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Biomedical subjects

E M Silva

Publications and source records attributed to E M Silva.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Electrocardiographic studies of the three-toed sloth, Bradypus variegatus.

Electrocardiograms (ECG) obtained with standard limb leads and augmented unipolar limb leads were recorded from 17 unanesthetized adult sloths. The animals were held in their habitual position in an experimental chair. We determined heart rate and rhythm from the R-R intervals, the amplitude and duration of each wave, and the duration of the segments and intervals of the ECG. The mean electrical axes of P and T waves and QRS complex were calculated on the basis of the amplitude of these waves in leads I, II, III, aV R, aV L, and aV F. The P wave appeared positive in most tracings with low amplitude in lead II, the QRS complex was generally negative in leads aV R, III and aV F, and no arrhythmias were observed. With a mean +/- SD heart rate for all recordings of 81 +/- 18 bpm, the duration of P and T waves, QRS complex, and PR, QT and RR intervals averaged 0.05 +/- 0.02, 0.15 +/- 0.05, 0.07 +/- 0.02, 0.13 +/- 0.02, 0.38 +/- 0.04, and 0.74 +/- 0.17 s, respectively. The ECG shape had a definite configuration on each lead. The angles of the mean +/- SD electrical axes for atrial and ventricular depolarization and ventricular repolarization in the horizontal plane were +34 +/- 68 masculine, -35 +/- 63 masculine, and -23 +/- 68 masculine, respectively. All electrical axes showed great variations and their mean values suggest that, when the sloth is in a seated position, the heart could be displaced by the diaphragm to a semi-horizontal position.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Effect of cereal brans on Lentinula edodes growth and enzyme activities during cultivation on forestry waste.

AIMS: To develop strategies for increasing the growth of Lentinula edodes in eucalyptus residues. To this end, we have examined the effects of cereal brans additions on production of mycelial biomass and enzymes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three isolates of the mushroom shiitake, L. edodes (Berk. Pegler), were evaluated for enzyme and ergosterol production on eucalyptus residue supplemented with 5, 10, 15 and 20% (w/w) of soya, wheat or rice brans. Nitrogen imput on eucalyptus residues accelerated mycelial growth by supplying the L. edodes with this limiting nutrient. High levels of enzymes activities were produced in eucalyptus residues supplemented by soya bran. Comparison of cellulose and xylanase production with manganese peroxidase (MnP) at 20% soya bran indicated that hydrolytic enzymes, but oxidative enzymes were reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Mycelial growth measurements revealed that eucalyptus residues supplemented with cereal brans supported fast growth of L. edodes, indicating that mycelium extension is related to the bioavailability of nitrogen. The type and concentration of nutrient supplement has a considerable effect both on substrate colonization and on the type of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes produced. These characteristics may be useful for mushroom growing. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Lentinula edodes is commercially important for edible mushroom production and supplements which enhance growth and enzymes production might also be beneficial for mushroom yields.

Biomass↗
PubMed2000

Human leukocyte antigen class II alleles in white Brazilian patients with celiac disease.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is a permanent gluten intolerance disorder characterized by malabsorption, intestinal mucosa villus atrophy, and crypt hyperplasia. Clinical and histologic features improve in persons consuming a gluten free diet. The pathogenesis of CD involves environmental, genetic, and immunologic factors. METHODS: The frequencies of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles were evaluated in white Brazilian patients who had CD and compared with those observed in healthy individuals from the same geographical area (Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo) and of similar ethnic background. Twenty-five patients with CD, 11 females and 14 males, and 91 control individuals were studied. The HLA class II alleles were typed using amplified DNA hybridized with sequence-specific primers. Statistical analysis was performed using the two-tailed Fisher exact test. The relative risk (RR), etiologic fraction (EF), and preventive fraction (PF) were also estimated. The EF represents the attributable risk for the development of CD at the population level, whereas PF represents the protective risk. RESULTS: The frequency of the HLA-DRB1*03, HLA-DRB1*07, and HLA-DQB1*02 alleles was significantly increased in patients. The RR conferred by these alleles was 5.35, 7.15, and 10.6, respectively, and the EF was 48.7%, 44.7%, and 76%, respectively. The frequency of HLA-DQB1*06 alleles was significantly decreased in CD patients, conferring an RR of 0.08 and a PF of 48%. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that HLA-DRB1*03, HLA-DRB1*07, and HLA-DQB1*02 alleles conferred susceptibility to CD in Brazilian patients. In contrast, HLADQB1*06 alleles conferred protection against development of the disease.

Alleles↗
PubMed2000

[Admitting patients: a study in basic health units in the city of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil].

This study was based on the analysis of the relationship established between nursing auxiliaries and their clientele in two Basic Health Units at the time of clients' reception. The theoretical framework used was that of the "help model", whose elements are: attending, responding, personalizing, giving directions, becoming involved, exploring, understanding and acting. Four typical cases are presented, which show that the relationships are not always personalized, the client and the auxiliary do not become involved in the relationship and that there is more concern about the development of technical abilities than about reception. There are different communication attitudes at the same unit. The reception process must be incorporated to the health unit procedures at the same time it must transcend the routine character of daily activities.

Brazil↗
PubMed2000

[Knowledge obtained in the master's program of public health nursing at the Nursing School of Ribeirao Preto - USP and its relationship with health practices].

The purpose of this study was to analyze the research objects of the theses produced in the Master Program on Public Health offered by the Department of Maternal-Infant Nursing and Public Health--University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing and their relationship with the problems originated from health care practice. These practices were classified within six major areas: Health Care Organization, Health Promotion, Health-Disease Process, Nutrition-Feeding, Professional Practice and Immunology. The contribution of works focussing on the crisis of health paradigms, gender relations and Social Movements in Health were emphasized. Authors concluded that the themes are closely related to the students' professional context, enabling them to present suggestions regarding interventions in health practices.

Brazil↗
PubMed2000

Effect of nectar composition and nectar concentration on honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) visitations to hybrid onion flowers.

Floral nectar characteristics of nine inbred lines of onion (Allium cepa L.) were examined to determine their influence on the attractiveness of the onion flowers to honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). Potassium concentrations and sugar concentrations of the nectar did not significantly correlate with the number of bee visits received by an umbel. The average amount of nectar produced by both the umbels and the individual florets was significantly positively correlated with the number of bee visits. Our results suggest that selection for flowers with high nectar production may lead to a higher rate of pollination of the onion seed crop.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Day care centres as an institution for health promotion among needy children: an analytical study in São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of day care centres in the nutritional state of children belonging to a low-income population, comparing the nutritional state of the children in the day care centres with children in the same population who were given other types of day care. DESIGN: Analytical cross-sectional study. SETTING: Public day care centres/primary health care. PARTICIPANTS: Children aged 0-6 yr attending in 4 public day care centres (n=446) and sample of population obtained during vaccination campaign (n=1626). MEASUREMENT: Nutritional evaluation was conducted through weight and height measurements, using as a standard the NCHS (USA) table and Gomez and Waterlow methodology. The type of daily care received by the children was assessed through a questionnaire answered by the responsible persons during the vaccination campaign. RESULTS: The nutritional status of children attended in the day care centers was better than children of the same community receiving other types of daily care (OR=0.48; CI 95%=0.36-0.65;P>0.0001). The improvement was related to more than 1 year of enrollment in the day care (OR=0.74; CI 95%=0.57-0.96;P=0.02).

Brazil↗
PubMed1997

HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections in hematologic disorder patients, cancer patients, and healthy individuals from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

To clarify the seroprevalence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) among hematologic and cancer patients in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, we investigated sera from 2430 individuals from the following groups: 152 patients with T-cell diseases, 250 with B-cell disorders, 67 with myeloid leukemia, 41 with Hodgkin's disease, 351 with a history of multiple blood transfusions, 235 patients with solid tumors of different types, and 109 family members of HTLV-I-infected patients. Antibodies to HTLV-I were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or particle agglutination assays (or both). Repeatedly reactive samples were tested by Western blot and polymerase chain reaction assay to differentiate HTLV-I from HTLV-II. We found an increased seroprevalence rate of HTLV-I among those with lymphoid malignancies, mainly in T-cell diseases (28.9%), and these results were important in characterizing 44 cases of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. We confirmed the presence of HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections in blood donors (0.4% and 0.1%, respectively), in patients exposed to multiple blood transfusions (10.2% and 0.8%, respectively), and in 30 (27.5%) of 109 family members of HTLV-I- or HTLV-II-infected patients. We also confirmed the high rate occurrence of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma among lymphoproliferative disorders in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Therapeutic effect of oral Kalanchoe pinnata leaf extract in murine leishmaniasis.

The effect of a leaf extract from Kalanchoe pinnata (Kp) was investigated in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania amazonensis. Oral treatment with Kp significantly delayed onset of disease as compared to untreated mice or mice receiving Kp by the intravenous or topical routes. When initiated at early stages of infection, daily oral doses of 8 mg prevented lesion growth and the effect was long-lasting, comparable to the reference antileishmanial drug Glucantime. The decreased lesion growth using the oral route was accompanied by a significant decrease in the number of viable parasites. Protection was accompanied by a diminished capacity of animals to develop delayed-type hypersensitivity and to produce specific antibodies.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1995

Novel products and new technologies for use of a familiar carbohydrate, milk lactose.

The cheese industry produces large amounts of lactose in the form of cheese whey and whey permeate, generating approximately 27 million tonnes/yr in the US alone. Many uses have been found for whey and lactose, including uses in infant formula; bakery, dairy, and confectionery products; animal feed; and feedstocks for lactose derivatives and several industrial fermentations. Lactose use in food products, however, is somewhat limited because of its low solubility and indigestibility in many individuals. For this reason, lactose is often hydrolyzed before use. Still, demand is insufficient to use all available whey lactose. The result is a low market value for lactose; almost half of the whey produced each year remains unused and is a significant waste disposal problem. Several approaches are possible for transforming lactose into value-added products. For example, galactooligosaccharides can be produce through enzymatic treatments of lactose and may be used as a probiotic food ingredient. Organic acids or xanthan gum may be produced via whey fermentation, and the fermented whey product can be used as a food ingredient with special functionality. This paper reviews the physical characteristics, production techniques, and current uses of lactose, whey, and lactose derivatives. Also examined are novel fermentation and separation technologies developed in our laboratory for the production of lactate, propionate, acetate, and xanthan gum from whey.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1994

Effect of in vivo depletion of CD4+ T cells on experimental infection of susceptible BALB/c mice with Leishmania amazonensis.

The role played by CD4+ T lymphocytes in susceptible BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania amazonensis was investigated. Depletion of CD4+ T cells was achieved in experimentally infected mice by means of treatment with anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb), resulting in significant reductions in the size of lesions and in mortality when compared with control animals. Moreover, the parasite load in the depleted mice, as quantified by limiting dilution analysis, was about 10-times lower than in the control groups. In addition, the incidence of metastases in the depleted mice was significantly reduced, and their appearance delayed as compared to the control animals. These effects correlated with a selective depletion of CD4+ T cells in the spleens of the mAb-treated mice, suggesting a role for CD4+ T cells in the aggravation of L. amazonensis infection in BALB/c mice.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[Nursing: the reality and future in care and management].

The authors discuss the activities developed by Nursing in two general orientations: the assistance and the management, concerning the concrete work and its perspectives. Therefore, they engage in polemics around the administrative versus assistance functions and attract the attention to the impossibility of thinking the nursing work inarticulated of different health practices, as a whole they accomplish each other in attempting the necessities of health of the population in a social level.

Brazil↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A method to evaluate the isothermal effectiveness factor for dynamic oxygen into mycelial pellets in submerged cultures.

Several models have been developed simulating O2 transfer in bioreactors, but three limitations are often found: (i) an inadequate kinetic representation of O2 consumption or wrong boundary conditions, (ii) unrealistic parameter values, and (iii) inadequate experimental systems. In our study we minimized those possible sources of error. Oxygen uptake rate, void fraction of the pellet, and external O2 mass transfer coefficient were experimentally obtained from bioreactor studies in which pellets of Gibberella fujikuroi were naturally formed. Michaelis-Menten kinetics and diffusion equations were used to describe the O2 consumption rate and to evaluate the effectiveness factor in dynamic mode. The nonlinear mathematical model proposed was solved by the orthogonal collocation technique. The O2 consumption rate in pellets of G. fujikuroi of 1.7-2.0 mm is only marginally inhibited by diffusion constraints under conditions tested. Simulation analysis showed that the effectiveness factor decreased as the Thiele modulus and pellet diameter increased. The proposed model was applied to experimental data reported for other fungal pellets and allowed to predict optimal conditions for O2 transfer into mycelial pellets.

Ascomycota↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Nursing training and municipal management of health in Brazil: significance of policies and practices].

In order to clarify central aspects to be considered in undergraduate education both in health sciences and in nursing, regarding contemporary health policies, this article presents a historical approach with emphasis on municipal health management. The authors point out the characteristic of the Sanitary Reform movement and of the neoliberal project in health, followed by a presentation of the National Health System (SUS). Using as starting point the concept of decentralization (only one command at each level of government)--the authors discuss the elaboration and implementation of public social policies and services at the local level. Which depend on an increase of local decision-making capacity, autonomy, control and social participation. The experiences of the cities of Campinas and Ribeirão Preto are described, with emphasis on aspects related to human resources and nursing, and organization of services.

Brazil↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Notes on fleas (Siphonaptera) of the fox Cerdocyon thous (Canidae) from an endemic area of visceral leishmaniasis in Jacobina, Bahia, Brazil].

From July to September of 1998, 152 fleas were collected from 18 specimens of the fox Cerdocyon thous captured in the visceral leishmaniasis endemic area of Jacobina, State of Bahia, Brazil. The fleas were identified as: 136 Rhopalopsyllus lutzi lutzi, 11 Pulex irritans, 2 Ctenocephalides canis, 1 Ctenocephalides felis felis and 2 Xenopsylla cheopis.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Nursing practice and public health policy in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil].

Redemocratization in the 1970s brought about changes in the public health system in Brazil. The Unified National Health System (SUS) was implemented in 1988, based on local and regional administrative systems. This was an important step that resulted in greater local control and the introduction of new technologies. This study focuses on the local health system in Campinas, a relatively affluent and technologically advanced region some 100km from the city of São Paulo in Southeast Brazil. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to evaluate the work of 233 nurses in the local health system. The first nurse was hired in 1977, and now there are 53 nurses working in specific areas: 10 in the central health administration, 36 in district administrations, and the rest in local services. Nursing services are organized in six main areas: administration, coordination of human resources, education, information technology, health surveillance, and health administration. Nursing intervention may be found in various areas, but it generally focuses on medical consultations, and there is little emphasis on collective activities and health promotion. Local health objectives can only be achieved by creating new practices that promote collective health.

Brazil↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Morbidity and malnutrition risk factors in children followed up by a child health care program].

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with malnutrition and morbidity in the population of children accompanied by the Child Health Care Program in Embu, São Paulo (Brazil), with the aim of giving a better direction to health activities. METHODS: The case-study was constituted by a cross-section of 1,024 children, corresponding to 25.0% (probabilistic sistematic sample) of the total of children under 12 months registered in six primary health care centers in the Municipality, during the period from July 1988 to July 1989. The risk factors were analyzed according to the presence or absence of hospitalization and weight evolution - favorable or unfavorable - until two years of age. For the statistical analysis the multivaried approach was used, through the tecnique of logistic regression. RESULTS: Of a total of 1,024 children, 428 (39.1%) were classified as high risk, 658 (60.1%) as low risk and 8 (0.8%) presented pathologies at their first appointment, being excluded from the analysis. Prematurity (adjusted RR = 3.35), serious illness in the newborn (adjusted RR = 4.12) and the death of a younger brother or sister of less than five years (adjusted RR = 2.70) constituted risk factors for hospitalization in the first two years of life. Weight at birth between 2,500 and 2,750 g (adjusted RR = 2.46), brother or sister with malnutrition (adjusted RR = 4.17) and maternal age of 18 years old or less (adjusted RR = 1.87) constituted risk factors for unfavourable weight evolution. CONCLUSIONS: These results, as well as the process of carrying out this study, supported the reformulation of the Child Health Care Program in Embu, permitting differentiated action for the highest risk group, thus garanteeing the essential for all.

English Abstract↗