Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C Hernández

Publications and source records attributed to C Hernández.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Autologous bone-marrow mononuclear cell implantation in patients with severe lower limb ischaemia: a comparison of using blood cell separator and Ficoll density gradient centrifugation.

Different studies have provided evidence that implantation of bone-marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) into ischaemic limbs can improve tissue vascularization. Based on these results we performed a pilot study in patients with critical lower limb ischaemia to assess efficacy and safety of implantation of autologous BM-MNC. The amount and efficacy of BM-MNC purified either by an automated method or by a manual procedure were compared. Twelve patients with severe unilateral lower limb ischaemia were entered into this study. They were randomly assigned to be injected with BM-MNC sorted on a blood cell separator or isolated by density gradient on Ficoll-Hypaque. BM-MNC were implanted into the ischaemic legs. Patients were monitored with resting ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)), pain-free walking time and rest pain scale evaluation. The automated and manual methods used for mononuclear cell separation gave results not significantly different. Monitored variables improved in both groups. Improvement of ischaemic condition persisted during 24 weeks follow-up. Limb salvage was achieved in five cases. Our results indicate that BM-MNC implantation into ischaemic limbs is a practical, safe and effective method that may significantly contribute to the management of patients with limb ischaemia. The Ficoll method is a simple and effective procedure for BM-MNC concentration that may be useful, mainly in hospitals without sophisticated facilities.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Integrated care prevents hospitalisations for exacerbations in COPD patients.

Hospital admissions due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations have a major impact on the disease evolution and costs. The current authors postulated that a simple and well-standardised, low-intensity integrated care intervention can be effective to prevent such hospitalisations. Therefore, 155 exacerbated COPD patients (17% females) were recruited after hospital discharge from centres in Barcelona (Spain) and Leuven (Belgium). They were randomly assigned to either integrated care (IC; n = 65; age mean+/-sd 70+/-9 yrs; forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) 1.1+/-0.5 L, 43% predicted) or usual care (UC; n = 90; age 72+/-9 yrs; FEV(1) 1.1+/-0.05 L, 41% pred). The IC intervention consisted of an individually tailored care plan upon discharge shared with the primary care team, as well as accessibility to a specialised nurse case manager through a web-based call centre. After 12 months' follow-up, IC showed a lower hospitalisation rate (1.5+/-2.6 versus 2.1+/-3.1) and a higher percentage of patients without re-admissions (49 versus 31%) than UC without differences in mortality (19 versus 16%, respectively). In conclusion, this trial demonstrates that a standardised integrated care intervention, based on shared care arrangements among different levels of the system with support of information technologies, effectively prevents hospitalisations for exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

[Effects of nasal positive airway pressure treatment on oxidative stress in patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) reduces oxidative stress in patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with SAHS requiring nasal CPAP treatment and 10 controls in whom SAHS was ruled out were enrolled. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations to assess lipid peroxidation at the beginning of the study and then again after a mean (SD) of 2.9 (0.6) months of nasal CPAP. Plasma MDA concentrations were determined by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. We controlled for the following factors known to influence oxidative stress: age, sex, use of vitamin supplements, smoking habit, body mass index (kg/m2), ischemic cardiopathy, hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia. RESULTS: The mean age of patients with SAHS was 51.4 (9.9) years and the mean body mass index was 32.9 (5.3) kg/m2. Nasal CPAP was titrated to a mean pressure of 8.9 (3.4) cm H2O. The mean score on the Epworth sleepiness scale was 10.2 (4.3) before treatment and 4.2 (2.8) after treatment (P<.001). The apnea-hypopnea index decreased from 43.7 (22.6) before treatment to 4 (3.5) after treatment (P<.001). Mean MDA concentrations in patients with SAHS were 2.0 (1.1) micromol/mL before treatment and decreased significantly to 1.6 (.07) micromol/mL after treatment, whereas MDA concentrations remained unchanged in control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal CPAP treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress in patients with SAHS in our study.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Intestinal microbial ecology of broilers vaccinated and challenged with mixed Eimeria species, and supplemented with essential oil blends.

Intestinal microbiota is an important component in the development of defense mechanisms in the gut mucosa. This project determined the dynamics of intestinal microbial communities (MC) of broilers vaccinated at first day of age with live oocysts of Eimeria species and fed diets supplemented with 2 specific essential oil (EO) blends, Crina Poultry (CP) and Crina Alternate (CA). Five treatments were analyzed: 1) unmedicated-uninfected (UU) control; 2) unmedicated-infected (UI) control; 3) vaccinated with Advent cocci-vaccine and without feed additive (COV) supplements; 4) vaccinated with Advent and supplemented with CP; and 5) vaccinated with Advent and supplemented with CA. The EO blends were added at 100 ppm to the same basal diets. Chicks were gavage-infected at 19 d of age with Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria tenella. Duodenal, ileal, and cecal samples were taken from 12 birds per treatment just before the infection and 7 d after the challenge, pooled in 6 samples, and frozen. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to examine PCR-amplified fragments of the bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA variable region. Results are presented as percentages of similarity coefficients (SC). Dendrograms of amplicon patterns indicated MC differences due to intestinal location, feed additives, and cocci infection. The EO blends CP and CA did affect MC in all gut sections. The cocci-infection caused drastic MC population shifts in duodenal, ileal, and cecal sections (36.7, 55.4, and 36.2% SC, respectively). The CP-supplemented birds had higher SC between pre- and postchallenge MC in duodenal and ileal (73.3, 81.8%) than COV (66.4, 66.5%). However, COV broilers had the smallest changes in cecal MC after infection (79.5% SC). We concluded that cocci-vaccination causes small changes in intestinal MC, but challenge causes drastic shifts. The EO blend supplementation modulates MC in cocci-vaccinated broilers, avoiding drastic shifts after a mixed coccidia infection. Correlations between MC dynamics and host responses are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Molecular characterization of the largest mycoviral-like double-stranded RNAs associated with Amasya cherry disease, a disease of presumed fungal aetiology.

The sequence of the four large (L) double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) associated with Amasya cherry disease (ACD), which has a presumed fungal aetiology, is reported. ACD L dsRNAs 1 (5121 bp) and 2 (5047 bp) potentially encode proteins of 1628 and 1620 aa, respectively, that are 37% identical and of unknown function. ACD L dsRNAs 3 (4458 bp) and 4 (4303 bp) potentially encode proteins that are 68% identical and contain the eight motifs conserved in RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp) of dsRNA mycoviruses, having highest similarity with those of members of the family Totiviridae. Both terminal regions share extensive conservation in all four RNAs, suggesting a functional relationship between them. As ACD L dsRNAs 1 and 2 do not encode RdRps, both are probably replicated by those from either ACD L dsRNA 3 or 4. Partial characterization of the equivalent L dsRNAs 3 and 4 associated with cherry chlorotic rusty spot revealed essentially identical sequences.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Mercury and trace element fractionation in Almaden soils by application of different sequential extraction procedures.

A comparative evaluation of the mercury distribution in a soil sample from Almaden (Spain) has been performed by applying three different sequential extraction procedures, namely, modified BCR (three steps in sequence), Di Giulio-Ryan (four steps in sequence), and a specific SEP developed at CIEMAT (six steps in sequence). There were important differences in the mercury extraction results obtained by the three procedures according to the reagents applied and the sequence of their application. These findings highlight the difficulty of setting a universal SEP to obtain information on metal fractions of different mobility for any soil sample, as well as the requirement for knowledge about the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of the samples. The specific six-step CIEMAT sequential extraction procedure was applied to a soil profile (Ap, Ah, Bt1, and Bt2 horizons). The distribution of mercury and major, minor, and trace elements in the different fractions were determined. The results indicate that mercury is mainly released with 6 M HCl. The strong association of mercury with crystalline iron oxyhydroxides, present in all the horizons of the profile, and/or the solubility of some mercury compounds in such acid can explain this fact. Minor mercury is found in the fraction assigned to oxidizable matter and in the final insoluble residue (cinnabar).

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Complete nucleotide sequence and genome organization of Pelargonium line pattern virus and its relationship with the family Tombusviridae.

The complete nucleotide sequence of Pelargonium line pattern virus (PLPV) has been determined. The PLPV genomic RNA comprises 3884 nt and contains six open reading frames (ORFs) potentially encoding proteins of 27 (p27), 13 (p13), 87 (p87), 7 (p7), 6 (p6), and 37 kDa (p37), respectively. The arrangement of these ORFs on the PLPV genome closely resembles that of members of the genus Carmovirus in the family Tombusviridae and, moreover, most of the putative PLPV gene products showed high identity with proteins of this viral group. However, several striking differences were noticed. Carmoviruses generate two subgenomic RNAs whereas PLPV produces a single one. In addition, only p7 showed similarity with movement proteins of carmoviruses whereas p6 (as p13) has no viral (or other) homologs. This protein might be expressed from a non-canonical start codon or, alternatively, through a -1 frameshift (FS) mechanism. Both, the production of one subgenomic RNA and the likely involvement of a -1 FS for expression of an internal ORF parallel the translation strategies reported for the unique species of the genus Panicovirus, belonging also to the family Tombusviridae. Overall, the results support the placement of PLPV in this family although its peculiar characteristics preclude its direct assignment to any of the current genera.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Soluble transferrin receptors and ferritin in Type 2 diabetic patients.

AIM: To determine circulating transferrin receptor levels (sTfR) in Type 2 diabetic patients to evaluate whether serum ferritin reflects iron body stores or inflammation in diabetic population. METHODS: A total of 84 consecutive Type 2 diabetic patients and 60 healthy subjects matched by age and gender were included in this case-control study. Ferritin concentration was measured by a turbidimetric method and sTfR concentration were determined by nephelometry. RESULTS: Diabetic patients have higher serum ferritin levels than control subjects [114 ng/ml (12-831) vs. 74 ng/ml (11-697); P = 0.006]. However, no differences in sTfR concentrations were observed between both groups [1.27 mg/l (0.69-2.47) vs. 1.24 mg/l (0.77-2.80); P = NS]. A negative correlation between ferritin and sTfR concentration was detected in control subjects but not in diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Serum ferritin levels are increased in Type 2 diabetic patients in the absence of a reciprocal decrease of sTfR. This finding suggests that elevated ferritin levels in Type 2 diabetes are mainly as a result of inflammatory mechanisms rather than iron overload.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Interleukin-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and IL-10 in the vitreous fluid of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

AIMS: To determine the intra-vitreous levels of two pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-8 (IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)] and the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In addition, the relationship between the profile of cytokines and PDR activity has also been evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 22 consecutive diabetic patients with PDR (4 Type 1 and 18 Type 2) on whom a vitrectomy was performed. Sixteen age-matched non-diabetic patients with other conditions requiring vitrectomy, but in which the retina was not directly affected by neovascularization served as a control group. IL-8, MCP-1 and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The vitreal levels of both IL-8 and MCP-1 were strikingly higher in diabetic patients with PDR in comparison with the control group [173.5 (64-1670) vs. 49 pg/ml (25-145), P < 0.001, and 2171 (388-6155) vs. 438 pg/ml (207-1344), P < 0.001, respectively]. In addition, the vitreous concentrations of IL-8 and MCP-1 were higher in patients with active PDR than in those patients with quiescent PDR [324.5 (80-1670) vs. 173.5 pg/ml (64-487), P = 0.06 and 3596 (1670-6155) vs. 1143 pg/ml (388-2500), P = 0.01, respectively]. However, vitreal levels of IL-10 in diabetic patients were similar to that obtained in the control group [2.89 (1.55-5.50) vs. 2.46 pg/ml (2.2-5.41), P = NS]. CONCLUSIONS: The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8 and MCP-1 are increased in the vitreous fluid of PDR patients without an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In addition, both IL-8 and MCP-1 intra-vitreous levels correlated with PDR activity, thus suggesting that these cytokines may be pathogenically important in PDR.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Neonatal spinal muscular atrophy with multiple contractures, bone fractures, respiratory insufficiency and 5q13 deletion.

We present the case of a floppy neonate with marked and generalized weakness, respiratory insufficiency and fetal akinesia deformation sequence. The infant showed multiple joint contractures, two bone fractures and needed mechanical ventilation from birth to death at 16 days of age. Electrophysiological assessment showed electrically unexcitable motor and sensory nerves. Muscle biopsy showed diffuse atrophy of type I and type II fibers. Necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of infantile spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with severe loss of motor neurons in anterior horns and motor nuclei of brainstem. There were also neuronal loss, gliosis, chromatolysis, ballooned cells, empty cell beds and neuronophagia figures in other brainstem and brain nuclei. Genetic analysis of the patient revealed homozygous deletions of survival motor neuron gene 1 (SMN1) and a single copy of SMN2 in region 5q13. This case confirms that the loss of spinal motor neurons underlies the muscular atrophy in severe cases of 5q SMA. This case also shows that the presence of multiple joint contractures, bone fractures and respiratory insufficiency in SMA in the neonatal period does not necessarily exclude the occurrence of classical deletions in the SMA 5q13 region. Rather, these atypical clinical findings show the extreme severity and prenatal onset of the disease in these SMA cases, which may be related with the occurrence of a single copy of SMN2 gene. More reports of clinically, pathologically and genetically well-documented cases are essential to define the different types of this disease.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5↗
PubMed2004

Intravitreous levels of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in the vitreous fluid of diabetic patients with proliferative retinopathy.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocyte growth factor, also know as the scatter factor (HGF/SF) has been involved in the etiopathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). To further explore this issue we have determine the intravitreous levels of HGF/SF taking into account the problems that could lead to misinterpretation of the results when the vitreous fluid is used to indirectly explore the events that are taking place in the retina. In addition, the relationship between HGF/SF and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) was also investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum and vitreous samples were obtained during vitrectomy from 22 diabetic patients with PDR and 25 non-diabetic control subjects. Patients in whom intravitreous hemoglobin was detectable were excluded. A correction for plasma levels of either HGF/SF and VCAM-1 and intravitreal proteins was performed. RESULTS: Vitreal levels of both HGF/SF and VCAM-1 were higher in patients with PDR in comparison with the control group (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). However, after correcting for total vitreal proteins both HGF/SF and VCAM-1 (ng/mg of proteins) were lower in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic control subjects (p=0.03 and p<0.0001, respectively). No relationship between the vitreous levels of either HGF/SF or VCAM-1 with PDR activity was detected. Finally, a correlation between the vitreal levels of HGF/SF and VCAM-1 was observed in diabetic patients (r=0.61, p=0.005) but not in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that intraocular production of HGF/SF might be more important in mediating inflammatory and fibroproliferative processes rather than in angiogenesis itself.

Diabetic Retinopathy↗
PubMed2004

Metastatic crohn's disease--penile and scrotal involvement.

Crohn's disease is a chronic granulomatous disorder, which may involve any segment of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Although extraintestinal manifestations are frequent, involvement of skin distant to the gastrointestinal tract is uncommon. We report a case of Crohn's disease affecting penile and scrotal skin.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Long-term study to assess the efficacy of tamsulosin in the control of symptoms and complications developed in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (OMNICONTROL study): first-year follow-up report.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate: i. long-term efficacy of tamsulosin in the control of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) using the I-PSS questionnaire, ii. the frequency of complications related to the disease, and iii. short and long-term tolerability of tamsulosin. METHODS: A total of 2.921 patients with LUTS suggestive of BPO for more than 6 months and total IPSS > 7 treated with tamsulosin (Omnic) in real life practice conditions in Spain entered an observational prospective multicentre clinical study. Efficacy was primarily assessed by changes from baseline to endpoint in I-PSS symptoms score (total, irritative and obstructive), and secondarily by the appearance of disease complications, and urinary flow measurements. Safety was assessed recording every suspected adverse reaction, blood pressure changes and laboratory data on months 6 and 12. Evolution in time of free flow and sonographical evaluation of the prostate were also obtained in 663 (22.7%) and 1346 (46.1%) cases, respectively, and the use of previous and concomitant medication was also analysed. RESULTS: After 6 and 12 months total I-PSS, irritative, and obstructive symptoms were significantly reduced with the use of tamsulosin 0,4 mg once daily. At 1 year follow-up total I-PSS score, irritative symptoms, and obstructive symptoms were reduced in 8.2, 3.5 and 4.8 points 146%, 45% and 48% improvement), respectively (p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients seriously symptomatic (total I-PSS score 20-35) was reduced from 34.8% at the start of the study to 8% at 6 months and 2.9% at 12 months. Mean QoL also significantly improved after 6 and 12 months of treatment. Average score QoL index was reduced from 4.1 to 1.86 after 12 months (2.24 points, 55% improvement) (p < 0.0001). Qmax also significantly improved after 6 and 12 months of treatment (p < 0.0001). The good tolerability profile of tamsulosin has been confirmed after 6 and 12 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic intervention with tamsulosin 0,4 mg once daily is effective in all parameters analysed (I-PSS questionnaire and flow study), very well tolerated and safe in the short-term (6 and 12 months) in patients with LUTS suggestive of BPO. Long-term data specifically regarding the decrease in prostate volume and the evolution of the BPH condition will be welcome.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed2003

Complete nucleotide sequence and genome organization of Pelargonium flower break virus.

The complete nucleotide sequence of Pelargonium flower break virus (PFBV) has been determined. The genomic RNA is 3923 nucleotides (nt) long and contains five open reading frames (ORFs). The 5'-proximal ORF encodes a 27 kDa protein (p27) and terminates with an amber codon which may be read-through into an in-frame p56 ORF to generate a 86 kDa protein (p86) containing the viral RNA dependent-RNA polymerase motifs. Two small ORFs, located in the central part of the viral genome, encode polypeptides of 7 (p7) and 12 kDa (p12), respectively, which are very likely involved in virus movement. Interestingly, p12 presents a leucine zipper motif that has not been previously reported in related proteins. The 3'-proximal ORF encodes a 37 kDa capsid protein (CP). The p12 ORF is in-frame with the p86 ORF and a double read-through protein of 99 kDa (p99) may be produced. Amino acid sequence comparisons revealed that the proteins encoded by ORFs 2, 3 and 4 are more similar to the corresponding gene products of Carnation mottle virus than to those of other carmoviruses, whereas the p27 and the CP show higher identity with the equivalent proteins of Saguaro cactus virus. Phylogenetic analysis conducted with the different viral products confirmed the assignment of PFBV to the genus Carmovirus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2003

Lymphocytic hypophysitis successfully treated with azathioprine: first case report.

An aggressive case of lymphocytic hypophysitis is described which was successfully treated with azathioprine after failure of corticosteroids. The patient, aged 53, had frontal headache, diplopia, and diabetes insipidus. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intrasellar and suprasellar contrast enhancing mass with involvement of the left cavernous sinus and an enlarged pituitary stalk. A putative diagnosis of lymphocytic hypophysitis was made and prednisone was prescribed. Symptoms improved but recurred after the dose was reduced. Trans-sphenoidal surgery was attempted but the suprasellar portion of the mass could not be pulled through the pituitary fossa. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lymphocytic hypophysitis. Two months later he developed aseptic meningoencephalitis which was treated with high dose methylprednisolone pulse therapy. MRI revealed a progression of suprasellar mass. At this stage azathioprine treatment was begun. Four weeks later MRI shown no evidence of residual lesion and no pituitary stalk enlargement. After follow up of 18 months without azathioprine there was no clinical or radiological evidence of the disease. This is the first evidence of the efficacy of azathioprine treatment in a patient with lymphocytic hypophysitis.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗