Hepatic bleeding induced by streptokinase and heparin in a patient with acute myocardial infarction

Although rare, major bleeding is the most important side effect of thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (Levine et al., 1995). Spontaneous hepatic bleeding in normal liver after thrombolytic administration has rarely been reported in literature. To our knowledge, there are only three cases of hepatic bleeding related to thrombolytic therapy in AMI. In these, the used drugs were anisolylated plasminogen streptokinase activator complex (APSAC) (Garcia-Jiménez et al., 1997; Fox et al., 1991) and rt-PA (Garcia-Jiménez et al., 1997). We report a case of hepatic bleeding after streptokinase followed by units over 60 minutes). The next day, the patient developed third-degree atrioventricular block and a temporary pacemaker was inserted. Twenty-seven hours after streptokinase infusion, the patient complained of refractory chest pain that was interpreted as post-myocardial infarction angina; clotting screen was normal and intravenous heparin was started (80 U/kg followed by 18 U/kg/hour). After four hours of heparin administration, the patient presented abdominal pain and distension, and his blood pressure and hematocrit level dropped. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed free fluid in the peritoneal cavity (about 3,000 mL). A laparotomy disclosed blood in the abdominal cavity with bleeding from the right lateral hepatic segment, which was removed. The remaining abdominal viscera were normal and there was no other evidence of hemorrhage. The partial liver resection presented subcapsular hemorrhage with small parenchymal hemorrhage. Histopathological examination also revealed focal areas of ischemic centrilobular necrosis. The patient died of multiple organ system failure 21 days after admission. Copyright © 2002 By PJD Publications Limited.

Growth hormone mRNA expression in the pituitary of Bos indicus and Bos taurus x Bos indicus crossbred young bulls treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin

The effects of breed and of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) treatment on growth hormone gene expression were studied in young bulls. The experiment was completely randomized in a [2 × 2]-factorial arrangement, using two levels of rbst (0 or 250 mg/animal/14 days), and two breed groups (Nelore and Simmental x Nelore crossbred). A CDNA encoding Bos indicus growth hormone was cloned and sequenced for use as a probe in Northern and dot blot analyses. Compared to the Bos taurus structural gene, the Bos indicus CDNA was found to begin 21 bases downstream from the transcription initiation site and had only two discrepancies (C to T at position 144-His and T to C at position 354-Phe), without changes in the polypeptide sequence. However, two amino acid substitutions were found for Bubalus spp., which belong to the same tribe. The rbst treatment did not change any of the characteristics evaluated (body and pituitary gland weights, growth hormone MRNA expression level). Crossbred animals had significantly higher body weight and heavier pituitaries than Nelore cattle. Pituitary weight was proportional to body weight in both breed groups. Growth hormone MRNA expression in the pituitary was similar (P>0.075) for both breed and hormonal treatment groups, but was 31.9% higher in the pure Nelore group, suggesting that growth hormone gene transcription regulation differs among these breeds.

Kinetics and crystal structure of human purine nucleoside phosphorylase in complex with 7-methyl-6-thio-guanosine

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) catalyzes the reversible phosphorolysis of nucleosides and deoxynucleosides, generating ribose 1-phosphate and the purine base, which is an important step of purine catabolism pathway. The lack of such an activity in humans, owing to a genetic disorder, causes T-cell impairment, and drugs that inhibit this enzyme may have the potential of being utilized as modulators of the immunological system to treat leukemia, autoimmune diseases, and rejection in organ transplantation. Here, we describe kinetics and crystal structure of human PNP in complex with 7-methyl-6-thio-guanosine, a synthetic substrate, which is largely used in activity assays. Analysis of the structure identifies different protein conformational changes upon ligand binding, and comparison of kinetic and structural data permits an understanding of the effects of atomic substitution on key positions of the synthetic substrate and their consequences to enzyme binding and catalysis. Such knowledge may be helpful in designing new PNP inhibitors. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Root surface treatment with vitamin C in tooth replantation: microscopic study in rats

AIM: Late tooth replantation is a worthy procedure, especially in growing patients, being the best option for tooth avulsion. This study evaluated the effects of root surface treatment with 2% acidulated phosphate sodium fluoride and effervescent vitamin C (Redoxon) in late replantation. METHODS: Twenty rat teeth (Rattus norvegicus, albinus, Wistar) were extracted and left on a table for 6 h. Then, the dental papilla and enamel organ were sectioned and the pulp was removed through the apex. After removal of the periodontal ligament with a blade, the animals were divided into 2 groups: Group I teeth were immersed in 2% acidulated phosphate sodium fluoride solution for 10 min and obturated with Ca(OH)(2) paste. Group II teeth were immersed in effervescent vitamin C solution (Redoxon 2 g) for 10 min and obturated as for Group I. After these procedures, teeth were replanted and animals were killed after 60 days. RESULTS: The study revealed a larger amount of replacement resorption in Group I and larger amount of ankylosis in Group II, with statistically significant difference and absence of inflammatory resorption. CONCLUSION: The substances used for root surface treatment were unable to prevent replacement resorption and ankylosis, which are expected when the periodontal ligament has been lost.

Tamoxifen inhibits transforming growth factor-α gene expression in human breast carcinoma samples treated with triiodothyronine

Objectives: To examine the effects of triiodothyronine (T3), 17β-estradiol (E2), and tamoxifen (TAM) on transforming growth factor (TGF)-α gene expression in primary breast cancer cell cultures and interactions between the different treatments. Methods and results: Patients included in the study (no.=12) had been newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Fresh human breast carcinoma tissue was cut into 0.3-mm slices. These slices were placed in six 35-mm dishes on 2-ml organ culture medium. Dishes received the following treatments: dish 1: ethanol; dish 2: T3; dish 3: T3+TAM; dish 4: TAM; dish 5: E2; dish 6: E2+TAM. TGF-α mRNA content was normalized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA levels. All tissues included in this study were positive for estrogen receptor (ER) and thyroid hormone receptor expression. Treatment with T3 for 48 h significantly increased TGF-α mRNA levels compared to controls (15-fold), and concomitant treatment with TAM reduced expression to 3.4-fold compared to controls. When only TAM was added to the culture medium, TGF-α mRNA expression increased 5.3-fold, significantly higher than with all other treatment modalities. Conclusion: We demonstrate that TGF-α mRNA expression is more efficiently upregulated by T3 than E2. Concomitant treatment with TAM had a mitigating effect on the T3 effect, while E2 induced TGF-α upregulation. Our findings show some similarities between primary culture and breast cancer cell lines, but also some important differences: a) induction of TGF-α, a mitogenic protein, by TAM; b) a differential effect of TAM that may depend on relative expression of ER α and β; and c) supraphysiological doses of T3 may induce mitogenic signals in breast cancer tissue under conditions of low circulating E2. ©2008, Editrice Kurtis.

Prevention of hypertension in patients with pre-hypertension: Protocol for the PREVER-prevention trial

Background: Blood pressure (BP) within pre-hypertensive levels confers higher cardiovascular risk and is an intermediate stage for full hypertension, which develops in an annual rate of 7 out of 100 individuals with 40 to 50 years of age. Non-drug interventions to prevent hypertension have had low effectiveness. In individuals with previous cardiovascular disease or diabetes, the use of BP-lowering agents reduces the incidence of major cardiovascular events. In the absence of higher baseline risk, the use of BP agents reduces the incidence of hypertension. The PREVER-prevention trial aims to investigate the efficacy, safety and feasibility of a population-based intervention to prevent the incidence of hypertension and the development of target-organ damage.Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, with participants aged 30 to 70 years, with pre-hypertension. The trial arms will be chlorthalidone 12.5 mg plus amiloride 2.5 mg or identical placebo. The primary outcomes will be the incidence of hypertension, adverse events and development or worsening of microalbuminuria and of left ventricular hypertrophy in the EKG. The secondary outcomes will be fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular events: myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, evidence of new sub-clinical atherosclerosis, and sudden death. The study will last 18 months. The sample size was calculated on the basis of an incidence of hypertension of 14% in the control group, a size effect of 40%, power of 85% and P alpha of 5%, resulting in 625 participants per group. The project was approved by the Ethics committee of each participating institution.Discussion: The early use of blood pressure-lowering drugs, particularly diuretics, which act on the main mechanism of blood pressure rising with age, may prevent cardiovascular events and the incidence of hypertension in individuals with hypertension. If this intervention shows to be effective and safe in a population-based perspective, it could be the basis for an innovative public health program to prevent hypertension in Brazil.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials NCT00970931. © 2011 Fuchs et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Poult intestinal organ culture for propagation of Turkey coronavirus and assessment of host-virus interactions

Infection of young poults with turkey coronavirus (TCoV) produces a syndrome characterized by acute enteritis, diarrhea, anorexia, ruffled feathers, decreased body weight gain and uneven flock growth. The objective of this study was to standardize an intestinal organ culture (IOC) in order to assess host-virus interaction related to apoptosis. For this purpose the Brazilian strain (TCoV/Brazil/2006 with GenBank accession number FJ188401), was used for infection. Infected IOC cells had mitochondrial dysfunction and initial nuclear activation with MTT value of 90.7 (± 2.4) and apoptotic factor 2.21 (± 2.1), considered statistically different from uninfected IOC cells (p > 0.05). The kinetics of TCoV antigens and viral RNA was directly correlated to annexin-V, caspases- 2 and -3, p53, BCl-2 antigens at 24, 72 and 96 h post-infection (p.i.). Morphological and biochemical features of apoptosis, such as in situ nuclear fragmentation (TUNEL and annexin-V) and DNA ladder formation were also detected in infected cells at all assayed p.i. intervals. Moreover, different from other coronaviruses, the expression of both effective caspase-2 and - 3 and p53 antigens were considered lower. However, at all p.i., the BCl-2 antigens were expressed quantitatively and qualitatively as viral antigen measured by immunofluorescence microscopy analysis. Because the diagnosis of TCoV infection is only performed by infecting embryonated poult eggs, the pathological characteri tics related to host-virus interaction remain unclear. This is the first report on apoptosis of TCoV infected IOC, and reveals that it may be useful immunological method to assess virus pathogenesis.

β-conglycinin combined with fenofibrate or rosuvastatin have exerted distinct hypocholesterolemic effects in rats

Background: There is increasing interest in non-pharmacological control of cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the plasma and diet-drug association represent an important area of studies. The objective of this study was to observe the hypocholesterolemic effect of soybean β-conglycinin (7S protein) alone and combined with fenofibrate and rosuvastatin, two hypolipidemic drugs. Methods. The protein and drugs were administered orally once a day to rats and the effects were evaluated after 28 days. Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 9): hypercholesterolemic diet (HC), HC+7S protein (300 mg.kg-1 day-1) (HC-7S), HC+fenofibrate (30 mg.kg-1 day-1)(HC-FF), HC+rosuvastatin (10 mg.kg-1 day-1)(HC-RO), HC+7S+fenofibrate (HC-7S-FF) and HC+7S+rosuvastatin (HC-7S-RO). Results: Animals in HC-7S, HC-FF and HC-RO exhibited reductions of 22.9, 35.8 and 18.8% in total plasma cholesterol, respectively. In HC-7S-FF, animals did not show significant alteration of the level in HC+FF while the group HC-7S-RO showed a negative effect in comparison with groups taking only protein (HC-7S) or drug (HC-RO). The administration of the protein, fenofibrate and rosuvastatin alone caused increases in the plasma HDL-C of the animals, while the protein-drug combinations led to an increase compared to HC-FF and HC-RO. The plasma concentration of triacylgycerides was significantly reduced in the groups without association, while HC-7S-FF showed no alteration and HC-7S-RO a little reduction. Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that conglycinin has effects comparable to fenofibrate and rosuvastatin on the control of plasma cholesterol, HDL-C and triacylglycerides, when given to hypercholesterolemic rats, and suggests that the association of this protein with rosuvastatin alters the action of drug in the homeostasis of cholesterol. © 2012 Ferreira et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Apexification with white MTA in an immature permanent tooth with dens invaginatus

Dens invaginatus, also known as dens in dente, is a developmental dental anomaly resulting in an invagination of the enamel organ into the dental papilla. These cases present technical difficulties to the root canal treatment. Apexification using an apical plug of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been indicated as an alternative to long-term intracanal use of calcium hydroxide in immature permanent teeth. It is considered as a simple and rapid technique. This paper reports a case of Oehlers' Type 1 dens invaginatus in an immature permanent maxillary right lateral incisor, which presented pulp necrosis secondary to dental trauma and was treated by apexification with white MTA apical plugging followed by conventional root canal therapy. The operative procedures are described and the technique is discussed. The physical and biological properties of MTA, associated with appropriate instrumentation and obturation techniques, make this material an excellent option in the endodontic therapy of immature permanent teeth with dens invaginatus.

A New Miniature Characid (Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Characidae), with Phylogenetic Position Inferred from Morphological and Molecular Data

Erythrocharax altipinnis is described from the Serra do Cachimbo, Pará, Brazil. The new taxon is distinguished from all of the Characidae genera by having the pelvic bones firmly attached through the isquiatic processes; a nearly triangular hiatus in the musculature covering the anterior chamber of the swim bladder between the first and second pleural ribs (pseudotympanum); the pedunculate, notably expanded and distally compressed teeth in both jaws; circumorbital series represented by antorbital and four infraorbital bones with laterosensory canals not enclosed; a single tooth row in the premaxillary with the teeth perfectly aligned and similar in shape and cusp number; the first three branched dorsal-fin rays distinctly elongate in males; a bright red adipose and caudal fins in life; a conspicuous dark midlateral stripe extending from the opercle to the tip of the median caudal-fin rays; and by the absence of a humeral spot. The phylogenetic position of the new taxon is discussed using morphological and molecular datasets, with conflicting results of both approaches discussed. Additionally, a summarized discussion on the current problems in the Characidae taxonomy is presented and the principal biases in the morphological dataset are also discussed. © 2013 Netto-Ferreira et al.

Effects of methylmercury on electric organ discharges in the weak electric fish Gymnotus sylvius

Methylmercury (MeHg) is present in the environment because of natural and anthropogenic causes. MeHg can reach the central nervous system (CNS) and cause neurological damage in humans and animals. Electric organ discharges (EODs) in the weak electric fish Gymnotus sylvius are produced by the electric organ and modulated by the CNS. These discharges are used for electrolocation and communication. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary MeHg exposure on EOD rate in G. sylvius. An oscilloscope was used to record the EOD rate. Two treatments were investigated: chronic MeHg administration (4 μg/kg MeHg every 2 days, with a total of nine dietary exposures to MeHg) and acute MeHg administration (a single dose of 20 μg/kg MeHg). The control data for both treatments were collected every 2 days for 18 days, with a total of nine sessions (day 1 until day 18). Data of fish exposed to MeHg were collected every 2 days, totaling nine sessions (day 19 until day 36). Chronic treatment significantly increased the EOD rate in G. sylvius (p<.05), especially with the final treatment (day 32 until day 36). Acute treatment resulted in an initial increase in the EOD rate, which was maintained midway through the experiment (day 26 until day 30 p<.05). The present study provides the first insights into the effects of MeHg on EODs in weak electric fish. The EOD rate is a novel response of the fish to MeHg administration.

Polymorphisms of estrogen receptor-α gene in Brazilian women with high breast density after menopause

The association of genetic polymorphism in the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) gene and risk for diseases including breast cancer (BC) has been the subject of great interest. Objective: Checking on women with high breast density after menopause, the frequency of the Pvull and Xbal polymorphisms of the ERα gene and the correlation between them and the known risk factors for breast cancer. Method: Observational study with 308 women between 45 and 65 years old with high breast density, without hormonal therapy, menstruation for a year or more, breast and ovarian cancer history. It was characterized in clinical history and physical examination: menarche, menopause, parity, family history of BC, smoking, alcohol intake and body mass index. Results: The allelic and genotypic frequencies for ERα-Pvull and Xbal: p=43.99%; p=56.01%; pp=32.14%; Pp=47.73% and PP=20.13%; X=41.56%; x=58.44%; xx=33.44%; Xx=50.00% and XX=16.56%, respectively. The most frequent risk factors for BC: menarche before 12 years old (35.38%), nulliparity or first child after 28 years old (41.66%), family history of BC (19.16%) and overweight/obesity (62.01%). Conclusion: Allelic and genotypic distribution similar to literature. The risk factors for BC were more prevalent in women with high breast density but without significant associations with these polymorphisms. © 2013 Informa UK Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of the treatment of root surface-adhered necrotic periodontal ligament with propolis or fluoride in delayed rat tooth replantation

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of 15 % propolis and 2 % acidulated-phosphate sodium fluoride solutions on the root surface-adhered necrotic cemental periodontal ligament in delayed tooth replantation. Materials and methods: Thirty Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus, albinus) had their right upper incisor extracted and maintained in dry storage for 60 min. After this period, the dental papilla, enamel organ, and pulp tissue were removed, and the animals were randomly assigned to three groups: group I = immersion in saline for 10 min; group II = immersion in a 2 % acidulated-phosphate sodium fluoride solution for 10 min; and group III = immersion in a 15 % propolis and propylene glycol solution for 10 min. The root canals were filled with a calcium hydroxide paste and the teeth were replanted. Results: Inflammatory resorption, replacement resorption, and ankylosis were observed in all groups without a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) among them. Conclusions: Under the tested conditions, the application of fluoride or propolis on root surface-adhered necrotic periodontal ligament did not favor the healing process in delayed tooth replantation. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

A review of the genus Anisodiscus Gaud & Mouchet (Acari, Proctophyllodidae) from Madagascar sunbirds (Passeriformes: Nectariniidae), with observations on male genital morphology

In the present article, we review the feather mites of the genus Anisodiscus Gaud & Mouchet, 1957 associated with sunbirds of Madagascar (Passeriformes: Nectariniidae). Anisodiscus goodmani sp. nov. is described from Cinnyris sovimanga (Gmelin, 1788). This species, as far as we know, bears the longest male intromittent organ (aedeagus) in relation to its body size of any described mite. Anisodiscus megalurus (Trouessart, 1899) is redescribed and illustrated for the first time based on type specimens from the Trouessart collection and recently collected material.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F1E8A6DB-63CD-4A36-99C5-DC54184FAAE7. © 2013 Copyright Taylor & Francis.

Effect of forced-molting methods and rearing temperatures on the performance and organ biometrics of laying hens

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