Biomedical subjects

M C Ferreira

Publications and source records attributed to M C Ferreira.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Incidence of pectoralis major turkey muscles with light and dark color in a Portuguese slaughterhouse.

Turkey meat and processed products are very popular in Portugal. However, no studies have been made to assess turkey meat quality. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of turkey breast meat in a Portuguese slaughterhouse, differentiating it to obtain better industrial management, performance, and consumer contentment. Nine hundred and seventy-seven male turkeys (from 16 to 20 wk old) from different flocks (BUT 9 and BIG 6) were evaluated to assess meat quality. Turkeys were slaughtered on different days, electrically stunned (225 V/3 s), and scalded in a vertical water bath at 81 degrees C/5 min. On the slaughter line, the pH and temperature were measured on the pectoralis muscle 15 min postmortem. The carcasses were fast-cooled in a tunnel (-2 degrees C/2 m.s(-1)/90% RH) for 2 h and kept in a refrigeration chamber (0 degree C/85% RH) until deboning (approximately 24 h postmortem). Color and pH 24 h postmortem (pH(24)) were measured on the pectoralis major muscle after carcass deboning. Pectoralis major muscles were selected according to criteria used by Barbut (1996) and drip loss, cooking loss, and total pigments analysis were performed on 67 different sliced meat samples. Muscles classified by pH decline rate, called rapid glycolytic, did not present final quality characteristics that could relate them with pale, soft, and exudative- (PSE) like meat, because there was no relationship between pH 15 h postmortem and lightness (L*), drip loss, or cooking loss. The differences, founded on physicochemical characteristics within pectoralis major muscles, allowed us to establish a criteria of turkey meat quality for dark and PSE-like meat, with L* < or = 44 and pH(24) > or = 5.8 and L* > or = 50 and pH(24) < 5.8, respectively. Based on criteria, the studied population presented 8.1% of carcasses with PSE-like muscles and 12.1% with dark muscles. The association of pH(24) and L* as criteria classification can be useful to classify turkey meat quality.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed2005

Athelia: case report and review of the literature.

The absence of nipple-areola complex is a rare entity and is always associated with other anomalies. This paper described a case of bilateral athelia without other alterations. The atrophy of the dense mesenchyme due to absence of parathyroid hormone-related protein produced in epithelium may lead to nipple involution. Further cases should be studied to corroborate this theory.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

An optimised method to determine the degree of acetylation of chitin and chitosan by FTIR spectroscopy.

Linking up the user-friendly and low-priced FTIR with the more sophisticated and high-priced 13C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopies, an improved method to determine the degree of acetylation (DA) of chitins and chitosans was outlined. The method was established for the most complex polymorphic form (alpha-chitin) and for the most problematic range of DA values (most acetylated samples) and can easily be extended to the other polymorphic forms (beta- and gamma-chitins) and to other ranges of DA values.

Acetylation↗

PubMed2001

Determination of the degree of acetylation of chitin materials by 13C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy.

13C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy has been shown to be a powerful tool to quantify the degree of acetylation of chitin and chitosan. In order to optimise the parameters which afford quantitative 13C cross-polarisation magic-angle spinning NMR spectra, a detailed relaxation study has been carried out on selected chitin and deacetylated chitin samples. A relaxation delay of 5 s and a contact time of 1 ms have been found to yield quantitative NMR spectra of samples with deacetylation degree values of 0.68 and 0.16. The measured spin-lattice relaxation times in the rotating frame, T(1rhoH), are in the range 6.4-8.9 ms for chitin and 4.3-7.3 ms for deacetylated chitin, while TCH values for both samples are very similar and range from 0.03 to 0.19 ms. Spin-counting experiments indicate that, within experimental error, all carbon is detected by NMR indicating that the samples studied contain no (or very few) paramagnetic centres.

Acetylation↗

PubMed2001

Antimicrobial resistance of strains of the Bacteroides fragilis group isolated from the intestinal tract of children and adults in Brazil.

The results of this study show that there is a high frequency of resistant species in the Bacteroides fragilis group in the intestinal tract of children and adults in Brazil. B. fragilis was not studied. Of the 73 strains examined, B. distasonis was the most resistant species to penicillin, cefoxitin, cefotaxime and clindamycin. High rates of multiresistance were found, most commonly to penicillin and clindamycin (18 of 36 strains). High levels of beta-lactamase production were detected in isolates showing high resistance to penicillin and multiresistance to the cephamycins, suggesting a widespread dissemination of such resistance.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

In vitro construction of a potential skin substitute through direct human keratinocyte plating onto decellularized glycerol-preserved allodermis.

This work demonstrates that glycerol-preserved acellular allodermis can be used as support for the proliferation of human keratinocytes and that the characteristics of this bioengineered tissue suggest its possible use as a permanent skin substitute for therapeutic challenges such as extensive burns as well as its possible use as an in vitro model for pharmacological studies. The removal of all basal membrane components during preparation of the dermal support also provides an original in vitro situation that allows observation of the reorganization of the dermal-epidermal junction. The tissue composite obtained is constituted of dermis covered by a well attached, multistratified epithelium with morphological characteristics that resemble human epidermis as evidenced by light and transmission electron microscopy, including the neoformation, albeit incomplete, of the dermal-epidermal junction. Assessment of involucrin and cytokeratin 14 expression by immunohistochemical assays established differentiation patterns. Both immerse and air-liquid interface culture systems were tested.

Culture Techniques↗

PubMed2000

Beyond prejudice as simple antipathy: hostile and benevolent sexism across cultures.

The authors argue that complementary hostile and benevolent components of sexism exist across cultures. Male dominance creates hostile sexism (HS), but men's dependence on women fosters benevolent sexism (BS)--subjectively positive attitudes that put women on a pedestal but reinforce their subordination. Research with 15,000 men and women in 19 nations showed that (a) HS and BS are coherent constructs that correlate positively across nations, but (b) HS predicts the ascription of negative and BS the ascription of positive traits to women, (c) relative to men, women are more likely to reject HS than BS, especially when overall levels of sexism in a culture are high, and (d) national averages on BS and HS predict gender inequality across nations. These results challenge prevailing notions of prejudice as an antipathy in that BS (an affectionate, patronizing ideology) reflects inequality and is a cross-culturally pervasive complement to HS.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Distally based fasciocutaneous flap of the calf for cutaneous coverage of the lower leg and dorsum of the foot.

Cutaneous injuries of the inferior third of the leg and dorsum of the foot represent a great challenge for plastic surgeons. The poor vascularization and subsequent poor healing encountered in these regions demand detailed knowledge of the local anatomy to select the best surgical alternative for each patient. In patients in whom local or free muscular flaps are not suitable, the fasciocutaneous flaps seem to be a good alternative. The distal pedicled fasciocutaneous flap of the calf was used to cover skin defects of the leg and foot in 22 patients. In 4 patients the authors designed an island flap to prevent a large defect in the donor area and to decrease the time of hospitalization and recovery of the patient. In a severe defect, the flap was used as a cross-leg flap. The results were satisfactory because the flap provided stable coverage for different defects with few complications. The island flap is a good option for achieving a better aesthetic result and can be used in select patients.

Foot Injuries↗

PubMed2000

Total reconstruction of the alar cartilages with a partially split septal cartilage graft.

The alar cartilage is a unique structure that supports the tip of the nose, keeps the external valve open, and plays an important role in tip aesthetics. Very often the plastic surgeon needs to reconstruct this cartilage, as in secondary rhinoplasties when the lower lateral cartilage is overresected. Many authors have described cartilage grafts taken from the ear and septum, mounted and stitched in various manners, with some very good results. In patients with thin skin, though, any irregularity or distortion in the grafts becomes visible after a short time postoperatively. The authors present an alternative to reconstructing alar cartilage symmetrically using one graft. This graft is obtained by shaping septal cartilage in an "L" form, with a 135-deg angle (instead of a 90-deg angle) between its legs, and then splitting the smaller leg, obtaining a strut from the longer leg and two "lateral crura" from the shorter leg.

Cartilage↗

PubMed2000

Evaluation of results in aesthetic plastic surgery: preliminary observations on mammaplasty.

Aesthetic plastic surgery has received wide public attention in the past few years. Expectations of patients regarding results have been exaggerated; the real place and medical importance of the procedures are still not clear because of a lack of more objective evidence. This study discusses the difficulties encountered related to the scientific evaluation of the aesthetic operations and proposes alternatives for assessment. A frequently performed procedure, reduction mammaplasty, is presented as an example, with its specific evaluation.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

V--Y flap for perineal reconstruction following modified approach to vulvectomy in vulvar cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a simple reconstructive procedure used in combination with a modified oncological approach to the treatment of invasive vulvar cancer. Local and systemic morbidity, length of hospital stay, local recurrence, and mortality were evaluated. METHODS: Between September 1995 and January 1997, 19 patients underwent radical vulvectomy and inguinal lymphadenectomy with a modified oncological approach. The modified approach consisted of a triple incision: two inguinal incisions, shorter and following force lines of the groin, and a third incision around the vulvar lesion. Vulvectomy included a 2-cm safety margin around the tumor, based on clinical examination and anatomical-pathological frozen sections of the specimen. This procedure was always followed by perineal reconstruction with V-Y flaps by the plastic surgery team. Median follow-up was 12 months. The complication rate and lengths of hospital stay were evaluated and compared with those in a similar group in which radical vulvectomy was performed associated with two long longitudinal incisions in the groin. The data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The perineal and inguinal dehiscence rates in group A (traditional approach) were 68.4% and 78.94%, respectively. The same rates in group B (modified approach), were 10.5% and 36.84%, respectively. Mean hospital stay was 39.5 days in group A (traditional) vs. 14.0 days in group B (modified). At 30 months' median follow-up, the rate of local recurrence in group A (traditional) was 42.0%; at 12 months' median follow-up, local recurrence in group B (modified) was 26.3%. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the use of V-Y flaps in combination with a modified oncological approach significantly reduced local complication rates and lengths of hospital stay, while observing oncological principles.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

A study of the post-burned restored skin.

The color of restored skin (RS) resulting from healing of partial skin thickness burns was analyzed. Comparisons within symmetric skin areas were performed between RS and healthy undamaged skin (HS), using spectrophotometry, in 118 subjects, 64 males, 54 females with an age range of 1-70 years. A total of 379 samples were analyzed. The CIE-1976 color system was adopted where L*, a* and b*, characterizes the sample color. L*, a* and b* values from restored and healthy skin were obtained and differences between them calculated. Age, sex, sun exposure and time span after burn were taken into account and the data was submitted to statistical analysis: Wilcoxon test for age and chi 2 for other variables. RS became darker: one year after the original burn; in subjects with sun exposure and in older subjects. Sex did not show any influence on brightness index. RS became more red in subjects with sun exposure; in older subjects; within the first six months after the burn. Sex did not show any influence on a* chromaticity axis. RS became more blue: in male subjects and within one year after the burn. Age and sun exposure did not yield any influence on b* chromaticity axis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Bacteroides fragilis isolates compared by AP-PCR.

Bacteroides fragilis is a component of the normal intestinal flora and an important pathogen in nonintestinal endogenous infections. It has been associated with enteric infections and has already been detected in polluted water. In order to evaluate the genetic diversity of B. fragilis, a total of 31 isolates and two reference strains were examined. This collection included strains from nonintestinal infections [12], intestinal infections [5], intestinal microflora [10], aquatic environments [4], and the reference strains ATCC 25285 and ATCC 23745. DNA fingerprints were detected using two separate PCR reactions with different arbitrary primers. The computer-assisted system Taxotron (Institut Pasteur, Dr P. Grimont) was used to analyze the profiles obtained and dendrograms were generated. By using a distance of 0.65 as the threshold, two clusters (hereafter referred to as genotypes I and II) were defined. Strains of differents origins could be distributed into both genotypes. We were unable to detect any obvious correlation between a given genotype and the specific disease or the source of the corresponding strains.

Bacteroides fragilis↗

PubMed1999

Production of bacteriocin by Bacteriodes fragilis and partial characterization.

The ability of Bacteroides fragilis strains, isolated from various sources, to produce bacteriocin was evaluated. All strains isolated from intestinal infections were producers in high levels and less susceptible to the others. Strains from other origins were found to produce bacteriocin at a medium level and they were variably susceptible. Some properties of one bacteriocin produced by the Bact. fragilis 079298-3 strain were analysed, providing evidence of its protein nature, with stability over a wide range of pH and retained inhibitory activity after heating. This variability seems to suggest that bacteriocin typing is a good method for this species.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Correction of eyelid anomalies in pachydermoperiostosis.

PURPOSE: Pachydermoperiostosis, or primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, is a rare disease, characterized by pachydermia, acropathy, and periostosis. The authors propose the surgical correction of the eyelid anomalies in one stage. METHODS: A 30-year-old patient with moderate blepharoptosis (3 mm) and increased vertical and horizontal dimensions of the upper eyelids underwent fusiform transverse excision of skin, orbicularis muscle, and tarsus; shortening of the levator palpebrae superioris apeoneurosis by 13 mm; and 8-mm-wide wedge excision. RESULTS: Histologic findings included hyperplasia of the tarso-conjunctival plate, obstructive cystic dilatation of the sebaceous glands, extensive fibrosis, and granulomatous reaction. Satisfactory functional and aesthetic results were observed after surgery. CONCLUSION: Upper eyelid anomalies in pachydermoperiostosis can be corrected in a single stage bilaterally with good results.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Surgical treatment of blepharospasm. Report of 2 patients].

Essential blepharospasm can be approached by several types of treatment: clinical in which the most important is the botulinum toxin with advantages and limitations; and some options of surgical treatment. The surgical technique described by Gillum and Anderson offers an alternative to patients resistant to the clinical treatment or with secondary complications. Two cases are analysed. Myectomy of all accessible orbicularis oculi, procerus and corrugator superciliaris muscle associated with blepharoplastic surgery and frontal lifting was indicated due to poor answer to clinical treatment. The results were satisfactory and both patients returned to their normal activities.

Anti-Dyskinesia Agents↗

PubMed1999

Treatment of the nasal hump with preservation of the cartilaginous framework.

Classically, nasal hump reduction is based on the partial resection of the cartilages and bones of the nose, as it was described by Joseph almost a century ago. The cartilaginous portion of the hump consists of a single unity formed by the two upper lateral cartilages and the septal cartilage. During hump reduction in the classic rhinoplasty, this structure is slashed in three pieces, which is the main cause of irregularities, shadows, and pinchings over the long-term results. Late follow-ups of the classical hump removal often show an inverted V-shaped shadow on the dorsum secondary to the destruction of the osseous-cartilaginous transition. The angle and relation between the septal and upper lateral cartilages are reduced, which may compromise the functional aspect. The destruction of the unique anatomy of the cartilaginous hump is one of the main causes of this functional and aesthetic sequela. Here, we present a technique that preserves the cartilaginous framework of the nasal hump by lowering it through the resection of a strip of septum, avoiding the problems described above.

Cartilage↗

PubMed1999

The role of plastic surgery in congenital cutis laxa: a 10-year follow-up.

The clinical features and the plastic surgery management of a 23-year-old woman with cutis laxa are presented. Two rhytidectomies were performed in this patient within 1 year. The first was associated with a SMAS flap; the second employed a prehairline incision. The evolution of the aging facial appearance 10 years after the last face lift was evaluated and compared with the preoperative situation. Repeated face lifts seem to be an interesting way to manage patients with cutis laxa. Unlike patients with other disorders of the connective tissue, those with cutis laxa have no vascular fragility and heal well. The role of plastic surgery and the clinical features and timing for operation are reviewed and discussed.

Adult↗