Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

V Rodríguez

Publications and source records attributed to V Rodríguez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Myocarditis in the differential diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome].

A 69-year-old man with no remarkable medical history was admitted to the intensive care unit in septic shock due to severe community-acquired pneumonia. Twelve hours later he developed electrocardiographic abnormalities with ST elevation in leads II, III, aVF, V5, and V6 in the absence of chest pain and the presence of dyspnea, agitation, and hypertension. Serial measurements of cardiac enzymes were also elevated. Acute coronary syndrome was suspected. A cardiac ultrasound revealed left ventricular dilation with akinesia and systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction, 40%). Emergency catheterization revealed normal coronary arteries, suggesting a probable diagnosis of acute myocarditis. From the fourth day, the patient was progressing favorably. Findings in a follow-up ultrasound were consistent with the onset of dilated myocardiopathy, and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors were prescribed. All serology and microbiological studies were negative. Fifteen days after admission the patient was discharged to home after clinical, radiologic and analytic recovery.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2005

First report of VanA Enterococcus gallinarum dissemination within an intensive care unit in Argentina.

Enterococcusgallinarum is intrinsically resistant to low levels of vancomycin and has been described as a colonizing microorganism causing bacteraemia and infection among immunosupresed patients. Between August 2000 and February 2001, 15 highly glycopeptide-resistant E. gallinarum isolates, one from blood and the remaining from rectal swabs, were recovered in a general hospital of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. All isolates were characterized by biochemical assays, and displayed MICs of vancomycin in the range 16-128 mg/l and MICs of teicoplanin in the range 16-32 mg/l. In all cases, PCR analysis yield positive results for both vanC1 and vanA genes. E. gallinarum isolates were classified as two clonal types by SmaI-PFGE: clone A (n = 8) and clone B (n = 7) and both harboured a transferable vanA element.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2005

Further studies on a mixture of fatty acids from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) wax oil in animal models of hypersensitivity.

A mixture of fatty acids obtained from sugar cane wax oil, the main components of which are palmitic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids, was evaluated topically in two experimental models of hypersensitivity: the ear swelling response to ovalbumin in sensitized mice (ED50 edema: 0.63 +/- 0.06 mg/ear, ED50 myeloperoxidase: 0.56 +/- 0.04 mg/ear, ED50 degranulated cells: 0.70 +/- 0,08 mg/ear) and oxazolone-induced contact hypersensitivity in mice (ED50 edema: 1.63 +/- 0.26 mg/ear, ED50 myeloperoxidase: 1.50 +/- 0.28 mg/ear, ED50 degranulated cells: 1.69 +/- 0.08 mg/ear). Also, the effect of this mixture was studied on the chemotaxis induced by fmlp (ED50: 25 +/- 3 microg/mL). The mixture showed anti-inflammatory activity in both in vivo models of allergy and in the chemotaxis test. Therefore, these results provide evidence about the potential usefulness of the mixture of fatty acids from sugar cane wax oil in cutaneous inflammatory and allergic disorders.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

In vitro antifungal activity of sertaconazole compared with nine other drugs against 250 clinical isolates of dermatophytes and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis.

We have tested 250 strains belonging to 15 species of clinically important dermatophytes and Scopulariopsis against ten antifungal drugs using an agar diffusion method (NeoSensitabstrade mark, Rosco, Taastrup, Denmark). Some of the experimental factors were adapted to dermatophyte development, such as temperature (28 vs. 35 degrees C) and time of incubation (2-5 days vs. 21-74 h). The antifungals used are itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, sertaconazole, terbinafine, tioconazole, fluconazole, isoconazole and econazole. Except for fluconazole, all the drugs tested have shown to be highly effective, especially sertaconazole and terbinafine. Percentages of susceptibility ranged between 94% for terbinafine, 87.6% for sertaconazole and 86.4% clotrimazole; 81.6% econazole; 42.8% fluconazole; 57.2% isoconazole; 78.4% itraconazole; 74.4% ketoconazole; 73.3% miconazole, and 85.2% for tioconazole. Percentages of resistance were similar between sertaconazole and terbinafine (4%) but in contrast to the 48% obtained for fluconazole.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed2004

[Evaluation of individual risk and mortality related factors in acute renal failure].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the Individual Severity Score (ISS) as a predictor of mortality in patients with acute renal failure (ARF) and to determine mortality associated factors. METHODS: Clinical records of patients with de diagnosis of ARF at the Hospital Arzobispo Loayza (HAL) of Lima (Perú) between the years 1995 and 2000 revised. The optimal cut point for sensitivity and specificity of the ISS was assessed using ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: 128 clinical records of patients with ARF were revised. The mortality rate was 10,94 % (14/128). Patients who died were significatively older and showed more frequently hypotension, jaundice, need of mechanical ventilation and coma. The optimal cut point for the ISS was 0,74 (sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 100%). The area under the curve value was 0,91 (CI95 0,81-1,03). CONCLUSION: The ISS was shown to be a cheap, easy clinical tool with an elevated discriminant ability in the study population. Mortality associated factors were similar as previously reported.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed2003

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of a mixture of fatty acids isolated and purified from sugar cane wax oil.

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of FAM, a defined mixture of fatty acids isolated from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.), was evaluated. Oral administration of this mixture showed anti-inflammatory activity in the cotton pellet granuloma assay and in the carrageenin-induced pleurisy test, both in rats, as well as in the peritoneal capillary permeability test in mice. In addition, FAM showed analgesic properties in the hot-plate model and in the acetic acid-induced writhings test, both in mice. In conclusion, these results provide evidence on the potential usefulness of the mixture of fatty acids from sugar cane wax oil in inflammatory disorders.

Acetic Acid↗
PubMed2003

Molecular typing of clinical and environmental isolates of Scedosporium prolificans by inter-simple-sequence-repeat polymerase chain reaction.

Invasive infections by Scedosporium prolificans have increased alarmingly in recent years, mainly in immunosuppressed patients. The epidemiology, pathogenesis and the natural habitat of this pathogen are practically unknown. Isolates of S. prolificans were distinguished from one another by inter-simple-sequence-repeat (ISSR) fingerprinting, a technique based on the high degree of polymorphism of the multisatellite genetic markers used. This technique was found useful for typing 84 isolates of S. prolificans from different countries and sources. The assemblage of S. prolificans isolates tested was extremely diverse, with 35 genotypes present. Several patients were found to have been infected or colonized by more than one strain. Overall, this technique facilitates the epidemiological study of S. prolificans infection.

Australia↗
PubMed2002

Risk factors for burns in children: crowding, poverty, and poor maternal education.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the presentation of burns in children and risk factors associated with their occurrence in a developing country as a basis for future prevention programs. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Burn unit of the National Institute of Child Health (Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño) in Lima, Peru. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to all consenting guardians of children admitted to the burns (cases) and general medicine (controls) units during a period of 14 months. Guardians of patients were questioned regarding etiology of the injury, demographic and socioeconomic data. RESULTS: 740 cases and controls were enrolled. Altogether 77.5% of the cases burns occurred in the patient's home, with 67.8% in the kitchen; 74% were due to scalding. Most involved children younger than 5 years. Lack of water supply (odds ratio (OR) 5.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1 to 1 2.3), low income (OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.0 to 3.9), and crowding (OR 2.5, 95%CI 1.7 to 3.6) were associated with an increased risk. The presence of a living room (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.8) and better maternal education (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.9) were protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent burns interventions should be directed to low socioeconomic status groups; these interventions should be designed accordingly to local risk factors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Synthesis and reactivity of bridging and terminal hydrosulfido palladium and platinum complexes. Crystal structures of [NBu4]2[(Pt(c6F5)2(mu-SH)]2], [Pt(C6F5)2(PPh3)[S(H)AgPPh3]], and [Pt(C6F5)2(PPh3)[S(AuPPh3)2]].

The reactions of the hydroxo complexes [M(2)R(4)(mu-OH)(2)](2)(-) (M = Pd, R = C(6)F(5), C(6)Cl(5); M = Pt, R = C(6)F(5)), [[PdR(PPh(3))(mu-OH)](2)] (R = C(6)F(5), C(6)Cl(5)), and [[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)](2)(mu-OH)(mu-pz)](2-) (pz = pyrazolate) with H(2)S yield the corresponding hydrosulfido complexes [M(2)(C(6)F(5))(4)(mu-SH)(2)](2-), [[PdR(PPh(3))(mu-SH)](2)], and [[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)](2)(mu-SH)(mu-pz)](2-), respectively. The monomeric hydrosulfido complexes [M(C(6)F(5))(2)(SH)(PPh(3))](-) (M = Pd, Pt) have been prepared by reactions of the corresponding binuclear hydrosulfido complexes [M(2)(C(6)F(5))(4)(mu-SH)(2)](2-) with PPh(3) in the molar ratio 1:2, and they can be used as metalloligands toward Ag(PPh(3))(+) to form the heterodinuclear complex [(C(6)F(5))(2)(PPh(3))[S(H)AgPPh(3)]], and toward Au(PPh(3))(+) yielding the heterotrinuclear complexes [M(C(6)F(5))(2)(PPh(3))[S(AuPPh(3))(2)]]. The crystal structures of [NBu(4)](2)[[Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(mu-SH)](2)], [Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(PPh(3))[S(H)AgPPh(3)]], and [Pt(C(6)F(5))(2)(PPh(3))[S(AuPPh(3))(2)]] have been established by X-ray diffraction and show no short metal-metal interactions between the metallic centers.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Mesoscale vertical motion and the size structure of phytoplankton in the ocean.

Phytoplankton size structure is acknowledged as a fundamental property determining energy flow through 'microbial' or 'herbivore' pathways. The balance between these two pathways determines the ability of the ecosystem to recycle carbon within the upper layer or to export it to the ocean interior. Small cells are usually characteristic of oligotrophic, stratified ocean waters, in which regenerated ammonium is the only available form of inorganic nitrogen and recycling dominates. Large cells seem to characterize phytoplankton in which inputs of nitrate enter the euphotic layer and exported production is higher. But the size structure of phytoplankton may depend more directly on hydrodynamical forces than on the source of available nitrogen. Here we present an empirical model that relates the magnitude of mesoscale vertical motion to the slope of the size-abundance spectrum of phytoplankton in a frontal ecosystem. Our model indicates that the relative proportion of large cells increases with the magnitude of the upward velocity. This suggests that mesoscale vertical motion-a ubiquitous feature of eddies and unstable fronts-controls directly the size structure of phytoplankton in the ocean.

Chlorophyll↗
PubMed2001

LUMO energy of model compounds of bispyridinium compounds as an index for the inhibition of choline kinase.

Eleven derivatives of 1,1'-[1,2-ethylenebis(benzene-1,4-diylmethylene)]bis(4-pyridinium) dibromides bearing various groups at C-4 of the pyridinium moiety were synthesized and examined for their inhibition of choline kinase (ChoK) and antiproliferative activities. The C-4 substituents include electron-releasing, neutral or electron-withdrawing groups. A one-parameter regression equation has been derived which satisfactorily describes the ex vivo inhibitory potency of ChoK of the title compounds. The electronic effect plays a critical function in the ex vivo inhibition of ChoK although the role of electrostatic interactions could be altered due to a solvation process of both ChoK and ligands.

Choline Kinase↗
PubMed2001

Epidural washout with high volumes of saline to accelerate recovery from epidural anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged postoperative blockade can follow neuraxial blocks for short surgical procedures. We investigated whether washout with a high volume of saline through an epidural catheter could provide a faster recovery after epidural anaesthesia. METHODS: Thirty patients were randomly assigned to a control group (no washout), to group 2x (epidural washout with twice the volume of 2% mepivacaine) and group 4x (epidural washout with four times that volume). RESULTS: Recovery times from sensory blockade at L2 were 151+/-24, 122+/-29 and 116+/-24 min for control, 2x and 4x groups respectively. Significant differences were found in both saline groups when compared with control group, but not between group 2x and group 4x. No differences were found concerning motor blockade. One patient in group 4x demonstrated signs of intracranial hypertension. Mepivacaine plasma concentrations were increased by saline washout in group 4x. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural washout with a high volume of saline can not be recommended since no clinically significant reduction in the recovery time can be achieved without risk.

Anesthesia Recovery Period↗
PubMed2001

Anomalous lipoproteins in obese Zucker rats.

AIMS: Obesity is characterized by dislipoproteinaemia with increased cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels and lower chylomicra disposal rates. We studied here whether these alterations were related to lipoprotein number and/or size and composition. METHODS: Plasma from lean and obese Zucker rats was fractionated into lipoprotein classes (chylomicra, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL)) by differential centrifugation. The apoprotein and lipid composition of each fraction were measured. Lipoprotein particle size was estimated by dynamic light scattering and used to tabulate the mean diameter and volume of lipoprotein micelles. Particle mass was calculated from the density and volume. The mass of lipids and protein in each fraction/ml of plasma allowed the estimation of mean particle concentration and then the number of molecules of lipid and protein/unit of lipoprotein micelle. RESULTS: A large part of hyperlipidaemia of obese rats is due to the accumulation of chylomicra: 1.3 +/- 0.2 mg/ml in lean rats [LR] (34% of all lipoproteins) and 8.2 +/- 0.9 mg/ml in the obese rats [OR] (66% of all lipoproteins). Lipid percentage composition of lipoproteins was similar in both groups. The particle size of LDL and HDL was much higher in OR than in LR: LDLs weighed 31.1 +/- 7.5 ag (LR) vs. 273 +/- 81 ag (OR), and HDLs weighed 31.7 +/- 12.6 ag (LR) and 375 +/- 103 ag (OR). In chylomicra and VLDL there was a relative scarcity of apoproteins in OR compared with LR. The whole architecture of LDLs is altered in OR, with a predominance of surface lipids: phospholipid and free cholesterol, and lower amounts of core lipids: triacylglycerols and cholesterol esters, with surface/core lipids ratios of 0.74 (LR) and 1.89 (OR). The consequences of anomalous LDL and HDL composition, size and overall structure may result in magnified lipoprotein metabolism alterations that hamper their ability to transfer apolipoproteins to larger chylomicra and VLDL, and to alter cholesterol transfer and binding of their apoproteins to cell surface receptors. The smaller number of LDL and HDL particles may further compound these difficulties and thus change the free to esterified cholesterol ratios observed in OR. CONCLUSIONS: The main conclusions of this study are the key importance of chylomicron analysis for a better understanding of the transfer of lipids, and the altered lipoprotein size and apoprotein distribution in obese rats, which seriously hamper cholesterol interchange, resulting in hypercholesterolaemia, and thus triggering even more far-reaching consequences for the well-being of the obese.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Phase I clinical evaluation of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor in advanced brain tumor patients: preliminary study.

High levels of growth factors and their receptors have been demonstrated in human tumors. Gliomas and meningiomas are characterized by overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R). Ior egf/r3, is a neutralizing murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) against EGF-R, and was generated at the Cuban Institute of Oncology. The antibody recognizes EGF-R with high affinity, inhibiting tyrosine kinase activation. A clinical trial was conducted in brain tumor patients to evaluate toxicity, immunogenicity, and clinical benefit of escalating doses of the antibody. Nine patients with histologically confirmed gliomas or meningiomas, who had active or recurrent disease after receiving conventional treatment, received four intravenous doses of ior egf/r3. Total dosages ranged from 160 to 480 mg. As inclusion criteria, radioimmunoscintigraphy with the same MAb labeled with 99mTechnetium (99mTc) was performed. Immune response against the murine antibody was also evaluated. After four doses of ior egf/r3 MAb, no significant toxicity was found, except in one patient who developed a grade 4 allergic adverse event. This reaction was probably related with previous sensitization to the same MAb and the development of human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) response. Despite no major objective antitumor responses, eight patients had stable disease on the 6-month evaluation, and two patients remain alive after four years of MAb therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Activity of itraconazole against clinical isolates of Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp. determined by the M38-P NCCLS method].

The antifungal activity of itraconazole was studied in 101 clinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger, A. terreus, A. nidulans, A. candidus, A. glaucus, A. clavatus, Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum and F. semitectum. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined according to the protocol of the M38-P National Committee for Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) document using a microdilution method in 1640 RPMI liquid medium (visual reading at 48 and 72 h incubation). In general, the MIC did not vary with time of incubation, except in a Z. fumigatus strain in which the MIC went from 2 to 16 mg/l. The geometric mean of the MIC and MIC(90) of itraconazole for Aspergillus spp. was 0.44 mg/l and 0.5 mg/l, respectively; and for Fusarium spp. it was 14.1 mg/l and 16 mg/l, respectively. With 0.5 mg/l 75% of the Aspergillus spp. strains were inhibited, and 100% of these strains were inhibited with 2 mg/l. A. niger and A. fumigatus were the most resistant species (MIC(90) 2 mg/l). The MIC of all the Fusarium strains essayed was between 4 and 16 mg/l.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed2000

QSAR of 1,1'-(1,2-ethylenebisbenzyl)bis(4-substitutedpyridinium) dibromides as choline kinase inhibitors: a different approach for antiproliferative drug design.

Ten new structures of a series of the title compounds were synthesized and screened for their activity to inhibit choline kinase under ex vivo conditions. Their inhibitory potency correlates with the 13C chemical shifts (in CD3OD) of the methylene group bearing the positively charged nitrogen. The inhibitory effect on proliferation against the HT-29 cell line is strongly dependent on its ability to inhibit the production of phosphorylcholine.

Cell Division↗
PubMed2000

Lung cancer risk in iron and steel foundry workers: a nested case control study in Asturias, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Workers of iron and steel foundries have a high lung cancer risk but the findings on specific processes associated with this risk are inconsistent. We examined the risk of lung cancer among workers in the main industrial processes of a large iron and steel foundry in Asturias, Spain. METHODS: We conducted a nested case-control study comprised of 144 male lung cancer cases and 558 controls, selected from a study base of about 24,400 workers employed in the industry between 1952 and 1995. Cases were identified through linkage of industry records with those of two cancer registries. Controls were selected through industry records using incidence density sampling, were matched to cases by age and date of birth and had to be alive and without lung cancer at the time of selection. Smoking history was obtained through company medical records. Unconditional logistic regression was applied and all ORs were adjusted for age and tobacco consumption. RESULTS: Workers were, on an average, heavy smokers and a very strong relation was observed for smoking (OR for "ever smoker" = 32.4). Workers having ever been employed in the blast furnace had an excess lung cancer risk (OR = 2.55, 95% CI 1.25-5.21) compared to a reference group of workers not employed in metal producing departments. A similar excess was observed for workers having as their longest held job employment in the blast furnace. A two-fold risk was also observed for workers in the main foundry. For subgroups of workers, tobacco smoking appeared to be an important positive or negative confounder. CONCLUSIONS: In this large Spanish foundry, a high risk was observed for workers employed in departments with high exposure to crystalline silica, PAHs, and various other carcinogenic chemicals. Although comparisons were made between workers of the same industry, smoking habits differed and adjustment by smoking modified considerably the risk estimates.

Adult↗