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Biomedical subjects

J Morales

Publications and source records attributed to J Morales.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Expression of elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1 alpha) and 1 beta gamma (EF-1 beta gamma) are uncoupled in early Xenopus embryos.

In the amphibian Xenopus laevis, the elongation factor 1 alpha proteins (EF-1 alpha) synthesised in oocytes and somatic cells correspond to distinct gene products. Furthermore, the somatic EF-1 alpha gene (EF-1 alpha S) produces one of the most highly expressed early zygotic transcripts in the embryo. The functional recycling of EF-1 alpha (conversion of EF-1 alpha-GDP to EF-1 alpha-GTP) is assured by the EF-1 beta gamma complex. We show here that in Xenopus laevis embryos, contrary to the situation for EF-1 alpha, EF-1 beta, and EF-1 gamma mRNAs are transcribed from the same genes in oocytes and somatic cells. In addition, the onset of transcription of the EF-1 beta and EF-1 gamma genes from the zygotic genome occurs several hours after that of the somatic EF-1 alpha S gene. Therefore, during early Xenopus development the expression of these three elongation factors is not co-ordinated at the transcriptional level. The consequences of this uncoupling on the efficiency of translational elongation in the early Xenopus embryo are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Serial angiographic observations after successful directional coronary atherectomy.

This study focuses on the early and late angiographic evolution observed in 82 patients with coronary artery disease who were successfully treated by directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) without adjunctive balloon angioplasty. Qualitative inspections and quantitative measurements were obtained from a selected angled-view projection in the following conditions: (1) before treatment; (2) immediately after treatment; (3) the day after atherectomy; (4) 1 month after; and (5) 6 months after. The appearance of the treated segment 24 hours after the procedure did not differ in 79 patients from that observed immediately after DCA; silent total occlusion occurred in two patients, and one had an aneurysm at the site of resection (all three patients were excluded from the analysis). At the 1-month study restenosis developed in 3 (3.6%) patients; the remaining 76 had identical appearances, with no evidence of renarrowing of the lumen. However, from 1 to 6 months after the procedure restenosis developed in 35 of the remaining 76 (46%) patients, and 41 patients were free of restenosis and symptoms. These findings, which show that early elastic recoil does not occur after successful DCA, are different from the changes observed after balloon angioplasty. At the 1-month observation restenosis is an infrequent but possible phenomenon (3.8%). From this point the healing of the arterial wall leads to no or mild renarrowing (late success); an exaggerated proliferative response produces restenosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Adolescent schoolboys in SED classes: implications for child psychiatry.

OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this study was to determine basic psychosocial characteristics for adolescent socially and emotionally disturbed (SED) boys. METHODS: Boys aged 12 to 16 years who were recommended for SED placement were compared with same-aged boys recommended for other educational intervention. The main measures were the Kiddie SADS-E interview and Achenbach's parent Child Behavior Checklist and Teacher Report Form scales. RESULTS: The adolescent SED boys were found to have normal intelligence, high rates of family stressors, predominantly DSM-III externalizing disorders, serious dysfunction according to checklist ratings by both teachers and parents, and little current community mental health intervention. They were significantly different from the comparison group on several variables: lower socioeconomic status, more abuse experience, greater diagnostic comorbidity, higher Axis V clinician ratings, and higher teacher ratings on externalizing scales. CONCLUSIONS: Findings are similar to those for other age-gender groups of SED students. One implication is the need for more private child psychiatrists to become involved in the collaborative treatment of this complex and seriously ill group of special education students. Consequently, a second implication is to increase the experience of child psychiatry trainees in dealing with the many consultative needs of SED students and staff.

Achievement↗
PubMed1992

Phosphorylation of Xenopus elongation factor-1 gamma by cdc2 protein kinase: identification of the phosphorylation site.

The cdc2 protein kinase phosphorylates elongation factor-1 gamma (EF-1 gamma) during meiotic maturation of Xenopus oocytes. A synthetic peptide P2: PKKETPKKEKPA matching the cDNA-deduced sequence of EF-1 gamma was an in vitro substrate for cdc2 protein kinase and inhibited phosphorylation of EF-1 gamma. Tryptic hydrolysis of EF-1 gamma and the P2 peptide, both phosphorylated by cdc2 protein kinase, resulted in multiple partial digestion products generated by the presence of barely hydrolysable bonds. The two peptides obtained from the hydrolysis of EF-1 gamma comigrated exactly in two-dimensional separation with two of the P2 peptide hydrolysates. EF-1 gamma therefore contains one unique phosphoacceptor for cdc2 protein kinase, identified as threonine-230.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

The effects of ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion on bacterial translocation, lipid peroxidation, and gut histology: studies on hemorrhagic shock in pigs.

The bacterial translocation hypothesis was tested in two studies (acute and subacute) in a porcine model of hemorrhagic shock. Male pigs (30-40 kg each) under general anesthesia had their femoral vein, femoral artery, and portal vein catheterized. After stabilization (1 hour) they were bled (40% of blood volume) over 30 minutes, then maintained in the hypotensive state (MAP = 30-40 mm Hg) for 2 hours, following which, according to randomization, they entered the control group or were resuscitated with whole blood (WB group) or with lactated Ringer's solution (LR group). In the acute study, the mesenteric efferent lymphatic was also cannulated, the control group was not resuscitated, and the animals remained under general anesthesia to the end of the experiment (8.5 hours), when gut tissue was obtained for histologic study and measurement of lipid peroxidation. In the subacute study, the control group was not bled, the animals were awakened at 6.5 hours, and the portal vein catheter remained in situ until 48 hours. In both studies, samples of portal blood were obtained for culture at regular intervals and on completion, samples from mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) for culture were taken in the acute study, and in the subacute study samples from MLNs, spleen, and liver were obtained. In the acute study significant bacterial translocation to the MLNs and portal blood did not occur among the controls (n = 3), the LR group (n = 5), and the WB group (n = 6). Significant evidence of lipid peroxidation was found in both the LR and WB groups. Histologic assessment showed no difference among the groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Vision defects in albinism.

We have examined the possible presence of color vision anomalies in 9 individuals (17 eyes, 1 blind) with fundus findings suggesting ocular albinism using the Ishihara plates, the 28-hue Roth test, and the Davico anomaloscope. Results indicate that four of these individuals show no sign of the anomalies expected in an albino in either of the two eyes. Of the remaining cases, two are simple deuteranomals in both eyes, according to Pickford's classification criteria. The rest have protanomaly; however, in these the deviation toward red appears in both eyes in only one subject, whereas in the other two subjects it appears in only one eye, their binocular color vision being basically normal. Our study shows that a large proportion of these albinos have photophobia, pendular nystagmus, strabismus, noticeable refractive errors (astigmatism and high myopia), and poor visual acuity [usually less than 6/30 (20/100) with correction]. The measurement of contrast sensitivity function (CSF) indicates that the frequency of 12 cpd cannot be perceived, even in binocular vision.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The role of just world belief and anger issues in self-defeating personality.

Persons who scored higher on a measure of self-defeating personality did not believe in a just world as implied in the writings of such theorists as Reik (1941); however, they had a greater awareness of anger and feelings of mistrust and suspiciousness of others, held anger in, and were self-critical. These latter findings are consistent with conclusions regarding masochism proposed in 1991 by Glickauf-Hughes and Wells.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Microalbuminuria after unilateral nephrectomy in humans: study of effects of dietary protein].

Microalbuminuria may be due to increased glomerular capillary pressure. In turn, this increased pressure may be associated to augmented protein intake or reduction of renal mass. 85 normal subjects who had a unilateral nephrectomy were studied. Creatinine clearance, microalbuminuria and blood pressure were measured. Hyperfiltration was evaluated by comparison of creatinine clearance before and after nephrectomy. Protein intake was evaluated by a nutritional questionnaire. Hyperfiltration was estimated as 38% and microalbuminuria was not different in patients submitted to nephrectomy (9.8 micrograms/min) compared to controls (9.7). Microalbuminuria post nephrectomy was not correlated to level of hyperfiltration, protein intake, age, blood pressure or time after surgery. These results suggest that the remaining kidney is able to double the excretion of albumin with a likely increase in glomerular filtration and intracapillary pressure.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Pregnancy in a class-T diabetic patient].

We report the pregnancy of a 35 year old diabetic woman with a positive Australia antigen, 3 years after a successful cadaver kidney transplant. Immunosuppressive therapy with prednisone, azathioprine and cyclosporine was maintained. Pregnancy was complicated by an acute rejection episode on week 13, mild hypertension and intrahepatic cholestasis on week 22. Cesarean section and tubal ligation were performed at 32 and a half weeks. A 2020 g female infant was delivered, with Apgar scores of 8 and 9 at 1 and 5 min, respectively. Mild respiratory distress, jaundice and hypocalcemia were noted. The Australia antigen was negative. No fetal anomalies were detected. The high risk of pregnancy in a class T diabetic patient is confirmed in this case.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1992

[Follow-up study after percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty. The COR-PAL experience].

Mitral balloon valvulotomy has proven to be an effective method for the treatment of patients with mitral stenosis. Although several factors determining an optimal immediate result have been described, there is few information regarding the longterm follow-up as well as factors influencing late success after the procedure. In this article, we analyzed our series of 311 patients treated by mitral balloon valvulotomy who were clinically followed between 3 months and 5 years (mean 23 +/- 11 months). At least, one echo-Doppler follow-up study was obtained in 260 patients, 20 +/- 10 months after. Hemodynamic re-evaluations were performed in 63 patients after 20 +/- 11 months. Late success was defined as the patient being in functional class I-II and free of major events (death, restenosis or valve surgery). Restenosis was defined as the loss of 50% of initial gain in terms of valve area, confirmed always hemodynamically. Major events during follow-up period occurred in 19 patients (10 deaths, 8 restenosis and 11 mitral valve surgery). We performed a multivariate study using the Cox-regression model. In the analysis, all variables with or near statistic significance in the univariate analysis (Mantel-Haezel) were included. The only significant independent predictors of late success were the presence of sinus rhythm (p < 0.04) and the absence of calcium at the valve (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the best results 5 years after mitral balloon valvulotomy are observed in patients with non calcified valve and sinus rhythm.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Immediate and follow-up results of transluminal balloon dilation for discrete subaortic stenosis.

This study presents the findings in 33 patients with discrete subaortic stenosis who were treated by percutaneous balloon dilation and were followed up for 2 months to 6.2 years (mean 34 +/- 21 months). The mean age was 13 +/- 11 years; 10 (30%) were female and 23 (70%) male. Associated malformations were observed in nine patients (27%). All patients underwent noninvasive studies and cardiac catheterization. The mean value to membrane distance was 4.5 +/- 2 mm/m2. After balloon dilation, the pressure gradient from the left ventricle to the aorta decreased from 68 +/- 30 to 20 +/- 13 mm Hg (p less than 0.00001); there were no significant changes in the degree of aortic regurgitation. A fluttering and widely mobile remaining membrane was clearly visualized after dilation. Better immediate results were obtained in patients with a smaller baseline gradient, a larger aortic anulus and a longer valve to membrane distance. Serial follow-up echographic studies were available in 30 patients, and 18 hemodynamic reevaluations were performed in 13 patients. However, seven patients who demonstrated restenosis underwent redilation at a mean of 29 +/- 17 months after the first dilation. Redilation in six of the seven patients obtained benefits similar to those observed at the first dilation. Only one patient with unsuccessful redilation required surgery. The mean value of the last explored residual gradient (on hemodynamic or Doppler study) in the remaining 32 patients was 21 +/- 10 mm Hg. No significant changes were observed in the angiographic evolution of aortic regurgitation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗