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Biomedical subjects

P Moreira

Publications and source records attributed to P Moreira.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Different effects of arborinine alkaloid obtained from Brazilian Erthela baihensis on spleen and thymus cells stimulated in vitro with different mitogens.

The present study has examined the effects of arborinine, an alkaloid obtained from Erthela bahiensis, a Brazilian plant popularly used as diuretic, antidiabetic, antithermic and expectorant, on the viability and function of immune system cells in vitro using a murine model. Rat spleen and thymus cells were cultured with 10 nM, 1 microM, 10 microM of the drug in the presence or absence of pokeweed (PWM), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or concanavallin (ConA) mitogens. Cellular proliferation was analyzed by H3-thymidin uptake after 48 and 72 hr. Our results showed an inhibitory effect of arborinine on splenocytes proliferation under ConA or PWM stimulation and increased apoptosis on splenocytes and thymocytes stimulated with PWM in 24 hr. A decrease was observed on Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production by ConA- or LPS-stimulated splenocytes in 48 hr and 72 hr and ConA- or PWM-stimulated thymocytes in 72 hr. In contrast, an increase on lymphoproliferation was observed on LPS-stimulated splenocytes and ConA- or PWM-stimulated thymocytes in 48 hr. On this period, apoptosis decreased on LPS- or PWM-stimulated splenocytes and IFN-gamma production increased in PWM stimulated thymocytes. Arborinine also induced a decrease on Interleukin-10 production by splenocytes and thymocytes stimulated with ConA or PWM. There was no significant variation on the necrosis rate of the cells treated with arborinine or any change on their viability or function values in the absence of mitogenic stimulus.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed2006

Developmental consequences of sexual dimorphism during pre-implantation embryonic development.

Abnormalities of development potential arising from pre-implantation environment are not limited to in vitro culture (IVC) (for, i.e. in ruminants the large offspring syndrome produced by IVC), they may also be consequence of specific stress conditions experienced in vivo, like maternal diet, toxins, etc. A complex group of mechanisms (gene expression, epigenetic, metabolic, etc.) may operate to link early embryo environment with future health. Furthermore, during the pre-implantation period, in vitro produced male embryos have a higher metabolic rate, they grow faster than females, and they also have differential gene transcription of genes located in the Y-, X-, or in autosomal-chromosomes. As a consequence of these differences embryos may be affected differentially by natural or artificial environmental conditions, depending on their gender. It has been suggested that under some stress conditions male embryos are more vulnerable than females; however the biological fragility of male embryos is poorly understood. Evidences suggest that epigenetic differences produced by the presence of one or two X-chromosomes are the principal cause of the male and female pre-implantation differences, and we put forward the possible role of these early sex differences to control sex ratio of the offspring under different environmental conditions in Nature. By following the differences between male and female early embryos not only may be possible to manipulate sex ratio in farm animals, we can also gain further insight into aspects of early embryo development, X inactivation, and epigenetic and genetic processes related with early development that may have a long-term effect on the offspring.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Cognitive restraint is associated with higher intake of vegetables in a sample of university students.

The main objective of this study was to determine the association between cognitive restraint, nutritional intake and eating patterns in free-leaving subjects. We administered a questionnaire that included information about eating behaviour (restraint, disinhibition, and hunger), dietary intake, and physical activity; 380 students (60% female) completed the study. The association of restraint (low/high) and disinhibition (low/high) with dietary intake was tested using MANOVA in a 2x2 factorial design. Statistically significant main effects were further analyzed using ANOVAs. To identify eating patterns, factorial analysis was employed. Among women, high restrainers reported lower consumption of energy, pastry, and starchy foods, and higher consumption of vegetables, and fish, than low restrainers. In male subjects, high restrainers consumed significantly more vegetables than low restrainers. The major food pattern in female restrainers aggregate: higher consumption of legumes and fruit intake; and lower consumption of pastry, sugar, and starchy foods. In restrained men, the more important food pattern consists of vegetable soup, fruit, milk, and eggs. These differences should be considered in clinical interventions for individuals seeking a better body weight control.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Birth of two healthy females after preimplantation genetic diagnosis for familial amyloid polyneuropathy.

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), Portuguese type, is a late onset, high penetrance, autosomal dominant Mendelian disorder caused by a V30M substitution in the transthyretin (TTR) protein. A genetic diagnosis was developed using fluorescent single cell polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on lymphocytes from patients and controls. Ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval were carried out using conventional protocols in a couple in whom the female was heterozygous for the mutation TTR V30M. Blastomere biopsy was performed on day 3 after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. PCR was then performed for a segment of the TTR gene encompassing the V30M mutation. The transfer of three embryos at day 4 resulted in a twin pregnancy, confirmed as healthy females by amniocentesis at 16 weeks of gestation; the birth took place at 37 weeks of gestation. With this report, FAP, TTR related, joins the lengthening list of genetic conditions for which preimplantation genetic diagnosis has been successfully carried out.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Dietary calcium and body mass index in Portuguese children.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to assess nutritional intake in school children (7-9-y-old) and relate calcium intake to body mass index (BMI). DESIGN: This study was a cross-sectional analysis. SETTING: The data were derived from a community-based survey of children from primary schools of Portugal. SUBJECTS: In all, 3044 Portuguese children (1503 girls and 1541 boys) from a community-based sample of 7-9-y-olds. METHODS: Height and weight were measured according to international standards, and BMI was calculated. Children's parents completed a self-administered questionnaire that provided information on general family background characteristics and children's physical activity. Children's dietary intake was measured using a 24-h dietary recall. Calcium intake was expressed as the calcium-to-protein ratio, and regression analysis was used to estimate the association between calcium intake and BMI, adjusting for energy intake and confounders. RESULTS: The prevalence of children with calcium intake below the Dietary Reference Intake was higher in girls (36.4 vs 33.0%, P = 0.053). Calcium-to-protein ratio predicts BMI only in girls (beta = -0.052, P = 0.002), even after adjusting for age, energy intake, parental education, and physical activity. CONCLUSION: We found an inverse relationship between calcium intake and BMI only in girls. These data reinforce the need for controlled trials to assess the effects of dietary calcium on body mass in each gender.

Body Height↗
PubMed2005

C-reactive protein as a marker of infection in critically ill patients.

A prospective, observational study was conducted in a medico-surgical intensive care unit to assess the value of C-reactive protein (CRP), temperature and white cell count (WCC) measurements for the diagnosis of infection in critically ill patients. CRP, temperature and WCC were monitored daily in 76 infected and 36 non-infected patients. Multiple receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to compare each parameter for infection diagnosis. The area under the curve (AUC) of CRP was significantly higher than that of temperature (0.93 and 0.75, respectively; p < 0.001). A CRP concentration of >8.7 mg/dL and a temperature of >38.2 degrees C were associated with infection, with a sensitivity of 93.4% and 54.8%, and a specificity of 86.1% and 88.9%, respectively. The ROC curve of WCC showed a poor diagnostic performance. The combination of CRP and temperature increased the specificity for infection diagnosis to 100%. In the subgroup of patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (n = 48), CRP measurements were more reliable than temperature (AUC 0.92 and 0.78, respectively; p 0.006). The CRP levels in infected patients with sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock were 15.2 +/- 8.2, 20.3 +/- 10.9 and 23.3 +/- 8.7 mg/dL, respectively (p 0.044). It was concluded that CRP was a better marker of infection than temperature. However, the combination of CRP and temperature measurements further increased the specificity for infection diagnosis, even in the subgroup of patients with VAP.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

C-reactive protein as a marker of ventilator-associated pneumonia resolution: a pilot study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, body temperature and white cell count (WCC) after prescription of antibiotics in order to describe the clinical resolution of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). A cohort of 47 VAP patients with microbiological confirmation of disease was assessed. CRP levels, body temperature and WCC were monitored daily. On day 4 of the antibiotic therapy, the CRP level of survivors was 0.62 times the initial value, whereas, in nonsurvivors, it was 0.98. Body temperature and WCC remained almost unchanged. By day 4, a CRP of >0.6 times the initial level was a marker of poor outcome (sensitivity 0.92; specificity 0.59). Patients were divided according to their CRP patterns of response to antibiotics: fast response, slow response, nonresponse, and biphasic response. All patients with fast and slow response patterns survived, whereas those showing nonresponse and a biphasic response pattern exhibited a mortality of 78 and 75%, respectively. The adequacy of the initial antibiotic therapy had a marked influence on the rate of CRP decrease, as well as on mortality. In conclusion, daily C-reactive protein measurements after antibiotic prescription were useful in the identification, as early as day 4, of ventilator-associated pneumonia patients with poor outcome. The identification of the pattern of C-reactive protein response to antibiotics was useful in the recognition of individual clinical course, improving or worsening, as well as of the rate of improvement.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Evaluation of a recruitment maneuver with positive inspiratory pressure and high PEEP in patients with severe ARDS.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of a recruitment maneuver (RM) with constant positive inspiratory pressure and high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on oxygenation and static compliance (Cs) in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: Eight patients with ARDS ventilated with lung-protective strategy and an arterial partial pressure of oxygen to inspired oxygen fraction ratio (PaO2/FIO2) < or =100 mmHg regardless of PEEP were prospectively studied. The RM was performed in pressure-controlled ventilation at FIO2 of 1.0 until PaO2 reached 250 mmHg or a maximal plateau pressure/PEEP of 60/45 cmH2O was achieved. The RM was performed with stepwise increases of 5 cmH2O of PEEP every 2 min and thereafter with stepwise decreases of 2 cmH2O of PEEP every 2 min until a drop in PaO2 >10% below the recruitment PEEP level. Data was collected before (preRM), during and after 30 min (posRM). RESULTS: The PaO2/FIO2 increased from 83 +/- 22 mmHg preRM to 118 +/- 32 mmHg posRM (P = 0.001). The Cs increased from 28 +/- 10 ml cmH2O(-1) preRM to 35 +/- 12 ml cmH2O(-1) posRM (P = 0.025). The PEEP was 12 +/- 3 cmH2O preRM and was set at 15 +/- 4 cmH2O posRM (P = 0.025). The PEEP of recruitment was 36 +/- 9 cmH2O and the collapsing PEEP was 13 +/- 4 cmH2O. The PaO2 of recruitment was 225 +/- 105 mmHg, with five patients reaching a PaO2 > or = 250 mmHg. The FIO2 decreased from 0.76 +/- 0.16 preRM to 0.63 +/- 0.15 posRM (P = 0.001). No major complications were detected. CONCLUSION: Recruitment maneuver was safe and useful to improve oxygenation and Cs in patients with severe ARDS ventilated with lung-protective strategy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Comparison of two cesarean techniques: classic versus Misgav Ladach cesarean].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare two cesarean section techniques Methodology. A prospective study was conducted UB 400 cesareans performed at the Gynecological and Obstetric Clinic of the Dakar Teaching Hospital between March 2000 and August 2000. Two hundred patients underwent the classical procedure (CL group) and the other 200 the Misgav Ladach procedure (ML group). Per- and post-operative data were compared between the two groups with Student's test and the Chi(2) test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The two groups were similar for socio-demographic and clinical data. The delay between the skin incision and infant delivery was significantly shorter in the ML group (5 minutes 26 seconds versus 6 minutes 20 seconds). The same trend was found for the length of operation (36 minutes 36 seconds versus 54 minutes 38 seconds). Fewer sutures were used in the ML group (2.92 versus 4.14). There is no significant difference for dose of analgesia, post-operative complications and hospital discharge. Cost analysis demonstrated that the Misgav Ladach procedure was 10000 FCFA (15 euros) less costly. CONCLUSION: Misgav Ladach method is simple, rapid, cost-effective cesarean procedure which appears to be an attractive alternative to traditional cesarean section.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Antibody recognition of amyloidogenic transthyretin variants in serum of patients with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy.

Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is a late-onset inherited disease characterized by the deposition of amyloid fibrils. FAP is associated with mutations on the transthyretin (TTR) gene. A monoclonal antibody, MAb 39-44, reacting with high molecular weight aggregates of TTR but not with tetrameric TTR has recently been generated and characterized. This antibody recognizes a cryptic epitope that is expressed in isolated recombinant amyloidogenic mutants and in ex vivo amyloid. In the present work we show that this amyloid-specific antibody specifically recognizes in a direct enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) plasma TTR from carriers of various mutations associated with FAP, both in asymptomatic individuals and in patients. In contrast, it does not react with plasma TTR from healthy individuals or that from carriers of nonpathogenic mutations. Using the ELISA developed in this study we identified three different TTR mutations in Portuguese patients with neuropathy of unknown cause, later shown to have amyloid tissue deposition. This antibody recognizes conformations that express cryptic epitopes shared by amyloidogenic TTR variants associated with FAP, not present among nonpathogenic TTR molecules. This antibody will contribute to further identify and characterize intermediates of the amyloidogenic cascade. In addition, it will also be useful for screening amyloidogenic TTR mutations in patients with neuropathy of unknown cause, prior to precise molecular diagnosis using protein and/or DNA analysis.

Amino Acid Substitution↗
PubMed2001

Two Spanish sibs with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy homozygous for the V30M-TTR gene.

Two Spanish sibs with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) homozygous for the V30M-TTR gene, were diagnosed by DNA and protein analyses. Their clinical picture was very similar to the Majorcan FAP heterozygous patients except for the sensorimotor syndrome which was more aggressive. Noteworthy were clinical differences between the sibs concerning autonomic involvement, cranial neuropathy and kidney disturbances. These differences can be due to genetic and/or environmental factors.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

[Uterine rupture in Senegal. Results of 2 surveys taken in 1992 and 1996].

OBJECTIVES: National prospective descriptive study on dystocia were conducted in Senegal in 1992 and 1996. We examined more closely the data on uterine rupture to determine trends between these two surveys. METHODS: Data were collected for all patients undergoing an obstetrical intervention between January 1st and December 31st in 1992 and in 1996 in one of the referral maternity-obstetrical surgery units in each of the 10 regions in Senegal. RESULTS: The rate of uterine rupture was 1 per 51 interventions in 1992 (1.87%) versus 1 per 53 interventions in 1996 (1.94%). This dramatic event was recurrent in 7 of the 10 regions. The patients involved were aged 25-35 years (68% in 1992 versus 70% in 1996), multiparous or grand multiparous (52% in 1992 versus 70% in 1996), illiterate (90%), with poor follow-up (less than 3 prenatal consultations in 56% of the cases), and were generally evacuated to the unit (80% in 1992 versus 97% in 1996) without medical care (55%). Maternal mortality was high (28% in 1992 versus 12% in 1996). Infant mortality was also very high (98% in 1992 versus 86.6% in 1996). Conservative treatment of uterine rupture was used increasingly: the rate of conservative suture rose from 3.3% in 1992 to 22% in 1996. CONCLUSION: Prevention is a challenge for healthcare workers, public authorities and the population in general. Health policy should be directed towards forming general practitioners in obstetrical surgery. Emergency surgery kits should be made available to improve the quality of care in all maternity units throughout the country.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

New transthyretin mutation V28M in a Portuguese kindred with amyloid polyneuropathy.

A 62-year-old Portuguese man, with no history of familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), and a 2(1/2)-year history of tingling in the toes and sexual dysfunction was found neurophysiologically to have a sensory-motor axonal polyneuropathy. Autonomic tests showed slight sympathetic and marked parasympathetic involvement. Heart, kidney, and eyes were normal. Single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) mutation analysis for the transthyretin (TTR) gene was performed. The SSCP pattern suggested the presence of a mutation in exon 2, but was different from the pattern observed for a control representing the most common TTR mutation associated with FAP, i.e., TTR V30M. DNA sequencing analysis revealed an A-to-G transition in the first base of codon 28 normally encoding a valine, giving rise to a methionine residue. The presence of this extra methionine was confirmed by peptide mapping and mass spectrometry analysis. Biopsy of nerve and skin of the propositus showed amyloid deposits that were immunoreactive for TTR. This is a new variant TTR related to late-onset amyloid neuropathy with autonomic dysfunction. This case confirms that TTR mutation screening should be considered in patients with a clinical disorder consistent with amyloid neuropathy even in the absence of a family history.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Susceptibility to beta-amyloid-induced toxicity is decreased in goto-kakizaki diabetic rats: involvement of oxidative stress.

The response of synaptosomes isolated from Wistar non-diabetic rats and Goto-Kakizaki (GK) diabetic rats to the beta-amyloid fragment Abeta25-35 was compared. The synaptosomal redox activity, evaluated by the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay, was shown to be decreased in GK rats (72.8 +/- 7.45% of MTT reduction). However, the reduction of MTT was decreased in synaptosomes of Wistar rats upon Abeta25-35 treatment (84.47 +/- 3.73%), while in GK rats it was not affected. Abeta25-35 induced lipid peroxidation in synaptosomes of Wistar rats, but not in that of GK rats, leading to an 1.5-fold increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels. In the absence of Abeta25-35, basal TBARS levels were 1.6-fold higher in GK rats. In the former preparations, the content in vitamin E was also higher (2-fold). A decrease in ATP levels, of about 2-fold, was observed in synaptosomes of Wistar rats treated with Abeta25-35, while no significant changes were observed in synaptosomes of GK rats. No significant differences between the two groups were detected in the basal ATP levels. The extrasynaptosomal accumulation of aspartate and glutamate increased upon Abeta25-35 treatment, only in synaptosomes of Wistar rats (aspartate and glutamate accumulation increased by 1.1-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively), while the accumulation of glycine increased in both Wistar (by 1.8-fold) and GK (by 2.2-fold) rats. No statistical differences in the basal accumulation of aminoacids were observed. These results show that synaptosomes of GK diabetic rats have a lower redox activity, but are less susceptible to the Abeta25-35-induced toxicity. Data also suggest that oxidative stress occurs in this hyperglycemia animal model and that an increase in the antioxidant defense systems may exert protection against toxic insults. This mechanism, occuring in the early phases of diabetes, may correspond to an adaptive response.

Adenine Nucleotides↗
PubMed2000

Effect of zinc ions on the cytotoxicity induced by the amyloid beta-peptide.

Insoluble aggregates of the amyloid beta-peptide (A beta) are a major constituent of senile plaques found in brains of Alzheimer's disease patients. The beta-amyloid fragment A beta(1-40) is toxic to rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, leading to a concentration-dependent decrease in the reduction of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). The detrimental effects of A beta(1-40) are enhanced in the presence of 1 mM zinc, whereas 50 microM zinc exerts a protective effect against A beta(1-40)-induced toxicity. Exposure of PC12 cells to low zinc concentrations (50 microM) affords a decrease (1.4-fold) in the extent of lipid peroxidation, a decrement in protein oxidation (1.1-fold), and an increase in ATP levels (1.2-fold), although the differences were not statistically significant. However, treatment of cells with high concentrations of zinc (1 mM) led to significant increases in lipid peroxidation (3.7-fold) and protein oxidation (1.5-fold) and to depletion of the ATP pool (21-fold). These data suggest that zinc has a concentration-dependent dual effect, protective and toxic, thus playing an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1999

Are there any relationships between the fecundity of bilateral ovaries in an individual patient and the incidence of apoptotic granulosa cells?

Many researchers have discussed fecundity on a per patient or per ovarian follicle basis. In contrast, this study was undertaken on a per ovary basis, and tests the hypothesis that there is a relationship between the fecundity of the bilateral ovaries in an individual patient and the incidence of apoptotic granulosa cells. The two ovaries of 10 women undergoing ovulation induction for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) and gonadotrophins were compared. There was no difference in apoptotic index in granulosa cells and various hormones in the follicular fluids. Our results indicate that, in the ovulation induction protocol for IVF, GnRHa and gonadotrophins, there is no predisposition of one ovary over the other in an individual patient in terms of apoptosis at the time of aspiration, even though the number of oocytes in each ovary is different, because the number of oocytes retrieved may reveal ovarian fecundity before stimulation with GnRHa + human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG).

Apoptosis↗