Synthesis of myelin proteins and ultrastructural investigations in regenerating rat sciatic nerve

Myelin protein synthesis, as well as ultrastructural and morphometric changes in regenerating peripheral nerve, was studied. Sciatic nerves of rats were crushed unilaterally; sham-operated nerves of the contralateral side served as controls. For the in vivo experiments, rats were killed at selected periods after the nerves were crushed (30, 60, 90, and 120 days); seven days prior to killing, the animals were injected intravenously with L-[4,5-3H]leucine. For the in vitro experiments, proximal and distal segments of sciatic nerve and equivalent sham-operated nerves were labeled with 3H-amino acid mixture 90 days after axotomy. Purified myelin was isolated from nerve segments; specific radioactivity and gel electrophoretic patterns of proteins were analyzed. Cross-sectional electron microscope (EM) preparations of proximal, distal, and contralateral segments of nerves also were examined. Results showed that the incorporation of labeled amino acids into total myelin proteins was enhanced significantly in the distal segment of sciatic nerves at all of the periods of regeneration studied. The yield of myelin protein per mm distal nerve segment increased as regeneration proceeded. The remyelination of fibers early after nerve crush was weak, whereas it gradually attained the normal range 90-120 days after axotomy. Morphometric analysis of myelin sheath thickness of regenerating axons was consistent with the data obtained for myelin protein synthesis.     

On the heterogeneity of Purkinje neurons in vertebrates. Cytochemical and morphological studies of chromatin during eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) life cycle

The relationship between the heterogeneity of Purkinje cell chromatin and the functional involvement of cerebellum has been analyzed comparing two stages of eel life cycle (yellow eel and silver eel) which are characterized by a different degree of swimming activity. The DNA content and the chromatin condensation have been studied by means of microdensitometry (Feulgen-DNA, Feulgen-DNA/area), microfluorometry (DNA after intercalation with Propidium Iodide at low and high concentration) and electron microscopy. In the transition from the yellow eel to the silver eel, the Purkinje cell heterogeneity undergoes variations. In the silver eel, which shows a higher swimming activity, high Feulgen-DNA and Propidium Iodide-DNA (H2c to 4c) were more frequent and a greater heterogeneity in the chromatin condensation was observed. In particular, the changes were more evident in the lobus vestibulolateralis; mainly in this area, which receives inputs from the lateral line, the Purkinje cells are scattered in the molecular layer. On the contrary, in the yellow eel these large cells occupy the zone near or within the granular layer. The data suggest a relationship between the degree of heterogeneity of Purkinje cells and the afferent systems of the cerebellar areas examined. The changes of cerebellar cytoarchitectonics may be expression of the higher degree of the swimming activity of silver eel.     

Oxidative Stress and Ventricular Dysfunction in Ischemic Heart Disease

Our knowledge of the pathophysiology of heart failure has advanced far beyond the classic concept of the hemodynamic overload model and associated neurohumoral changes. Current interest lies in understanding the fundamentals of cellular defects to identify new molecular targets for therapies. Some of the new target sites being explored are inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, oxidative stress and apoptosis during the remodelling processes such as cardiac hypertrophy and dilation. The present review provides an overview of the chemistry/biochemistry of free radicals as well as a discussion of some defense mechanisms that have evolved and adapted to combat these toxic oxygen species. The probable role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of heart failure both from animal data and heart failure patients is also presented.     

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire for patients with Bone Metastases: The EORTC QLQ-BM22

AimThe aim of this study was to develop a bone metastases module to supplement the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) or the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL for patients with bone metastases.MethodsPhases 1–2 of module development were conducted in Canada, Australia and Germany according to EORTC QOL group guidelines. Phase 3 was conducted in nine countries in seven languages.ResultsSixty-one health-related quality of life (HRQOL) issues were generated from health care professionals (n = 152) and patients (n = 413). This resulted in a 22-item provisional module. Further testing in 170 patients from nine countries resulted in the EORTC QLQ-BM22 module, containing 22 items, conceptualised into both symptom scales, with five painful sites and three pain characteristics, and also functional scales, with eight functional interference and six psychosocial aspects.ConclusionThis study provides a provisional comprehensive HRQOL measurement tool for future trials, which will continue to undergo further validation.     

Prevention of acute radiation enteritis: efficacy and tolerance of glutamine

Purpose  

Our primary endpoint is to determine the effect of L-glutamine Resource (Nestlé Healthcare Nutrition) in the prevention of induced enteritis after pelvic radiotherapy (RT).     

Attitudes of nurses towards families: validation of the scale Families' Importance in Nursing Care--Nurses Attitudes

The attitudes of nurses towards families determine the care process. With this study, we aimed to obtain an instrument that would allow us to learn about this variable. Hence, our purpose was to perform the cross-cultural adaptation and evaluate the psychometric features of the Portuguese version of the instrument Families' Importance in Nursing Care - Nurses Attitudes (FINC-NA), which aims to evaluate the attitudes of nurses towards the importance of involving the patient's family in the nursing care. The method recommended by the literature was followed. The sample consisted of 136 nurses working in primary health care. The results obtained in the reliability tests showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha=0.87). The psychometric study permits us to state that the Portuguese version of the FINC-NA, which in Portuguese is referred to as A importancia das famílias nos cuidados de enfermagem - atitudes dos enfermeiros (IFCE-AE), is a reliable and valid tool.