Developmental programming: intrauterine caloric restriction promotes upregulation of mitochondrial sirtuin with mild effects on oxidative parameters in the ovaries and testes of offspring

According to the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, changes in the maternal environment are known to reprogram the metabolic response of offspring. Known for its redox modulation, caloric restriction extends the lifespan of some species, which contributes to diminished cellular damage. Little is known about the effects of gestational caloric restriction, in terms of antioxidant parameters and molecular mechanisms of action, on the reproductive organs of offspring. This study assessed the effects of moderate (20%) caloric restriction on redox status parameters, molecular expression of sirtuin (SIRT) 1 and SIRT3 and histopathological markers in the ovaries and testes of adult rats that were subjected to gestational caloric restriction. Although enzyme activity was increased, ovaries from female pups contained high levels of oxidants, whereas testes from male pups had decreased antioxidant enzyme defences, as evidenced by diminished glyoxalase I activity and reduced glutathione content. Expression of SIRT3, a deacetylase enzyme related to cellular bioenergetics, was increased in both ovaries and testes. Previous studies have suggested that, in ovaries, diminished antioxidant metabolism can lead to premature ovarian failure. Unfortunately, there is little information regarding the redox profile in the testis. This study is the first to assess the redox network in both ovaries and testes, suggesting that, although intrauterine caloric restriction improves molecular mechanisms, it has a negative effect on the antioxidant network and redox status of reproductive organs of young adult rats.

Estenose ureteral após cistectomia radical associada à ureterostomia cutânea abdominal: relato de caso

RESUMO O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar a realização de cistectomia total associada à ureterostomia abdominal, uma técnica ainda pouco descrita na veterinária, bem como descrever as complicações pós-operatórias observadas. Um canino da raça Akita, macho, 11 anos, castrado, foi atendido com histórico de prostração, hiporexia, disúria, hematúria e incontinência urinária havia aproximadamente 10 dias. No exame clínico, foi observada leve algia abdominal; demais parâmetros estavam dentro da normalidade. Os exames complementares de imagem revelaram presença de massa envolvendo grande parte da vesícula urinária. O paciente foi submetido à cirurgia de cistectomia total associada à implantação cutânea abdominal dos ureteres, e o exame histopatológico chegou ao diagnóstico de carcinoma de células de transicionais (CCT) infiltrativo não papilar. No pós-operatório, o paciente desenvolveu dermatite urêmica leve no local de inserção dos ureteres e estenose ureteral em região distal, de maneira que reintervenções cirúrgicas foram necessárias para a correção. Além disso, observaram-se pielonefrite e hidronefrose secundárias ao quadro obstrutivo. Devido às complicações pós-operatórias, a tutora optou pela eutanásia do cão. Dessa maneira, conclui-se que a estenose ureteral e a pielonefrite são possíveis complicações da técnica de cistectomia associada à implantação abdominal dos ureteres.

De Mello's Single Incision for Combined Liver-kidney Transplantation, Keeping the Kidney Retroperitoneal: A Case Report

The combined liver-kidney transplantation (cLKT) is the procedure of choice for patients with end-stage liver and kidney disease. In cLKT we can usually accommodate the grafts in two different ways, varying the kidney placement. The retroperitoneal kidney implant has some advantages, such as the easy access or avoiding vascular complications. We propose a new single incision, not yet reported, maintaining an extraperitoneal kidney, with excellent surgical field for cLKT and possible reduction of the impact of wound complications.

Morphological study of the eggs and nymphs of Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille, 1811) observed by light and scanning electron microscopy (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)

Eggs and nymphs of Triatoma dimidiata were described using both light and scanning electron microscopy. The egg body and operculum have an exochorion formed by irregular juxtaposed polygonal cells; these cells are without sculpture and the majority of them are hexagonal in shape. The five instars of T. dimidiatacan be distinguished from each other by characteristics of the pre, meso and metanotum. The number of setiferous tubercles increases progressively among instars. The sulcus stridulatorium of 1st instar nymphs is amorphous, showing median parallel grooves; from the 2nd instar on the sulcus is, progressively, elongate, deep and posteriorly pointed with stretched parallel grooves. All instars have a trichobothrium on the apical 1/3 of segment II of the antenna. The opening of the Brindley's gland is on the mesopleura. Fifth instar nymphs have an apical ctenidium on the ventral surface of the fore tibia. Dorsal glabrous patches are found on the lateral 1/3 of abdomen. Bright oval patches are found on the ventral median line of the abdomen, from segment IV-VI; 1st instar nymphs lack these patches. Abdominal dorsal plates are present from the 1st-5th instars; the 1st instar also contains a rectangular plate in segment IX. From the 2nd instar on, variably-shaped plates are present on segments VII to IX. Morphometric data were also obtained and proved to be useful for distinguishing T. dimidiata instars.

Prevalence of anti-tuberculosis drug resistance in an HIV/AIDS reference hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

SETTING

A reference hospital for tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) with a TB control programme in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs and to identify associated factors.

DESIGN

In a cross-sectional study, clinical and laboratory data were collected retrospectively from 2001 to 2005. Patients with isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and available drug susceptibility tests were considered eligible. Data on demographic characteristics, risk factors for resistance, HIV serology and past TB history were collected and analysed by chi(2) Mann-Whitney test and Poisson regression.

RESULTS

We analysed 350 treatments, of which 62 were for patients with previous TB. HIV status was positive in 31.2% of cases. Resistance was found in 15.7% and multidrug resistance (MDR) in 4.3% of cases. Previous treatment (P < 0.001) and relapse within 2 years were associated with resistance (P < 0.03). Pulmonary cavities were associated with MDR (P < 0.001). Homelessness was associated with any resistance in newly diagnosed patients (P < 0.01). Working in a hospital was not associated with resistance.

CONCLUSION

Suspicion of drug-resistant disease is necessary in patients with a history of previous TB in hospitals in Rio de Janeiro. The implementation of an effective hospital TB control programme can prevent transmission even in high TB prevalence settings.

Efficacy and safety of fluvastatin, a new HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, in elderly hypercholesterolaemic women

This multicentre open 6-week study evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of fluvastatin, the first fully synthetic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitor, in elderly women with type IIa hypercholesterolaemia. After a 4-week single-blind placebo period, 22 elderly women (mean age 68 +/- 5 years) with primary hypercholesterolaemia [low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol > 160 mg/dl] were enrolled in the trial. Fluvastatin 40 mg was administered once in the evening. At baseline, and after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoproteins B (apo B) and A-I (apo A-I) were measured. Safety and tolerability were assessed by monitoring routine laboratory parameters and by recording spontaneously reported side effects. The mean (+/- SD) baseline total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, apo B and apo A-I levels were 325 +/- 43, 236 +/- 43, 128 +/- 56, 61 +/- 16, 221 +/- 60 and 164 +/- 28 mg/dl, respectively. After 6 weeks, fluvastatin significantly (p < 0.001, ANOVA test) reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and apo B levels by 22%, 29% and 23%, respectively. These significant reductions were already reached at week 3 (total cholesterol, -21%; LDL cholesterol, -27%). The total cholesterol: HDL cholesterol ratio was reduced by 22% at week 3 and by 21% at week 6 (from 5.3 to 4.2). 78% of the patients showed a reduction > or = 20% for LDL cholesterol. Triglycerides were reduced by 16% (not significant).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Selenium status and effect of selenium supplementation in a group of elderly women

Plasma selenium was determined in 92 elderly women: a marked decrease was observed from the age of 65 years. Se-status in 20 elderly women was explored by investigation of the effects of 30 days' Se-supplementation with enriched tablets (Selevit-E) 66 micrograms per day. Serial determination was performed for Se plasma, e-GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase), MDA (malondialdehyde) and Vitamin E. Significant changes were observed in Se, e-GSH-Px and MDA.