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Biomedical subjects

F Morales

Publications and source records attributed to F Morales.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

CLECOS_P: clinical evolution control system on Parkinsonian patients undergoing neural transplantation.

The CLECOS_P system was conceived for registering and automating the processing of clinical evaluations performed on patients with Parkinson's disease who undergo functional neurosurgery and/or neural transplant. CLECOS_P represents the first time a computerized system is able to offer--with high precision and considerable time-savings--an integral analysis of the evolutive behavior of the universe in integrated variables at the core assessment program for intracerebral transplantations (CAPIT). CAPIT is used internationally for the evaluation and follow-up of patients with this pathology who have undergone neural transplant. We used the so-called MEDSAC methodology for the preparation of this system. The methodology that was used for the design of an intelligent system aimed at medical decision-making was based on the quantitative analysis of the clinical evolution. At the present moment, there are 20 patients controlled by this system: 11 bilaterally transplanted, 9 unilaterally (registered in ranks of 3 months before operation up to 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after operation). The application of CLECOS_P to these patients permitted the evaluation of 400 clinical variables, where a better evolutive characterization of the patients was obtained, thus getting most favorable results with personalized therapeutic methods aimed at raising their quality of life. CLECOS_P is used in a multi-user environment on a local area network running Novell Netware version 3.11.

Brain Tissue Transplantation↗
PubMed1995

[Exercise physiology and the rehabilitation of the heart transplant patient].

Cardiac transplantation has succeeded in improving the survival of the patients with terminal heart failure spectacularly. Nevertheless, in the transplant recipients the cardiac response to the effort is limited. In order to increase the cardiac output, the denervated heart needs an important increase of the precharge, since its chronotropic response is reduced. This rise of the precharge, in a restrictive heart in itself, leads to a disproportionate increase of the filling pressures. This limits the functional capacity of the patient due to the feeling of dyspnea. A program of cardiac rehabilitation, that includes a physical continued training, gets to improve the physiopathologic response to the exercise of the transplant heart.

Exercise↗
PubMed1994

Molecular analysis of a potentially phorbol-regulatable region of the human topoisomerase II alpha gene promoter.

Topoisomerase II alpha (topo II alpha) mRNA was down-regulated to a greater extent in 2 human leukemia HL-60 cell lines sensitive to PMA-induced terminal differentiation than in their non-differentiating daughter lines following exposure to PMA (Cancer Res., 50: 7116-7122, 1990; Biochem. Pharmacol., in press). The sequence of the topo II alpha promoter (ATG upstream to -650) in all four cell lines was identical to that of a human lymphocyte genomic clone and to that of the previously published sequence from a human placenta clone (J. Biol. Chem., 267: 18961-18965, 1992). Putative transcriptional start sites were identical in one sensitive/resistant pair. In the other pair, a methylated site was identified between positions -242 and -580 within the -650 bp promoter region of the resistant daughter cell only. The identity of the sequence from all four cell lines indicates that mutations in the topo II alpha gene promoter of PMA-resistant cells cannot explain the absence of topo II alpha mRNA down-regulation following PMA treatment. Altered methylation patterns may, however, contribute to the reduced decrease in topo II alpha gene expression in one PMA-resistant line.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Population synaptic potentials evoked in lumbar motoneurons following stimulation of the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis during carbachol-induced atonia.

The effect of electrical stimulation of the medullary nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis (NRGc) on lumbar spinal cord motoneurons was studied in the decerebrate cat using sucrose-gap recordings from ventral roots. The NRGc was stimulated ipsi- and contralaterally before and during atonia elicited by the microinjection of carbachol into the pontine reticular formation. Prior to carbachol administration, the NRGc-induced response recorded from the sucrose-gap consisted of two consecutive excitatory population synaptic potentials followed by a long-lasting, small amplitude inhibitory population synaptic potential. Following carbachol injection, the same NRGc stimulus evoked a distinct, large amplitude inhibitory population synaptic potential, whereas the excitatory population synaptic potentials decreased in amplitude. In addition, after carbachol administration, the amplitude of the monosynaptic excitatory population synaptic potential, which was evoked by stimulation of group Ia afferents in hindlimb nerves, was reduced by 18 to 43%. When evoked at the peak of the NRGc-induced inhibitory response, this potential was further decreased in amplitude. Systemic strychnine administration (0.07-0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) blocked the NRGc-induced inhibitory population synaptic potential and promoted an increase in the amplitude of the excitatory population synaptic potentials induced by stimulation of the NRGc and group Ia afferents. These data indicate that during the state of carbachol-induced atonia, the NRGc effects on ipsi- and contralateral spinal cord motoneurons are predominantly inhibitory and that glycine is likely to be involved in this inhibitory process. These results support the hypothesis that the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis is part of the system responsible for state-dependent somatomotor inhibition that occurs during active sleep.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Vascular malformation of the cerebellopontine angle associated with "SUNCT" syndrome.

A 70-year-old man complained of two distinct types of unilateral headache during the past fifteen years. When the illness began, the pain was intermittent and short-lasting. In successive years, the crises appeared in clusters and lasted weeks to months. At present, the pain occurs daily, and is located on the right side, from the forehead supraorbitally to the temporal region. Some attacks last 30 sec and are accompanied by tearing, conjunctival injection, rhinorrhea and a subjective need to micturate. Other headaches last 1/2-1 h and are occasionally accompanied by local ipsilateral dysautonomic symptoms. Attacks of pain are provoked by movements of the trunk and neck. A vascular malformation in the right cerebellopontine angle was demonstrated on cranial CT and MRI, and by angiography.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

[Silent myocardial ischemia in patients with transient ischemic attacks].

Given evidence that ischemic heart disease is the most frequent cause of death in patients with cerebrovascular disease, we used ergometrics to screen 80 patients with TIA for silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) at the neurological unit of Hospital Clínico Universitario in Zaragoza, Spain. The patients were compared with a control group of 80 with no signs of heart disease. Neither the patients nor the controls had ever shown clinical signs of coronary ischemia and their baseline electrocardiograms were normal. Stress test results were positive in 25 (31%) of the TIA patients, and in 4 (5%) (p < 0.001) of the controls, showing that the prevalence of SMI is significantly higher in TIA patients than in the general population. Hiperlipidemia (75% testing positive versus 43% negative, p < 0.01) and diabetes (31% testing positive versus 13% negative, p < 0.01) were the risk factors statistically related with a positive stress test.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Peripheral neuropathy and mixed cryoglobulinemia: clinical, neuro- physiological and pathological signs in a group of 12 patients].

This retrospective study involved a series of 12 patients with peripheral neuropathy and mixed type III cryoglobulinemia. The predominating symptoms were sensory. In patients with essential cryoglobulinemia, neuropathy most often presented as multiple mononeuropathy, while polyneuropathic forms were most common among those with secondary cryoglobulinemia. The absence of cryosensitivity was evident in secondary forms. Both neurophysiological and morphological examination revealed a predominance of axonal neuropathy. Two cases of demyelinating neuropathy were found among those with secondary cryoglobulinemia associated with monoclonal gammopathy. Although the vascular lesion was clearly demonstrable in muscle and skin tissue, this was not so in the nervous system.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Incidence of dementia and other psychiatric conditions in the elderly: Zaragoza Study.

A prevalence study of dementia and other psychiatric disturbances in the geriatric population of Zaragoza, Spain, has been completed. Our group is now planning an incidence study. The design comprises a baseline study (cross-sectional study of prevalence) and a follow-up 2 years later of the cohort of non-demented elderly. Both studies have two phases: the first one for screening, and the second one for the clinical diagnosis. We use the Spanish versions of the Geriatric Mental State GMS-AGECAT package, the History and Aetiology Schedule (HAS) and the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) as screening instruments. For the final diagnosis, a full protocol will be used, and the demented cases will be diagnosed according to DSM-IIIR, ICD-10 and Project Criteria. A case-control study of incident cases of dementia will be incorporated into the follow-up. Other methodological issues are analyzed.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

[Peripheral neuropathy and correlation with risk factors in material from autopsies and amputations].

A morphological study of a series of 100 human peroneal nerves proceeding from autopsies and amputations of patients hospitalized for different diseases was performed. A relation between the morphologic findings and the risk factors of neuropathy to which the patients may have been exposed is established. Following the analysis of their results the authors found that peripheral neuropathy is more frequent than suspected in clinical practice. The peripheral nerve is relatively resistant to regional ischemia. The risk factors considered in the casuist included diabetes as that which most influences in determining morphological alterations compatible with neuropathy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Morphologic and morphometric study of the superficial peroneal nerve. Use of material from autopsies and amputations].

A series of 100 human peroneal nerves proceeding from autopsies and amputations were studied by histologic and morphometric techniques with a qualitative and quantitative analysis of each being performed following the morphological criteria of Dick et al (1985). After evaluating the results the authors consider that the peripheral nerve proceeding from autopsies and amputations is useful for basic morphologic study providing it is adequately processed within the first 29 hours post-mortem and post-amputation. Previous studies demonstrating the existence of minimum morphological alterations in normal nerves is corroborated. In order to perform a correct morphological evaluation of the peripheral nerve a mere qualitative analysis is not sufficient but rather statistically evaluated quantitative parameters must be employed.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Dissecting aneurysm of the posterior cerebral artery: spontaneous resolution.

Dissecting aneurysms of the intracranial arteries display vascular pathological features that appear sporadically, generally affecting young adults. The clinical features of this condition may involve both ischemic episodes and hemorrhages. Posterior circulation is affected less than the rest of the intracranial arteries, and it is extremely rare to find the posterior cerebral arteries only affected. Mortality is high in patients where the lesion is located in the posterior intracranial circulation, although dissecting aneurysms limited to the posterior cerebral arteries may, to a certain extent, be benign. We report the case of a young woman with ischemia in the territory of the posterior cerebral artery that occurred subsequent to a dissecting aneurysm that resolved spontaneously to a complete remission, both clinically and as demonstrated by angiography. A review of the literature is made, analyzing the pathogenic, clinical, angiographic, and therapeutic characteristics of such lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Photon Yield of Oxygen Evolution in Iron-Deficient Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Leaves.

The response of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) leaves to iron deficiency can be described as consisting of two phases. In the first phase, leaves may lose a large part of their chlorophyll while maintaining a roughly constant efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry; ratios of variable to maximum fluorescence decreased by only 6%, and photon yields of oxygen evolution decreased by 30% when chlorophyll decreased by 70%. In the second phase, when chlorophyll decreased below a threshold level, iron deficiency caused major decreases in the efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry and in the photon yield of oxygen evolution. These decreases in photosystem II photochemical efficiency were found both in plants dark-adapted for 30 minutes and in plants dark-adapted overnight, indicating that photochemical efficiency cannot be repaired in that time scale. Decreases in photosystem II photochemical efficiency and in the photon yield of oxygen evolution were similar when measurements were made (a) with light absorbed by carotenoids and chlorophylls and (b) with light absorbed only by chlorophylls. Leaves of iron-deficient plants exhibited a room temperature fluorescence induction curve with a characteristic intermediate peak I that increases with deficiency symptoms.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1991

[Multiple cerebral infarctions during a migraine attack].

Two cases of migraine complicated with ischemic cerebral infarct are reported. Both met the established criteria for the diagnosis: definite history of classical or common migraine, development of an ischemic infarct during the crisis, duration of deficit lasting more than 24 hours and absence of other causes of cerebrovascular disease. Several laboratory examinations were carried out: routine blood tests, coagulation study, immunological study, serological tests for syphilis, ECG, echocardiogram, cerebral CT, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and angiography. The most remarkable finding in these two patients were multiple cerebral infarcts in different vascular territories. This fact is exceptionally reported in the literature. The clinical outcome of the patients was characterized by the virtually complete reversal of neurological deficit.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of thymostimulin in symptomatic HIV-infected patients.

The potential therapeutic efficacy of the thymic hormone preparation, thymostimulin (TP1), in HIV infection has been studied in a multi-institutional, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fifty evaluable patients with advanced AIDS-related complex (ARC) were injected with TP1 or placebo twice weekly for 6 months after 2 weeks of daily injections. The primary endpoint, progression to AIDS, was reached in nine TP1- and 11 placebo-treated subjects after 1 year. CD4 cell numbers were not affected by administration of the study drug. No toxicity was associated with TP1 treatment. We conclude that TP1 is ineffective in altering the progress of HIV disease in patients with advanced ARC.

AIDS-Related Complex↗
PubMed1990

Multiple meningiomas of the fourth ventricle in infancy: case report.

Meningiomas are uncommon tumors in infancy. Intraventricular meningiomas do occur more frequently in infancy than in adulthood, although the establishment and growth of such tumors in the fourth ventricle is exceptional in children. The occurrence of multiple meningiomas is currently estimated to be less than 8%. We present the case of a girl who displayed two meningiomas in the fourth ventricle. Five years later, the child had four more meningiomas detected and extirpated from the same site. Eighteen months later, a new tumor appeared in the lower third of the clivus; after resection this was found to be another meningioma. The presence in a child of the repeated occurrence of multiple meningiomas, both in the fourth ventricle and in other areas of the posterior fossa, have led the authors to consider that the case is both curious and rare. Twelve similar cases of meningiomas developing exclusively in the fourth ventricle have been published; of these, only 3 occurred during infancy. A discussion is offered concerning the etiology and pathogenesis of these tumors; in which the possibility of unknown neuro-oncogenic factors that might induce meningiomas is postulated.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed1990

Characterization of the Xanthophyll Cycle and Other Photosynthetic Pigment Changes Induced by Iron Deficiency in Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.).

In this work we characterize the changes induced by iron deficiency in the pigment composition of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) leaves. When sugar beet plants were grown hydroponically under limited iron supply, neoxanthin and beta-carotene decreased concomitantly with chlorophyll a, whereas lutein and the carotenoids within the xanthophyll cycle were less affected. Iron deficiency caused major increases in the lutein/chlorophyll a and xanthophyll cycle pigments/chlorophyll a molar ratios. Xanthophyll cycle carotenoids in Fe-deficient plants underwent epoxidations and de-epoxidations in response to ambient light conditions. In dark adapted Fe-deficient plants most of the xanthophyll cycle pigment pool was in the epoxidated form violaxanthin. We show, both by HPLC and by in vivo 505 nanometers absorbance changes, that in Fe deficient plants and in response to light, the de-epoxidated forms antheraxanthin and zeaxanthin were rapidly formed at the expense of violaxanthin. Several hours after returning to dark, the xanthophyll cycle was shifted again toward violaxanthin. The ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll fluorescence from intact leaves was decreased by iron deficiency. However, in iron deficient leaves this ratio was little affected by light conditions which displace the xanthophyll cycle toward epoxidation or de-epoxidation. This suggests that the functioning of the xanthophyll cycle is not necessarily linked to protection against excess light input.

Journal Article↗