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Biomedical subjects

M S Fernandes

Publications and source records attributed to M S Fernandes.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Bradykinin counteracts the stimulatory effect of angiotensin-(1-7) on the proximal tubule Na+ -ATPase activity through B2 receptor.

Recently, we demonstrated that angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) stimulates the Na(+)-ATPase activity through a losartan-sensitive angiotensin receptor, whereas bradykinin inhibits the enzyme activity through the B(2) receptor [Regul. Pept. 91 (2000) 45; Pharmacol. Rev. 32 (1980) 1]. In the present paper, the effect of bradykinin (BK) on Ang-(1-7)-stimulated Na(+)-ATPase activity was evaluated. Preincubation of Na(+)-ATPase with 10(-9) M Ang-(1-7) increases enzyme activity from 7.9+/-0.9 to 14.1+/-1.5 nmol Pi mg(-1) min(-1), corresponding to an increase of 79% (p<0.05). This effect is reverted by bradykinin in a dose-dependent manner (10(-14)-10(-8) M), reaching maximal inhibitory effect at 10(-9) M. Des-Arg(9) bradykinin (DABK), an agonist of B(1) receptor, at the concentrations of 10(-9)-10(-7) M, does not mimic the BK inhibitory effect, and des-Arg(9)-[Leu(8)]-BK (DALBK), a B(1) receptor antagonist, at the concentrations of 10(-10)-10(-7) M, does not prevent the inhibitory effect of BK on Ang-(1-7)-stimulated enzyme. On the other hand, HOE 140, an antagonist of B(2) receptor, abolishes the inhibitory effect of BK on the Ang-(1-7)-stimulated enzyme in a dose-dependent manner, reaching maximal effect at 10(-7) M. Taken together, these data indicate that stimulation of B(2) receptors by BK can counteract the stimulatory effect of Ang-(1-7) on the proximal tubule Na(+)-ATPase activity.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

[Functional method in nursing practice approached through group dynamics: our experience].

This study discusses the functional method applied to Nursing, approached through a group dynamics developed with three groups of Master students from the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing. After the dynamics, the subjects answered a questionnaire with four questions. The responses of the first group showed the limitations of the functional model that interfere in the work such as: impersonal relationships, fragmentation of tasks, centralization of decisions causing the workers' dissatisfaction. The groups II and III pointed out some advantages when the work is based on a team, such as the exchange of experiences, participant planning and shared decisions, resulting in satisfaction at work.

Education, Nursing↗

Effects of dry season dormancy on oxygen uptake, heart rate, and blood pressures in the toad, Bufo paracnemis.

The cardiodynamic consequences of dry season dormancy in ectothermic vertebrates is not well known. Our hypothesis was that dormancy would reduce cardiac activity. We therefore determined oxygen uptake and cardiovascular function in aestivating toads, Bufo paracnemis, native to São Paulo State, Brazil. Specimens were collected and kept in the laboratory under controlled temperature and light regimes. We compared oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood pressure, rate-pressure product (RPP), and blood gases in toads during aestivation (dry winter season) and their early active season (spring). Oxygen uptake of winter toads at 25 degrees C was considerably lower than that of spring toads (winter: 24.0 +/- 1.8 ml/(kgh); early spring: 44.4 +/- 5.1 ml/(kgh); mean +/- SE; same in the following). A seasonal dichotomy was also observed at 15 degrees C although the differences was less pronounced (15.8 +/- 1.8 ml/(kgh) winter; 23 +/- 2.1 ml/(kgh) early spring). Chronic arterial cannulation permitted measurements of cardiodynamic variables without any undesired change in VO2. Heart rates of winter toads were significantly lower than those of early spring animals at both experimental temperatures (25 degrees C: winter 25 +/- 1.4 beats/min.; early spring: 35.2 +/- 5.1 beats/min. 15 degrees C: winter 15, 4 +/- 1.8 beats/min.; early spring: 23.9 +/- 2.1 beats/min). Systemic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures decreased slightly but not significantly during aestivation. We conclude that: (1) Bufo paracnemis downregulates metabolic rate during the dry season and (2) heart rate is also downregulated with little change of blood pressure. While the energetics of these responses are probably beneficial for survival during aestivation, the underlying biochemical mechanisms remain obscure.

Animals↗

Decitabine (5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine; DAC) plus daunorubicin as a first line treatment in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: preliminary observations.

The authors report on the preliminary results of an ongoing phase II trial whereby the combination of the new DNA hypomethylating agent, 5-Aza-deoxycytidine (DAC), plus daunorubicin was given as first-line induction therapy to non-pretreated patients with acute myeloid leukemia (except FAB M3). DAC was given as a 4-h intravenous infusion at the dose of 90 mg/m2 daily from days 1-5, while daunorubicin was administered at the dose of 50 mg/m2 on days 1-3. A maximum of two courses were given to the patients with an interval of 4-6 weeks. Up to now, eight patients were accrued, of those six were evaluable for toxicity and response. The main toxic effects were bone marrow suppression, mucositis, nausea and vomiting, and alopecia. All six patients achieved a complete remission after one (five cases) or two (one case) courses. The trial is open for patient accrual.

Adult↗

[Ultrasonographic diagnosis of the pathology of the rotator cuff and subacromial bursa: criteria].

Shoulder soft tissues echographic evaluation depends on the availability of well established echographic diagnostic criteria, which hasn't been fully accepted until nowadays, as results in that field have been controversial. The main purpose of the present study has been to determine the echographic criteria of the most frequent shoulder periarticular soft tissue pathology. A prospective study has been carried out, comparing the right to the left shoulder of 37 normals in order to determine the normal characteristics and limits of the selected echographic parameters (echogenicity, echostructure, dimensions in terms of width, rhythm of movement and rotator cuff competence ratio). Afterwards, the relative role of these variables in the identification of three different nosological groups determined through suitable gold standard diagnostic methods (36 suprasinatus tears, 20 supraspinatus tendinitis and 22 subacromial bursitis) has been determined. Lastly, the discriminant power of some echographic parameters association was tested, thus suggesting the echographic criteria to be selected. Results support the following criteria: 1) supraspinatus tears: cuff competence ratio less than 1, the difference value between the affected and the sound tendon thickness less than -1,8 mm associated with asymmetries of one of the remaining parameters (echogenicity, echostructure or rhythm); 2) supraspinatus tendinitis: the difference between the affected and the sound tendon thickness bigger than 1 mm associated with asymmetries of one of the remaining parameters (echogenicity, echostructure or rhythm); cuff competence ratio equal or above 1;3) subacromial bursitis: the difference between the affected and the sound bursa thickness bigger than 1 mm associated with asymmetries of one of the following parametres: echogenicity, echostruture or rhythm.

Acromioclavicular Joint↗

[Laser therapy of inflammatory lesions of the soft parts of the locomotor system].

Soft Laser has been suggested as a useful tool in the management of a large number of pathologies. The aim of this study has been to test the utility of this radiation in the treatment of some Locomotor Apparatus Soft Tissues Inflammatory Conditions. One hundred and fourteen patients with clinical data suggesting tendinitis, bursitis or enthesitis entered this study; 97 patients (Group I) were treated with Infra-Red or/and Helion-Neon Laser using a pontual and/or a scanning technique. The remaining 17 patients were considered as a comparison group (Group II). For evaluation purposes, a semi-quantitative data file was used and the pain, mobility, edema and muscular status were observed. The observation of these items was done prior, two weeks and one month after the Laser treatment. Results were classified as positive when complete or significant remission of symptoms and signs were observed, and negative when there was no improvement or a very slight regression of the complaints observed. A significant difference (p. 001) between Group I and II was found; the acute cases registered better results than the chronic ones (86.8% positive results versus 69.4%). The shoulder patients showed the worst results with only 62% positive cases. Significant differences among the different kinds of Laser applications weren't found. This study seems to confirm the Soft Laser utility in the treatment of the Locomotor Apparatus Soft Tissues Inflammatory lesions.

Adolescent↗

[Painful shoulders. Clinico-echographic evaluation].

Painful shoulders are a frequent pathology and its specific diagnosis and therapeutic control are common challenges to medical professionals. To solve these problems a non invasive morphologic method of study--Real Time Ultrasonography--is presented. A standardized routine ultrasonographic technique using static and dynamic imaging was applied to the analysis of fifty patients whose clinical data suggested soft tissue pathology of that joint. Initial sonographic diagnostic data were compared with clinical signs and x-ray information and in some cases arthrographic and surgical observation as well. The utility of sonography in the therapeutic control was specially evaluated in a sub-group of twenty patients with clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of tendinitis or bursitis at that location and submitted to physiatric treatment. Sonographic criteria established in terms of echogenicity, dimensions and dynamic scanning performance are described and its value as diagnostic and therapeutic control tools are discussed. Our results suggest that real time ultrasonography is a useful method to confirm the diagnosis and could be indispensable to follow and control the therapeutic results in Painful Shoulders.

Bursitis↗

[Rehabilitation in oncology].

The A.A. emphasize the importance of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in oncologic treatment. The most significant aspects of psychiatric therapy were analyzed in a special group on oncologic diseases, such as breast cancer, malignant tumors of the limb bones and in the inactivity-desuse syndrome. It is concluded that rehabilitation treatment could be generalized to a larger group of oncologic situations.

Amputation, Surgical↗