[The susceptibility of Planorbidae from the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, MG (Brazil) to Angiostrongylus costaricensis (Nematoda, Angiostrongylidae)]. Biomphalaria glabrata (control), B. tenagophila and B. straminea from our laboratory colonies iniciated with molluscs collected in the municipality of Belo Horizonte, MG (Brasil), were experimentally infected with first-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus costaricensis. The number of molluscs of each species exposed was 139, 77 and 149. About 25 days later, surviving molluscs were individually examined by artificial digestion. Of 87 B. glabrata examined, 62 (71.3%) were positive and between one and 61 third-stage larvae were found; of 42 B. tenagophila, 21 (50.0%) contained between one five third-stage larvae; and of 89 B. straminea, 69 (77.5%) presented between one and 72 third-stage larvae. The three molluscan species are susceptible to A. costaricensis infection, but B. glabrata and B. straminea are most suitable for maintaining the nematode cycle in laboratory.


Possible risk factors for vertical transmission of Chagas' disease. The author emphasizes the importance of the congenital transmission of Chagas' disease and discusses the possible risk factors for transmission such as age, origin, obstetrical history and maternal form of disease. Exacerbation of infection during pregnancy is also considered as a possible risk factor for transmission. Besides, a relationship between the frequency of transmission and gestational age is presented. Concerning breast-feeding, the risk of transmission is directly related to the acute phase of maternal disease and bleeding nipples.


Epidemiology of Schistosoma mansoni infection in a low-endemic area in Brazil: clinical and nutritional characteristics. A cross-sectional case-control study designed to evaluate the role of malnutrition in the association between the intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infection and clinical schistosomiasis, was conducted in an area with both low frequency of infection and low morbidity of schistosomiasis in Brazil. Cases (256) were patients with a positive stool examination for S. mansoni; their geometrical mean number of eggs/gram of feces was 90. Controls (256) were a random sample of the negative participants paired to the cases by age, sex and length of residence in the area. The clinical signs and symptoms found to be associated with S. mansoni infection, comparing cases and controls, were blood in stools and presence of a palpable liver. A linear trend in the relative odds of these signs and symptoms with increasing levels of infection was detected. Adjusting by the level of egg excretion, the existence of an interaction between palpable liver and ethnic group (white) was suggested. No differences in the nutritional status of infected and non-infected participants were found.


Association between leprosy and hepatitis B infection. A survey in Goiânia, central Brazil. This investigation presents the results of hepatitis B virus screening among leprosy patients conducted in central Brazil as a preliminary information for a HBV vaccination programme. The main objectives were to assess the seroprevalence of HBV serum markers among lepromatous patients and to analyse institutionalization as risk factor for HBV infection in this population. Two groups of lepromatous patients were studied, 83 outpatients and 171 institutionalized ones. Screening for HBV serum markers included the detection of HBsAg, anti-HBc by radioimmune assay (RIA). The prevalence of carrier state (HBsAg) was 4.8% and 8.8% among outpatients and institutionalized, respectively, (p > 0.05). Seroprevalence of exposure (all markers) was statistically significant different between outpatients (16.9%) and institutionalized ones (50.3%). Institutionalized patients had an almost four fold risk of HBV infection when compared to the outpatients, and the highest risks were among patients with more than 21 years of residence in the colony, after adjusting for age and sex.


The prolonged use of niclosamide as a molluscicide for the control of Schistosoma mansoni. Applications of niclosamide at three-monthly intervals were undertaken for 14 years in foci of Biomphalaria glabrata in the water sources of Peri-Peri (Capim Branco, MG). All the residents of the area were submitted to an annual fecal examination (Kato/Katz) and those individuals eliminating Schistosoma mansoni eggs were treated with oxamniquine. A malacological survey was undertaken at three-monthly intervals by means of ten scoops with a perforated ladle each ten metres along the two banks of the ditches and streams of the region. Where snails were found, molluscicide was applied by means of dripping or aspersion using a 3 ppm aqueous suspension of niclosamide. Initially, a mean of 14.3% of snails in the region were found to be eliminating cercariae. Following the first four applications of molluscicide, this was reduced to 0.0% and maintained at about 1.5% throughout the program. Thus, there was a continued possibility of schistosomiasis transmission in the area and it was observed that the population of snails reestablished itself within three months of molluscicide application. The results obtained in this study do not encourage the continual use of niclosamide as the only method of control of schistosomiasis.


[The sources of histoplasmosis infection on the Isla de la Juventud, Cuba]. The purpose of this work is to report the isolation of Histoplasma capsulatum, etiologic agent of histoplasmosis, from soil in sites inhabited by bats and chicken in the Island of Youth, Cuba. The fungus was cultured from four species of cave dwelling bats too. The identification of H. capsulatum was done by mycelial to yeast conversion and exoantigen test. It is pointed out the epidemiological value of some of these isolations in caves of great importance from the archaeological, speleological or tourist point of view, and the potential risk that they represent to human health. The authors conclude with some recommendation to prevent the infection with H. capsulatum in people who have to keep in contact with those environments.


[Rotavirus and adenovirus in 0- to 5-year-old children hospitalized with or without gastroenteritis in Goiâna, GO, Brazil]. In order to detect rotavirus and adenovirus 557 feces samples from hospitalized children (0-5 years of age) were analysed from June 1987 to July 1990 in Goiânia city. Two hundred and ninety one samples were from children with diarrhoea and 266 were from children without diarrhoea. Amongst this later group, 64 samples were from children from the nursery. Two hundred and sixty one out of 557 samples were analysed by immunoelectron microscopy (IEM), polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and enzymatic immunoassay for rotavirus and adenovirus (EIARA) whereas the rest (296 samples) were analysed by SDS-PAGE and EIARA. Positivity of rotavirus and adenovirus was 17.2% and 2.1% respectively. Concerning rotavirus and adenovirus there was 29.2% and 2.4% positivity within the group with diarrhoea and 4.1% and 1.5% positivity amongst children without diarrhoea (p < 0.05). Rotavirus were more prevalent amongst children which age ranged from 1 to 11 months of age. No newborn child from the nursery was positive for rotavirus. Adenovirus were detected amongst children from 1 to 3 years of age. Rotavirus circulation peak occurred between May and August (p < 0.05) and no positive case was detected from December to February. Two hundred out of 291 diarrheic samples were also studied concerning bacteria and pathogenic parasites and equal percentages (17.0%) were found for both rotavirus and pathogenic bacteria. Eighty nine samples of rotavirus were detected by SDS-PAGE and 86 of these (96.6%) belonged to the subgroup II with 13 different electrophoretic patterns. Predominance of a given electrophoretic profile was observed in each year of the study.


Use of MAC-ELISA for evaluation of yellow fever vaccination. An evaluation of the IgM antibody immune response against yellow fever using strain 17D was carried out by MAC-ELISA and PRNT. The results showed an agreement of 97% between both tests and the authors conclude that MAC-ELISA can be used as a specific and sensitive assay to replace the PRNT for detecting yellow fever antibodies in human sera, after vaccination programs.


[The positivity index of the immunoenzyme reaction (ELISA) for cysticercosis in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in the serum of epilepsy patients]. Fifty patients with epilepsy seen in three Londrina Neurological Services, in Paraná, were studied. The positivity prevalence of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for cysticercosis in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in the serum of these patients was 34.0% and 20.0%, respectively. There was statistically significant difference when these two rates were compared with the reaction positivity in the CSF and the serum in the control group, formed by individuals without neurological diseases. There was no association between the type of seizure (generalized or partial) and the positivity index of ELISA for cysticercosis in the CSF. A greater number of patients with positive ELISA for cysticercosis in the rural area dwellers was found, in relation with the urban area dwellers. From the obtained results in our study we came to the following conclusions: 1. The high positivity ELISA rates for cysticercosis in the CSF and in the patients serum with epilepsy indicate that neurocysticercosis is an important seizure cause in Londrina, PR. 2. The positivity prevalence of ELISA for cysticercosis in CSF was greater in epileptic patients from the rural area than the ones from the urban area. 3. There was no association between the type seizure (generalized or partial) and the ELISA cysticercosis positivity rate in the CSF. 4. The high positivity prevalence of ELISA in the CSF and in the epileptic patients serum in Londrina indicates the priority of performing epidemiologic inquiry to establish the real cysticercosis prevalence in the city. ELISA may be used with this finality due to its high sensibility, its low cost and its simple performance.


[The use of the shell of the cashew nut, Anacardium occidentale, as an alternative molluscacide]. Bioassays using hexanolic extracts of cashew nut shells, of Anacardium occidentale, collected in Ceará in 1972 (Sample 1) and 1987 (Sample 2) were undertaken with adult snails and egg masses of Biomphalaria glabrata, B. tenagophila and B. straminea both in the laboratory and in the field. Non extracted shells, 18.5 g, sample 1, were also tested with adult snails and egg masses of the three species. The toxicity of extract was tested with fish (Poecilia reticulata) and tadpoles. The lethal concentration, CL90, of sample 1 was from 2.0 to 2.2 ppm for adult snails of the three species. With sample 2, the CL90 was 2.0, 0.5 and 30.0 ppm for B. glabrata adults, newly hatched snails and egg mass respectively. Non extracted shells caused 40-80% mortality of adult snails, 22-35% mortality of embryos and 40-55% reduction of egg production. The hexanolic extract, sample 2, were innocuous for tadpole and fish at 2 ppm. In the field, in pools of still water treatment with 20 ppm of extract, sample 1, caused a 97.1% mortality of B. straminea and 100% mortality of B. glabrata and B. tenagophila. Using Niclosamide, at 3 ppm, 100% mortality of the three species occurred.


A randomized clinical trial with high dose of chloroquine for treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Brazil. This clinical trial compared parasitological efficacy, levels of in vivo resistance and side effects of oral chloroquine 25 mg/Kg and 50 mg/Kg in 3 days treatment in Plasmodium falciparum malaria with an extended followed-up of 30 days. The study enrolled 58 patients in the 25 mg/Kg group and 66 in the 50 mg/Kg group. All eligible subjects were over 14 years of age and came from Amazon Basin and Central Brazil during the period of August 1989 to April 1991. The cure rate in the 50 mg/Kg group was 89.4% on day 7 and 71.2% on day 14 compared to 44.8% and 24.1% in the 25 mg/Kg group. 74.1% of the patients in the 25 mg/Kg group and 48.4% of the patients in the 50 mg/Kg group had detectable parasitaemia at the day 30. However, there was a decrease of the geometric mean parasite density in both groups specially in the 50 mg/Kg group. There was 24.1% of RIII and 13.8% of RII in the 25 mg/Kg group. Side effects were found to be minimum in both groups. The present data support that there was a high level resistance to chloroquine in both groups, and the high dose regimen only delayed the development of resistance and its administration should not be recommended as first choice in malaria P. falciparum therapy in Brazil.


Listeriosis and AIDS: case report and literature review. Listeriosis is a not uncommon infection in humans, usually associated with immunodeficient states and with newborns. However, relatively few cases have been reported in HIV-infected patients. This scarcity of reported cases has aroused interest in the association of listeriosis and AIDS. In this paper we present a case of meningitis and septicemia caused by Listeria monocytogenes in a female patient with AIDS. A review of recent medical literature indicates that association of listeriosis and AIDS may be more common than it seems. Recent research in host-parasite interaction in listerial infection suggests an important role for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and for integralin, a bacterial protein, in modulating listerial disease in AIDS patients. Inadequate diagnosis may be in part responsible for the scarcity of reports.


Aplastic crisis due to human parvovirus B19 infection in hereditary hemolytic anaemia. Specific anti-B19 IgM was demonstrated in sera from three children showing transient aplastic crisis. A two years-old boy living in Rio de Janeiro suffering from sickle-cell anaemia showed the crisis during August, 1990. Two siblings living in Santa Maria, RS, developed aplastic crisis during May, 1991, when they were also diagnosed for hereditary spherocytosis. For a third child from this same family, who first developed aplastic crisis no IgM anti-B19 was detected in her sera.


[Rhinofacial entomophthoromycosis due to Conidiobolus coronatus. A report of a case treated successfully with fluconazole]. A case of rhinofacial entomophthoromycosis caused by Conidiobolus coronatus is reported in a 30-years-old male from São Paulo, Brazil. The patient was successfully treated with oral fluconazole in a prolonged regimen. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological and mycological data.


Gastric acid secretion response in the Cebus apella. A monkey model of chronic Chagas' disease. The objective was to study the secretory pattern, both basal and stimulated either by histamine (0.1 mg/kg) or pentagastrin (64 micrograms/kg) in eighteen Cebus apella monkeys chronically infected with different T. cruzi strains (CA1, n = 10; Colombian, n = 4 and Tulahuen, n = 4) and to describe the morphological findings in the gastrointestinal tract in twelve infected (6 sacrificed and 6 spontaneously dead) and four healthy monkeys. All infected monkeys and 35 healthy ones were evaluated by contrast X-ray examination. No differences were observed in basal acid output between control and infected groups. Animals infected with the Tulahuen and Colombian strains showed significant lower values of peak acid output in response to histamine or pentagastrin (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 respectively; "t" test) in comparison to the controls. Barium contrast studies showed enlargement and dilatation of the colon in three infected animals. Histopathological lesions were seen in 75% of the autopsied animals either in colon alone (33%) or both, in colon and esophagus (42%). The normal secretion observed in the CA1 infected group could be due to a lower virulence of the strain, a lower esophageal tropism or the necessity of a longer post-infection time to cause lesions.


[The reaction to trichophytin in dermatophytoses]. The authors investigated the specific immunological competence of 31 patients with dermatophytosis using tricophytin antigen. Among them, 54.8% showed reaction to the delay phase (48 h) in the following proportions: tinea inguinale, 75%; tinea pedis, 61.5%; tinea unguium, 50% and tinea corporis, 20%. Other 62.5% showed positive result to the early phase (30 m). The association between these reactions revealed that, although the majority of cases with early positive reaction showed negativity to the delayed reaction, 20.8% presented positively to both phases of the reaction. Out of the non-reactive patients to the delayed phase, 8 were submitted to the other cutaneous tests such as PPD, streptokinase, candidin, vaccinia and DNCB and showed preserved cellular immunity in 75%. These results suggest that, while using this reaction for immunological evaluation of patients with dermatophytosis, one should consider the overall immune status of the patient, the presence of early hypersensibility and the localization of the infection.


Non-venomous snake bite and snake bite without envenoming in a Brazilian teaching hospital. Analysis of 91 cases. A retrospective survey of 473 cases of snake bite admitted to a Brazilian teaching hospital from 1984 to 1990 revealed 91 cases of bite without envenoming and/or caused by non-venomous snakes. In 17 of these cases the snake was identified, and one patient was bitten by a snake-like reptile (Amphisbaena mertensii). In 43 cases diagnosis was made on clinical grounds (fang marks in the absence of signs of envenoming). The other 30 cases were of patients who complained of being bitten but who did not show any sign of envenoming or fang mark. Most cases occurred in men (66;73%), in the 10-19 years age group (26;29%), in the lower limbs (51/74;69%), between 6 A. M. and 2 P.M. (49;61%) and in the month of April (16;18%). One patient bitten by Philodryas olfersii developed severe local pain, swelling and redness at the site of the bite, with normal clotting time. The patient bitten by Drymarcon corais was misdiagnosed as being bitten by a snake of the genus Bothrops, was given the specific antivenom, and developed anaphylaxis. One patient bitten by Sibynomorphus mikanii presented prolonged clotting time, and was also given antivenom as a case of Bothrops bite. Correct identification of venomous snakes by physicians is necessary to provide correct treatment to victims of snake bite, avoiding unnecessary distress to the patient, and overprescription of antivenom, which may eventually cause severe untoward effects.


Biochemical analysis of the methylic antigen of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Yeast forms of five strains of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (SN, 2, 18, 192 and JT-1) were cultured in a synthetic medium for obtaining methylic antigens. These antigens were lyophilized and studied for each strain, to determine their partial biochemical composition, through measurements of total lipid, protein and carbohydrate contents. Lipids of methylic antigens were purified and analysed for sterols, phospholipids, glycolipids, lipoproteins, and partial characterization of sterols. Significant differences were found among antigenic preparations derived from distinct P. brasiliensis strains, in relation to the quantitative determinations. On the other hand, sterol analysis revealed the presence of ergosterol, lanosterol and squalene in all samples. The diversity verified in the biochemical characteristics of antigens derived from different P. brasiliensis strains, confirm the need of using a pool of fungal samples in order to produce antigen preparations for serological procedures without hampering their sensitivity.


[A survey of Planorbidae in the state of São Paulo: the 8th Administrative Region (the greater São Jose do Rio Preto area)]. In order to know the distributional patterns of Basommatophoran snails in the state of São Paulo (Brazil), 85 "counties" in the area of S. José do Rio Preto were worked out during seven months (1982). Snails from 286 breeding places were collected and identified. Biomphalaria straminea, an intermediate host of S. mansoni, was found in four little ponds, in the neighbourhood of Altair and S. José do Rio Preto. It was concluded that schistosomiasis has little chance to spread out in the studied area.


Serological, electrophoretic and biological properties of Fasciola hepatica antigens. Fasciola hepatica somatic antigen, its partially purified fractions and excretion-secretion products were investigated as to serological, electrophoretic and biological properties. In a Sephadex G-100 column (SG-100), Fasciola hepatica total antigen (FhTA) gave 5 fractions, and SDS-PAGE analysis showed they were glycoproteins ranging from 14 to 94 kDa molecular weight (MW). When these fractions were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunotransfer blot (EITB) and immunodiffusion in gel (ID) with serum from immunized rats with FhTA, the presence of different antigenic components was revealed. In the SDS-PAGE of excretor-secretor antigen (ESA), it was possible to observe peptides from 12 to 22 kDa, which were also present in FhTA. When the FhTA, its fractions and the ESA were analyzed by EITB with the immune rat serum (IRS), it was observed that only some fractions of the SG-100 shared antigens with the FhTA and ESA. Moreover, DTH and ITH responses were studied in FhTA immunized rats challenged with these different antigen components, revealing that the protein/carbohydrate ratio is important for inducing DTH response. The ESA was the most active component in the DTH and ITH response.


A municipal level approach to the management of schistosomiasis control in Peri-Peri, MG, Brazil. A schistosomiasis control program was implemented between 1974/87 in Peri-Peri, MG (622 inhabitants). Molluscicide (niclosamide) was applied at three monthly intervals in water sources with Biomphalaria glabrata, and individuals eliminating Schistosoma mansoni eggs in the feces were treated annually with oxamniquine. From 1974 to 1983 the control measures were undertaken by staff of the "René Rachou" Research Center FIOCRUZ (CPqRR), and from 1984 to 1987 these measures were included in the Capim Branco basic health network activities. During both periods, the prevalence, incidence, intensity of infection and hepatosplenic form as well as the number of infected snails decreased significantly. The prevalence decreased from 43.5 to 4.4%, the incidence from 19.0 to 2.9%, the overall intensity of S. mansoni from 281 to 87 and of the hepatosplenic form from 5.9 to 0.0%. The results obtained suggest that the municipal management of control measures was as effective as the vertical program conducted by CPqRR staff.


[The incidence of hepatitis B markers in pregnant women at their first consultation in metropolitan-area health centers, São Paulo, Brazil]. Hepatitis B is a severe disease when acquired during the neonatal period. The identification of the infected pregnant women allows prevention of newborn infection by active and passive immunization soon after birth. We studied pregnant women in their first visit to eight different primary medical centers in Butantan, a subdistrict of S. Paulo city. 477 samples were tested for anti-HBc. From 44 (9.2%) anti-HBc positive samples, 2 (0.4%) were HBsAg positive and 37 (7.7%) were anti-HBs positive. A risk factor for hepatitis B could only be detected in 8 (18.9%) of the 44 anti-HBc positive samples.


[Human hydatidosis in Rio Grande do Sul (brazil): an estimate of its significance for the public health of the country]. By means of data collected through personal visits to hospitals and clinics in the 24 counties of Rio Grande do Sul held to be endemic for Echinococcus granulosus an assessment of the importance of this disease is attempted. (Barring new developments, these data reflect the situation in the country as a whole). The surgical incidence for 1990 was found to be 5.5 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants, far less than the rates for the neighboring countries. As concerns prevalence, in the absence of adequate population surveys the authors were forced to rely upon radiologic and echographic evidence available at various clinics throughout the area. The provisional prevalence rate thus adopted is 0.8 per thousand for lung cysts and 5.5 per thousand for abdominal cysts. According to the testimony of a group of local senior surgeons it appears that human hydatidosis is declining in Brazil. Such a conclusion gains further credibility on examination of the age distribution in the recent case series, as well as current investigations in veterinary medicine.


[Blastocystosis and other intestinal protozoan infections in human riverside communities of the Valdivia River basin, Chile]. Between March and October 1987, the prevalence of infection by Blastocystis hominis and other intestinal protozoan, their relationship with the age and sex of the hosts, and the percentage of infected persons in family groups were determined in riverside communities of Valdivia River Basin, Chile. One or more intestinal protozoan species were determined in 72.5% of the examined persons. The prevalence was greater for B. hominis (61.8%). The prevalences of B. hominis, Endolimax nana and Entamoeba coli were greater in relation to the age of the host. The sex of the host and prevalence of infections by B. hominis and other species of intestinal protozoans did not show association. Prevalence of B. hominis was greater in persons from houses with no sanitary faeces disposal. Over 60% of the members of family groups showed infection by B. hominis in 53.1% of the groups compared to 2.4%-21.8% of infections by other protozoan species. Faecal samples of 45 pigs revealed 22.2% of infection by Blastocystis.


[Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Lutz, 1908) isolated by hemoculture in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)]. A case of an AIDS patient with positive blood culture for Paracoccidiodes brasiliensis is reported. The patient was a 29-years-old male born in Nova Londrina (Paraná State, Brazil) who presented splenomegaly and fever of unknown origin. Three blood cultures were performed, each one of them for aerobic bacteria, mycobacteria and fungi. Cultures for aerobic bacteria and mycobacteria were negative. However, the yeast phase P. brasiliensis was isolated from two cultures in BHI agar, 20 days after inoculation in Negroni medium. The patient was classified in group V according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) criteria for AIDS, due to a Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Treatment was discontinued due to an individual decision of the patient on the second dose of amphotericin B. This antibiotic was replaced by ketoconazole in the daily dose of 800 mg. The patient died one year after the isolation of P. brasiliensis on blood culture.


[Black-grain eumycetoma due to Madurella grisea. A report of 2 cases]. Two cases of black grains eumycotic mycetoma, occurring on a foot, are reported. Both proceeded from the state of Bahia (Brazil), and in both the etiologic agent was Madurella grisea Mackinnon et al., 1949. The grains structure as well as the micromorphologic characteristics of the fungus in saprophytic life were studied. It is the author's belief that these observations correspond to the 7th and 8th cases reported in the Brazilian medical literature. The authors do consider the following Madurella species as nomen dubium or nomina confusa: M. ramiroi, M. oswaldoi, M. bovoi, M. tozeuri, M. mansonii, M. brumpti, M. reynieri, M. americana, M. lackawanna e M. ikedae and the same for Rubromadurella mycetomi. The only valid species must be Madurella mycetomatis McGinnis, 1980 (= Madurella mycetomi Brumpt, 1905) and Madurella grisea Mackinnon et al., 1949. Treatment with itraconazole in both reported cases, for a 3 month duration, did not produce any regression of the lesions, the clinical improvement being meager.


Multiple births and congenital anomalies in Tokyo Metropolitan Hospitals, 1979-1990. The rate of multiple births and the incidence of congenital anomalies in Tokyo Metropolitan Hospitals were studied during the period 1979-1990. The number of twins was 968 pairs (8.23 per 1,000 deliveries) and of triplets 18 sets (15.3 per 100,000 deliveries) among 117,672 deliveries including 1,587 stillbirths after 16 weeks gestation. Multiple birth rates increased yearly. Stillbirth rates in twins and triplets were 5.5% and 16.7% respectively, which were both significantly higher than that in singletons (1.3%). The number of congenital anomalies was 42 in 1,936 twins (2.17%), 2 in 54 triplets (3.7%) and 1721 in 116,686 singletons (1.47%). The most common defects in twins were those of the cardiovascular system (0.72% in twins vs 0.52% in singletons) and of the musculoskeletal system (0.72% in twins vs 0.50% in singletons), followed by upper respiratory tract and/or mouth conditions (0.67% in twins vs 0.35% in singletons), all of which had no significant difference in frequency between twins and singletons. Though some anomalies had a significantly higher frequency in twins than in singletons, the concordance rate in the like-sexed twins was very low.


[Microsporum nanum. A fourth report of human infection in Brazil]. The authors present the fourth Brazilian case of human Microsporum nanum (M. nanum) infection. A child of nine months old presents cutaneous dorsal lesions compatible with tinea corporis, which appeared one month before. The culture revealed M. nanum. The lesions resolved spontaneously after a month. Epidemiologic investigation in the patient's place of origin identified swine infected by M. nanum, indicating the probable source of the infection.


The epidemiology of genetic epidemiology. Familial aggregation for disease is important; strong familial risk factors must exist even if the increased risk to a relative of an affected individual is modest. It is in practice difficult, however, to conduct studies in genetic epidemiology which conform to strict epidemiological principles. For twin studies there are two major questions: Are twins 'no different' from the population on which inference is to be made? Are study twins 'no different' to twins in the population? The importance of each question of bias depends on the scientific question, the trait(s) studied, and sampling issues. The strength of the twin design is its ability to refute the null hypothesis that genetic factors do not explain variation in a trait. Following the Popperian paradigm, alternate hypotheses should be considered in depth (both theoretically and empirically), with a design and sample size sufficient to exclude not just naive explanations. More sophisticated statistical techniques are now being applied, so the philosophy, assumptions, and limitations of statistical modelling must be appreciated. The concept of 'heritability' has, in the past, been misunderstood and misused. New advances in DNA technology promise to revolutionise epidemiological thinking, and so case-control-pedigree designs may well become standard tools. The strengths and limitations of studies based on related individuals as the sampling unit are discussed.


Twins' perception of their environment: a cross-cultural comparison of changes over time. In a previous Swedish twin project (the SLU-project), approximately 300 MZ and DZ twin pairs and controls were followed through the Swedish compulsory school from grade 3 to grade 9. Results from this study indicated an increase of genetic influences on school achievement over time for children from a permissive home environment and a decrease for children from a restrictive home environment. These types of data have generated a more general model for studying heredity-environment interaction in educational settings. To test this model, a cross-cultural comparison over time of twins and controls in the Israeli kibbutz school and in the Swedish compulsory school has been made. Restrictions on the child were originally assumed to be more apparent in the kibbutz environment.


[Human lagochilascariasis. 3 cases encountered in the Federal District, Brazil]. Three new cases of human infection with Lagochilascaris minor are reported. All the patients were from the state of Pará (Brazil), living in rural areas or close to the forest. They were admitted to hospitals in the Federal District due to the presence of abscesses in the region of the neck, ear, mastoid process and, in two of them, to the involvement also of the central nervous system. Microscopic examination of tissue samples taken from the lesions showed sections of eggs and worms--in different evolutive stages--identified as Lagochilascaris minor. Larvae and adult worms obtained from existing fistulae proved also to be of the same species. The three patients were treated with anthelmintic drugs and surgical excision of the lesions, with good clinical results. In two of them, however, relapsing occurred, suggesting that the drugs do not destroy the worm eggs, in spite of the apparent healing of the lesions.


Confirmatory factor analysis of reading and mathematics performance: a twin study. Reading and mathematics performance data from a sample of 264 reading-disabled twin pairs and 182 matched control twin pairs were subjected to multivariate behavior genetic analysis. The factor structure of reading and math performance measures was found to be highly similar for both groups. Consistent with previous findings obtained using alternative methods, a significant heritable component to individual differences in reading performance was found both within the reading-disabled (h2 = 0.78) and control (h2 = 0.74) twin samples. In addition, a substantial genetic influence on mathematics performance was found (h2 = 0.51 and 0.60 in the reading-disabled and control samples, respectively), although shared environmental influences common to both members of a twin pair also contribute significantly to the variance in math scores of both groups (c2 = 0.44 and 0.37). Moreover, genetic influences accounted for 98% of the observed correlation between reading and math performance within the sample of reading-disabled twin pairs, and for 55% of the observed correlation in the control sample. Thus, individual differences in both reading and mathematics performance are highly heritable and appear to be caused by many of the same genetic influences.


Alcohol use, smoking habits and the Adult Eysenck Personality Questionnaire in adolescent Australian twins [corrected]. In 1988, questionnaires were received from 1,400 twin pairs (17% MZM, 23% MZF, 17% DZM, 19% DZF, 24% DZO) aged 11 to 18, registered with the Australian NHMRC Twin Registry. Twins reported independently on themselves and on the perceived behaviour of their parents, siblings and friends. For smoking and for drinking in the previous month, the prevalence was modelled as a logistic function of age, sex, perceived smoking or drinking behaviour of family and friends, and the Adult Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (AEPQ) scales. Strengths of association were: family behaviour, odds ratio (OR) < or = 2; Extraversion and Psychoticism, interquartile OR approximately 1.6; behaviour of friend, OR approximately 3 to 6. Twin associations were represented by odds ratios. For smoking they were 16 in MZ and 7 in DZ same-sex pairs, and 3 in DZO pairs. Although the former is consistent with genetic factors determining adolescent smoking behaviour, the reduced association in DZO pairs and strong association with smoking by friends argue to the contrary. For drinking, twin odds ratios were 11 in MZM, MZF and DZF pairs, and 4 in DZM and DZO pairs, consistent with genetic factors determining alcohol use in male but not female, adolescents. Twin odds ratios were not influenced by adjustment for the AEPQ scales; this does not support the hypothesis that genetic factors which determine personality also determine smoking or drinking behaviour during adolescence [corrected].


Laterality effects in twins.

Laterality effects in twins. The laterality effects in 10 symmetrical EEG derivations in twins (20 MZ and 20 DZ pairs with a mean age of 20.5 years) were examined. The quantitative and qualitative analyses gave the following results: (1) cotwins in the MZ and DZ pairs differed particularly in the intensity of asymmetry for EEG parameters--one was more asymmetrical than the other; (2) among the MZ twins there were no "mirror" pairs (opposite asymmetry of the EEG), even where opposite-handedness existed. For example, a right-handed twin had an asymmetrical EEG, while the other, a left-hander, had a symmetrical one; (3) the most asymmetrical EEG was in the temporal derivations showing a more active left hemisphere; and, (4) there was no evidence of genetic influence in the intensity of EEG asymmetry.


The effects of two EFL (English as a foreign language) teaching approaches studied by the cotwin control method: a comparative study of the communicative and the grammatical approaches. The present study compared two different types of English-language teaching approaches, the grammatical approach (GA) and the communicative approach (CA), by the cotwin control method. This study has two purposes: to study the effects of teaching approaches and to estimate genetic influences upon learning aptitudes. Seven pairs of identical twins (MZ) and 4 pairs of fraternal twins (DZ) participated in the experiment along with 68 other nontwin fifth graders. Each cotwin was assigned to the GA and CA respectively and received 20 hours of lessons over a 10-day period. The behavioral similarities between MZ cotwins were statistically and descriptively depicted. No major effect of either teaching approach was noted, but the genetic influence upon individual differences of learning achievement was obvious. Furthermore, an interesting interaction between the teaching approaches and intelligence was found, that is, that the GA capitalises on and CA compensates for intelligence. This interactional pattern could be interpreted as an example of genotype-environment interaction. The relationship between genetic factors and learning aptitudes is discussed.


[The pathogenesis of chronic Chagas' myocarditis: the role of autoimmune and microvascular factors]. The pathogenesis of chronic chagasic myocarditis remains incompletely understood. Several hypotheses have been proposed: (1) direct tissue destruction by Trypanosoma cruzi; (2) neurogenic theory; (3) anti-heart immune reactions; and (4) microvascular disease. We present herein a dynamic alternative hypothesis. We believe that the development of myocarditis is related to progressive and additive focal cellular necrosis, and associated reactive and reparative myocardial fibrosis and surrounding myocytes hypertrophy. These processes may be initiated and perpetuated by autoimmune factors and alterations in the myocardial microcirculation. This could imply future therapeutic strategies in the management of chronic chagasic patients to optimize the medical treatment and hopefully improve the prognosis.


Stool examination and rectal biopsy in the diagnosis and evaluation of therapy of schistosomiasis mansoni. From each of a group of 217 adult males selected through enzyme-immunoassay or skin-test (Group A), six stool samples were examined by both the Lutz/Hoffman, Pons & Janer (Lutz/HPJ) and Kato/Katz methods. In addition, one oogram of the rectal mucosa was performed. By these methods, schistosomiasis was detected in 44.7%, 47.5% and 40.1% of the individuals respectively. To evaluate the methods in the assessment of cure, the last 40 patients from group A, treated with a single oral dose of oxamniquine at 15 mg/kg were followed up for six months (Group B). The criteria for parasitological cure included three stool examinations by Kato/Katz and Lutz/HPJ methods, one, three and six months post-treatment and a rectal biopsy between the fourth and sixth months post-treatment. The examinations were negative in 87.5%, 90% and 95% of the patients, respectively. The efficacy of oxamniquine was 82.5% when the three methods were considered together and there was no statistically significant difference between the sensitivity of the individual methods.


[A new surgical treatment of stress incontinence in vaginal prolapse: urethrovesical suspension by a half-sheeted flap formed from the anterior vaginal wall]. The author described a new operative method concerning stress incontinentia with descensus of the vagina. The offered operative method belongs to the group of the urethrovesical suspensions and the elevating is done by a half-sheeted hammock formed by the anterior vagina wall. The stages of the operation are described and showed in details. This operative method has been approved and from two years practiced at the University Clinic.


[A comparative study in the treatment of complicated wounds following obstetrical-gynecological interventions]. The results are announced of the treatment of 64 (1.28%) complicated incisions after 4981 obstetric and gynecological interventions over a 3-year period. The cases observed are distributed in two groups: Group One--30 patients treated with the medicinal and surgical methods used in traditional clinic practice, and Group Two--34 patients undergone laser therapy. Comparing the results of the treatment the authors arrive at the conclusions that the He-Neon laser has a place in the treatment of complicated incisions in obstetric and gynecological practices helping to avoid certain allergic reactions, to reduce considerably the hospital stay and therefore has an economic effect.


[The early breast feeding of newborn infants]. Breast feeding was started at the age of 2 hours after birth, immediately after mother and baby were transported to the clinic for healthy term newborns. Our aim was to investigate the influence of the early start of breast feeding on the development of the newborns and on their mothers, as well as to compare the results with those, obtained when breast feeding had begun on the 6-th hour after birth. The results from our work show that the earlier the beginning of breast feeding, the earlier and the more effective the consolidation of the process. The physiological loss of weight with these babies shows a smaller percentage. The level of blood sugar varies in the normal limits. So far as mothers are concerned, the early beginning of breast feeding has a good impact on their after-birth period and helps the earlier initiation of the secretion of breast milk.


[Clinical laboratory studies in acute chlamydial, gonococcal and nonchlamydial nongonococcal salpingitis]. The authors carried out a study on 135 patients, hospitalized for acute salpingitis, based on data of history, clinical and laboratory examination. The latter were analysed regarding the isolated etiological agent.


[The surgical treatment and results in patients with leukoplakia vulvae]. For period from 1976 to 1988 in the Clinic of Gynecology were treated 78 patients (women--31-74 years old) with leukoplakia vulvae. 61 patients (77.2%) were subjected to classical simple vulvectomy. 18 patients (22.8%) were subjected to simple vulvectomy according to Abitbol. Per primam was closed operative sore at 12 patients, operated by classical vulvectomy and at 8 patients, operated according to Abitbol. Per secundam was closed operative sore at 49 women from first group and at 10 from second group. Stenosis vulvae was shown at 4 women (5%) and at 7 (8.9%) was developed recurrence, who was applied to accomplish a repeated treatment. Good results were educated from vulvectomy according to Abitbol. This vulvectomy was recommended from authors.


[The demonstration of HPV DNA in cervical intraepithelial neoplasms and in invasive carcinomas of the cervix uteri by DNA-DNA in situ hybridization]. Authors were applied a method of DNA-DNA in situ hybridization for demonstration of HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18 in cervical neoplasia and in invasion carcinoma of uterine neck. At 22 probes from CYV III and invasion carcinoma the results from hybridization with virus DNA were shown the presence of HPV-DNA at 15 patients. Some phases of method were optimized. Sensitiveness of method was controlled and compared with the results from the same probes, underlied to investigation with Southern-blot hybridization.


[The "splenic emergency syndrome" during pregnancy (a report of 2 cases)]. The syndrome "urgency of lienal origin" during a pregnancy consists of two syndromes--violent spontaneous pain in the left hypochondrium or in the epigastrium, shortly followed by haemorrhagic shock. Occasionally some other symptoms are present--nausea, vomiting, powerless prolonged labor, innervation of the phrenic nerve. The cases of spontaneous spleen rupture as well as ruptures of splenic vein or artery also assessing to this syndrome. Mean maternal mortality is over 70%. The authors present two cases: the first one--a case of spontaneously ruptured splenic artery aneurysm, the second one--of splenic rupture. The first of two cases came of successful for both mother and baby. This is the sixth similar case described in literature till 1978. The second case presented--a spontaneous lienal rupture, is very rare. The favourable prognosis is entirely determined by prompt diagnosis.


[A triple pregnancy following heterologous insemination and ovarian stimulation with a favorable outcome]. The larger usage of inducing ovulation drugs in the last decade brought to more frequent multiple pregnancies. The authors describe triplet pregnancy after hetero-insemination and ovaries stimulation which ended the birth (by Cesarean section) of three alive and healthy babies. The triplet pregnancy is high-risky. More often hypertension anaemia and postpartum haemorrhage are met. The most important complication anyway is the preterm delivery which shows as a result unfavourable perinatal outcome. The question about the effectiveness of the prophylactic cerclage and the prophylactic tocolysis is discussed. The general opinion is that there is a higher rate perinatal death for the second and the third fetus.


[The status of the fetus delivered vaginally after a prior cesarean section and with a second cesarean section]. The author has set himself the task of studying the state of the fetus delivered vaginally after a previous caesarean operation and the state of the fetus delivered by a second caesarean operation. He has studied the state of 304 children vaginally delivered after a previous caesarean operation and 436 children delivered by a second caesarean operation as well as early neonatal death rate over a period of ten years (1980-1989). He has come to in the conclusion that the early neonatal death rate in the former group is not greater than that in the latter group.


[Delivery in women with heart diseases]. Pregnancy, child-bearing and puerperium raise different problems in front of obstetricians and gynecologist in regard to the type and gravidity of concomitant cardiac defects. During the time period of 1985-1989 the number of child-bearing women with cardiac diseases has increased about 7 times where 76.3% of them aged from 21 to 30 years. With acquired valvular defects were 152 of them (62.2%) with congenital defects were 58 (23.5%) and with vascular diseases--34 (13.9%). A normal birth rate was 41.1% and a caesarean birth--44.1%. Conclusions are drawn and advice are offered considering methods of delivery and behavior throughout pregnancy and puerperium.


Nutritional status of institutionalized elderly in south Florida. To assess the nutritional status of an elderly nursing home population of South Florida, forty-seven persons with ages ranging from 65 to 96 years were studied. Complete clinical examination and anthropometric measures were performed, along with blood cell count, biochemical blood parameters and assessment of water-soluble vitamins levels. The most common clinical finding were edentulous (67%), general pallor (44%), hyperpigmentation (33%), dry skin (26%) and arcus corneitis (26%). Thirty-five percent of the studied population had cholesterol levels greater than 220 mg/dl. Triglyceride levels were also significantly elevated in a considerable subset of our subjects, with 30% having levels above threshold value of 150 mg/dl. Small proportions of subjects showed low levels of albumin (6%), total protein (28%), ascorbic acid (2%), and thiamin (9%). Forty-five percent of males were pyridoxine deficient, while 63% of the females presented such deficiency. This study underscores the need to define, with greater precision, the nutritional status of aged populations as well as improve our inadequate standards associated with the "normal" aging process. Nutritional intervention--only possible when appropriate standards are defined--can potentially serve not only to prevent the occurrence of significant morbidity and mortality, but can also be employed to enhance quality of life in the elderly individuals.


[Changes in the serum lipid fractions of malnourished children with and without clinical infection. Paradoxical hypertriglyceridemia in malnutrition]. We have studied the levels of total triglycerides, total cholesterol and high, low and very low density lipoproteins, in serum from undernourished children and from eutrophic controls matched by age, race and socioeconomical condition with the undernourished group. Malnourished children were classified according to the severity of the nutritional deficiency and according to the presence or absence of associated overt infections. Serum lipids fractions were evaluated by colorimetric procedures and by electrophoretic isolation and elution of the desired lipoprotein followed by colorimetric evaluation of the cholesterol content. Increased levels of total triglycerides and very low density lipoproteins were observed in the undernourished group. The rise in the levels of total triglycerides and very low density lipoproteins was more marked in children with moderate and severe undernutrition as well as in undernourished with associated overt infection. In contrast, as expected, serum levels of total cholesterol, high density and low density lipoproteins were significantly diminished in undernourished children. The depression in the amount of total cholesterol, high density and low density lipoproteins was more marked in the severe forms of undernutrition. Increased levels of total triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein could be determined by a defect in the clearance of these lipid fractions due to depressed activity of lipoprotein lipase.


Infant feeding practices among low-income Mexican urban women: a four month follow-up. We studied the infant feeding practices of 61 healthy women who delivered vaginally and without complications in two public hospitals in the city of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. During the hospital stay, 51% of the women were planning full breastfeeding (full-BF), 43% partial breastfeeding (partial-BF) and 6% exclusive formula feeding (FF). At 2 weeks and 4 months post-partum (pp) the predominant feeding modes were partial-BF (59%) and FF (61%) respectively. The parameters that were positively associated with any breastfeeding at 4 months pp were: social support, previous breastfeeding experience and neonatal feeding mode. The infant feeding policies in both hospitals were not conducive for breastfeeding. The majority of infants were already receiving solid foods and juices by 3 months pp.


[Flour from seeds of Canavalia ensiformis L (DC), raw, stored in an alkaline medium, autoclaved or extracted, in diets for growing pigs]. There were made four nutrition experiments using pork in growing process, with an approximate weight of 14.2 kilograms. In each experiment, it was made a substitution in equals parts of corn flour and soy flour for raw Canavalia flour or processed through alkaline storage, autoclaved or extrusion. In the first three experiments, the substitution level of raw Canavalia (RC), stored in alkaline environment (CAMA) or autoclave (CA) were: 0, 5, 10 and 15%. In the fourth one, the including levels of Canavalia Extruida were: 0, 7.5 and 15%. The raw Canavalia as the Extruida drastically reduced the pork's growth. The Canavalia flour autoclaved (121 degrees C/15 psi/90 min) substantially improved the animal answers, even though the growth in all the substitution levels were lower than the one observed in the original portion. The storage of the beans in alkaline environment, made possible better productive behavior in the animals, and it didn't observe differences (p < 0.01) to increase the witness weight, at the substitution level or 5%. The pork's answer to the Canavalia toxin was manifested in the first term, by a drastic reduction in the voluntary consumption of foods. As a whole, the results indicated that none of the methods used were effective to eliminate or to minimize the toxic effects in the raw Canavalia over the productive behavior of growing pork.


[Relation between various physical characteristics of sorghum varieties (Sorghum vulgare) and their popping capacity]. The purpose of this study was to attempt to establish a possible relationship between the physical characteristics of grain sorghum and its capacity to expand. Eleven national varieties of sorghum were studied and were characterized for color, weight of 100 grains, number of grains in 40 grams, grain density and texture. Before subjecting the samples to the popping process, the method was standardized with respect to the experimental load. These tests helped to select a 62-gram load. Likewise, the effect of grain moisture content was studied. Results indicated that a soaking time of 45 minutes gave the best percent expansion. Highly statistical significant differences were found in the physical characteristics among the eleven sorghum varieties, as was also the case with respect to change in volume, popped grains and percentage of popped grains, which varied between 7.42 to 89.29%. The initial volume of the grain was negatively associated to the percentage of expanded grains. The initial grain volume was significantly negatively related to the unpopped grain. The final volume significantly correlated with the number of grain in 40 grams, with endosperm texture and grain density. Even though physical structure is important in grain expansion, other factors like chemical composition may also be of significance.


[Nutritional changes caused by the germination of legumes commonly eaten in Chile]. The changes promoted by germination on phytates, oligosaccharides, crude protein, amino acids and riboflavin contents of black and white cultivars of beans, lentils, chicken-pea and peas, were studied. Seeds germination was carried out in darkness at 25 degrees C and 85% RH during 72 hours, previously soaked overnight in a solution of sodium hypochlorite at a concentration of 50 ppm. Germination capacity was assessed by determining hypocotyl and epicotyl lengths and percent of sprouted seed. The seeds were milled and freeze-dried for the chemical analysis. Germination promoted a significant increase in crude protein content and reduction also significant in phytates levels. These changes were attributed to an increase of proteases and phytase activities. In fact, this enzyme would make a solubilization of phytates and would release soluble protein and minerals. A significant reduction of flatulence oligosaccharides took place, which was also explained by an increase of alpha-galactosidase concentration. Sprouted seeds showed a higher content of almost all amino acid than crude legumes, although this change was variable. Significant increase of riboflavin was also found. Finally, germination decreased ashes and fat contents. These findings were determined in all legumes, although both cultivars of beans showed a higher response to the biochemical changes.


[Chemical composition of 11 varieties of sorghum (Sorghum vulgare) before and after popping the kernels]. The effect of the popping process on the chemical composition, on lysine and tryptophan and on the in vitro protein digestibility of eleven sorghum varieties was evaluated. The popping of the grain was conducted in a popcorn popper previous adjustment of conditions. There were statistically significant differences in chemical composition both, in the raw grain and in the processed grain. The chemical composition was affected by the process and with the exception of protein content, it reduced the content of ether extract (3.43 to 2.75%) and increased significantly the level of crude fiber (2.47 to 4.45%). The concentration of available lysine and of tryptophan in the raw grain was reduced significantly by the process, with lysine losses of 9 to 57% and for tryptophan of 26 to 64%. A decrease was also observed in amylose as percentage of starch. In a number of samples the popping process significantly reduced in vitro protein digestibility.


Biological utilization of naturally fermented pearl millet flour (Pennisetum typhoideum). Natural fermentation of pearl millet flour at 20, 25 and 30 degrees for 72 h brought about an improvement in its apparent and true protein digestibility. Utilisable protein, net protein retention and protein retention efficiency values were also enhanced as a result of fermentation. Rats fed on flour fermented at 20 and 25 degrees C had higher food as well as protein efficiency ratios than the flour fermented at 30 degrees C. Feeding of the fermented products did not bring about any histopathological abnormality in rats. Cutlets prepared from the fermented flour were organoleptically acceptable to a panel of judges.


[Nutritional and taste properties of canned cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp). I. Effect of the canning process]. The effects of canning in brine on cowpea quality (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) were determined. Beans were steamed-blanched at 100 degrees C for 2 minutes, and then canned and autoclaved at 121 degrees C for 10 minutes. These samples were compared to home-cooked cowpea samples through physicochemical, sensory and biological analyses. Significant reductions (p < or = 0.01) in canned bean composition as to values for protein, carbohydrate and fiber were determined when compared to cooked samples. The available methionine content was identical for both processes, but canned beans produced higher values of available lysine than cooked ones. Values for Net Protein Ratio (NPR)--3.19 showed that canning did not affect protein quality of canned beans. These results were similar to the ones found in home-cooked cowpeas (2.96). According to physicochemical analyses, quantitative losses did not seem to affect protein quality, and acceptance of product was found to be satisfactory to tasters.


[Nutritional and taste properties of canned cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. II. Effect of storage]. In order to evaluate the effects of storage on nutritional and sensory properties of canned cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp), a batch of 180 cans was stocked at room temperature (22 degrees C to 32 degrees C) for a period of six months. At intervals of 0, 30, 90 and 180 days, 26 samples collected randomly were submitted to physicochemical, sensory and biological analyses. Significant statistical reductions (p < or = 0.01 to p < or = 0.05) were observed due to storage time, having this significance increased for proteins after 90 days and for lipids after 30 days, as well as a decrease on the amino acid values, thus indicating the occurrence of chemical reactions, although acceptance of the product was found to be satisfactory throughout the whole experiment. No evidence was discovered of the presence of gas producer microorganisms. According to physicochemical analyses, quantitative losses in protein, lipids, available methionine and lysine did not seem to affect protein quality, in spite of a significant reduction (p < or = 0.01) in weight gain and Coefficient of Food Efficiency of samples stored for 180 days when compared to those freshly canned on day 0, though values for Net Protein Ratio (NPR) showed no discernible decrease; these data lead to the conclusion that canned cowpeas stored can be consumed without, restrictions, in spite of the slight decrease in biological value caused by the time of storage.


[Hardening and softening phenomena in beans: technological alternatives]. The effect of accelerated hardening and soaking solutions on cooking time and microstructure of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) was studied. Two varieties (Canario and Mayocoba) were grown in the same location. Three hardening procedures were used: 1) End A. Soaking in acetate buffer, pH = 4.0 at 37 degrees C for 5 hs, 2) End B. Storage at 37 degrees C, 100% RH for 28 days and, 3) End C storage at 13-33 degrees C, 76% RH for 120 days. The salt solutions used for soaking were: Soln 1 (1% NaCl+0.75% NaHCO3) and Soln 2 (0.75% NaHCO3). Cooking times were determined using a Mattson bean cooker. In both varieties, the three hardening procedures decreased (38-50%) cotyledons water holding capacity and increased significantly (2-4 times) cooking times. During soaking in salt solutions hardened beans reached maximum water absorption in four hours. Soaking in salt solutions decreased drastically (2.6-10.6 times) cooking times. Fresh, hardened and softened seeds were examined by light microscopy, observing ultrastructural differences among them. The methods used in this research might well represent the central components of an industrial technological procedure for the utilization of hardened beans.


[Development of an energy food for athletes]. The energetic requirements of sportsmen fluctuates between 3500 and 8000 Kcal/day. In order to fill these needs it is necessary to have new alternative products which provide the extra required energy. For this purpose a confectionary was designed and elaborated consisting of five different bars, made of natural raw materials (dehydrated fruits, milk, eggs, nuts, fat), which supply an important quantity of fats and carbohtdrates, minerals, and vitamins. The confectioned bars were: papaya, hazelnut, almond, apple and orange. These bars are supposed to be eaten between meals as a complement of the nutrients of the usual diet. The production process is an adaptation of the traditional confectionary techniques and was improved for the 5 bars. The production process of the coating sheet (oblate) was also studied. The controls showed that all the bars had a good microbiological quality and an excellent sensory quality. The humidity fluctuated between 6.85 and 13.66%., with an aw of 0.795. The caloric distribution per cent was 8:40:52. The energetic supply was 520 Kcal/100g; so, the ingest of two displays covers between 25-30% of recommended intake for the most frequently practiced sports. The shelf life studies of the product stored in ambiental conditions (20-25 degrees C and 55-60% RH) showed that the product without additives maintained its good quality up to 60 days. The product plus preservative as well as plus antioxidant stays without quality modifications up to at least 120 days, neither rancid odor no rancid flavor was detected. So, we conclude that it is nor necessary to add any antioxidant. The double sheet polypropilene package film showed very good characteristics in protecting the quality of the product.


[Functional evaluation of a nutritional energy supplement in athletes]. A nutritional caloric supplement as bar in 5 different flavours was evaluated in 9 sportsmen that ate daily 1040 Kcal/100 g extra during 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were used for weight, body fat, lean body mass and functional test for VO2 max, anaerobic threshold (AnT) and anaerobic power (AnP). Both tolerance and acceptability were evaluated too. Other similar sportsmen group was employed as control. Positives answers were registered in VO2 max (8.74%) and AnP (p < or = .04), meanwhile the rest of parameters remained without alterations, the same of control group. Test TAT evidence a high preference and a tolerance without deleterious effect. In conclusion, the product evaluated is an excellent ergogenic aid in effort with elevated energetic demand.


Fungal protein enrichment of residual liquor from a sugar-cane waste Saccharum officinarum. The use of residual liquor obtained from cane-thrash, a sugar-cane waste Saccharum officinarum, L. , as a protein source was studied. The cane-thrash was available in local sugar-mills and the fungus utilized, the Aspergillus niger IZ-9, was provided by the University of São Paulo and derived from a strain under the number NRRL-337. The liquor was previously hydrolyzed and physicochemical analyses were performed. Total nitrogen and amino acid contents were measured in the final product. The synthetic medium of Pontecorvo et al. modified by Christias et al., was used for growth, maintenance and storage of the strain. The analysis of variance was used to determine the statistical significance of all results. Mean values were compared by the Tukey's test. According to our data, the residual liquor from the prehydrolyzed cane-thrash can be used as a medium for biomass production from the A. niger IZ-9 and that the highest biomass production was obtained when the synthetic medium was substituted for 100% treated liquor added with balanced salts and carbon, and pH adjusted to 5.0. The highest amino acid values were detected in the A. Niger grown in the medium containing 40% treated liquor added with balanced salts and carbon, with pH adjustment to 5.0 with exception of methionine, this fungal protein seems to provide all essential amino acids in a diet, and could certainly be considered of good biological value.


[Fat and oil consumption in a university student population in Buenos Aires]. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fat and oil intake and their distribution according to the dietary origin in students of the University of Buenos Aires. A 7 day dietary record of students (49 males and 127 females) attendant to the 1989 Course of Nutrition, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, to obtain in Pharmacy and Biochemistry was collected. This information was processed in a PC Computer (VAN Program, Lujan University, Argentina) to obtain the energy and fat daily intake, according to the Dietary Composition Tables compiled by INCAP; missing data were completed t with the German, Italian or Argentine Tables. The results obtained were (average daily intake +/- SD) for females and males, respectively: Energy (Kcal): 1805 +/- 5431 and 2551 +/- 712; total fat (g): 65.6 +/- 21.8 and 87.8 +/- 28.7; percentage of energy provided by fat: 33.0 and 31.1. The distribution of fat intake according to its dietary source was (g/100 g): meat: 33.3; oils: 15.5; diary products: 19.3; cakes and pasta: 11.6; cereals (bread, crackers, etc.): 8.3; separate animal fat: 5.1; legumes and oil seeds: 1.4; eggs: 2.9; poultry: 1.5; margarines: 0.6; fish: 0.3; viscera: 0.3. These data show that the fat intake is not excessive, about 30% of the energy intake; but the high percentage of animal fat might be one of the risk factors responsible for the high incidence of cardiovascular diseases in the population of Buenos Aires.


[Food consumption among rural schoolchildren from the metropolitan area of Chile. A comparative study. 1989]. A comparative study of dietary intake of a representative sample of 651 rural school children from Chile's Metropolitan Region was carried out between two periods: 1986-1987 and 1989. Standard procedures for 24 hr dietary recall individual interviews were used to collect data. The percentage of adequacy of energy and protein intake was calculated based on FAO/OMS/UNU (1985), and vitamins and minerals according to National Research Council Recommended Dietary Allowances. Socioeconomic status (SES) was measured through Graffar's Modified Method. Statistical procedures included chi-square test, analysis of variance and Student "t" test. Between 1986-1987 and 1989 not significant difference was found for dietary intake, despite the socioeconomic conditions had improved. Most part of the sample satisfied energy and protein requirements, but approximately 1/3 of the sample presented a low energy intake; the same was observed for protein intake. Protein contributed 12.0% of the dietary energy, fat 23.0% and carbohydrates 65.0%. Animal and vegetable protein intake was found in the proportion 4:6. Dietary intake significantly differed according to age and SES, and deficiencies in calcium, vitamin A, riboflavin and niacin intake were detected in both sexes. These results could be useful for food and nutrition planning related to school feeding programs and nutrition education.


Spleen and thymus histology and proliferative response of splenic cells in rats fed raw and cooked Phaseolus vulgaris beans. Histological studies of the spleen and thymus of rats fed raw black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) show an atrophy of both lymphoid organs. Decrease in relative thymus weight was most marked. All histological organization of this organ appeared altered. An evident decrease in cell number was also observed in both organs. Proliferative response of splenic cells stimulated in vitro with Concanavalin A was increased as compared to that from animals fed the control diet. It is likely that histological changes observed in the spleen and the thymus are due mainly to a protein caloric deficiency, although the possibility that toxic factors present in the raw diet have an effect on the immune system of the rat can not be overruled.


[Chronic consumption of brominated vegetable oils: their effect on liver secretion and catabolism of plasma lipoproteins]. We have previously reported that normal Wistar rats fed during 105 days with standard laboratory chow, supplemented with 0.5g of brominated vegetable oil (olive, sunflower) per 100 g of diet showed a significant increase of triglyceride and cholesterol content in both heart and liver. This was accompanied by a significant decrease of plasma lipid levels. Fluctuations in plasma triglyceride concentrations may be a result of either variations in the liver secretion rate of very low density lipoprotein-triglyceride (VLDL-TG), or changes in their removal rate by extrahepatic tissues or both. In the present work we have studied the contribution of both VLDL-TG secretion, and removal rates of plasma TG in the decrease of plasma TG levels, in rats fed during 105 days with a standard laboratory chow supplemented with 0.5 g per 100 g of brominated vegetable oil. VLDL-TG secretion was estimated by measuring the accumulation of plasma TG following the injection of TRITON WR 1339 and the removal rate of plasma TG by assaying plasma post-heparin lipolytic total (PHLA) and hepatic (H-TGL) lipase activities. In addition, the major lipid composition of plasma lipoprotein fractions were measured. Results were compared to those of a control group fed a laboratory chow diet during the same period of time. Our results show a decrease in both VLDL-TG secretion and plasma TG pool size accompanied by normal PHLA and H-TGL activities in animals fed the diet supplemented with brominated oils. However, the proportion of the major lipid components of the plasma lipoproteins fractions were unchanged.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[Hypercholesterolemic effect of canthaxanthin and astaxanthin in rats]. Three groups of male Wistar rats (130-140 g) were fed 30 days with a synthetic diets containing 0.1% of beta-carotene, canthaxanthin and astaxanthin respectively. Another group was fed with a synthetic diet without carotenoids. The results shows that the beta-carotene does not induce change in plasma cholesterol (49, 7 +/- 3.6 mg/dl), but canthaxanthin and astaxanthin induce a significant increase in cholesterol concentration (92.1 +/- 3.6 and 66.5 +/- 5.1 mg/dl). This increase is noted mainly in the HDL fraction of the lipoproteins. Canthaxanthin has more affinity than astaxanthin for the liver, principal site of lipoproteins catabolism. The hypercholesterolemic effect of these xanthophylls is not related to reported mechanisms of carotenoids in mammalian, because beta-carotene does not induce changes in plasma cholesterol.


[Nutritional quality of a protein concentrate of chick-peas (Cicer arietinum) obtained by ultrafiltration]. The nutritive quality of a protein concentrate from chickpea (Cicer arietinum) obtained by ultrafiltration was evaluated. Three biological assays and the apparent protein digestibility (APD) were utilized. In addition, the effect of the supplementation with methionine to protein concentrate was observed. The protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein ratio (NPR) and nitrogen utilization (NU) were 1.86, 3.11 and 3.11 respectively, compared with the values of casein ANRC of 2.50 4.02 y 4.01. Only the PER of the protein concentrate from chick-pea (Cicer arietinum) was increased significantly (< 0.05) higher with respect to raw chick-pea (Cicer arietinum), but lower with respect to casein ANRC.


Use of plastic films in grain stores.

Use of plastic films in grain stores. A laboratory study of wheat stored at two different levels of moisture content with and without presence of Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky was performed. Flexible PVC and polythene films as seals were used in order to examine their effectiveness to maintain the wheat quality by comparing changes in moisture content, germination and weight loss. The PVC film showed a high water vapor permeability and it behaved as the permeable muslin control, keeping the grain quality in all tested conditions. The polythene film showed a low water vapor permeability and it allowed the insects development. It seems that plastic films may be useful in grain stores bearing in mind their properties, adequate sealing and protecting them from insect damage, besides they should be selected according to environmental conditions.


Quality control of food products purchased by the National School-Feeding Programme in Pernambuco, northeast Brazil, from 1985 to 1988. The effectiveness of the Quality Control System (QCS) implemented by the Fundação de Assistência ao Escolar (FAE) for quality control of food products from different types and origins purchased by the National School-Feeding Programme (NSFP) in Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil, was evaluated. Physicochemical, microbiological, microscopical and organopetical analyses were performed in 4,860 food samples and the main causes of alterations were detected. Perishability was the characteristic used for distribution of food items into 3 main groups: A, B, and C. In accordance with 972 Quality Certificates between 1985 and 1988, 31.89 of the samples were rejected. The main reasons for rejection were innacuracies of net weight and drained weight and high moisture contents. Group B presented the smallest number of altered samples (27%); for Groups A and C these values were 33% and 44%, respectively. Our data lead to the conclusion that the QCS implemented by FAE is of paramount importance for an adequate quality control of foods provided to beneficiaries and for a good cost effectiveness of the school-feeding programme.


[Chemical and biological characterization of meal and protein isolates from pumpkin seed (Cucurbita moschata)]. The present study was carried out in order to check through chemical and biological analyses the nutritional characteristics of pumpkin seed, its delipidized meal and its proteic concentrate, considering its availability, nutritional potential, facility for production in poor soils and the need for new food resources. Another objective was to complement the amino acid pattern of pumpkin with others protein sources for human consumption. The results obtained indicate that: Raw pumpkin seed meal has a proteic values of 37.6% and the delipidized meal 68.8%; The PER values for raw seed meal and delipidized meal were 2.26 and 1.65, respectively; The chemical composition revealed that the delipized pumpkin seed meal was limited in threonine (66.8%); The isolate and seed meal proteins were both complemented with lysine and with cowpea bean meal; Whole pumpkin seed meal obtained from variety Caravelle is a good caloric material (approximately 568 cal/100 g).


[Nutritional evaluation of rice flour fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus]. In order to increase the proteic content of rice meal, fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus was performed. During fermentation, samples were taken at the times of 0,20,30,40,50,60,70 and 80 hours. These samples were oven dried and further analysed. The amino acid composition of rice meal had lysine and threonine the most limiting ones. After fermentation the lysine content increase and the more limiting were the sulfur amino acids methionine and cystine (76.04%), threonine (91.03%) and lysine (97,04%. With the aim of verifying the biological value of the protein a bioassay was carried out. The fermented rice meal presented a higher digestibility value and the net protein utilization for the fermented rice meal lower than for the non fermented one.


[Mineral composition of milk produced in Monterrey, N. L. Mexico]. Milk is a food rich in oligoelements (approx. 1g/100 ml) that can vary in concentration due to genetic factors, type of feed, fed to cattle and due to contamination in the area of production. Since the margin between the concentration of mineral requirements and the toxic levels is so narrow that a little excess results harmful to sensitive species, the present study was done in the city of Monterrey, N.L. located in an industrial zone. Samples of raw milk from 17 producers distributed in 8 zones were analyzed during 6 months, measuring minerals of nutritional and toxicological importance. All elements were determined using atomic absorption, except for phosphorus, which was quantified colorimetrically. Statistical significance was determined through analysis of variance and Duncan test. The average mineral composition of the milk analyzed was (mg/Lt): calcium 1179, magnesium 109.7, zinc 5.89, phosphorus 637.1, copper 0.15, cadmium < 0.01, chromium < 0.02, iron 0.59, lead < 0.04, manganese < 0.02, nickel 0.36. The milk of this region is a good source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, with 35%, 7.4%, 19% and 9% respectively of the RDA being obtained from a 237 ml portion of milk.


[Composition and stability of fatty acids from deboned cachama and sardine meat during freezer storage]. Free fatty acids from total lipids and phospholipids in minced fish flesh from three sizes of Cachama (Colossoma macropomum) and Sardine (Sardinella anchovia) were evaluated. Cachama's most abundant unsaturated fatty acids from the total lipid fraction were: C18:1 (31-38%); C18:2, n-6 (13-15%); and C20:4, n-6 (3-5%), while in sardine were the follows: C18:1; C20:5 n-3 (12-24%) and C22: 6,n-3 (7-24%). C20:5, n-3 increased with the size and C22:6,n-3 decreased. The variance analysis indicated that percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids of n-6 series in the total lipids of cachama and n-3 series in sardine were affected by the storage temperature from -10C to -20 degrees C (p < 0.01). Storage time had effect on the stability of sardine fatty acids (p-0.01) and cachama (p < 0.05). Sardine minced flesh presented the highest value of free fatty acids at-10 degrees C during the second month of storage (620 mg%) while cachama at the fourth month (230 mg%). TBA- value in sardine increased at -10 degrees C from 5.5 to 23 mg of malonaldehyde in fourth months while in cachama these value were almost the same (2-6 mg-kg) during the storage period at -10 degrees C and -20 degrees C.


The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the water-reservoir functions of the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum plays an important role in keeping the skin surface supple and flexible. After exposure to sunlight, the skin may become dry and scaly. In the present study, the water content, hygroscopicity and water-holding capacity of the stratum corneum were examined after ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure to the guinea pig skin. Manually depilated back skin was exposed once to 1, 2 and 3 times the minimal erythema dose of UVB, and a time course study was performed. Our study demonstrated the following: The water content, water-holding capacity and hygroscopicity decreased after UVB irradiation. They decreased roughly dependent on UVB dose. The decreased water content and water-holding capacity were noted on day 1 and persisted until day 10 to 14. In contrast, the decrease in hygroscopicity became apparent 3 days after exposure and returned to the preirradiated state on day 7. The impaired functional parameters were partially prevented by topical application of a sunscreen. These results indicate that a single exposure to UVB can damage the function of the stratum corneum.


Carcinogenicity of combined ultraviolet B radiation and psoralen plus ultraviolet A irradiation treatment of mice. Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy and UVB phototherapy are frequently used in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin diseases. Both treatments are thought to be carcinogenic, but little is known about their interaction in the induction of skin cancer. Tumors induced in mice treated with both PUVA and UVB, either given sequentially or concurrently, seemed to be more antigenic as a group than tumors treated by PUVA alone, as determined by their lower frequency of growth when transplanted into naive mice. In this study, we treated C3H mice with a subcarcinogenic dose of UVB radiation for 4 weeks, followed by PUVA treatment for 41 weeks (sequential experiment) or with both UVB radiation (minimal carcinogenic dose) and PUVA for 41 weeks (concurrent experiment) and monitored the development of skin cancers. Although a few tumors appeared earlier in the groups treated with both UVB and PUVA in both experiments, no significant differences were observed in the rate of tumor development in mice treated with UVB and PUVA versus those treated with PUVA alone.


Type I lipid photo-oxidation by the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug suprofen: a possible key to its photosensitivity. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug suprofen acted as a photosensitizer to oxidize lipids on ultraviolet A irradiation, that is, squalene and cholesterol in ethanol solution and phosphatidylcholine in liposome membranes. Photo-oxidation of squalene sensitized with suprofen was not repressed by the addition of sodium azide. Photo-oxidation of cholesterol sensitized with suprofen produced 7 alpha- and 7 beta-hydroperoxides but not 5 alpha-hydroperoxide of cholesterol. These findings are consistent with the type I mechanism but not the type II mechanism of photo-oxidation. Suprofen-sensitized photo-oxidation of membrane lipids of liposomes increased leakage of trapped glucose, suggesting photosensitized destabilization of the membrane structure. These results suggest that the photo-oxidation ability of suprofen by the type I mechanism is a possible key to the induction of suprofen photosensitivity.


Possible role of cutaneous metallothionein in protection against photo-oxidative stress--epidermal localization and scavenging activity for superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. It is reported that increasing metallothionein (MT) synthesis suppressed sunburn cell formation in the mouse skin after ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation, implying a photo-protective effect of the cysteine-rich protein. To understand the mechanism of the defense by cutaneous MT against UVB injury, an immunohistological localization of MT in human normal skin was studied following examination of lesional skin. MT in the skin was localized in granular layer with diffuse staining pattern in normal skin, defect in psoriatic lesions, positive but thin in granular cells in the lesions of lichen planus. MT treatment showed a significant decrease in chemiluminescence induced by superoxide radicals and depressed signal intensity of hydroxyl radicals derived from the Fenton reaction system. From the viewpoint of characteristic localization and probable role in scavenging activity for reactive oxygen species, MT in the epidermis may contribute to the protection against phototoxic injury in association with enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. These findings may support the previous results of UV defense by cadmium-induced MT in the skin.


Actinic prurigo, tropical (South-East Asian) variant. Actinic prurigo is a chronic familial photodermatitis found predominantly among the Amerindians. It has been reported from North and South America, Britain and Japan. We report a case of actinic prurigo seen in Singapore. A 20-year-old Malay female presented with a persistent pruriginous eruption in the sun-exposed parts and on her abdomen. She also had lower lip cheilitis and thinning of the outer eyebrows, features often seen in actinic prurigo. The minimal erythema dose to ultraviolet A (UVA) and UVB were persistently lowered. We propose that this condition be called actinic prurigo, tropical (South-East Asian) variant.


Serum 25(OH)D3 and ultraviolet exposure of residents in an old people's home in Germany. The 25(OH)D3 serum levels of 31 and 29 residents of an old people's home in Dresden were determined in February and in August 1991. The mean 25(OH)D3 levels in winter were below 10 ng/ml. Bedridden patients did not reach this level even in summer. Polysulphone films are useful indicators of a deficiency of ultraviolet light, which can result in a subsequent vitamin D deficiency.


Seasonal influence on patch test results in Greece. Several studies have been reported on the suppressive effect of ultraviolet B (UVB), UVA sunlight and PUVA on contact dermatitis. However, studies that have tested the hypothesis that patch tests reactions have a seasonal variation due to the suppressive influence of sunlight, had found conflicting results. In order to clarify the influence of climate conditions in Athens, Greece (sunlight, temperature, latitude 38 degrees) on patch tests results, data from 5468 patch-tested patients (1978-1990) were analyzed for monthly, seasonal variation. In addition, 180 patients with a high degree of sun exposure due to occupation that were prospectively re-patch-tested in a different season (i.e. summer versus winter), with the same allergens and technique, were studied and analyzed statistically. Climate data was provided by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service. The results indicate that there is no significant influence on patch tests reactions in Athens, Greece. This may in part be due to the small differences in climate conditions that exist between summer and winter in Greece.


Radiation from ultraviolet phototherapy sources results in photodegradation of 12(R) and 12(S)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid: high-performance liquid chromatography and polymorph migration studies. The effect of irradiation from Sylvania PUVA lamps (emitting predominantly in the ultraviolet (UVA) region) and broadband Philips TL-12 lamps (peaking in the UVB region) on two inflammatory mediators, 12(R)- and 12(S)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) was studied. A high-performance liquid chromatography study showed significant photodegradation of both enantiomers at a concentration of 5 micrograms/ml in phosphate-buffered saline following irradiation with 10 J.cm-2 UVA or 0.375 J.cm-2 UVB. The in vitro chemokinetic microdroplet migration response of human peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes from normal and psoriatic subjects was significantly reduced following irradiation of 12(R)-HETE at a concentration of 1 micrograms/ml in medium with 40 J.cm-2 UVA and 1.5 J.cm-2 UVB respectively. No such effect was seen with 12(S)-HETE. The effect of ultraviolet on skin physiology, and in particular in the successful phototherapy of a range of inflammatory skin disorders, is not fully understood. The photodegradation of inflammatory mediators such as 12-HETE, as shown in this study, provides another factor of possible therapeutic significance.


Topical chloroquine applied before irradiation protects against ultraviolet B (UVB)- and UVA-induced erythema but not against immediate pigment darkening. Seventeen healthy volunteers were phototested with ultraviolet B (UVB) and UVA before and after topical treatment with chloroquine phosphate. The skin areas treated before but not after irradiation showed higher minimal erythema dose values for UVB and UVA than control skin. The effect was clearly spectral with greater protection afforded against UVB than UVA. The immediate pigment darkening after irradiation with UVA, however, was not affected by pretreatment with the drug. The mechanism of action for this protective effect did not seem to be related to merely absorption and screening, inhibition of the inflammatory reaction or a UV-induced effect on the stereo-isomerization of the drug.


Up-to-date aspects of meningoencephalitis. Anatomo-clinical researches. The anatomo-clinical study of the deaths caused by meningoencephalitis at the Infectious Diseases Clinics in Bucharest in 1986 and 1987 showed the increase of morbidity, 194 lethal cases being registered. The most affected age group was up to 1 year, followed by older persons, then by children between 1 and 10 years, the male sex prevailing. The most incriminated pathogenic agents were meningococcus, pneumococcus, as well as negative Gram germs, Escherichia coli, whereas the favouring factors were especially malnutrition, premature birth, dystrophies, focal infections. The lesional pictures are described, underlying the frequency of vascular lesions, ventriculitis cerebral abscesses, as well as the role of demyelinizations and of the glial reactions in pathogenesis.


Cytoenzymological-cytogenetical correlations concerning chronic granulocytic leukemia leucocytes. By means of histochemical demonstration of dihydrofolate reductase activity and chromosomal analysis, peripheral white blood cells from patients with chronic granulocytic leukemia were studied in vitro cultures grown on normal leucocytes feeder-layers. After 14 days of incubation, two different types of colonies were found corresponding to the leukemic and normal leucocytic populations: (a) made up of Ph'-positive leucocytes which have a high dihydrofolate reductase activity; (b) made up of Ph'-negative leucocytes, slightly positive for dihydrofolate reductase activity.


Histochemical and ultrastructural alterations of lysosomes and acid phosphatase reaction in human chronic hypoxic myocardium. Histochemical and ultrastructural alterations of lysosomes and acid phosphatase reaction were assayed in myocardial human specimens from patients with some acquired and congenital cardiac affections and cardiac failure class II-IV (after NYHA classification). The optic and electron microscopic study of the acid phosphatase (the main lysosomal marker) activity reveals that the intensity and the distribution of the reaction were correlated with the degree of heart failure, being maximum at the IVth degree. The electron microscopic analysis of the lysosomal vacuolar apparatus emphasizes various changes also correlated with the intensity of hypoxia.


Cytomorphological, ultrastructural and immunological particularities of the synovial fluid in seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. Our studies on the cytomorphological and ultrastructural analysis of 15 Synovial Fluid (SF) samples from patients diagnosed with seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and 10 SF from patients with Hydroarthrosis considered as controls were carried out. By cytomorphological studies we determined the cellularity, ragocytosis and synoviocytogram. SF in seronegative RA is characterized by leucocytosis (7,656/mm3) with polynucleosis (65.38%) and ragocytosis (59.27%) versus hydroarthrosis SF defined morphologically by lymphocytosis (47%). Degenerative forms of ragocyte-like polymorphonuclears (PMN) cells, individualized by an ultrastructural alteration less evident than recorded in seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), associated with a remarkable capacity of endocytosis. The ultrastructural alterations, immune complexes (CIC), the immunoglobulins (MG) and the anticollagen II antibodies, suggest the early implication of these immune parameters in etiopathogenesis. The corroboration of the cytomorphological, ultrastructural and immunological data allows the profound study of the etiopathogenic mechanism and may represent a paraclinical criterion for differentiated seronegative RA field.


Morphophysiopathological correlations in pulmonary hypertension of cardiac origin. 100 patients with congenital malformation and acquired cardiac diseases were studied on preoperatory pulmonary biopsies to estimate the pulmonary hypertension by correlating the data obtained by modern multidisciplinary investigation: histological, histoenzymological, ultrastructural, physiological and clinical techniques. The morphological pictures show a range of vascular lesions similar to those found in Heath and Edwards' classification and they are especially thickenings of the intima, hypertrophies of the media, narrowings of vascular lumen and later some plexiform lesions and hemosiderosis. Progressive fibrosis processes as well as immune pulmonary reactions were made evident. The electron microscopical examinations provided new data regarding the thickening of the capillary and alveolary basal lamina, the activity of pneumocytes and macrophages that were also certified from the histoenzymological point of view by increase of peroxidases and acid phosphatases activity. The investigation carried out proved the importance of the cardiac preoperatory catheterism in order to establish the grade of the pulmonary hypertension while the concordance index is more increased than in the cases that were investigated only by non-bleeding techniques.


Cholesterol and phospholipids content of yolk from fertilized and unfertilized hen eggs. Three lipid-containing fractions (granules, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and infranatant) of fertilized and unfertilized yolks were obtained from hen eggs, either from commercial sources or from Arbor acres hens kept by the Pena Branca Aviário Pernambuco and utilized fresh (laid during the previous 7 days). Total cholesterol (TC) and total phospholipid (TP) levels (mg/g yolk, reported as means +/- SD) were determined. In the yolk granules (insoluble fraction) the levels of TC (2.05 +/- 0.36) and TP (0.90 +/- 0.43) of fertilized egg yolks were similar to the levels of TC (2.20 +/- 0.41) and TP (0.90 +/- 0.14) of unfertilized eggs. The TC levels in the LDL from fertilized egg yolks (8.29 +/- 1.63) were not statistically different from those in unfertilized eggs (7.31 +/- 1.50). In contrast, TC was not detected in the infranatant fraction of unfertilized egg yolks, but was present in the infranatant fraction (1.39 +/- 0.69) of fertilized eggs. The TP levels of LDL (0.73 +/- 0.23) and infranatant (0.32 +/- 0.09) fractions of fertilized egg yolks were significantly lower than the levels of TP in the LDL (1.73 +/- 0.51) and infranatant (0.79 +/- 0.59) fractions of unfertilized eggs. Consequently, the TC/TP ratio (mol/mol) increased in the LDL and infranatant fractions of fertilized egg yolks when compared to unfertilized egg yolks. TC levels were similar in the total yolk of fertilized (10.76 +/- 1.32) and unfertilized (10.33 +/- 1.77) eggs, while the TP levels were significantly lower in the fertilized (1.92 +/- 0.17) than in unfertilized (3.43 +/- 0.97) eggs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Influence of diabetes mellitus on the glutathione redox system of human red blood cells. Several components of the erythrocyte-dependent glutathione redox system (reduced glutathione, GSH; oxidized glutathione, GSSG; glutathione peroxidase, GSH-Px; glutathione reductase, GSH-Red) were determined in patients with types I and II diabetes mellitus (DM). All groups studied were male subjects: G1, 20 young healthy individuals (aged 23.7 +/- 4.2 years); G2, 15 young insulin-treated type I DM patients; G3, 20 older insulin-treated type II DM patients; G4, 21 older oral hypoglycemic agent-treated type II DM patients; G5, 28 aged healthy individuals (aged 68.9 +/- 11.5 years). There were no differences between G1 and G2, G3 or G4 regarding erythrocyte GSH, GSSG, and GSH-Red (without FAD) levels. GSH-Px activity was significantly lower in G2 when compared to G1 (15.2 +/- 4.9 vs 20.6 +/- 6.6 IU/g Hb). The GSH-Red and GSH-Px activities and GSH levels were significantly higher in G3 (4.6 +/- 1.7 IU/g Hb, 20.2 +/- 8.7 IU/g Hb and 3.5 +/- 1.3 microM/g Hb) and G4 (5.0 +/- 2.2 IU/g Hb, 16.9 +/- 6.1 IU/g Hb and 5.0 +/- 2.3 microM/g Hb) when compared to G5 (3.4 +/- 0.9 IU/g Hb, 12.0 +/- 3.6 IU/g Hb and 2.3 +/- 0.9 microM/g Hb). The findings suggest that treatment of DM can stimulate the redox activity of red blood cells in aged subjects.


Ranitidine increases the bioavailability of nitrendipine in patients with arterial hypertension. 1. In a randomized placebo-controlled study, 12 hypertensive patients were treated po for one week with 20 mg nitrendipine once daily plus placebo, twice daily and later with the same dose of nitrendipine plus 300 mg ranitidine (150 mg twice a day). 2. When ranitidine was coadministered, plasma nitrendipine levels (0-24 h) were significantly increased (P < 0.001), although no significant increase in peak plasma nitrendipine level (Cmax) was observed due to the wide range of variation of this parameter (Cmax) in hypertensive patients. 3. Ranitidine coadministration increased the area under the curve for 24-h (AUC0-24) plasma concentration vs time, from 49.07 +/- 6.28 micrograms.h/l to 82.35 +/- 2.57 micrograms.h/l (P < 0.01). This significant increase caused a reduction in total body clearance from 2008.33 +/- 246.33 to 1284.00 +/- 182.16 ml/min (P < 0.002). 4. Nitrendipine bioavailability was increased by 89% when ranitidine was coadministered but the kinetic effect of this drug interaction is unlikely to be of clinical relevance since no adverse effects were observed in patients evaluated after ranitidine association.


Jejunoileal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. A case report. Intestinal localization of rhabdomyosarcoma is exceptional, this case is the first to be published in the world literature. A 35-year-old patient with abdominal pain, fever, was found to have an infiltrative white-grey tumour, involving 20 cm the jejunoileal wall and also the surrounding mesenterium up to the origin of upper mesenterical vessels and lymph nodes. Histologic examination showed an alveolar type of rhabdomyosarcoma intricated with solid undifferentiated tumoral cells. The presence of multinucleated giant cells and the positivity of protein S 100 reaction was important for differential diagnosis, given the alveolar soft part sarcoma, malignant mesothelioma, malignant melanoma or papillary carcinoma.