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Biomedical subjects

M Moraes

Publications and source records attributed to M Moraes.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

Tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-10 gene promoter polymorphisms in Brazilian population and in Terena Indians.

The Terena Amerindians are located in the midwestern region of Brazil. We have previously reported a restricted polymorphism for HLA class I and class II in 99 unrelated Terena using PCR-SSO and more recently for MICA. There are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that determine high or low production of certain cytokines. We have now studied the frequencies of mutant allele (A) at position -308 in the promoter of the gene tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (pro-inflammatory cytokine) and the alleles A and T, at position -1082 and -819, respectively, in the promoter of the interleukin (IL)-10 gene, in 51 of these subjects from the Terena tribe using PCR SSP and in 195 normal unrelated healthy Brazilians using PCR-RLFP. All 51 Terena Indians tested (100%) had the G/G genotype at position TNF-alpha -308, with no mutation found thus far. In contrast, among the Brazilian general population, the allelic frequency of A was 18.9%. When anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was studied at two different positions, -1082 and -819, a high mutation rate was found when Terena were compared with the general Brazilian population (P <.05). The genetic cytokine profile may be required to balance the restricted HLA repertoire for peptide presentation in this native population.

Brazil↗

Erectile dysfunction: prevalence and associated variables in patients with chronic renal failure.

Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) experience a significant decrease in quality of life, due both to the limitations imposed by the disease as well as the demands of the treatment that they receive. Some side effects of both illness and treatment contribute to increase the morbidity of these patients. Among them, erectile dysfunction (ED) is notable. One hundred and nineteen patients received clinical and laboratory evaluation. The following clinical data were observed: age, education, income, race, period of dialysis, period of complaints of ED, etiology of ED, use of erythropoietin, presence of arterial hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus, use of antihypertensive drugs, use of cigarettes, and psycho-emotional state of the patients. Assessment of complaints of ED was achieved using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The following laboratory data were analyzed: hemoglobin, hematocrit, free testosterone, gonadotrophin levels (FSH and LH), HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, prolactin, and parathyroid hormone. Statistical analysis of the means of continuous variables was performed through use of the Student's t-test. Analysis of significance of category variables was performed using the chi(2) test. Descriptive analysis was obtained through use of the clinical and socio-demographic data. A multivariate model was created and the odds ratio calculated. The average age of the patients was 47.3+/-15.9 y. The mean duration of erectile dysfunction complaints was 4 y. The average duration of dialysis was 66.2+/-58.9 months. Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in this population was 57.9%. The main known etiology of chronic renal failure was glomerulonephritis. The main variables associated with erectile dysfunction were age, psycho-emotional state, and levels of HDL-cholesterol. This study showed a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction in the group of patients examined. Factors such as age, anxiety and depressive complaints, and dyslipidemy seem to play an important role in the origin of erectile dysfunction in such patients.

Adult↗

Thalidomide and its dermatologic uses.

This article reviews how the drug thalidomide can be used for various dermatologic disorders. Also included is a short discussion of the chemistry and physiologic mechanisms of thalidomide. Thalidomide, now available again in the United States, is another drug that can be considered by dermatologists for some severe, unusual disorders.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with duodenal ulcer and non-ulcer dyspepsia and analysis of one-year reinfection rates.

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is endemic worldwide. The proposed treatment is expensive and there are few reports regarding reinfection rates in Brazil. The aim of this study was to compare the eradication rates obtained with two therapeutic options and to evaluate reinfection one year after treatment. This was a prospective randomized trial with 55 patients. Thirty-nine patients had active duodenal ulcer (DU) and 16 non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD), and all tested positive for HP. Diagnosis was based on at least two positive tests: ultrarapid urease test, histology and/or culture. Patients were randomized to two groups: group OMC treated with 40 mg omeprazole (once a day), 500 mg metronidazole and 250 mg clarithromycin (twice daily) for 7 days, or group NA treated with 300 mg nizatidine (once a day) and 1000 mg amoxicillin (twice daily) for 14 days. Those patients in whom HP was eradicated were followed up for one year to evaluate reinfection. Twenty-five patients were randomized for OMC and 30 for NA. HP eradication occurred in 20/25 patients (80%) treated with OMC and 13/30 (43%) treated with NA (P = 0.01). After reallocation because of initial treatment failure, the overall eradication rate was 44/51 patients (86%). After an average follow-up of one year, we evaluated 34 patients (23 with DU and 11 with NUD). Reinfection occurred in 3/34 patients (7.6%). We conclude that OMC is effective for HP eradication, and that NA should not be used. Reinfection occurs in 7.6% of the patients in the first year after eradication.

Adolescent↗

Monocytic leukemoid reaction, glucocorticoid therapy, and myelodysplastic syndrome.

A leukemoid reaction is a complex and poorly understood response by the bone marrow to a variety of stresses; although any peripheral blood cell line may be involved, it is rarely a purely monocytic event. A case is reported of a true monocytic leukemoid reaction in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome related to the effect of corticosteroids on the underlying marrow disorder.

Aged↗

A "bicycle-handlebar" type of incision for primary and secondary abdominoplasty.

The authors register a revision of the literature regarding the types of low transversal pubic incisions used in abdominoplasty. Since 1987, the traditional open W-type incision changed to a new type called the bicycle handlebar. In this procedure, the pubic segment remains in a lower line at the level of the pubic hair, while the lateral limbs are in a high position. The anterior superior iliac spine is used as reference. Different types of procedures where the umbilical skin hole reaches the pubic incision are described and illustrated. This procedure is also used in secondary abdominoplasty. In all cases, the incision's new position should remain hidden under a bathing suit.

Abdomen↗