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Biomedical subjects

I Martins

Publications and source records attributed to I Martins.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

[Angiosarcoma of the spleen].

Primitive splenic tumors are extremely rare. We report a case, the first at S. José-Hospitais Civis de Lisboa, of a 70 year old woman who presented splenomegaly. She had pelvic irradiation in her past history. MRI revealed a splenic mass characterized as vascular on angiography. She is doing well 12 months after splenectomy. We have found 61 reported cases of this rare tumor whose etiopathogeny is unknown. Early splenectomy should be the first therapeutical approach, since spontaneous rupture is very common and was the feature presented in 34% of patients in the series by Autry et al. As far as cytostatic chemotherapy is concerned, the rarity of this tumor precludes any conclusion about its efficacy, but in metastasized forms it seems that chemotherapy for soft tissue sarcomas may be effective.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

[Secondary syphilis of gastric location].

We present a case of syphilitic gastropathy manifested by an ulcero-infiltrative lesion in the gastric antrum in a 25 year old man. We obtained a clinical endoscopic cure with specific anti-luetic therapy. The morphologic characteristics, which are usual in this type of disease, are revised and the diagnostic criterion discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Research in child mental health].

Some considerations are made about current child psychiatry research and its future challenge. We analyse some studies about parental psychopathological influence in the early relationship, mentioning obstacles and advantages of some clinical and epidemiological research methods. We emphasize the value of interaction, observation and the use of videoscopy in infant clinical research. In Portugal, the lack of motivation to work in mental health research is an impediment to establishing clinical and training priorities.

Child↗
PubMed1991

Who kills whom in Portugal?

To clarify the relationship between people who have committed homicide and been convicted (murderers) and homicide victims, and between murderers and suicide victims, their profiles were compared in Portugal from 1970 to 1987. Correlations were found between the age group, marital status and occupation of murderers and homicide victims. Murderers and suicide victims were only correlated by occupation. Since 1983, there has been a trend towards an increasing prevalence of murderers among younger people and single people, and of homicide victims among older people. The correlation between murderers and suicide victims can be explained by alcoholism, and murderers tend to kill their relatives and peers as a result of conflict situations. The emerging trend towards young people murdering old and defenceless people points towards a colder and financially motivated killer, perhaps increasingly among young drug addicts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Activity and post-polio fatigue.

Fatigue was studied in 12 subjects with post-polio sequelae (PPS). Results of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) demonstrated a mean score of 4.8 +/- 1.6 (non-disabled scores = 2.3 +/- 0.7). The Human Activity Profile (HAP) was not sensitive enough to measure fatigue. Fifty percent of subjects scored below the first percentile based on age and sex matched norms. The Activity Record (ACTRE) results revealed that subjects spent 5% of their time resting and 1% in planning or preparation activities. Fatigue peaked in the late morning or early afternoon and was relieved by rest periods. Use of energy conservation and work simplification skills along with frequent rest periods was suggested as a possible method for managing PPS fatigue.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1989

Headaches in insulin-dependent diabetic patients.

Headaches affecting 117 insulin-dependent diabetic patients were studied. 50 developed 3 varieties of headaches associated with clinical hypoglycaemic episodes: (1) Brief headaches, contemporaneous with cerebral and autonomic symptoms, were relieved within minutes of ingesting carbohydrates (8 patients). (2) Prolonged headaches outlasting hypoglycaemic symptoms by 1-48 (average 4.3) hours, not relieved by food, occurred in 36 patients; 12 of these also had nausea, vomiting or photophobia. (3) Migraine headache. 11 of the 117 patients were migraineurs: in 6 of the 11 their typical migraines (2 classical and 4 common) were induced by hypoglycaemic episodes. 9 of the 50 had 2 types of headaches, easily distinguished by each subject. In the whole series of 117 patients, 9 had never had a headache in their life. The remainder had headaches associated with premenstrual tension, anxiety, alcohol or other causes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

The truth about suicide in Portugal.

It seems odd that male suicide rates have decreased in Portugal over the last few years, whereas the opposite has happened in most other countries. In order to investigate the reasons for such a decrease, suicide rates were compared with controversial cases (ICD-9 category E 980-989) and with homicide rates. The results show that, since 1980 and coinciding with the use of ICD-9, controversial cases have increased 12 and 21 times among males and females respectively. The profile of controversial cases is similar to that of suicide according to sex, age, marital status and season. Rates for homicide have remained steady and have a distinct profile. It is concluded that since 1980 there has been a significant underreporting of suicides in Portugal, which have been registered as controversial cases. The difficulty of investigating and preventing suicide with such statistical data is stressed; an improvement in suicide reporting and registering is urgently required.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Effects of phospholipid composition on the metabolism of triacylglycerol, cholesteryl ester and phosphatidylcholine from lipid emulsions injected intravenously in rats.

Lipid emulsions were prepared with a similar size and lipid composition to natural lymph chylomicrons, but in which the surface phospholipid was either egg phosphatidylcholine, dioleoyl-, dimyristoyl-, dipalmitoyl- or 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine (EYPC, DOPC, DMPC, DPPC or POPC). When injected into the bloodstream of conscious rats, the emulsions containing EYPC or POPC were metabolized similarly to natural chylomicrons, consistent with rapid lipoprotein lipase-mediated hydrolysis of triacylglycerols, followed by hepatic uptake of the remnants derived from the emulsions. Phospholipids from the injected emulsions were removed more slowly and became associated with the high-density lipoprotein fractions of the plasma. Emulsions containing DPPC were metabolized differently. Triacylglycerols disappeared very slowly from plasma, indicating lack of hydrolysis by lipoprotein lipase, and phospholipid radioactivity did not transfer to high-density lipoprotein. With emulsions containing DMPC, the plasma removal rates for emulsion triacylglycerols and cholesteryl esters were fast, but phospholipid radioactivity failed to transfer to the high-density lipoprotein fractions of plasma. With DOPC emulsions, clearances were slower than EYPC or POPC emulsions, but transfer to high-density lipoproteins was efficient. Therefore, an unsaturated chain at the glycerol 2-position was necessary for rapid hydrolysis by lipoprotein lipase and for efficient transfer of phospholipids to high-density lipoproteins. With an unsaturated chain at the glycerol 2-position, a saturated chain at the glycerol 1-position optimized the rate of remnant removal from the plasma.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Female independence in Portugal: effect on suicide rates.

The greater incidence of suicide among males could be ascribed to the distinct roles still attributed to each sex. Progress towards female independence could reduce this different incidence. We analysed the following in Portugal: male and female suicide rates; profiles; and male/female suicide ratio before (1955-1969) and after the development of a movement for women's independence (1970-85). Concomitant with progress towards female independence there is a significant rise in female suicide and a decrease in male/female suicide ratio. The highest rates are among professional/technical women living in urban areas. In professional groups there is significant correlation between deaths caused by suicide and by liver cirrhosis. It is concluded that alcoholism often leads to suicide; in women, taboos about alcoholism and suicide explain a higher incidence of suicide among culturally freer professional groups; female independence will catalyse a rise in alcoholism, which together with other factors resulting from that independence will lead to a predictable increase of suicide among Portuguese women and a reduced difference in rates of suicide between the sexes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

The role of female autonomy in suicide among Portuguese women.

Our purpose has been to verify whether and in what way female autonomy may contribute to change the importance of variables once seeming to influence the suicide of Portuguese women. The suicide rates in both sexes in Portugal and the district and city of Lisbon (the capital of the district) was surveyed from 1950 to 1968 and from 1969 to 1983, over the decades of the 1950's, 60's and 70's and the period 1980-83 and related to age, seasons, marital status, and number of children of married women. Since 1977, female suicide rates have risen significantly in Portugal and the district of Lisbon, both in total and in age groups which are professionally active; unmarried, and married and childless women achieve more. The rising trend of suicides in spring and summer is confirmed and resembles the male seasonal variation. The growing independence of Portuguese women is still not widely reflected in their suicide rates, but it seems plausible to anticipate that, without the reality of children, women's rates would gradually approach those of men.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Relation between suicide and homicide in Portugal from 1970 to 1982.

To evaluate to what extent a suicide can be considered a hetero-aggression converted into self-aggression, this study analyses whether the increase in suicides corresponds to a decrease in homicides and vice-versa. Rates of suicide and homicide from 1970 to 1982 have been analysed in Portugal, Azores and Maderia, and the district and city of Lisbon; age and sex groups have also been compared. There is no inverse variation between suicides and homicides either globally or for males or females. There is also a difference in age distribution for suicides and homicides - suicides being mainly over 50 years, homicides mainly under. This suggests that it is not very plausible that self- and hetero-aggressive behaviours alternate in the same individual, although it is possible that, with increasing age, he may move from hetero- or potential hetero-aggression to self-aggression.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1982

Hydrocarbon-based oils as inducers of cutaneous aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase.

Petroleum-based oils applied to the skin of rats induced cutaneous aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity. A heavy oil like Kuwait Crude induced benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) hydroxylase and diphenyloxazole (PPO) hydroxylase activities to levels obtained with Aroclor 1254, while a light oil like Fuel Oil No. 2 was less effective. Intraperitoneal injection of these oils to rats also induced hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activities. Inhibition of these activities by alpha-naphthoflavone, but not by metyrapone, suggests that the cytochrome induced is of the P448 type.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

[Short term hospitalization, with permanent presence of parents, in emergency pediatric situations].

In our experience it is possible to consider short-length stays in many pediatric emergency situations. Parental company of the child during short-length hospitalisations is useful and necessary, and not only well tolerated but even desired by the health staff. Acute gastroenteritis is a typical example of a medical routine situation where a short-length stay yields benefits. Of 57 patients with severe dehydration, 54 (94.7%) were able to return home within 48 h after admission. The evolution after returning home of 55 other patients, where the dehydration rate was not taken into account, was very satisfactory in 85.4% of them following only dietary guidance. Permanent parental presence at the side of the child alters the classical activity of an emergency department, and stimulates the health staff to think about new ideas.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1978

Crankcase oils: are they a major mutagenic burden in the aquatic environment?

Fractions from used crankcase oil enriched in polyaromatic hydrocarbons induced revertant colonies in Salmonella typhimurium strain TA 98 when activated by rat or trout liver extracts. The mutagenic activity was not due to benzopyrene or benzanthracene. Fractions from various crude and refined petroleums were nonmutagenic. Among various petroleum hydrocarbons entering inland and coastal waters, used crankcase oils may represent a major mutagenic burden.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Long-term reversal of hypercholesterolemia in low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)-deficient mice by adenovirus-mediated LDLR gene transfer combined with CD154 blockade.

BACKGROUND: Deficiency of the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) results in abnormal elevation of cholesterol within the intermediate and low density plasma lipoproteins (IDL/LDL), and predisposes to early onset atherosclerosis. Cholesterol reduction after adenovirus-mediated LDLR gene transfer to LDLR-deficient animals is transient, due to the elicitation of an immune response. METHODS: The LDLR-deficient mouse was used as a model to investigate adenovirus-mediated LDLR gene transfer combined with short-term immunosuppression as a cholesterol lowering therapy. Mice were infused with replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus encoding LDLR under control of the cytomegalovirus promoter/enhancer (AdLDLR), and injected with a blocking antibody directed against CD154 (CD40 ligand) to suppress immune responses against the vector and foreign transgene product. RESULTS: Mice given AdLDLR and treated with anti-CD154 expressed LDLR on hepatocytes and maintained cholesterol levels below or within normal range for at least 92 days. In contrast, without adjunct immunosuppression LDLR expression was transient, corresponding to temporary decline in cholesterol levels. Analysis of cholesterol concentrations in fractionated plasma showed remarkable reduction in all lipoprotein fractions at early time-points after gene transfer. At later time-points, non-immunosuppressed control mice regained the disease profile with elevated IDL/LDL cholesterol, while profiles of anti-CD154-treated mice were similar to normal. LDLR mRNA transcripts were present in livers of the anti-CD154-treated mice but not controls, 93 days after AdLDLR injection. However, vector DNA was detected in livers of both groups. These results suggest that loss of LDLR expression in the non anti-CD154-treated mice was in part due to immune-mediated promoter silencing, and that anti-CD154 prevented this effect. CONCLUSION: Treatment with anti-CD154 antibody inhibits immune-mediated loss of transgene expression, enabling long-term reduction in cholesterol levels after AdLDLR gene transfer to LDLR-deficient mice.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Use of gene-manipulated models to study the physiology of lipid transport.

1. In vivo and in vitro gene-manipulated models were used to study the metabolism of chylomicron remnants. Transgenic mice expressing human apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 or E4, gene knockout mice deficient in ApoE or low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors and antisense gene inhibition in HepG2 cells were used to evaluate the effect of gene manipulations on the metabolism of chylomicron remnants. 2. Mice transgenic for human ApoE4 showed accelerated clearance of chylomicron-like emulsions when animals were fed a low-fat diet. When challenged by a high-fat diet, remnant clearance in ApoE4 transgenic mice was delayed, as in normal or non-transgenic controls. However, unlike normal nontransgenic controls, in ApoE4 transgenic mice high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels remained high after high-fat feeding, which probably protected the animals from the development of atherosclerosis. In contrast, clearance of chylomicron-like lipid emulsions was not affected by the over-expression of human ApoAI in transgenic mice. 3. Gene knock-out mice deficient in ApoE or deficient in the LDL receptor were used to show that ApoE and LDL receptors are both essential for the normal, fast catabolism of chylomicron remnants by the liver. In the absence of the LDL receptor, an alternative ApoE-dependent pathway operates to clear chylomicrons from the plasma, with significantly delayed catabolism. 4. Antisense gene inhibition techniques were used to suppress the expression of syndecan, a core protein of heparan sulfate proteoglycan, in HepG2 cells. Remnant uptake in cells transfected with the antisense oligodeoxynucleotide complementary to a 20 nucleotide sequence upstream of the initiation site of syndecan cDNA markedly reduced the uptake of chylomicron remnant.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Prognosis value of p53, C-erB-2 and Ki67 proteins in ovarian carcinoma].

The prognosis in ovarian carcinoma remains poor. We need to identify patients who are less likely to respond to treatment. In order to evaluate the prognostic value of C-erb-B2, p53 and Ki 67 expression and correlate these markers with classic prognostic factors, we studied paraffin-embedded tumor tissue from 81 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and made a quantitative evaluation of C-erb-B2, p53 and Ki 67 expression by immunohistochemistry. The results were: age 5.4 +/- 15(22-88); 66% with normal physical activity; 48.2% with residual disease < 2 cm; initial stage--42% and advanced stage--58%. Age, performance status, residual disease and stage were correlated with 2 and 5 years survival. Positive immunostaining: p53--87%, C-erb B-2--51% and Ki67--100%. P53 and C-erb B-2 were associated with residual disease and stage; patients with no C-erbB-2 staining had a significantly better survival. A direct and significant correlation was found between p53 and Ki67 and between C-erb B-2 and p53. We conclude that these markers have a high expression in ovarian carcinoma and p53 and C-er B-2 correlate with stage and residual disease. Although C-erb B-2 was associated with better survival, it was not found to be an independent prognostic factor.

Adult↗