Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Valero

Publications and source records attributed to A Valero.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Olfactory bulb ensheathing cells enhance peripheral nerve regeneration.

Sciatic nerve resection leaving a 15 mm gap could not be repaired by bridging the stumps with a silicone tube prefilled with a laminin gel. However, when purified olfactory ensheathing cells (EC) were added to the gel filling the tube, successful axonal regeneration was observed in 50% of rats. With 12 mm gaps, regeneration occurred in 79% of rats with transplanted EC compared with 60% of those receiving collagen gel alone. Therefore, ECs help repair severe peripheral nerve injuries, in addition to their ability to promote axonal regeneration within the central nervous system.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1999

Physiological and immunohistochemical characterization of cisplatin-induced neuropathy in mice.

We investigated the neuropathic effects of cisplatin in two groups of mice treated with 5 or 10 mg/kg/week of cisplatin for 7 or 8 weeks. Peripheral nerve functions were evaluated by sweat imprints, and electrophysiological, rotarod, and nociceptive tests. Protein gene product 9.5 (PGP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were immunohistochemically localized in footpads. Tibial nerves were analyzed morphometrically. Functional deficits developed progressively with higher cumulative doses, more markedly in mice treated with high than in those with low doses. From cumulative doses of 10 mg/kg, significant declines in sensory nerve conduction velocity and sudomotor responses were found, whereas motor and nociceptive functions were involved later. There were no morphometrical changes in tibial nerves. A marked decrease of CGRP- and VIP-immunoreactive nerves occurred in samples from treated mice, whereas PGP-labeled profiles decreased mildly at late stages. Impairment of the content of neuropeptides with neurosecretor role was detectable earlier than functional abnormalities. Immunohistochemical analysis of skin biopsies offers a useful diagnostic tool for peripheral neuropathies.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Ensheathing glia transplants promote dorsal root regeneration and spinal reflex restitution after multiple lumbar rhizotomy.

Previously, we have shown that transplants of olfactory bulb ensheathing cells promoted regeneration of transected dorsal roots into the spinal cord. In this study, we assessed the ability of regenerating axons to make functional connections in the cord. Dorsal roots L3 to L6 were sectioned close to their entrance into the spinal cord and reapposed after injecting a suspension of ensheathing cells into each dorsal root entry zone (Group G). Afferent regeneration into the cord and recovery of spinal reflexes were compared with animals that received no injection (Group S) or culture medium without cells (Group C). Electrophysiological tests, to measure nerve conduction and spinal reflexes (H response and withdrawal reflex) evoked by stimulation of afferents of the sciatic nerve, were performed. At 14 days after surgery, H response was found in only 1 of 7 rats of Group G, and withdrawal reflexes were absent from all animals. At 60 days, the H response reappeared in 7 of 10 rats of Group G, and 1 of 5 of each of Groups C and S. The withdrawal reflex recovered in 4 of 10 rats of Group G, but in none of Groups C and S. Immunohistochemical labeling for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in rats of Group G showed immunoreactive fibers entering the dorsal horn from sectioned roots, although at lower density than in the contralateral side. In conclusion, transplanted ensheathing cells promoted central regeneration and functional reconnection of regenerating sensory afferents.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Comparative study of three systems for in vitro activity investigation of fluconazole against yeast isolates of clinical interest].

BACKGROUND: Study of antifungal sensitivity can help in treatment screening and evaluation of patients suffering from some fungal infections. The purpose of this study is to compare fluconazole MICs obtained by E-test and agar dilution with the NCCLS method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The in vitro activity of fluconazole against 158 yeast strains by three systems: E-test, agar dilution and the microbroth NCCLS M27P method. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A correlation between 84 to 100% was observed the degree varying in the result among different species. The E-test was found to be comparable to the NCCLS M27P microbroth method, was easier to perform and provides MIC result for Candida species within 24 h.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed1998

Changes in cholinergic responses of sweat glands during denervation and reinnervation.

Functional sudomotor responses have been studied in sweat glands reinnervated after sciatic nerve crush and partially denervated by cisplatin intoxication in the mouse. The sudomotor function mediated by the sciatic nerve was evaluated by silicone imprints on the plantar surface of the hindpaws. Five days after nerve crush, completely denervated sweat glands became unresponsive to cholinergic stimulation with pilocarpine. During the following weeks, the number of reinnervated, reactive sweat glands increased progressively to reach a maximum of 89% of preoperative control counts by 40 days after nerve crush. At this time, the mean volume of sweat secreted per gland was normal, but reinnervated glands showed a secretory activity abnormally sustained over time after pilocarpine stimulation and, on the other hand, had an increased resistance to the inhibition of secretion induced by atropine. The effects of cisplatin administration on sudomotor function were investigated in two groups of mice, one treated with high doses of cisplatin (10 mg/kg/week for 4 weeks) and another treated with low doses of cisplatin (5 mg/kg/week for 8 weeks). Cisplatin intoxication produced abnormal sudomotor responses indicative of denervation from cumulative doses of 10 mg/kg. The first abnormality found was a partial resistance of sweat glands to atropine, followed by a decrease in the sweat output per gland and finally a decline in the number of sweat glands activated by pilocarpine. These abnormalities in the sudomotor responses were more pronounced in mice treated with a high dose than in those with a lower dose regime.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Contribution to the knowledge of Hysterothylacium aduncum through electrophoresis of the enzymes glucose phosphate isomerase and phosphoglucomutase.

A total of 163 Hysterothylacium aduncum specimens, obtained from two gadoids and one percid, were studied by electrophoresis of the enzymes glucose phosphate isomerase and phosphoglucomutase. The two loci deviated significantly from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, both when considering all specimens and when distinguishing the hosts. This could suggest that there is no single species in either case.

Alleles↗
PubMed1998

Purkinje cell impairment induced by early movement restriction.

In the present work the effects of movement restriction imposed during the early postweaning period on both Purkinje cell dendritic development and exploratory behavior were analyzed. Male and female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were reared either in isolated-restricted or social-standard environments from postnatal day 18 to 30. On the 31st postnatal day, all rats were behaviorally evaluated by the open-field test and then sacrificed under deep ether anesthesia. Vermian cerebellar sections were later stained with the Golgi-Cox-Sholl method and the Purkinje cell dendritic morphology was quantified under light microscopy. The results indicate that early somatomotor restriction severely impairs both exploratory behavior and Purkinje cell dendritic growth.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Study of the susceptibility of yeast isolates of clinical interest to five antifungal agents using the E test.

The E test is a quantitative technique for determining antimicrobial susceptibility; it is based on the diffusion of a stable predetermined gradient of a specific antifungal agent along an inert plastic strip which is applied to a solid culture medium. The E test is an alternative method for determining inhibitory concentrations of antimicrobial agents. The aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro susceptibility of different yeasts to 5 antifungal agents using the E test. The antifungal susceptibility of 87 strains, 73 of which were yeasts obtained from clinical samples, 11 were Prototheca strains and 3 controls, were examined using a gradient diffusion technique (E test). Of these isolates, 13% of Candida albicans were resistant to flucytosine, and 20%, 17% and 33% showed resistance to ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole, respectively. All Candida krusei isolates showed resistance to flucytosine and fluconazole. The Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis strains all presented in vitro susceptibility to all the agents tested. Prototheca strains were only susceptible in vitro to amphotericin B. It was found that the E test was easy to perform, and provided MIC values similar to those obtained with other well documented techniques. It was therefore concluded that the E test could be implemented as a standard procedure in clinical mycology laboratories.

Amphotericin B↗
PubMed1997

Spermatogenesis in the Ixodid tick Haemaphysalis (Herpetobia) sulcata (Acarina:Ixodidae).

Haemaphysalis sulcata (Acarina, Ixodidae) is a common ectoparasite of wild artiodactyls (mouflon and wild goat) in Sierra Nevada (Granada, southern Spain). A study of the spermatogonial meiosis of 15 H. sulcata males was carried out. The diploid complement is 2n = 21 and its sex determination is XX:XO. The behavior of the chromosomes in the different stages of meiosis was also investigated, and the possible presence of a secondary nucleolar organizer region in H. sulcata is discussed.

Anaphase↗
PubMed1997

Some factors which influence the in vitro maintenance of Anisakis simplex (Nematoda).

Several culture media as well as some factors that may affect the in vitro development of the nematode Anisakis simplex Rudolphi, 1809 have been studied. After testing six media and four temperatures, the conditions for the in vitro culture selected were as follows: RPMI-1640 + 20% (v/v) heat-inactived fetal bovine serum or Meyer's M3 (without agar) media, at 37 degrees C, under 5% CO2 in air atmosphere, and renewal of the medium twice a week. The average survival rates of the larvae were significantly increased when the pH of the culture medium was increased (from 4.0 to 7.2) or decreased (from 7.2 to 4.0) after L3 to L4 moulting. The length of the larvae at the onset of culture affected the survival and moulting of themselves, but these were culture medium-dependent. On the other hand, we have observed that several L3 and L4 were attached, by means of a brown unknown substance apparently secreted by themselves, to the bottom of the substratum. Frequently, when a larva was spontaneously detached, a "cap" of the brown substance blocked, apparently, its mouth. The possible absorption of nutrients through the L3 larvae cuticle of A. simplex is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Larval anisakids (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea) in horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) from the fish market in Granada (Spain).

Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) from the fish market in Granada, South Spain, were surveyed for anisakid nematodes. The fish came from fishing ports all over the country. Larval anisakids were found in 39.4% of the fish examined. In all, 26.1% were infected with third-stage larvae (L3s) of Anisakis simplex; 0.3%, with A. physeteris L3s; 31.1%, with Hysterothylacium aduncum L3s; and 1.7%, with fourth-stage larvae (L4s) of Hysterothylacium sp. Horse mackerel from Mediterranean Sea coast ports (South and Southeast Spain) had the lowest levels of infection and those from Cantabrian Sea coast ports (North Spain) had the highest levels. Variations in infection levels with host size (age) and season of capture were surveyed.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Larval anisakids (Nematoda:Ascaridoidea) in horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) from the fish market in Granada, Spain.

Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) from the fish market in Granada, southern Spain, were surveyed for anisakid nematodes. The fish came from fishing ports all over the country. Larval anisakids were found in 39.4% of the fish examined; 26.1% were infected with third-stage larvae (L3s) of Anisakis simplex; 0.3%, with A. physeteris L3s; 31.1%, with Hysterothylacium aduncum L3s; and 1.7%, with fourth-stage larvae (L4s) of Hysterothylacium sp. Horse mackerel from Mediterranean Sea coastal ports (South and South-east Spain) had the lowest levels of infection, and those from Cantabrian Sea coastal ports (North Spain) had the highest. The variation in infection levels with host size (age) and season of capture are surveyed.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Molecular analysis of the SMN and NAIP genes in Spanish spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) families and correlation between number of copies of cBCD541 and SMA phenotype.

Spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive disorder which affects about 1 in 10,000 individuals. The three clinical forms of SMA were mapped to the 5q13 region. Three candidate genes have been isolated and shown to be deleted in SMA patients: the Survival Motor Neuron gene (SMN), the Neuronal Apoptosis Inhibitory Protein gene (NAIP) and the XS2G3 cDNA. In this report we present the molecular analysis of the SMN exons 7 and 8 and NAIP exon 5 in 65 Spanish SMA families. NAIP was mostly deleted in type I patients (67.9%) and SMN was deleted in 92.3% of patients with severe and milder forms. Most patients who lacked the NAIP gene also lacked the SMN gene, but we identified one type II patient deleted for NAIP exon 5 but not for SMN exons 7 and 8. Two other patients carried deletions of NAIP exon 5 and SMN exon 7 but retained the SMN exon 8. Three polymorphic variants from the SMN gene, showing changes on the sequence of the centromeric (cBCD541) and telomeric copies of the SMN gene, were found. In addition, we show several genetic rearrangements of the telomeric SMN gene, which include duplication of this gene in one normal chromosome, and putative gene conversion events in affected and normal chromosomes. Altogether these results corroborate the high genetic variability of the SMA region. Finally, we have determined the ratio between the number of centromeric and telomeric copies of the SMN gene in parents of SMA patients, showing that the majority of parents of types II and III patients carried three or more copies of the cBCD541 gene; we suggest a relationship between the number of copies of cBCD541 and the disease phenotype.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Linkage disequilibrium between four intragenic polymorphic microsatellites of the NF1 gene and its implications for genetic counselling.

Four intragenic polymorphic microsatellite markers, AAAT Alu repeat, IVS27AC28.4, ACI27.2, and IVS38GT53.0, located along a 65 kb DNA region of the NF1 gene, were used to genotype 64 Spanish families with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Linkage disequilirium between each pair of markers was evaluated. Three of these markers, AAAT Alu repeat, ACI27.2, and IVS38GT53.0, exhibit linkage disequilibrium between each other. Analysis of extended haplotypes provides further evidence of the disequilibrium within this region since only 11 haplotypes account for 52% of the total chromosomes. Because of linkage disequilibrium, the informativeness of marker combinations for genotyping of NF1 families is diminished. There was no difference in the overall distribution of alleles between affected and normal chromosomes. An at risk haplotype was not found, as expected for a disease with at least 50% of cases being sporadic.

Alleles↗
PubMed1993

Hypersensitivity to mustard seed.

Two patients were studied. Both underwent a thorough clinical evaluation, including a comprehensive physical examination. Both were also prick tested for inhalants, pollens, and food (including fruit). A nasal provocation test, serum immunoglobulins, total IgE serum, specific IgE serum, and a histamine release test were also carried out. The results of all these tests were positive to mustard seed.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Estimating locus heterogeneity in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in the Spanish population.

Although most mutations causing ADPKD in European populations have been mapped to the PKD1 locus on chromosome 16, some of them appear to be unlinked to this locus. To evaluate the incidence of unlinked mutations in Spain we have typed 31 Spanish families from different geographical sites for six closely linked DNA polymorphic marker loci flanking PKD1 detected by probes D16S85, D16S21, D16S259, D16S125, D16S246, and D16S80. Multilocus linkage analysis indicated that in 26 families the disease resulted from PKD1 mutations, whereas in three families it resulted from mutations in a locus other than PKD1. The two other families were not informative. Using the HOMOG test, the incidence of the PKD1 linked mutations in Spain is 85%. Multipoint linkage analysis in the 26 PKD1 families showed that the disease locus lies in the interval between D16S259(pGGG1) and D16S125(26.6).

Alleles↗
PubMed1991

Assessment of luteal function after surgical tubal sterilization.

To evaluate ovarian luteal function after tubal occlusion, a group of women who underwent Pomeroy sterilization were studied. A prospective group I (n = 16) were followed for one year and scheduled for blood sampling every other day during their luteal phase before surgical procedure and at 3 and 12 months thereafter. Group II (n = 15) included women who were studied during their luteal phase at 1 or 5 years post-surgery. Mid-luteal progesterone and estradiol serum levels were calculated by estimating the average of at least 3 values of serum samples obtained in days 20-25 of a menstrual cycle. The data suggest that no major changes occur in ovarian function after surgical tubal occlusion, as assessed by the mid-luteal hormone serum levels, and underscore the safety of this procedure.

Adult↗