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ABSTRACT: The use of online teaching tools facilitate the incorporation of self-learning methods. With a view to encouraging convergence in teaching tools and methods in Occupational Legal Medicine, an initiative was set up within the classes of Legal and Forensic Medicine at Saragossa University, as part of the EU funded NetWoRM project, which has been led since 1999 by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich (Germany). The interest of medical students in Occupational Legal Medicine has so far been low and in addition different aspects complicate the teaching of Occupational Legal Medicine at medical schools: One reason for the low interest is the limited availability of bedside teaching, one of the students' most favourite and effective way to learn. The reason for that is that most medical schools with occupational departments only have outpatient clinics. "Interesting" patients who be need for educational purposes are therefore only available for a limited part of the day. However, in order to recognize and prevent occupational disorders each medical student and physician needs profound clinical knowledge in Occupational Legal Medicine. This project has proven to be highly efficient in permitting the creation and validation of teaching tools which cover and improve the traditional training of the Occupational Legal Medicine programme imparted in the degree of Medicine.
Legal Medicine 05/2009; 11 Suppl 1:S313-4.
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ABSTRACT: Vitreous humour is routinely sampled in Forensic Medicine as several post-mortem analyses can be performed. However, it is not used for DNA analyses probably due to its scarce cellularity. In these samples, in which the study of nuclear DNA is difficult, the analysis of mtDNA is an alternative approach. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of vitreous humour for forensic identification purposes. Samples were collected during vitrectomy from retinopathy patients, in collection bags with saline solution. Blood samples were also obtained in order to contrast results. Before DNA organic extraction, several centrifugation steps were needed to concentrate the vitreous humour samples. Unlike blood, direct amplification of 400-bp fragments of the hipervariable regions I and II (HVI and HVII) was not successful, possibly due to damage to the DNA strand caused by the surgery conditions (UV radiation, oxidative stress). Therefore, amplification of two overlapping fragments for each control region was performed in vitreous humour. In order to eliminate undesired products, all samples were purified by an enzymatic method. Thereafter, mtDNA fragments were sequenced using dye terminators in a MegaBACE 500 capillary sequencer. Sequences of HVI and HVII of approximately 400 bp were obtained from all samples. The sequences obtained from each patient matched almost perfectly those from blood. In summary, herein we describe for the first time a methodology suitable for the mtDNA analysis of vitreous humour samples.
Legal Medicine 04/2009; 11 Suppl 1:S460-2.
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ABSTRACT: Aggression against healthcare workers is a problem of important consequences which is becoming a focus of research. However, its possible effects on psychological health have not been studied sufficiently in spite of the fact that they may be of importance even in the absence of physical aggression [Winstnaley S, Whittington R. Aggression towards health care staff in a UK general hospital: variation among professions. J Clin Nurs 2004;13:3-10,[1]].
Legal Medicine 04/2009; 11 Suppl 1:S366-7.
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ABSTRACT: CASE REPORT: Two cases of bilateral ocular toxicity following chloroquine therapy in two women with systemic lupus erythematosus are presented. DISCUSSION: Retinal toxicity due to chloroquine is an uncommon iatrogenic disease. It is dose-dependent. New cases are still being described despite the application of ophthalmic screening techniques.
Archivos de la Sociedad Espanola de Oftalmologia 03/2007; 82(2):103-8.
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate the relationship between a multifactorial probability risk model of developing glaucomatous visual field defects and the assessment of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) in glaucoma suspects.
157 eyes of 157 glaucoma suspects were included in the study. The risk of developing glaucomatous defects was assessed by applying a multifactorial model that included intraocular pressure, vertical cup-to-disk ratio, age and family history. Photographs of the RNFL and SWAP were performed.
The SWAP was abnormal in 54 cases (34.3%); 21% of abnormal perimetries were obtained in the low-risk group, 37% in the moderate risk group and 56% in the high risk group. The nerve fiber layer evaluation in the different risk stages showed a pattern similar to the results obtained with SWAP. Multiple regression analyses, performed with the four variables included in the model with SWAP and RNFL evaluation, showed the relationship between the risk factors and the presence of glaucomatous damage--evaluated by RNFL and SWAP (p<0001).
The probability model showed a good correlation between the risk scale and the RNFL and SWAP assessment.
Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica 02/2001; 79(1):10-4. · 1.85 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To present a rare case of central retinal vein occlusion in conjunction with the HELLP syndrome.
A 30-year-old woman presented in the 28th week of her second pregnancy with severe pre-eclampsia with HELLP syndrome; delivery by caesarean section was recommended. Ten days later, the patient complained of severely decreased visual acuity in her right eye.
Ophthalmoscopy revealed a central retinal vein occlusion with venous engorgement and tortuosity, multiple flame hemorrhages, and disc and macular edema. Electroretinography revealed a reduction of b-wave/a-wave ratio. Fluorescein-angiography showed a blockage due to extensive retinal hemorrhages with late mild staining of the walls of veins. The patient presented a spontaneous improvement in visual acuity (0.8 two months after) and a complete resolution of ophthalmoscopic findings.
Ophthalmic complications are possible during and soon after this syndrome. This is the first description of a patient suffering a central retinal vein occlusion during puerperium after the HELLP syndrome.
Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica 11/2000; 78(5):596-8. · 1.85 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In order to use genetic loci in forensic identity testing, some population data are needed. This paper presents a report of allele frequency data for the loci HUMCSF1PO, HUMF13A01, HUMFES/FPS and D12S391 in a population sample from Asturias (northern Spain). No deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was detected in any of the four markers investigated and there was no evidence of association between the alleles of these loci. Statistical analysis was also carried out to obtain some parameters of medico-legal interest and comparative studies were carried out with other populations studied to date for these loci. The Asturian sample does not differ substantially from other Caucasian and Spanish populations.
Forensic Science International 10/2000; 113(1-3):21-3. · 2.30 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate and compare the effect of acid tocopherol succinate (ATS) on fibroblast migration and proliferation.
In vitro wound repair was determined in confluent fibroblast monolayer. Conjunctival fibroblasts were incubated with serum-deprived medium for 24 hours. After this time an artificial wound was made and the cells were incubated with fresh medium plus the doses of ATS to be tested. The cell free area was monitored at 0, 18, 24 and 48 hours. Groups of treatment: Group 1: ethanol 0.1%. Group 2: ATS 25 microM dissolved in ethanol (final concentration 0.1%) Group 3: ATS 50 microM in ethanol 0.1%. Each experiment was carried out in triplicate and repeated 4 times.
There were no differences among the groups during the first 24 hours. ATS showed significantly larger cell-free area at 48 hours. There were no signs of cellular toxicity.
25 microM and 50 microM ATS inhibit fibroblast proliferation without cellular toxicity.
Archivos de la Sociedad Espanola de Oftalmologia 07/2000; 75(6):383-8.
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ABSTRACT: The STR loci HUMTH01, HUMPTPOX, HUMCSF1PO, HUMF13A01, HUMFES/FPS and HUMVWFA31 are widely used in forensic casework analyses and population data are necessary to estimate the frequency of a DNA profile. This paper presents the results of a survey aimed to investigate the allele frequency distribution of these loci in an important Spanish population (Aragon, North Spain). Statistical analysis to determine whether allele frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium was carried out and also to obtain some parameters of medico-legal interest. There was no evidence of association between the alleles of the loci. The Aragonese sample does not differ substantially from other Caucasian populations.
Forensic Science International 04/1999; 100(1-2):87-92. · 2.30 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To determine the absorption and release of mitomycin-C 0.4 and 0.2 mg/mL from sponge-like specimens of Spongostan film (Ferrosan, Copenhagen, Denmark) and the scleral and conjunctival impregnation in an experimental model of filtering surgery.
The maximum amount of mitomycin per volume unit that Spongostan is able to absorb was determined physically as the difference between dry weight and soaked weight. Mitomycin-C activity in known volumes of Spongostan after mitomycin-C release in vitro also was determined at 0, 1, 10, and 30 seconds and 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes. Antibiotic activity of the specimens was evaluated by means of bioassay. Millimeters of inhibition of bacterial growth were related to microg of mitomycin activity according to a reference curve obtained from known amounts of mitomycin-C. Finally, 10 eyes of 10 rabbits underwent filtering surgery with intraoperative application of mitomycin by means of the Spongostan film. The Spongostan implants then were removed and tested for mitomycin activity. Scleral and conjunctival specimens were obtained for bioassay.
The maximum capacity of 25 mm2 x 0.5 mm thick Spongostan films saturated in 0.4 and 0.2 mg/mL solutions of mitomycin-C were 8.49 microg and 4.23 microg, respectively. Biologic activity (bioassay determination) was 8.24 microg and 4.19 microg of mitomycin-C, respectively. In vitro release of mitomycin was gradual until 30 minutes. In vivo mitomycin release from Spongostan after 5 minutes was 6.91 microg. Impregnation with the antimitotic was better in conjunctiva than sclera.
Bioassay permits quantification of mitomycin-C activity. The release from sponge specimens is gradual, and impregnation was better in conjunctiva than sclera.
Journal of Glaucoma 03/1999; 8(1):46-50. · 1.78 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Population data were generated for the STR loci D18S535, D1S1656 and D12S391 in a population sample of unrelated healthy individuals born and living in Aragon (North Spain). The three loci were amplified using a fluorescence-based PCR method and were typed automatically. No deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations were observed. The three loci proved to be highly discriminating and valuable polymorphisms for forensic analyses.
Deutsche Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Gerichtliche Medizin 02/1999; 113(1):58-9. · 2.59 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To determine if short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) provides evidence that indicates early functional losses in ocular hypertensive subjects and to establish a direct comparison with early structural abnormalities in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL).
A total of 160 eyes belonging to 83 patients with ocular hypertension (intraocular pressure >21 mm Hg and normal results on standard automated perimetry evaluation), on which a SWAP and RNFL study were performed, were examined. One hundred twenty-eight age-matched subjects without ocular hypertension were evaluated to establish the 95% and 99% confidence intervals at each of the 76 exploration points of the SWAP test.
The RNFL study results were normal in 83 cases (51.8%) and pathologic in 77 cases (48.1%). The SWAP results were pathologic in 57 cases (35.6%). Significant differences (P<.001) were observed when comparing the distribution of normal and pathologic SWAP results among the types of defects in the RNFL (focal wedge, diffuse atrophy, and mixed atrophy).
Short-wavelength automated perimetry is a useful test for the early detection of visual field losses. It is more sensitive than standard automated perimetry and provides a high association with RNFL assessment, which has proved capable of detecting signs of glaucomatous damage several years before the onset of the typical visual field defects.
Archives of Ophthalmology 11/1998; 116(10):1295-8. · 3.71 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, GC (PM loci) and D1S80 are widely used in forensic casework analyses and population data are required to estimate the frequency of a DNA profile. This paper presents the results of a survey aimed at investigating the allele and genotype frequency distribution of these loci in an important Spanish population (Zaragoza, North Spain). Statistical analysis to determine whether allele frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was carried out as well as to obtain some parameters of medicolegal interest. There was no evidence of association between the alleles of the loci. The Zaragoza sample does not differ substantially from other Caucasian populations.
Journal of Forensic Sciences 10/1998; 43(5):1094-6. · 1.23 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The PCR-based DNA loci LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, GC and HLA DQA1 are widely used in forensic casework analyses. Population data on the distribution of allele frequencies are desired to estimate the rarity of a DNA profile. We studied the allele distributions at these forensically important DNA markers in two Spanish populations (Central Pyrenees and Teruel). Results were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Furthermore, there was little evidence for departures from expectation of independence between loci within the two sample populations. Tests for homogeneity were carried out between the two Spanish populations and a U.S. Caucasian population.
Journal of Forensic Sciences 06/1997; 42(3):510-3. · 1.23 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Allele and genotype frequencies of the loci LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8 and GC (PM loci) were investigated in a population sample of 215 unrelated individuals from Asturias (North Spain). Multiplex amplification and simultaneous typing of the five loci was carried out using the polymarker PCR amplification and typing kit. All loci met Hardy-Weinberg expectations. The Asturian sample does not differ significantly from other Caucasians, but significant differences were observed between this population and SW Hispanic, Afro-american and Korean populations.
Deutsche Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Gerichtliche Medizin 02/1997; 110(1):41-3. · 2.59 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: HLA DQ A1 is probably one of the PCR-based genetic marker systems most widely used in actual forensic casework analyses. As accurate data about the distribution of the alleles is one of the most important prerequisites for the application in forensic biology, we studied the allele distribution in two relevant Spanish populations (Aragonese and Asturian). Results were in good agreement with the Hardy-Weinberg law in both Aragonese and Asturian populations. The power of discrimination was 0.92 in the Aragonese and 0.93 in Asturian sample. A test for homogeneity of the HLA DQ A1 population data based on alelle frequency counts for 12 European samples was performed and no significant differences were found (P = 0.831).
Forensic Science International 09/1996; 81(2-3):185-90. · 2.30 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Preliminary results of a larger investigation on correlation between Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Defects (RNFL) and Automated Perimetry (AP) are presented. A group of ocular hypertensive patients was recruited and a cross-section, randomized study was carried out. The group was composed of 54 eyes from 28 patients; 15 men and 13 women, mean age 42.76 year, mean visual acuity 0.95 (Snellen cart) and mean visual defect expressed in diopters was +0.514 (from -2.5 to +5). A total of 17 (31.48%) refractive fields were pathologic according to our criteria, one from a normal RNFL and the others from nerve fiber defects. We observed 6 no reliable RNFL photographs, 18 normal, 11 slits, 6 wedge, 11 diffuse and 2 mixed defects. Comparing RNFL and AP, 53.33% of eyes with fiber defects had abnormal perimetries. The more evolutioned the defect, the larger percentage of abnormal visual fields were observed: 36.36% in slit defects, 66.66% in wedge, 54.55% in diffuse and 100% in mixed ones. Comparing location of defects with location of cluster of decreased sensibility points in visual field, a higher correlation in inferior than superior defects was found.
International Ophthalmology 10/1992; 16(4-5):239-42.
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ABSTRACT: Central nervous system depression is the predominant response to acute trichloroethylene exposure. Cranial or peripheral nerves are also affected. The paper is a case report of a bilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis caused by occupational trichloroethylene poisoning. The urinary concentration of trichloroacetic acid one week after the onset of symptoms was positive. Visual fields and visual evoked potentials recovered eight months later. Other neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis were excluded.
La Medicina del lavoro 87(5):432-6. · 0.32 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Y-chromosomal microsatellites (STRs) are proven to be useful in forensic practice but large and diverse population databases are required in order to facilitate the statistical evaluation of donor-stain matches. Here we present frequencies of a nine-STR loci set (DYS19, DYS388, DYS390, DYS392, DYS393, GATA A71, GATA A10, DYS 439 and GATA H4) in the population of El Salvador (San Salvador, Central America). Blood samples were taken from 120 healthy unrelated male individuals born and living in El Salvador (San Salvador, Central America). DNA was isolated from the samples using standard phenol–chloroform extraction method. Each locus was amplified individually, except for GATA A71, GATA A10, DYS 439 and GATA H4 (PCR-multiplex system). Detection of the amplified products was carried out using the Automatic Laser Fluorescent (ALF) DNA sequencer (Amersham Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden). The recommendations of the International Society for Forensic Genetics were followed for typing and interpretation. A total of 119 different haplotypes identified by the nine loci markers were observed. The overall haplotype diversity was 0.9998.
International Congress Series 1261:305-306.
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ABSTRACT: To determine a practical method for quantifying in vivo lens absorption by human crystalline, obtaining an index of lens density in our population.
62 normal subjects were evaluated in this study (ages ranging from 20 to 71 years). TESTING PROCEDURE: Measurements of dark-adapted scotopic thresholds for 450 nm and 656 nm stimuli were obtained (Tubinger perimeter) in order to determine ocular media absorption. Van Norren and Vos's procedure was used to calculate ocular media absorption transmission loss. Least-squares linear regressions were used to correlate lens density to age.
A gradual and approximately linear increase in average lens absorbance was found under 55 years of age. Elder subjects showed a higher increase in this absorbance with higher variability. A correction factor for age-related ocular media absorption was obtained from the calculated curve. The range was approximately 1 to 5 dB.
Determination of the transmission characteristics of the preretinal media is essential for interpreting threshold sensitivity values. Increase in lens absorption has been shown to be selective for short wavelengths. Due to this fact, a correction factor for the age-related ocular media absorption should be applied to avoid misinterpretation of the Blue-on-Yellow perimetry absolute results. That factor may discriminate sensitivity losses due to changes in the lens from those due to retinal or neuronal dysfunction.
International Ophthalmology 20(1-3):7-9.
