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Biomedical subjects

C Martinez

Publications and source records attributed to C Martinez.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources
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Comparative IUD study: Lippes Loop D, Dalkon Shield and TCu-200.

A study was undertaken to look at the clinical behavior of the Dalkon Shield, the Lippes Loop D and the TCu-200 inserted by physicians and midwives. Differences among the three devices were not statistically significant, although lower expulsion rates and higher pregnancy rates were reported for the Dalkon Shield. No differences were observed between insertions performed by physicians and those performed by midwives; this emphasizes the efficiency of using paramedical personnel in the field of intrauterine contraception.

Adult↗
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Listening.

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Aged↗
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[Sociodemographic differences in adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern in Spanish populations].

OBJECTIVES: Lower social classes tend to eat a less healthy diet. The aim of this study was to compare adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern among different demographic and social groups in the adult population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in southern and northern regions of Spain in healthy volunteers (15,634 men and 25,812 women), aged 29-69 years, who were members of the European Prospective Investigation on Cancer cohort in Spain. Nine groups of food were included in the definition of the Mediterranean diet: vegetables and garden products, fruits, pulses, cereals, red meat, fish, olive oil, milk and milk products, and wine. Two techniques were used in the analysis: comparison of the mean daily intake of each group and calculation of an overall score for all the foods according to educational level and original social class. RESULTS: Groups with the lowest educational levels consumed more cereals and pulses and lower quantities of vegetables, olive oil (women), milk and milk products (men). Wine consumption was positively associated with education in women and was negatively associated in men. Calculation of a score to measure overall adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern eliminated differences according to each food category. No variations were found according to educational level, but small differences were found in original social class. The adherence score was lowest in young adults and women and was slightly higher in the south than in the north of Spain. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the Mediterranean dietary pattern is fairly uniform, at least in the adult population of the regions included in this study.

Adult↗
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[Action of Bacillus sphaericus endopeptidases on bacterial peptidoglycans and peptidoglycan fragments].

Two endopeptidases have been characterized in Bacillus sphaericus 9602: a gamma-D-glutamyl-(L) meso-diaminopimelate endopeptidase (endopeptidase I) and a gamma-D-glutamyl-L-diaminoacid endopeptidase (endopeptidase II). They are active on the peptide moieties of some bacterial peptidoglycans. Their specificities have been studied on peptides or monomeric glycopeptides derived from peptidoglycans. Their study was attempted on dimeric and polymeric fragments of a E. coli radioactive peptidoglycan. Those compounds are specifically labelled on the meso-diaminopimelate residues and are listed below.

Bacillus↗
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Establishment of idiotypic helper T-cell repertoires early in life.

Immunoglobulin variable-region (V) genes, it is now recognized, do not encode specific receptors for T lymphocytes. Classical observations on T-cell expression of immunoglobulin idiotypes had remained unexplained until recent experiments showed that immunoglobulin idiotypes expressed by T lymphocytes in normal mice are absent in cells of the same specificity isolated from donors whose B-cell system has been suppressed by administration of anti-mu antibodies from birth. This observation provided evidence for the 'learning' of T-cell idiotypes from the B-cell/antibody system and, therefore, for the importance of idiotypic network interactions in the selection of available lymphocyte repertoires before antigenic challenge. Previously described influences of B cells and/or antibodies on the T-helper (Th) cell compartment would appear to operate at the level of clonal repertoires by complementarities with defined immunoglobulin idiotypes. Other authors, however, had previously shown the striking stability of T-cell idiotype expression in chimaeric animals reconstituted with T and B cells originating from donors showing differential idiotype expression. We have now investigated this apparent discrepancy and present here results demonstrating that immunoglobulin-dependent selection of T-cell (idiotypic) repertoires only operates for the first 3 weeks of life.

Age Factors↗
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The membrane receptor complex regulating induction and clonal expansion of normal murine B lymphocytes.

Induction of resting B lymphocytes results from the interaction of competent ligands or helper cells with "triggering receptors." Subsequent clonal expansion and performance are thought to be regulated by the interaction of selective growth or maturation factors with specific receptors on induced B cells. A set of membrane molecules of B lymphocytes, including IgM, IgD, IA, IE, lipopolysaccharide receptors, receptors for Fc and C3b, and other non-immunoglobulin structures recognized by some antiidiotypic antibodies, display ligand-induced relationships. Functional studies also indicate that this group of molecules functions as a complex that regulates delivery of inductive signals, the expression of growth and maturation receptors, and/or the outcome of the interactions of these receptors with the corresponding factors.

Animals↗
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Vasoactive intestinal peptide in thymus: synthesis, receptors and biological actions.

Evidence summarized in this report indicates that thymocytes produce and secrete VIP. Moreover, different stimuli such as Con A, LPS and anti-TCR antibody induce a significant increase in VIP production by thymocytes. In addition, proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, but not IL-2, stimulate in a similar time-dependent manner VIP production by lymphocytes. We also describe the expression of VIP1 receptor and VIP2 receptor mRNA in murine thymocytes. Thus, VIP released in thymus microenvironment may modulate immune functions through direct binding to VIP receptors on thymocytes. Our functional data support that VIP through the interaction with their specific receptors affect three important aspects of thymocytes function: cytokine production, mobility and apoptosis.

Animals↗
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Antipyrine clearance in surgical patients maintained on hypocaloric peripheral parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Antipyrine clearance (CLAP) constitutes a sensitive indicator of hepatic microsomal enzyme activity providing specific information on hepatic function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of hypocaloric peripheral parenteral nutrition on CLAP in patients receiving nutrition support after elective surgery. METHODS: CLAP was measured in 15 patients before elective gastrointestinal surgery and 6 days after the surgery. Antipyrine (1 g) was administered orally, and CLAP was determined by the one-sample method. Subjects received a postoperative 786 kcal/d regimen providing 66 g of amino acid per day and 133 g of glucose per day for 5 days. Nutritional status was evaluated by anthropometric parameters. A control group of 15 patients received no postoperative hypocaloric peripheral parenteral nutrition but received conventional fluid therapy. RESULTS: Mean CLAP was increased by 61% (0.66 +/- 0.06 mL/min.kg-1 body wt vs 0.41 +/- 0.05 mL/min.kg-1 body wt in the preoperative period; p < .001), and antipyrine half-life was reduced by 42% (10.9 +/- 1.0 hours vs 18.9 +/- 2.0 hours; p < .001) after 5 days of hypocaloric peripheral parenteral nutrition. No significant modification was shown among control patients in CLAP (0.54 +/- 0.07 mL/min.kg-1 body wt vs 0.46 +/- 0.05 mL/min.kg-1 body wt in the preoperative period) or in antipyrine half-life (14.0 +/- 1.4 hours vs 16.5 +/- 1.8 hours). No significant correlation was observed between CLAP changes and those for the nutritional status of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicate that oxidative drug-metabolizing capacity is increased in surgical patients maintained on hypocaloric peripheral parenteral nutrition. Clinicians should be conscious of the potential of this effect for altering the efficacy or toxicity of many therapeutic agents.

Adult↗
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Microphthalmos with cyst: clinical presentations and computed tomographic findings.

Four patients with microphthalmos with cyst were examined and evaluated by computed tomography (CT). Each patient had a different clinical presentation, which varied according to the appearance of the anterior segment and the size and location of the orbital cyst. All had very poor vision in the involved eye. CT was of great value in the diagnosis and definition of this condition. The differentiation of microphthalmos with cyst from coloboma and from other orbital masses by means of CT is discussed.

Child, Preschool↗
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False-positive ethylene glycol levels in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe two patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and positive ethylene glycol levels and to call attention to the possibility of a false-positive ethylene glycol determination in patients with ketoacidosis. METHODS: Clinical manifestations and laboratory tests in the two patients were summarized. Serum specimens for both patients were analyzed for ethylene glycol, serum ketones, glucose, osmolality, pH, and electrolytes. RESULTS: Respective laboratory findings in our two patients were as follows: serum glucose levels, 56.4 and 45.7 mmol/L; serum acetone, positive in 1:80 and 1:128 dilution; serum osmolality, 366 and 377 mmol/kg; pH, 6.9 and 7.2; and ethylene glycol, 3.46 and 2.45 mmol/L. CONCLUSION: Neither of these two elderly women had ingested ethylene glycol; nevertheless, both had positive results for ethylene glycol on a blood toxicology screen. Review of the literature demonstrates that false-positive ethylene glycol levels can be detected in patients with ketoacidosis. This information is documented in this report and should alert practicing physicians to such a possibility.

Journal Article↗
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[Situation and adequacy analysis of dysphagia diets at a regional hospital].

UNLABELLED: The study aims at confirming the adequacy of diets prescribed for dysphagia during hospitalization through a specific questionnaire to identify, give advice, and manage dysphagia. To compare and analyze the diet for dysphagia offered at our Hospital with the recommendations for a dysphagia diet published in recent nutritional literature. From the results obtained, to establish diet improvements (if necessary) and nursing working tools aimed at early detection of swallowing problems and decreasing the risk for Hyponutrition, dehydration and aspiration. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study among patients from our hospital with a prescription for a dysphagia diet is performed, assessing the diet usefulness, the characteristics of the 30 patients admitted at the Hospital Complex of Segovia, in several nursing units and with an established diet for dysphagia for two months and with different pathologies. Ages were comprised between 68-85 years. RESULTS: The questionnaire was analyzed and we verified that all patients had a swallowing impairment. The nutritional analysis showed an inadequate adaptation of hospital diet to dysphagia patients with regards to consistency of some dishes and the poor energy intake was significant (x 1339 kcal), poor protein intake (58 g), and a deficiency in some minerals (iron and calcium), and vitamins (vitamin C). CONCLUSIONS: Dysphagia is a problem that affects a considerable number of patients in our Hospital (10-15%). The diet provided by the Hospital was inadequate before the study. A more adequate diet has been designed with regards to nutritional value and consistency, its indication is broaden, as well as interventional measures and previous patient assessment. The Nutrition Unit has implemented improvements in nutritional content.

Aged↗