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Biomedical subjects

D Casanova

Publications and source records attributed to D Casanova.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

The deleterious effect of donor high plasma sodium and extended preservation in liver transplantation. A multivariate analysis.

The aim of this study was to analyze the donor risk factors associated with second orthotopic liver transplantation (reOLT) and graft loss after OLT within 1 month. A total of 649 OLTs performed in 11 centers in Spain during the period from 1992 to 1993 were analyzed retrospectively. Eleven donor and recipient variables were studied. Biochemical evolution of the OLT, biliary and arterial complications, patient status (alive, retransplanted, or dead), and follow-up were also recorded. Bivariate study demonstrated that extended preservation ( > 12 hr) was associated with increased biliary complications (P = 0.02), and lower prothrombin time (P = 0.04). In a logistic model regression for biliary complications, ischemia > 12 hr was an independent risk factor (odds ratio = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-4.3). The multivariate Cox proportional model of potential risk factors showed that only urgent reOLT (relative risk [RR] = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.4-5.4) was independently associated with higher 30-day mortality. Donor plasma sodium > 155 mmol/L (RR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0-2.2) and incompatible ABO graft (RR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.3-7.9) were independently associated with increased rate of reOLT before 30 days. Donor plasma sodium > 155 mmol/L (RR = 2, 95% CI = 1.1-3.6) and incompatible graft (RR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.4-8.2) were independently associated with graft loss (death or reOLT) before 1 month. We conclude that cold ischemia should be kept less than 12 hr in order to avoid biliary complications. Donors over 60 years old or with plasma sodium > 155 should be carefully evaluated before OLT.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Sex difference in Fel d 1 allergen production.

BACKGROUND: Previous experiments have shown that in vivo Fel d 1 production is under hormonal control. It strongly decreased 1 month after castration of male cats and increased after testosterone injection. OBJECTIVE: These results led us to put forward the hypothesis that Fel d 1 production could be more important in male that in female cats. Five adult male and five adult female cats were studied. METHODS: On day 0 three separate sites of each cat's trunk were shaved, and a 5.72 cm2 area in each site was washed twice (D0a and D0b) with 5 ml of distilled water. Then a collar was attached to the neck to prevent contamination from saliva. Twenty-four hours later on day 1, all areas were washed again once (D1a). Skin washes and fur extracts from the shaved areas were evaluated for Fel d 1 content. The same procedures (apart from collection of fur) were repeated 5 months later. RESULTS: The Fel d 1 level was higher in the first skin wash of male cats compared with that of female cats on each separate site of the trunk in both experiments, initially and 5 months later. Results were significant in the first experiment (median Fel d 1 per milliliter: 69.4 and 28.9 mU, respectively, for the combined three sites; p < 0.05). Fel d 1 production over a 24-hour period was higher in male cats, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Furthermore, correlation between Fel d 1 levels in washes D0a and in fur was highly significant (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These results confirm that Fel d 1 originates from skin. Furthermore, they suggest that Fel d 1 production is higher in male than in female cats.

Allergens↗
PubMed1996

[Determination of spirometric values in a normal Chilean population over 5 years old, at sea level].

BACKGROUND: The interpretation of spirometric results requires reference values. Up to the moment, the reference values used in Chile are those of Knudson et al, obtained in a white North American population studied in Tucson, USA. AIM: To obtain reference spirometric values from a Chilean population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Maximal expiratory flow-volume curves were obtained from a randomly selected population of 850 healthy non-smoking subjects living at sea level, in cities without atmospheric pollution. Equipment and techniques were used according to the recommendations of the American Thoracic Society. RESULTS: Linear regression equations were obtained, using age and height as independent variables and spirometric values as dependent variables, for both sexes and ages from 6 to 70 years old. Our values for forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume were 9 to 18% and 10 to 15% higher than those reported by Knudson et al. CONCLUSIONS: Chilean spirometric reference values differ from those used abroad, emphasizing the need to use local standards to interpret spirometric results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Skin expansion on the extremities].

The indications for skin expansion in the limbs are now well defined. This technique is particularly irreplaceable below the knee, and allows the resection of very large lesions despite a minimal skin capital. More than in other sites, it is a difficult technique which requires rigour and a sound basis in reconstructive surgery. The operative plan must include precise assessment of the tissue gain with selection of prostheses adapted to local conditions. The techniques of insertion, filling and resection must be irreproachable. The functional and aesthetic indications are numerous and the technique often provides a minimal residual scar.

Dermatologic Surgical Procedures↗
PubMed1995

Actin interaction with purified dystrophin from electric organ of Torpedo marmorata: possible resemblance with filamin-actin interface.

We have purified dystrophin from Torpedo marmorata electric tissue by means of alkaline extraction in conjunction with an affinity chromatography column using anti-peptide antibodies. Using solution (cosedimentation) and solid phase experiments (sedimentation with Sepharose filamentous actin and ELISA), we have demonstrated that purified dystrophin is able to bind filamentous and monomeric actin. Using ELISA coupled with biotin labelled peptides and taking advantage of strong affinity binding of streptavidin-biotin complex, we have identified two exposed sequences of the actin molecule implicated in dystrophin binding: fragment 40-113, further restricted to peptide 75-106 and peptide 360-372. In a previous study, we have shown that fragment 40-113 displays binding site(s) for filamin but probably not for alpha-actinin. Moreover, we have recently reported that alpha-actinin and filamin display divergent behaviours towards conformational changes of actin. In this study, we have demonstrated that, similarly to filamin, dystrophin binding is insensitive to the locking of actin in a monomeric conformation. Taken together, these results lead us to favour the idea that dystrophin could share properties in common with filamin in its binding of actin.

Actinin↗
PubMed1995

[Prevalence of smoking in a general population in Valparaiso and Viña del Mar].

The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of smoking in an urban population from cities with low environmental pollution. From a sampling of basic and high school children, 1959 subjects coming from 406 homes were selected for the study and answered a questionnaire about smoking. The adjusted prevalence of smoking among subjects older than 10 years old was 36.5% and 40.8% in subjects older than 15 years old. Prevalence in males was 49.4% and 35% in female. However among subjects between 10 and 15 years old, females had a higher prevalence of smoking. Most subjects smoked 1 to 9 cigarettes/day, always aspirated smoke and consumed all the cigarette. The prevalence of passive smokers was 65.5%. It is concluded that the prevalence of smoking is high, that women are starting to smoke earlier than men and that no effort is being made to stop this habit.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Accidents of chemotherapy involving the upper limb].

Subcutaneous extravation of antimitotic agents in the upper limb is a rare complication of chemotherapy. The functional integrity of the limb can be compromised due to severe skin damage. Extensive soft tissue necrosis is difficult to manage and cannot always be repaired without sequellae. Based on an analysis of a series of patients and a review of the literature, we report the main pathophysiological features and clinical signs of such accidents as well as the still debated therapeutic management. Two points are essential: the emergency situation created by these accidents requiring adequate and rapid treatment despite the apparently benign appearance of the extravation and imperative prevention which is the main therapeutic tool.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1994

The role of nitric oxide in IL-1 beta-mediated dysfunction of rodent islets of Langerhans. Implications for the function of intrahepatic islet grafts.

Products of inflammation, such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and nitric oxide (NO), may impair early function of pancreatic islet grafts. In in vitro studies, freshly isolated rat islets of Langerhans cultured for 24 hr (10 islets/well) in the presence of 20 IU/ml of IL-1 beta released 57% less insulin (mean +/- S.E. of 151 +/- 61 microU) on the average than control (385 +/- 89 microU) cultures (n = 9, P = 0.08). Nitrite levels in the medium (indirect measure of NO) after islets were cultured for a 24-hr period were nearly 3-fold greater in IL-1 beta-exposed islets than control islet cultures (5.8 +/- 1.0 microM vs. 2.2 +/- 0.3 microM, P = 0.03). Production of nitrite by islet cells in the presence of IL-1 beta was inhibited in cultures also containing 2 mM L-NG-monomethyl-Arginine (L-NMMA) (3.4 +/- 0.4 microM, n = 9, P = 0.09 vs. control). When islets were maintained for 1 hr in 30 mg/dl glucose followed by 300 mg/dl for 1 hr, insulin release (stimulated) increased 6-fold (from 7 +/- 2 to 45 +/- 11 microU) in control cultures but only 3-fold (from 4 +/- 2 to 12 +/- 4 microU) in IL-1 beta-exposed cultures (n = 9, P = .01). Addition of 2 mM L-NMMA to islet cultures in the presence of IL-1 beta (20 IU/ml) (n = 9) restored insulin release to normal (from 6 +/- 2 to 38 +/- 9 microU, P > or = 0.6), suggesting that NO mediates the inhibitory effect of IL-1 beta on beta-cell function. In in vivo studies, rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes (blood glucose > 400 mg/dl) received minimal (750 hand-picked islets) intraportal beta cell mass isografts with (n = 5) or without (n = 9) treatment with 100 mg/7 days of L-NMMA from 3 days before transplantation to 4 days after transplantation (POD -3 to +4). L-NMMA-treated rats became euglycemic (glucose < 200 mg/dl) earlier than nontreated rats (mean +/- SD of 6.4 +/- 2.5 vs. 16.7 +/- 4.7 days posttransplant, P = 0.001). These findings support the hypothesis that NO is a mediator of beta cell dysfunction after intraportal transplantation of freshly isolated islets of Langerhans.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Characterization of the actin binding site on smooth muscle filamin.

We have isolated an NH2-terminal fragment of filamin (M(r) = 70,000) after digestion with Staphylococus aureus V8 protease. This fragment was shown to interact with filamentous actin in cosedimentation assays. Using cross-reactive anti-peptides antibodies directed against the strongly conserved 27-mer sequence of alpha-actinin, already implicated as an actin binding site (Kuhlman, P. A., Hemmings, L., and Critchley, D. R. (1992) FEBS Lett. 304, 201-206), we obtained evidence suggesting that the homologous sequence of filamin (121-147 sequence) is the major element in the interaction with actin. In particular, we used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay experiments, in conjunction with a synthetic peptide approach, and found that the hydrophobic part of the 27-mer peptide (141-147 sequence) is largely involved in actin binding. Thus, the filamin sequence 121-147 (or the alpha-actinin sequence 108-134) and the actin counterpart composed of residues 112-125 and 360-372 (we have already implicated) could constitute the main interface between actin and these cytoskeletal proteins. However, the divergent behavior of filamin and alpha-actinin toward conformational changes of actin argues in favor of distinctive interfaces. Finally, the ionic strength dependence of the filamin-actin interaction, in contrast to that with alpha-actinin, strongly suggests that, besides hydrophobic interactions conferred by the 27-mer sequence, more hydrophilic region(s) of filamin participate(s) in the binding.

Actinin↗
PubMed1994

Could the piggyback operation in liver transplantation be routinely used?

OBJECTIVE: To determine if orthotopic liver transplantation with inferior vena cava preservation, performed without using caval cross clamping or venovenous bypass, can minimize hemodynamic instability and low renal perfusion pressure. DESIGN: A prospective case series of 44 consecutive adult orthotopic liver transplantations, with a maximum follow-up of 30 months. SETTING: An institutional university referral center. PATIENTS: Between November 1990 and May 1993, 39 consecutive adult liver transplant recipients underwent transplantation with the following primary diagnoses: alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 23), viral cirrhosis (n = 9), primary biliary cirrhosis (n = 2), Wilson's disease (n = 2), primary sclerosing cholangitis (n = 1), fulminant hepatic failure (n = 1), and secondary hepatic malignant neoplasm (n = 1); five had repeated orthotopic liver transplantation. INTERVENTION: Orthotopic liver transplantations were performed using the piggyback technique, but with placement of the vascular clamp on the inferior vena cava laterally instead of across it so that it remained patent throughout the anhepatic stage. Favorable anatomic conditions in the recipients were not considered; venovenous bypass was not used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraoperative hemodynamic profile, blood loss and replacement, surgical time and complications, and patient survival. RESULTS: No significant hemodynamic changes with lateral clamping and no increases in surgical complications, rate of retransplantation, blood product requirements, or survival rate compared with the standard procedure. CONCLUSION: The piggyback operation could be routinely used in orthotopic liver transplantation.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Effects of castration and testosterone on Fel dI production by sebaceous glands of male cats: I--Immunological assessment.

Fel dI is produced by salivary and sebaceous glands. Hormonal control of sebum production is clearly established. The influence of cat castration and supplementary treatment with testosterone on the production of sebum and Fel dI in cat skin have been researched in this study. On day 1, 12 male cats were anaesthetized and three skin areas carefully shaven. Then the level of lipids on skin surface was measured by means of a photometric method. Finally, the three areas of skin were washed with 5ml of distilled water through a plastic cylinder. Fel dI collected in the washes was measured with a two-site monoclonal antibody based ELISA. On day 2, six cats were castrated, the other six were used as a control group. Two and 4 weeks later, the levels of lipids and Fel dI in skin washes were measured again in all cats. On day 30, the six castrated cats were injected intramuscularly with prolonged-action testosterone. Two weeks later, quantification of lipids and Fel dI in all animals was repeated. Sebum and Fel dI levels decreased in all castrated animals. Injecting the castrated cats with testosterone led to a significant increase in sebum and Fel dI production. Our findings indicate that Fel dI production is influenced by the production of hormones.

Allergens↗
PubMed1994

[Surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism].

The authors report their experience with treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in a series of 1496 patients (September 1991). The clinical profile of the disease has changed in the past few years, incomplete or even asymptomatic forms of the disease are now more common. The results of treatment have considerably improved (99% cure rate), progress is essentially due to two factors: surgeons have gained in experience and diagnostic errors have disappeared thanks to the reliability of laboratory tests and hormone level determination.

Humans↗
PubMed1993

The in vivo and in vitro effect of 15-deoxyspergualin on pancreatic islet function.

15-deoxyspergualin (DSG) is a novel immunosuppressive agent that has been shown to prolong the function of islet allografts in both small and large animal models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of DSG on in vitro glucose-induced insulin secretion by isolated islets and on glucose disposal in vivo. Incubation of human or rat islets for 24 hr in the presence of DSG (1, 2, 5 or 10 micrograms/ml) did not effect their secretory capacity. In addition, glucose disposal and insulin secretion by normal rats was unaffected by the daily administration of DSG (1, 4, or 10 mg/kg) for 1 week. In contrast to cyclosporine, prednisone, and FK506, DSG does not appear to be associated with altered beta cell function or disordered glucose disposal and is an attractive alternative with potential usefulness in clinical islet allo-transplantation.

Animals↗