Effects of maternal hypothyroidism on the weight and thyroid hormone content of rat embryonic tissues, before and after onset of fetal thyroid function

Embryonic tissues were obtained from normal (C) and thyroidectomized (T) rats between 9 and 21 days of pregnancy. We determined the number and weight, as well as the T4 and T3 contents (RIA), of 9- to 12-day-old embryotrophoblasts, of 13- to 21-day-old embryos and placentas, and of liver, lung, and brain from 20- and 21-day-old fetuses. T4 and T3 were found in all samples obtained from C dams, both before and after onset of fetal thyroid function. Despite low levels of both iodothyronines in fetal plasma near term, their concentrations in fetal brain and lung had reached half the maternal values. The T3/T4 ratio in fetal organs was the same, or higher, than in adult rats. Maternal thyroidectomy resulted in a marked decrease of the number and individual weights of viable conceptuses, throughout gestation. Fetal organ weights near term were also decreased, and changes were found in brain DNA and protein concentrations. T4 and T3 were undetectable in all embryotrophoblasts, embryos and placentas obtained from T dams before onset of fetal thyroid secretion. They were still markedly reduced in 21-day-old placentas. Total extrathyroidal contents of T3 and T4 in 20- and 21-day-old fetuses from T dams were also low as compared to those from normal mothers, but individual organs were not affected to the same degree. Thus concentrations were decreased in the carcass (whole embryo minus the trachea + thyroid + liver + lung + brain), but normal in the brain. These results show that maternal hypothyroidism is accompanied by thyroid hormone deficiency of the conceptus before the fetal thyroid functions. After this, alterations of T4 and T3 concentrations persist until term. Development is also delayed. Thus, adverse effects of maternal hypothyroidism may be due, at least in part, to the thyroid hormone deficiency of the embryonic tissues, and not only to the hypothyroid condition of the mother.     

Can visceral leishmaniasis be eliminated from Asia?

Data on the burden of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Indian sub-continent are vital for elimination programme planners for estimating resource requirements, effective implementation and monitoring of elimination programme. In Indian sub-continent, about 200 million population is at risk of VL. Nearly 25,000-40,000 cases and 200-300 deaths are reported every year, but these are grossly underestimates. Recent well-designed multicentric studies identified VL burden of 21 cases/10,000 among sampled population in Indian sub-continent (Bangladesh, India and Nepal). This estimates 4,20,000 cases per 200 million risk population clearly indicating that the disease is highly under-reported. Chemical and environmental vector control studies show that the indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are effective and significantly reduce sandfly densities. The findings documented from different sources revealed that some gaps and weakness in existing policies for introducing VL vector control interventions. Our studies emphasize the need of integrated vector management with both IRS and LLIN vector control interventions. Active case detection with rK39 strip test as diagnostic tool is the key element for detection of VL cases. The use of oral drug miltefosine for the treatment after assessing feasibility at community level is important. Kala-azar elimination in Indian sub-continent is possible if elimination programmes ensure access to health care and prevention of kala-azar for people at risk with particular attention to the poorest and marginalized groups. The evidence-based policy should be designed that motivates to implement the programmes, which will be cost-effective. Maintaining the acceptable level of incidence requires public awareness, vector control, appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The five pillars of VL elimination strategies identified are: early diagnosis and complete treatment; integrated vector management and vector surveillance; effective disease surveillance through passive and active case detection; social mobilization and building partnerships; and clinical and operational research which need to be re-enforced to effective implementation.     

Maturational effect on physical capacities and anabolic hormones in under-16 elite footballers: a cross-sectional study

Sport Sciences for Health - The purposes of this study were to describe the fitness and hormonal levels according to playing time (PT) (i.e., PT during season less (PT1) or more (PT2) than 50% of...     

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Liver Radioembolization: A Review

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology - Yttrium-90 radioembolization (RE) is a widely used transcatheter intraarterial therapy for patients with unresectable liver cancer. In the last decade,...     

Mitral leaflet geometry perturbations with papillary muscle displacement and annular dilatation: an in-vitro study of ischemic mitral regurgitation

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Perturbations of leaflet geometry are the final end point through which left ventricular (LV) ischemia causes incomplete mitral leaflet closure and resultant mitral regurgitation (MR). Geometric inconsistencies observed with valvular or subvalvular structural alterations raise several questions. METHODS: A new in-vitro LV flexible bag model was developed in order to visualize and analyze leaflet geometric changes under simulated pathological ischemic MR conditions. RESULTS: Papillary muscle (PM) displacement and annular dilatation decreased leaflet coaptation length, leading to significant MR. Symmetrical PM displacement shifted the coaptation line towards the leaflet edges and created central gaps along this line. Asymmetric PM displacement generated diametrically uneven coaptation with a tent-shaped leaflet at the tethered PM side, while the leaflet bulged at the opposite side towards the left atrium. CONCLUSION: Leaflet geometry during systole is affected by subvalvular structures. Asymmetric PM displacement, which may occur in regional or acute myocardial infarction, induces irregular deformation of the leaflet's coaptation line and, as a result, MR at the tethered side. Direct visualization of leaflet perturbation under these simulated pathological conditions may promote understanding of mechanisms present in ischemic MR.     

Gastric antral vascular ectasia:clinical presentation and therapeutic management

The gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) or watermelon stomach is an increasingly recognized cause of persistent upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which has typical endoscopic and histological findings. This disease is most frequent in elderly women, and several associated conditions have been well established. Some patients with severe portal hypertensive gastropathy may have a GAVE like appearence. Nevertheless, a correct diagnosis is relevant in order to choose an appropiate treatment. The objective of the current study is to analyze the clinical features and treatment of a group of patients with GAVE evaluated at our Institution. A review of the current literature was also performed. Six women and three men with GAVE were admitted at the Buenos Aires British Hospital between November 1998 and January 2004. Endoscopic biopsy was performed in eight patients and was consistent with GAVE in all cases. Four patients with chronic anaemia as unique manifestation were successfully treated with iron supplements. Endoscopic treatment was performed in 4 patients, 3 of them were treated with bipolar electrocautery and 1 with argon plasma coagulation. An antrectomy was carried out in the ninth patient. The resolution of the bleeding was observed in all cases with the different therapeutics options used.