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Biomedical subjects

J Borja

Publications and source records attributed to J Borja.

43 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

In vitro interaction between ofloxacin and cefotaxime against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria involved in serious infections.

The checkerboard method was used to determine the antimicrobial activity of the combination cefotaxime/ofloxacin against 217 bacterial isolates involved in serious infections. Synergy or partial synergy was observed against 19 of 34 (55.8%) Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-susceptible isolates, 4 of 47 (8.4%) Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates, 28 of 34 (82.2%) Escherichia coli isolates and 70 of 102 (68.5%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Antagonism was not observed with any of the isolates examined.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Patterns of immunoglobulin E sensitization to chironomids in exposed and unexposed subjects.

We present our study of four patients with occupational type I allergy to red midge larvae (group 1) who we compared with seven individuals also sensitized to red midge larvae but who had not apparently been exposed to them (group 2). All patients showed elevated specific IgE against Chironomus thummi, and positive skin prick tests (SPT) and provocation tests with red midge larvae. We carried out SPT with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Acarus siro, shrimp, cockroach and common mosquito (Culex pipiens) and specific serum IgE was also determined. The red midge larvae wheal size was significantly larger in group 1 (x = 149.2 mm2) than in group 2 (x = 18 mm2). Significant differences between levels of IgE anti-C. thummi were also found in group 1 (x = 52.12 kU/l) and in group 2 (x = 1.5 kU/l). The patients in group 2 had high levels of specific IgE against other allergens (D. pteronyssinus, shrimp and/or common mosquito) and had positive SPTs with these allergens, while the patients in group 1 were only sensitized to chironomids. The IgE-immunoblotting profile was quite different in both groups. The patients in group 1 seemed to have IgE against Chi t 1, the main Chironomus allergen, while the patients in group 2 had IgE against several protein bands in Chironomus, mosquito, shrimp and D. pteronyssinus extracts, some of them with equivalent molecular weights. We believe that the patients in group 2 were sensitized to Chironomus as a result of cross-reactivity with other insect or crustacean species.

Adolescent↗

Nonpigmented fixed drug eruption caused by paracetamol.

Fixed drug eruption from paracetamol is not rare but no cases of nonpigmented fixed drug eruption caused by paracetamol have been previously described. We present the case of a woman who developed a nonpigmented fixed drug eruption following administration of paracetamol. Patch tests performed on affected and unaffected skin with paracetamol were negative. The diagnosis was made by a double-blind oral challenge with paracetamol. The patient tolerated aspirin.

Acetaminophen↗

[Methodological aspects and discrepancies in the clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease].

Authors review the main methodological aspects concerning clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease, especially in those points referring to patients' selection, design, duration of treatment, assessment of response, concomitant treatment and ethical questions. Published studies in last years present important discrepancies in design, duration of treatment and concomitant treatments. In author's opinion, the optimum design for to assess the real efficacy is a double-blind parallel design and duration of treatment should be at least one year, with a follow-up without treatment of at least two months. Allowed and prohibited concomitant treatments should be clearly specified in protocols.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Hypersensitivity to chironomid larvae.

Chironomid larvae (red midge larvae) are often used by aquarists as fish food. Their hemoglobins can cause IgE-mediated allergic diseases in exposed and unexposed people. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of positive skin tests to chironomids in patients suffering from rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma in Ciudad Real (Spain). A total of 465 patients were submitted to skin prick tests with chironomids in addition to common inhalant allergens. The patients with positive skin prick test (wheal > or = 3 mm) to these larvae answered a questionnaire. Skin prick tests with Acarus siro, shrimp, cockroach and mosquito (Culex pipiens) were carried out. Serum levels of total IgE and anti-Chironommus thummi, anti-Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, anti-shrimp, and anti-mosquito (Aedes communis) IgE were determined. Conjunctival or nasal provocation tests were carried out with chironomids. Of the 465 patients skin tested, 19 showed a positive skin prick test with chironomids, corresponding to 4.1% of all patients and 6% of the atopic patients. None were monosensitized. Significant correlations were found between skin prick test results with chironomids and mites (p < 0.005). Of the 19 patients, 15 had positive skin prick test with the common mosquito C. pipiens. Seven patients showed elevated anti-D. pteronyssinus IgE, six elevated anti-shrimp IgE, and 10 showed elevated anti-A. communis IgE. Provocation tests with chironomids were positive in 14 patients (four nasal and 10 conjunctival tests). Conjunctival provocation tests were carried out in 16 controls and were positive in three; all three showed positive skin prick test with chironomids. One patient had occupational allergy from the larvae (aquarist). After mosquito bites, five patients showed immediate wheal reactions and one patient suffered an anaphylactic reaction after several mosquito bites. Only two patients remembered having been in contact with chironomids as fish food. We found hypersensitivity to these larvae in patients without apparent contact to them. These patients could have become sensitized in various ways, including: 1) inhaling particles of chironomids or others that are cross-reactive with them; 2) exposure to products used as fish food containing chironomids; and, 3) through cross-reactivity with other allergens such as mites, shrimp or mosquitoes.

Adolescent↗

Anaphylaxis to paracetamol.

We hereby present a patient suffering several episodes of anaphylaxis (generalized urticaria, dyspnea, wheezing and intense cough) a few minutes after taking different drugs containing paracetamol. Intradermal test with pure paracetamol (100 mg/ml) was positive. It was negative in six controls. Serum specific IgE anti-paracetamol (by RIA) was negative. Anaphylaxis from paracetamol is rare but has been reported. Positive skin test with paracetamol have only been rarely described.

Acetaminophen↗

Mosquito bite hypersensitivity.

We report a patient who experienced systemic anaphylaxis after several mosquito bites. The skin tests were positive, by prick and intradermal tests, with two species of common mosquito (Aedes communis and Culex pipiens) and also with red midge larvae (Chironomus). Specific IgE against Aedes communis was demonstrated. We carried out SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting with whole body extracts of Aedes communis and Culex pipiens and with red midge larvae. The immunoblotting results showed specific IgE against two proteins of approximately 30 kDa with the extract of Culex pipiens. We also found IgE against one protein of a slightly lower molecular weight with Aedes communis, and against several proteins (the most important with a molecular weight between 30 and 70 kDa) with the Chironomus extract. Cross-reactivity between these insect species was suspected.

Adult↗