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J de la Torre

Publications and source records attributed to J de la Torre.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Using lower eyelid fascial slings for recalcitrant burn ectropion.

Burns of the lower eyelid represent a difficult management problem. Even with skin grafting, scarring and contraction can result in ectropion. This condition creates a marked aesthetic deformity, poses a risk of corneal exposure, and jeopardizes the patient's vision. Historically, full-thickness skin grafts and tarsorrhaphies have been described to manage recurrent ectropion. The lower eyelid fascial sling (LEFS) uses a temporalis fascial strip to create a suspension sling for the lower eyelid. In a series of 7 patients, the LEFS procedure resolved the symptoms permanently in all patients. Because the LEFS procedure counteracts the natural scar contraction forces of lower eyelid burns, it can resolve recalcitrant ectropion successfully while preserving the function and aesthetics of the lower eyelid.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

DNA breakage detection-FISH (DBD-FISH) in human spermatozoa: technical variants evidence different structural features.

Non-irradiated and X-irradiated (80 Gy) human spermatozoa were processed for in situ DNA breakage detection-FISH (DBD-FISH) of the whole genome, following two alternative variations of the basic technique. In the first, cells were initially incubated in the alkaline unwinding solution for transformation of DNA breaks into single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to be hybridized, followed by the lysing solutions for protein removal. In the second, incubation in the lysing solutions was carried out before the denaturation step. The first approach yielded two subpopulations. While most sperm nuclei were faintly labeled and had chromocenters, a small subpopulation was strongly and homogeneously labeled, due to extensive DNA breakage. X-ray exposure increased the surface and mean fluorescence intensity. Otherwise, when the denaturation step was performed after protein extraction, all sperm nuclei yielded strong and dispersed FISH signals. Protein removal allows access of the unwinding solution to the DNA, which has abundant alkali-labile sites, and thus gives rise to large areas of ssDNA that are labeled by FISH. X-ray exposure increased the dispersion of FISH signals but decreased their mean fluorescence intensity. A linear dose-response was generated using the second experimental variant, being 30 Gy the lowest dose for detecting induction of damage by X-rays in mature sperm chromatin. These results indicate that DBD-FISH is not only useful for in situ detection of DNA breakage but also for revealing structural features of chromatin.

DNA↗
PubMed2000

DNA breakage detection-fish (DBD-FISH): effect of unwinding time.

DBD-FISH is a new procedure that allows detection and quantification of DNA breakage in situ within specific DNA target sites. Cells embedded in an agarose matrix on a slide are treated in an alkaline unwinding solution to transform DNA breaks into single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). After removal of proteins, DNA probes are hybridized and detected. DNA breaks increase the ssDNA and relax supercoiling of DNA loops, so more probe hybridizes, thereby increasing the surface area and fluorescence intensity of the FISH signal. The probe selects the chromatin area to be analysed. In order to restrict the extension of unwound ssDNA to a region closer to the origin of the DNA break, human leukocytes were processed for DBD-FISH with a whole genome probe, after a 10 Gy dose of X-rays, for various unwinding times: 5, 2 min and 30s. Two cell populations were detected after 30s, but not with the 5 or 2 min unwinding times. One cell group had small to medium haloes corresponding to the relaxation of DNA supercoiling after DAPI staining, and strong DBD-FISH labelling of induced DNA breaks, whereas the other cell group showed big haloes of DNA loop unfolding and an absence of DBD-FISH labelling. The latter group was similar to cells processed by DBD-FISH without the unwinding step. Thus, they should correspond to cells unaffected by the alkaline unwinding solution, possibly because very brief unwinding times do not allow the diffusion of the alkali into the cells deep within the gel, thus biasing the results. Taking this into account, 2 min seems to be the minimum unwinding time required for an accurate detection of a signal by DBD-FISH.

DNA↗
PubMed2000

Levels of HBV-DNA and HBsAg after acute liver allograft rejection treatment by corticoids and OKT3.

The aim of this work was to analyze whether the treatment of acute rejection of orthotopic liver transplants (OLT), either with corticoids or OKT3, has any effect on the levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA and HBsAg in individuals which were originally affected by cirrhosis or fulminant hepatic failure as a result of B virus. We have found that HBV-DNA is present in macrophages, B cells and both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells after OLT in all cases studied. Interestingly, the levels of HBV-DNA and HBsAg in the serum analyzed were increased extremely rapidly in the patients treated with OKT3 in an acute rejection episode. However, the serum levels of HBV-DNA and HBsAg found were lower when the patients were treated with steroids, and were not found in non-treated patients. As the serum levels of HBV-DNA increase, the process of liver reinfection could be accelerated; therefore, these results may help to understand how OKT3 and corticoids immunosuppressive therapy may accelerate the reinfection of OLT by HBV. In conclusion, our results suggest that special care must be taken in the use of OKT3 in the treatment of acute liver rejection episodes in chronic or fulminant HBV transplanted patients.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

The efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine and paroxetine in outpatients with depressive disorder or dysthymia.

A 24-week, double-blind, randomized trial was performed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine and paroxetine in patients with major depression or dysthymia. Outpatients aged 18-70 years with a baseline score of 17 on the 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned to venlafaxine, 37.5 mg, in the morning and evening or paroxetine, 20 mg, in the morning and placebo in the evening, which could be increased to venlafaxine, 75 mg twice daily, or paroxetine, 20 mg twice daily, after 4 weeks. Efficacy was assessed with the 21-item HAM-D, the Montgomery-Asberg Rating Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and the Clinical Global Impressions Scale. Forty-one patients were randomized to venlafaxine and 43 to paroxetine. At week 6, a response was observed in 55% of patients on venlafaxine and 29% on paroxetine (P = 0.03). At week 12, significantly (P = 0.011) more patients in the venlafaxine group had a HAM-D remission score of 8 or less (59% versus 31%). Discontinuation for any reason occurred in 16 (39%) patients on venlafaxine and 11 (26%) on paroxetine. The most common adverse events were nausea (28%), headache (18%) and dry mouth (15%) with venlafaxine and headache (40%) and constipation (16%) with paroxetine. Venlafaxine was effective and well tolerated for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate depression or dysthymia. A consistently higher proportion of patients had a response or remission on venlafaxine than on paroxetine.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

A PCR product derived from female DNA with regional localization on the Y chromosome.

A 154-bp PCR product amplified from human female DNA mapped onto the Y chromosome under high-stringency in situ hybridization conditions. The female DNA sequence revealed an 89% homology with the HSDYZ1 sequence. When the same primers were used to amplify male DNA, a 154-bp DNA fragment was also obtained, showing a 98% homology with HSDYZ1. However, although the HSDYZ1 sequence is widely distributed along the long arm of the Y chromosome, both of these particular PCR products are di-regionally localized within this distal block of constitutive heterochromatin. In situ hybridization under lower stringency showed that these 154-bp sequences map both onto the autosomes and the Y chromosome. Overall, this paper shows (i) a new class of DNA sequences shared by the autosomes and the Y chromosome; and (ii) a substructured organization of some DNA repeats within the DYZ1 family that forms a large part of the constitutive heterochromatin of the Y chromosome.

Chromosome Mapping↗
PubMed1999

Chimerism quantification after sex-matched BMT: how probable is it to find donor/recipient pairs with distinguishable cells?

Chimerism quantification (CQ) after sex-matched bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is based on the identification of autosomal differences distinguishable at the chromosomal level, such as variations within constitutive heterochromatin between the recipient and the donor. The probability of finding distinguishable recipient/donor pairs at the karyotypic level depends on the frequency of the chromosome variants or morphs in the population, on whether recipient and donor are related, and if so, their kinship relation. We have developed a population genetics-based method that allows the estimation of the percentage of post-BMT CQ expected to be informative using any autosomal polymorphic marker. This method has been developed for the most common transplant situations, such as sibling-matched recipient/donor pairs, haploidentical related (parental/filial) pairs, and unrelated pairs. The method developed was applied to a polymorphism of the pericentromeric region of chromosome 3. This polymorphism becomes evident after in situ digestion with the restriction endonuclease Sau3A, and can be successfully used for CQ. It has been estimated that approximately 59% of the cases of BMT from unrelated donors, 36% of those from sibling donors, and 42% from parental/filial donors, are expected to be distinguishable for post-BMT CQ using this approach.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗
PubMed1999

[Stent implantation in palliative central aortopulmonary shunt of congenital cardiopathies with pulmonary hypoperfusion. Experience of 2 cases].

We describe the pioneer experience of balloon angioplasty and stent implantation in the central polytetrafluoroethylene aorto-pulmonary shunt. Two infants 1 and 13 month-old, with cyanotic complex congenital cardiopathy and pulmonary hypoperfusion, presented signs of prosthesis dysfunction with severe and critic hypoxemia. The angioplasty and stent implantation were performed through retrograde femoral arterial approach and "freely" (without a guide catheter) in the first case and venous via by using Judkins right coronary guiding catheter in the second one. Both cases experienced sustained O2 saturation improvement, although the neonate died on the fifth post-procedure day clue to acute renal failure. The postmortem anatomical findings are shown.

Aorta, Thoracic↗
PubMed1998

Hepatitis B immunization programme: Spain.

Until the early 1990s, the hepatitis B prevention strategy in Spain was based exclusively on selective vaccination of high-risk groups. However, this strategy proved inadequate in reducing the incidence of disease and the prevalence rate of chronic carriers. In October 1991, the Autonomous Region of Catalonia embarked on a programme of universal immunization targeted at 12-year-olds. A few months later, in June 1992, the National Council on Health issued the recommendation that the "autonomous regions, taking into account their budgets and infrastructures, should establish HB immunization programmes for adolescents as soon as possible". Currently, the 17 autonomous regions are carrying out adolescent immunization programmes against HB.

Child↗
PubMed1998

Complete digital duplication: a case report and review of ulnar polydactyly.

An unusual case is presented of bilateral, complete digital duplication on the hand of a 9-month-old boy. Radiographic evaluation showed duplication of intact phalanges and metacarpals. Although ulnar polydactyly has been described as one of the most common congenital anomalies of the extremities, it usually manifests itself as a rudimentary skin tag. Ulnar polydactyly can be classified on the basis of genetic, morphologic, and clinical implications. Although polydactyly is reported to occur among approximately 1 in 1000 live births, most of these malformations are rudimentary skin tags. Complete ulnar polydactyly is uncommon; it occurs among approximately 0.014% of all live births. The main goal of surgical treatment of patients with complete-duplication ulnar polydactyly is to establish adequate function. This case report describes the preoperative evaluation and management of complete bilateral duplication of the ulnar digits of the hand.

Fingers↗
PubMed1998

A simplified technique of otoplasty: the temporary Kaye suture.

The prominent or lop ear is often characterized by the absence of the antihelical fold. Various methods have been described to correct the deformity. Many involve placement of permanent sutures to reform the cartilage into the proper shape to correct the deformity. Marking the antihelical fold on the cartilage can be difficult and time-consuming when performing an otoplasty. By placing several percutaneous stay sutures from the anterior we are able to adjust the level of fold finely on the antihelix. We describe a technique that is simple, quick, and precise.

Ear, External↗
PubMed1996

Patterns of DNase I sensitivity in the chromosomes of the grasshopper Chorthippus parallelus (Orthoptera).

We have analysed the patterns of DNase I/nick translation in the chromosomes of the grasshopper Chorthippus parallelus erythropus. Sites of preferential DNase I-nicking were concentrated at the distal chromosome regions, thus showing the non-uniform DNase I sensitivity of different chromosome domains. Among centromeric C-bands, the heterochromatin of metacentric and acrocentric chromosomes differed with respect to their DNase I resistance.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Value of a short (7 days) prophylactic course of ganciclovir in the prevention of cytomegalovirus disease after heart transplantation].

BACKGROUND: The incidence of cytomegalovirus disease remains important after heart transplantation, mainly in the first months after transplantation. We undertook a study to evaluate a short (7 days) prophylactic administration of ganciclovir to prevent cytomegalovirus disease after heart transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: There were two groups of patients: patients transplanted in 1993 (37) and patients transplanted in 1992 (38). In the first group, ganciclovir was given intravenously at a dose of 10 mg per kilogram of body weight every day from postoperative day 1 through day 7. In the second group, ganciclovir was not given. Similar regimens of immunosuppression (ATG, deflazacort, azathioprine and cyclosporine) were given. RESULTS: Age, sex, serology in recipients and donors and incidence of acute rejection were comparable between both groups. Mortality was slightly higher in ganciclovir group (35%) than in control group (26%), although this difference was not statistically significant. There were two cases of cytomegalovirus disease in the ganciclovir group (6%) and nine cases in the control group (27%) (p < 0.05), all of them treated successfully. Cytomegalovirus disease in ganciclovir group occurred in two children, who were seronegative before transplantation. The incidence of cytomegalovirus disease in the pediatric recipients of ganciclovir group were 50% (2 of 4) and 100% in the control group (1 of 1). The incidence of cytomegalovirus disease were therefore 0% in the adult subgroup of ganciclovir group and 24% in the adult subgroup of control group. CONCLUSIONS: A short (7 days) prophylactic administration of ganciclovir reduces the incidence of cytomegalovirus disease. In the pediatric group, the effectiveness is lower.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Comparative study of soluble interleukin 2 receptor and adenosine deaminase levels in tuberculous and other etiologies pleural fluids].

In order to better understand the immunological mechanisms involved in host protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, we studied soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R) concentration in tuberculous pleural exudates as well as in pleural fluids of non-mycobacterial etiology. We collected pleural fluid from 40 patients: 10 with tuberculous bacterial pneumonia and 10 with trasudate. Soluble IL-2R was measured in the stored specimens using a standard ELISA technique. In patients with tuberculosis, sIL-2R in pleural fluid was 14,666 +/- 5,634 U/ml, significantly higher than was detected in any other group, being 4,341 +/- 2,655 U/ml in pneumonic exudates, 5,542 +/- 3,682 U/ml in neoplastic exudates and 1,377 +/- 125 in trasudates (p < 0.001). Also, an excellent correlation was demonstrated between adenosine-desaminase (ADA) and sIL-2R in tuberculous pleural fluids, with p < 0.001 and r = 0.805. In pleuropulmonary tuberculosis, compartmentalization of the immune response in the pleural space is responsible for the significantly higher levels of sIL-2R that were found in tuberculous pleural liquids compared with the ones detected in other diseases. This observation, as well as the demonstration of a good correlation between sIL-2R and ADA, suggest the possible usefulness of this molecule as an additional marker in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusions, though in the present study it appears to be less reliable than ADA.

Adenosine Deaminase↗