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Biomedical subjects

A L Ferreira

Publications and source records attributed to A L Ferreira.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Effect of re-feed strategies and non-ammoniagenic medium on adenovirus production at high cell densities.

Recombinant adenoviruses became one of the vectors of choice for delivery and expression of foreign proteins for gene therapy and vaccination purposes. Nevertheless, the production of adenovirus is currently limited by the so-called "cell density effect", i.e., a drop in cell specific productivity concomitant with increased cell concentration at infection (CCI). This work describes the characterisation and optimisation of the infection process in order to improve recombinant adenovirus type 5 yields at high cell densities. For that purpose, 293 cells adapted to suspension were grown in 2l bioreactors and infected at different cell concentrations, using different re-feed strategies, while evaluating cell metabolism. The consumption of amino acids is enhanced during infection, although no amino acid limitation was detected for cells infected at concentrations in the range of 2 x 10(6)cell/ml, for which the highest volumetric productivity was obtained in batch mode. Conversely, infecting at cell concentrations in the range of 3 x10(6)cell/ml led to complete depletion of glucose, glutamine and threonine before the optimal harvesting time, a significant decrease in volumetric productivity being observed; the effect of amino acids and glucose addition at infection time on cell specific and volumetric productivity of adenovirus was assessed, no improvement on adenovirus production being achieved. The effect of ammonia, present in high concentrations at 3 x10(6)cell/ml, was evaluated and seem to be detrimental; an 1.8-fold increase on adenovirus volumetric productivity was obtained for infections performed at 3 x10(6)cell/ml when non-ammoniagenic medium was used.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2004

Resolution of persistent periapical infection by endodontic surgery.

AIM: To examine the surfaces of a root tip removed during surgical endodontic treatment for the presence of microorganisms. SUMMARY: The present clinical case illustrates an endodontic retreatment of a maxillary premolar tooth with a fistula and periapical reaction. The case was under treatment for 1 year, during which an intracanal medicament was replaced several times. As the lesion did not decrease and exudate was persistent through the fistula and root canal, root end resection with root end filling was performed. Microbiological samples were collected from the fistula, where Propionibacterium acnes, a species associated with endodontic failures, was detected by appropriate anaerobic technique. The resected root apex was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed cocci and fungal forms surrounding one of the foramina. After 12 months, the periapical lesion had reduced.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on wound healing in corneas of dogs following keratoplasty.

The effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on wound healing were evaluated at the graft-cornea transition in dogs following lamellar keratoplasty using tunica vaginalis preserved in 98% glycerin. Twenty-one dogs were subdivided into three groups of seven animals. The first group (W/US) received daily treatment of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (20 mW/cm2) for 15 min for the first 10 days post surgery. The second group (N/US) was submitted to the same procedure but with the ultrasound apparatus turned off. The third group, the control (CO), underwent the surgical procedure only. The animals were clinically evaluated during the initial (1-15 days), intermediate (16-30 days) and late (31-120 days) postoperative period. The corneas were evaluated by light microscopy at 1, 3, 7, 15, 30, 60 and 120 days after surgery. Clinically, there were no differences which would promote an advantage to any of the treatments. Light microscopy, however, revealed more extensive vascularization and more advanced wound healing in the W/US group, as well as a tendency towards early graft incorporation. Based on the present results, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound shows advantages, especially in situations where trophic support is a mandatory condition, facilitating better graft incorporation and rapid recovery of stromal organization.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Epidemiological and clinical features of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis American cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Between 1985 and 2000, epidemiological surveys of the American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) were carried out in several rural and urban communities in Espírito Santo, Brazil. A total of 100 stocks of Leishmania (comprising isolates from both human and canine hosts with ATL) were identified by two methods of molecular characterization, using specific monoclonal antibodies and multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. Parasite isolates from 19 municipalities were found to belong to the same zymodeme and serodeme type as of the Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis reference strain. In contrast, our genotyping studies have shown intra-specific variation among these parasites (comparisons of the variability of the internal transcribed spacers between the small and large subunits of the rRNA genes of the 22 stocks studied revealed at least 11 genotypes). Two main clusters of L. (V.) braziliensis genotypes were observed, representing parasites collected from different endemic regions in the state, where transmission reflects distinct eco-epidemiological features. Infection with this pathogen was associated with the characteristic disease forms, but neither the clinical outcome nor the response to treatment could be related to the genetic polymorphism of the isolates, as defined by using the proposed methodology.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Distribution of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) at different altitudes in an endemic region of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

The involvement of different sand fly species in the transmission of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) at different altitudes was evaluated in the municipality of Afonso Cláudio in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, from November 1995 to February 1997. CDC light traps and Shannon traps baited with human volunteers were hung simultaneously at three altitudes of a river valley: (a) 650-750 m in an area of active ACL transmission; (b) 750-850 m in a transitional area; and (c) 850-950 m in an area where no ACL transmission occurred. A total of 13,363 specimens belonging to 28 species was collected. The five most abundant man-biting species were Lutzomyia intermedia, which constituted 24.3% of the total, Lu. migonei (22.3%), Lu. whitmani (15.4%), Lu. fischeri (14.9%) and Lu. monticola (5.8%). Analysis of the distribution of these species at the three altitudes provided evidence that Lu. fischeri and Lu. monticola were not involved in ACL transmission, whereas Lu. migonei and Lu. whitmani might act as secondary vectors of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Lu. intermedia was probably the principal vector of the parasite. These results reinforce those published in the existing literature, which indicate that Lu. intermedia is the main vector of Le. (V.) braziliensis in Southeast Brazil, while Lu. migonei and Lu. whitmani are of secondary importance.

Altitude↗
PubMed2000

Tissue distribution of lycopene in ferrets and rats after lycopene supplementation.

To determine lycopene uptake and tissue distribution in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) and F344 rats, we supplemented orally 4.6 mg/(kg body wt.d) lycopene in a tomato oleoresin-corn oil mixture (experimental groups). After 9 wk of supplementation, the animals were killed and blood and organs were collected. Plasma and tissue carotenoids were extracted and measured using HPLC. Mean concentrations of lycopene (nmol/kg wet tissue) in saponified tissues of ferrets were as follows: liver 933, intestine 73, prostate 12.7 and stomach 9.3. Levels of lycopene (nmol/kg wet tissue) in saponified tissue of rats were as follows: liver 14213, intestine 3125, stomach 78.6, prostate 24 and testis 3.9. When these organs were extracted without saponification, the lycopene levels were lower, except for rat testis. All-trans-lycopene was the predominant isomer found in tomato oleoresin and in the majority of rat tissues, whereas cis-lycopenes were predominant in rat prostate and plasma. This pattern was reversed in ferrets. The results show the following: 1) lycopene from tomato oleoresin is absorbed and stored primarily in the liver of both animals; 2) saponification generally improves the extraction of lycopene from most tissues of both animals; 3) cis-lycopene and all-trans-lycopene are the predominant isomers in ferret and rat tissues, respectively; and 4) rats absorb lycopene more effectively than ferrets.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2000

[Ethical implications of domestic violence against child for the health care professionals].

Based upon some problems faced by health professionals in the care of abused children, this is a discussion of the ethical implications in family interventions aiming to protect these children. Accepting the prima facie principle that violence is morally wrong, some issues related to the children's rights as well as some ethical theories such as consequentialism, utilitarianism and deontology are discussed. The conclusion is that the protection of these children is morally justifiable and the maintenance of the families' unity should always be attempted.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Evaluation on the nutritional status of carotenoid in healthy elder people].

The possible relations between carotenoid status and their health indicators were investigated in an elderly group aged 60-75 years. Fasting serum samples were taken from 41 healthy subjects (20 men and 21 women). The concentrations of carotenoids and vitamin A of serum samples were assayed by HPLC. The results showed that vitamin A level of seven subjects was lower than 0.3 mg/L. Lutein and Zeaxanthin were the predominant carotenoids in serum. The concentration of total carotenoids had inverse correlations with blood glucose, serum cholesterol and triglyceride, and blood pressure. Carotenoids were inversely and significantly correlated with diastolic pressure and body mass index.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Autopsy: quality assurance in the ICU.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the correlation between the clinical diagnosis and autopsy findings in adult patients who died in an intensive care unit (ICU). To determine the rate of agreement of the basic and terminal causes of death and the types of errors in order to improve quality control of future care. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Adult ICU in a university hospital. PATIENTS: 30 adult patients who died in the ICU, with the exclusion of medicolegal cases. METHODS AND MAIN RESULTS: Anatomo-clinical meetings were held to analyze the pre- and postmortem correlations in 30 consecutive autopsies at the ICU of the University Hospital, School of Medicine of Botucatu/ UNESP, from January 1994 to January 1997. The rate of correct clinical diagnoses of the basic cause was 66.7%; in 23.3% of cases, if the correct diagnosis was made, management would have been different, as would have been the evolution of the patient's course (Class I error); in 10% of the cases the error would not have led to a change in management (Class II error). The rate of correct clinical diagnoses of terminal cause was 80%. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of recognition of the basic cause was 66.7%, which is consistent with the literature, but the Class I error rate was higher than that reported in the literature.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Evaluating a support program for children victim of domestic violence].

INTRODUCTION: Domestic violence against children has been a subject of concern to many Brazilian institutions, though there are few studies about the services offered to the community. The aim of this study is to evaluate administrative and operational aspects of the SOS Criança and provide insight to similar programs with comparative data. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 976 data sheets of investigated cases until 1993 was conducted. Study variables were: characteristics of the support program required, proceedings to investigate reported cases, follow-up duration of reported cases, and referrals to other institutions. RESULTS: Out of 976 data sheets analyzed, 587 involved domestic violence against children: 38.7% cases of physical abuse, 27.7% of neglect, 26.3% of psychological abuse and 7.3% of sexual abuse. Most of the complaints (32.5%) came from family members of victimized children. The program's investigation process took between 126 to 212 days. Each investigated case demanded an average of 2.7 to 4.6 procedures. The majority of the cases (44.0%) were referred to a law court. This study emphasizes the need of a computerized database for optimizing the services provided and the victims' follow-up. It also suggests the need of ongoing staff training and development of broader and stronger connections to the social and health services.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes and glutathione levels in human erythrocytes exposed to colloidal iron hydroxide in vitro.

The free form of the iron ion is one of the strongest oxidizing agents in the cellular environment. The effect of iron at different concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 microM Fe3+) on the normal human red blood cell (RBC) antioxidant system was evaluated in vitro by measuring total (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and reductase (GSH-Rd) activities. Membrane lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). The RBC were incubated with colloidal iron hydroxide and phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.45, at 37 degrees C, for 60 min. For each assay, the results for the control group were: a) GSH = 3.52 +/- 0.27 microM/g Hb; b) GSSG = 0.17 +/- 0.03 microM/g Hb; c) GSH-Px = 19.60 +/- 1.96 IU/g Hb; d) GSH-Rd = 3.13 +/- 0.17 IU/g Hb; e) catalase = 394.9 +/- 22.8 IU/g Hb; f) SOD = 5981 +/- 375 IU/g Hb. The addition of 1 to 100 microM Fe3+ had no effect on the parameters analyzed. No change in TBARS levels was detected at any of the iron concentrations studied. Oxidative stress, measured by GSH kinetics over time, occurs when the RBC are incubated with colloidal iron hydroxide at concentrations higher than 10 microM of Fe3+. Overall, these results show that the intact human RBC is prone to oxidative stress when exposed to Fe3+ and that the RBC has a potent antioxidant system that can minimize the potential damage caused by acute exposure to a colloidal iron hydroxide in vitro.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Consequences of premature progesterone elevation on the outcome of in vitro fertilization: insights into a controversy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the consequences of premature P elevation on IVF-ET outcome are modulated by the quality of the ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Assisted Reproduction Unit, Clamart, France. PATIENT(S): One thousand twelve women undergoing 1,189 IVF-ET cycles. INTERVENTION(S): Patients underwent COH with a time-released GnRH agonist and hMG. The ovarian response to COH was classified as strong (< or = 50 hMG ampules, peak E2 levels > 2,500 pg/mL, and > or = 10 mature oocytes; n = 340), weak (> 50 hMG ampules, peak E2 levels < or = 1,500 pg/mL, and < or = 5 mature oocytes; n = 285), or intermediate (remaining cases; n = 564). The IVF-ET outcome in each group was analyzed according to whether or not plasma P levels exceeded 0.9 ng/mL. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy rates (PRs). RESULT(S): Clinical PRs were similar irrespective of low or high P levels in the strong (30% and 34%, respectively) and intermediate (31% and 30%, respectively) groups. However, in the weak group, P levels > 0.9 ng/mL were associated with lower PRs (3.2% and 23%, respectively). CONCLUSION(S): In the presence of an adequate response to COH, P levels > 0.9 ng/mL were not associated with lower PRs, indicating that good embryo quality may compensate for the adverse endometrial effects of P. Conversely, when the response to COH was weak, premature P elevation led to drastically reduced PRs.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Influence of diabetes mellitus on the glutathione redox system of human red blood cells.

Several components of the erythrocyte-dependent glutathione redox system (reduced glutathione, GSH; oxidized glutathione, GSSG; glutathione peroxidase, GSH-Px; glutathione reductase, GSH-Red) were determined in patients with types I and II diabetes mellitus (DM). All groups studied were male subjects: G1, 20 young healthy individuals (aged 23.7 +/- 4.2 years); G2, 15 young insulin-treated type I DM patients; G3, 20 older insulin-treated type II DM patients; G4, 21 older oral hypoglycemic agent-treated type II DM patients; G5, 28 aged healthy individuals (aged 68.9 +/- 11.5 years). There were no differences between G1 and G2, G3 or G4 regarding erythrocyte GSH, GSSG, and GSH-Red (without FAD) levels. GSH-Px activity was significantly lower in G2 when compared to G1 (15.2 +/- 4.9 vs 20.6 +/- 6.6 IU/g Hb). The GSH-Red and GSH-Px activities and GSH levels were significantly higher in G3 (4.6 +/- 1.7 IU/g Hb, 20.2 +/- 8.7 IU/g Hb and 3.5 +/- 1.3 microM/g Hb) and G4 (5.0 +/- 2.2 IU/g Hb, 16.9 +/- 6.1 IU/g Hb and 5.0 +/- 2.3 microM/g Hb) when compared to G5 (3.4 +/- 0.9 IU/g Hb, 12.0 +/- 3.6 IU/g Hb and 2.3 +/- 0.9 microM/g Hb). The findings suggest that treatment of DM can stimulate the redox activity of red blood cells in aged subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Reduction of dental caries after two years with a combination of mouthwashes and topical fluorides].

The study's purpose was to evaluate the reduction of dental caries incidence by the association of two preventive methods. 246 students of both sexes aged from 7 to 11 years registered in "Escola de Educação Básica da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia" and living in the urbana area of Uberlândia, state of Minas Gerais, were examined. The sample was distributed into two groups: children from Group 1, which received a semestral topical application of Acidulated Fluor Phosphate at 1.23% and children from Group II, that besides the topical application above related (Group I) also received weekly mouthwashes of sodium fluoride aquesus solution at 0.2%. After two years of study DMFS index were tabled and statistically analysed. It was verified a reduction of 33.97% in the incidence of dental caries (in the permanent dentition). The difference between the Groups was significant at 5% level of confidence.

Brazil↗
PubMed1987

Liver trophism in dogs made diabetic by total pancreatectomy or alloxan administration.

1. In order to evaluate hepatic trophism in diabetic dogs, an experimental study was carried out on 30 adult mongrel dogs of both sexes weighing 11.9 +/- 1.6 kg, divided into three groups: 1) Controls (C) (N = 10), submitted to partial (30%) hepatectomy; 2) PD Animals (N = 10), submitted to partial hepatectomy plus total pancreatectomy with preservation of the duodenum during the same surgical intervention; 3) and AD Animals (N = 10), submitted to partial and simultaneously made diabetic with alloxan. 2. The animals were submitted to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) one day before and on the 7th day after partial hepatectomy to evaluate the severity of diabetes. During the post-hepatectomy period the fasting glycemia values were similar for both diabetic groups (greater than 200 mg%). During OGTT, blood glucose levels of the diabetic groups peaked at 60 min but were significantly higher for the AD than for the PD group. The difference persisted at 120 and 180 min, but was no longer statistically significant. 3. Liver trophism was evaluated by measuring liver RNA content and the nuclear volume of hepatocytes. Both diabetic groups showed significantly lower RNA contents and absence of nuclear hypertrophy compared to partially hepatectomized controls probably because of the severe diabetes induced in these animals.

Alloxan↗