Showing papers by "Rio de Janeiro State University published in 1998"

A reforma do sistema de saúde no Brasil e o Programa de Saúde da Família

Abstract: O texto examina as etapas de formulacao e implementacao do Programa de Saude da Familia, indicando as estrategias esbocadas e analisando os resultados, com vistas a extrair licoes para o aperfeicoamento da politica de saude no Brasil Foram identificados tres modelos de implantacao do programa: Modelo Regional, Modelo Singular e Modelo Principiante O primeiro se caracteriza pelo desenvolvimento regional do programa, sendo fortemente influenciado por uma politica estadual de apoio a mudanca nas praticas assistenciais; o segundo desenvolve uma experiencia singular, sem envolvimento de outras esferas de governo; e o terceiro se desenvolve de forma incipiente e incerta

Strong dissipative behavior in quantum field theory

Abstract: We study the conditions under which an overdamped regime can be attained in the dynamic evolution of a quantum field configuration. Using a real-time formulation of finite temperature field theory, we compute the effective evolution equation of a scalar field configuration, quadratically interacting with a given set of other scalar fields. We then show that, in the overdamped regime, the dissipative kernel in the field equation of motion is closely related to the shear viscosity coefficient, as computed in scalar field theory at finite temperature. The effective dynamics is equivalent to a time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau description of the approach to equilibrium in phenomenological theories of phase transitions. Applications of our results, including a recently proposed inflationary scenario called ``warm inflation,'' are discussed.

Detection of Leishmania DNA by Polymerase Chain Reaction in Scars of Treated Human Patients

Abstract: Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in developing countries. The efficacy of therapy is usually evaluated through clinical parameters. To define the parasitologic cure, 20 patients were biopsied before and 1 month to 8 years after treatment. Paraffin-embedded tissue was used for DNA isolation. All patients had a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result before therapy, except 1, for whom no histopathologic material was available. The causative agent was identified as belonging to the Leishmania (Viannia) subgenus by hybridization. Despite clinical healing and absence of reactivation or development of mucosal lesions, PCR was positive in scars of 16 patients (80%). The results suggest that parasites persist in the skin for many years despite treatment. Depending on specific pathogenetic features of the parasite and the immune status of the host, this phenomenon might result in mucosal lesions. Alternatively, it could have a role in the maintenance of immunologic memory in patients living in areas in which leishmaniasis is endemic.

Direct measurement of the top quark mass by the DO Collaboration

Abstract: We determine the top quark mass m{sub t} using t{bar t} pairs produced in the DO/ detector by {radical} (s) =1.8thinspTeV p{bar p} collisions in a 125thinsppb{sup {minus}1} exposure at the Fermilab Tevatron. We make a two constraint fit to m{sub t} in t{bar t}{r_arrow}bW{sup +}{bar b}W{sup {minus}} final states with one {ital W} boson decaying to q{bar q} and the other to e{nu} or {mu}{nu}. Likelihood fits to the data yield m{sub t}(l+jets)=173.3{plus_minus}5.6thinsp(stat)thinsp{plus_minus}thinsp5.5thinsp(s st) GeV/c{sup 2}. When this result is combined with an analysis of events in which both {ital W} bosons decay into leptons, we obtain m{sub t}=172.1{plus_minus}5.2thinsp(stat)thinsp{plus_minus}thinsp4.9thinsp(syst) GeV/c{sup 2}. An alternate analysis, using three constraint fits to fixed top quark masses, gives m{sub t}(l+jets)=176.0{plus_minus}7.9thinsp(stat){plus_minus}thinsp4.8thinsp(syst) GeV/c{sup 2}, consistent with the above result. Studies of kinematic distributions of the top quark candidates are also presented. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}

Antithrombotic activity of a fucosylated chondroitin sulphate from echinoderm: sulphated fucose branches on the polysaccharide account for its antithrombotic action

Abstract: The antithrombotic activity of a fucosylated, chondroitin-sulphate-like polysaccharide extracted from the body wall of sea cucumber, and of chemically modified derivatives of the same polysaccharide, have been assessed using a stasis thrombosis model in rabbits. Intravenous administration of the native polysaccharide reduced thrombosis in a dose-dependent manner and, at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg (60 IU/kg) body weight, completely prevented thrombosis after 10 min stasis. Removal of the sulphated fucose branches of the polysaccharide abolished antithrombotic effectiveness. After intravenous injection of an antithrombotic dose of radioactively labelled polysaccharide, a correlation was observed between removal of radioactivity from the plasma and decrease in ex vivo APTT values, demonstrating that antithrombotic effectiveness depends on the level of circulating polysaccharide rather than on an indirect effect of the polysaccharide on the vascular endothelium. Reduction of the glucuronic acid carboxyl groups in the polysaccharide did not affect its in vitro and in vivo activities. Both partial defucosylation and desulphation of the polysaccharide abolished all its anticoagulant or antithrombotic action.

The pig kidney as an endourologic model: anatomic contribution.

Abstract: We present detailed anatomic findings on collecting system anatomy and renal morphometry in the pig and compare these findings with previous findings in humans. We studied three-dimensional polyester resin corrosion endocasts of the pelviocaliceal system obtained from 100 kidneys (50 pigs). Eighty kidneys were evaluated morphometrically, considering length, cranial pole width, caudal pole width, thickness, and weight. The pig collecting system was classified into two major groups (A and B). Group A (40%) was composed of kidneys in which the mid-zone is drained by calices dependent on the cranial or the caudal caliceal group or both. Group B (60%) kidneys have the mid-zone drained by calices independent of the polar groups. Group B includes two subtypes (B-I and B-II). The pig collecting system showed only angles smaller than 90 degrees between the caudal (lower) infundibulum and the renal pelvis. Renal morphometric measurements revealed the following means: length 11.8 cm, cranial pole width 5.64 cm, caudal pole width 5.35 cm, thickness 2.76 cm, and weight 98 g. As in human kidneys, one may group the pig collecting system into two groups. Nevertheless, in pigs, we did not find a subdivision of Group A. The incidence of collecting systems in Groups A and B and the subtypes of Group B in pigs are different from those in humans. Also different from humans, in pigs, we found only angles smaller than 90 degrees between the caudal (lower) infundibulum and the renal pelvis. Except for the length, the means of the other morphometric measurements of the pig kidney are smaller than those of humans. From an anatomic standpoint, despite the differences pointed out, we conclude that the pig kidney is a good animal model for endourologic research and training.

Distribuição dos valores do índice de massa corporal da população brasileira até 25 anos

Abstract: This paper presents the percentage distribution of the body mass index of the Brazilian population from birth to age 25, based on a national survey conducted in 1989 Survey data show that body mass index decreases from birth until around 6 years of age, reaching a plateau at 8 years and progressively increasing until the age of 19 or 20 years for females and 20 or 21 for males The survey also revealed that after the age of 12 females present a greater body mass index than males, as well as a larger range of percentile values (from 3 to 97) A comparison with data from other countries showed that the body mass index profile in Brazil is similar to that observed in France, Great Britain, and the United States Before the age of 6, Brazilian youngsters have a mean body mass index that resembles that of North American children, and a lower one thereafter A comparison between the median body mass index of Brazilian and British youngsters revealed consistently lower values among Brazilian females When compared to that of France, Brazil's male population has a systematically lower body mass index after the age of 8 It is suggested that the data presented in our study be used only for comparing groups of individuals and studies, and not for screening or clinical monitoring, due to the great variability in growth patterns during adolescence

Pentoxifylline decreases in vivo and in vitro tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production in lepromatous leprosy patients with erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL).

Abstract: Increasing evidence has implicated TNF-alpha as a pivotal molecule involved in the systemic inflammatory manifestations of ENL, an acute inflammatory complication that may occur in the chronic course of leprosy. In the present study, the mechanism of action of pentoxifylline (PTX) as an alternative therapy for management of leprosy reactions has been evaluated. The effect of PTX on TNF-alpha production was examined in leprosy patients at the protein level and at the transcriptional level as well. Treatment of ENL patients with PTX (1200 mg daily) ameliorated the systemic symptoms and favoured the evolution of reactional leprosy lesions. Serum TNF-alpha was assayed before and during treatment with PTX in 15 patients. The increased TNF-alpha levels seen in the circulation during the reaction were dramatically reduced within 3-7 days of therapy. No significant effect on serum IL-6 was noted. In vitro TNF-alpha production was assayed upon culture stimulation with Mycobacterium leprae. A reduction of inducible TNF-alpha in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was seen after 1-2 weeks of in vivo administration of PTX. Furthermore, no effect of the drug on IL-10 secretion was detected in these cultures. A kinetic analysis of the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-6 mRNA at the site of leprosy lesion was performed in six reactional patients by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The amount of TNF-alpha mRNA was increased in the tissue during ENL compared with before the reaction, and decreased thereafter following treatment for reaction (either PTX or thalidomide). These data suggest that PTX inhibits TNF-alpha production in ENL patients both in vivo and in vitro, and it may be useful in the treatment of leprosy patients undergoing ENL.

Enteropathogenicity markers in Escherichia coli isolated from infants with acute diarrhoea and healthy controls in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract: Faeces from urban children < 2 years old with acute diarrhoeal illness and from non-diarrhoeal infants (controls) were examined for Escherichia coli and other enteropathogens. A total of 990 E. coli isolates from 100 patients and 50 controls was tested for enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) serotype (O:H), adherence to HEp-2 cells after incubation for 3 and 6 h, fluorescent actin staining (FAS), DNA hybridisation with EAF, eaeA, STh, STp and EAggEC probes and production of heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) and verocytotoxin (VT) with Y1 and Vero cells. EPEC were the most prevalent enteropathogens in patients (32.7%; and 14% in controls). Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) and Vero cytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) were not detected. The rate of isolation of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) was identical in both groups. Among the EPEC isolates the prevalent serotypes were O111:H2, O55:NM and O119:H6. Localised adherence (LA) was found significantly more frequently in isolates from patients (19.6%) than controls (2.1%). All LA-positive EPEC isolates were FAS+ and eaeA+, but only 75.2% of them hybridised with the EAF probe. Diffusely adhering E. coli (DAEC) and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAggEC) were found with equal frequency in patients and controls. Twenty-seven E. coli isolates were negative for EAF but positive for eaeA and FAS and produced LA in 6-h adherence tests. These EAF-/eaeA+ strains were the only putative enteropathogen identified in seven patients and were not found in controls. The ability of these strains to elicit ultrastructural cell alterations and cell-signalling events was evaluated in Caco-2 cells (human colon carcinoma cell line) by the gentamicin invasion assay and by transmission electron microscopy. The numbers of intracellular bacteria in cell invasion tests varied from 0.4% to 1.6% of the cell-associated bacteria after a 6-h incubation period. Tyrosine phosphorylation of host cell proteins was assessed in HEp-2 cells by immunofluorescence microscopy and all strains gave positive results. EAF-/eaeA+ E. coli strains express most of the virulence properties found among true EPEC strains and can be a relevant cause of infant diarrhoea in developing countries.

Reactional states in multibacillary hansen disease patients during multidrug therapy

Abstract: It is well known that reactions are commonplace occurrences during the course of leprosy disease. Stigmatization may even be attributable to reactions which are also responsible for the worsening of neural lesions. A cohort of 162 newly-diagnosed baciloscopically positive patients from the Leprosy Care Outpatient Clinic of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ) was selected for this study. While 46% of the multibacillary (MB) patients submitted to the 24 fixed-dose multidrug therapy (MDT) regimen suffered reactions during treatment, it was found that all MBs were susceptible and that constant attention and care were required at all times. Fourteen per cent were classified as BB, 52% as BL, and 33% as LL. None of the variables under study, such as, sex, age, clinical form, length of illness, length of dermatological lesions, baciloscopic index (BI), or degree of disability proved to be associate with reaction among the patients studied. Reversal Reaction (RR) occurred in 45%, and Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL) occurred in 55%. Among BB patients who developed reactions (15 patients), 93% presented RR; while among the LL patients who developed reactions (34 patients), 91% presented ENL. Likewise, ENL was very frequent among those with disseminate lesions, while RR was most often observed in patients with segmentary lesions. RR was also most likely to occur during the initial months of treatment. It was demonstrated that the recurrence rate of ENL was significantly higher than that of RR. Neither grade of disability nor BI was shown to be associated with RR and ENL reaction. However, the RR rate was significantly higher among patients showing BI 3.

Efficient shoot organogenesis of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) induced by thidiazuron.

Abstract: Morphogenesis from several explant types excised from in-vitro-grown plantlets of a Brazilian eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) variety (F-100) was evaluated in response to thidiazuron (TDZ). Leaves and cotyledons were found to be the most responsive explants. Optimal shoot bud induction rates (75-100 buds/explant) were achieved in the presence of 0.2 μM TDZ. Organogenic calli were transferred to growth regulator free MS medium before shoot excision. Rooting was induced on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.6 μM IAA.

Placental pathology in antiphospholipid syndrome.

Abstract: One of the major targets of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) is the placenta, the evolution of which during pregnancy has been well documented. Histopathological findings are related to gestational age, and several physiologic and pathologic alterations that occur during its development. The major findings in placentae from aPL positive patients are thrombosis, acute atherosis, a decreased number of syncytio-vascular membranes, increased number of syncytial knots and obliterative arteriopathy. These findings are not specific to the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and sometimes do not correlate with the fetal outcome. Histopathological study of placentae may elucidate mechanisms of action of aPL in fetal loss and other obstetric complications. In addition, it may assist in the investigation of the differential diagnosis between APS and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Immunohistochemical studies of local placental proteins contribute to this differential diagnosis.

Dynamical System Analysis for Inflation with Dissipation

Abstract: We examine the solutions of the equations of motion for an expanding Universe, taking into account the radiation of the inflaton field energy. We then analyze the question of the generality of inflationary solutions in this more general setting of a dissipative system. We find a surprisingly rich behavior for the solutions of the dynamical system of equations in the presence of dissipational effects. We also determine that a value of dissipation as small as ∼ 10 −7 H can lead to a smooth exit from inflation to radiation.

Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907: morphometric differences between adult worms from sympatric rodent and human isolates

Abstract: 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.

Analog Circuits Evolution in Extrinsic and Intrinsic Modes

Abstract: Our work focuses on the use of artificial evolution in Computer Aided Design (CAD) of electronic circuits. Artificial evolution promises to be an important tool for analog CAD development, due to the nature of this task, which has been proven to be much less amenable for standard tools than its digital counterparts. Analog design relies more on the designer’s experience than on systematic rules or procedures. The recent appearance of Field Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAAs) allows evolution to be performed in real silicon, which opens new possibilities to the field. Our work addresses the evolution of amplifiers and oscillators, through the use of a standard simulator and a programmable analog circuit respectively. Furthermore, the issue of the implementability of the circuits evolved in simulation is also examined.

Morphological study of adult male worms of Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 by confocal laser scanning microscopy

Abstract: Aiming to detail data obtained through brightfield microscopy (BM) on reproductive, excretory and digestive system, specimens of Schistosoma mansoni eight weeks old, were recovered from SW mice, stained with Langeron's carmine and analyzed under a confocal laser scanning microscope CLSM 410 (Carl Zeiss). The reproductive system presented a single and lobate testis, with intercommunications between the lobes without efferent duct. Supernumerary testicular lobe was amorphous and isolated from the normal ones. Collecting tubules (excretory ducts), followed by the excretory bladder, opening to the external media through the excretory pore, were observed at the posterior extremity of the body. In the digestive tract, a cecal swelling was noted at the junction that originates the single cecum. It was concluded that through confocal laser scanning microscopy, new interpretations of morphological structures of S. mansoni worms could be achieved, modifying adopted and current descriptions. The gonad consists of a single lobed testis, similar to that observed in some trematode species. Moreover, the same specimens can be observed either by BM or CLSM, considering that the latter causes only focal and limited damage in tissue structures.

Alguns pilares para a apreciação da validade de estudos epidemiológicos

Abstract: Abordagem da questao da validade dos estudos epidemiologicos. Distinguem-se seis tipos de validade. Na validade conceitual enfocam-se os elementos que sustentam a construcao de um modelo teorico explicativo do fenomeno de interesse, articulado no plano do discurso e conceitos abstratos. Na validade operacional discutem-se os processos nos quais os conceitos que compoem as diferentes dimensoes do modelo teorico sao reduzidos a variaveis e indicadores, viabilizando sua instrumentacao no nivel empirico. A apresentacao da validade de dominio, levanta-se a questao da intercambialidade dos individuos da populacao alvo e da populacao de estudo como sustentacao para a generalizacao dos resultados. A validade de comparacao dos grupos de estudo gira em torno da identificacao das circunstâncias que rompem a estrutura de comparabilidade, a saber, a situacao de confusao e a exclusao seletiva de elementos. A abordagem da validade de informacao, aprofundam-se os problemas referentes a afericao/mensuracao e os consequentes vieses. Visando algumas diretrizes para avaliacao da validade de informacao, explora-se os fundamentos das relacoes temporais envolvendo as ocorrencias e os processos de coleta. Por fim, apresentam-se algumas importantes questoes relacionadas a escolha e validade de especificacao do modelo estatistico, bem como comentarios sobre as estrategias mais utilizadas na selecao de variaveis e diagnostico de modelo. Na parte final, sustenta-se que um enfrentamento sistematico das questoes de validade pode servir como um dos pilares para a construcao do conhecimento em epidemiologia.

Ultrastructure, Immunofluorescence, Western Blot, and PCR Analysis of Eight Isolates of Encephalitozoon(Septata) intestinalis Established in Culture from Sputum and Urine Samples and Duodenal Aspirates of Five Patients with AIDS

Abstract: Microsporidia are ancient, intracellular, eukaryotic protozoan parasites that form spores and that lack mitochondria. Currently, as many as eight species included under six genera are known to infect humans, mostly patients with AIDS. Among these, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, the agent of gastrointestinal (GI) disease, is the most frequently identified microsporidian in clinical laboratories in the United States. Encephalitozoon (Septata) intestinalis, the agent that causes a disseminated infection including infection of the GI tract, is the second most frequently identified microsporidian parasite. In spite of this, not many isolates of E. intestinalis have been established in culture. We describe here the continuous cultivation of eight isolates of E. intestinalis obtained from different samples including the urine, sputum, and duodenal aspirate or biopsy specimens from five AIDS patients originating from California, Colorado, and Georgia. The specific identification was made on the bases of ultrastructural, antigenic, and PCR analyses.

In vitro regeneration from leaf explants of Neoregelia cruenta (R. Graham) L.B. Smith, an endemic bromeliad from Eastern Brazil

Abstract: An efficient plant regeneration system was developed for the induction of direct shoot formation from leaves derived from seedlings of Neoregelia cruenta, an endemic Bromeliaceae of Eastern Brazil. Shoot differentiation occurred directly from the leaf bases. In vitro responses were influenced by seedling age and growth regulator combinations. Highest regeneration rates were obtained from explants excised from 7-week-old seedlings cultured in the presence of 22 μM BA and 2.5 μM NAA. Shoot conversion to whole plants was most effective in shoots formed in response to 4.4 or 8.8 μM BA combined with 2.5 μM NAA.

Feeding habits and microhabitat utilization by two syntopic Brazilian Amazonian frogs (Hyla minuta and Pseudopaludicula sp. (gr. falcipes)

Abstract: Nos estudamos os habitos alimentares e o uso do microhabitat pelos anuros amazonicos Hyla minuta e Pseudopaludicula sp. em Serra Norte, Carajas, Brasil. Apesar de serem sintopicas, as duas especies diferiram acentuadamente nos tipos e tamanhos de presas consumidas. A largura padronizada do nicho alimentar de H. minuta (Bst = 0,.572) foi maior do que a de Pseudopaludicula sp. (Bst = 0,149) e a sobreposicao do nicho alimentar foi relativamente baixa (10,5%). As duas especies de anuros tambem diferiram acentuadamente em relacao ao uso do microhabitat. Quando em atividade, os individuos de Pseudopaludicula sp. eram encontrados parcialmente submersos proximo a margem do lago, enquanto os individuos de H. minuta eram encontrados predominantmente sobre folhas de Nymphaea sp. Apesar de nao termos avaliado efeitos da taxonomia sobre a composicao da dieta, as diferencas encontradas na dieta podem ser parcialmente explicadas por diferencas no uso do microhabitat e tamanho dos anuros.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis associated with HIV infection: report of four cases

Abstract: Objective A report of four cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis associated with HIV infection is presented. Background The association of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis and HIV infection is rare. Only 15 cases have been reported in the literature thus far. Subjects Four new cases are described and the differences between the clinical presentation in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients are emphasized. Conclusions Multiple cutaneous lesions plus mucosal involvement characterize the clinical presentation of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in association with HIV infection in the majority of the cases. A serological investigation for HIV infection is recommended for patients presenting with this type of clinical picture, especially if the patient is a young male.

[Trophic niches in calyptrate Diptera in Rio de Janeiro, RJ]

Abstract: Niche breadth and niche overlap of flies were estimated. The flies were breeding in different environments in Rio de Janerio (rural, urban and forest). It were used as a larvae substrate: banana mashed, mouse carcass, fish (sardine), bovine liver, shrimp and fresh human faeces. It were bred 14,294 flies, belonging to four families: Calliphoridae, Fanniidae, Muscidae and Sarcophagidae. The greater niche overlap values observed were: rural area: Phaenicia cuprina versus Chrysomya megacephala; urban area: Phaenicia eximia versus Sarcodexia innota and P. eximia versus Synthesiomyia nudiseta; forest area: P. eximia versus Hemilucilia flavifacies. The greater niche breadth recorded were: rural area: Peckia chrysostoma; urban area: S. nudiseta and Musca domestica; forest area: Euboettcheria collusor and P. eximia.

Enteroparasitoses em pré-escolares de comunidades favelizadas da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract: A prevalencia das enteroparasitoses foi verificada atraves de inquerito coproparasitologico realizado de marco de 1990 a outubro de 1991, em 1.381 pre-escolares provenientes de quatro comunidades faveladas da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Por meio da tecnica de Blagg et al. (1955), foi encontrada uma positividade geral de 54,5. Os parasitos mais frequentes foram Giardia lamblia e Ascaris lumbricoides, em cerca de 25,0% das criancas investigadas. Correlacao estatisticamente significativa foi observada entre idade e positividade nas criancas menores de tres anos. Sugerimos que tratamento antiparasitario e modificacoes ambientais sejam implementados para o controle das infeccoes parasitarias nesta populacao.