Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Morales

Publications and source records attributed to A Morales.

432 records · Page 24Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Ecology of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a focus of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in northeastern Colombia.

The phlebotomine sand fly fauna of two coffee plantations in a Leishmania-endemic area of Norte de Santander, Colombia was studied. Regular insect collections using a variety of methods were made for three and a half years. Information was obtained on diurnal resting sites, host range and seasonal abundance for 17 species, of which five (Lutzomyia spinicrassa, Lu. serrana, Lu. shannoni, Lu. ovallesi and Lu. gomezi) were far more numerous than the others, anthropophilic and present throughout the year. The behaviour of these and the remaining 12 species is discussed in relation to their potential role in transmission of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in the area.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Life cycle and fecundity analysis of Lutzomyia shannoni (Dyar) (Diptera: Psychodidae).

The life cycle of Lutzomyia shannoni (Dyar), was described for laboratory conditions with maximum daily temperature of 27-30 degree C, minimum daily temperatures of 22-27 degree C and relative humidity between 87-99%. Life cycle in each stage was as follows: egg 6-12 days (ave, 8.5 days); first stage larva 5-13 days (ave. 9.6 days); second stage larva 4-13 days (ave. 9.2 days); third stage larva 5-19 days (ave. 11.8 days); fourth stage larva 7-37 days (ave. 19.9 days); pupa 7-32 days (ave. 15.2 days). The life expectancy of adults ranged from 4 to 15 days (ave. 8.6 days). The entire egg to adult period ranged from 36 to 74 days (ave. 54.6 days). On average, each female oviposited 22.7 eggs; the average egg retention per female was 24.3 eggs.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Haematophagy and cleptohaematophagy of clerada apicicornis (Hemiptera: lygaeidae), a potential biological control agent of rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: reduviidae).

Because of its ability to prey on Triatominae in rural houses, Clerada apicicornis has been suggested as a potential biological control agent of Rhodnius prolixus. It has also been suggested as a potential vector of mammalian trypanosomes such as Trypanosoma cruzi, because of its ability to take blood directly from mammals. To help resolve these conflicting ideas, we assessed the haematophagic behaviour of C. apicicornis by carrying out feeding trials on laboratory animals. Cleptohaematophagic behaviour was also assessed by allowing C. apicicornis to feed on R. prolixus previously engorged with avian blood. The low proportion of blood meals taken directly from laboratory animals indicates a facultative haematophagy in this species, whereas a greater proportion of nymphs and adults were able to obtain vertebrate blood by predation on engorged R. prolixus. The results suggest that C. apicicornis is unlikely to be effective as a biological control agent, but is also unlikely to have a significant role in the transmission of vertebrate pathogens.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Aetiological diagnosis of cerebral infarction in a county hospital].

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral infarction (CI) can be classified aetiologically in several different ways using explicit diagnostic criteria. However, the extent to which these diagnostic criteria are actually implemented in clinical practice is unknown. Aims. The aim of this study was to analyse the management and use of diagnostic tests in the aetiological diagnosis of CI in two county hospitals and to compare this with the most common recommendations. We also sought to analyse the clinical and demographic variables that may help to explain why these guidelines are not followed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the discharge abstracts of 307 cases of CI attended in two county hospitals between 1999 and 2000 and we analysed the clinical data, diagnostic tests and the final diagnosis. The diagnoses were reorganised using the TOAST, Laussane, NINDS and SEN 98 classifications and we analysed the frequency with which the diagnostic tests were employed in each aetiological subtype. RESULTS: Average age: 71.3 years; 59.3% were males. CAT scans were performed in 97.1% of cases, neurosonology was used in 40.1% and echocardiography was performed in 8.5%. The aetiological diagnosis was: atherothrombotic 22.4%, cardioembolic 10.7%, lacunar 26%, unusual causes 0.3% and unknown causes 1.6%. In 37.4% of cases the diagnosis was given as unspecified CI. On reclassifying the diagnoses according to SEN 98 criteria, we obtained the following: atherothrombotic 19.5%, cardioembolic 2.8%, lacunar 13.7% and of unknown origin 63.5%. 0.6% of the cases were unclassifiable. Factors that exerted an influence on the fact that diagnostic tests were less frequently carried out included age, level of awareness and mortality. The most frequent cause of incomplete studies was the absence of carotid Doppler. CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines for aetiological diagnosis of CI are not often followed. Systematic performance of a neurosonological study would improve aetiological diagnosis of CI.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Analysis of current surgery of gastric cancer in Venezuela].

Gastric cancer in Venezuela is a public health problem occupying the first place as a cause of death due to cancer. The experience of the University Hospital of Caracas during the 1976-86 decade is reviewed. Surgical morbidity and mortality is adequate and relates with other local literature reviewed. The difference is that our patients are seen when lesions are very advanced and all therapeutic measures do not get five years survivals. When diagnosis is early and appropriate surgery is performed, survival is similar to other statistics. It is important to emphasize early diagnosis, massive exams, and public campaigns associated with aggressive surgical treatment that will improve the prognosis of this fatal disease.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The radiofrequency ablation of accessory pathways. The initial experience in Mexico].

Thirteen patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) due to an accessory pathway were submitted to an electrophysiological study and radiofrequency ablation of the Kent bundle. There were 9 males and 4 females. The mean age was 22 years. Other than their SVT, none had any structural heart disease. Ten of them had Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, and three had concealed accessory pathways. Two different types of radiofrequency devices were used: one generating damped sinusoid waves, and two other generators producing pure continuous sinusoid waves. With the first type, two attempts were made: one patient with a concealed pathway and one with overt preexcitation. The successful ablation was not achieved because this wave type is 100 times more powerful, it desiccates the tissue, and thus does not produce the right kind of lesion. The other eleven patients were divided in three groups: I) With left overt preexcitation (7 pts) II) Concealed left Kent bundles (2 pts) III) Right Kent bundles. Ablation was 100% successful in group I, while in the other two groups, only one patient of each was successfully ablated. The overall successful rate of these 3 groups was 81.8%. Of the two patients that could not be treated, one had an anterior septal Kent bundle and the other had a concealed left Kent bundle. We believe that catheter ablation is a very promising therapeutic procedure for patients with SVT, besides being a extraordinary instrument that will enable us to be able to understand further clinical electrophysiology.

Adolescent↗