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Biomedical subjects

F J Penna

Publications and source records attributed to F J Penna.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Influence of nutritional status, age and sex on infant hair zinc concentration.

1. Zinc concentration was measured in hair samples from 57 infants (27 boys and 30 girls) aged 7 to 24 months. Twenty-eight infants were considered eutrophic and 29 presented chronic and severe malnutrition. 2. Hair segments less than 3-cm long were cut close to the scalp in the occipital area and washed in deionized water and acetone. Zinc levels were measured by neutron-activation. 3. Hair zinc concentration decreased with age in both eutrophic and malnourished infants from 160 micrograms/g at 7 months to 90 micrograms/g at 24 months. 4. No statistically significant difference in hair zinc concentration was detected between eutrophic and malnourished infants (148 +/- 60 vs 128 +/- 57 micrograms/g hair, mean +/- SD) or between sexes.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1987

Distribution of enteroglucagon- and polypeptide YY-immunoreactive cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the white-belly opossum (Didelphis albiventris).

Several segments of the gastrointestinal tract of the white-belly opossum Didelphis albiventris were investigated immunocytochemically for the occurrence of polypeptide YY (PYY) and enteroglucagon (GLU). PYY- and GLU-immunoreactive cells were observed in the lower part of the ileum, cecum and colon. These cells were seen to emit cytoplasmic basal processes to the neighbouring cells with a number of them reaching the glandular lumen via apical cytoplasmic process. GLU-immunoreactive cells were also present in the oxyntic mucosae and in the pancreatic duct. Staining of consecutive sections for the two polypeptides, respectively, revealed the coexistence of immunoreactivity for PYY and GLU in the same cell type.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Etiology of chronic calcifying pancreatitis in Brazil: a report of 329 consecutive cases.

The authors observed 329 consecutive cases of chronic calcifying pancreatitis (CCP) from January 1963 to January 1986. Alcoholism was the etiological agent in 282 cases (86%). In 34 patients (10%) no cause was detectable (idiopathic). Malnutrition was responsible for 10 cases (3%) and chronic familial pancreatitis was diagnosed in 3 cases (0.9%). The mean age at the apparent onset of symptoms was 36.5 +/- 10.5 for the alcoholics, 22.6 +/- 15.4 in the idiopathic cases and 7.3 +/- 3.0 for the nutritional etiology patients. Mean age differences are statistically significant for the 3 groups. Pancreatic calcifications were found in 224 alcohol-induced cases (79%), in 32 idiopathic cases (94%), in 8 patients with malnutrition (80%) and in one patient with familial pancreatitis (33%). All cases of nutritional etiology presented severe protein-caloric deficiencies with edema, and none complained of pain, but 9 had pancreatic insufficiency. Mean daily ethanol intake for the alcohol-addicted patients was 396.6 +/- 286 g (range 80-1664 g) with the onset of alcoholism at 19.1 +/- 6.8 yr old and 20.8 +/- 8.3 (4-44) yr of alcohol indulgence. Pancreatic carcinoma developed in 7 cases. Six cases of chronic pancreatitis were seen among relatives in the group with CCP of alcoholic etiology.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Plasma cell counts on human jejunal biopsy specimens examined by immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase techniques: a comparative study.

Ten human jejunal biopsy specimens were examined by both immunofluorescence (IF) and immunoperoxidase (IP) methods to compare both plasma cell counts and the distribution of extracellular immunoglobulins. Each specimen was cut into at least two portions, one fixed in 5% formaldehyde in phosphate-buffered saline before being snap-frozen and sectioned on a cryostat for IF, the other being fixed in half-strength Zenker and embedded in paraffin wax by standard methods for IP. Plasma cell counts were comparable in the eight biopsy specimens for which they could be estimated, geometric mean values being IgA 22.9 (IF), 19.3 (IP) and IgM 9.5 (IF), 10.6 (IP). Two specimens showing subtotal villous atrophy had too much extracellular IgA for plasma cell counts to be feasible. For these the IF methods had the advantage that the extracellular immunoglobulin was more readily distinguishable from background staining.

Cell Count↗
PubMed1981

Jejunal mucosal morphometry in children with and without gut symptoms and in normal adults.

Nineteen diagnostic peroral biopsy specimens from 18 children without diarrhoea, vomiting, or abdominal pain ('control' children) were compared with those taken from 23 children with diarrhoea of varying aetiology to establish the morphometric characteristics of jejunal mucosa in childhood. Comparison was also made with normal jejunal mucosa from adults. Statistical analysis of each characteristic individually showed no significant difference between the 'control' children and those with diarrhoea, but there were significant differences between the mucosae of 'control' children and those of adults; the villi tended to be shorter and the crypts longer in children. Thirty-seven per cent of specimens from the 'control' children showed a partial villous atrophy, that is, they were abnormal by adult criteria. Discriminant analysis of the features measured showed effective separation of the following groups: normal histology from partial villous atrophy in children, healthy adults from 'control' children, and normal histology in adults from normal histology in children.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Coeliac disease in identical twins.

Coeliac disease occurred at the same age in MZ twins. The diagnosis was confirmed by histology of the small intestine, rapid response to a gluten-free diet, and relapse after reintroduction of gluten.

Celiac Disease↗
PubMed1979

Blastomycosis of the colon resembling clinically ulcerative colitis.

An 8 year old Brazilian girl had an infection, apparently confined to the large intestine, with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The symptoms were diarrhoea with fresh blood and mucus, severe malnutrition, and a spastic and ulcerated colon. She is making good progress on co-trimoxazole.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Clinical and nutritional aspects in patients with cystic fibrosis: 20 years of follow-up in the Clinical Hospital-Federal University of Minas Gerais (HC-UFMG)].

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common severe autosomal recessive disease in caucasian population. The life expectancy of patients with CF has improved dramatically during the past three decades. A better approach to these patients depends on a better knowledge of clinical course and prognosis of CF. The purpose of the present study was to identify aspects clinical and nutritional on admission at Center of CF (HC-UFMG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a period of 20 years 127 patients with CF were admitted, submitted to a systematic protocol and prospectively followed. Data associated with demographic conditions, clinical presentation, nutritional and laboratory findings on admission were studied. The median follow-up was 44 months. The genotype was performed by PCR method. The survival analysis was carried out by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 33 months. Sixty-one per cent of patients at diagnosis had chronic pulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms. Seventeen patients (16%) were homozygous for DF508 mutation and 30 (28%) were heterozygous. There was a standard prevalence of malnutrition of 63% at diagnosis and of 45% at the end of follow up. Twenty patients (15,7%) died during follow up. The estimated probability of survival after one year from diagnosis was 96% and after five years was 80%. CONCLUSIONS: CF diagnosis has been later in our country and the survival is shorter than in developed countries. Management of cystic fibrosis in pediatric specializing centers results in a better nutritional state in spite of clinical progression of the disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Glycogenosis type I]

OBJECTIVE: To o present up-to-date knowledge about Glycogen storage disease type I (GSD-type I) - a disease caused by the deposit of glycogen resulting from the deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6- phosphatase - and to provide the pediatricians with the necessary information for a precocious diagnosis and an adequate conduct for those cases where this metabolic disturbance is present. METHODS: Through Medline, the most significant articles published during the last 20 years were selected from national and international journals of medicine, with special attention to dietary treatment of glycogen storage disease type I. RESULTS: The metabolism of glycogen and the metabolic consequences of glycogen storage disease type I were discussed, especially hypoglycemia, the principal metabolic disturbance of the disease. The clinical and laboratory findings are described together with the histopathology. The use of uncooked cornstarch and enteral carbohydrate infusion are the means used for the maintenance of normoglycemia. The control of hyperuricemia, hyperlipidemia and platelet disorders are other aspects of the treatment as well as the prevention of infections and the use of G-CSF for glycogen storage type Ib. Hepatic transplant and its principal indications are commented on. Hepatic adenomae, which always have the potential of malignant transformation, are the results of incomplete treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although it occurs rarely, glycogen storage type I is an important cause of volumous hepatomegaly which is associated with hypoglycemia among the infants. The dietary treatment of this illness has significantly altered the clinical course and has improved the prognosis. Therefore it is indispensable that the general pediatrician should be familiar with the diagnosis of this clinical state so as to act rigorously in favor of the dietary control.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Pain threshold and age in childhood and adolescence]

OBJECTIVE: The few investigations about pressure pain threshold in corporeal surface areas and children age showed no correlation between these parameters in all areas. In this research the existence of correlation between age and pressure pain threshold in seventeen areas of the corporeal surface of children was investigated. METHODS: A descriptive research was made with one hundred children from the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais. The selection of patients was made by directed search. There were forty five boys and fifty five girls with ages varying between 5.3 and 15.8 years old, and a mean (-/+ standard deviation) of 9.6 (-/+ 2.7) years old. The seventeen corporeal areas studied were regions of the trapezium, deltoid and supraspinal muscles, nine areas of the abdomen and the median part of the tibias. The pressure of 0.5 kg/cm(2)/s was made using a mechanical algometer. The pressure values that were recorded in the equipment when the children started to complain about the pain, by verbal communication, were considered as pressure pain thresholds. RESULTS: Positive correlations with significant statistic values were found between pressure pain threshold and age in every area investigated: trapezium, r = 0.36; deltoid, r = 0.34; supraspinal, r=0.42; hypochondrium, r=0.41; epigastrium, r=0.41; flank, r = 0.48; periumbilical, r = 0,40; iliac fossa, r = 0.49; hypogastrium, r = 0.45 and tibia, r = 0,29. CONCLUSIONS: Since correlations between age and pressure pain threshold were found in all areas studied, the age of a patient must be taken into consideration during clinical investigations and pain evaluations in children and adolescents. The younger the patient, the lower the pain thresholds.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Study of intestinal malabsorption diseases as cause of monosymptomatic short stature]

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out in order to evaluate the etiology of monosymptomatic childhood short stature (below the third percentile or with growth rate of less than 5 cm/year) with emphasis on causes due to intestinal malabsorption. METHODS: Each patient was submitted to endocrinological, biochemical and hematological investigation. Determination of serum anti-gliadin antibodies, fecal fat, chloride levels in sweat, jejunal biopsy and bone age was also obtained.RESULTS: A total of 51 children was studied, most of them belonging to the group of normal variants. Four children had abnormally high sweat chloride, compatible with the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. These children were asymptomatic regarding respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that cystic fibrosis, besides celiac disease, must be included in the differential diagnosis of short stature in childhood.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction in children - report of seven cases]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to describe the clinical characteristics and histological abnormalities on full-thickness intestinal biopsy in seven children from the Gastroenterology (GI) outpatient clinic. METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients who attended the GI outpatient clinic in the last ten years. The medical records of seven patients were reviewed, and all the relevant clinical data recorded. Diagnosis was based on clinical, laboratorial, and histological findings. CONCLUSION: Although this is a rare syndrome, the differential diagnosis shall be performed whenever the patient presents signs and symptoms of obstruction along the digestive tract with no association of any mechanical cause. Studies shall be encouraged regarding the precocious and accurate diagnosis, using less invasive techniques and specific therapeutics (both clinical and surgical), in order to improve life quality and extended survival of affected patients.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Lack of correlation between jejunal mucosal morphology and intestinal absorption in the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis mansoni.

Eleven patients with the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis mansoni were studied. Intestinal absorption of fat and xylose was normal in all patients. Despite these normal absorption parameters, the mucosa showed variable degrees of villus atrophy and an increase of the number of inflammatory cells in the lamina propria. Through morphometric analysis it was seen that the villi were shorter and the ratio villus height/crypt depth was increased in schistosomiasis patients as compared to normal control children. Five of the 11 biopsies contained granulomata with ova in the mucosa or submucosa.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Research on enteropathogenic bacteria from children with acute diarrhea, in Belo Horizonte, MG].

Enteropathogenic bacteria were searched in feces of 80 children with acute diarrhea from the lower social economical level, all of them younger than twenty seven months old, and without any antimicrobial therapy, in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, from June 1981 to August 1982. The following enteropathogenic bacteria were isolated from 46 children: Shigella in 12 children (15.00%), enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in 12 children (15.00%), classic enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in 9 children (11.25%), Salmonella in 6 children (7.50%). Association of enteropathogenic bacteria were found in 7 children (8.75%). Yersinia enterocolitica and invasive Escherichia coli were not isolated from any patient.

Brazil↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pancreatic steatorrhea: action of a total lyophilized pancreas preparation: an "in vitro" and "in vivo" study.

A total lyophilized pig pancreas (TLP) preparation was assayed "in vitro" and "in vivo". Lipase activity of the four lots studied was 6.180 +/- 1.122 IU by gram of the commercial product. There was no free trypsin detectable in the preparation. Fifteen pancreatic exocrine insufficiency patients were studied in a period of four weeks. Adult patients received from 35.500 to 35.776 IU of lipase contained in TLP preparation by meal. All patients had their steatorrhea reduced, or normalized, stool weight reduced and body weight increased. There is not an obligatory relation between stool fat loss and stool weight. Steatorrhea decreased at least during the 14 first days of treatment before reaching a stable level. This long delay before reaching a maximum effect deserves to be known: to test the efficiency of a pancreatic extract, the treatment must be given at least two weeks before estimating its results on fecal fat excretion.

Adolescent↗