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Biomedical subjects

V Serrano

Publications and source records attributed to V Serrano.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Nutrition communication for a Latino community: formative research foundations.

Formative research techniques were used to develop a tailored health communication nutrition intervention for Latinas and their families. Members of the target community were recruited to participate in focus groups, depth interviews, and participant observations. Women, in particular, were observed preparing meals in their homes and purchasing groceries. The objective was to identify variables that could be used for targeting, segmenting, and tailoring the intervention. Results from these efforts were used to develop a theory-based intervention, which is described at the conclusion of the article.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Spasmolytic activity of some plants used by the Otomi Indians of Quéretaro (México) for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of chloroform-methanol (1:1) extracts derived from Baccharis heterophylla H. B. K (Asteraceae), Desmodium grahami Gray (Leguminosae), Dyssodia pinnata var. pinnata Rob. (Asteraceae), Gentiana spathacea H. B. K. (Gentianaceae), Loeselia mexicana Brand. (Polemoniaceae), Selaginella pallescens Spring. (Selaginellaceae) and Zornia diphylla Pers. (Fabaceae) on the spontaneous contractions of isolated rat ileum. The concentration-response curves and IC50 values were obtained and the respective relaxant potencies were compared with that of the CHCl3-MeOH (1:1) extract of Datura lanosa. The data showed that all the extracts produce a concentration-dependent inhibition of spontaneous ileum contractions. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the extracts against pathogenic enterobacteria was tested. The pharmacological actions shown by the extracts of the selected species tend to support ethnomedical use of the plants for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Trace elements and electrolytes in human resting mixed saliva after exercise.

OBJECTIVES: Exercise is known to cause changes in the concentration of salivary components such as amylase, Na, and Cl. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of physical exercise on the levels of trace elements and electrolytes in whole (mixed) saliva. METHODS: Forty subjects performed a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Samples of saliva were obtained before and immediately after the exercise test. Sample concentrations of Fe, Mg, Sc, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Sr, Ag, Sb, Cs, and Hg were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and concentrations of Ca and Na by atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: After exercise, Mg and Na levels showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) while Mn levels fell (p < 0.05). Zn/Cu molar ratios were unaffected by exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Intense physical exercise induced changes in the concentrations of only three (Na, Mg, and Mn) of the 16 elements analysed in the saliva samples. Further research is needed to assess the clinical implications of these findings.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Plus-minus eyelid syndrome of vascular origin].

The association of unilateral ptosis and contralateral palpebral retraction named as "palpebral plus-minus syndrome" by Gaynard et al is an infrequent finding. Most cases described are of peripheral origin and secondary to muscle pathology or neuromuscular union. Cases secondary to central lesions are exceptional. We present the case of a female patient who developed palpebral plus-minus syndrome as a result of a vascular lesion with presumably mesencephalic localization.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

[Sumatriptan and cluster headache].

Double-blind studies have demonstrated the efficacy of sumatriptan for the treatment of cluster headache (CH) but little is known about its use on a daily basis. The open trial reported here analyzed the efficacy, tolerance and appropriateness of subcutaneous administration of sumatriptan; the results are compared with findings for other treatments of CH. Sumatriptan was used in 232 attacks suffered by 16 patients and its effect was very rapid. Pain began to diminish a mean 9 minutes after injection and the most intense had disappeared in less than 15 minutes. All the patients preferred sumatriptan to other treatments. No serious side effects were recorded and the patients were satisfied with subcutaneous injection. Sumatriptan was considered the first choice medication for treatment of CH symptoms, although its high cost is a drawback that had to be taken into account.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Chronic cluster headache: course and outcome of treatment].

We analyze the results of treatment and the course of disease in 20 patients suffering from chronic cluster headache. Patients were followed for an average of 5 years. Sumatriptan provided the most effective relief of symptoms in those who used that medication. The results of surgical and medical prophylaxes were poor. The disease either remitted or changed to an episodic variety after several months or years in most patients. There is no evidence to suggest that these changes were related to any particular treatment.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1994

[Cluster headache with a familial presentation].

Four out of 190 patients suffering from cluster headache (CH) were of familial presentation. In three families the affected relative was either the brother or the father of the proband. In the other family the disorder affected the father, two brothers, and perhaps the grand mother of the patient. The prevalence of the disease seems to be higher among relatives of CH patients compared to general population. It is unclear whether this familial aggregation depends up on genetic factors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Experience in the use of central venous catheterization via subclavian puncture in a pediatric hospital].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency and type of complications during central venous catheter installation by subclavian puncture, and during its use in children admitted to an ICU. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients from one month to 15 years of age, admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital de Pediatría Centro Médico Nacional, Siglo XXI, who underwent a percutaneous infraclavicular subclavian puncture for central venous catheter complications were included. Clinical features, diagnosis, complications and indications for the procedure were registered. RESULTS: 92 patients and 102 subclavian punctures were included for analysis. Effectively index was 88.3%. Main diagnosis was infectious diseases in 29.4% and neoplasia in 22.5%. Hemodynamic monitoring was the more frequent indication for the procedure (44%). Of the catheter 45% were successfully installed at first intent. The complication in the installation appear in 11.7%. Was arterial subclavian puncture (6.8%), hematoma (2.9%), without hemodynamic deterioration no any case. The mean time of permanence was 8.8 days. The late complications was present in average 7.3 days, in 18.6% of the cases. Predominance infection in entrance place of catheter. CONCLUSIONS: Installation of venous central catheter by subclavian puncture prove a great utility in our patients, with a few complications and a high effectively. For experimental personal the central venous catheterization by subclavian puncture in pediatric patients to be importance in the first place in critical ill children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Human recombinant erythropoietin (rH-EPO) in chronic hemodialysis patients].

We studied 7 patients on chronic hemodialysis before and after 12 weeks of therapy with human recombinant erythropoietin. The drug was administered intravenously, 3 times a week at doses increasing from 50 to 125 U/kg. Dialysis was performed for 4 hr, 3 times a week and no blood transfusions were used during the study. An increased tolerance to daily physical activities was observed in all patients. Hematocrit increased from 19 +/- 3.4 to 28 +/- 4.1 and hemoglobin from 6.7 +/- 1.3 to 9.4 +/- 1.5, p less than 0.01. No changes were detected in blood pressure, weight, liver function tests and nutritional values. No patient developed either absolute (ferritin less than 30 ng/ml) or relative iron deficiency (transferrin saturation less than 20%) during the study. Efficiency of dialysis remained unaltered. No secondary effects from the drug were observed. Thus, this study confirms the clinical usefulness of human recombinant erythropoietin in patients with chronic renal failure and anemia on chronic dialysis.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Paget's disease involving the face. Apropos of 4 cases].

This study describes four cases of Paget's deforming dystrophy involving the jaw. In three of them the course of the disease affected only the bone involved whilst in the fourth the bones of the vault of the skull and some cranial nerves were affected in time. The prevalence of the female sex and of involvement of the maxilla was evident. The mandible was involved in only one case. Biochemical abnormalities were the same in all cases as well as being identical to those in cases of Paget's disease with multiple bone involvement. The authors suggest medical treatment (calcitonin, Na etidronate, mitramycin ) and surgery only when required for bone remodelling when there is interference with function.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

[Salivary lithiasis as a complication of surgically treated Robin syndrome].

A 15-year-old girl, operated upon (surgical ankyloglossia) at birth for glossoptosis due to Pierre Robin's syndrome provoking respiratory distress, presented with lithiasis of Wharton's duct. The pathogenesis of the lithiasis is considered to be related to the wounds and scars following the sublingual surgery, findings in this case also strongly suggesting the role of mechanical and inflammatory factors in the etiology of salivary gland lithiasis in general.

Adolescent↗