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Biomedical subjects

A Moreno

Publications and source records attributed to A Moreno.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Characterization of the porcine homologue to human platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (CD41/CD61) by a monoclonal antibody.

Human gpIIb-IIIa or CD41/CD61 is a Ca(2+)-complex dependent heterodimer, abundant on platelets, that plays a key role in hemostasis. This report describes a murine monoclonal antibody, JM2E5, able to recognize and immunoprecipitate the gpIIb/IIIa surface glycoprotein from porcine platelets. Immunoprecipitation analysis showed an antigen molecular weight of 115 and 85 kDa under nonreducing conditions, and of 110, 100 and 25 kDa under reducing conditions. Immunohistochemistry analyses of frozen sections from several porcine lymphoid organs gave specific staining on platelets. EDTA treated platelets were studied by flow cytometry indicating that the epitope recognized was Ca(2+)-complex independent. Western-blotting experiments with porcine platelet extracts gave an antigen molecular weight of 85 kDa under nonreducing conditions, thus localizing the epitope recognized by JM2E5 on the complex light chain gpIIIa or CD61. JM2E5 was also cross-reacting with human, bovine and horse platelets, as shown by flow cytometry. This mAb would allow further studies on this important adhesion molecule on horses, ruminants and pigs, and it should be especially useful as a general anti-porcine platelet reagent.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Angiogenesis and malignant melanoma. Angiogenesis is related to the development of vertical (tumorigenic) growth phase.

To study angiogenesis in early steps of melanoma progression, 113 cutaneous melanomas 1 mm or less in thickness were stained with Ulex europaeus lectin. Vascular density was determined in the areas of greatest vascularization. To avoid the effect of anatomic location, the quotient between vascular density at the tumor base and in normal skin (vascular ratio) was obtained in each case. Of these melanomas, 46 were immunohistochemically stained for the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Positivity was scored from 1-4 by comparing staining of melanoma cells with keratinocytes. Vascular ratio values in vertical growth phase melanomas were higher than those in radial growth phase when counting per 200 or 400 magnification (2.29 +/- 1.3 and 2.48 +/- 1.5 for vertical growth phase and 1.34 +/- 0.62 and 1.41 +/- 0.83 for radial growth phase melanomas, respectively). This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001 at x200 and x400, respectively). Also, VEGF staining was stronger in vertical growth phase melanomas when compared with radial growth phase melanomas (Chi square, p < 0.025). In conclusion, our findings suggest that angiogenesis and VEGF expression are associated with the development of vertical growth phase.

Cell Transformation, Neoplastic↗
PubMed1997

Diagnosis of brain abscess by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Report of two cases.

Two cases of brain abscess were diagnosed by combining magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The resonances observed in vivo were assigned by means of an in vitro MRS study of the exudates extracted during surgical aspiration of the abscesses. The technique of MRS was demonstrated to be very powerful in the differential diagnosis of brain abscesses from other brain pathologies such as neoplasms. Amino acids, probably originating from extracellular proteolysis, and other compounds, such as acetate, arising from bacterial metabolism, were visible in the MRS spectra of the abscess, whereas they are not present in spectra of neoplasms. In this sense, MRS complemented the information provided by MR imaging to achieve a correct diagnosis of brain abscesses and could be added to routine MR examinations with only a small increase in cost and time.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Effect of aspirin plus dipyridamole on the retinal vascular pattern in experimental diabetes mellitus.

Platelet hyperactivity has been one of the mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Antiplatelet agents have been shown, in experimental models, to prevent the development of retinal vascular abnormalities when given from the first day after the onset of diabetes. We assessed the effect of aspirin plus dipyridamole (6 + 12 mg/kg daily) on the retinal vascular pattern in experimental streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats, when the treatment was given at different intervals after the induction of diabetes, over a 3-month study period. Saline-pretreated diabetic rats showed a time-dependent increases in the platelet production of thromboxane B2 (r = 0.981, P < .0001) and a decrease in the aortic production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. The percentage of retinal area occupied by horseradish peroxidase-labeled vessels decreased progressively in relation to the length of time of the evolution of diabetes (r = 0.983, P < .00001) and the thromboxane/prostacyclin ratio. Treatment with aspirin plus dipyridamole caused an inhibition of the platelet production of thromboxane B2 and a decrease in the vascular synthesis of prostacyclin. Treatment with antiplatelet agents slowed down the decrease in the percentage of retinal area occupied by horseradish peroxidase-labeled vessels. These data provide further evidence to support the results of previous clinical trials in which antiplatelet agents had a beneficial effect on the evolution of retinal lesions in early diabetic retinopathy.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗
PubMed1997

[Cerebral SPECT in adult epileptics with neuronal migration disorders].

The neuronal migration disorders are a rare group of congenital malformations of the brain that may present with epilepsy resistant to medical treatment. We studied with brain interictal SPECT 8 epileptic adult patients (3 man and 5 women) who wore affected by different neuronal migration disorders (pachygyria, megaloencephaly, squizencephaly and neuronal heterotopias), diagnosed by cranial MRI. SPECT was pathologic in six patients (75%), showing more sensibility than CT in the diagnosis of heterotopias.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Evaluation of a rapid method for the identification of the Enterococcus genus].

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of the reliability of a group of three tests: pyrrolidonil-arilamidase, rapid test in NaCl esculin broth and group D antistreptococci agglutination for the rapid identification of the Enterococcus genus were performed. METHODS: One hundred fifty-eight strains of streptococci: 110 strains of Enterococcus faecalis, 8 E. faecium, 3 E. avium, 16 Streptococcus intermedius, 7 S. salivarius, 4 S. bovis, 4 S. constellatus, 2 S. sanguis and 1 strain of S. equinus, S. mitis, S. uberis and S. mutans were studied. The tests used were: rapid test in NaCl- esculin broth, pyrrolidonyl-arilamidase and antigroup D streptococcus agglutination (Patho Dx Strep D/PYR; Diagnostic Product Corporation). All catalase-negative gram-positive cocci or coccibacilli which were positive in the three tests were considered to belong to the Enterococcus genus. The usefulness of Gram staining in culture in thioglycolate broth was also studied comparing it with the results obtained with solid medium. RESULTS: The results of the proposed identification scheme were evaluated calculating different parameters: sensitivity 98%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value, 100%, and negative predictive value 94%. No significant differences were observed between the results obtained with Gram staining with thioglycolate broth and those obtained with solid medium except in the case of the Streptococcus mutans strain. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a combination of tests: pyrroidonyl-arilamidase, antistreptococci group D agglutination and rapid test in NaCl-esculin broth to catalase-negative gram-positive cocci and coccobacilli allows reliable identification in a maximum of three hours of strains belonging to the Enterococcus genus.

Bacteriological Techniques↗
PubMed1997

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: clinical study and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the anatomical and prognostic characteristics of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (10 mm or less in size). DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Community hospital, Spain. SUBJECTS: 36 patients with papillary microcarcinomas diagnosed over a period of 20 years from a total of 158 papillary carcinomas with complete follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Symptoms, treatment, histopathological confirmation and follow-up compared with those of papillary carcinomas more than 10 mm in size. RESULTS: Six of the patients with microcarcinomas presented with adenopathy, the remaining 30 being admitted for treatment of associated thyroid diseases. In 15 cases the tumour was 5 mm or less in size. Thirty were well-differentiated, 2 were follicular, and 2 showed signs of diffuse sclerosis. Three had recurred after total thyroidectomy, but no patient died. When the results were compared with those of the patients with larger tumours, we found differences in histological type (p = 0.001), the incidence of adenopathy (p = 0.03), TNM stage (p = 0.001) and mortality (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: There are clinical, histopathological, and prognostic differences between microcarcinomas (which do well) and larger papillary tumours.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Influence of hepatitis C virus genotypes and HIV infection on histological severity of chronic hepatitis C. The Hepatitis/HIV Spanish Study Group.

OBJECTIVES: The factors influencing the histological severity of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) have not been well established. We therefore investigated the effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on histological liver damage in a cohort of intravenous drug users with CHC. METHODS: We analyzed the histological activity score and the HCV genotypes in 59 HCV-RNA-positive patients with biopsy-proven CHC. Forty-eight (81%) of them had concomitant HIV infection with a CD4+ cell count above 200 x 10(6) cells/L and an absence of AIDS-defining conditions. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the features associated with the histological severity. RESULTS: Minimal/mild hepatitis was found in 16 patients (27%), moderate chronic hepatitis in 29 (49%), and severe chronic hepatitis in 14 (24%). Patients with HCV subtype 1b had a higher histological score than others (8.7 +/- 3.3 vs. 6.5 +/- 3.2, p = 0.012), either as single or mixed infections. In multivariate analysis, HIV-infected individuals had a higher score of piecemeal necrosis (OR = 21.7, p = 0.002) and a higher stage of fibrosis (OR = 17.9, p = 0.004) than patients without HIV infection. HIV infection and HCV genotype 1b were found to be independent factors of histological severity. CONCLUSIONS: Liver damage in patients with CHC seems to be directly influenced by HCV subtypes. Infection by HCV subtype 1b is closely associated with more severe forms of liver pathology. Furthermore, the presence of HIV infection is an independent factor associated with more aggressive histological damage. In these patients, higher degrees of piecemeal necrosis and fibrosis are commonly seen.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Subclinical Cushing's syndrome due to adrenal myelolipoma.

We describe a patient with an incidental adrenal myelolipoma associated with biochemical evidence of Cushing's syndrome who lacked the physical stigmata of cortisol excess (subclinical Cushing's syndrome). Pathologic examination revealed the presence of adrenocortical cells mixed with myelolipomatous tissue. Although cases of clinically evident Cushing's syndrome due to adrenal myelolipomas have been reported previously, to our knowledge this is the first report associating adrenal myelolipoma and subclinical Cushing's syndrome.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed1997

[Antibiotic treatment of acute gastroenteritis].

The empiric antibiotic therapy for acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is indicated only in patients with underlying diseases or risk for bacteremia. The clinical characteristics, clinical efficiency of antibiotic therapy with pivmecillinam (52 patients) or ciprofloxacin (75 patients) and its effects on the fecal carrier state of Salmonella spp. were studied in 127 adult patients with AGE and antibiotic therapy indication. The initial stool culture was positive in 90 patients (71%). The microorganism recovered most frequently was Salmonella spp., with a bacteremia rate in these patients of 5%. The susceptibility of Salmonella spp. to ciprofloxacin and mecillinam was 100% and 90%, respectively. Therapy with ciprofloxacin or pivmecillinam showed a similar efficiency. Fecal excretion lasted no longer than five weeks and no chronic carriers were observed.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1997

Ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: correlation between histologic classifications and biologic markers.

The expression of hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone), c-erb-B2 (neu), p53, and Ki-67) was studied by immunohistochemical analysis in a series of 94 carcinomas in situ of the breast. The tumors were classified in two (high grade vs. low grade) and three (high grade vs. intermediate grade vs. low grade) categories. High-grade carcinomas were well defined by biologic markers showing statistically significant differences for all of the parameters tested. No clear biologic distinction, however, between low-grade and intermediate-grade cancers could be obtained. Negative progesterone receptors and a high proliferative index are the best discriminant parameters for the final assignment of doubtful cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Molecular modelling of human gastric alcohol dehydrogenase (class IV) and substrate docking: differences towards the classical liver enzyme (class I).

A three-dimensional model of the human class IV alcohol dehydrogenase has been calculated based upon the X-ray structure of the class I enzyme. As judged from the model, the substrate-binding site is wider than in class I, compatible with the differences in substrate specificities and the large difference in Km value for ethanol. Substrate docking performed for the class I structure and the class IV model show all-trans-retinol and 11-cis-retinol to bind better to the class IV enzyme. The calculations also indicate that 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid binds in a different manner for the two enzyme classes. A simulation of coenzyme-binding indicates that the adenine ring of the coenzyme might be differently bound in class IV than in class I, decreasing the interactions with Asp-223 which is compatible with the higher k(cat) values for class IV.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗
PubMed1996

Intramedullary cysticercosis cured with drug treatment. A case report.

STUDY DESIGN: A report of a patient with cervical intramedullary cysticercosis is presented. OBJECTIVES: To report the first case of intramedullary. cysticercosis cured with drug management only, which supports the hypothesis that management with anthelmintics might be successfully used in this form of cysticercosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Intramedullary cysticercosis is a rare manifestation of neurocysticercosis. Every treated patient reported to date has undergone surgery, frequently necessary for diagnosis. Since the anthelmintics praziquantel and albendazole were shown to be effective in parenchymal brain cysticercosis, these drugs have been considered potentially useful in patients with intramedullary cysticercosis. Nevertheless, no case yet had been reported to be cared with only medical therapy. METHODS: The treatment of a patient who suffered multiple cysticercal reinfestations of the nervous system is presented. RESULTS: The patient received prolonged treatment with albendazole because of superimposed cerebral reinfestations. During this treatment, she suffered acute paraparesis, and cervical magnetic resonance imaging showed cyst-like lesions with linear gadolinium enhancement and perilesional edema, indicative of dying cysticerci and inflammatory host reaction. Dexamethasone was added, and progressive neurologic improvement followed with complete resolution of intramedullary lesions. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative diagnostic suspicion of cysticercosis is important in patients with intramedullary cystic lesions because specific drug treatment is available. Treatment with anthelmintics, particularly albendazole, should be considered in patients with intramedullary cysticercosis before surgery. Corticosteroids may be added to the therapeutic regimen because this may reduce the perilesional edema and prevent neurologic deterioration during the course of anthelmintic treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[The treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. The Spanish Group for the Study of Viral Hepatitis in HIV+ Patients].

BACKGROUND: Alfa-interferon (aIFN) is widely recommended for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is very common in injecting drug users (IDUs), which in Spain represent the large number of HIV-infected persons. Interaction between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HCV in coinfected patients might accelerate the clinical course of HCV-associated liver disease. The efficacy and safety of aIFN therapy in HIV-infected patients with CHC is not well known. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a multicenter, prospective, open, non randomized and partially controlled study, we compared the efficacy and safety of aIFN therapy in 119 patients with CHC, of whom 90 were HIV-positive and 29 HIV-negative. Interferon was started at 5 mega U tiw for 3 months, followed in responders by 3 megaU tiw for additional 9 months. RESULTS: One hundred seven patients completed the study. A normalization of the aminotransferase values at the end of treatment (complete response, CR) was observed in 26/80 (32.5%) HIV-positive and 10/27 (37.0%) HIV-negative individuals (p = 0.666). Relapses at 12 months of stopping aIFN were seen in 30.8% of HIV-positive subjects and 12.5% of HIV-negatives (p = 0.403). Side effects were uncommon and did not have severity; only one patient required to stop the medication. However, 3 HIV-positive subjects treated with aIFN (3.5% of them) showed an irreversible fall of CD4+ T-cells below half the baseline values. CONCLUSION: HIV-infected patients with CHC seems to respond to aIFN with a similar rate than HIV-negatives. Moreover, the drug is similarly well tolerated in both groups of patients, although a fall of CD4+ T-cells is an unusual side effect of particular relevance observed in HIV-infected patients.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1996

The pyrimido-pyrimidine derivatives, dipyridamole, mopidamol and RA-642, prevent from retinal vascular defects in experimental diabetes mellitus.

We compared the effects of dipyridamole, RA-642, and mopidamol on platelet activity and thromboxane/prostacyclin balance in relation to the degree of retinal vascularization in a model of experimental streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. After 3 months, collagen-induced platelet aggregation in whole blood was 25% higher in diabetic animals than in nondiabetics. Dipyridamole inhibited 43% platelet aggregation, mopidamol 39%, and RA-642 36%. Platelet production of thromboxane B2 was 87% higher in untreated diabetic rats. Mopidamol and RA-642 produced a 46% and 41% inhibition of thromboxane B2. Dipyridamole did not inhibited thromboxane B2 synthesis. Aortic production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was 43% lower in untreated diabetic animals and showed no change after treatment with either mopidamol or RA-642. In contrast, dipyridamole caused a 90% increase in aortic production of prostacyclin. Computerized analysis of retinal vascularization showed that untreated diabetic rats had a 81% decrease in the area occupied by peroxidase-labelled vessels as compared with nondiabetics. Treatment with dipyridamole, mopidamol, and RA-642 caused 2.5-fold, 2.8-fold and four-fold increases, respectively, in the percentage of retinal surface occupied by peroxidase-labelled vessels. Differences in retinal vascularization between diabetic animals given RA-642 and nondiabetic controls were negligible.

Animals↗