 12 weeks of tamoxifen 10 mg administered twice a day orally (mean peak 3.2 +/- 0.2 micrograms/l, mean AUC 261.3 +/- 18.2 micrograms/minute p < 0.01 versus basal AUC). A concomitant significant reduction of IGF-1 was observed after 3 months of tamoxifen treatment. Basal pretreatment levels of 113.2 +/- 15.5 micrograms/l were suppressed to 70 +/- 7.9 micrograms/l (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study confirm the inhibitory effect of tamoxifen on IGF-I and suggested, as shown in previous in vitro data, that its suppression could be directly related to GH reduction in response to GHRH stimulation.
Aged↗
[Familial congenital cardiopathy].
1. The authors report on the frequency of family congenital heart disease in a consecutive series of 380 congenital patients, studied in the lapse of one year in the Pediatric Cardiology Service of the National Institute of Cardiology of Mexico. 2. They report that of 380 families with one member with congenital heart disease, 13 had two or more members with heart malformations. 3. They point out that the index of frequency of family congenital heart disease was 34 per 1,000, a figure higher than that of other authors 6,40 (18 and 20 per 1,000). 4. They demonstrated that in families with an affected member, the possibility that there is another member with heart disease rises 5 to 7 times above the figure of prevalence expected for the general population. 5. They comment that the greater the numbers of patients with congenital heart disease in a family, the greater the probability is that there will be a descendent with cardiovascular malformation. 6. They make note that the normality of the chromosomatic studies of this and other investigations should not be an obstacle for postulating the genetic component in the multifactorial ethiology of congenital heart diseases. 7. Finally, they emphasize the importance of performing a complete cardiologic study of the family having a member with congenital heart disease.
Adolescent↗
[Editorial: Etiology of congenital cardiopathies].
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Heart Defects, Congenital↗
[Tricuspid atresia: A therapeutic problem].
1. The authors present 80 cases of tricuspid atresia of the Children's Cardiology Service of the Instituto Nacional de Cardiología de México. They propose their own classification based on the position of the visceral suits and of the great arteries and the possible existance of a persistent truncus arteriosus. 2. The requirements that should be fulfiled to establish an anatomic and hemodynamic diagnosis are determined; and the need to know in detail the anatomy of the right ventricle; of its exit chamber, of the pulmonary valve and of the pulmonary truncus is emphasized; as well as the measures in the auricles and the left ventricle. 3. They insist upon the need, when the pulmonar arterial pressure cannot be measured directly, to introduce a catheter in a pulmonar vein, because the pressures obtained are quite similar to the pressure in the pulmonar arterial territory. 4. The fundamental data of the anatomic and hemodynamic study are discussed and illustrated. They confirm the close relation that exists between the diameter of the exit chamber of the right ventricle and of the valvular ring, the pulmonary truncus and its branches. 5. In all cases of tricuspid atresia with AQRS deviated to the right and downwards in the frontal plane; transposition of the great arteries should be thought of when it deviates to the left and upwards, in patients with crossed great arteries. 6. In the cases operated with sistemic-pulmonary fistula, there was an intrahospital mortality range of 25%, similar to that obtained by most authors. 7. The paliative surgical procedures are analyzed, and those that at present could be considered as "corrective" such as Fontan and Kreutzer's operations. The need, to gather several diagnostic parameters. To establish the surgical indication in the sistemicpulmonary and venus shunts, is emphasized.
Angiocardiography↗
[Prospective epidemiologic study of perioperative anaphylactoid reactions occurring in Catalonia (1996-7)].
OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence, immunological mechanisms, severity and clinical course of perioperative allergic reactions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective epidemiological study lasting 2 years (1996-97). In 20 hospitals in Catalonia (Spain), we studied patients who suffered allergic reactions equal to or greater than grade Ib according to the classification of Laxenaire. Serum and urine samples were collected during the first and sixth hours after the onset of a reaction. Complement factors, total serum and latex-specific serum IgE antibodies, hemostatic markers, serum tryptase and urinary methylhistamine were assayed. Tests for allergy to the drugs used during the perioperative period were performed on all patients who consented. RESULTS: Anesthetic procedures were performed 328,430 times in the 20 hospitals. Thirty-two allergic reactions were reported (1 case/10,263 anesthesias); the frequency was greater during general anesthesia (1 case/6,978 anesthesias). Women suffered 58.3% of the reactions, and the mean patient age was 47.8 +/- 16.5 years. Fifty-six percent of the reactions were severe (grades III-IV), and 68.7% occurred upon immediate exposure. Induction was the moment of greatest risk (50%). Treatment was required by 90.6% of the patients, but no deaths or serious sequelae occurred. Complete analyses could be carried out immediately for 25 patients. High urinary methylhistamine and/or serum tryptase levels were found for 57% of the patients with grade Ib reactions, for 80% of those with grade II reactions, and for 91.7% of those with grade III reactions (p = 0.05). High serum tryptase levels were the only findings for 53.8% of the grade III reactions (p = 0.007). Skin tests were positive for 62.5% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of allergic reactions in Catalonia is 1 case per 10,263 anesthesias performed, but the rate is higher in general anesthesia. Fifty-six percent of the reactions were severe. Most developed immediately and the moment of induction involved the greatest risk. Early assessment of methylhistamine and tryptase levels has been shown to be useful and positivity is linearly associated with severity of reaction. In 62.5% of the patients, positive results were seen in skin tests performed later.
Adolescent↗
[Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in the immediate puerperium].
We describe a female previously diagnosed of primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome who presented a preclampsia in the second pregnancy. An urgent caesaria was made because of a worsening high blood pressure and oliguria. In the immediated puerperium she showed low platelets and persistent high blood pressure. Afterwards acute renal failure and neurological signs with a severe aortic valvulopathy were diagnosed. An haemolytic anemia was also detected. Definitive diagnosis was made by kidney biopsy with the result of a thrombotic microangiopathy. Treatment with low weight heparin and aspirin and systemic corticosteroids was started in the immediate puerperium and fresh frozen plasma was then added with a good response to treatment. Actually she is still with high blood pressure, aortic valvulopathy. Renal function is normal one year later.
Adult↗
[Effect of isoflurane on gas exchange and systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics in man during single lung ventilation].
OBJECTIVE: We studied the effect of 1.5% isoflurane end expiratory fraction on arterial oxygenation and on systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics during nonsurgical single lung ventilation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study includes 6 patients undergoing surgical thoracotomy. In all cases a double lumen endotracheal tube was inserted and pulmonary ventilation was performed with a FiO2 = 1. Patients were placed on lateral decubitus position. The following variables were measured: mean arterial pressure (MAP), mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), central venous pressure (CVP), capillary pulmonary pressure (CPP), cardiac output (CO), and Qs/Qt. Measurements were taken at three different situations. The first was done under bilateral pulmonary ventilation and intravenous anesthesia with thiopental, fentanyl, and diazepam. The nondependent lung was collapsed by means of a selective ventilation of the dependent lung, and the second series of measurements was done 20 min after intravenous anesthesia. The third block of data was obtained after 15 min of respiratory ventilation with 1.5% isoflurane. RESULTS: Single lung ventilation induced a significant decrease of Pa O2 (379 +/- 96 mmHg vs 208 +/- 93 mmHg) and a significant increase in Qs/Qt (20 +/- 8% vs 30 +/- 10%). However, during isoflurane ventilation there were no significant changes in PaO2 (208 +/- 93 mmHg vs 204 +/- 94 mmHg) nor in Qs/Qt (30 +/- 10 vs 28 +/- 8). Isoflurane elicited a significant decrease of the CO, whereas MPAP, RVS, and PvO2 did not show significant variations. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that 1.5% isoflurane end expiratory concentrations did not significantly affect pulmonary oxygenation during single lung ventilation.
Aged↗
[Evaluation of the higher brain functions in 1st and 7th grade schoolchildren belonging to two different socioeconomic groups].
INTRODUCTION: The higher brain functions, together with the devices that sustain them, are essential assets belonging to human beings which are used to situate themselves in the world. They can be studied by conducting neuropsychological tests, the results of which vary according to demographic factors, such as age, sex, hand dominance, culture and level of schooling. The socioeconomic level (SEL) is another factor to be taken into account and must also be evaluated. AIMS: Our objective was to evaluate and analyse the influence of SEL on the results obtained from neuropsychological tests carried out in normal school-age children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied 401 normal children, of both sexes, taken at random, at the beginning (1st grade, 6 years old) and at the end (7th grade, 12 years old) of elementary school and belonging to two different SEL: high and low. Schools belonging to different categories were selected: public, private, urban and suburban. A battery of tests that is commonly used in Neuropsychology was utilised to evaluate laterality, spatial orientation, integration (Bender's test and the Rey figure test), attention, memory and the areas of language, gnosis and praxis. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in relation to the SEL in the 1st and 7th grade tests: 20/27 (74%) and 17/27 (62%), respectively. These always meant lower results in the low SEL, except body scheme, ideomotor praxis and phonological coding, which in the 7th grade run in the opposite direction. Results were not related to the type of school (urban-suburban, public-private), sex, laterality or teachers' characteristics. Differences were more striking in the area of language, basic devices (attention, memory) and in the tests that integrate several different functions (Bender's test, Rey figure test). CONCLUSIONS: SEL is linked to the results obtained in neuropsychological evaluation tests. There is a direct relationship with low results in the low level. There is also a correlation between certain family characteristics associated to the SEL and the scores in the cognitive evaluation tests.
Adolescent↗