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C Cruz

Publications and source records attributed to C Cruz.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Myoarchitecture and vasculature of the heart ventricle in some freshwater teleosts.

The morphological characteristics of the ventricular myocardium and of coronary vascularization were studied in three freshwater teleost species, Piaractus mesopotamicus, Colossoma macropomum and Clarias gariepinus (African catfish), by correlating their ventricular shapes and swimming habits. In Piaractus mesopotamicus and Colossoma macropomum, species with highly active swimming habits, the cardiac ventricle showed a pyramidal shape and a richly vascularized myocardium consisting of an outer compact layer and inner spongy layer. In Clarias gariepinus, a less active species, we observed a saccular ventricle with a mixed myocardium and coronary arteries, in contrast to the ventricular structure of other species described in the literature.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Occurrence and maturation of Rhabdochona gnedini (Nematoda: Rhabdochonidae) in the barbels of the Sousa River, Portugal.

Data on the seasonal occurrence and maturation of Rhabdochona gnedini Skrjabin, 1946 in its definitive host, the barbel Barbus bocagei, from the Sousa River, in northern Portugal, are presented. Monthly samples were taken from November, 1998 to October, 1999. A total of 178 fish specimens were inspected. R. gnedini occurred with high prevalences during whole year, attaining the highest values of intensity in summer (overall prevalence and mean intensity 85% and 31, respectively). A clear annual cycle of maturation was observed; females with mature eggs occurred in spring and summer. Unidentified Rhabdochona larvae were recorded from the trichopteran larvae Hydropsyche sp. (prevalence and intensity 29% and one to 34, respectively). These larvae are presumptive intermediate host for R. gnedini.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Pathogenicity of missense and splice site mutations in hMSH2 and hMLH1 mismatch repair genes: implications for genetic testing.

BACKGROUND: In hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, over 90% of the identified mutations are in two genes, hMSH2 and hMLH1. A large proportion of the mutations detected in these genes are of the missense type which may be either deleterious mutations or harmless polymorphisms. AIM: To investigate whether nine missense and one splice site mutation of hMLH1 and hMSH2, in 10 kindreds with a familial history of colorectal cancer or young age of onset, could be interpreted as pathogenic. METHODS: Clinical and genetic characteristics were collected: (i) evolutionary conservation of the codon involved; (ii) type of amino acid change; (iii) occurrence of mutation in healthy controls; (iv) cosegregation of mutation with disease phenotype; (v) functional consequences of gene variant; and (vi) microssatellite instability and immunoexpression of hMSH2 and hMLH1 analysis. RESULTS: Seven different missense and one splice site mutation were identified. Only 1/8 was found in the control group, 2/7 occurred in conserved residues, and 5/7 resulted in non-conservative changes. Functional studies were available for only 2/8 mutations. Segregation of the missense variant with disease phenotype was observed in three kindreds. CONCLUSION: In the majority of families included, there was no definitive evidence that the missense or splice site alterations were causally associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Until further evidence is available, these mutational events should be regarded and interpreted carefully and genetic diagnosis should not be offered to these kindreds.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed2001

Additional evidence that genetic variation of MAO-A gene supports a gender subtype in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Studies have recently reported a sexually dimorphic association between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a polymorphism related with variations in MAO-A activity. These observations suggest the possibility of gender differences in genetic susceptibility for OCD. We thus reexamined the MAO-A/EcoRV polymorphism in a sample of 122 OCD patients and 124 healthy subjects. An excess of allele 1 in OCD females with major depression disorder was confirmed as previously reported. This difference was more strongly associated with OCD females than males in the total sample. Finally, we analyzed a sample of 51 OCD trios. Haplotype-based haplotype relative risk (HHRR) analysis of the inheritance of the MAO-A variants revealed in the female probands that 14 out of 19 transmitted the allele 1, providing significant evidence for an allelic association between OCD and MAO-A gene. In conclusion, our findings may provide molecular evidence to identify a clinically meaningful gender subtype. However, an effort should be made to replicate the analysis in larger samples of informative parents using strategies such as transmission disequilibrium test to allow definite conclusions.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

HERC3 binding to and regulation by ubiquitin.

Members of the HERC (domain homologous to E6 associated protein carboxy-terminus and RCC1 domain protein) family may function both as guanine nucleotide exchange factors and E3 ubiquitin ligases. Here we identify an unstudied member, HERC3. This protein was recognized by specific antibodies in different cell types. HERC3 was located in the cytosol and in vesicular-like structures containing beta-COP, ARF and Rab5 proteins. Involvement of HERC3 in the ubiquitin system was suggested by its ability to interact with ubiquitin. The conserved cysteine in HECT proteins was not essential for this non-covalent binding. Moreover, HERC3 was a substrate of ubiquitination being degraded by the proteasome. These observations indicate a fine regulation of HERC3 and suggest a role in vesicular traffic and ubiquitin-dependent processes.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Genomic characterization of wild-type measles viruses that circulated in different states in Brazil during the 1997 measles epidemic.

Despite the marked reduction in the incidence of measles in Brazil, a measles epidemic occurred in this country in 1997. The measles cases observed during this epidemic began to reappear in large numbers in São Paulo, and spread to Rio de Janeiro and other Brazilian states. In the present study molecular biology techniques were used for the detection and genomic characterization of measles viruses from clinical samples such as urine and nasopharyngeal secretions collected in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Paraná, during the 1997 epidemic. RT-PCR and nucleotide sequence analysis of part of the carboxyl-terminal region of the nucleoprotein gene of measles viruses obtained directly from clinical samples or from infected cell cultures during this epidemic classified all as wild-type of genotype D6. As the genotype D6 was identified in different Brazilian states, this study demonstrated that this genotype was circulating in Brazil during the 1997 epidemic.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Increasing levels of dietary homocystine with carotid endarterectomy produced proportionate increases in plasma homocysteine and intimal hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: The role that homocysteine may play in post-carotid endarterectomy (CEA) restenosis due to intimal hyperplasia is not well understood. This study was designed to investigate the effects of different levels of dietary homocystine on: (1) plasma homocysteine; (2) post-CEA intimal hyperplasia; and (3) levels of the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and its counterpart S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) in the homocysteine pathway. METHODS: Male rats were fed specialized diets for 2 weeks pre- and post-CEA. Groups included control (0 homocystine added, n=9), 1.5 (1.5 g/kg homocystine added, n=10), 3.0 (3.0 g/kg homocystine added, n=9), and 4.5 (4.5 g/kg homocystine added, n=11). The rats underwent a surgical carotid endarterectomy. Endpoints included; plasma homocysteine, intimal hyperplasia, replicative index using with alpha-SM actin and BrdU, hepatic SAM levels, SAH levels, and the hepatic activities of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS). RESULTS: Increasing dietary homocystine produced a proportionate increase in plasma homocysteine and an increase in intimal hyperplasia. Regression analysis of plasma homocysteine levels and intimal hyperplasia showed a significant correlation (r=0.71,P=0.003). Plasma homocysteine levels above 15 microM were associated with significant increases in intimal hyperplasia above 6.5% (P=0.04). Elevation of plasma homocysteine levels to moderate levels (5-25 microM) resulted in significant post-CEA intimal hyperplasia. Cellular analysis of the area of intimal hyperplasia in all diet groups showed comparable amounts of cells positive for alpha-SM actin. However, with increasing levels of dietary homocystine and plasma homocysteine there was an increase in replicative index (P<0.001) as determined by BrdU staining. Increasing dietary homocystine increased plasma homocysteine and was followed by increases in the replicative index thus producing increased intimal hyperplasia and lumenal stenosis. In hepatic measurements the 1.5 and 3.0 g/kg homocystine diets caused: increased liver activity of MTHFR (P=0.03) and decreased hepatic levels of SAM, SAH and SAM/SAH ratios compared to controls. Homocystine treatment did not cause significant alterations in CBS levels (P=0.992). These studies also showed no correlation of the MTHFR and CBS enzymes with plasma homocysteine levels or intimal hyperplasia. However, hepatic levels of SAM showed significant negative correlations with plasma homocysteine (r=-0.58; P=0.006) and with BrdU percentages of cellular proliferation (r=-0.69; P=0.06). CONCLUSION: The degree of post-CEA intimal hyperplasia in a rat model is directly related to the plasma level of homocysteine. The hyperplastic effects of homocysteine may be mediated in part by a physiological insufficiency of methyl donors as shown by decreases in SAM. Thus, increasing levels of plasma homocysteine enhanced and accelerated the smooth muscle cell response after CEA which led to increased intimal hyperplasia and lumenal stenosis.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Lack of association of apolipoprotein E polymorphism in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) could be considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, from several lines of evidence. One of the most widely studied genes in these disorders is the apolipoprotein E gene, particularly allele 4. We analyzed for association among patients with OCD versus normal controls and cognitively impaired patients. There were no significant differences between OCD probands compared with population controls. However, the cognitively impaired group showed a higher frequency of allele apolipoprotein E gene compared with normal controls and patients with OCD.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Association study of the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The hypothesis implicating the serotonergic system in the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is supported by the therapeutic efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Since SSRIs act on the serotonin transporter (5-HTT), it has been suggested that the 5-HTT gene (SCL6A4) could be a good candidate for OCD. The SCL6A4 gene has a 44-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in its promoter region (5-HTTLPR). Previous studies have revealed an association between OCD and the l allele. We analysed the 5-HTTLPR polymorphic system in 115 Mexican OCD patients and 136 controls. No significant association was found between l allele and OCD (chi2 = 1.54, d.f. = 1, p = 0.21). Furthermore, we assessed alternative methods that employ family-based designs in a sample of 43 trios. Haplotype-based haplotype relative risk and transmission disequilibrium analysis did not show a preferential transmission of l allele to OCD probands. Our results indicate the need to analyse larger samples using family-based methods.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Bovine mastitis due to Prototheca zopfii: clinical, epidemiological and pathological aspects in a Brazilian dairy herd.

The clinical, epidemiological and pathological aspects of protothecal mastitis in a Brazilian dairy herd are described. Prototheca zopfii infection was diagnosed in 11 of 121 milking cows. Clinical mastitis refractory to usual therapy was observed in 7 cows. Several environmental conditions conducive to the growth of Prototheca spp., such as wetness, muddiness and the presence of organic material, were present in the dairy. Improper milking practices and insanitary infusion of the intramammary antibiotics were also observed. Six cows with protothecal mastitis were slaughtered and the affected quarters of each cow were examined by histology and immunohistochemical staining for bovine keratin and P. zopfii. The histological lesions were characterized by interstitial infiltrates of macrophages, plasma cells and lymphocytes; algae were seen in the alveolar lumen and interstitium. The lack of a positive reaction with an antiserum against bovine keratin in the mammary alveolar epithelial layer in some affected areas suggests destruction of milk-producing tissues, which may be related to the low milk production observed. The algal organisms stained positively with a polyclonal antibody against P. zopfii.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed2001

Proximal gastric diverticulum after anterior lesser curve seromyotomy.

A case of gastric diverticulum arising in a patient who had previously undergone anterior lesser curve seromyotomy for chronic duodenal ulcer disease is reported. The endoscopic appearance of this lesion is described and the potential mechanisms of causation are reviewed. The clinical relevance of this rare finding is examined with emphasis on the need for an index of awareness of this abnormality on the part of endoscopists and in particular, on the risks of injudicious biopsy of such a diverticulum.

Diverticulum, Stomach↗
PubMed2001

Experimentally induced cholangiohepatopathy by dosing sheep with fractionated extracts from Brachiaria decumbens.

Cholangiohepatopathy was induced in 5 lambs by oral administration of extracts from signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) in Brazil. Grossly there were pale foci multifocally distributed throughout the hepatic parenchyma in 4 lambs. The microscopic changes, which were similar to those produced by other steroidal sapogenins-containing plants such as Tribulus terrestris and Panicum spp., included multifocal cholangitis, bile duct proliferation, and the presence of crystals in the biliary system.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2001

High rates of tuberculosis infection among children from Ciutat Vella District, Barcelona, 1996-1997.

With tuberculosis (TB) rates of over 160/100,000 in 1997, Ciutat Vella District, Barcelona, is the main community focus of TB in the city. For the purpose of TB screening, 415 children >2 years old from that district received a tuberculin skin test (TST); 27 (6.6%) (95%CI 4.5-9.3) were found to be infected but disease-free. The frequency of a positive TST increased significantly with age, from 0% in the 2-4 year age group to 14.6% in 10-14 year olds. Three culture-positive source adults, two of them sputum smear-positive, who were not previously known were traced from six TST-positive children. Previous BCG vaccination was not associated with a positive TST. These data support the use of universal TST screening in children living in Ciutat Vella District, Barcelona, as a means of identifying and treating TB cases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Content and construct validity of a Spanish translation of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory for children living in Puerto Rico.

Although Puerto Rican children with disabilities are at high risk for poor developmental outcomes, no standardized measures are validated for use with these children. In this study, we evaluated the content and construct validity of a Spanish translation of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) for use with children living in Puerto Rico. Methods included expert content review, surveys of parents, and the evaluation of 44 children with and without disabilities, who were matched for socio-economic status, age, and gender. The results demonstrated that the translated version of the PEDI is valid; yet additional research is warranted to identify socio-cultural influences on the performance and capability of typically developing Puerto Rican children.

Child↗
PubMed2001

[Congenital heart disease in adults. Part I. Non-cyanotic heart diseases].

Over the last decades major advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease. Therefore, many children with simple and complex congenital heart defects can now survive to adulthood and represent an expanding population. Most of them are not "cured" and need specialized follow-up. This two-part review presents the more common acyanotic and cyanotic congenital heart diseases that adult cardiologists are likely to face in their daily practice and discusses recent treatment advances.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

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Bacteroidaceae Infections↗