Carboplatin delays mammary cancer 4T1 growth in mice

Carboplatin is commonly used to treat a variety of tumors. We investigated the effects of carboplatin (100 mg/kg) in the development and metastatic dissemination of the 4T1 mice mammary carcinoma. Carboplatin was able to reduce tumor volume and the number of lung metastases in 50% compared to the control animals. Mitotic and apoptotic indices were also decreased by the treatment. Assessment of the vascularization of the tumors revealed a significant decrease in blood vessel formation by carboplatin. A decrease in nuclear positivity of CDC47 and cyclin D1 was observed in the group treated with carboplatin when compared to the control group. Positivity for p53 was observed in the control group (2/28; 5%) and the treated group (5/71; 4%). Carboplatin has been demonstrated to be an efficient regulator of 4T1MMT growth and dissemination. The action of this chemotherapeutic agent seems to be related to the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of angiogenesis and cell proliferation.     

Evaluation of Schistosomiasis Mansoni Morbidity by Hepatic and Splenic Elastography

In patients with Mansoni schistosomiasis, it is fundamental to evaluate the disease morbidity, which is reflected by the severity of periportal fibrosis (PPF) and parameters of portal hypertension, as analyzed by ultrasonography (US). This study aimed to evaluate the morbidity of schistosomiasis by hepatic and splenic point shear-wave elastography (pSWE) and relate this to US parameters. The PPF pattern, the diameter of the portal and splenic veins and the size of the spleen were evaluated by US. Then, liver and spleen pSWEs were assessed in 74 patients using the same equipment. As the PPF pattern progressed, the splenic pSWE values significantly increased. Significant correlations between splenic pSWE, the longitudinal and transverse lengths of the spleen and the diameters of the portal and splenic veins were observed. These findings, however, were not observed through hepatic pSWE. In conclusion, the splenic pSWE has the potential for assessing morbidity in schistosomiasis mansoni.     

Surgical-site infection risk in oncologic digestive surgery

Surgical-site infection (SSI) is the most prevalent type of hospital infection in surgical patients and is associated with an increase in hospital stay, costs and morbidity/lethality. The knowledge of the main risk factors for this type of infection is important for the establishment of prevention measures regarding modifiable risks factors. The objective of the preset study was to assess the occurrence of SSI and study the risk factors in oncologic surgeries of the digestive system at Hospital de Câncer in Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil. Individuals undergoing oncologic surgeries of the digestive system in the period of 08/01/2007 to 08/10/2008 were prospectively followed for 30 days after surgery. Possible risk factors related to the patient and to the surgical procedure were also studied. A total of 210 surgeries were analyzed, with a global SSI incidence of 23.8%. The following variables were independently associated with SSI: time and type of surgery, radiotherapy before surgery and surgeon's years of experience. The risk factors found in this study have been described by other authors and are not amenable to intervention for SSI prevention. Further studies are recommended with the objective of investigating interventions that could reduce the risk for SSI in this type of surgery.     

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and coronary artery dissection or aneurysm: a systematic review

Importance Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) has been associated with cardiovascular abnormalities such as intracranial and aortic aneurysms. Objective To systematically review the case reports and case series of ADPKD patients with coronary artery dissection or aneurysm. Evidence review Systematic review registration number: CRD42015015723. Data sources: MEDLINE, Web of Science and OpenGrey, reference lists of studies. Study selection: Published case reports and case series. Data extraction: Two parties analyzed the studies. Disagreements were solved by consensus or by a third party. Funding: none. Findings The reports of 23 patients (22 from 17 studies – six with coronary artery dissection and 16 with coronary artery aneurysm – and one with coronary dissection) were analyzed and reported here. Most patients were symptomatic. Coronary dissection showed female and left descending anterior artery predominance, features similar to non-ADPKD patients, but a median diagnostic age below expected (41 vs. 50 years old). Coronary aneurysms had male and right coronary artery predominance but lower median diagnostic age (44 years old) and higher rate of multiple vessel affection than reported for non-ADPKD patients. Conclusion and relevance Clinical disparities may suggest a different mechanism of aneurysm formation compared to the population without ADPKD. Nevertheless, lack of access to data of one patient and text of one article limited our conclusions. Coronary aneurysms and dissections represent a source of coronary syndromes and death in ADPKD. Mutation of ADPKD-related genes may predispose to coronary abnormalities, especially aneurysms. Further analysis regarding this association is necessary.     

Anti-inflammatory effect of low-intensity laser on the healing of third-degree burn wounds in rats

Third-degree burn wounds are considered severe injuries because they destroy all the skin layers and may affect subcutaneous tissues, fasciae, muscles, and bones. To favor the healing process of the injured tissues, it is very useful to diminish the occurrence of the inflammatory process. The present study was aimed at comparing the effect of different energetic densities of AlGaInP laser on the inflammatory process and in the healing of third-degree burn wounds in Wistar rats. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee, in which 36 adult male rats were selected and suffered the induction of third-degree burn injury. These rats were divided as follows: group 1—control (treated with silver sulfadiazine), group 2—received energy density of 3 J/cm², and group 3—received energy density of 6 J/cm². All animals daily received an occlusive bandage with silver sulfadiazine and 8 % papain. The laser therapy was performed alternatively three times a week. The animals were evaluated on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days after the initial lesion and euthanized for the macroscopic, histologic, and morphometric analysis. A higher production of collagen was observed at 7 days and a greater re-epithelialization at 21 days in group 3 (6 J/cm²). Furthermore, the latter when compared to the other groups presented macroscopically a better aspect of the scar at 21 days with more granulation tissue and fibrosis. We conclude that the AlGaInP laser used in dosages of 3 and 6 J/cm² favors the healing of third-degree burn wounds induced in rats.     

Seasonal analysis and acaricidal activity of the thymol-type essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum and its major constituents against Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

Parasitology Research - The tick Rhipicephalus microplus affects cattle health, with production loss in tropical and subtropical regions. Moreover, the use of commercial acaricides has been reduced...     

Cutaneous larva migrans on the scalp: atypical presentation of a common disease

Cutaneous larva migrans is a pruritic dermatitis due to the inoculation of helminths larvae in the skin, and it often occurs in children in tropical and subtropical areas. The authors describe an atypical case of cutaneous larva migrans in a 11 year-old child with scalp involvement, an unusual topography for this lesion.