Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

E Rodriguez

Publications and source records attributed to E Rodriguez.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Obstetric and newborn outcomes in a cohort of HIV-infected pregnant women: a report of the women and infants transmission study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine obstetric and neonatal outcomes in a cohort of HIV-infected pregnant women and to assess whether HIV-related immunosuppression increases the risk of adverse outcomes of pregnancy. METHODS: Between 1989 and 1994, interview, physical examination, laboratory, and medical record data were prospectively collected from HIV-infected pregnant women and on their newborns. Factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcome and HIV disease status were correlated with pregnancy outcome using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 634 women delivered after 24 weeks of gestation. Preterm birth, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age neonates occurred in 20.5%, 18.9%, and 24.0% of pregnancies, respectively. Factors associated with low birth weight were CD4 percentage <14%, history of adverse pregnancy outcome, pediatric HIV infection, bleeding during pregnancy, and Trichomonas infection. Preterm birth was associated with CD4 percentage <14%, a history of adverse pregnancy outcome, and bleeding during pregnancy. Being small for gestational age was associated with maternal hard drug use during pregnancy, Trichomonas infection, history of adverse pregnancy outcome, and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse pregnancy outcomes are common for HIV-infected women and are associated with low maternal CD4 percentage and pediatric HIV infection. Preterm birth, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age ranking, however, are also associated with previously recognized sociodemographic and obstetric factors that are not unique to HIV infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Measuring phase synchrony in brain signals.

This article presents, for the first time, a practical method for the direct quantification of frequency-specific synchronization (i.e., transient phase-locking) between two neuroelectric signals. The motivation for its development is to be able to examine the role of neural synchronies as a putative mechanism for long-range neural integration during cognitive tasks. The method, called phase-locking statistics (PLS), measures the significance of the phase covariance between two signals with a reasonable time-resolution (<100 ms). Unlike the more traditional method of spectral coherence, PLS separates the phase and amplitude components and can be directly interpreted in the framework of neural integration. To validate synchrony values against background fluctuations, PLS uses surrogate data and thus makes no a priori assumptions on the nature of the experimental data. We also apply PLS to investigate intracortical recordings from an epileptic patient performing a visual discrimination task. We find large-scale synchronies in the gamma band (45 Hz), e.g., between hippocampus and frontal gyrus, and local synchronies, within a limbic region, a few cm apart. We argue that whereas long-scale effects do reflect cognitive processing, short-scale synchronies are likely to be due to volume conduction. We discuss ways to separate such conduction effects from true signal synchrony.

Brain↗
PubMed1999

Histochemical localization of reverse transcriptase in polytene chromosomes of chironomids.

The localization of a reverse transcriptase-related protein in salivary gland polytene chromosomes was investigated by immunohistochemistry in two species of Chironomus. The antibodies used were raised against a recombinant protein containing phylogenetically conserved motifs of reverse transcriptases and derived from an abundant non-LTR element previously identified in Chironomus. Immunoreactive protein was found in some telomeres, in a centromeric region, in a few interstitial bands and in Balbiani ring 3. The telomeric signal was probably dependent on transcription and increased dramatically when telomeric heat shock puffs were induced. A correlation with transcription was also seen in Balbiani ring 3, the immunobinding of which disappeared after inhibition of transcription with actinomycin D.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

The effect of arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the objective and subjective changes in a group of rheumatoid arthritic (RA) patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complaints who were subjected to joint lysis and lavage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve females with previous documented RA underwent baseline assessment with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, physical examination of TMJ function, and a visual analog pain scale (VAPS). The VAPS and jaw function changes were recorded at 2-week intervals for 6 weeks after lysis and lavage under local anesthesia in an ambulatory setting. RESULTS: All patients showed statistically significant post-treatment improvement in their pain, and function was enhanced. CONCLUSION: TMJ arthrocentisis is a useful adjunct in the short-term management of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Complete primary structure of the chicken alpha1(V) collagen chain.

Chicken alpha1(V) collagen cDNAs have been cloned by a variety of methods and positively identified. We present here the entire translated sequence of the chick polypeptide and compare selected regions to other collagen chains in the type V/XI family.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Platelet function during cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass with low-dose aprotinin.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether two low-dose regimens of aprotinin influence platelet function. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial. SETTING: University teaching hospital performing 600 cardiac operations per year. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-nine patients scheduled for cardiac surgery undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) of expected duration of 60 minutes or more. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized into three groups. Group C (control) included 21 patients who did not receive aprotinin. In group A2, 17 patients received 14,286 kallikrein inhibitor units (KIU)/kg (2 mg/kg) of aprotinin before surgery, followed by a continuous infusion of 7,143 KIU/kg/h (1 mg/kg/h) until the end of surgery. In group A4, 19 patients received 28,572 KIU/kg (4 mg/kg) of aprotinin before surgery, followed by the same infusion. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Postoperative bleeding and transfusion requirements were significantly less in group A4. Changes in platelet number and function were similar in the three groups. Platelet aggregation was assessed in four periods: before CPB (T1), post-CPB (T2), and 2 hours (T3) and 4 hours (T4) after CPB. Platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate, 1 and 2 micromol/L; ristocetin, 1 mg/mL; and arachadonic acid (AA), 1.4 mmol/L, decreased at T2 (p < 0.001) in all groups, and for the ristocetin and AA groups, remained at less than baseline values at T3 and T4. In five patients from each group, platelet receptors for glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (GPIIb-IIIa) and expression of platelet activation markers, guanosine monophosphate 140 (GMP-140) and lysosomal protein, were measured by flow cytometry before and after CPB. Modifications in the expression of GPIIb-IIIa were always modest and without statistical significance. Platelet activation markers, GMP-140 or lysosomal protein, nearly doubled from baseline to post-CPB only in the A4 group, whereas they remained stable in both other groups (statistically not significant). CONCLUSION: The two regimens of aprotinin, both considered low dosage, did not exert a protective effect on platelet function. Neither dose produced changes in platelet GPIIb-IIIa or platelet activation markers. However, bleeding and transfusion needs were decreased.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1999

Hepatitis C virus-related fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis after cardiac transplantation: is azathioprine a contributory factor?

We report a patient who acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection at cardiac transplantation, developing fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH) with early liver failure and a fatal outcome. FCH is a recently described clinicopathological entity characterized by a cholestatic pattern of serum liver enzyme abnormalities, a progressive course leading to liver failure, and a pathological picture defined by periportal fibrosis, neutrophilic infiltrates and signs of histological cholestasis. Although it was initially described secondary to hepatitis B virus infection, it has also been recently related to HCV infection. Some histopathological features consistent with azathioprine hepatotoxicity like cholestasis, perisinusoidal fibrosis, veno-subocclusive lesions and nodular regenerative hyperplasia were also observed in this case. Therefore, a direct cytopathic effect of HCV and the concurrent pathogenic role of azathioprine hepatotoxicity may be involved in the development of this complication of transplantation.

Azathioprine↗
PubMed1999

Epidemiological analysis of Trichinella spiralis infections of foxes in Brandenburg, Germany.

In a cross-sectional study conducted between March 1993 and February 1995, 7103 indiscriminately collected foxes were examined for Trichinella larvae. A total of 3295 serum samples were serologically investigated with an ELISA based on excretory-secretory antigen. The proportion of serologically positive animals ranged between 3.3% and 17.6% in random samples from individual counties or towns and resulted in an estimated overall prevalence of 7.7% (95% CI: 6.9-8.7%). Trichinella larvae were detected in the muscles of five foxes, corresponding to an estimated prevalence of 0.07% in the total sample (95% CI: 0.02-0.16%). The analysis of DNA of the Trichinella isolates by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) lead to the identification of the isolates as Trichinella spiralis. The differences between serological and parasitological findings are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

The test for severe impairment: validity with the Dementia Rating Scale and utility as a longitudinal measure.

The Test for Severe Impairment (TSI; Albert & Cohen, 1992) was compared to the Dementia Rating Scale (DRS; Mattis, 1988) on nursing home patients identified with cognitive impairment. Construct validity, criterion validity, and reliability on repeated, longitudinal testing were determined. The TSI was also compared with the shortened form of the Boston Naming Test (Mack, Freed, Williams, & Henderson, 1992). Results show that the TSI is a valid tool of different cognitive domains and is useful in longitudinal settings where repeat testing is required. Moreover, although the TSI was a test designed for late stage assessment, it is a comparable measure with the DRS and can be used across the different levels of cognitive impairment in dementia.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Combination of three typing methods for the molecular epidemiology of Aspergillus fumigatus infections. European Research Group on Biotype and Genotype of Aspergillus.

This study investigated the source of infection and strain relatedness of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from bronchial colonisation and invasive aspergillosis (IA) in four transplant patients. Environmental isolates from the patient's home and from the hospital and infecting isolates were obtained for patient A who developed IA. Clinic environmental and colonising isolates were obtained for patient B. Sequential isolates were obtained from various organs from patient C who developed IA and also from patient D who had a bronchitic aspergillosis that developed into IA. Ninety-one A. fumigatus isolates were analysed by three typing methods: multi-locus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE), random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and sequence-specific DNA primers (SSDP). The three combined typing methods demonstrated a greater differentiation of isolates than the typing methods used separately or in pairs. This demonstrated the genotypic variability of A. fumigatus and facilitated better epidemiological analysis. Large polymorphisms were demonstrated for each patient isolate between and colonies within various samples. The relatedness of the isolates suggested nosocomially acquired aspergillosis for patient B, but the source of infection for patient A remained unclear. The results suggested at least three multiple infections among the four patients. This study enabled the identification of the source of infection and strain relatedness, which in turn facilitates the development of preventive measures for patient management in the future.

Aspergillosis↗
PubMed1999

Unemployment, depression, and health: a look at the African-American community.

OBJECTIVES: While the unemployment rate of African-American people is more than twice that of the white population, the research on the impact of unemployment on the health of this population is scarce. This study analysed the impact of unemployment on depression and well being among African-American people, and the factors associated with well being. METHODS: Logistic and multiple regression models were used to analyse panel data collected in the National Survey of Families and Households 1987-1992. African-American (1369) and white (6660) respondents were analysed separately. Outcome variables included an index of depression and self reported health status. MAIN FINDINGS: Differences between employment and unemployment groups were less significant for African-Americans than for the white population in predicting depression and well being. Health enhancing factors such as education and wealth were significantly associated with better health and lower depression indices among the white population but not consistently so among African-Americans. Satisfaction with personal relationships was the strongest predictor of well being for both groups. CONCLUSION: Research should focus on the special needs and circumstances of African-Americans, because protective factors may not have the same impact in different groups of the population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Results of the rectus fascial sling and wrap procedures for the treatment of neurogenic sphincteric incontinence.

PURPOSE: We assessed the early results of the rectus fascial sling and modified rectus fascial wrap for treating neurogenic sphincteric incontinence in a pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients who underwent a rectus fascial sling or wrap procedure for neurogenic incontinence at our institution. Most recent status was confirmed by telephone interview as successful-complete day and night dryness, partially successful-occasional daytime wetting and/or nocturnal enuresis and failed-frequent daytime incontinence. Results were analyzed with regard to patient sex, associated bladder augmentation and previous or subsequent anti-incontinence surgery. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients underwent 10 sling and 18 wrap procedures. Five patients in each group were dry after 1 to 4.5 years of followup. Six of the 7 boys were wet and 1 was partially dry postoperatively, while 10 of the 20 girls became dry (p = 0.026 Fisher's exact test), resulting in an overall 36% success rate. In failed cases continence was achieved after periurethral collagen injection and artificial urinary sphincter placement in 0 of 5 and 5 of 6, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Total continence was achieved even after a brief followup in a minority of patients in whom rectus fascia was used to correct neurogenic incontinence. However, our early data suggest that cases in which these procedures fail may be salvaged by artificial urinary sphincter implantation but not by periurethral collagen injection.

Child↗
PubMed1999

The vibroacoustic disease--an emerging pathology.

Vibroacoustic disease (VAD) is the clinical manifestation of a systemic disease that develops after long-term exposure to noise (> or = 10 yr) which is characterized by large pressure amplitude (> or = 90 dB SPL) within the lower frequency bands (< or = 500 Hz). Noisy environments produce more widespread systemic effects than initially suspected. This paper describes the chronology, population studied, and the statistical treatment used in our studies of VAD over the past 20 yr. We also describe the motivation that led to the evaluation and assessment of the exposed employees. Future research aims are also discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Echocardiographic evaluation in 485 aeronautical workers exposed to different noise environments.

INTRODUCTION: Vibroacoustic disease (VAD) is a heterogeneous and systemic entity, caused by long term (> or =10 yr) exposure to noise environments characterized by large pressure amplitude and low frequency (LPALF) (> or =90 dB SPL, < or = 500 Hz), and not explained by other possible etiologic agents. The goal of this study was to identify possible structural changes in hearts of men with suspected VAD. METHODS: A total of 485 men were divided into 3 noise groups: no noise exposure (< or =70 dB), n = 48 (Group I); moderate noise exposure, (>70dB and < 90 dB), n = 113 (Group II); and intense noise exposure (> or =90 dB), n = 324 (Group III). Echo-Doppler studies were performed (HP SONOS 1500) and recorded on coded videotapes. Three observers performed blinded evaluations of 26 echo-Doppler parameters. For the purpose of the present study only 12 morphological parameters were compared among the groups: thickening of the mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves, pericardium and endocardium; mitral valve regurgitation, prolapse and ruptured chordae tendinae; and inflow velocities. Thickness and severity of the applicable parameters were scored in seven-grade scale (0,0.5,1, ...,3). RESULTS: All evaluated parameters were statistically significantly different in Group I vs. Group III, except flow velocity E. Comparison of Group I vs. Group II revealed statistically significant differences in mitral, aortic, tricuspid and pericardial thickening, with the strongest evidence for mitral and pericardial structures. CONCLUSIONS: This confirms the results of previous studies. Occupational exposure to noise environments characterized by LPALF noise causes structural changes in the heart. Mitral valve and pericardial thickening constitute the first signs of VAD.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Vibroacoustic disease: some forensic aspects.

BACKGROUND: Vibroacoustic disease (VAD) is an insidious environmental entity caused by occupational exposure to large pressure amplitude and low frequency (LPALF) noise (> or = 90 dB SPL, < or = 500 Hz). Significant disabilities may result, and issues of worker's compensation should be openly discussed and settled. Toward this goal, a rigorous review of all available information on this disease was undertaken in order to document the need to define industrial exposure standards, and to settle on the diagnostic procedures that will help distinguish the VAD from other, similar conditions. METHODS: We reviewed the medical files of 236 male Caucasians employed as aircraft technicians who had been diagnosed with VAD and monitored for at least 15 yr. The natural history of the disorder was studied in detail, emphasizing the clinical diagnostic criteria and the outcome of disabilities. RESULTS: Among the 236 cases, 172 (73%) were disabled after an average of 24 yr (SD = 6.9) of occupational exposure. The primary categories of disabilities were neurological (81, 34%), malignant (28, 11.9%), psychiatric (23, 9.7%), cardiovascular (16, 6.8%), and osteoarticular (14, 5.9%). After the onset of industrial exposure to LPALF noise, the minimum time for these disabilities to manifest themselves was 16 yr. The most serious complication was multiple attempted suicide. Such attempts were fortunately rare (5, 2.1%) and successful only once. Echocardiograms showed characteristic changes in pericardial structures, involving proliferation of the extracellular matrix, lack of cilia and five pericardial layers instead of three. This has been studied in pericardial biopsy material obtained during coronary bypass surgery for coronary insufficiency (six cases), and by autopsy (four cases). DISCUSSION: These findings appear to be pathognomonic for the VAD, and the echocardiogram has been confirmed as a fundamental diagnostic tool. The degree of disability due to VAD can be determined from Portuguese national disability tables, which cover almost all of the VAD-induced disabilities. However, these tables do not specify LPALF noise as an occupational hazard, rendering them inapplicable to VAD patients. Also, suicide, a most serious psychiatric consequence, is not covered by these tables. Such situations highlight the absolute necessity to recognize LPALF noise as the cause of VAD, and as an industrial hazard.

Adult↗