Effect of Pcbs (Aroclor 1254) on spermatogenesis In Testis Of Mouse

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, synthetic chemicals which do not occur naturally in the environment. PCBs are considered potential endocrine disruptors. They are estrogen-like and anti-androgenic chemicals in the environment contain potentially hazardous effects on male reproductive axis resulting in infertility and other hormonal dependent reproductive functions. These toxic substance cause alteration of the endocrine systems, mimic natural hormones and inhibit the action of hormones. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on testicular development of male reproductive system in mice. The male mice were randomly assigned to five groups with each group comprising twenty-one members. In those mice were administered 0 μg/kg (control group) and 0.5, 5, 50, 500 μg/kg Aroclor 1254 (treated group) by gavages three time per week. Treatment was carried out for 50 days after which the mouse was sacrificed and the body weight, testicular weight; epedidymis weight, sperm mortality, sperm count and sperm abnormality were taken. However, there was no significant difference in testicular/body weight and epididymis/body weight ratio in treated group compared with the control group. According to the analysis of sperm quality, Aroclor 1254 treated group demonstrated significant increased in sperm mortality in 500 μg/kg; decreased the sperm count in 0.5 μg/kg, 5 μg/kg, 50 μg/kg and 500 μg/kg; and significantly elevate the sperm abnormality in 50 μg/kg and 500 μg/kg compared to the control in a dose-dependent manner. The sex hormone levels in the testes were detected by radio-immunoassay (RIA) method. The levels of testosterone and 17β-estradiol did not reveal significant alteration (p< 0.05) in PCBs treated groups compared to the control in a dose-dependent manner. The testis were obtained and subjected to routine histopathology following exposure to PCBs in supplement diet. The diameter of the seminiferous tubule and the number of Sertoli cells in the treated group increased significantly (p< 0.05) in comparison to the control group. For the spermatogenic cell, the number of germ cell in high concentration decreased significantly (p< 0.05). However, spermatogonia cells in PCB treated group showed non-significant difference (p< 0.05) compared to the control. vii Western blot analysis was used to determine the level of protein between the control and treated group. The level of Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was determined and the results have shown no significant alteration between the treated groups and the control. the level of sex hormone receptor (ER α/β); Androgen receptor (AR) were identified in the testes to detect the proliferative effect induced by PCBs. Statistical analyses of AR, ER α and ER β did not reveal significant difference between the control and the treated groups. In the present study, we continue to investigate adverse effect of Aroclor 1254 and their mechanism on spermatogenesis. The result of Sperm quality and histopathology showed that Aroclor 1254 at low concentration induce inhibitory effect on testicular function of male mouse.

Assistência de Enfermagem ao Recém-Nascido pré-termo na Unidade Terapia Intensiva - Neonatal

Este trabalho cuja temática é a Assistência de Enfermagem ao Recém-nascido pré-termo na Unidade Terapia Intensiva Neonatal, no Hospital Baptista de Sousa, em que, esta assistência de enfermagem é uma competência diária da parte dos enfermeiros na prestação dos cuidados prestados aos Recém-nascidos Pré-termo, de modo a vir a contribuir para a melhoria da saúde. Nos últimos tempos reparou-se com um aumento de Recém-nascidos Pré-termo no referido Hospital, desta forma, considerou-se pertinente em desenvolver o estudo, tendo como objetivo principal compreender a assistência de Enfermagem ao RNPT. No entanto para dar resposta ao estudo foram considerados outros aspetos não menos importantes, tais como: Conhecer as intervenções de enfermagem, verificar a incidência do RNPT, e identificar a relação entre os recursos existentes no serviço e a qualidade de assistência de Enfermagem prestada. Trata-se, de um estudo exploratório descritivo com abordagem qualitativa realizado na UTIN do Hospital Baptista de Sousa. Participaram no estudo quatro enfermeiros que atuam neste serviço, sendo os dados colhidos com base numa entrevista semiestruturada e submetido, posteriormente a uma análise de conteúdo. As respostas obtidas demostram que os enfermeiros reconhecem a importância da assistência de Enfermagem ao RNPT no Serviço de Neonatologia. Concluiu-se, que a maior dificuldade em cuidar do RNPT é falta de recursos matérias e enfermeiros especializados na área, ou mesmo uma curta formação em Neonatologia. Isto constitui o principal obstáculo à assistência.