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Biomedical subjects

J Matos

Publications and source records attributed to J Matos.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Factors predicting intermediate endpoints of cervical cancer and exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in young women screened as potential targets for prophylactic HPV vaccination in south of Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the predictors of intermediate endpoints of cervical cancer in 500 women living in Porto Alegre. STUDY DESIGN: Five hundred randomly selected women (mean age 20.3 years, range 15-25) were screened using PCR detecting 25 HPV types (HPV6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 34, 35, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 70, and 74). Women were interviewed and serum samples were analysed for antibodies to HPV16 and HPV18 VLPs. Regression models were constructed to analyse predictive factors for (a) HPV PCR status, (b) HPV16-seropositivity, (c) HPV18-seropositivity, and (d) SIL in the PAP smear, used as intermediate endpoints of cervical cancer. RESULTS: Specific HPV types were identified in 137 (27.4%) of the 157 (31.4%) PCR-positive women. PAP test result was the most powerful independent predictor of HPV status in PCR (p = 0.0001), followed by the sexual activity started (p = 0.001) (adjusted OR 34.075, 95% CI: 4.650-249.715). PAP test SIL was independently predicted only by the HPV PCR status (p = 0.0001) (OR 7.561, 95% CI: 2.787-20.514). HPV16 and HPV18 serostatus were the most significant predictors of each other (p=0.0001), and the life-time number of sexual partners was more significant (p=0.001) predictor of HPV16 than HPV18 serostatus (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: These data are useful in evaluating the exposure status of the women to the risk factors of cervical cancer in south of Brazil.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), Lugol's iodine (VILI), cervical cytology and HPV testing as cervical screening tools in Latin America. This report refers to partial results from the LAMS (Latin AMerican Screening) study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the performance indicators of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and visual inspection with Lugol's iodine (VILI) in four Latin American centres participating in the ongoing Latin AMerican Screening (LAMS) study, in settings with moderate incidence of cervical disease and with poorly to moderately well-organized cervical cancer screening. SETTING: Three Brazilian centres (São Paulo, Campinas and Porto Alegre) and one Argentine centre (Buenos Aires) recruited a total of 11,834 healthy women to undergo VIA, VILI, conventional Pap smear and Hybrid Capture II (HCII). METHODS: Women who had a positive result from any of these tests were subjected to colposcopy and biopsies (if necessary), and women with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were properly treated. To control for verification bias, 5% of women with normal tests were referred for colposcopy, as were 20% of HCII-negative women. RESULTS: Data on VIA (n=11,834), VILI (n=2994), conventional Pap smear (n=10,138) and HCII (n=4195) were available for test comparisons, calculating sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Overall test positivity was 11.6% for VIA, 23.0% for VILI, 2.2% for Pap smear (LSIL threshold), 1.1% for Pap smear (HSIL threshold) and 17.1% for HCII. VIA was positive in 61.8% of the women with CIN 1, 57.0% of those with CIN 2, 35.0% of women with CIN 3 and in 21 of 28 (75%) of women with cancer. Approximately 10% of women with no detectable disease had an abnormal VIA. Regarding VILI, 83.3% of women diagnosed with CIN 1 and 62.5% of those with CIN 3 had an abnormal test. VILI failed to detect one of three cases of cancer. Both the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of VIA and VILI in detecting CIN 2 or CIN 3 could be significantly improved depending on the combination with Pap smear or HCII (sensitivity up to 100.0% and specificity up to 99.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The LAMS study failed to reproduce the performance figures obtained with VIA and VILI (as stand-alone tests) in some other settings, where the prevalence of cervical disease was higher. However, a combined use of VIA or VILI with the Pap test or HCII allowed specific detection of cervical abnormalities.

Acetic Acid↗
PubMed2005

Sustainable sewage solutions for small agglomerations.

In a significant number of European countries, the need for providing appropriate treatment for the effluents of small rural communities is still especially relevant. In fact, in countries like Portugal, Spain, and many others, significant amounts of investment will be addressed in the next few years to the construction of small Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP). The problems faced when constructing and operating WWTP serving small communities may be relevant when energy and labour costs are relatively high, or when the visual impact on the surrounding areas is especially negative. Sustainable treatment solutions require the selection of appropriate technologies using fewer resources. In this paper, information is presented about sustainability indicators of twenty-one small secondary wastewater treatment plants, including conventional (trickling filters and extended aeration plants) and non-conventional treatment systems (constructed wetlands). The data refer to allocated areas per inhabitant, amounts of concrete per inhabitant, power per inhabitant, and construction and installation costs per inhabitant. The data seem to show that for different reasons, constructed wetlands are promising treatment solutions for application to rural areas in particular because of the relatively low power requirements and relatively low construction costs for served populations below 500 inhabitants.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Modelling in-sewer pollutant degradation processes in the Costa do Estoril sewer system.

Characteristics of wastewater vary during transportation through sewer systems as a result of a number of processes. Under aerobic conditions, in long sewer systems, the reduction of the BOD or COD may be similar to the reduction obtained in conventional primary settling tanks. The mathematical model that was developed is based on a number of different existing models: the ASM n. 1 and ASM n. 2 models, the AEROSEPT model and the WATS model. The model also includes a prediction of reaeration at falls. The module of the anoxic conditions was adapted from the ASM n. 2 model. This module is a first attempt to model the degradation of organic matter in sewer systems under anoxic conditions. The mathematical model was applied to the Costa do Estoril intercepting sewer, and the obtained results are discussed taken into account the experimental data that was collected during a three-month period. Average removals of dissolved COD over 20% have been obtained. In the paper special emphasis is given to the importance of the performance of the Costa do Estoril sewer system as a biological reactor.

Bacteria, Aerobic↗
PubMed2001

Primary structure deduction and molecular modelling from a cDNA of a cellobiohydrolase-like protein from the white-rot fungus Coriolus versicolor.

Molecular cloning and cDNA sequencing analysis were used to elucidate the primary structure of a cellulase-like structure from the white-rot fungus Coriolus versicolor. The cDNA of interest was isolated from a cDNA library obtained from C. versicolor mycelia grown on cellulase inducer medium. A pattern search showed that this cellulase belongs to the glycosyl hydrolases family 6. From the deduced amino acid sequence, models of the binding and catalytic domains were built by homology modelling. The constructed models present a typical cellulose-binding domain at the N-terminal region, a rich Pro, Ser, Thr linker peptide, and a catalytic domain at the C-terminus region.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Cervical cancer screening in Porto Alegre, Brazil: alternative methods for detecting cancer precursors in a developing country.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to test the performance characteristics of cervical cancer screening by visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid and iodine solution. METHODS: A total of 100 women were screened for cervical cancer by Pap smear and naked eye inspection of the cervix after application of acetic acid and iodine solution. RESULTS: Comparing visual inspection to the Pap test, a sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 78.5%, and concordance of 79% (p < .0011) was established. Comparing the Pap test with colposcopy, the corresponding figures were 42.9%, 92.3%, and 66.6% (p < .077), respectively. Visual inspection compared to colposcopy showed corresponding figures of 100%, 7.7%, and 55.5% (p = .48), respectively. Colposcopy and biopsy had an agreement of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Visual inspection with acetic acid and iodine solution proved to be a reasonable method of screening for cervical cancer precursors.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and nucleoside analogue therapy in AIDS.

Preliminary preclinical and clinical data suggest that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) may decrease viral replication. Therefore, 105 individuals with AIDS who were receiving nucleoside analogue therapy were enrolled in a placebo-controlled, double-blind study and were randomized to receive either 125 microgram/m(2) of yeast-derived, GM-CSF (sargramostim) or placebo subcutaneously twice weekly for 6 months. Subjects were evaluated for toxicity and disease progression. A significant decrease in mean virus load (VL) was observed for the GM-CSF treatment group at 6 months (-0.07 log(10) vs. -0.60 log(10); P=.02). More subjects achieved human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-RNA levels <500 copies/mL at >/=2 evaluations (2% on placebo vs. 11% on GM-CSF; P=.04). Genotypic analysis of 46 subjects demonstrated a lower frequency of zidovudine-resistant mutations among those receiving GM-CSF (80% vs. 50%; P=.04). No difference was observed in the incidence of opportunistic infections (OIs) through 6 months or survival, despite a higher risk for OI among GM-CSF recipients. GM-CSF reduced VL and limited the evolution of zidovudine-resistant genotypes, potentially providing adjunctive therapy in HIV disease.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1998

Genetic characterization of pepP, which encodes an aminopeptidase P whose deficiency does not affect Lactococcus lactis growth in milk, unlike deficiency of the X-prolyl dipeptidyl aminopeptidase.

We sequenced the pepP gene of Lactococcus lactis, which encodes an aminopeptidase P (PepP), and demonstrated that the X-prolyl dipeptidyl aminopeptidase PepX plays a more important role than PepP in nitrogen nutrition. PepP shares homology with methionine aminopeptidases and could play a role in the maturation of nascent proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Genetic and environmental factors regulating blood pressure in childhood: prospective study from 0 to 3 years.

OBJECTIVES: Blood pressure (BP) regulation depends on the interaction between multiple environmental and genetic factors. Of these, BP sensitivity to dietary sodium intake has been one that has been investigated in adults but not in children. The aim of the present study was to investigate, prospectively, the BP profile in relation to different genetic and hormonal factors, in the first 3 years of life. POPULATION AND METHODS: Thirty-nine children born at term following normal pregnancies, with uncomplicated neonatal periods, were randomly selected to take part in the study. BP, weight and length were evaluated every 3 months from birth to 3 years. At the age of 12 months, haptoglobin phenotypes and plasma active renin concentration were determined as well as random urine evaluation of aldosterone, cAMP, dopamine and digoxin-like immunoreactive substances (DLIS). Family history of cardio-vascular diseases was also recorded. RESULTS: Systolic BP (SBP) demonstrated a gradual increase until the age of 6 months with little variation up to 36 months. Tracking of SBP values was also observed from the first year as infants with high values (above the 75 percentile) maintained this tendency up to, at least, the age of 36 months. The comparison between SBP and diastolic BP (DBP) according haptoglobin phenotypes demonstrated that SBP was systematically higher in allele 1, with apparently an increasing tendency with age, although the differences did not have statistical significance. The comparative study between haptoglobin phenotypes, with correction for the covariates fractional excretion of sodium and potassium, showed that allele 1 carriers had significantly lower plasma renin and urine aldosterone and cAMP concentrations than allele 2, but dopamine excretion was found to be higher in allele 1 than in allele 2. There were no differences among variables relating to family history of cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: There was an early tracking process of BP values from the first 6 months of life which persists through, at least, to the age of 36 months. Differences in sodium handling between haptoglobin 1 and 2 phenotypes were already present in early childhood, although no significant repercussion in BP values could be demonstrated in the 3-year duration of this study.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1992

Efficacy and risks of moricizine in inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and toxicity of moricizine in treating patients with serious ventricular arrhythmias and inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia. DESIGN: Uncontrolled clinical trial. SETTING: The intensive care and telemetry units of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, and Lenox Hill Hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-six patients with sustained ventricular arrhythmias or hemodynamically significant nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, most of whom failed therapy with at least one class I antiarrhythmic agent. INTERVENTION: Patients were treated with moricizine, 400 to 1000 mg/d. MEASUREMENT: Efficacy was assessed by the results of programmed ventricular stimulation done during moricizine therapy. MAIN RESULTS: Seven of the 26 patients (27%) developed life-threatening ventricular proarrhythmia during moricizine loading. Three patients had incessant sustained ventricular tachycardia, two had incessant nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, one had new sustained ventricular tachycardia, and one had new cardiac arrest. One of these patients died of intractable ventricular fibrillation. No clinical or electrophysiologic variables clearly identified those at risk for proarrhythmia. Only 3 of 26 patients (12%) became noninducible on moricizine. CONCLUSION: Moricizine has a low rate of efficacy and carries a considerable risk for life-threatening proarrhythmia in patients with serious ventricular arrhythmias and inducible ventricular tachycardia who have failed therapy with other class I antiarrhythmic agents.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Developmental and nutritional determinants of pregnancy outcome among teenagers.

To investigate the determinants of low birth weight in infants born to adolescent mothers, we studied the obstetric population attended at the Maternity Hospital of Lima, Peru. From this population, 1256 gravidas, ranging in age from 12 to 25 years, volunteered to participate in this study. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were used to evaluate the nutritional status and physiological maturity of the mother and newborn. For analytical reasons the young teenaged mothers (less than 15 years) were classified as either still-growing or having completed their growth, depending on their height relative to their parents' height. Similarly, the young teenagers were classified as either gynecologically immature or gynecologically mature depending on whether their gynecological age was less than or greater than 2 years. Our results indicate that young still-growing teenagers, even when matched for nutritional status, have smaller newborns than adult mothers. The data also demonstrate that maternal gynecological age per se does not affect prenatal growth. As inferred from multivariate analyses, it appears that the reduction in birth weight among young teenagers can be explained in part by a decreased net availability of nutrients resulting from the competition for nutrients between the mother's growth needs and the growth needs of her fetus and by an inability of the teenage placenta to maintain placental function adequately for active fetal growth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Influence of growth status and placental function on birth weight of infants born to young still-growing teenagers.

To investigate the determinants of fetal maturation of infants born to adolescent mothers, we studied the obstetric population attended at the Maternity Hospital of Lima, Peru. From this population we selected for inclusion in this study a sample of 412 adolescent mothers ranging in age from 13 to 15 yr. These subjects were selected because the anthropometric measurements of their parents were obtained at the time the adolescents were being attended for delivery. Based on the height measurements of the teenagers' mothers and fathers, the adolescents were classified as either still growing or growth completed depending on whether their height was less or greater than their mothers' height. Infants of young adolescent mothers who had not completed their expected growth in height were significantly lighter in birth weight than those born to adolescent mothers who had completed their growth. Multiple regression and path analyses revealed that the effects of weight gain and placenta weight on birth weight were more effective among the infants born to adolescent mothers who had not completed their growth in height. These data suggest that the reduction in birth weight among immature still-growing adolescents may result from both a decreased net availability of nutrients and/or an inability of the placenta to function adequately for active fetal growth, which results in a retarded fetal growth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Use of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia as a guide to antiarrhythmic drug therapy in patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmia.

From a population of 260 patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmia (ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia with syncope) we identified 52 (20%) who had infrequent ventricular premature beats during exercise testing and 48 hours of ambulatory monitoring. These patients underwent invasive electrophysiologic study utilizing programmed premature stimulation with up to three extrastimuli at currents of twice and three times middiastolic threshold. The end point for testing was nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), defined as 3 to 20 propagated responses resulting from the last premature stimulus. A multiple response was obtained in 45 patients consisting of reproducible NSVT in 36 and sustained ventricular tachycardia in nine. The 36 patients with NSVT underwent 540 electrophysiologic tests with 18 antiarrhythmic agents. Suppression of the repetitive response was achieved in 31 of the 36 patients (86.1%). After an average follow-up of 21 months, one of 31 patients in whom the repetitive response had been abolished had recurrent arrhythmia. This contrasted with recurrence in two of the five patients in whom NSVT was still provoked. During the extensive testing, ventricular fibrillation was not induced. Sustained ventricular tachycardia occurred in 27 of the 540 tests (5.0%), but cardioversion was required in only 12 (2.2%). We conclude that NSVT constitutes a safe electrophysiologic end point for selecting an effective antiarrhythmic program in patients who have experienced malignant ventricular arrhythmia but in whom monitoring and exercise testing are inadequate to guide therapy.

Adolescent↗