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Biomedical subjects

J Araujo

Publications and source records attributed to J Araujo.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Genetics of atherosclerosis: the search for genes acting at the level of the vessel wall.

Recent studies in mice have revealed genetic factors contributing to atherosclerosis that are independent of known risk factors. These factors appear to act locally, at the level of the vessel wall. In this review, we discuss these studies and summarize some of the cellular and molecular interactions that may be involved. We also outline the approaches for the identification of such factors in humans.

Animals↗

Decentralising the health sector: issues in Brazil.

The health sector in Brazil has undergone important changes, particularly with the development of the Unified Health System (SUS). Decentralisation is an important principle of SUS and advances have been made in transferring responsibilities and resources to the local government units, known as municipios. This article describes the changes introduced, focusing on the system of municipio classification and the funding mechanisms introduced through the basic operating rule (BOR) of 1996. The paper then moves on to analysing three key issues of decentralisation in Brazil that are related to the policy process, the system of decentralisation and the output of decentralisation. Firstly, the formal process by which decisions on health sector reform are made is discussed with particular attention being paid to the negotiated and relatively open policy space. Secondly, the role of the states is discussed within the decentralised system. Thirdly, the impact of decentralisation on equity is discussed with particular reference to the resourcing of the Municipal Health Funds. The article concludes by emphasising the political nature of health sector decentralisation and the need to develop the conditions for effectiveness in decentralisation programmes.

Brazil↗

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) ORF-1 transactivating gene exhibits malignant transforming activity and its protein binds to p53.

The 357 amino acid open reading frame 1 (ORF-1), also designated DR7, within the SalI-L fragment of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) exhibited transactivation of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter and increased HIV-1 replication (Kashanchi et al., Virology, 201, 95-106, 1994). In the current study, the SalI-L transforming region was localized to the SalI-L-SH subfragment. Several ORFs identified in SalI-L-SH by sequence analysis were cloned into a selectable mammalian expression vector, pBK-CMV. Only pBK/ORF1 transformed NIH3T3 cells. Furthermore, cells expressing ORF-1 protein produced fibrosarcomas when injected into nude mice, whereas control cells, expressing either no ORF-1 protein or C-terminal truncated (after residue 172) ORF-1 protein, were not tumorigenic. Western blot analysis of proteins extracted from the tumors revealed ORF-1 protein. Additional studies indicated that ORF-1 was expressed in HHV-6-infected human T-cells by 18 h. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that ORF-1 protein bound to tumor suppressor protein p53, and the ORF-1 binding domain on p53 was located between residues 28 and 187 of p53, overlapping with the specific DNA binding domain. Functional studies showed that p53-activated transcription was inhibited in ORF-1, but not in truncated ORF-1, expressing cells. Importantly, the truncated ORF-1 mutant also failed to cause transformation. Analysis of several human tumors by PCR revealed ORF-1 DNA sequences in some angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathies, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and glioblastomas. The detection of ORF-1 sequences in human tumors, while not proof per se, is a prerequisite for establishing its role in tumor development. Taken together, the results demonstrate that ORF-1 is an HHV-6 oncogene that binds to and affects p53. The identification of both transforming and transactivating activities within ORF-1 is a characteristic of other viral oncogenes and is the first reported for HHV-6.

3T3 Cells↗

Fat energy use and plasma lipid changes associated with exercise intensity and temperature.

The effect of 60 min of exercise at two intensities (50 and 60% VO2max) and temperatures (0 and 22 degrees C) on changes (delta) in plasma lipids [triglycerides (TG), glycerol (GLY), total cholesterol (TC), and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C)] was examined. Subjects were 10 men aged 27 +/- 7 years (VO2max = 3.81 +/- 0.45 1 min, % fat = 12.2% +/- 7.1%). VO2 and respiratory exchange ratio results indicated that total energy and fat energy use were similar at the two temperatures. Changes in plasma volume (%delta PV) were different (P less than 0.05) at the two temperatures (22 degrees C: -2.3% vs 0 degrees C: 1.1%). Combining the data at each temperature revealed that the increases in concentrations were greater (P less than 0.05) at 22 degrees C (delta TG = 0.22, delta GLY = 0.20, delta TC = 0.14, delta HDL-C = 0.05 mmol l-1) vs 0 degrees C (delta TG = 0.10, delta GLY = 0.12, delta TC = 0.05, delta HDL-C = 0.02 mmol l-1). Combining the data for each intensity revealed that the increases in concentration were greater (P less than 0.05) at 60% VO2max for delta TG and delta HDL-C. The 60% VO2max/22 degrees C bout produced greater changes (P less than 0.05) than all other bouts for delta TC and delta HDL-C (0.21 and 0.08 mmol l-1, respectively). Only delta TG and delta GLY were greater at 22 degrees C when adjusted for %delta PV. These metabolic and plasma lipid results indicate that cold exposure does not act synergistically with exercise to further stimulate fat metabolism.

Adult↗

Metabolic responses associated with four modes of prolonged exercise.

The purpose of this study was to compare energy expenditure and substrate utilization during 60 min of steady state-exercise at similar heart rates (HR) using four exercise modes: stationary cycle (C), rower (R), ski simulator (S), and treadmill (walking) (T). Five subjects (means age = 23 +/- 4 yr) performed 60 min of continuous exercise at 65% HR max on each of the four modes in random order. Total energy (TE) and fat energy (FE) expenditure were determined from VO2 and respiratory exchange ratio (RER). VO2 during exercise averaged 2.427 for C, 2.167 for R, 2.242 for S, and 2.420 l min-1 for T and were not significantly different by repeated measures ANOVO (p greater than 0.05). RER, TE, and FE also were not statistically different among exercise modes. However, walking and skiing tended to use more fat; the average 60 min cumulative exercise values were 960 for C, 871 for R, 1088 for S, and 1188 kJ for T. The rate of fat expenditure generally increased after 20 min on all modes. These results indicate that the energy expended at comparable relative HR's is similar for four aerobic exercise modes.

Adult↗

Dietary preparation and per cent fat measurement by hydrostatic weighing.

To examine if the dietary preparation for hydrostatic weighing (HW) alters the % fat measurement, seven men and three women (age 29 +/- 6, Males 11.7 +/- 7.3% fat and Females 24.1 +/- 5.4% fat, mean +/- SD) were assessed before and after three meals. On separate days and in random order, each subject (1) ate a salad with toppings (600 g) with small beverage, (2) ate two bean burritos and one bean tostada (900 g) with small beverage, and (3) drank 800 ml of carbonated beverage. The subject was reweighted 45 min after the meals and immediately after the beverage ingestion. Functional residual capacity was assessed simultaneously with underwater weight. Dependent t-tests indicated that body weight in air increased after each of the three means (Bean 0.78, Salad 0.92, Beverage 0.90 kg, all p less than 0.05), but underwater weights were unchanged. Following the salad, body density (1064.6 vs 1061.8 kg.m-3) and % fat (15.0 vs 16.3%, p less than 0.05) were significantly different pre-meal vs post-meal. Likewise, beverage ingestion resulted in decreased body density (1064.7 vs 1061.2 kg.m-3) and increased % fat (15.0 vs 16.5%, p less than 0.05). The bean meal did not cause a change in measured body density (1062.8 vs 1062.8 kg.m-3) or % fat (15.8 vs 15.8%). These results indicate that for the most accurate analysis, preliminary dietary preparation for HW should include food and beverage restriction.

Adipose Tissue↗

Response of HDL cholesterol, apoprotein A-I, and LCAT to exercise withdrawal.

The effect of short-term exercise withdrawal on plasma lipoproteins, apoprotein A-I (Apo A-I), and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) was studied in moderately trained lifestyle exercisers. Eight endurance-trained men, age 18-45 years (means = 29 years), withdrew from aerobic activity for 6 weeks, while an age and fitness-matched control group (n = 9) maintained normal exercise habits. A baseline period that included two blood samplings preceded the detraining intervention. Plasma total cholesterol (TCHOL), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels were determined weekly. Other blood variables (HDL2-C, HDL3-C, Apo A-I, and LCAT), % fat, and aerobic capacity (VO2max) were measured pre-, mid-, and post-experiment. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the 6-week exercise withdrawal period failed to elicit significant mean changes in any blood variable, % fat, or VO2max. Therefore, a short-term layoff from aerobic activity by moderately trained, chronic exercisers generally does not adversely affect the blood lipoprotein profile or aerobic capacity.

Adolescent↗

Fat utilization enhanced by exercise in a cold environment.

To study substrate utilization during cold temperature exercise, seven men dressed in shorts, T-shirts, and light gloves performed 60 min of continuous cycle ergometer exercise at -10 degrees C and 22 degrees C. The workload at both temperatures represented 66% of the cycle-measured maximal heart rate. Oxygen consumption and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were measured at rest and during 60 min of exercise. Rates of total and fat energy utilization (kJ X min-1) during exercise were calculated from VO2 and RER. A two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that at rest oxygen consumption averaged 56% higher and RER 5% lower at -10 degrees C. During exercise, oxygen consumption averaged 10% higher (P less than 0.05), and RER averaged 2% lower (P less than 0.05) at -10 degrees C. The rates of total energy use (mean +/- SD = 39.3 +/- 1.2 vs 35.7 +/- 1.3 kJ X min-1; P less than 0.05) were significantly higher at -10 degrees C than at 22 degrees C. In addition, the rate of fat use increased significantly in both groups after 30 min of exercise. The cumulative total energy expenditure for 60 min of exercise was 13% higher (2379 +/- 308 vs 2110 +/- 415 kJ; P less than 0.05 and the cumulative fat expenditure was 35% higher (979 +/- 209 vs 724 +/- 184 kJ: P less than 0.05) in the cold environment. These results indicate that a cold environment can significantly enhance fat utilization during endurance exercise.

Adipose Tissue↗

Physiological and psychological correlates of success in track and field athletes.

Twenty-four collegiate distance runners and 20 power athletes (sprinters and jumpers) of various success levels were tested on a number of physiological and psychological parameters. Multiple regression analysis indicated that physiological factors could explain over 81% of the variance related to successful distance running while physiological and psychological factors could explain over 80% of the of the variance related to successful sprinting and jumping. Body weight, fibre type, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and hamstring strength were significant singular correlates to successful distance running. Year in school, percent body fat, quadriceps strength, and leg muscle balance were significant single correlates to successful sprinting and jumping performance.

Adolescent↗

Van der Woude syndrome. A case report.

We describe several members of a family with Van der Woude syndrome, a genetic and congenital malformation syndrome with autosomal dominant inheritance and 70% to 80% penetrance with variable expressivity. It is characterized by clinical signs localized to the face, such as bilateral or unilateral pits on conical elevations in babies or extensive depressions in adults, both in the vermilion border of the lower lip, with cleft lip, with or without cleft palate and uvula. Small accessory or heterotopic salivary glands empty into sinuses or fistulas in the lips. This eight member family had various clinical signs of the condition. All had cleft lip and palate. We studied the major characteristics of the eight patients and describe histopathologic and immunohistochemical features.

Cleft Lip↗

[Phonomechanocardiography of 141 healthy patients].

When studying 141 normal persons of both sexes we checked acoustic phenomena and measured the sistolic intervals. We discuss here the presence of blowing anorganic phenomena and sounds III and IV among the general public. We develop equations of regression to correct the electromechanic sistole (QIIA) and the left ventricular ejection time (LVET) the registered values being different from those published by other researchers. Last of all we analyse semiology and the interpretation of the sistolic phases of the cardiac cycle using them in a routinary way and stressing its value and limitations, specially when used to get a better knowledge of the state of the myocardial functions.

Adolescent↗

[Phonomechanocardiographic parameters of the ventricular function in the healthy adult].

There are studied several phonomechanocardiographic parameters of ventricular function and the obtained values in a normal patients' lot. It is analyzed the semiology of those data which offer information about pre-charge (apexcardiogramme's "a" index) of the myocardiac contractile state (true isosvstolic phase, ventricular pression's elevation middle velocity, integrated isovolumetric pression, and contracility index) and of its "pump" function (expulsion fraction); in the same way it is discussed the measurement's potential utility of diastolic intervals. It is emphasized the value that these parameters' measurement can have to know cardiac capacity and the affectation this can have by pharmacologic influence or by the ilnes.

Adolescent↗