Gene expression and protein localization of TLR-1, -2, -4 and -6 in amniochorion membranes of pregnancies complicated by histologic chorioamnionitis

Objectives: To determine whether histologic chorioamnionitis is associated with changes in gene expression of TLR-1, -2, -4 and -6, and to describe the localization of these receptors in fetal membranes. Study design: A total of 135 amniochorion membranes with or without histologic chorioamnionitis from preterm or term deliveries were included. Fragments of membranes were submitted to total RNA extraction. RNA was reverse transcribed and the quantification of TLRs expression measured by real time PCR. Results: All amniochorion membranes expressed TLR-1 and TLR-4, whereas 99.1% of membranes expressed TLR-2 and 77.4% expressed TLR-6. TLR-1 and TLR-2 expressions were significantly higher in membranes with histologic chorioamnionitis as compared to membranes without chorioamnionitis in preterm pregnancies (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). Among the membranes of term pregnancies there were no differences in the expressions of such receptors regardless of inflammatory status. Regarding TLR-4 and TLR-6 expression, there was no difference among membranes with or without histologic chorioamnionitis, regardless gestational age at delivery. TLR-1, TLR-2, TLR-4 and TLR-6 expressions were observed in amniotic epithelial, chorionic and decidual cells. Conclusion: Amniochorion membranes express TLR-1, TLR-2, TLR-4 and TLR-6 and increased expression of TLR-1 and TLR-2 is related to the presence of histologic chorioamnionitis in preterm pregnancies. This study provides further evidence that amniochorion membranes act as a mechanical barrier to microorganisms and as components of the innate immune system. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inclusion complex of S(-) bupivacaine and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin: study of morphology and cytotoxicity

Local anesthetics (LA) belong to a class of pharmacological compounds that attenuate or eliminate pain by binding to the sodium channel of excitable membranes, blocking the influx of sodium ions and the propagation of the nerve impulse. S (-) bupivacaine (S(-) bvc) is a local anesthetic of amino-amide type, widely used in surgery and obstetrics for sustained peripheral and central nerve blockade. This article focuses on the characterization of an inclusion complex of S(-) bvc in 2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD). Differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and X-Ray diffraction analysis showed structural changes in the complex. In preliminary toxicity studies, the cell viability tests revealed that the inclusion complex decreased the toxic effect (p<0.001) produced by S(-) bvc. These results suggest that the S(-) bvc:HP-ß-CD inclusion complex represents a promising agent for the treatment of regional pain. Keywords: S(-) bupivacaine; cyclodextrin; inclusion complex.

Vanadium-doped TiO2 anatase nanostructures: the role of V in solid solution formation and its effect on the optical properties

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Epigenetic and expression analysis of TRAIL-R2 and BCL2: on the TRAIL to knowledge of apoptosis in ovarian tumors

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in pregnant and non-pregnant women

Objectives: To evaluate if the prevalence of cervical smear results varies between pregnant and nonpregnant women stratified by age group.Study design: Observational analytical study with a total sample of 1,336,180 pregnant and nonpregnant women, aged between 20 and 34 years, who underwent cervical cancer screening in the Primary Health Care of the national health system in the area of Campinas in Brazil during the period of 2005-2009. The source is the information system for cervical cancer screening. Data collected on abnormal cervical smears were analyzed using the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test and the magnitude of the association between pregnancy and high-grade squamous epithelial lesions was analyzed by odds ratio (OR) and estimated values with confidence intervals (CI) of 95%.Results: 15,190 pregnant women and 395,961 non-pregnant women were analyzed and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Regardless of age, no statistical differences were observed for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion prevalence (OR 0.90; CI 0.66-1.23). Taking into account the five-year age groups, however, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion was less prevalent in pregnant women aged 20-24 (OR 0.71; 0.54-0.95) and 25-29 years (OR 0.56; 0.35-0.89); also, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance was more prevalent in non-pregnant women aged 25-29 years (OR 0.72; 0.54-0.97).Conclusion: The study showed that the cytological prevalence of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion was similar in pregnant and non-pregnant women, regardless of age. The results indicate that there are no reasons for specific approaches to cervical cancer screening for pregnant women. The examination should be carried out only on pregnant women who have not been tested according to current recommendations. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pentraxin-3 concentration in the amniotic fluid of women at term, in spontaneous preterm labor and when not in labor

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

B-mode Ultrasound and Doppler Mode for Early-stage Pregnancy Diagnosis in Shi-Tzu Bitches

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Results of screening for cervical cancer among pregnant and non-pregnant women in Brazil

Objective: To compare cervical cytology test results among pregnant and non-pregnant women, and to assess associations with age, screening history, and onset of sexual intercourse. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of cervical smears obtained from women aged 18-34 years in the Campinas region of Brazil between January 2000 and December 2009. Eligible participants had not undergone cytological screening within the previous year and had no history of precursor lesions or cervical cancer. Multinomial logistic regression was performed for different age groups, with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) as the endpoint. Results: Overall, 3072 (0.4%) of 861 353 non-pregnant women and 135 (0.4%) of 37 568 pregnant women had HSILs. Odds of HSIL among pregnant and non-pregnant women did not differ in any age group. An increased age at first sexual intercourse among pregnant women reduced odds of HSILs in all age groups (odds ratio 0.9 [95% confidence interval 0.8-0.9] for all). Among women aged 21-24 years, 25-29 years, and 30-34 years, some associations were identified between an interval of less than 5 years since previous screening and reduced odds of HSILs. Conclusion: Mandatory cervical cytology screening does not seem to be necessary for pregnant women; protocols in place for non-pregnant women should be followed. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. on behalf of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Depression and anxiety in pregnant women with diabetes or mild hyperglycemia

A number of physical and psychological changes that occur during pregnancy can stimulate the development of psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. The study evaluated psychological aspects related to maternal depression and anxiety in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia, contrasting the results with those of non-diabetic pregnant women. In a prospective and longitudinal approach, two questionnaires were applied and validated for use in Brazil, the Beck depression inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The questionnaires were applied to pregnant women at the first prenatal visit or at the time of disease diagnosis (T1) and reapplied at admission for delivery (T2). Regardless of the degree of hyperglycemia, both at first and in the second stage most women had severe anxiety trait. In early pregnancy (T1), however, severe state anxiety was more frequent in women with hyperglycemia than in those from the NG group. Most pregnant women showed moderate state anxiety over their pregnancy, regardless of glycemic status. In early pregnancy, however, severe state anxiety was more prevalent in hyperglycemic women than in those with normal glycemic status. Most women showed moderate trait anxiety and mild depression in both early and late pregnancy, irrespective of glycemic status. The incidence of severe state anxiety in early pregnancy is more frequent in women with diabetes or hyperglycemia, but their levels of trait anxiety and depression are not affected by glycemic status.