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Biomedical subjects

A Batista

Publications and source records attributed to A Batista.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Alpha-interferon improves liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C: clinical significance of the serum N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type III.

Our objective was to estimate the effect of interferon (IFN) on the evolution of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C and the significance of the N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type III (PIIIP) as a marker of fibrogenesis. One hundred seventeen patients, 72 male (61%) and 45 female (39%), with a mean age of 40.7+/-11.9 years were treated with a2b-IFN, 3 to 5 MU, for 12 months: sustained responders (SR = 44), relapsers (RR = 35), and nonresponders (NR = 38). Liver biopsies were performed before treatment and 1 year after cessation of IFN for evaluation of the histological activity index (HAI). Serum PIIIP was obtained at the time of liver biopsy, at the beginning, during, and end of therapy and during the follow-up. The normal value in 29 healthy individuals was 0.37+/-0.18 U/L. Staging was reduced in 58% of SR, 12.5% of RR, and 11.5% of NR. There was a correlation between PIIIP and the HAI before (n = 71, r(s) = 0.41, P < 0.0004) and after IFN (n = 71, r(s) = 0.58, P < 0.0001). The SR had a better improvement in grading (90.3%; P < 0.05) and staging (58%; P < 0.001). The correlation of the HAI parameters with the variation of PIIIP showed significance only for fibrosis (r(s) = 0.36, P < 0.002) and portal inflammation (r(s) = 0.35, P < 0.01). PIIIP normalized only in patients whose fibrosis improved (P < 0.01). At the end of therapy, PIIIP had a predictive value in the distinction of SR from RR (PPV, 64; PNV, 55.6). During the follow-up, PIIIP remained lower in SR compared with RR and NR (P < 0.002). The response to a-IFN improved liver inflammation and fibrosis. Serum PIIIP is a useful noninvasive method to evaluate serially fibrogenesis in chronic hepatitis C treated with IFN.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

An intact dilysine-like motif in the carboxyl terminus of MAL is required for normal apical transport of the influenza virus hemagglutinin cargo protein in epithelial Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

The MAL proteolipid, a component of the integral protein sorting machinery, has been demonstrated as being necessary for normal apical transport of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) and the overall apical membrane proteins in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The MAL carboxy terminus ends with the sequence Arg-Trp-Lys-Ser-Ser (RWKSS), which resembles dilysine-based motifs involved in protein sorting. To investigate whether the RWKSS pentapeptide plays a role in modulating the distribution of MAL and/or its function in apical transport, we have expressed MAL proteins with distinct carboxy terminus in MDCK cells whose apical transport was impaired by depletion of endogenous MAL. Apical transport of HA was restored to normal levels by expression of MAL with an intact but not with modified carboxyl terminal sequences bearing mutations that impair the functioning of dilysine-based sorting signals, although all the MAL proteins analyzed incorporated efficiently into lipid rafts. Ultrastructural analysis indicated that compared with MAL bearing an intact RWKSS sequence, a mutant with lysine -3 substituted by serine showed a twofold increased presence in clathrin-coated cytoplasmic structures and a reduced expression on the plasma membrane. These results indicate that the carboxyl-terminal RWKSS sequence modulates the distribution of MAL in clathrin-coated elements and is necessary for HA transport to the apical surface.

Adaptor Protein Complex gamma Subunits↗
PubMed2001

Effect of the intracerebroventricular administration of GR 113808, a selective 5-HT4 antagonist, on water intake during hyperosmolarity and hypovolemia.

We demonstrate here that acute third ventricle injections of GR 113808, a highly selective 5-HT4 antagonist, decrease water intake induced by a previous salt load while potentiating drinking elicited by hypovolemia induced by previous subcutaneous administration of polyethylene glycol in male Wistar rats (200 +/- 20 g). At the dose of 160 nmol/rat, third ventricle injections of GR 113808 induced a significant reduction of water intake in salt-loaded animals after 120 min as compared to salt-loaded animals receiving third ventricle injections of saline (salt load + GR = 3.44 +/- 0.41 ml, N = 12; salt load + saline = 5.74 +/- 0.40 ml, N = 9). At the dose of 80 nmol/rat, GR 113808 significantly enhanced water intake in hypovolemic animals after 120 min as compared to hypovolemic animals receiving third ventricle injections of saline (hypovol + GR = 4.01 +/- 0.27 ml, N = 8; hypovol + saline = 2.41 +/- 0.23 ml, N = 12). We suggest that central 5-HT4 receptors may exert a positive drive on water intake due to hyperosmolarity and a negative input on drinking provoked by hypovolemia.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Correlation of genotypes and route of transmission with histologic activity and disease stage in chronic hepatitis C.

Our objective was to evaluate the histopathological features of chronic hepatitis C of 64 liver biopsies and to correlate this with the route of transmission of hepatitis C virus, the genotype of HCV, and the patient's age. Moderate chronic hepatitis was the most frequently observed (62.5%). Cirrhosis was observed in 14 patients (21.9%) and was more frequently found among patients over 40 years of age (34.3% vs. 6.9%, P = 0.025). The mean histopathological activity index (HAI) was significantly higher in the sporadic (10+/-3.1) than the posttransfusional (7.5+/-3.7) and the intravenous drug use (IVDU) groups (6.3+/-2.8) (P<0.02). Moreover the sporadic group showed more fibrosis (P<0.04) than the posttransfusional group. No liver cirrhosis was found in the IVDU group. The overall prevalence of HCV variants was: 54.7% type 1b, 4.6% type 1a, 37.5% type 2c, 1.6% type 2b, 1.6% type 2. The genotype distribution showed no relation to the HAI, hepatitis activity (grade), and fibrosis (stage) of the liver disease. In conclusion, the sporadic route of transmission of HCV was related to a more severe chronic hepatic disease, a finding that could influence future antiviral therapies. The predominance of HCV type 1b in this study reflects the higher frequency of this variant in our area. Our data suggests that the ultimate consequence of HCV chronic infection depends on patient age rather than on HCV genotype.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Comparison of the distribution of magnesium in plasma determined by size exclusion chromatography and 31P NMR spectroscopy.

The distribution of magnesium in plasma, bound to proteins (pMg), complexed to low molecular weight anions (cMg) and ionized (iMg), was compared by size exclusion chromatography and an approach using a combination of atomic absorption spectroscopy, ion selective electrodes and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The distribution of pMg:cMg:iMg was 28:13:59 as determined by chromatography and 26:14:60 as determined by the latter methodology. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that plasma proteins and weak complexing anions correspond to high and low affinity magnesium binding ligands in plasma, respectively.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

A macrocyclic reporter ligand for Mg2+: analytical implications for clinical magnesium determinations.

A new approach is presented for measuring Mg in plasma using the macrocyclic reporter ligand, NOTMP (1, 4, 7-triazacyclononane- 1, 4, 7-tris (methylene methylphosphinate)) and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). By virtue of its intermediate binding constant for Mg (Kd = 0.35 mM), measurements of Mg using NOTMP allows one to discriminate between Mg bound to the high and low affinity ligands present in plasma, when combined with more conventional measurements of Mg. We used this approach in conjunction with measurements of total Mg using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and ionized Mg using an ion selective electrode (ISE) to characterize the distribution of Mg in the plasma of 16 normal adults. The percentage of Mg distributed among high and low affinity ligands and in an ionized fraction was 31, 14 and 55 per cent respectively. Similar measurements on plasma following equilibrium dialysis suggest that the high and low affinity ligands in plasma correspond to high and low molecular weight compounds, respectively. Measurement of Mg by NOTMP, AAS and ISE were not affected by the storage of blood samples for up to 48 h at 4 degrees C. The addition of MgSO4 to plasma and its subsequent analysis by these three methods suggests that the added Mg is primarily distributed among the high affinity ligands (mostly likely proteins) and ionized fractions. The approach presented here may offer novel insights into assessing the distribution of Mg in clinical samples.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Ventricular late potential analysis with musical and harmonic wavelets.

Harmonic and musical wavelets were introduced by DE Newland in 1994, and have their spectrum tightly defined, therefore greatly reducing spectral leakage that may disturb signal frequency analysis. We have explored the ability of these wavelets to perform detection and quantification of ventricular late potentials (VLP) through our multiresolution time-scale method of energy comparison between the ST and TP segments of the ECG. Since reduction of spectral leakage improves the method's reliability, Newland wavelets provided better results than Daubechies wavelets in our study cases. The only drawback is the comparatively reduced time resolution of Newland wavelets. This required us to concatenate a number of ST segments to form a longer data set that is more representative of the high-resolution ECG (HR-ECG) of a patient than one individual beat. This approach may also be considered for other applications in the HR-ECG field. The spectral properties of the Newland wavelets play a major role in the improvement in our results.

Calibration↗
PubMed1996

[Atypical fibrous histiocytoma of the seminal vesicle].

OBJECTIVES: To describe a rare case of fibrous histiocytoma of the seminal vesicles. METHODS: A tumor occupying the entire hypogastrium, extending beyond the umbilical region were the only remarkable findings in our 47-year-old male patient that prompted us to perform complementary studies such as US, contrast-enhanced radiological evaluation (urography, cystography, colon enema and intestinal transit time) and laparoscopy that disclosed an extraperitoneal tumor with no precise location. A large tumor involving the seminal vesicles was found at surgery and resected. The histological analyses disclosed an atypical fibrous histiocytoma of the seminal vesicles. RESULTS: Patient outcome was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: Because tumors of the seminal vesicles are uncommon, it is practically impossible to diagnose this tumor type preoperatively.

Genital Neoplasms, Male↗
PubMed1996

SEM analysis of smear layer removal after manual and automated handpiece root canal preparation.

Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the smear layer removal after root canal preparation by a manual technique and by an automated handpiece, the Canal Finder System (CFS). When 1% sodium hypochlorite was used as the irrigating solution, both manual and CFS techniques showed root canal walls with a dense smear layer obscuring the dentinal tubules entrance plus a large amount of debris. Root canal walls of the group of teeth treated with a chelating agent (EDTA) for 5 min and a final flush, after the preparation, with 1% sodium hypochlorite as an irrigating solution showed the cervical, middle and apical thirds extremely smooth and clear.

Dental High-Speed Equipment↗
PubMed1992

Food allergy: identification of the major IgE-binding component of peach (Prunus persica).

Since peaches are a relatively common cause of food allergy, we set out to identify the allergens involved. With the use of a panel of 48 sera from patients allergic to peach, we demonstrate that most of the allergenicity of that fruit is confined to the skin, rather than to the flesh of peaches, and corresponds to a protein doublet with an estimated molecular weight of 8-10 kD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

The radiographic platform: a new method to evaluate root canal preparation in vitro.

An in vitro method for evaluating root canal preparation in curved canals is presented. Based on Schneider's method, this technique makes it possible to obtain the position of the instrument before and after instrumentation in the same X-ray film. The use of the radiographic platform is a valuable research and teaching aid.

Dental Pulp Cavity↗
PubMed1988

Serum markers of hepatitis B virus replication, liver histology and intrahepatic expression of hepatitis B core antigen.

The presence and distribution of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) was studied in the liver of 227 chronic carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to investigate its relationship with serum HBV-DNA, the status of hepatitis B 'e' antigen/antibody (HBeAg/anti-HBe) and the underlying liver disease. HBcAg was detected in 144 of the 227 (63%) liver specimens and HBV-DNA in 132 (58%) of the corresponding sera. Serum HBV-DNA showed a constant link with intrahepatic HBcAg. Out of 96 HBeAg-positive patients, 91 (95%) had HBcAg in the liver and 85 (89%) had HBV-DNA in serum. Overall there was a significant link between HBeAg and HBV-DNA in serum, but there was no correlation in 58 out of 227 (26%) cases. In HBeAg/HBV-DNA-positive carriers, HBcAg expression was predominantly nuclear. It was nuclear and cytoplasmic in patients with the highest levels of viremia. Eleven out of 13 (85%) HBV-DNA-positive patients who had only cytoplasmic HBcAg were HBcAg-negative and had low levels of HBV-DNA. Nine of 13 (69%) patients with exclusively cytoplasmic HBcAg had severe chronic liver disease. Neither the presence of HBV-DNA and HBeAg in serum nor the nuclear localization of HBcAg were associated with the severity of liver damage. In the group of HBV-DNA-positive patients (132), the presence of liver disease was significantly connected with the absence of HBeAg in serum (P less than 0.05; C.L. 3-35).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The relationship between headaches and sleep disturbances.

The relationship between headaches and sleep disturbances is complex and difficult to analyze. Both symptoms may have causal relations, or may be associated in the same patient with mutual reinforcements. We studied 25 patients presenting with morning or nocturnal headaches. Standard headache diagnosis and polysomnography were performed. After polysomnography, the diagnoses were reevaluated. The main headache entities were cluster, chronic paroxysmal hemicrania, migraine, tension, combined headache, and chronic substance abuse headache. For each group, headache, sleep data, and changes in diagnosis are discussed. The diagnosis was changed in 13 patients; the final diagnoses were periodic movements of sleep, fibromyalgia syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea. The diagnoses of cluster headache and chronic paroxysmal hemicrania were not modified by polysomnography. The migraine and tension headache groups had a relative male preponderance, and the diagnosis was changed in approximately half of the patients. This was also observed in combined headaches. Patients who had chronic substance abuse headaches had mainly insomnia, which in some cases, was relieved by stopping medication. Data were also analyzed in terms of simple models linking headache and sleep disturbances. Such an approach allowed the identification of several modes of mutual interaction. In summary, morning or nocturnal headaches are frequent indicators of a sleep disturbance and their presence might justify polysomnography, and the use of simple clinical models may be useful for understanding the complex relationship between headache and sleep.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Autoimmune cholangitis: case report.

We report on 2 patients who showed mixed signs of primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis. Both patients were female, in their fifties (54 and 58), their laboratory tests indicated cholestasis, and a liver biopsy revealed liver cirrhosis with significant lesions of the bile ducts. Both were treated with prednisolone with their liver tests showing a rapid normalization of their aminotransferases. These patients can be considered as presenting with what is known as the overlap syndrome or autoimmune cholangitis, which has the clinical, biochemical, immunological, and histopathological characteristics of primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis type I.

Biopsy↗