Cavo-portal transposition in rat: a new simple model

Background  

Liver transplantation in presence of diffuse portal vein thrombosis is possible by using caval blood as portal inflow, through cavo-portal transposition. However, clinical results are heterogeneous and experimental studies are needed, but similar hemodynamic conditions are difficult to obtain, especially in small animals. Herein we describe a new simple model of cavo-portal transposition in rat.     

Semen analysis and seminal plasma biochemistry in two brothers with familial reciprocal translocation 46,XY,t(8;9)(p10;p10) transmitted by the father

Here we report familial balanced translocation (46,XY,t(8;9)(p10;p10) inherited by two brothers from the father. The first subject, 33 years old, was examined after 3 years of childless marriage. Semen analysis showed severe oligozoospermia, hypomotility and teratozoospermia. His brother, 29 years old, volunteered to join this study. He had not yet tried to start a family. Semen analysis showed dyspermia, but the condition was much less serious than his brother's. In both subjects, the secretory function of the epididymis and the genital tract accessory glands did not seem to be affected by this particular translocation. This case report highlights the importance of cytogenetic analysis in dealing with infertile patients suffering from severe dyspermia apparently sine causa. This is particularly the case when certain Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) programs are recommended, where natural selection of the sperm no longer takes place (e.g. ICSI). The possible risk of an increase in fetal chromosomal abnormalities would suggest genetic counselling in all such situations.     

Incremental Value of Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography over the Two‐Dimensional Technique in the Assessment of Combined Sinus of Valsalva Rupture into the Right Ventricle and Adjacent Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect

We describe the incremental value of live/real time three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography over the 2D technique in the assessment of ruptured right sinus of Valsalva into the right ventricle associated with an adjacent perimembranous ventricular septal defect in an elderly patient.     

Assessment of pulmonary toxicity of MgO nanoparticles in rats

In this study, we have evaluated the pulmonary toxicity of MgO nanoparticles (MgO NPs) in rats following their exposure. NPs in phosphate buffered saline + 1% Tween 80 were exposed via intratracheal instillation at a doses of 1 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg into rat lungs and evaluated for various tissue damage markers like alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and histopathology of lungs at 1, 7, and 30 days of post‐exposure intervals. A dose‐dependant increase in ALP and LDH activity was observed in BAL fluids of rat lungs than sham control at all post‐exposure periods (P <0.05), and a dose‐dependant infiltration of interstitial lymphocytes, peribronchiolar lymphocytic infiltration, and dilated and/or congested vessels at 1 day post‐exposure period, worsened at 1 week period, and were reduced at 1 month at histology, indicating the pulmonary toxicity of MgO NPs. In conclusion, MgO NPs exposure produced a dose‐dependent pulmonary toxicity in rats and was comparable with that of Quartz particles. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 308–314, 2015.     

Safety of Lumbar Puncture Performed on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy

Practice guidelines generally recommend delaying lumbar puncture (LP) in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy, with these recommendations often citing an increased risk of hemorrhagic complications, specifically the development of epidural hematomas. However, no data exist about the risks of performing an LP in the setting of dual antiplatelet therapy and conclusions are often based on data from spinal anesthesia literature. We reviewed the medical records of 100 patients who underwent LP while taking dual antiplatelet therapy. We recorded the number of traumatic and bloody cerebrospinal fluid results as well as the presence of any complications occurring within 3 months of the procedure. Complications requiring imaging or hospitalization were considered serious. The most common complication was back pain, which was reported by 2 patients, only 1 of which was ultimately found to be attributable to the procedure. No serious complications occurred. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was consistent with a traumatic LP, defined as having at least 100 red blood cells per microliter, in 8% of cases. Bloody LP, defined as having 1000 red blood cells per microliter, occurred in 4% of cases. The percentage of traumatic or bloody LPs was within the range reported previously for LPs performed in any setting. Although this is a small study and additional review is necessary, performing LPs in the setting of dual antiplatelet therapy may not pose an increased risk of serious complications.     

Evolution of endodontic medicine: a critical narrative review of the interrelationship between endodontics and systemic pathological conditions

Odontology - Endodontics has gained emphasis in the scientific community in recent years due to the increase in clinical and in animal models studies focused on endodontic medicine, which aims to...     

Nitric oxide/cGMP signaling inhibits TSH-stimulated iodide uptake and expression of thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin mRNA in FRTL-5 thyroid cells.

OBJECTIVE: Nitric oxide (NO) induces morphological and functional alterations in primary cultured thyroid cells. The aim of this paper was to analyze the direct influence of a long-term exposition to NO on parameters of thyroid hormone biosynthesis in FRTL-5 cells. DESIGN: Cells were treated with the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) for 24-72 h. MAIN OUTCOME: SNP (50-500 micromol/L) reduced iodide uptake in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibition of iodide uptake increased progressively with time and matched nitrite accumulation. SNP inhibited thyroperoxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (TG) mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent manner. SNP enhanced 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production. 3',5'-cyclic adenosine phosphate (cAMP) generation was reduced by a high SNP concentration after 48 h. 8-Bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP), a cGMP analog, inhibited iodide uptake as well as TPO and TG mRNA expression. The cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK) inhibitor KT-5823 reversed SNP or 8-Br-cGMP-inhibited iodide uptake. Thyroid-stimulating hormone pretreatment for 24-48 h prevented SNP-reduced iodide uptake although nitrite levels remained unaffected. CONCLUSION: These findings favor a long-term inhibitory role of the NO/cGMP pathway on parameters of thyroid hormone biosynthesis. A novel property of NO to inhibit TPO and TG mRNA expression is supported. The NO action on iodide uptake could involve cGK mediation. The long-term inhibition of steps of thyroid hormonogenesis by NO could be of interest in thyroid pathophysiology.