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Biomedical subjects

E Gonzalez

Publications and source records attributed to E Gonzalez.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Global survey of genetic variation in CCR5, RANTES, and MIP-1alpha: impact on the epidemiology of the HIV-1 pandemic.

Expression of CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), the major coreceptor for HIV-1 cell entry, and its ligands (e.g., RANTES and MIP-1alpha) is widely regarded as central to the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. By surveying nearly 3,000 HIV+ and HIV- individuals from worldwide populations for polymorphisms in the genes encoding RANTES, MIP-1alpha, and CCR5, we show that the evolutionary histories of human populations have had a significant impact on the distribution of variation in these genes, and that this may be responsible, in part, for the heterogeneous nature of the epidemiology of the HIV-1 pandemic. The varied distribution of RANTES haplotypes (AC, GC, and AG) associated with population-specific HIV-1 transmission- and disease-modifying effects is a striking example. Homozygosity for the AC haplotype was associated with an increased risk of acquiring HIV-1 as well as accelerated disease progression in European Americans, but not in African Americans. Yet, the prevalence of the ancestral AC haplotype is high in individuals of African origin, but substantially lower in non-Africans. In a Japanese cohort, AG-containing RANTES haplotype pairs were associated with a delay in disease progression; however, we now show that their contribution to HIV-1 pathogenesis and epidemiology in other parts of the world is negligible because the AG haplotype is infrequent in non-Far East Asians. Thus, the varied distribution of RANTES, MIP-1alpha, and CCR5 haplotype pairs and their population-specific phenotypic effects on HIV-1 susceptibility and disease progression results in a complex pattern of biological determinants of HIV-1 epidemiology. These findings have important implications for the design, assessment, and implementation of effective HIV-1 intervention and prevention strategies.

Africa↗
PubMed2001

Identification of peptide sequences specific for serum antibodies from human papillomavirus-infected patients using phage display libraries.

Three random phage display peptide libraries were screened with sera from human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected patients to characterize the specificities of antibodies present in patients' sera and to identify molecules that correspond to or mimic natural epitopes; 141 phage clones were randomly selected in three rounds of bioselection and their binding properties were analyzed in ELISA using sera from 36 patients with confirmed HPV 16 infection and 24 healthy control female blood donors. Sixteen of 36 (44%) patients' sera reacted with at least 1 phage clone, and only 2 of 24 female donors' sera showed positive reaction with 1 of the selected clones. We conclude that the combination of various disease-specific epitopes generated by screening of phage display peptide libraries may potentially lead to a multicomponent diagnostic assay for the early detection of HPV infection and precancerous cervical lesions, making possible the prevention of one of the most common cancers in women.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed2001

Impact of aging on immune modulation by tumor.

Tumor development and aging can each alter immune competence. The present study aimed to determine the impact of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) presence on immune parameters of middle-aged (averaging 6.5 months) versus aged (averaging 21.3 months) mice. An age-associated decline in the CD4+ cell frequency was seen in freshly isolated spleen and lymph node cells, as well as in cultures stimulated with immobilized anti-CD3. This decline was not further exacerbated by tumor presence. What was prominently inhibited by tumor was the capacity of either splenic or lymph node CD4+ cells to become stimulated to express IFN-gamma. Spleen and lymph node cultures from aged tumor-bearing mice had the lowest frequency of CD4+IFN-gamma+ cells and the least amount of secreted IFN-gamma. CD8+ cells were not affected by aging, but tumor presence reduced the induction of CD8+IFN-gamma+ cells in lymph node cultures. We previously showed that LLC growth stimulates myelopoiesis, as seen by splenomegaly and the mobilization of immune inhibitory CD34+ progenitor cells. Tumor presence in middle-aged mice reduced spleen cell blastogenesis, which was mediated by CD34+ cells. Aged mice had reduced blastogenesis, and this was further reduced by presence of tumor. However, neither the age-associated immune dysfunction nor the tumor-induced immune suppression in aged mice was due to CD34+ progenitor cells. These studies show how tumor presence can further compromise the immune dysfunction that accompanies aging. In addition, they show that aging impacts on the mechanisms by which tumors inhibit T-cell capabilities, with myelopoiesis-associated CD34+ cells mediating the immune depression of middle-aged tumor-bearers and an independent mechanism being responsible for the immune depression in aged tumor-bearing mice.

Aging↗
PubMed2001

Comparison of clinical outcome of stripping and CHIVA for treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities.

The purpose of this nonrandomized case-review study was to compare the outcome of stripping and CHIVA for treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities in our department. Outcome was evaluated by independent physicians. A total of 85 patients underwent saphenous vein stripping in association with phlebectomy and 90 patients underwent CHIVA cure. The duration of follow-up was 3 years. Study criteria were (1) presence of varicose veins as a cause of failure (1.1% in the CHIVA group vs. 15.3% in the stripping group), (2) appearance of telangiectasia (8.9% in the CHIVA group vs. 65.9% in the stripping group), (3) patient dissatisfaction rate (3.3% in the CHIVA group vs. 16.5% in the stripping group), (4) postoperative symptoms as a cause of failure (1.1% in the CHIVA group vs. 21.2% in the stripping group), and (5) saphenous nerve injury (1 patient in the CHIVA group vs. 16 in the stripping group). Differences between all five criteria were significantly in favor of the CHIVA group as compared to saphenous vein stripping with phlebectomy. Clinical results at 3 years are better for patients treated with CHIVA than stripping with regard to presence of varicose veins, clinical symptoms, presence of telangiectasia, cosmetic satisfaction, and neurologic complications. Data in our series of CHIVA treatments are comparable to those reported in the literature and better than those described in three series of stripping procedures with 3-year follow-up. A prospective randomized study is now underway to confirm these findings.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The validity of self-reported seatbelt use: Hispanic and non-Hispanic drivers in El Paso.

The validity of self-reported seatbelt use among low belt use populations has not been evaluated directly, despite the importance of such data for estimating the effectiveness of community-wide interventions and compliance with state laws. To address this gap in knowledge 612 drivers were recruited from convenience stores located in 12 randomly generated zip code areas located in El Paso, TX. Self-reported seatbelt use was compared with observed seatbelt use in a single sample of participants. Both data sets were collected almost contemporaneously and no participant was aware of having their seatbelt use observed. Hispanic (n = 388) and white/non-Hispanic (n = 126) drivers over reported seatbelt use by 27 and 21%, respectively. These findings suggest that response bias within low belt use populations may be greater than suggested by state and national data.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2001

Two diacylated malvidin glycosides from Petunia hybrida flowers.

Two novel diacylated and two known anthocyanins were isolated from violet flowers of Petunia hybrida cv Festival. The new anthocyanins are malvidin 3-O-(6-O-(4-O-(4-O-(6-O-feruloyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-E-p-coumaroyl)-alpha-rhamnosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside)-5-beta-D-glucopyranoside and malvidin 3-O-(6-O-(4-O-(4-O-(6-O-E-p-coumaroyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-E-p-coumaroyl)-alpha-rhamnosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside)-5-beta-D-glucopyranoside. The two known pigments are the 3-caffeoylglucosyl-p-coumaroylrutinoside-5-glucosides of malvidin and petunidin.

Acylation↗
PubMed2001

Italian drug information centres: benchmark report.

OBJECTIVE: Pharmacist-operated Drug Information Centres (DICs) in Italy were surveyed to gather current information concerning the status, availability and scope of their services. METHODS: 40 DICs were identified and a questionnaire was mailed to them. Topics covered in the questionnaire included staffing, resources, activities and services. The results were compared with previous survey results to identify trends. RESULTS: Information from 36 DICs was analysed (response rate = 90%). Almost all regions of the country are represented. Pharmacists, part-time or full-time, are the most frequent employees working in the DICs. 91% of DICs participate in the P/T committee, 74% takes part in the technical scientific committee for clinical experimentation and/or to the Medical Ethics committee and 60% participate in the hospital infection committee. 90% of DICs produce newsletters and/or bulletins and are involved in research projects. Regarding the question-answer service, requests are mainly concerned with clinical comparative efficacy, therapeutic use, adverse effects. The most frequent users are physicians (67%) followed by pharmacists (16%) while other professionals use DICs to lesser extent. The most frequently used information sources, include "Goodman and Gilman's the pharmacological basis of therapeutics", Martindale: the Extra Pharmacopeia and Physician's Desk Reference; journals such as the Medical Letter, Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin and Drug and Therapeutic Bulletin, Micromedex, Medline and IOWA databases. Data collected through the questionnaire and details about organisation and activity of Italian DICs are available in "Eupharma", the web-site of the Italian Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SIFO) at the URL http://www.sifo.it. CONCLUSION: The results parallel the European and American trends. In future communication and collaboration at European level could help to identify best practice models that would result in the standardisation of the activities and in the harmonisation of programs in common areas of interest.

Data Collection↗
PubMed2001

Corrective osteotomy for symptomatic increased ulnar tilt of the distal end of the radius.

Twelve wrists in 10 patients with a mean age of 23.6 years were treated for symptomatic increased ulnar inclination of the joint surface with corrective osteotomy of the radius. Diagnoses included mild ulnar dysplasia, posttraumatic deformity, Madelung's disease, and multiple hereditary exostosis. All patients had radial-sided wrist pain and an ulnarly displaced arc of radioulnar deviation. Preoperative radiographs showed excessive ulnar inclination of the distal radius, ulnar carpal translation, adaptive carpal malalignment, and frequent distal radioulnar joint incongruency. The patients had decreased pain and improved wrist function at a mean of 5.1 years (range, 2-10 years) after surgery. Average radial deviation changed from 3 degrees to 16 degrees and ulnar deviation from 48 degrees to 29 degrees; flexion/extension and pronosupination remained unchanged. Realignment of the wrist was shown radiographically by a change of ulnar inclination of the radius from 33 degrees to 21 degrees, an increase in scaphoid height from 16.4 to 20.4 mm, and reversal of ulnar carpal translation as shown by an increase in lunate-covering ratio of 64% to 77%. Reduction of the ulnar inclination to normal values by corrective radial osteotomy restores a more physiologic range of motion, decreases symptomatic wrist pain, reverts adaptive carpal changes to normal, increases lunate coverage, and may prevent abnormal cartilage overload in the ulnar compartment of the wrist.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Pancreatic transplantation and subsequent graft surveillance by pancreatic portal-enteric anastomosis and temporary venting jejunostomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate portal-enteric (PE) pancreas and kidney transplantation with venting jejunostomy (VJ) for its efficacy, safety, and reproducibility. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation for patients with long-standing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus that progresses to renal failure has revolutionized their treatment and quality of life. A current clinical focus is to refine the technical aspects of this procedure. Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation with PE anastomosis with VJ appears to offer several advantages over bladder drainage. VJ allows initial decompression of the enteric anastomosis, monitoring of pancreatic function by ostomy amylase, and simple access for endoscopic evaluation and biopsy of the allograft. METHODS: Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation with VJ was performed in 21 patients from December 1996 to October 2000 at Willis Knighton/LSU Regional Transplant Center. All patients had long-standing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and subsequent renal failure. They were evaluated at the time of surgery by a multidisciplinary transplant team and monitored for numerous factors, including length of hospital stay, immunosuppressive regimen, and ischemia times. All patients had intermittent visual and biochemical evaluation of pancreatic secretions monitored by means of the VJ. RESULTS: Of the 21 patients, 10 were women and 11 were men. Four patients were black and 17 were white. The mean age at transplantation was 38 years; average human leukocyte antigen (HLA) match was one; and average cold ischemia time was 12 hours. The median hospital stay was 16 days. Four episodes of postoperative bleeding requiring exploration occurred in four patients. Postoperative wound infections developed in four patients. There were 12 episodes of rejection in nine patients. All patients with suspected acute pancreatic rejection underwent endoscopy by means of the VJ and duodenal biopsy for evaluation. Two patients lost pancreatic function subsequent to kidney failure, one secondary to noncompliance and the other as a result of hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Patient, kidney, and pancreatic survival rates were 100%, 90%, and 90%, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 25 (range 2-48) months. CONCLUSION: The authors believe that PE pancreatic drainage with VJ is a more physiologic method to perform pancreatic transplantation than bladder drainage. PE drainage allows rapid diagnosis of acute rejection and anastomotic leak and provides a simple way to monitor ostomy amylase and transplant duodenal bleeding. This technique is safe and has minimal associated complications.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Evolution of human and non-human primate CC chemokine receptor 5 gene and mRNA. Potential roles for haplotype and mRNA diversity, differential haplotype-specific transcriptional activity, and altered transcription factor binding to polymorphic nucleotides in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 and simian immunodeficiency virus.

Polymorphisms in CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), the major coreceptor of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), have a major influence on HIV-1 transmission and disease progression. The effects of these polymorphisms may, in part, account for the differential pathogenesis of HIV-1 (immunosuppression) and SIV (natural resistance) in humans and non-human primates, respectively. Thus, understanding the genetic basis underlying species-specific responses to HIV-1 and SIV could reveal new anti-HIV-1 therapeutic strategies for humans. To this end, we compared CCR5 structure/evolution and regulation among humans, apes, Old World Monkeys, and New World Monkeys. The evolution of the CCR5 cis-regulatory region versus the open reading frame as well as among different domains of the open reading frame differed from one another. CCR5 cis-regulatory region sequence variation in humans was substantially higher than anticipated. Based on this variation, CCR5 haplotypes could be organized into seven evolutionarily distinct human haplogroups (HH) that we designated HHA, -B, -C, -D, -E, -F, and -G. HHA haplotypes were defined as ancestral to all other haplotypes by comparison to the CCR5 haplotypes of non-human primates. Different human and non-human primate CCR5 haplotypes were associated with differential transcriptional regulation, and various polymorphisms resulted in modified DNA-nuclear protein interactions, including altered binding of members of the NF-kappaB family of transcription factors. We identified novel CCR5 untranslated mRNA sequences that were conserved in human and non-human primates. In some primates, mutations at exon-intron boundaries caused loss of expression of selected CCR5 mRNA isoforms or production of novel mRNA isoforms. Collectively, these findings suggest that the response to HIV-1 and SIV infection in primates may have been driven, in part, by evolution of the elements controlling CCR5 transcription and translation.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Valence tautomerism and macrocycle ruffling in nickel(III) porphyrins.

Nonlocal density functional calculations with full geometry optimization have been carried out on the low-lying electronic states of oxidized nickel porphyrins. For [NiIII(P)(Py)2]+, the ground state corresponds to a t2g6(z2)1 configuration and the t2g6(x2-y2)1 configuration is 0.43 eV higher in energy. In contrast, the ground state of [NiIII(P)(CN)2]- corresponds to a t2g6(x2-y2)1 configuration, the t2g6(z2)1 configuration being 0.96 eV higher in energy. The results are consistent with EPR spectroscopic results on the TPP analogs of these complexes. For [Ni(P)(Py)2]+, the a2u- and a1u-type Ni(II) porphyrin cation radical states are higher in energy by 0.63 and 1.23 eV, respectively, relative to the t2g6(z2)1 Ni(III) ground state. The Ni-N(Porphyrin) distance is significantly shorter in [NiIII(P)(Py)2]+ (196 pm) than in [NiIII(P)(CN)2]- (206 pm), which is consistent with the ruffled and planar macrocycle conformations, respectively, in the two complexes.

Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy↗
PubMed2000

The use and outcomes of outpatient mastectomy in Florida.

BACKGROUND: To identify patient characteristics associated with outpatient mastectomies and their outcomes. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with mastectomies in Florida in 1994 were identified from state discharge abstracts and the state tumor registry. The relationship between clinical/demographic characteristics and the odds of having an outpatient mastectomy was identified using multiple logistic regression. Outcomes were assessed by calculating the risk of being rehospitalized within 30 days of discharge. RESULTS: Twenty percent of mastectomies were performed on an outpatient basis. Outpatient mastectomies were more likely to be performed on women who were older, who lived in higher income communities, or who were uninsured. Health insurance type was not associated with having an outpatient mastectomy. Women undergoing outpatient mastectomy were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days of discharge; however, the excess risk was very small (0.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The risks from outpatient mastectomy are small. Ongoing monitoring of outcomes and assessment of patient satisfaction are needed.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗
PubMed2000

Ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate fixation of the cranial bone flap after craniotomy.

BACKGROUND: This procedure was done in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ethylcyanoacrylate as an adhesive for fixation of the bone flap. METHODS: One hundred consecutive craniotomies in patients older than 16 years in which the bone flap was fixed with ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate were studied. The osteosynthesis and any complications in all cases were followed clinically and radiologically for 3 months. RESULTS: Clinical and radiographic observation demonstrated that osteosynthesis was produced in 100% of the cases with no complications related to this procedure. CONCLUSION: This technique proved to be safe, fast, and easy to accomplish, with immediate stability of the bone flap and excellent cosmetic results.

Adhesives↗
PubMed2000

Phototesting and photopatch testing: when to do it and when not to do it.

Phototesting and photopatch testing are among the most important tests in the evaluation of photodermatoses, yet their use has been restricted to specialized centers. To assist clinicians interested in conducting these procedures and in updating their techniques, we asked 4 experts to comment on these tests in the context of diagnostic approach to the photosensitive patient. A list of photoallergens and a protocol for their use is provided.

Allergens↗
PubMed2000

Effect of high-pressure treatment on the carotenoid composition and the radical scavenging activity of persimmon fruit purees.

The carotenoid composition of persimmon fruit purees of two cultivars, cvs. Rojo Brillante and Sharon, grown in Spain was determined by HPLC to assess the effects of high-pressure processing on some sensory (carotenoids), nutritional (provitamin A value), and health-related (radical-scavenging capacity) parameters. Total carotenoid content was higher in untreated Rojo Brillante puree (22. 11 microg g(-)(1)) than in untreated Sharon puree (15.22 microg g(-)(1)). Purees of both untreated cultivars showed similar carotenoid patterns after saponification with beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin as the main pigments. A high content of lycopene was quantified in Rojo Brillante (5.34 microg g(-)(1)), whereas only traces were detected in Sharon. The provitamin A value, reported as retinol equivalents (RE), was in untreated Rojo Brillante puree (77 RE/100 g) similar to that of Sharon (75 RE/100 g). Scavenging free radical capacity, measured as antiradical efficiency (AE), showed in untreated Rojo Brillante puree a value (12.14 x 10(-)(3)) 8.5 times higher than that in untreated Sharon (1. 42 x 10(-)(3)). Nonuniform behavior of high-pressure treatment was detected. Pressure treatments at 50 and 300 MPa/15 min/25 degrees C for Rojo Brillante and at 50 and 400 MPa/15 min/25 degrees C for Sharon increased the amount of extractable carotenoids (9-27%), which are related with the increase of vitamin A value (75-87 RE/100 g). No correlation with the increase of AE (from 1.42 x 10(-)(3) to 16.73 x 10(-)(3) and 19.58 x 10(-)(3)) after some pressure treatments (150 and 300 MPa/15 min/25 degrees C) was found.

Carotenoids↗