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Biomedical subjects

J A Durán

Publications and source records attributed to J A Durán.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

[Retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection in culture].

PURPOSE: To study the pig retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival in culture, analysing the possible neuroprotective effect of retinal Müller glia (RMG) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). METHODS: Adult pig retina were dissociated and cultured under different conditions: 1) on laminin/poly-D-lysine-coated coverslips in chemically defined medium (CDM); 2) on laminin/poly-D-lysine-coated coverslips in CMD supplemented with BDNF; 3) on confluent monolayer cultures of RMG in CDM; 4) on laminin/poly-D-lysine substrate in conditioned medium obtained from RMG. RGCs were identified by immunocytochemistry using antibody against 68 kDa neurofilament and observed under an fluorescent microscope. RGCs were classified on the basis of the size, number and length of neurites, and their survival was assayed for each treatment. RESULTS: Confluent RMG substrates and RMG conditioned medium significantly increased the survival of cultured pig RGC. Moreover these two conditions increased the mean area of RGCs and enhanced neurite growth and elongation. Addition of BDNF to culture medium did not modify survival but increased RGC size, neurite number and neurite length. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that factor(s) secreted by RMG exert beneficial effects on adult RGC survival and neurite regeneration in vitro, and might constitute important agent(s) for RGC neuroprotection. BDNF also increases the mean area of RGCs and enhances neurite growth but it does not increase the survival of RGCs.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[Iris-claw phakic intraocular lens for high myopia correction. Visual and refractive results].

PURPOSE: To determine predictability, efficacy, complications and patient's satisfaction to phakic intraocular lens (Artisan) in highly myopic patients. METHOD: Retrospective study of 65 eyes (36 patients), with preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) between -9,75 and -25,0 diopters (D) operated on by a single surgeon (JAD) between January 1999 and August 2001. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refraction, postoperative complications, and patient's subjective response were evaluated. RESULTS: UCVA evaluated 3 months postoperatively was 0.47 and BSCVA was 0.62. An average gain of 2.3 lines was observed with respect to the preoperative BSCVA. Refraction between +/-0.50 D from emmetropia ocurred in 49.23% of the eyes, and between +/- 1.0 D in 78.46% of the eyes. The difference between intended SE (preoperative SE minus IOL diopter) and achieved postoperative SE, showed a 0.55 D mean undercorrection. An intraocular pressure (IOP) over 30 mmHg was seen in 10% of the eyes in the immediate postoperative period. Night halos/glare perception was < > in 20% of the eyes, and in 90.77% of the cases the patient showed satisfaction with the results of the procedure. CONCLUSION: Artisan iris-claw phakic lens implantation in highly myopic eyes is a safe procedure that increases BSCVA. It was observed a tendency towards undercorrection in the postoperative refractive outcome.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Subclinical keratoconus diagnosis by elevation topography].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the most effective parameters of Orbscan Corneal Topography System for subclinical keratoconus screening. METHODS: The study includes corneas from patients with clinical diagnosis of keratoconus (group 1, n=35), patients with subclinical keratoconus (group 2, n=14) and a control group of myopic subjects paired in gender, age and refractive spherical equivalent (group 3, n=35). Placement of the apex, anterior and posterior corneal elevation, minimal corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth and corneal diameter were evaluated. RESULTS: The most frequent location of the apex was at the inferotemporal sector (53%). Mean anterior elevation was 56.73 S.D. 25.95 mm in group 1 and 20.35 S.D. 8.04 mm in group 2; results that are statistically significant different from the control group (p<0.001). Mean posterior elevation was 126.23 S.D. 57.7 mm in group 1 and 54.28 S.D. 19.55 mm in group 2, both showing a statistically significant difference from the control group (p<0.001). Minimal corneal thickness and anterior chamber depth also showed statistically significant differences between the three groups. No differences were found in corneal diameter values. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences were found in anterior and posterior elevation, minimal corneal thickness and anterior chamber depth parameters, as measured by the Orbscan system, between normal myopic subjects and those with clinical and sub-clinical keratoconus. These parameters should be considered in the detection of patients with increased risk for developing secondary keratectasia following corneal refractive surgery.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Usefulness of olanzapine in the levodopa-induced psychosis in patients with Parkinson's disease].

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the antipsychotic efficacy of olanzapine (OLZ) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and drug-induced psychosis (DIP) and its repercussion on the motor function. METHODS: Ten patients (5 women and 5 men) diagnosed of PD and DIP, aged 67 years (range: 50-81), with PD duration of 11.1 years (range: 6-23), treated chronically with levodopa per day, received a dose of 2.5 or 5.0 mg OLZ daily. Data concerning improvement of psychosis and worsening of motor function was based on Positive And Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS) and Unified Parkinsons Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor. RESULTS: Psychotic symptoms were improved in all patients. In most of them the improvement was almost total. Seven patients increased levodopa dose on OLZ, but significant worsening of motor function was reported just in one patient. None of the patients had agranulocytosis in the blood monitoring. Two patients presented weight gain. Seven patients improved their cognitive status. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that OLZ at the doses studied may have efficacy for DIP which appears in PD and does not induce worsening of motor function in most of the patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Probable diltiazem-induced acute interstitial nephritis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) probably related to administration of diltiazem. CASE SUMMARY: A 53-year-old white man presented to the hospital experiencing abdominal pain radiating to both renal fossae, as well as dysuria. Diltiazem and atenolol had been prescribed to treat an episode of precordial pain associated with effort. An erythematous maculopapular rash developed approximately 2 hours after administration of a single dose of diltiazem, and acute renal failure, associated with elevated liver function test results, developed 6 days later. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the third reported case of acute renal failure believed to be induced by diltiazem. In all cases, there was an obvious temporal relationship between administration of diltiazem and the onset of acute renal failure. Previous reports failed to discuss a probable pathogenic mechanism. AIN is the most likely etiology of acute renal failure in our patient. Favorable resolution with no relapse, the presence of the skin rash, and the liver sequelae suggest a common immunoallergic mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals should consider diltiazem-induced AIN in the differential diagnosis of a patient taking diltiazem who develops acute renal failure.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1993

Heparin inhibits Pseudomonas adherence to soft contact lenses.

Adherence of bacteria to the surface of contact lenses may play an important role in contact lens intolerance and corneal infections. To decrease the capability of bacteria to adhere to contact lenses we incubated two types of soft contact lenses with two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (serotypes 0:11 and 0:8) at a concentration of 5 x 10(7) c.f.u./ml for 12 hours. When heparin was added to the medium at a concentration of 1000 IU/ml the numbers of bacteria adhering to the contact lenses were significantly fewer than in the controls (p < 0.005). Our results suggest that heparin, either included in contact lens solutions or bonded to the surface of the contact lens, may decrease contact-lens-related morbidity.

Bacterial Adhesion↗
PubMed1991

Idiopathic lipid corneal degeneration.

Two patients with no history of eye disease or systemic disorder exhibited bilateral corneal lipid annular infiltrates, together with deep stromal vascularization. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed on one eye of each patient, and one patient presented with an acute graft rejection.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Total and free valproic acid: plasma level/dose ratio in monotherapy.

Free plasma level/dose ratio of valproic acid (L/D-F) can be more effective than total plasma level/dose ratio (L/D-T) in adjusting dosage regimens. The influence of age, dose, and plasma concentration have been studied on L/D-T and L/D-F ratios. L/D-T and L/D-F ratios from 67 outpatients under long-term monotherapy were obtained. Analytical data was carried out by fluorescent polarized immunoassay. L/D-T and L/D-F ratios do not vary according to age. L/D-T and L/D-F ratios decreased while the dosage increased; both ratios increased with an increase in total plasma level of valproic acid. Significant differences were found between L/D-T and L/D-F ratios. Dose and interindividual variations are the factors which most influence L/D ratios of valproic acid.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Fusarium moniliforme keratitis.

We report a case of keratomycosis from which fusarium moniliforme was isolated. After initial therapy without improvement, antifungal testing showed susceptibility to cyclopiroxolamine. After changing to this treatment the infection improved and an eventual healing took place with moderate corneal scarring.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Factors modifying valproate plasma level/dose ratio: age, sex, dose and plasma level.

Valproate plasma level/dose (L/D) ratios obtained from 155 outpatients under long-term monotherapeutic regimen have been studied. Analytical data were obtained by enzymatic immunoassay (EMIT) from paired samples taken before the morning drug dosage. L/D ratios were increased with age and plasma level and decreased with dose. There were no sex differences in L/D in the different age, dose and concentration groups. L/D ratios were higher than those found by other researchers in our country.

Adolescent↗