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A Torres

Publications and source records attributed to A Torres.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

[Dendriform pulmonary ossification associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis].

Diffuse pulmonary ossification, a rare condition characterized by metaplastic ossification of the lung, is usually associated with diseases causing diffuse pulmonary lesions. Two types dendriform and nodular have been identified. In dendriform ossification, the less common type, osseous ramifications occur along the distal airways, with occasional islets of bone marrow. We report a case of diffuse dendriform pulmonary ossification associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The diagnosis was based on histological examination, which demonstrated multiple nodules and ramified osseous spicules around the lung, mainly at the lower lobes, where the fibrotic lesions were also most evident.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

In vitro control of growth and fumonisin production by Fusarium verticillioides and F. proliferatum using antioxidants under different water availability and temperature regimes.

AIMS: To examine the effect of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), trihydroxybutyrophenone and propylparaben (PP) (at concentrations of 1-20 mmol l(-1)) on growth of and fumonisin production by Argentinian strains of Fusarium verticillioides and F. proliferatum. METHODS AND RESULTS: Studies on lag phases prior to growth, relative growth rates and fumonisin concentrations were carried out in vitro in relation to water activity (0.995-0.93 a(w)) and temperature (18 and 25 degrees C) on a maize meal agar. Overall, PP was the antioxidant which was most effective at inhibiting strains of both species. The lag phase prior to growth and growth rates were significantly decreased by PP and BHA at 10 and 20 mmol l(-1), regardless of the temperature or aw level tested. Total fumonisin production was higher at 0.98 a(w) and decreased by about 45-50% at 0.995 and 0.95 a(w). Overall, BHT only inhibited fumonisin production at 0.95 aw at 10 and 20 mmol l(-1), while BHA was effective at most a(w) levels tested at 10 and 20 mmol l(-1). Propylparaben completely inhibited fumonisin production by both F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum at > 1 mmol l(-1), regardless of the temperature or a(w) level. Small interstrain differences in the levels of inhibition by the antioxidants were observed for three F. verticillioides and four F. proliferatum strains at 0.995, 0.98 and 0.95 a(w). Propylparaben and BHA completely inhibited the growth of both species at the concentrations evaluated, regardless of the a(w) level. CONCLUSIONS: Two antioxidants show promise for the control of growth of and fumonisin production by these species over a wide range of environmental conditions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Potential exists for using such food-grade preservatives for prevention of mycotoxigenic fungi and their toxins entering the food chain.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2002

Bacterial colonisation in patients with bronchiectasis: microbiological pattern and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: A study was undertaken to investigate the incidence, diagnostic yield of non-invasive and bronchoscopic techniques, and risk factors of airway colonisation in patients with bronchiectasis in a stable clinical situation. METHODS: A 2 year prospective study of 77 patients with bronchiectasis in a stable clinical condition was performed in an 800 bed tertiary university hospital. The interventions used were pharyngeal swabs, sputum cultures and quantitative protected specimen brush (PSB) bacterial cultures (cut off point > or =10(2) cfu/ml) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (cut off point > or =10(3) cfu/ml). RESULTS: The incidence of bronchial colonisation with potential pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) was 64%. The most frequent PPMs isolated were Haemophilus influenzae (55%) and Pseudomonas spp (26%). Resistance to antibiotics was found in 30% of the isolated pathogens. When the sample was appropriate, the operative characteristics of the sputum cultures were similar to those obtained with the PSB taken as a gold standard. Risk factors associated with bronchial colonisation by PPMs in the multivariate analysis were: (1) diagnosis of bronchiectasis before the age of 14 years (odds ratio (OR)=3.92, 95% CI 1.29 to 11.95), (2) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) <80% predicted (OR=3.91, 95% CI 1.30 to 11.78), and (3) presence of varicose or cystic bronchiectasis (OR=4.80, 95% CI 1.11 to 21.46). CONCLUSIONS: Clinically stable patients with bronchiectasis have a high prevalence of bronchial colonisation by PPMs. Sputum culture is a good alternative to bronchoscopic procedures for evaluation of this colonisation. Early diagnosis of bronchiectasis, presence of varicose-cystic bronchiectasis, and FEV1 <80% predicted appear to be risk factors for bronchial colonisation with PPMs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

The pulmonary physician in critical care * 4: Nosocomial pneumonia.

Much progress has been made in the understanding of nosocomial pneumonia but important issues in diagnosis and treatment remain unresolved. The controversy over diagnostic tools should be closed. Instead, every effort should be made to increase our ability to make valid clinical predictions about the presence of ventilator associated pneumonia and to establish criteria to guide restricting empirical antimicrobial treatment without causing patient harm. More emphasis must be put on local infection control measures such as routine surveillance of pathogens, definition of controlled policies of antimicrobial treatment, and effective implementation of strategies of prevention.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Fetal development of the human tympanic ossicular chain articulations.

OBJECTIVES: To obtain further knowledge on the morphogenesis of the articulations in the tympanic ossicular chain in humans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 25 temporal bones of human fetuses the structural development of incudomallear, incudostapedial and stapediovestibular articulations was studied. The chronological ages were between the 7th week (21 mm) and the 29th week (270 mm). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Incudomallear articulation showed diarthrosis and sellar joint characteristics. It showed a homogenous interzone in the 7th week of development, a three-layered interzone in the 8th week, the first cavitation signs in the 9th week and the presence of an articular cavity in the 10th week. The presence of a hyaline cartilage covering articular surfaces was observed starting in the 20th week of development. Incudostapedial articulation showed typical characteristics of a diarthrosis and spheroidal joint with a homogenous interzone at the 7th week, showing similar characteristics for 12 weeks, and completed its cavitation at the 16th week. We observed hyaline cartilage on articular surfaces from 29 weeks. Stapediovestibular articulation showed typical characteristics of syndesmosis. The annular ligament primordium derived from cartilage differentiation, both from stapedial footplate and from the surrounding otic capsule, into mesenchyme and its subsequent transformation into fibrous tissue, reaching definitive characteristics from the 12th week.

Body Patterning↗
PubMed2002

Antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella enterica serovars isolated from chickens in Spain.

In order to analyze the antibiotic resistance of Salmonella enterica serovars, a total of 112 Salmonella strains were tested (54 S. enteritidis, 32 S. typhimurium, 11 S. heidelberg, 7 S. infantis, 4 S. virchow and 4 S. hadar). The bacteria were isolated from 691 samples of frozen and fresh chicken meat. Identification of microorganisms and antimicrobial sensitivity testing were undertaken by means of the automated MicroScan AutoScan 4 method (Baxter in Spain). 45.5% of 112 strains tested were susceptible to all antibiotics. The highest percentage of resistance was found to: chloramphenicol (44.6%), ampicillin (34.8%) and tetracycline (33.9%). Multiple resistance was observed in 49 strains (43.7%), whereas single resistance was seen in 12 isolates (10.7%). We found 12 different patterns of resistance in Salmonella enterica serovar enteriditis. Resistance to chloramphenicol was the most common single resistance. The most frequent patterns of multiresistant strains were ampicillin + amoxicillin/clavulanate + cefazolin + imipenem and chloramphenicol + impipenem. In this serotype, 49 isolates belonged to phagetype 4. Salmonella typhimurium showed the highest percentages of resistance to the tested drugs, with six different resistance patterns found. 25 strains out of 32 S. typhimurium isolates belonged to phagotype 120 and 13 of these showed the same resistance pattern: chloramphenicol + tetracycline + ampicillin. The high incidence of antibiotic resistant salmonellae found in chickens in our study suggests the need for public health interventions to decrease selective pressure on bacterial strains by antimicrobial agents.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Bronchial bacterial colonization in patients with resectable lung carcinoma.

The pattern and clinical implications of bronchial bacterial colonization have been widely investigated in patients with chronic lung disease, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The main aim of this study was to determine the frequency and risk factors for bronchial colonization in lung cancer patients who have undergone surgical resection. Forty-one patients with resectable lung cancer (22 (54%) active smokers, 52+/-23 pack-yrs) with a mean forced expiratory volume in one second of 80+/-16% predicted, were studied with bilateral protected specimen brush and lung tissue biopsy during the surgical procedure. Quantitative bacterial culture, susceptibility tests and histological examination of samples were performed. Bronchial colonization with > or = 1 potential pathogenic micro-organism was found in 17 of 41 (41%) patients. The most frequent strains isolated were: Haemophilus influenzae (35%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (13%) and Pseudomonas spp. (9%). The risk factors for bronchial colonization were central location of the tumour (odds ratio (OR)=9.2, confidence interval (CI) 95%=2.1-39.6, p=1.003) and increased body mass index (OR=1.6, CI 95%=1.2-2.2, p=0.005). The frequency of postoperative infectious pulmonary complications was low (five cases (12%)) and no relationship was observed with bronchial colonization. Patients with resectable lung carcinoma had a high rate of bronchial colonization (41%), mainly with potential pathogenic microorganisms. The independent risk factors for colonization in these patients were central location of the tumour and a high body mass index.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Noninvasive ventilation after intubation and mechanical ventilation.

Patients with chronic airflow obstruction who are difficult to wean from mechanical ventilation are at increased risk of intubation-associated complications and mortality because of prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation may revert most of the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with weaning failure in these patients. Several randomized controlled trials have shown that use of noninvasive ventilation to achieve earlier extubation in difficult-to-wean patients or in patients who develop respiratory failure after apparently successful extubation can result in reduced periods of endotracheal intubation and complication rates and improved survival. However, this is not a consistent finding, and the currently available published data with outcome as the primary variable are exclusively from patients who had pre-existing lung disease. In addition, the patients were haemodynamically stable, with a normal level of consciousness, no fever and a preserved cough reflex. It remains to be seen whether noninvasive positive pressure ventilation has a role in other patient groups and situations, such as prevention of postextubation failure or unplanned extubation. The technique is, however, a useful addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for a group of patients who pose a significant clinical and economic challenge.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2002

Factors associated with unknown aetiology in patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Despite comprehensive diagnostic work-up, the aetiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains undetermined in 30-60% of cases. The authors studied factors associated with undiagnosed pneumonia. Patients hospitalised with CAP and being evaluated by two blood cultures, at least one valid lower respiratory tract sample, and serology on admission were prospectively recorded. Patients who had received antimicrobial pretreatment were excluded. Patients with definite or probable aetiology were compared to those with undetermined aetiology by uni- and multivariable analysis. A total 204 patients were eligible for the study. The aetiology remained undetermined in 82 (40%) patients, whereas a definite aetiology could be established in 89 (44%) and a probable one in 33 (16%). In multivariable analysis, factors associated with undetermined aetiology included age >70 yrs, renal and cardiac comorbidity, and nonalveolar infiltrates on the chest radiograph. There was no association of undiagnosed pneumonia with mortality. Age and host factors were associated with unknown aetiology of community-acquired pneumonia. Some of these cases may also represent fluid volume overload mimicking pneumonia.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Automatic regulation of the cuff pressure in endotracheally-intubated patients.

To avoid tracheal wall damage or inadvertent falls of the endotracheal tube cuff pressure (Pcuff) in intubated and mechanically-ventilated patients, the authors devised a simple procedure for automatic and continuous regulation of Pcuff. The procedure, only requiring a simple aquarium air pump and conventional tubing, was first tested at the bench when applied to an intubated and ventilated lung model, including an artificial trachea with an externally-variable section. The clinical performance of the procedure was tested in eight intubated patients, in whom the endotracheal tube cuff was connected to the designed Pcuff regulator during 24 h. The bench test showed that the procedure was able to maintain Pcuff constant, regardless of the changes imposed in the tracheal section. It was also effective in maintaining Pcuff during routine mechanical ventilation. Actual Pcuff recorded over the 24-h period always coincided with the target value within +/-2 cmH2O in all the patients. The procedure devised to maintain endotracheal tube cuff pressure is readily implemented, cheap, easy to operate and can be used regardless of the specific ventilator or tube used. Routine implementation of this procedure may be useful for protecting the trachea from tissue damage and for reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Airway Obstruction↗
PubMed2002

Risk management of international trade: emergency preparedness.

Emergency preparedness and management are among the most important and critical issues facing animal health in the world today. The goals of a country for an animal health emergency management (AHEM) system should include the following: --being prepared to detect and manage an outbreak of a foreign animal disease --preventing the introduction of foreign and emerging animal pathogens --having an appropriate response system for control and eradication of the disease --having a system for recovery from animal health emergencies, including natural disasters. An AHEM system can no longer be limited to a single organisation within a country. In the event of a serious threat to the animal agriculture of a country, broader and more comprehensive participation is required. If not properly planned for, animal health emergencies can rapidly become national disasters. Therefore, it is essential that the central government of a country work towards these goals through partnerships with other Federal and State/Provincial/District organisations, academic institutions and national animal industries.

Animal Diseases↗
PubMed2002

Pulmonary infection in the brain injured patient.

Incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in brain injury patient ranges from 28 to 40 %. Brain injury may induce immunosuppression explaining why neurotraumapatients are at higher risk of developing early onset pneumonia. However, occurrence of pneumonia in brain injury patient has not been associated to higher mortality. Many methods such as selective digestive decontamination, early administration of antibiotics, continuous subglottic aspiration, improved initial choice and dosage of antibiotic, may be useful to prevent and treat VAP in brain injury.

Brain Injuries↗
PubMed2002

Biofilm formation in endotracheal tubes. Association between pneumonia and the persistence of pathogens.

Nosocomial pneumonia is still a common problem, especially in intubated and mechanically ventilated patients. The endotracheal tube contributes substantially to the pathogenesis of pneumonia in these patients, because it facilitates microaspiration and impairs host defences. Common nosocomial pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa are known to produce exopolysaccharide and generate the complex biofilm structure, which allows adhesion to abiotic surfaces and protection against antibiotic action. Multiple studies have identified bacterial biofilm on the inner lumen of endotracheal tubes, which represents a permanent source of infectious material. Endotracheal tubes, removed from patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia are covered more frequently with biofilm than those of uninfected controls. It remains unclear whether this represents a source of infection or contamination. Bacterial biofilm, however, may play an important role in recurrent pulmonary infections of the intubated and mechanically ventilated patient.

Biofilms↗