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Biomedical subjects

J Molina

Publications and source records attributed to J Molina.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

BCG vaccination protects against leprosy in Venezuela: a case-control study.

A total of 64,570 household and other close contacts of about 2000 leprosy cases were screened for eligibility for entry into a trial of a new leprosy vaccine. The screening procedure included a clinical examination for leprosy and for the presence of BCG and lepromin scars. Ninety-five new cases of leprosy were identified, and the prevalence of BCG and lepromin scars among them was compared with similar data from matched controls selected from among those with no evidence of leprosy. The difference in the prevalence of BCG scars in the two groups was used to estimate the protection against leprosy conferred by BCG vaccination. One or more BCG scars was associated with a protective efficacy of 56% (95% confidence limits 27% to 74%). There was a trend of increasing protection with four or more BCG scars, but this was not statistically significant. There was no evidence that the efficacy of BCG varied with age or according to whether or not the contact lived in the same household as a case. The protective effect was significantly higher among males, and was significantly greater for multibacillary than for paucibacillary leprosy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Renal hypertrophy studied by techniques of nuclear medicine in post-nephrectomy patients].

Study of group of 61 patients, nephrectomized as a result of various diseases and who before and three months after surgery underwent blood pressure, effective renal plasma flow (EPFF) and unilateral renal function determinations in order to verify the compensating ability of the remaining kidney. Effective renal plasma flow was determined by a single injection and removal of six serial blood samples with 125-I-Hippuran. Unilateral renal function was determined from the relative uptake of 99mTc-DMSA 24 hours after injection. The patients were divided into four groups according to their overall and unilateral renal function as well as the presence or absence of hypertension. Patients with normal EPFF and symmetrical renal function showed a significantly increase in the function of the remaining kidney after surgery (p < 0.001). Patients with normal or slightly reduced EPFF (< 10%) and highly asymmetrical unilateral function as well as those with decreased EPFF (> 10%) and symmetrical or asymmetrical unilateral renal function did not increased the function of the remaining kidney after nephrectomy, and hypertensive patients whose blood pressure returned to normal values after nephrectomy had a decreased function of the remaining kidney after surgery (< 0.001). It is concluded that it is possible to predict the functional behaviour of the remaining kidney after nephrectomy, and that the compensating ability will basically depend on the previously existing (overall and unilateral) renal function as well as the presence or absence of hypertension.

Blood Flow Velocity↗
PubMed1992

Immunoprophylactic trial with combined Mycobacterium leprae/BCG vaccine against leprosy: preliminary results.

In an attempt to find a vaccine that gives greater and more consistent protection against leprosy than BCG vaccine, we compared BCG with and without killed Mycobacterium leprae in Venezuela. Close contacts of prevalent leprosy cases were selected as the trial population since they are at greatest risk of leprosy. Since 1983, 29,113 contacts have been randomly allocated vaccination with BCG alone or BCG plus 6 x 10(8) irradiated, autoclaved M leprae purified from the tissues of infected armadillos. We excluded contacts with signs of leprosy at screening and a proportion of those whose skin-test responses to M leprae soluble antigen (MLSA) were 10 mm or more (positive reactions). By July, 1991, 59 postvaccination cases of leprosy had been confirmed in 150,026 person-years of follow-up through annual clinical examinations of the trial population (31 BCG, 28 BCG/M leprae). In the subgroup for which we thought an effect of vaccination was most likely (onset more than a year after vaccination, negative MLSA skin-test response before vaccination), leprosy developed in 11 BCG recipients and 9 BCG/M leprae recipients; there were 18% fewer cases (upper 95% confidence limit [CL] 70%) in the BCG/M leprae than in the BCG alone group. For all cases with onset more than a year after vaccination irrespective of MLSA reaction the relative efficacy was 0% (upper 95% CL 54%; 15 cases in each vaccine group). Retrospective analysis of data on the number of BCG scars found on each contact screened suggested that BCG alone confers substantial protection against leprosy (vaccine efficacy 56%, 95% CL 27-74%) and there was a suggestion that several doses of BCG offered additional protection. There is no evidence in the first 5 years of follow-up of this trial that BCG plus M leprae offers substantially better protection against leprosy than does BCG alone, but the confidence interval on the relative efficacy estimate is wide.

BCG Vaccine↗
PubMed1992

Persistence of hepatitis B virus DNA after reduction of viral replication in serum and liver.

Liver and serum samples from 67 children with hepatitis B chronic infection, whether or not treated with recombinant interferon, were analyzed for the presence of hepatitis B virus DNA. After follow-up, 44/67 (66%) still had serum and liver viral DNA; 23/67 (34%) were negative for serum hepatitis B virus DNA. Of the 23 children in the latter group, liver biopsy was available in 21 and viral DNA was not detected by Southern-blot in 20. In the remaining patient, viral DNA was in an episomal nonreplicative form. Polymerase chain reaction was performed in the 21 serum samples negative for viral DNA by conventional techniques and in the 21 liver samples (20 negative for hepatitis B virus DNA and 1 with episomal nonreplicative form). All liver samples resulted in a positive reaction to viral DNA by this technique. Serum viral DNA by polymerase chain reaction was detected in 15/21 (71%) of these patients. The mean of alanine aminotransferase values was similar in patients with or without hepatitis B virus DNA in serum by polymerase chain reaction. In summary, in the majority of the patients who respond to the therapy, there is a persistence of viral replication detected by polymerase chain reaction. This fact explains the persistence of serum HBsAg in these patients. However, more studies are necessary to determine the meaning of the presence of hepatitis B virus DNA that is only detectable by polymerase chain reaction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Long-term follow-up of hepatitis B chronic carriers who responded to interferon therapy.

We studied the long-term outcome of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection who responded to interferon (IFN) therapy. Between 1983 and 1988, 120 patients were included in 5 different protocols; 94 patients were treated with IFN and 26 were controls. Loss of serum HBV-DNA was considered a partial response and occurred in 34 of the treated patients and in 10 of the controls. Only the partial-response patients were followed up for 14-64 months (mean 46 months). HBeAg disappeared in 32/34 of the partial-response treated patients and in 9/10 of the controls. During the follow-up period, 6/34 (18%) treated patients and 1/10 controls suffered a reactivation of the disease with reappearance of HBV-DNA. Only 8/34 (23%) treated patients and 1/10 of the controls lost HBsAg; no statistical differences were observed in baseline characteristics between HBsAg-negative patients and patients who remained HBsAg-positive. Of eight HBsAg-negative treated patients, four were serum HBV-DNA-negative upon polymerase chain reaction and thus formed the HBsAg-negative control cases. Although the frequency of HBsAg loss in treated patients is relatively low, the improvement in liver disease obtained from IFN therapy is sustained over a long period.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Analysis of hepatitis B virus DNA, liver disease and influence of antibody to hepatitis C virus in anti-HBe chronic carriers.

Hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV-DNA) in serum was studied in 67 anti-HBe patients using dot-blot hybridization, a modified technique and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All patients had abnormal aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Serum HBV-DNA was detected in 14/67 cases by dot-blot and in 39/67 (DNA probe) and 45/67 (RNA probe) using the modified technique. The RNA probe was more sensitive than the DNA probe when they were compared, using serial dilutions of HBV-DNA of known concentration (0.1 pg vs 1 pg, respectively). HBV-DNA was found by PCR in 57/67 patients. Ten patients were negative to serum HBV-DNA. The ALT level was significantly higher in patients with serum HBV-DNA by dot-blot as compared to those who had serum HBV-DNA by the modified technique and PCR. With respect to the presence of anti-HCV, 6/67 had anti-HCV confirmed by RIBA test. These 6 patients had serum HBV-DNA. The route of acquisition of HBV infection in anti-HCV positive patients was by parenteral exposure in 67% of the cases and 15% in HCV negative (p less than 0.05). All patients were negative to nonorganic specific autoantibodies. In summary, most of the anti-HBe patients (85%) had viral replication. HCV superinfection plays a minor role in the activity of liver disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Coronary artery disease risk factors in Yaqui Indians and Mexican Americans.

The prevalence of coronary artery disease risk factors in adults was studied in Yaqui Indians and Mexican Americans. The risk factors studied included hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and sedentary life-style. Subjects included 94 Mexican Americans, 44 Yaqui Indians, and 12 of mixed or other ancestry. Mexican Americans had higher rates of smoking (21.3% versus 11.4%) and hypercholesterolemia (9.4% versus 4.8%) than did Yaqui Indians although neither comparison was statistically significant. Yaqui Indians had twice the risk of diabetes (40.5% versus 19.8%, P less than .05). When looking at both races combined, men smoked at six times the rate of women (36.4% versus 6.3%, P less than .05). Of all those tested, only 6% had no risk factors, and 88% were classified as having a sedentary life-style. Achieving increased levels of exercise in the population studied would appear to hold the most promise for reducing coronary artery disease risks.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Prospective, randomized controlled trial of interferon-alpha in children with chronic hepatitis B.

Thirty-six children with chronic hepatitis B were entered into a randomized controlled trial of recombinant human interferon-alpha. All patients had hepatitis B virus DNA and increased levels of aminotransferases in serum for at least 1 yr. Twelve children received 10 MU of interferon-alpha 2b/m2 body surface area three times a week (group I); 12 children received 5 MU/m2 under the same conditions (group II); and 12 children served as controls (group III). During 6 mo of therapy, 12 of 24 (50%) treated patients (7 from group I, 58%, and 5 from group II, 42%) and 2 of 12 (17%) controls lost hepatitis B virus DNA from serum and subsequently remained negative. Comparison of the rate of response in group I vs. controls showed a statistically significant difference (p less than 0.05). Eleven of 12 (92%) treated patients who cleared hepatitis B virus DNA from serum lost HBeAg, seroconverted to anti-HBe and had improvement in liver histological findings with loss of hepatitis B virus DNA from liver. In 10, serum ALT levels became normal. Interferon-alpha was well tolerated and all children finished therapy. These findings indicate that a 6-mo course of interferon-alpha is effective in inducing a serological, biochemical and histological remission of disease in approximately 50% of children with chronic hepatitis B.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1991

[Barrett's esophagus does not revert after medical or surgical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux].

An evaluation was made of 34 patients having Barrett's oesophagus. Medical therapy consisted of antacids, H2 blockers, orthopramides, and postural measures (20 cases, mean follow-up 2.9 years). A Nissen fundoplication was done in 14 cases (mean follow-up 2.5 years). Clinical, endoscopic and histologic evaluation was done in all patients and pH measurements also done in all operated cases. Clinical results have been excellent in 70% of medically treated patients and in 100% of surgically treated ones, pH measurements were between normal limits in all operated patients. However, recovery of the normal epithelium did not occur in any case, except for some partial improvement in one patient treated surgically.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Prevalence of liver disease and infection by hepatitis B, delta virus, and human immunodeficiency virus in two Spanish penitentiaries.

We studied the prevalence of liver disease and the carrier state for hepatitis B (HBV), delta virus (HDV) and HIV-1 infection in two Valencian penitentiaries, one for males and the other for females. Serological results were correlated with history of intravenous drug addiction, alcohol abuse, homosexuality or prostitution (high-risk groups), and duration and number of internments. A high prevalence of increased transaminase levels (52.2%) and serological markers for HBV infection (66.5%) was observed amongst the inmates, figures being higher amongst high-risk individuals and inmates confined for more than 6 months. No signs of HDV or HIV-1 infection were found amongst the prison staff. Anti-HIV-1 positivity was observed most frequently amongst individuals combining both drug abuse and homosexuality/and prostitution.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1990

Choroid plexus tumours in children. Review of 24 cases.

24 cases of choroid plexus tumours (16 papillomas and 8 carcinomas) were observed in the Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Hôpital des Enfants de la Timone, Marseille France between 1975 and 1989. The case records were reviewed and the clinical, surgical, and pathological results are presented here. 14 (58%) were infants and 10 (42%) of these were aged less than 1 year at presentation. In 11 (46%) the tumour arose in the lateral ventricle, in 7 (29%) it was located in the IIId ventricle, and in 6 (25%) the tumour was found in the IVth ventricle. 5 of the 8 carcinomas had their origin in the IVth ventricle. 17 cases (75%) required ventriculo-peritoneal shunt procedures before surgery of the tumour and in all these it was left in place post-operatively. One child required shunting de novo after removal of the tumour. A total excision was achieved in 20 children (83%) out of 23 operated upon. The operative mortality (mortality within one month of surgery) was 8%, the overall mortality was 25%. One child with a IIId ventricle papilloma died before surgery from a large gastro-intestinal haemorrhage. 5 children under the age of 3 years with carcinomas on the IVth ventricle died. The 3 children with supratentorial carcinomas are alive respectively 2 months, 8 years, and 13 years after treatment. Among 15 children with papillomas alive, 10 (67%) are neurologically intact and 5 (33%) have sequelae.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Hepatitis B virus DNA in liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cells during reduction in virus replication.

Changes in hepatitis B virus DNA in blood cells and liver were studied in 34 patients (12 controls, 22 under therapy). There were no basal differences in the presence of the viral genome in blood cells between treated and control patients. A significant decrease in the percentage of patients with viral genome in blood cells was observed in patients who lost this marker in serum. Replicative intermediates of the viral genome were observed in the basal liver samples from all patients. In patients who lost the viral DNA in serum, hepatitis B virus genome became undetectable in the second liver sample in all but two patients who had viral sequences integrated in the host genome. Replicative intermediates were found in all patients with serum viral DNA. The results of this study suggest that there may be a relation between the disappearance of hepatitis B virus DNA in liver and blood cells.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1986

Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (M7 subtype) with erythrocytic internalization.

A case of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia of megakaryocytic lineage or M7 with a conspicuous phenomenon of erythrocytic internalization present in nearly 3% of the leukemic megakaryocytic precursors (LMP) is reported. The phagocytosis was detected at light microscopy and ultrastructural levels. The erythrocyte might have reached the interior of the LMP through cytoplasmic vacuoles that are connected with the extracellular space and that can be considered rudimentary equivalents of the demarcation membrane system (DMS). Erythrocytic internalization is not a specific feature of the mononuclear phagocytic system and can be misleading in the classification of undifferentiated blast cells.

Bone Marrow↗