Early manifestation of nephropathy in rats with arterial calcinosis

In vascular smooth muscle, calcium overload is a highly pathogenic event, which increases with advancing age. An increase in the calcium content of arterial wall may be produced in rats by treatment with vitamin D3. The aim of this study was to evaluate the renal clearance of sulfanilamide (a model organic anion, preferentially eliminated by the kidneys) and other parameters of global renal function in rats with arterial calcinosis. Arterial calcinosis was produced in adult rats by means of a single dose of vitamin D3 (300,000 UI/kg bw, i.m.) 5 days before the experiment. Treated rats showed a large increase in calcium content of aortic tissue and an increase in systolic arterial pressure. No modifications were observed in plasma calcium levels and in plasma lipid profiles. Statistically significant decrements were observed in renal clearance of sulfanilamide, in renal blood flow, in fractional excretion of sodium and potassium. A slight decrease, not statistically different, was observed in the glomerular filtration rate. Rats with arterial calcinosis also showed an increment of total calcium levels in renal tissue, in fractional excretion of calcium and in the expression of organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1). Histological studies revealed tubular alterations. In summary, modifications in hemodynamics and tubular parameters are early manifestations of nephropathy in rats with arterial calcinosis, some of which may account for the changes observed in organic anions renal depuration. It is important to mention that the decrease in clearance of organic anions were seen in spite of the increase in expression of OAT1.     

Compensation increase in organic anion excretion in rats with acute biliary obstruction: role of the renal organic anion transporter 1

The purpose of the present study was to examine in rats the effects of acute bile duct ligation on the expression of the organic anion transporter 1 in the kidney and the consequences of these effects on the systemic clearance of organic anions, particularly on P-aminohippurate (PAH) clearance, since it has been viewed as the prototypic organic anion. Male Wistar rats underwent bile duct ligation (BDL rats). Pair-fed sham-operated rats served as controls. All studies were carried out 21 h after surgery. Our data revealed that BDL rats had a higher expression of organic transporter 1 protein in kidney cortex homogenates. Accordingly, systemic clearance of PAH and urinary excretion of PAH were both higher in BDL rats. These findings suggest that impairment of the liver function after BDL is followed by a distinct and statistically significant increase in renal excretion of PAH, indicating a possible compensation mechanism.     

Clinical and histologic characteristics of breast cancers in women with previous pathologic diagnosis of benign breast disease in Spain

Women with a benign breast disease (BBD) have an increased risk of subsequent breast carcinoma. Information is scarce regarding the characteristics of breast carcinomas diagnosed after a BBD. Our aim was to point out the differences in clinical and histologic characteristics of breast carcinomas diagnosed in women with and without a previous pathologic diagnosis of BBD in the context of population‐based mammography screening. Retrospective cohort study of all women aged 50‐69 years who were screened at least once in a population‐based screening program in Spain, between 1994 and 2011 and followed up until December 2012. The mean follow‐up was 6.1 years. We analyzed 6645 breast carcinomas, of whom 238 had a previous pathologic diagnosis of BBD. Information on clinical and histologic characteristics was collected from pathology reports. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) of occurrence of selected histologic characteristics of breast carcinomas in women with and without a previous BBD. Women with a previous BBD had a higher proportion of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) compared with women without a BBD (22.1% and 13.6%, respectively). Among those diagnosed with an invasive breast carcinoma, women with previous BBD were more likely to be diagnosed with carcinomas sized >2 cm (OR = 1.46; 95%CI = 1.03‐2.08), metastatic positive (OR = 2.66; 95%CI = 1.21‐5.86), and with a high Ki‐67 proliferation rate (OR = 1.93; 95%CI = 1.24‐2.99). No differences were found across histologic subtypes of BBD. Screening participants with a previous pathologic diagnosis of BBD had a higher proportion of DCIS. However, invasive carcinomas detected in women with a BBD were associated with clinical and histologic characteristics conferring a worst prognosis.     

Aeromonas hemolytic uremic syndrome. A case and a review of the literature

Although rarely, hemolytic uremic syndrome can be induced by Aeromonas. We report a case in a 40-year-old Spanish female produced by Aeromonas veronii bv. sobria and review the previous cases described in the literature. This is the 2nd case described in adults.     

The marine toxin dinophysistoxin-2 induces differential apoptotic death of rat cerebellar neurons and astrocytes.

Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxins of algal origin are frequent contaminants of coastal waters and seafood. The potential risk for human health due to the continuous presence of these toxins in food has not been clearly established. We have used cerebellar primary cultures to investigate the effects of the DSP toxin dinophysistoxin-2 (DTX-2) on central nervous system neurons and glial cells. Exposure to DTX-2 produced neurotoxicity at concentrations starting at 2.5 nM, characterized first by disintegration of neurites and later by cell death. DTX-2-induced neurodegeneration required long exposures (at least 20 h), involved DNA fragmentation and condensation and fragmentation of chromatin, typical hallmarks of apoptosis, and required the synthesis of new proteins. The concentration that reduced by 50% the maximum neuronal survival after 24 h exposure to DTX-2 (EC50(24)) was approximately 8 nM. Morphology and viability of glial cells remained unaffected up to at least 15 nM DTX-2. Higher concentrations of the toxin caused strong shrinkage of glial cell bodies and retraction of processes, and a significant reduction of glial cell viability. Glial toxicity by DTX-2 involved typical apoptotic condensation and fragmentation of chromatin. Compared to neurons, the effect on glial cells was a much shorter process, and extensive glial degeneration and death occurred after 7 h exposure to DTX-2 (EC50(7) approximately 50 nM; EC50(24) approximately 30 nM). Although further experiments are needed to confirm these toxic actions in vivo, our in vitro data suggest that chronic exposure to amounts of DSP toxins below the current safety regulatory limits may represent a risk for human health that should be taken into consideration.     

Impacto de la utilización de stents colónicos como puente a la cirugía de neoplasias colorrectales oclusivas potencialmente curables sobre los resultados quirúrgicos y oncológicos

Introduction

The outcomes of patients treated with colonic stents as a bridge to surgery (BTS) have recently been questioned in terms of safety and long-term oncologic outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects on surgical and oncologic outcomes of colonic stents as a BTS for potentially resectable obstructive colorectal cancer.

Evaluation of Safety Management and Leadership Training Using Mobile Technologies among Logging Supervisors

ABSTRACT

Background: Logging is recognized as one of the most dangerous industries in the United States (US), ranking among those with the highest occupational injury and fatality rates. Although logging operations in the Southeastern US have lower rates of injuries and fatalities compared to other regions of the US, due in part to the use of large machinery to fell timber as opposed to chainsaw felling, safety hazards continue to persist. The hazards present in the logging cut sites in which loggers operate may result in worker injury, illness, or fatality. Our objective was to develop, deliver, and evaluate a safety management and leadership training among logging contractors and supervisors using mobile tablets as a personal learning environment.

Methods: A safety leadership and management training vignette was developed based on previously collected focus group needs assessment data. A non-random sample of 31 male logging supervisors received the safety leadership and management training on a mobile tablet. Kirkpatrick Levels 1, 2, and 3 training effectiveness evaluations were performed.

Results: A statistically significant large effect size suggests safety knowledge was gained among training participants when comparing post-test scores to pre-test scores (Level-2). Participants rated their training experience favorably (Level-1), and applied knowledge gained from the training throughout their weekly work activities three months after training (Level-3).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest the utilization of mobile learning techniques can be an effective means to deliver safety management and leadership training content to logging contractors and supervisors. Future trainings should be linguistically and literacy-level appropriate, as well as comprehensive in nature, including meaningful and relevant content. Our observations support the use of mobile devices as just one component of a more comprehensive health and safety management program for workers in the logging industry.