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Biomedical subjects

J Castro

Publications and source records attributed to J Castro.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Diabetic iris neovascularization. Natural history and treatment.

PURPOSE: To study the spontaneous progression from iris neovascularization to neovascular glaucoma, factors that determine how long it takes and the efficacy of therapy, we studied 81 eyes belonging to 67 diabetic patients. METHODS: The eyes were divided into three groups: control group (29 eyes, 26 patients), photocoagulation group (37 eyes, 30 patients) and cryotherapy group (15 eyes, 11 patients). The controls were observed for at least 12 months, and the treated group over at least the following 3 months. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up period 12 of the 29 control group eyes (41.4%) had developed neovascular glaucoma and 6 (20.5%) increased neovascularization. Seven eyes (58%) that developed glaucoma did so within 3 months. There was no significant difference between the laser therapy (improvement: 84%) and cryotherapy group (80.5%). CONCLUSIONS: At the end of the 12-month follow-up period progression from iris neovascularization to neovascular glaucoma is very frequent. There was no difference between laser therapy and cryotherapy.

Cryotherapy↗
PubMed1997

Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell growth are independent responses to interferon-alpha in hematopoietic cell lines.

IFNs are capable of modulating a variety of cellular responses, including cell growth and apoptosis. The prospective connections between these two biological responses are not fully understood, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of IFNs on these processes are not completely defined. We have investigated the relationship between IFN-alpha-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in three hematopoietic cell lines, Daudi, U-266, and H9. It was found that IFN-alpha was a rapid and potent inducer of apoptosis in H9 and U-266 cells, whereas IFN-alpha-induced cell cycle arrest in Daudi cells is not associated with the onset of apoptosis. In H9 cells, apoptosis occurs without a preceding cell cycle block, whereas in U-266 cells, apoptosis occurs subsequent to G1 arrest. Cell cycle arrest per se, induced by serum starvation or treatment with aphidicolin, had only minor effects on the viability of these cell lines and did not abrogate the apoptosis-inducing capacity of IFN-alpha. Additionally, IFN-alpha-induced apoptosis occurred in cells from all cell cycle phases. Thus, we conclude that IFN-alpha-induced apoptosis seems to occur independent of cell growth inhibition. There were no changes in Bcl-2 or Bax protein levels that could account for the apoptosis-inducing effects of IFN-alpha in these cell lines. Moreover, examination of p53 status suggests that IFN-alpha-induced apoptosis in the U-266 and H9 cell lines occurs through a p53-independent pathway.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed1997

[Ultrasound diagnosis of salivary gland tumors].

The ultrasonic diagnosis of salivary gland tumors can give a more accurate information than clinical data alone. For example, it will help differentiate intraglandular from extraglandular tumors and benign from malignant processes. We conducted a prospective study in 39 patients with parotidal or submaxillary tumors. Patients were evaluated with a physical exam and a with ultrasound. Results indicate that only 53.86% of the physical examinations were correct in their diagnosis compared to 87.18% of the those done by ultrasound. Specificity and sensibility for malignancy was 96.43% and 81.81% respectively. These results were similar to those reported by other authors. We conclude that the use of ultrasound techniques in the study of salivary gland pathology is well justified, due to its capacity to provide high resolution, improving clinical diagnosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Long-term follow-up after uveal melanoma charged particle therapy.

PURPOSE: To examine the results of helium ion irradiation in 218 uveal melanoma patients treated more than 10 years ago. METHODS: Retrospective review of 218 eyes treated with helium ion radiation for uveal melanoma between 1978 and 1984. Several parametric and non-parametric statistical analysis techniques were used. RESULTS: In 218 eyes treated with helium ion radiation for uveal melanoma, the mean dimension for largest basal diameter was 11.9 mm (range 5 mm to 24 mm). The mean tumor thickness was 6.7 mm (range 1.3 mm to 14.2 mm). Following helium ion radiation 208 (95.4%) of 218 eyes had local tumor control. At 10 years after radiation 46 (22.4%) of 218 eyes were enucleated; the majority (37 of 46) of enucleations were due to anterior ocular segment complications. At 10 years after radiation 102 (46.8%) of the 218 patients were dead; half had non-tumor related deaths and 51 died from metastatic melanoma. Best corrected visual acuity after radiation was > or = 20/40 in 21 of 93 eyes of patients that were alive and retained their eyes 10 or more years after treatment. In patients with tumors that were less than 6 mm in height and more than 3 mm away from the nerve or the fovea, 13 of 18 (72%) retained > or = 20/40. In contrast, only 11% of the patients with either thicker tumors or those close to the nerve or fovea retained that level of acuity. The actuarial enucleation rate at 5 years was 17.2% (2.7% S.E.) and at 10 years this was 22.4% (3.1% S.E). The recurrence tumor control rate at both 5 and 10 years was 5.3% (S.E 1.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Helium ion radiation of uveal melanoma is associated with good local tumor control and reasonable retention of the treated eye 10 years after treatment. In tumors that are less than 6 mm in thickness and greater than 3 mm from the optic nerve and fovea, many retain excellent vision. Approximately one-half of the deaths 10 years after treatment were due to non-tumor-related causes.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Massive inferior vena cava thrombosis associated with protein C deficiency. Clinical case].

Inferior vena cava thrombosis is infrequent and in 30% of cases, the potential cause is an alteration of the natural anticoagulant protein system. We report a 18 years old male with an inferior vena cava thrombosis that was associated to a protein C deficiency. He was successfully treated with an infusion of intravenous streptokinase during 30 hours and intravenous heparin during 10 days, followed by oral anticoagulation therapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Clinical, psychological and biological variables in a group of 108 adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa].

BACKGROUND: To assess the clinical and psychological characteristics, hormonal changes derived from malnutrition and the prognostic factors in an adolescent group of patients with anorexia nervosa. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study specific case-history medical record for this disorder was used first with the parents and later with the patients. Depression questionnaires (BDI or CDI) and eating disorders questionnaires (EAT and CIMEC) were also administered, and hormonal tests were carried out. RESULTS: 98 out of 108 patients (90.7%) were females. Mean age was 15 years, 23 patients (21.1%) showed major depressive disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorders besides anorexia nervosa. The duration of the disorder was 12.0 +/- 9.0 months. The age at onset of the disorder was 15.1 +/- 1.5 (10-17 years), and the percentage of weight loss ranged between 15.53%. In relation to the hormonal findings the low levels of T3, insulin, somatomedin, prolactin, LH and 17 B estradiol were shown up. There were no differences between inpatients and outpatients in relation to the age of onset of the disorder onset, duration of the disorder, percentage of weight loss, psychological variables or applied hormonal findings. There were differences in relation to the used psychometric tests, which differentiated between patients with a good and bad outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Major depressive disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders are the most frequent comorbid psychiatric disorders in the anorexia nervosa. The age at onset of the disorder, duration of the disorder, percentage of weight loss and hormonal changes do not seem to influence in outcome, whereas initial affective and eating symptomatology tend to predict disorder outcome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma with cisplatin plus tamoxifen.

A phase II study was performed to assess the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of cisplatin (CDDP) and tamoxifen (TAM) in patients with metastatic malignant melanoma (MM). A total of 31 consecutive previously untreated patients with unresectable measurable MM were given 100 mg/m2 CDDP every 21 days and 60 mg TAM every 12 h daily. All courses were given on an outpatient basis. A total of 119 courses of treatment were given. In all, 5 of the 31 patients (16%) had an objective response (95% confidence interval 5.3-34%) and 2 (6%) achieved a clinical complete response. The median duration of response was 7 months. The main side effect was gastrointestinal: 13% of the patients experienced grade 3/4 nausea/vomiting. Hematological or neurological toxicities were mild and rare. In conclusion, the combination CDDP-TAM has limited activity in MM, although its toxicity is tolerable. Our results do not allow us to recommend its use for the treatment of MM.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Irradiated uveal melanomas: cytopathologic correlation with prognosis.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the additional prognostic information from cytopathologic data obtained at the time of uveal melanoma irradiation. METHODS: Fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) were performed and reviewed in a masked manner. These data and standard prognostic variables were correlated with survival and local tumor recurrence using Kaplan-Meier and Cox model statistical techniques. RESULTS: Cytopathologic assessment of cell type added to prognostic accuracy. In 116 patients, the percentage of epithelioid cells on FNAB and ciliary body involvement were most strongly correlated with melanoma-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS: FNAB data improved our prognostic accuracy in irradiated uveal melanoma patients.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1996

Detection of intraoperative incidents by electronic scanning of computerized anesthesia records. Comparison with voluntary reporting.

BACKGROUND: The use of a computerized anesthesia information management system provides an opportunity to scan case records electronically for deviations from specific limits for physiologic variables. Anesthesia department policy may define such deviations as intraoperative incidents and may require anesthesiologists to report their occurrence. The actual incidence of such events is not known. Neither is the level of compliance with voluntary reporting. METHODS: Using automated anesthesia record-keeping with long-term storage, physiologic data were recorded every 15 s from 5,454 patients undergoing noncardiothoracic surgery. Recorded measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation, and temperature were electronically analyzed for deviations from defined limits. The computer system also was used by anesthesiologists to report voluntarily those deviations as intraoperative incidents. For each electronically detected incident: 1) the complete automated anesthesia record was examined by two senior anesthesiologists who, by consensus, eliminated case records with artifact or in which context suggested that the incident was not clinically relevant, and 2) the anesthesia information management system database was checked for voluntary reporting. RESULTS: In 473 automated anesthesia records, 494 incidents were found by electronic scanning of 5,454 automated anesthesia records. Sixty intraoperative incidents were eliminated, 25 due to artifact and 35 due to context. When the remaining 434 intraoperative incidents were checked for voluntary reporting, 18 (4.1%) matching voluntary reports were found. All intraoperative incidents that were reported voluntarily also were detected by electronic scanning. Based on a 10% sample, the sensitivity rate of electronic scanning was 97.2% (35/36), and the specificity rate was 98.4% (427/434). Among 413 cases with electronically detected intraoperative incidents, there were 29 deaths (7.0%), whereas there were only 79 deaths (1.6%) among 5,041 cases without incidents (chi 2 = 58.5, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of an anesthesia information management system facilitated analysis of intraoperative physiologic data and identified certain intraoperative incidents with high sensitivity and specificity. A low level of compliance with voluntary reporting of defined intraoperative incidents was found for all anesthesiologists studied. Finally, there was a strong association between intraoperative incidents and in-hospital mortality.

Anesthesiology↗
PubMed1996

Long term visual outcome of radiated uveal melanomas in eyes eligible for randomisation to enucleation versus brachytherapy.

AIMS: To determine the long term visual outcome of patients who were eligible for randomisation to enucleation versus brachytherapy in a US collaborative ocular melanoma study (COMS) but were treated with either helium ion or 125I radioactive plaque therapy. METHOD: A retrospective analysis was performed of 426 ciliochoroidal melanomas that met COMS inclusion criteria for randomisation to enucleation versus radioactive plaque but were treated with either helium ions or 125I brachytherapy. RESULTS: At 3 years 36.0% of eyes had 6/12 or better visual acuity. The length of visual retention was most dependent on tumour thickness, tumour location with respect to the optic nerve, fovea, or ciliary body, and patient age. In addition to these factors, the retention of 6/12 visual acuity and the time to 6/120 visual acuity were dependent on the preoperative visual acuity. The risk of visual loss was greatest immediately after treatment and decreased with time. The 5 year actuarial metastatic rate was approximately 13%. Patients at the greatest risk of post-radiation visual loss had significantly greater risk of tumour related mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Some patients who would have been eligible for randomisation to either enucleation or radioactive plaque therapy can be irradiated with retention of excellent vision.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Effects of extracellular ATP on hepatic fatty acid metabolism.

Incubation of rat hepatocytes with extracellular ATP inhibited acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) activity and fatty acid synthesis de novo, with a concomitant decrease of intracellular malonyl-CoA concentration. However, both carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-I) activity and ketogenesis from palmitate were inhibited in parallel by extracellular ATP. The inhibitory effect of extracellular ATP on ACC and CPT-I activities was not evident in Ca2+ -depleted hepatocytes. Incubation of hepatocytes with thapsigargin, 2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ), or A-23187, compounds that increase cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), depressed ACC activity, whereas CPT-I activity was unaffected. The phorbol ester 4 beta-phorbol 12 beta-myristate 13 alpha-acetate (PMA) increased ACC activity, whereas it decreased CPT-I activity in a nonaddictive manner with respect to extracellular ATP. The inhibitory effect of extracellular ATP on ACC activity was also evident in the presence of bisindolyl-maleimide, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), whereas this compound abolished the extracellular ATP-mediated inhibition of CPT-I. In addition, the PMA-induced inhibition of CPT-I was not potentiated by thapsigargin, BHQ, or A-23187. Results thus show 1) that the intracellular concentration of malonyl-CoA is not the factor responsible for the inhibition of hepatic long-chain fatty acid oxidation by extracellular ATP, and 2) that the inhibition of ACC by extracellular ATP may be mediated by an elevation of [Ca2+]i, whereas CPT-I may be inhibited by extracellular ATP through a PKC-dependent mechanism.

Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase↗
PubMed1996

Characterization of an atypical NOR site polymorphism in brown trout (Salmo trutta) with Ag- and CMA3-staining, and fluorescent in situ hybridization.

We have analyzed by Ag- and CMA3-staining, and rDNA fluorescent in situ hybridization an unusual NOR site polymorphism in a population of Salmo trutta from Mino basin (Northwestern Spain). A multichromosomal Ag-NOR distribution largely different from standard individuals both in the number and position of Ag-NORs, as well as in the pattern of activity, was revealed. Atypical Ag-NORs consist of rDNA genes, as evidenced by rDNA FISH, and are capable of constituting their own nucleolus. In spite of the large number of available NORs per individual, the mean number of Ag-NOR per cell was less than 3 in most individuals, which suggests a regulation mechanism to adjust the ribosomal production. The new rDNA clusters detected seem to be stably integrated, however, some characteristics of the NOR pattern observed suggest that this polymorphism is an unstable phenomenon.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Treatment of endometriosis with cyproterone acetate. Preliminary report.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of cyproterone acetate for the treatment of endometriosis. Seven patients with dysmenorrhea due to endometriosis and idiopathic hirsutism were included. Endometriosis was laparoscopically classified as minimal in two cases, mild in two, moderate in two and severe in one patient. Cyproterone acetate was initiated at a daily dose of 10 mg orally for 20 days, followed by 10 days without medication. This sequence was repeated over a period of 6 months. Dysmenorrhea improved in all study subjects. Menstrual disorders were observed in all women, with oligomenorrhea in six patients and spotting in one. At the end of treatment, a second look laparascopy revealed minimal endometriosis in five patients and no evidence of the disease in the other two cases. Hirsutism was slightly reduced in two patients and without changes in the other five. These preliminary data disclose the possible therapeutic use of cyproterone acetate in endometriosis.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1995

A clinical and phenomenological study of 185 Spanish adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

The objectives of the present study were the following to determine the socio-familial, academic and interpersonal characteristics specific to anorexia nervosa (AN); to study comorbidity in patients with anorexia and morbidity in their parents; and to ascertain whether patients with anorexia nervosa in Spain are similar to those in other countries. The research team revised the clinical records of 185 Spanish adolescents with AN (aged 11-18 years). The results were compared with those obtained from a group of 185 psychiatric patients without AN matched by sex, age, time of consultation and centre. No significant differences were found with regard to broken home, birth order or parent-patient conflict. The parents of patients with anorexia have a higher standard of education and develop more affective disorders. When compared with other patients, the individuals with anorexia nervosa perform much better academically but are more socially withdrawn. Males with anorexia nervosa perform worse academically than females and have more anxiety diagnoses. Patients with anorexia have a high comorbidity for affective and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Sufferers from anorexia nervosa in Spain are clinically analogous to patients with anorexia in other countries. The two characteristics specific to these patients are a high standard of academic performance and an intense degree of social withdrawal, although there are certain factors common to other pathologies relating to adolescence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adult respiratory distress syndrome. Experience in 2 patients].

We report two female patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome and severe respiratory failure in whom extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used. Its indication was due to a bad response to conventional treatment with mechanical ventilation and high levels of positive end expiratory pressure. A 2.0 or 2.2 m2 membrane oxygenator in a veno-venous circuit with systemic anticoagulation was used, maintaining mechanical ventilation. In the first patient, the procedure was done early and was successful, increasing hemoglobin saturation from 39 to 87%. The patient was withdrawn from the procedure 48 hours later and died one week later due to a septic shock. The second patient was connected to the procedure after three weeks of respiratory distress syndrome and no increase in arterial oxygenation was achieved. The patient died due to an intracranial hemorrhage, probably hastened by systemic anticoagulation. The real benefits of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are not defined yet.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Concurrent irradiation and intratumoral chemotherapy with cisplatin: a pilot study in dogs with spontaneous tumors.

PURPOSE: A preliminary study was undertaken to determine whether the addition of a collagen gel in the formulation of cisplatin for intratumoral administration of cisplatin affected platinum plasma concentrations. A second study was undertaken to determine the local effects of intratumoral administration of cisplatin mixed with collagen given concurrently with irradiation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twelve dogs with advanced stage tumors were administered a dose of 0.25 mg of cisplatin per kg of body weight intratumorally with or without collagen using a two-period crossover design. Twelve additional dogs received concurrent irradiation (48 Gy) delivered in 12 fractions over 4 weeks and intratumoral cisplatin chemotherapy given the first day of each week at a dose of 0.5 mg of cisplatin per cm3 of tissue. RESULTS: The cumulative cisplatin plasma concentrations varied over time from dog to dog, but the use of collagen in the formulation significantly reduced the systemic exposure of cisplatin. For the dogs given intratumoral cisplatin and irradiation, complete responses were observed in 10 dogs. Seven dogs had local recurrence. One dog had tumor recurrence in the radiochemotherapy field and six dogs had recurrence at the margin of the radiochemotherapy field, but within the irradiation field. Normal tissue reactions were similar in the radiochemotherapy field and in the margin treated with radiation only. Cumulative effect of repeated intratumoral administration on plasma concentration of cisplatin was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide support for an extended investigation of this combined regimen. The lack of systemic toxicity associated with intratumoral administration of cisplatin mixed with collagen may allow a safe clinical evaluation of the interaction between cisplatin and radiation.

Absorption↗