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Biomedical subjects

I Franco

Publications and source records attributed to I Franco.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Identification of enterococci isolated from cow's milk cheese: comparison of the classical methods and the API 20 STREP system (technical note).

A comparison of the results obtained using the classical methods with those of the API 20 Strep system was carried out in identifying 24 enterococci strains isolated from San Simón cow's milk cheese, a traditional Spanish variety. The results of both identification systems coincided exactly in 9 strains (37.5% of the strains studied). In one strain the results obtained using the classical methods did not coincide with those using the API 20 Strep method. 3 strains (12.5%) could not be identified using the API 20 Strep system. However, 11 strains (45%), that remained doubtful between both species E. faecalis and E. faecium on the basis of the classical methods, were identified using the API 20 Strep system. The API 20 Strep system does not include some biochemical tests of importance in identifying of foodborne enterococci and could not identify the atypical strains of Enterococcus. Moreover, this system is adapted to the identification of enterococci of clinical origin and their database does not include some species common in foods. However, it could have an application in combination with the classical methods in order to carry out a reasonably rapid and reliable identification of enterococci related to cheese.

Animals↗

Laparoscopic orchidopexy: a review of a large clinical series.

OBJECTIVE: To report the overall success rate of a laparoscopic orchidopexy (LO) series over 5 years including over 100 procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records were reviewed of children who underwent laparoscopic procedures for an impalpable testis at our institutions. The laparoscopic procedures included the standard LO and one-stage and staged Fowler-Stephens (F-S) LOs. The success of orchidopexy was defined as a testis in the scrotum with no atrophy after surgery. RESULTS: From 1994, 80 children (101 impalpable testes) were treated using LO. Of these patients, 20 (25%) had impalpable testes on the right, 39 (50%) were on the left and 21 (25%) were bilateral. The testicular location was identified during laparoscopy as: intra-abdominal in 46, iliac in 14, in the internal ring in 22, 'peeping' in 12, behind the bladder in three and intracanulicular in four. Standard LO was used in 72 testes, a one-stage F-S in 20 and a two-stage F-S in nine (first stage two, second stage seven). The median (range) age of the patients was 18 months (0.5-12 years); the mean (range) follow-up was 5 (1-36) months. After orchidopexy the testis was scrotal in 90 (low 78, mid four and high eight), at the pubis in one and not stated in seven (no follow-up available). Four patients (4%) had testicular atrophy from failed F-S orchidopexies, two of whom had undergone previous testicular surgery and one caused by additional dissection around the vas. The overall success rate, including only those with follow-up, was 96% (90 of 94). Of the 20 one-stage F-S orchidopexies, 17 testes were successfully placed in the scrotum with no atrophy. The overall success rate for all F-S procedures was 85% (23 of 27). However, excluding patients who had previous testicular surgery or who required extensive dissection near the vas, 96% (23 of 24) of the testes were successfully placed into the scrotum with no atrophy. CONCLUSION: The high overall success rate in placing the testis into the scrotum through laparoscopic procedures is considerably better than reported in other series to date. LO is an effective method for managing intra-abdominal testes in children. Patients who had undergone previous surgery had a higher risk of developing testicular atrophy. The additional dissection around the vas almost inevitably leads to testicular atrophy.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗

A multi-institutional analysis of laparoscopic orchidopexy.

OBJECTIVE: To combine and analyse the results from centres with a large experience of laparoscopy for the impalpable testis with small series, to determine the expected success rate for laparoscopic orchidopexy. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to participating paediatric urologists; each contributor retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts for their cases of therapeutic laparoscopy for an impalpable testis, detailing 36 variables for each patient. The data were collated centrally into a computerized database. For inclusion, the testis was intra-abdominal (including 'peeping' at the internal ring) at laparoscopic examination, was not managed through an open approach and did not undergo orchidectomy. Three surgical groups were assessed, with success defined as lack of atrophy and intrascrotal position: group 1, primary laparoscopic orchidopexy; group 2, a one-stage Fowler-Stephens (F-S) orchidopexy; and group 3, a two-stage F-S orchidopexy. RESULTS: Data were gathered from 10 centres in the USA, covering the period 1990-1999; 252 patients representing 310 testes were included and overall, 15.2% were lost to follow-up. There was no significant difference between success rates in the larger and smaller series. Atrophy occurred in 2.2% of 178 testes, 22.2% of 27 testes and 10.3% of 58 testes in groups 1-3, respectively. Testes were not in a satisfactory scrotal position in 0.6%, 7.4% and 1.7% of groups 1-3, respectively. The mean follow-up for each group was 7.7, 8.6 and 20.0 months, respectively. The overall success for all groups was 92.8% (97.2% group 1; 74.1% group 2; 87.9% group 3), with an atrophy rate of 6.1%. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic orchidopexy for the intra-abdominal testis, in both large and small series, can be expected to have a success rate higher than that historically ascribed to open orchidopexy. Within this series, single-stage F-S laparoscopic orchidopexy resulted in a significantly higher atrophy rate than the two-stage repair. However, when considering both F-S approaches, the laparoscopic approach gave greater success than previously reported for the same open approaches. Despite the weaknesses inherent in a retrospective unrandomized study, we conclude that laparoscopic orchidopexy is, if not the procedure of choice, an acceptable and successful approach to the impalpable undescended testicle.

Child, Preschool↗

Prognostic value of absolute versus relative measures of the procedural result after successful coronary stenting: importance of vessel size in predicting long-term freedom from target vessel revascularization.

BACKGROUND: The procedural result is a major determinant of the incidence of 6-month target vessel revascularization (TVR) after successful coronary stenting. However, the prognostic implications of the different measures of the procedural result or procedural end points have not been directly compared. In this study, we sought to assess and compare the impact of achieving different procedural end points on the long-term (2-year) incidence of TVR. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 234 patients in whom 1 or 2 stents were successfully deployed and ultrasound imaging performed after angiographic optimization. End points included a visually estimated angiographic residual stenosis <10% and ultrasound stent-to-mean reference lumen area > or = 80%. After 2 years, TVR was required in 48 (20.5%) patients. Qualitative predictors of TVR were vein graft lesions, 3-vessel disease, and baseline TIMI flow grade < 3. Quantitatively, reference diameter by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), final minimum lumen diameter (MLD) by QCA, and in-stent minimum lumen area (MLA) by ultrasound were predictive of TVR. Stent-to-reference ratios were not significantly predictive of TVR. By multivariable analysis, vein graft location and MLA by ultrasound were the only significant predictors of TVR (relative risk, 2.9 [1.5, 5.4] and 0.72 [0.6, 0.9], respectively). Receiver operator curves for MLD by QCA and MLA by ultrasound were similar in predicting TVR. Neither was significantly superior to reference vessel diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Commonly used angiographic and ultrasound stent-to-reference ratios do not predict the incidence of TVR. Absolute measures of the lumen size (MLA by ultrasound and MLD by QCA) were the most important quantitative predictors of TVR within 2 years. This emphasizes the role of the vessel size as the limiting factor in determining the long-term outcome of coronary stenting.

Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation↗

Safety of femoral closure devices after percutaneous coronary interventions in the era of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa platelet blockade.

We compared in-hospital femoral complications of Angio-Seal, Perclose, and manual compression in consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary interventions in the era of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa platelet inhibition. Femoral closure devices have a similar overall risk profile as manual compression, even in patients treated with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa platelet inhibition, although certain rare complications such as retroperitoneal hemorrhage and severe access-site infection may be more common with the use of these devices.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Effectiveness of rotational atherectomy of right coronary artery ostial stenosis.

Balloon angioplasty and stenting of right coronary ostial stenosis may frequently be impeded by lesion calcification, whereas rotational atherectomy, which ablates calcified plaque, should treat these lesions effectively. Accordingly, we evaluated procedural success and longterm clinical outcome of rotational atherectomy of right coronary ostial stenosis. Procedural data were obtained from a comprehensive interventional registry and follow-up information was obtained by chart review and patient enquiry. All patients who developed recurrent angina underwent angiographic restudy. During a 5-year interval, 119 patients underwent rotational atherectomy of right coronary ostial stenosis. Multilesion interventions were performed in 55% of patients. Ostial lesions were 3.73+/-3.69 mm in length (mean +/- SD), and 57.1% were significantly calcified. Reference vessel diameter was 3.42+/-0.56 mm. Maximum burr:artery ratio was 0.64+/-0.1 with adjunct balloon angioplasty in 89.1% and adjunct stenting in 9.2%. Procedural success (<50% residual stenosis without major complication) was 97.5%, with 1.7% uncomplicated failure and 0.8% Q-wave infarction. Maximum residual stenosis was 15+/-17%. During 6-month follow-up, available in 94% of patients, 82.7% remained angina-free, 10.9% developed recurrent angina due to right coronary ostial restenosis, and 6.4% developed recurrent angina due to another lesion. Two years after intervention, target lesion revascularization rate was 16%. Predictors of symptomatic angiographic restenosis were dissection >10 mm, final minimal luminal diameter <2.5 mm, lesion length >10 mm, restenotic lesion, and diabetes. We conclude that rotational atherectomy of right coronary ostial stenosis results in excellent acute procedural success and in low incidence of clinical recurrence, with a high proportion of patients remaining angina-free 2 years after intervention.

Aged↗

Recurrent urinary tract infections and genitourinary tract abnormalities in the Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome.

Two Imerslund-Gräsbeck patients who presented with recurrent urinary tract infections and genitourinary abnormalities are described. The patients were evaluated with abdominal ultrasounds, voiding cystourethrograms, and Schilling tests. Each patient had large postvoid residual urine secondary to a motor-neurogenic bladder. One had a duplication of the distal urethra manifesting as two meatal openings. There was lack of urinary excretion of radioactive vitamin B12 on Schilling tests in both patients. Patients with Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome may be predisposed to urinary tract infections because of incomplete bladder emptying. Complete physical and radiological examinations of the genitourinary tract should be performed.

Child↗

Correction of penoscrotal transposition: a novel approach.

PURPOSE: Penoscrotal transposition is a rare anomaly resulting in a partial or complete positional exchange between the penis and the scrotum. Time-honored repairs of penoscrotal transposition rely on the creation of rotational flaps to mobilize the scrotum. We offer a radically different approach to this anomaly by transposing the penis and not the scrotum to its normal anatomical location. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transposition of the penis was performed in 15 patients. The penis is degloved followed by correction of the chordee. A suprapubic buttonhole is created in an anatomically correct location for the penis. The degloved phallus is then delivered into this buttonhole. The shaft skin is mobilized and transposed to resurface the penile shaft. A midline scrotoplasty completes the first stage. The scrotum is never transposed and scrotal rotational flaps are unnecessary. RESULTS: All 15 patients have had an excellent cosmetic outcome. There have been no cases of vascular compromise to the shaft or scrotal skin. CONCLUSIONS: This novel approach produces superior cosmetic results and should be used in all cases of penoscrotal transposition.

Child↗

Oral cimetidine for the management of genital and perigenital warts in children.

PURPOSE: It is believed that most warts are self-limiting and generally require little or no treatment. When numerous or almost complete infestation of the perineum, genital area and groin is encountered it can be distressing and a difficult problem to treat in children. Multiple treatments with caustic agents are sometimes necessary, and treatment of perigenital warts may require use of anesthesia for multiple procedures. Cimetidine is a histamine receptor antagonist that has been used mainly to treat peptic ulcer disease. Recently it has been reported to be useful for the treatment of mucocutaneous candidiasis, herpes simplex, herpes zoster and verruca because of its immunomodulatory effects. Several studies have been published indicating its effectiveness in the treatment of warts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 4 children with extensive condylomata acuminata of the genital and perigenital areas with high doses of cimetidine in an attempt to eradicate the condyloma and avoid recurrence in 2 and as primary treatment in 2. All patients were treated with 30 to 40 mg./kg. cimetidine daily in 3 divided doses during a 3-month period. RESULTS: All patients are free of condyloma at 24 months following treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that cimetidine is useful for primary and adjunctive treatment of condyloma in young children. It also appears to be effective as first line therapy.

Administration, Oral↗

Unexpected mortality reduction with abciximab for in-stent restenosis.

Treatment of in-stent restenosis is generally considered low risk, and it is not clear if adjunctive use of abciximab is beneficial in this low-risk population. We determined the effect of adjunctive abciximab during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for treatment of in-stent restenosis. Two hundred and ninety-three patients with in-stent restenosis underwent PCI at the Cleveland Clinic between January 1996 and December 1998. Patients undergoing directional atherectomy, laser treatment and brachytherapy were excluded (9 patients). Of the remaining 284, seventy-nine patients received abciximab during PCI and 205 were treated without abciximab. The groups were similar with respect to age, gender, left ventricular function, number of vessels involved, history of prior coronary artery bypass grafting and unstable symptoms at presentation. There were more diabetics, hypertensives, and patients with elevated cholesterol in the abciximab-treated group. At 1-year follow-up, there was a significantly lower incidence of myocardial infarction (2.5% versus 5.3%; p < 0.05) and lower mortality (1.2% versus 5.8%; p < 0.01) in the abciximab-treated group. There was no difference in the incidence of revascularization. The findings of a lowered mortality and myocardial infarction rate with abciximab warrants further prospective study in patients with in-stent restenosis.

Abciximab↗

Coronary artery stent restenosis responds favorably to repeat interventions.

One hundred sixty patients who underwent a percutaneous intervention for treatment of in-stent restenosis were evaluated on clinical follow-up to determine the predictors of reintervention, and also to compare rotational atherectomy with repeat percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for this condition. Current smoking and saphenous vein graft location were the independent predictors of target vessel revascularization (TVR), and there was no difference in the rate of TVR between rotational atherectomy and re-PTCA.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy for the high abdominal testis.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic orchiopexy is extremely effective for treating patients with nonpalpable testis. However, despite the high dissection and wide mobilization it allows in some cases, vessel length prevents the testis from reaching the scrotum. There have been only incidental cases reported in which laparoscopy has been used for vessel transection and testicular mobilization orchiopexy. We reviewed our cases treated with the Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy performed laparoscopically in 1 or 2 stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of all boys who underwent laparoscopy for a nonpalpable testis at our institutions since 1992. Patients who underwent testicular vessel transection and orchiopexy performed laparoscopically in 1 or 2 stages were selected for evaluation. Office charts and operative reports were reviewed in detail. RESULTS: Of the 126 nonpalpable testes in 108 patients 51 (40%) were intra-abdominal, including 18 (35%) in 14 patients in whom the Fowler-Stephens procedure was performed laparoscopically. Five testes were treated with a 2-stage procedure, while 11 were managed by laparoscopic mobilization followed by laparoscopic vessel clipping and orchiopexy in 1 stage. In 2 additional patients nearly all dissection was performed laparoscopically but due to extenuating circumstances inguinal incision was required as well. Thus, 13 testes were managed by 1-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy, including all cases since August 1996 which required vessel transection. Two patients were hospitalized postoperatively for prolonged ileus after the second stage. All other 2-stage and all 1-stage cases were managed on an outpatient basis. There were no complications. At a mean followup of 6 months all cases without previous surgery that were managed by laparoscopic orchiopexy are without atrophy and the testes are in a scrotal position. Two testes in which previous surgery had been done atrophied postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic transection of the testicular vessels is safe in boys with high abdominal testes that do not reach the scrotum after laparoscopic high retroperitoneal dissection. The magnification and wide mobilization of laparoscopy likely allow better preservation of the collateral vascular supply than open exploration. Previous surgery is a risk factor for atrophy. The success rate of 89% overall and 100% in patients who did not previously undergo testicular surgery equals or exceeds that of open orchiopexy in patients with abdominal testes. The 1-stage procedure avoids repeat anesthesia and the extensive, sometimes tedious, dissection that is occasionally required during reoperation.

Child↗

The importance of proteinuria as a determinant of mortality following percutaneous coronary revascularization in diabetics.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to compare mortality and clinical events following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between nondiabetics and diabetics with and without proteinuria. BACKGROUND: Diabetics have increased rates of late myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization and mortality when compared with nondiabetics following PCI. Proteinuria is a marker for diabetic nephropathy and potentially a surrogate marker for advanced atherosclerosis. It is unknown if proteinuria is a predictor of outcome in diabetics following PCI. METHODS: We performed an observational study of 2,784 patients who underwent PCI at the Cleveland Clinic between January 1993 and December 1995. There were 2,247 nondiabetics and 537 diabetics with urinalysis and follow-up data available (proteinuria n = 217, nonproteinuria n = 320). The diabetic proteinuria group was further prospectively stratified into low concentration (n = 182) and high concentration (n = 35). The end points were all-cause mortality and the composite end point of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) and need for revascularization. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 20.2 months. The two-year mortality rate was 7.3% and 13.5% for nondiabetics and diabetics, respectively (p < 0.001). The two-year mortality rate was 9.1% and 20.3% for the nonproteinuria and proteinuria groups, respectively (p < 0.001). There was a graded increase in mortality comparing the diabetic group. The two-year mortality rate was 9.1%, 16.2% and 43.1% for the nonproteinuria, low concentration and high concentration groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The difference in survival between the nondiabetic and nonproteinuric diabetics was not significant (p = 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of proteinuria is the key determinant of risk following PCI for diabetics. Diabetics without evidence of proteinuria have similar survival compared with nondiabetics.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Suppression of renal inflammation with vitamins A and E in ascending pyelonephritis in rats.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effects of vitamin A and E supplementation alone or in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the development of inflammation in an animal model of ascending pyelonephritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ascending pyelonephritis was induced in adult rats by surgical bladder inoculation with P-pili-forming Escherichia coli. Treatment of pyelonephritic rats was initiated at 72 hours post-infection. Treatment groups included no treatment, or a five day regimen of antibiotic only, antibiotic plus vitamins A and E, or antibiotic, vitamins and either of two NSAIDs. Kidneys were harvested at six weeks post-infection and assessed for histopathologic inflammation. RESULTS: Antibiotic treatment of pyelonephritic rats with vitamins A and E alone or in combination with NSAIDs resulted in significantly less kidney inflammation, as compared with untreated rats or rats treated with antibiotic alone. There was no significant difference in inflammation between animals treated with vitamins alone or vitamins plus NSAIDs. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic therapy and diet supplementation with vitamins A and E can significantly reduce the inflammation associated with ascending pyelonephritis, suggesting a potential use in the medical management of reflux nephropathy in children.

Animals↗

Ibuprofen combined with antibiotics suppresses renal scarring due to ascending pyelonephritis in rats.

PURPOSE: In acute pyelonephritis renal scarring may be decreased by immediate antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately in children there is often a delay in starting treatment, which increases the likelihood of renal scarring. In rodents immediate antibiotic therapy is effective for preventing renal scar formation resulting from experimentally induced pyelonephritis. However, the same treatment beginning 72 hours after infection does not prevent renal scarring in this paradigm. We examined whether delayed administration of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent ibuprofen only or combined with antibiotics suppresses renal scarring in a model of ascending pyelonephritis in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An inoculum of 5x10(9) organisms per ml. of Escherichia coli strain BH-5 was instilled into the bladder of rats and the urethra was occluded for 4 hours. Groups of animals were and were not treated with 15 mg./kg. cefadroxil or 10 mg./kg. ibuprofen given twice daily for 5 days, or the 2 drugs combined. Treatment began 72 hours after inoculation. In an additional group of rats sterile phosphate buffered saline was instilled into the bladder. In each rat the kidneys were examined grossly and microscopically 6 weeks later. RESULTS: Combined antibiotics and ibuprofen significantly inhibited gross renal scarring compared with no treatment or antibiotics only (p<0.05). No difference in renal scarring was detected in animals that received no treatment versus those that received antibiotics or ibuprofen only (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Renal scarring resulting from acute pyelonephritis in this rat model is not decreased by delayed treatment with antibiotics only. The addition of ibuprofen to antibiotic therapy is effective for decreasing renal scarring due to acute pyelonephritis even when treatment is delayed for 72 hours.

Animals↗

Laparoscopic orchiopexy: procedure of choice for the nonpalpable testis?

PURPOSE: Multiple approaches exist for the management of the nonpalpable testis. With the use of diagnostic laparoscopy widely accepted in the setting of the nonpalpable testis we have found laparoscopic orchiopexy to be an efficient and logical extension. To evaluate its use we report our experience with laparoscopic orchiopexy to treat 44 nonpalpable testes in 36 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent laparoscopic orchiopexy for a 2 1/2-year period. Modifications of the surgical technique are described. RESULTS: The left testis was affected in 18 boys, the right in 9 and both in 9. At laparoscopy 8 testes were at the internal ring or were peeping and the remainder were intra-abdominal. One patient underwent a unilateral 1-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy, and 3 unilateral and 1 bilateral 2-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy. Two patients underwent laparoscopically assisted orchiectomy. The remaining 31 patients underwent laparoscopic orchiopexy without division of the spermatic vessels. At followup (mean 6 months) all testes are without atrophy, and 39 of 42 (93%) are in an acceptable scrotal position. There are 3 testes (7%) high in the scrotum. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic orchiopexy is a logical extension of diagnostic laparoscopy for the evaluation and treatment of the nonpalpable testis. The low incidence of complications and 93% success rate underscore the feasibility of this procedure. It is our procedure of choice for the treatment of nonpalpable testis.

Child↗

Single and multiple dermal grafts for the management of severe penile curvature.

PURPOSE: Conventional techniques result in chordee correction in the majority of patients. However, some with extensive chordee require further treatment to correct persistent extraordinary penile curvature. Our practice has been to treat this condition with interpositional dermal grafting. We review our experience with this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a 5-year period dermal grafts harvested from the nonhair-bearing inguinal skin fold were placed in 51 patients with a mean age of 29 months. The primary diagnosis was penoscrotal or perineal hypospadias in 36 patients (hypospadias cripple in 4), the exstrophy-epispadias complex in 3, mid shaft or distal hypospadias with severe chordee in 10 and chordee without hypospadias in 2. A total of 49 patients (96%) underwent staged urethroplasty. RESULTS: One graft was placed in 29 patients (57%), 9 (18%) received 1 graft and underwent a Nesbit plication, (14%) received 2 grafts, 5 (10%) received 2 grafts and underwent dorsal plication, and 1 (2%) received 3 grafts. Second stage urethral reconstruction was done using a Thiersch-Duplay tube in the majority of cases. In 5 patients mild residual chordee was easily corrected at the time of second stage repair. CONCLUSIONS: In a staged repair the first priority of the initial stage is to achieve a straight phallus. While our experience indicates that a single dermal graft is sufficient in approximately 57% of cases, when it does not result in complete straightening, we have had success with placing additional graft(s) and/or performing dorsal plication. We believe that the additional penile length achieved with dermal grafting results in a dependent phallus and cosmesis preferable to that of plication only.

Adolescent↗