Antinuclear antibodies and endometriosis.
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Age Distribution↗
Biomedical subjects
R M de Oliveira
Publications and source records attributed to R M de Oliveira.
Serotypes of carriage and invasive isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Brazilian children in the era of pneumococcal vaccines.
Nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae is a key factor in the development of invasive disease and the spread of resistant strains within the community. A single nasopharyngeal swab was obtained from 648 unvaccinated children aged <5 years, either healthy or with acute respiratory tract infection or meningitis, during the winters of 2000 and 2001. The overall pneumococcal carriage rate was 35.8% (95% CI 32.1-39.6). The pneumococcal serotypes found most frequently in the nasopharynx were 14, 6B, 6A, 19F, 10A, 23F and 18C, which included five of the seven serotypes in the currently licensed seven-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV7); serotypes 4 and 9V were less common. Serotypes 1 and 5 were isolated rarely from the nasopharynx. A comparison of 222 nasopharyngeal isolates with 125 invasive isolates, matched for age and time to the carrier isolates, showed a similar prevalence of penicillin non-susceptible pneumococci (PNSp) (19.8% and 19.2%, respectively). PNSp serotypes were similar (6B, 14, 19F, 19 A, 23B and 23F) for carriage and invasive disease isolates. The coverage of PCV7 for carriage isolates (52.2%) and invasive isolates (62.4%) did not differ significantly (p 0.06); similarly, there was no significant difference in PCV7 coverage for carriage isolates (34.5%) and invasive isolates (28.2%) of PNSp. These data suggest that PCV7 has the potential to reduce pneumococcal carriage and the number of carriers of PNSp belonging to vaccine serotypes.
Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
[Living conditions and life experiences of working-class groups in Rio de Janeiro: rethinking dengue control and popular mobilization].
Using narratives of an experience with popular mobilization during the 1986-91 dengue epidemic in the city of Rio de Janeiro, the authors discuss the scientific research and technical counseling involving basic sanitation conditions for vulnerable social groups. They present research results on water distribution in the slums from the Leopoldina area of the city. The research stemmed from demands by community leaders at local forums discussing health conditions. Gathering, systematizing, and analyzing the data were based on what they call "shared knowledge construction", resulting by crossing accumulated scientific knowledge with popular knowledge produced as a result of living conditions and life experiences among working-class groups. Finally, the authors comment on the need for local health professionals to be aware of relationships between epidemic and endemic processes and protection of life.
Brazil↗
Expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase mRNA in stress-related brain areas after restraint in rats.
The objective of the present study was to investigate the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) mRNA in stress-related areas after restraint. Male Wistar rats (n=4-6/group) submitted to 2 h of restraint during one (acute) or seven (chronic) days were sacrificed 24 h after the last restraint period. In situ hybridisation was performed with oligonucleotide probes radiolabeled with (35)S. Acute restraint induced a significant increase in nNOS mRNA in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN), medial parvocellular part, dorsolateral periaqueductal grey (DLPAG) and medial amygdaloid nucleus, but not in the hippocampal formation. This effect persisted after chronic restraint in the PVN and DLPAG. These results suggest that restraint stress induces changes in gene expression of nNOS in areas related to stress reactions.
Amygdala↗
Mandibular flexure and dental implants: a case report.
The mandibular deformation as a result of jaw movement from rest position has been studied and documented by other authors. Here, we report that there is a possible correlation between this phenomenon and the discomfort experienced by a patient rehabilitated with implant-supported restoration for the mandibular arch during function. The recovery from pain and symptoms was achieved only after splitting the prosthesis into three sections. This case report serves to remind clinicians of the importance of following biological concepts as the key to a successful result.
Adult↗
Tumor markers in endometriosis.
OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to determine the concentrations of CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, carcioembryogenic antigen (CEA), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and beta-2 microglobulin (B2MG) in patients with pelvic endometriosis. METHOD: Fifty women were divided into two groups: group A (control) had no endometriosis or other diseases, and group B consisted of 35 women with pelvic endometriosis. All women were submitted to serum determination of CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, CEA, AFP and B2MG. Samples were collected during the menstrual cycle and 1 week later. RESULTS: Mean CA 125 concentrations were altered in patients with endometriosis, but all 50 patients studied presented normal CEA, AFP and B2MG concentrations. Small variations detected in CA 19-9 and CA 15-3 had no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: CA 125 is the only important marker in the diagnosis of stages III/IV of endometriosis, especially when blood samples for its determination are obtained during the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle.
Biomarkers, Tumor↗
Central nervous system metastases from breast carcinoma. A clinical and laboratorial study in 47 patients.
In this retrospective study, 47 patients with clinical diagnosis of central nervous system metastases of breast cancer were evaluated by computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. The patients were divided in 2 groups: 1, without leptomeningeal neoplasm and 2, with leptomeningeal neoplasm. In the group 2, the time interval between the primary disease and the central nervous system metastasis as well as the survival time were shorter than in group 1 (40 and 4.3 months in group 2 versus 57 and 10 months respectively, in group 1). In both groups the most common neurological symptoms and signs were intracranial hypertension and motor deficits. The most sensitive diagnostic methods were CT and MRI in group 1, and the CSF examination in group 2. The use of the tumor markers CEA and CA-15.3 in the routine examination of CSF showed promising results, mainly in leptomeningeal forms.
Adult↗
Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907: morphometric differences between adult worms from sympatric rodent and human isolates.
A computer software for image analysis (IMAGE PRO PLUS, MEDIA CYBERNETICS) was utilized in male and females adult worms, aiming the morphological characterization of Schistosoma mansoni samples isolated from a slyvatic rodent, Nectomys squamipes, and humans in Sumidouro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and recovered from Mus musculus C3H/He. The following characters for males's testicular lobes were analyzed: number, area, density, larger and smaller diameter, longer and shorter axis and perimeter and extension; for females: area, longer and shorter axis, larger and smaller diameter and perimeter of the eggs and spine; oral and ventral suckers area and distance between them in both sex were determined. By the analysis of variance (one way ANOVA) significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in all studied characters, except for the density of testicular lobes. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were detected for all characters in the female worms. Data ratify that sympatric isolates present phenotypic differences and the adult female characters are useful for the proper identification of S. mansoni isolates.
Analysis of Variance↗
[Dengue in Rio de Janeiro: rethinking popular participation in health].
This paper discusses popular participation in health from the point of view of an experience in dengue epidemic control in the late 1980s and early 1990s in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It refers specifically to a social movement called "Se Liga, Leopoldina", combining professionals (from health services and public schools) and members of popular organizations from the suburban neighborhoods served by the Leopoldina railway. The paper reviews the ideas motivating actions undertaken by the movement, principally the role of popular organizations in the control of endemics. It calls attention to the danger of preconceived notions when analyzing participation by members of popular organizations in the social movement. The author also calls attention to the fact that social scientists researching social movements should focus on being part of a wider social network of conviviality rather than seeing their role as educating members of the popular organization. Such networks should seek to strengthen and expand social support for the endemic control process.
Brazil↗
The use of biochemical markers in the diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis.
The aim of this study was to evaluate CA 125 II, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) and anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) concentrations for the diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis. The study population consisted of 15 women without endometriosis, as confirmed by laparoscopy (group A), and 35 patients with pelvic endometriosis diagnosed by laparoscopy or laparotomy (group B). Group B patients were divided into those at stages I and II of the disease (BI/II) and those at stages III and IV (BIII/IV). Blood samples were obtained twice during the menstrual cycle: on day 1, 2 or 3 of the cycle and on day 8, 9 or 10 of the cycle. CA 125 II and CRP concentrations were higher in group III/IV patients compared with healthy controls, mainly during the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle; SAA concentrations were also higher in this group of patients compared with healthy controls, but only during the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle. Immunoglobulin (Ig) M aCL concentrations were higher in all patients with endometriosis compared with healthy controls, mainly during the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle. It is concluded that these determinations may contribute to the diagnosis and the indication of treatment for pelvic endometriosis. Determination of CA 125 II concentrations at the beginning of the menstrual cycle may aid the diagnosis of stage III and IV endometriosis. IgM aCL appears to be associated with the presence of all stages of the disease, while SAA values are elevated in severe situations. Measurement of these molecules may therefore provide a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of endometriosis.
Adult↗
Highly sensitive single-step PCR protocol for diagnosis and monitoring of human cytomegalovirus infection in renal transplant recipients.
A multiplex, single-step PCR protocol for the detection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA is described. The protocol amplifies regions of the viral LA and IE genes and employs elevated temperatures for both reagent mixing and primer annealing together with product detection by silver staining on polyacrylamide gels. This assay detects one to five HCMV genomes in clinical samples containing up to 100 ng of human DNA, a level of sensitivity equivalent to that of more complex assays involving either nested PCR or postamplification hybridization. As well as being of importance in clinical situations where high-sensitivity qualitative diagnosis is required, this assay is also applicable to the monitoring of HCMV infection in renal transplant recipients. Due to its multiplex format the assay provides quantitative information, in that samples from which a single target is amplified contain on average sevenfold fewer viral genomes per 10(6) leukocytes than those from which both targets are amplified. When weekly blood leukocyte DNA preparations from renal transplant patients were assayed, findings of three consecutive tests in which both HCMV targets were amplified were highly indicative of patients who had developed very high loads of HCMV (100% sensitivity, 88% specificity). We thus show that the same simple PCR assay which permits highly sensitive HCMV diagnosis can also be used for the efficient identification of transplant recipients at risk of clinically significant infection.
Base Sequence↗
Randomised trial of efficacy of benznidazole in treatment of early Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
BACKGROUND: Benznidazole, a nitroimidazole derivative, has been recommended for the treatment of acute and congenital Trypanosoma cruzi infection (Chagas' disease). We have examined the safety and efficacy of this drug in the treatment of the early chronic phase of T cruzi infection. METHODS: Between 1991 and 1995, we carried out a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in a rural area of Brazil with endemic Chagas' disease. 82% of 2434 schoolchildren (aged 7-12 years) identified in a census were screened for antibodies to T cruzi by indirect immunofluorescence, indirect haemagglutination, and ELISA. 130 were positive in all tests and were randomly assigned benznidazole (7.5 mg/kg daily for 60 days by mouth) or placebo. The primary endpoint for efficacy was the disappearance of specific antibodies (negative seroconversion) by the end of 3-year follow-up. The secondary endpoint was the reduction of antibody titres on repeated serological tests. One child moved away from the area just after randomisation and was excluded from the analyses. Insecticidal measures were taken throughout the trial to reduce the risk of reinfection. FINDINGS: Minor side-effects requiring no specific medication were recorded in a small proportion of individuals. On a chemiluminescent ELISA with purified trypomastigote glycoconjugate, serum from all participants was positive at the beginning of the trial. At the end of follow-up, 37 (58%) of the 64 benznidazole-treated participants and 3 (5%) of those who received placebo were negative for T cruzi antibodies. The efficacy of benznidazole treatment estimated by intention to treat was 55.8% (95% CI 40.8-67.0). At the end of follow-up, children who received benznidazole had five-fold lower geometric mean titres by indirect immunofluorescence than placebo-treated children (196[147-256] vs 1068[809-1408], p < 0.00001). INTERPRETATION: The trial showed that a 60-day course of benznidazole treatment of early chronic T cruzi infection was safe and 55.8% effective in producing negative seroconversion of specific antibodies. The results are very encouraging and justify the recommendation of treatment for seropositive children as public health policy.
Animals↗
Microinjection of propranolol into the dorsal periaqueductal gray causes an anxiolytic effect in the elevated plus-maze antagonized by ritanserin.
The 5-HT1A/1B receptor antagonist propranolol was injected into the dorsal periaqueductal gray (DPAG) of rats exposed to the elevated plus-maze in order to investigate the participation in anxiety of 5-HT mechanisms operating in this brain region. Microinjection of D,L- or L-propranolol into the DPAG increased the percentage of total arm entries without affecting the total number of entries into either open or enclosed arms of the maze, an effect characteristic of anxiolytic drugs injected systemically. The doses of 5 nmol L-propranolol and 10 nmol D,L-propranolol caused anxiolytic effects of comparable magnitude, while the doses of 2.5 nmol of the former and 5 nmol of the latter were ineffective. Therefore, the L-isomer is likely to be the main one responsible for the pharmacological activity observed. In addition, the anxiolytic effect of 10 nmol D,L-propranolol was antagonized by 10 nmol of the 5-HT2/1C receptor antagonist ritanserin, previously injected into the DPAG. The present as well as previously reported results suggest that the anxiolytic effect of propranolol injected into the DPAG is due to increased release of 5-HT acting on post-synaptic 5-HT2 receptors, resultant from blockade of 5-HT1B autoreceptors that inhibit amine release from serotonergic nerve endings.
Analysis of Variance↗
Complement activation by anticardiolipin antibodies.
A haemolytic assay was used to test the complement fixation ability of 16 serum samples with high concentrations of anti-cardiolipin antibodies. Fourteen patients had clinical complications usually associated with these antibodies--namely, recurrent abortions, thrombosis, or thrombocytopenia. Complement fixation by anticardiolipin antibodies was shown in only four of these patients and was not directly related to the antibody concentration. Because anticardiolipin antibodies in most of these patients did not activate the complement pathway it is unlikely that the complement cascade has an important role in the clinical complications associated with these antibodies.
Abortion, Habitual↗
Neuroleptic-associated autoantibodies. A prevalence study.
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA), antiphospholipid antibodies (APA), rheumatoid factor (RF), and immunoglobulin (Ig) M levels were determined in 184 male chronic psychiatric patients on long-term therapy with neuroleptics, and in 35 age-matched normal male controls. The prevalence of one or more of these autoantibodies was 70% in the neuroleptic-treated patients and 9% in the normal controls. Polyclonal IgM elevation was frequently seen among patients treated with phenothiazines. There was a significant correlation between the presence of ANA, APA, and RF; ANA and APA were more frequently associated with CPZ therapy, but the prevalence of RF was high in all treatment groups. These findings suggest that antibodies against the Fc fragment of IgG are the most common autoantibody associated with neuroleptics. Alternatively, the presence of RF could be a common finding in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.
Adult↗
Neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus: the value of anticardiolipin, antigangliosides and antigalactocerebrosides antibodies.
In an attempt to find a serological marker for neuropsychiatric manifestations (NPM) of SLE, sera from 66 patients (classified in three groups, according to their NPM-defined, probable and without NPM) were analysed by ELISA for IgG and IgM anticardiolipin, antigangliosides and antigalactocerebrosides antibodies. A strong correlation was found between IgM antigangliosides and antigalactocerebrosides antibodies and NPM, but not with IgG class. IgM and IgG antibodies anticardiolipin were not correlated with NPM in this study. Both IgM antigangliosides and antigalactocerebrosides antibodies disappeared in seven patients with definite but clinically inactive NPM. The analysis of these autoantibodies showed an important role predictive for NPM in SLE; the negative test decreases the chance of the NPM.
Antibodies↗
Anticardiolipin antibodies in Behçet's syndrome: a predictor of a more severe disease.
A high incidence of anticardiolipin antibodies were detected in 7 of 20 patients (35%) with Behçet's Syndrome. Three patients had IgG-ab, three had IgM-ab and one had both IgG and IgM antibodies. IgG-ACA was detected mainly in patients with ocular disease (30%) and one of them also has cerebral vascular disease. A lower incidence of ACA was found in the patients taking steroids compared with the ones taking other drugs. This work draws attention to the more severe disease present in patients with ACA and also the possibility of such tests become negative in patients taking immunosuppressive drugs.
Adult↗
Anticardiolipin antibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) were assayed by ELISA in 73 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Twelve (16.48%) patients showed levels of ACA three standard deviations above the value of the control group and were considered positive; these patients were compared to the group with ACA within the normal levels regarding the following clinical and laboratorial characteristics: spontaneous abortions, central nervous system involvement, systematization and activity of disease, alterations in platelet counts, presence of antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor. Significant statistical association could be demonstrated between systematization and presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and positiveness to ACA (IgG, IgM or both). These findings might indicate that ACA in patients with RA could have relevance to morbidity of disease or perhaps to its pathogenesis.
Adult↗