Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Gutiérrez

Publications and source records attributed to A Gutiérrez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

The results of consolidation with autologous stem-cell transplantation in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) in first complete remission: the Spanish Lymphoma and Autologous Transplantation Group experience.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a heterogeneous group of aggressive lymphomas associated with poor prognosis with standard chemotherapy. Consolidation with autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) may improve survival. We present 74 patients transplanted in first complete response (CR) from the Spanish Lymphoma and Autologous Transplantation Group cooperative group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Median age was 46 years. Eighty-eight percent presented advanced (III-IV) Ann Arbor stage; 53% had B symptoms; 52% had high lactate dehydrogenase; 65% had two or three risk factors of the adjusted-International Prognostic Index; 58% presented a high Tumor score and in 14% more than two adverse factors of the Prognostic Index for peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PIT) were observed. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 67 months from diagnosis, the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 68% and progression-free survival (PFS) reached 63%. The multivariate analysis showed that the only factor associated with a shorter OS and PFS was the presence of more than two risk factors from the PIT risk system. CONCLUSIONS: In a retrospective study with a prolonged follow-up, consolidation with ASCT in CR patients who had presented unfavorable prognostic factors at diagnosis substantially increased the OS and PFS when compared with conventional chemotherapy. The PIT risk system identified 14% of patients without benefit from ASCT consolidation. Thus, other innovative therapies are still necessary in certain cases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Main lipophilic extractives in different paper pulp types can be removed using the laccase-mediator system.

Lipophilic extractives in wood and other lignocellulosic materials exert a negative impact in pulp and paper manufacturing causing the so-called pitch problems. In this work, the appropriateness of an enzymatic treatment using the laccase-mediator system for pitch biocontrol is evaluated. With this purpose, three pulp types representative for different raw materials and pulping processes-eucalypt kraft pulping, spruce thermomechanical pulping, and flax soda-anthraquinone pulping-were treated with a high-redox-potential laccase from the basidiomycete Pycnoporus cinnabarinus in the presence of 1-hydroxybenzotriazole as a redox mediator. The gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses of the lipophilic extractives from the enzymatically treated pulps revealed that the laccase-mediator treatment completely or greatly removed most of the pitch-causing lipophilic compounds present in the different pulps including: (1) free and conjugated sitosterol in eucalypt paper pulp; (2) resin acids, sterol esters, and triglycerides in spruce pulp; and (3) sterols and fatty alcohols in the flax pulp. Different amounts of free and conjugated 7-oxosterols were found as intermediate products in the oxidation of pulp sterols. Therefore, the laccase-mediator treatment is reported as an efficient method for removing pitch-causing lipophilic compounds from paper pulps obtained from hardwood, softwood, and nonwoody plants.

Chromatography, Gas↗
PubMed2006

Serum lipids, body mass index and waist circumference during pubertal development in Spanish adolescents: the AVENA Study.

AIM: To describe the effects of chronological age and biological age (pubertal development) on serum lipid and lipoprotein levels, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in Spanish adolescents. METHODS: A representative Spanish sample of 526 adolescents (254 males and 272 females), were studied. Total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1 and B, and lipoprotein(a) were measured, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) was calculated. Additional measurements included BMI and waist circumference. Adolescents were classified according to chronological age, and pubertal development (also age of menarche in females). RESULTS: In males, serum TC levels were lower at late puberty in comparison with early puberty, and serum LDLc levels were lower at late puberty in comparison with mid and early puberty. Serum HDLc levels were lower at mid puberty in comparison with early and late puberty. Serum TC and LDLc levels were not different when analyzed according to chronological age. In females, HDLc levels were lower at late puberty in comparison with early and mid puberty, but no differences were found when HDLc and the other studied lipid and lipoprotein variables were analyzed according to chronological age, or age of menarche. All the observed differences persisted after adjusting for BMI and waist circumference. In female adolescents, both BMI and waist circumference were higher at late puberty in comparison with early and mid puberty, while in males, BMI and waist circumference were different when analyzed according to chronological age. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the assessment of pubertal development may provide additional valuable information when interpreting lipid profile and body fat in adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Lead and cadmium in meat and meat products consumed by the population in Tenerife Island, Spain.

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of lead and cadmium in chicken, pork, beef, lamb and turkey samples (both meat and meat products), collected in the island of Tenerife (Spain). Lead and cadmium were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Mean concentrations of lead and cadmium were 6.94 and 1.68 microg kg(-1) in chicken meat, 5.00 and 5.49 microg kg(-1) in pork meat, 1.91 and 1.90 microg kg(-1) in beef meat and 1.35 and 1.22 microg kg(-1) in lamb meat samples, respectively. Lead was below the detection limit in turkey samples and mean cadmium concentration was 5.49 microg kg(-1). Mean concentrations of lead and cadmium in chicken meat product samples were 3.16 and 4.15 microg kg(-1), 4.89 and 6.50 microg kg(-1) in pork meat product, 6.72 and 4.76 microg kg(-1) in beef meat product and 9.12 and 5.98 microg kg(-1) in turkey meat product samples, respectively. The percentage contribution of the two considered metals to provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) was calculated for meat and meat products. Statistically significant differences were found for lead content in meats between the chicken and pork groups and the turkey and beef groups, whereas for cadmium concentrations in meats, significant differences were observed between the turkey and chicken, beef and lamb groups. In meat products, no clear differences were observed for lead and cadmium between the various groups.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Computed tomography perfusion usefulness in early imaging diagnosis of herpes simplex virus encephalitis.

An early diagnosis is crucial in herpes simplex virus encephalitis patients in order to institute acyclovir therapy and reduce mortality rates. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the gold standard for evaluation of these patients, but is frequently not available in the emergency setting. We report the first case of a computed tomography (CT) perfusion study that helped to establish a prompt diagnosis revealing abnormal increase of blood flow in the affected temporoparietal cortex at an early stage.

Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex↗
PubMed2006

Perinatal/postnatal study of D-003, a mixture of long-chain fatty acids, in rats.

D-003 is a mixture of long-chain fatty acids isolated and purified from sugar cane wax with cholesterol-lowering and antiplatelet effects. In order to further characterize the developmental toxicity during the treatment period from late gestation up to weaning of the offspring, pregnant females received 0 (control), 500, and 1,000 mg/kg/day D-003 daily by oral gavage beginning at day 15 of pregnancy and through gestation until day 21 postpartum. Maternal clinical signs, body weight, and food intake were measured at regular intervals during gestation and lactation. Live pups were weighed, sexed, and examined for developmental signs. One female and male of each litter were randomly selected to evaluate the reproductive potential. There were no spontaneous or dose-related maternal deaths during the course of this study. The general health and behavioral condition of offspring was good in all groups. No significant differences among groups were found in comparisons of litter size, survival through the weaning period, sex ratio, and male and female weights. This peri- and postnatal study conducted with D-003 in rats indicated that treatment of the dam during late gestation and lactation did not show adversely effects on reproductive performance or fetal development over two generations.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Anatomical studies of sibling species within neotropical lymnaeids, snail intermediate hosts of fascioliasis.

Several anatomical parameters of the reproductive system have been used to distinguish Lymnaea cubensis from L. viatrix, the snail hosts of fascioliasis in South America and the Caribbean area. Three samples have been collected in the type localities of L. cubensis (Cuba), L. viatrix var. A ventricosa (Argentina, Río Negro Lower Valley), and L. viatrix var. B elongata (Peru, Lima), respectively. Only one parameter, the relative lengths of the penis sheath and preputium, showed significant differences between L. viatrix var. ventricosa and the two other taxa. None of the studied parameters separated L. cubensis from L. viatrix var. elongata.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Extreme mountain bike challenges may induce sub-clinical myocardial damage.

AIM: The relationship between extreme exercise and coronary artery disease is not well understood, and the information available is contradictory. The aim of the present study was to determine whether strenuous endurance exercise, performed under conditions in which the partial pressure of environmental oxygen varies constantly, can induce myocardial cell injury. METHODS: Plasma urea, creatinine, creatine kinase, myoglobin and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations were measured the day before and immediately after a mountain bike challenge (distance 95 km, cumulative altitude difference 2340 m) in eleven amateur male cyclists. RESULTS: All biochemical markers of muscle cell damage increased significantly after exercise. Although cTnI concentrations also increased significantly, they remained below the threshold (0.5 microg/L) indicative of acute myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: In male, amateur mountain bikers, this kind of strenuous exercise may induce sub-clinical myocardial injury.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Variability of Alt a 1 expression by different strains of Alternaria alternata.

BACKGROUND: While it is well known that there is significant intraspecific variation in the content an potency of Alternaria alternata allergens, little data has been published on intraspecific variability for individual allergens from moulds. OBJECTIVE: To assess the variability of Alt a 1 expression in different strains of A alternata. METHODS: Eleven strains of A alternata were cultured in a Czapek broth medium and culture filtrate extracts were obtained. A sensitive two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure Alt a 1 concentrations in medium following 3 weeks of culture and in culture filtrate extracts. RESULTS: Expression of Alt a 1 was highly variable in different strains ofA alternata (coefficient of variation > 135%). A good correlation was found between Alt a 1 concentrations at the beginning of the process and measurements at the end of extract production (r=0.940). CONCLUSIONS: The high variability of Alt a 1 expression in different A alternata strains makes it necessary to measure Alt a 1 concentrations during the first stage of allergenic extract production in order to be able to choose a suitable strain for producing extracts or purifying Alt a 1.

Allergens↗
PubMed2005

First isolation of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum, one of the causal agents of caprine contagious agalactia, on the island of Lanzarote (Spain).

During an unusually long period of bad weather, several outbreaks of caprine contagious agalactia (CCA) were reported in a number of flocks on the island of Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain). Clinical and subclinical mastitis in lactating goats and some cases of arthritis and pneumonia in kids were observed in the affected flocks. Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum was isolated as the main causal agent of the outbreaks, associated with M. mycoides subsp. mycoides "large colony type" (Mmm LC) in two flocks. This is the first report of an isolation of M. capricolum subsp. capricolum on the island of Lanzarote. The finding is of epidemiological importance and could complicate plans to control the disease. The significance of this mycoplasma species in association with CCA must now be studied in detail.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[Type III glycogen storage disease associated with hepatocellular carcinoma].

Type III glycogen storage disease is a hereditary disorder with autosomal recessive transmission. It is characterized by accumulation of abnormal glycogen in the liver and, in 80% of patients, in muscle. The liver can also show fibrosis and sometimes cirrhosis. Until 2000, 9 cases of cirrhosis had been published, 3 of which showed associated hepatocarcinoma. We present the case of a 31-year-old woman, diagnosed in childhood with type III glycogen storage disease, who 30 years after onset developed a hepatocellular carcinoma with portal thrombosis in the context of advanced cirrhosis. This is the first case to be reported in the Spanish literature of type III glycogen storage disease associated with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Comparison between sequence analysis and a line probe assay for testing genotypic resistance of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 to antiretroviral drugs.

The purpose of this study was to compare a line probe assay (LiPA) with sequence analysis for the detection of mutations conferring resistance to nucleoside and non-nucleoside inhibitors in human immunodeficiency reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors. The limitations for interpreting LiPA make it unacceptable for routine clinical practice.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed2005

Treatment with pegylated interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin in patients unresponsive to previous treatments with standard interferon as monotherapy or combined with ribavirin.

BACKGROUND: Little information is available on the effect of pegylated interferon (PEG) and ribavirin (RBV) in patients with chronic hepatitis due to virus C (CHC) who were non-responders to previous treatment. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate response to treatment in patients who were non-responders to previous treatment. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four patients who were non-responders to previous treatment were included. All patients were treated with PEG alpha 2b interferon (dose: 1.5 mg/kg body weight) and RBV (weight-dependent dosage). A qualitative PCR of virus C after six months was evaluated. In those in whom this was positive, treatment was discontinued; in those who were negative treatment was continued to the end of the year. RESULTS: Response following treatment (RFT) was 35.4% (44 patients), and sustained viral response (SVR) 29.8% (37 patients). No relation was observed between RFT, SVR and any previous treatment. RFT was dependent on low initial viremia and SVR was significantly and independently related to low serum hepatitis C RNA and a non-1 genotype. In general, treatment was well tolerated. Medication was discontinued in 5 patients, and doses reduced in 18. CONCLUSION: On retreatment with PEG and RBV a SVR of 29.8% was achieved in patients who had not responded to previous treatment, so its use in this group of patients is indicated.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Quantitation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA loads in cervicovaginal secretions in pregnant women and relationship between viral loads in the genital tract and blood.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the quantitation of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA (HIV-1 RNA) in the genital tract of HIV-1-infected pregnant women and to evaluate a possible correlation with the viral load in blood plasma (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). A total of 38 each of cervical, vaginal, and blood samples from 38 women were obtained during the third trimester of pregnancy for quantitation of the HIV-1 RNA load. Viral loads were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The HIV-1 RNA viral load was detectable in 29 of the 38 (76.3%) blood samples, in 6 of the 38 (15.7%) cervical secretion samples, and in 8 of the 38 (21%) vaginal secretion samples. Overall, the correlation between the HIV-1 RNA viral load in the blood plasma and in cervical secretion samples was 0.51 ( P<0.001). However, the correlation disappeared ( r=0.27) when three patients with high blood plasma viral loads were eliminated from the statistical study. The viral load in the vaginal secretions did not correlate with that in the blood samples ( r=0.26). There were two cases in which HIV-1 RNA was undetectable in the blood and cervix but was detectable in vaginal secretions: one woman had 220 copies/ml and the other 68 copies/ml. These results suggest that pregnant women with undetectable viral loads in blood plasma are still at risk of transmitting the virus vertically during vaginal delivery. Because of this, antiretroviral prophylaxis during vaginal delivery must be administered to HIV-1-infected women and their newborns, regardless of the mother's viral load in plasma. In conclusion, quantification of cervicovaginal levels of HIV-1 may represent a useful tool for assessing the individual risk associated with a vaginal delivery and for guiding decisions about whether a scheduled caesarean should be recommended.

Adult↗