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Biomedical subjects

J A Pinto

Publications and source records attributed to J A Pinto.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Further description of early clinically silent lupus nephritis.

Thirty silent lupus nephritis (SLN) patients were compared to 16 individuals bearing overt lupus nephritis (OLN). Results included: years of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) diagnosis were significantly earlier (4.6 +/- 2.8 years) in SLN than in OLN (7.18 +/- 3.61) (P < 0.05). Neurological compromise, hypertension, normocitic anemia and lymphopenia were significantly prevalent in OLN than in SLN (P < 0.05). Beside normal urinary sediment and renal function tests, the SLN group showed a moderate increase of both activity (AI) and chronicity (CI) renal pathology index when compared to highly increased AI and CI in OLN (P < 0.05). Seventy percent of SLN patients were ISN/RPS Classes I (6.6%) and II (63.3%) while 81% of OLN cases were Classes III, IV (37.5%) and V. IgG, IgA, IgM, lambda chain, C3 and fibrinogen immune deposits were found in 90% or over in both SLN and OLN individuals while in 60% or over, both groups also showed kappa chain, Clq and C4 deposits. While prevalence of ANA, anti-dsDNA and anti-C1q antibodies were similar in both groups, anti-histone, anti-RNP, CIC and CH50 serum levels were significantly different in OLN versus SLN (P < 0.05). We strongly suggest that indeed SLN is the earliest stage in the natural history of lupus nephritis.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the immunogenicity of a candidate vaccine against American tegumentary leishmaniasis.

This study was aimed at evaluating the immunogenicity of a vaccine composed of killed Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes using several different protocols in a randomized, double-blind and controlled trial design in order to select one of them for further efficacy trials. One hundred and fourteen leishmanin skin test (LST)-negative healthy volunteers were allocated into eight groups that received either two or three deep intramuscular injections of vaccine at doses of 180, 360 and 540 microg or similar injections of placebo. Cell-mediated immune responses were evaluated before and after vaccination by means of LST as well as proliferative responses and cytokine production in Leishmania antigen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures. The majority of the subjects who actually received vaccine converted to positive LST (89.5%). On the other hand, none of the subjects who received placebo converted to positive LST. Proliferative responses and production of interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 were significantly higher after vaccination than before vaccination in all groups, including those that received placebo. The dose of 360 microg provided the highest LST conversion rate (100%), as well as the greatest increase in interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 production after vaccination.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Ductal cell carcinoma of the kidney with extensive signet ring cell mucosecreting areas. A case report with immunohistochemical analysis.

We present the case of a 45-year-old patient with a renal ductal cell carcinoma arising in the Bellini ducts that was composed of histologically well-differentiated tubulopapillary and cystic areas with desmoplastic stroma, extensive mucosecreting areas, and regions depicting a transition between these two constituents. The mucosecreting component was mostly formed by signet ring tumor cells containing cytoplasmic Alcian blue-PAS-stainable mucins. The tubulopapillary and cystic areas of the tumor showed the immunohistochemical staining for low and high molecular weight cytokeratin, EMA, vimentin and Ulex europaeus, characteristic of ductal cell carcinoma. The mucosecreting cells also presented intense positive staining for cytokeratin and vimentin, and this is quite similar to observations reported in some forms of gastrointestinal cancer with rhabdoid features that are indicative of poor prognosis. Our findings suggest that mucosecreting areas with signet ring cells represent an extreme metaplastic change that can seldom occur in certain forms of renal tumors.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2001

Immunochemotherapy in American cutaneous leishmaniasis: immunological aspects before and after treatment.

In this study, we evaluated the immune response of patients suffering from cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with two distinct protocols. One group was treated with conventional chemotherapy using pentavalent antimonium salts and the other with immunochemotherapy where a vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis was combined with the antimonium salt. Our results show that, although no differences were observed in the necessary time for complete healing of the lesions between the two treatments, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients treated by chemotherapy showed smaller lymphoproliferative responses at the end of the treatment than those from patients in the immunochemotherapy group. Furthermore, IFN-gamma production was also different between the two groups. While cells from patients in the chemotherapy group produced more IFN-gamma at the end of treatment, a significant decrease in this cytokine production was associated with healing in the immunochemotherapy group. In addition, IL-10 production was also less intense in this latter group. Finally, an increase in CD8+ -IFN-gamma producing cells was detected in the chemotherapy group. Together these results point to an alternative treatment protocol where healing can be induced with a decreased production of a potentially toxic cytokine.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Economic impact of animal diseases on production systems in South America: case studies].

The authors discuss the relative importance of the livestock sector in South America, in developing countries and in countries world-wide. The development of animal health services is highlighted and the new challenges which these services must meet, with respect to the restructuring of international trade, are described. The economic impact of animal diseases and of disease control is evaluated by taking a regional approach and by analysing production systems. A classification of production systems is accompanied by case studies on the economics of animal health. Emphasis is placed on national control programmes, diseases which affect reproduction, parasitic diseases and mastitis, with particular reference to the livestock sector of Colombia. The authors suggest that integrated livestock development programmes include the management of animal health and production information. A change of attitude is also recommended with greater participation of those involved. The need to co-ordinate sustained research initiatives is stressed.

Animal Diseases↗
PubMed1997

Well differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma with rhabdoid areas: a case report with immunohistochemical analysis.

We describe the case of a 73-year-old patient with gastric adenocarcinoma composed of histologically well differentiated glandular areas, extensive rhabdoid zones and regions depicting a transition between these two constituents. The rhabdoid component showed typical features such as abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, eccentric nuclei, prominent nucleoli, intense positive immunohistochemical cytoplasmic reaction for vimentin and less evident immunohistochemical for cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). Our findings strongly suggest that the rhabdoid areas probably represent a phenotypic variant of a gastric adenocarcinoma, otherwise fairly well differentiated, a combination that to the best of our knowledge has not been previously reported.

Actins↗
PubMed1994

HIV risk behavior and medical status of underprivileged youths in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

METHODS: From June 1989 to April 1991, 394 adolescents aged 10-18 years randomly selected upon admission at a state shelter in Belo Horizonte, Brazil underwent health history interview, physical examination, serology for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis, and stool examination. Participants were classified as street-based youths (n = 195) or home-based youths (n = 199). The age distribution was similar in both groups, although males were overrepresented among street-based youths (79.5% versus 62.3%). RESULTS: Compared with home-based youths, street-based youths reported earlier onset (p = 0.009) and higher rates of sexual activity (odds ratio [OR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-3.3), sexual abuse (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.2-10.1), and sexually transmitted diseases (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3-6.6). Overall condom use was low in both groups. Street-based youths were 7.8 times more likely to use drugs than home-based youths (95% CI, 4.9-12.7). Inhalants and marijuana were the more commonly used drugs. Intravenous drug use was low. CONCLUSIONS: Although chronic malnutrition and multiple parasitosis were common findings in both groups, street-based youths were more likely to present disorders related to trauma and poor hygienic conditions. Antibodies to HIV were detected in four (2%) street-based youths and in none of the home-based youths. This study confirms that street youths are at higher risk for HIV infection than their home-based peers and indicates a need for HIV prevention programs targeting this population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Spontaneous thoracolumbar spinal cord infarction: report of six cases.

We present a retrospective study of 6 patients with spinal cord infarction in the territory of the Adamkiewicz artery. In all patients, the clinical picture was stereotyped: sudden onset of paraplegia and bilateral radicular pain, dissociated sensory loss below the level of infarction and sphincter dysfunction. Emergency neuroradiological investigation ruled out a compressive lesion in all cases. In one patient, spinal angiography was performed and identified an occlusion of the Adamkiewicz artery. Treatment was supportive and all patients had a substantial recovery over a period of weeks.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Auricular chondritis and diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Bilateral auricular inflammation with histological changes of relapsing polychondritis was observed in a female patient with primary Sjögren's syndrome. This was accompanied by rapidly progressive renal insufficiency due to diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis. To our knowledge this is the first well documented case of primary Sjögren's syndrome associated with chondritis and glomerulonephritis, further emphasising the wide spectrum of extraglandular manifestations in this autoimmune disorder.

Ear Diseases↗
PubMed1987

The value of CT-scanning in supratentorial haemangioblastomas.

The authors describe a case of supratentorial haemangioblastoma, presenting with epileptic fits, without association with polycythemia, or Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, which, if present, would have given a clinical clue as to the nature of the lesion.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed1985

Microsurgery in severe posterior epistaxis.

A brief review of surgery for severe posterior epistaxis has been outlined. Hundred and forty-five (27.3%) patients were treated by transnasal microsurgery in order to undergo ligation of the branches of the sphenopalatine artery in the nasal cavity. The rate of failure was 6.1%. It seems that by using this kind of operation, we can significantly decrease the morbidity in relation to other methods of controlling the posterior epistaxis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1984

Glomerulonephritis with coexistent immune deposits and antibasement membrane activity.

Six patients with coexistent antiglomerular basement membrane disease and granular immunoreactants in the glomerular basement membrane and mesangium are discussed. These six patients represent 35% of all patients with antiglomerular basement membrane nephritis examined over 10 years. All patients presented with acute, oliguric renal failure, and rapid deterioration in renal function. In all patients the pathogenetic role of the antiglomerular basement membrane antibody was confirmed by the demonstration of linear deposits of IgG along the glomerular basement membrane and antiglomerular basement membrane antibody activity in the serum or renal eluates, or both. Evidence for the existence of concurrent immune aggregates was obtained by immunofluorescence studies and electron microscopy. Radioimmunoassays, which were performed in two patients to detect circulating immune complexes, however, yielded negative results. The possible mechanisms concerned in the evolution of this condition and their potential implications are reviewed.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Immune complex disease complicating diabetic glomerulosclerosis.

We report immunopathologic findings observed in renal biopsies of 18 patients with diabetic glomerulosclerosis and associated glomerulonephritis. 10 patients had nodular and 8 patients diffuse diabetic glomerulosclerosis. Focal proliferative glomerulonephritis (4 patients), membranous glomerulonephritis (3 patients), postinfectious glomerulonephritis, Henoch-Schönlein nephritis, IgA nephropathy of Berger (1 patient each), and mesangiopathic glomerulonephritis (8 patients) were the superimposed conditions. In patients with diabetic renal disease, a rapid loss of renal function or an atypical urinalysis could be the expression of a superimposed immune complex disease. Because of functional and biochemical alterations, the glomeruli of diabetic patients may be more susceptible to immune-mediated injury.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Nonspecific necrotizing petrositis: an unusual complication of otitis in children.

Three cases of an unusual form of suppurative chronic otitis media in children 2 and 3 years old are presented. The clinical feature common to all cases was otorrhea, beginning at the first months of life, with a silent evolution to a complete peripheral facial paralysis. In one case the facial paralysis was bilateral. The treatment applied was surgical: subtotal petrosectomy. The surgical findings were bloody granulation tissue, sequestering completely the otic capsule. The facial nerve was destroyed almost the total length of the Fallopian canal in all cases. The histopathologic examination revealed a destructive and nonspecific chronic inflammatory process. The culture showed Gram-negative organisms, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis. Etiologic aspects involved in the process are discussed and the name non-specific necrotizing petrositis is suggested to individualize this rare form of otitis which, with morbidity, leads to severe complications such as facial paralysis and deafness.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1983

[Giant cell tumor of the 4th metacarpal bone of the left hand. Apropos of a case].

He is a 46 year old patient that consults on a tumor that deforms the back of his left hand. The X-ray examination shows a bone osteolytic tumor with complete dis appearance of the 4th metacarpal. Surgical removal of the tumor was practiced with immediate reconstruction of the 4th metacarpal by an oseo-iliac graft. Anatomopathological examination. It is an ovoid tumor 6.5 long and irregular surface.

Bone Neoplasms↗