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Biomedical subjects

E Valenzuela

Publications and source records attributed to E Valenzuela.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

A comparison of the head and cervical posture between the self-balanced position and the Frankfurt method.

Head and cervical posture evaluation has been a concern for many years, not only because of the purported relationship that exists between head and cervical posture in the presence of temporomandibular disorders, neck pain and headache, but also because of the biomechanical relationship between the head and cervical spine and dentofacial structures. Many methods have been suggested in an attempt to establish the best way to evaluate the position of the head using teleradiographs and cephalometric analysis. However, there is still no agreement as to which procedure is the best. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences that exist between craniocervical measurements in lateral teleradiographs when comparing the position of the head in the self-balanced position to the position of the head using the Frankfurt method (Frankfurt plane parallel to the floor). Sixty-eight subjects who sought dental treatment in community health centres in Talca, Chile participated in this study. Rocabado analysis was used to measure the craniocervical variables. The Cobb analysis was used to measure cervical lordosis. A paired student t-test was used to evaluate the differences between both procedures, using an alpha of 0.05 and a power of 0.90. The use of the cephalostat changed only the craniocervical angle (P < 0.001). However, this change was minimal. No changes related to gender and age were found. More studies are needed to determine the variation between different procedures and to define a good procedure for evaluating head posture.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Constituents of Coriaria ruscifolia fruits.

Corianin (1) and ellagic acid 3,3'-dimethylether (2) were obtained from the methanol extract of powdered fruits of Coriaria ruscifolia. Biological screening of both compounds and of the methanol extract revealed slight antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[The collagen of the restenosis post angioplasty with stent: Is its origin in intima or adventitia?].

BACKGROUND: Restenosis post stenting is due to the deposit of extracellular matrix, mainly collagen in the neointima. Controversy exists regarding if collagen is generated locally or by immigration from the adventitia. AIM: To study the fibrocellular response after stent implantation in rabbit iliac arteries. To observe, by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, if collagen type I mRNA is expressed in the neointima, in the media or in the adventitia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty eight white rabbits (New Zealand) of 4 kg received an hypercholesterolemic diet during 1 month. After this period, in all but 6 of them, an angioplasty with stent implantation was performed via right carotid artery in both iliac arteries, using a 1:1.3 relationship regarding the reference vessel. Angiograms were performed at day 0, 4, 21, and 40, followed by paraffin fixation of the injured segments, immunohistochemistry for alpha-actin and in situ hybridization to detect procollagen type I (alpha 1R1) mRNA. RESULTS: No hybridization was observed in non injured arteries or at day 0 (n = 6). Expression of alpha 1R1 mRNA was observed in the neointima starting at day 4 after stenting (n = 8). At day 21 (n = 8) hybridization of procollagen type I was not only observed in the neointima, but also in the media, which became equally intense in both areas. At day 40 (n = 6) hybridization was observed similarly in the media and adventitia. CONCLUSIONS: In this model, hybridization of procollagen type I started in the neointima, then involved the media and finally the adventitia. This finding might be useful for designing therapies to be delivered locally at the end of an angioplasty to prevent collagen deposition in the neointima.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗
PubMed2000

[Depression in the aged: preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness, as an screening instrument, of the 5-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale].

INTRODUCTION: The best approach to improve under-recognition of depression is routine screening, ideally using an instrument that is highly effective and easy to administer. OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of the 5-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (5-GDS) for depression screening in a community-dwelling Chilean elderly population. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: 110 subjects were evaluated at the geriatric outpatient clinic of a university teaching hospital. Patients answered a questionnaire that included the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and demographic information. Using the 15-item GDS score as reference standard to classify subjects as depressed, test characteristics of the 5-GDS were evaluated. RESULTS: Subjects had a mean 15-item GDS score of 5.4; 47% classified as depressed. Depressed and not depressed subjects were similar with regard to demographics, educational level and comorbid conditions. The mean score was 1.9 for the 5-item GDS. Pearson correlation for 15-item and 5-item GDS scores was 0.92, p < 0.001. Using 15-item GDS score as reference standard, the 5-item GDS had a sensitivity of 0.88, specificity 0.90, positive predictive value 0.88 and negative predictive value 0.90. CONCLUSIONS: The 5-item GDS seems to be a promising screening tool for depression. If revalidated against clinical evaluation, it might be the preferred screening tool for depression in the Chilean community-dwelling elderly.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Anti-proliferative effect of two novel palmitoyl-carnitine analogs, selective inhibitors of protein kinase C conventional isoenzymes.

Previous studies have shown that palmitoyl-carnitine is an anti-proliferative agent and a protein kinase C inhibitor. Two new palmitoyl-carnitine analogs were synthesized by replacing the ester bond with a metabolically more stable ether bond. An LD50 value in the nM range was found in anti-proliferative assays using HL-60 cells and was dependent on the alkyl-chain length. The inhibitory action of these water-soluble compounds on protein kinase C in vitro was greatly increased with respect to palmitoyl-carnitine and was dependent on the length of the alkyl chain. Its effect was mediated by an increase in the enzyme's requirement for phosphatidylserine. Inhibition of the in situ phosphorylation of a physiological platelet protein kinase C substrate and of phorbol ester-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells was also observed. Finally, to test for isoenzyme selectivity, several human recombinant protein kinase C isoforms were used. Only the Ca2+-dependent classic protein kinase Cs (alpha, betaIota, betaIotaIota and gamma) were inhibited by these compounds, yet the activities of casein kinase I, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase were unaffected. Thus, these novel inhibitors appear to be both protein kinase C and isozyme selective. They may be useful in assessing the individual roles of protein kinase C isoforms in cell proliferation and tumor development and may be rational candidates for anti-neoplasic drug design.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Ambulatory geriatric assessment of 2116 in poor elderly].

BACKGROUND: Geriatric assessment quantifies medical, functional, mental and social capabilities and alterations of elders and is the first step to initiate specific intervention programs. AIM: To report the initial geriatric assessment of a program aimed to help poor elders living in Metropolitan Santiago. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two thousand one hundred sixteen free living subjects aged 65 to 99 years old (711 males) were subjected to an assessment using a simple geriatric score validated abroad and used previously in Chile. The resulting score ranges from 0 (better) to 5 (worst). RESULTS: Eighty eight percent of elders did not have problems in the functional evaluation. Subjects over 75 years old needed occasional support for the daily activities with higher frequency than younger subjects (12 and 5.4% respectively, p < 0.001) and had a higher frequency of major functional limitations (7.8 and 3.2% respectively, p < 0.001). Mental assessment was considered normal in 89.4% of subjects. Those over 75 years old had a higher frequency of memory disturbances (11.4 and 6.5% respectively) and cognitive alterations (4.6 and 1.8% respectively). Indefinite social support could be received by 84% of subjects, but 7.4% did not have access to this resource. CONCLUSIONS: Geriatric assessment of poor elders gives useful information to identify those subjects that require community help.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1998

[Application of RUG-T18 classification system to elderly patients admitted to a university hospital].

BACKGROUND: Among case mix classifications, the best for hospitalized elders is the Resource Utilization Groups (RUG) system, which allows a better location of patients, resource administration and the design of health care strategies for elderly people. AIM: To report the results of RUG-T18 classification of elderly patients admitted to an university hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RUG-T18 classification was applied to 210 patients aged 75.2 +/- 7.2 years old, 108 male, admitted to the Clinical Hospital of the Catholic University of Chile. RESULTS: The clinical classification of assessed patients was rehabilitation in 50.9% of cases, special care in 10.5%, clinically complex in 37.1% and reduced physical functions in 0.5%. None had behavioral alterations. There were no differences between subjects older or younger than 75 years old. Daily life activities showed that help was required for sphincter control in 46% of patients, for feeding in 44% and for mobilization in 64% (28% of patients required help from two or more people). Geriatric assessment showed that, since 1993, the proportion of elders with greater functional derangement increased from 18 to 28%, and the proportion of those with mental disturbances from 4 to 12%, specially among those over 75 years old. CONCLUSIONS: Most elders admitted to the hospital are classified in the superior categories of the RUG-T18 system and have severe mental and functional limitations. These patients require a multidisciplinary approach with a great emphasis in rehabilitation.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

[Comparative study of institutionalized and non-institutionalized nonagenarians].

BACKGROUND: The 1992 census showed that 10,470 people over 90 years old lived in Santiago and we do not have information about their general medical status. AIM: To evaluate and compare quality of life and functional status of free living and institutionalized nonagenarians in Santiago. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: During 24 months, 241 people of 90 years or older were interviewed. One hundred twenty seven (96 female) lived in their own homes and 114 (108 female) lived in institutions. The geriatric evaluation scale, validated in previous studies, was used as the assessment instrument. RESULTS: Mean age of subjects was 94 years old (range 90 to 106). Eight percent of subjects were bedridden. No differences in general condition, fecal or urinary continence, nutritional status, blood pressure, cognition, sight and hearing acuity, were observed between free living and institutionalized subjects. Free living elders had a significantly higher number of brothers or offspring and 90% were happy with the place where they lived. CONCLUSIONS: Most nonagenarians in Santiago are in good general medical conditions. Probably, the decision to become institutionalized depends more on lack of family support than on worse medical, functional or mental conditions.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

[Rotational atherectomy (Rotablator) for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty].

BACKGROUND: The use of Rotablator in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty attempts to reduce the atheromatous plaque abrading it and fragmenting the parietal calcium of the artery. AIM: To report our experience with the use of Rotablator. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Rotational atherectomy was performed in 189 patients aged 60.8 +/- 11 years (154 men). The clinical indication for the procedure was chronic angina in 22%, unstable angina in 44%, myocardial infarction in 21%, silent angina in 7% and re-stenosis in 6%. One hundred seventy seven patients were followed for a mean of 15.9 +/- 6.3 months. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty six stenoses in 215 coronary arteries were treated with a 98.7% angiographic success rate. One patient had a Q infarction and no patient died or required emergency surgery. Fourteen patients had rises in CK MB enzymes (non Q infarction). Three patients had a pseudoaneurism and three had bleedings that required transfusion. Of the followed patients, 33 had a clinically suspected re-stenosis, that was angiographically confirmed in 23. Cardiac mortality was 2.3%. Seventy nine percent of patients had an evolution without angina or coronary events. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with the use of Rotablator had a high immediate success rate and a low incidence of complications. The clinical evolution of patients has been favorable with a low incidence of mortality and ischemic events.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

[Adverse drug reactions among hospitalized elderly patients. Prospective study].

BACKGROUND: It is not clear if old age is a risk factor for adverse drug reactions. AIM: To study the incidence of adverse drug reactions and the effect of age in patients admitted to an Internal Medicine Service in an university hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred one patients, hospitalized at the Clinical Hospital of the Catholic University, were studied. These patients were followed using a prospective pharmacological surveillance method. For statistical purposes, patients aged 65 years old or older were compared with those younger than 65 years old. RESULTS: Patients over 65 years old had a 33% incidence of adverse drug reactions, mainly involving cardiovascular system and provoking metabolic disturbances. Younger subjects had a 24% incidence of adverse drug reactions, mainly involving the gastrointestinal system and the skin. Sixteen percent of adverse drug reactions were classified as severe and there was a direct relationship between its frequency and the number of drugs prescribed, the hospitalization length and the presence of renal failure. Younger patients with adverse drug reactions had lower serum albumin levels than those without adverse reactions. This relationship was not observed in older patients. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of adverse drug reactions in hospitalized patients, is related to the number of drugs prescribed and the length of hospitalization.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1996

[Pilot experience with the use of an ambulatory geriatric assessment instrument].

BACKGROUND: Ten percent of the Chilean population is over 60 years old and general practitioners need an instrument to assess the degree of disability and multiple ailments of elders. AIM: To develop and use an instrument to assess elders consulting in primary care outpatient clinics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An instrument to be used by general practitioners, aimed to assess bio-psico-social risk of elders was devised by the Geriatrics Program at the Faculty of Medicine of the Catholic University of Chile. The instrument was used in 100 elders (82 female) aged 71 +/- 8 years old consulting in a primary care outpatient clinic. RESULTS: The instrument took less than 5 minutes to be used. The most frequent risk factors found were living alone in 62% of subjects, falls in the last year in 47%, memory disturbances in 62%, overweight in 76%, visual impairment in 76%, urinary incontinence in 26% and depression in 76%. Thirty percent had difficulties to climb stairs and 4% had no support in case of severe disability. CONCLUSIONS: The applied instrument is fast to apply, easily understood by patients and detects problems associated with old age, that will help to plan primary care health programs.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

[Normal values of the hemogram and other hematological variables in subjects over 60 years old].

We studied 36 men and 94 women aged 60 to 85 years, without nutritional deficiencies or illness that could interfere with hematopoiesis, to characterize the normal limits of red and white blood cell counts. Lower limit of hemoglobin normal values were 132 g/l for men and 125 g/l for women. The corresponding figures for MCV were 85 fl and 83 fl for men and women respectively. Lower and upper normal limits for leukocyte count in both sexes were 3.66 and 9.36 x 10(9)/l. Hypersegmented neutrophils existed in 7% of men and 14% of women in spite that folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies were excluded. We concluded that blood cell counts of elderly people have mild deviations of normal values for young adults. Aged humans have a low white cell and bands counts, and elderly women have a higher hemoglobin concentration.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1994

[Geriatric evaluation of elderly patients at a university hospital].

The aim of this work was to evaluate general aspects, medical diagnoses, degree of disability, mental status and social support of hospitalized elders using a Geriatric Assessment Scale, devised at the Catholic University. Ninety eight hospitalized subjects (58 female, aged 60 to 74 years old) were surveyed before discharge. Results showed that 34% had serious handicaps in their daily living and required third party help, 14% had a moderate cognitive impairment and that 12% lacked social or family support. We conclude that the scale is useful, easy to use and allows to obtain a thorough diagnosis of hospitalized elders.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

[Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in a young woman with acute myocardial infarction. Clinical case].

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in the absence of atherosclerosis, is a rare cause of acute myocardial infarction. We report a 37 years old woman with an inferior wall acute myocardial infarction secondary to an spontaneous dissection of the right coronary artery. The patient's evolution was uneventful and a new angiography performed six months later showed that the dissection persisted. The possible etiologies and treatment are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Mushroom poisoning in the IX region. Role of Amanita gemmata].

We report four episodes of mushroom poisoning that occurred between 1986 and 1990 in the province of Malleco. Twenty five of 36 individuals who ingested the mushroom became ill; they had an acute gastroenteritis that was followed in 7 by an acute hepatitis and in one by a massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Three subjects with fulminant hepatic failure and the subject with the massive bleeding died. Amanita gemmate (strain described as toxic in Chile since 1967) was found in two episodes and Amanita sp in one. The clinical picture is similar to that described for Amanita phaloides. The treatment is symptomatic but penicillin and silymarin may have an antitoxic action. The importance of warning the population about the existence of toxic mushrooms in Chile is emphasized.

Adult↗