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Biomedical subjects

A Izquierdo

Publications and source records attributed to A Izquierdo.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

A breast cancer case-control study in Girona, Spain. Endocrine, familial and lifestyle factors.

This study was designed to explore risk factors for breast cancer with emphasis on the detection of clinical markers of the hormonal imbalance during the perimenarche. Three hundred and thirty women diagnosed with breast cancer and 346 population controls were identified and interviewed in Girona, Spain between 1986 and 89. Cases were more likely than controls to have had long menstrual periods in the first 5 years after menarche [odds ratio (OR) = 3.0], to experience menopause at a late age (OR = 1.5) and to report acne during adolescence (OR = 1.6). Family history of breast cancer was associated with an increased risk (OR = 2.3). Cases reported a lower use of drug treatments for anxiety and sleep disorders than controls. Moderate alcohol drinkers and smokers were at lower risk for breast cancer. No statistically significant association with breast cancer was observed for number of children, age at last pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, hormonal treatment after menopause and weight perception during the teenage years. Hormonal changes in the years following menarche may be relevant to breast cancer risk. The roles of menstrual period length and acne during adolescence should be further explored.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1996

Socioeconomic differences in cervical cancer: two case-control studies in Colombia and Spain.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the causes of socioeconomic differences in invasive cervical cancer in two countries that differ substantially in cervical cancer incidence and economic development. METHODS: Data were derived from two case-control studies carried out in Spain and Colombia; there were 373 case subjects, 387 control subjects, and 425 husbands interviewed with a structured questionnaire. Exfoliated cells were obtained from cervical or penile scrapes and tested for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. RESULTS: Relative to better educated women, women with low educational levels in both countries reported fewer Pap smears and had a higher prevalence of HPV DNA. The prevalence ratio of HPV DNA across educational strata was twofold in Spain and fourfold in Colombia. In both countries, husbands of poorly educated women reported higher use of prostitutes than husbands of better educated women. In Colombia, 30% of husbands of poorly educated women harbored HPV DNA, compared with 10% of husbands of better educated women. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic differences in invasive cervical cancer could be partly explained by differences in the prevalence of HPV DNA and by a lower use of preventive care.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Sources of information about cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To study the present and preferred sources of information about cancer. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PLACE: Counties of Gironés and Pla de l'Estany from the province of Girona. PARTICIPANTS: Stratified random sample of 408 women aged 40 to 70 years. RESULTS: Main present source of information about cancer were friends and relatives (34.9%), followed by radio and Tv (34.0%) and newspapers (19.9%). Health care professionals only were considered main source of information by 11.3% of the sample. Women with incomplete primary school and women from older age groups answered more frequently Radio and Tv as their main source of information. However, the preferred source of information about cancer were health care professionals (73.3%). CONCLUSION: Health care professionals are the preferred source of information about cancer but only a small percentage of population receive information from them. These results indicate the need to redefine educational strategies regarding cancer in primary health care.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Phase II trial of carboplatin in combination with etoposide in locally advanced large cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the lung.

A total of 18 patients with locally advanced (Stage III) adenocarcinoma and large cell undifferentiated carcinoma of the lung, previously untreated, were enrolled in a Phase II trial. Treatment consisted of carboplatin 325 mg/m2, day 1 and etoposide 100 mg/m2 on days 2 and 3. All patients were evaluable for response. Of these, one patient had a partial response (5.5%; confidence interval 0-24%). Toxicity comprised mainly leukopenia and anaemia. Other toxicities were mild. This Phase II study evidenced a poor response rate for these regimes on adenocarcinoma and large cell undifferentiated carcinoma of the lung.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1995

Cervical cancer: incidence and survival in migrants within Spain.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: This study examined the incidence of cervical cancer and survival rates according to migrant experience of women from different regions of Spain to Girona, Catalonia (Spain). DESIGN: Using data from the population based cancer registry of Girona for the period 1980-89, crude and age adjusted incidence rates were calculated for local-born and first generation migrants from other Spanish regions. The age standardised rate ratio (SRR) was calculated and Cox's regression model was used to adjust survival according to migrant status for age and stage at diagnosis. MAIN RESULTS: The incidence of cervical cancer was significantly higher in first generation Spanish migrants compared with locally born women (SRR: 2.02; 95% CI 1.40:2.92). The stage at diagnosis was more advanced among migrants. Survival probability was significantly associated with stage at diagnosis, but age and region of birth were not. CONCLUSIONS: Migrants from the southern Spanish regions show a twofold excess in the incidence of cervical cancer compared with the Girona-born female population. Cases of cervical cancer in migrants are diagnosed at a more advanced stage and as a consequence have a poorer prognosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Alternating sequential endocrine therapy: tamoxifen and medroxyprogesterone acetate versus tamoxifen in postmenopausal advanced breast cancer patients.

The effects of tamoxifen (TAM) versus the alternating sequential combination of TAM plus medroxy-progesterone acetate (MPA) has been evaluated in 20 postmenopausal patients with advanced breast cancer in a randomized controlled trial. In the TAM arm, patients received 20 mg b.i.d. of TAM. In the TAM-MPA arm, patients received only 20 mg b.i.d. of TAM for 7 days and, on the following 7 days. TAM plus an oral daily dose of 500 mg of MPA, in alternating sequence. Objective tumor reduction was achieved in 22 (41%) of the 54 patients in the TAM arm and in 25 (43%) of the 58 patients in the TAM-MPA arm. With regard to the stabilization of disease, a significant difference was observed between patients treated with the TAM-MPA combination and those treated with TAM alone (47% vs 22%). The percentage of nonresponders was also significantly higher in the TAM group (37%) than in the TAM-MPA group (10%). The time to progression was significantly shorter for the TAM arm than for the TAM-MPA arm (median, 7 vs 15 months), but the duration of remission was not significantly different for either treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed1987

Protein composition of human milk in relation to mothers' weight and socioeconomic status.

In the past few years there has been a resurgence of interest in the protein composition of human milk. Up to now the influence of maternal diet and of the mothers' nutritional status on the protein composition of human milk have not been fully clarified. We have evaluated the relationship between the mothers' socioeconomic status and weight and the protein composition of human milk. Protein fractions were determined by a polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method in 181 samples of human milk obtained from voluntary donors. Samples were classified according to the time of lactation and in relation to the socioeconomic status and to the weight of the lactating women. Total protein and non-protein nitrogen decreased with advancing lactation but there were no differences among the socioeconomic and weight groups of mothers who were considered. beta- and kappa-caseins fell during lactation and beta-casein was significantly increased in the milk of the upper socioeconomic class with respect to that of the low one. alpha-lactalbumin increased from transitional to mature milk (16-30 d) and then declined. The milk from the low socioeconomic group presented the lowest levels of this protein. Lysozyme increased during lactation, whereas lactoferrin decreased. Both proteins were significantly influenced by the mothers' socioeconomic status; the highest concentrations for these proteins were found in the milk of the low socioeconomic group. Deficit or excess of mothers' weight did not influence the levels of the different protein fractions of human milk.

Body Weight↗
PubMed1986

Changes in the protein fractions of human milk during lactation.

The changes in the absolute and relative contents of alpha- and kappa-caseins, lactoferrin, alpha-lactalbumin, serum albumin and lysozyme in human milk have been studied through the period of lactation. Protein fractions of 209 samples were analyzed by a discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis method. beta- and kappa-caseins decreased from colostrum to mature milk although their relative percentages remained constant. They accounted for 12-15 and 9-13% of the total protein in human milk, respectively. Lactoferrin decreased in absolute and relative amounts with advancing lactation. This protein represented 32-19% of the human milk proteins. alpha-Lactalbumin slightly decreased from colostrum to transitional milk but there was an increase in mature milk by 16-30 days. The percentages of this protein in colostrum and mature milk were approximately 23 and 30%, respectively. Serum albumin also decreased with advancing lactation, but the differences between transitional and mature milk were not statistically significant. Lysozyme increased from colostrum to mature milk both in relative and absolute amounts. Colostrum contained about 262 micrograms/ml, and mature milk 1,246 micrograms/ml, representing 1.5 and 12.1% of total milk proteins.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A practical approach to the molecular biology of kidney diseases: from basic science to bed side.

Nowadays, the term "Molecular Biology" (MB) is generally a pplied to the biochemical processes that involve genes and the expression of proteins for which specific genes code. In recent years, astonishing advances have occurred in this field. Currently, there are many important powerful techniques allowing scientists to study the molecular mechanisms involved in many human genetic diseases. Furthermore, it is important to underline that the possibilities are not limited to the diagnosis and study of these genetic diseases. Indeed, by studying gene expression, MB also allows the molecular study of many acquired diseases such as viral hepatitis and cancer.Therefore, these major advances in the knowledge of gene biology are facilitating the arrival of a new era of gene therapy. This article will describe the most important techniques currently used in MB. Firstly, techniques involved in recombinant DNA technology will be discussed and these will include the study of DNA and the possibility of identifying the expression of abnormal genes, e.g. to identify individuals for paternity. Secondly, a description of techniques designed to study the expression of genes and their regulation will follow and they involve the study of RNA. Thirdly, the impact of genetic molecular studies as tools for medical diagnosis will be discussed and analysed. Finally, a discussion concerning the rational basis for gene therapy and its future perspectives is included. In this article, we have focused on technical or diagnostic aspects ofMolecular Biology. Although Ethics are also an interesting issue to deal with, theseissues are far beyond the scope of this review.

DNA Fingerprinting↗