Effects of acute perinatal asphyxia in the rat hippocampus.

In the present work, we have used a rat animal model to study the early effects of intrauterine asphyxia occurring no later than 60 min following the cesarean-delivery procedure. Transitory hypertonia accompanied by altered posture was observed in asphyxiated pups, which also showed appreciably increased lactate values in plasma and hippocampal tissues. Despite this, there was no difference in terms of either cell viability or metabolic activities such as oxidation of lactate, glucose, and glycine in the hippocampus of those fetuses submitted to perinatal asphyxia with respect to normoxic animals. Moreover, a significant decrease in glutamate, but not GABA uptake was observed in the hippocampus of asphyctic pups. Since intense ATP signaling especially through P2X(7) purinergic receptors can lead to excitotoxicity, a feature which initiates neurotransmission failure in experimental paradigms relevant to ischemia, here we assessed the expression level of the P2X(7) receptor in the paradigm of perinatal asphyxia. A three-fold increase in P2X(7) protein was transiently observed in hippocampus immediately following asphyxia. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to delineate whether the P2X(7) receptor subtype is involved in the pathogenesis, contributing to ongoing brain injury after intrapartum asphyxia. In that case, new pharmacologic intervention strategies providing neuroprotection during the reperfusion phase of injury might be identified.

A Canadian Survey of the Management of Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation therapy skin reactions are one of the most common side effects and can cause patient distress. In some cases, a severe radiation-induced skin reaction may limit delivered dose and potentially compromise treatment outcomes. There are some established best practices, but approaches and patient advice appear to have changed little over the years and are often based on tradition, not evidence. Canadian radiation therapy departments use different skin care products and approaches, and there has been little previous work to examine national practice patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used a 42-item electronic survey based on a questionnaire designed by the UK Society and College of Radiographers. Practice data were collected related to assessment and prophylactics, interventions for prevention and management, and use of tools and guidelines. The final survey version was distributed to an identified radiation therapist-registered nurse dyad at each radiation therapy department in Canada (n = 44). RESULTS: Thirty-three departments responded (75% response rate). Results suggest a variation in national management. A number of departments continue to advise patients not to wash or use deodorant/antiperspirant despite having evidence to the contrary. There are also unnecessary restrictions on the use and timing of application of lotions as well as conflicting postradiotherapy skin care instructions regarding sun exposure. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated variation in practice across Canadian radiation therapy departments. National interprofessional guidelines could improve uptake of best practices. Where there is little evidence, a stress-reduction approach with more collaborative decision-making should be used to minimize patient disruption.

Enfermagem em genômica: o aconselhamento genético nas práticas assistenciais / Genomics nursing: genetic counseling in healthcare practices / Enfermería genómica: el asesoramiento genético en las prácticas asistenciales

O presente artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre a atuação do enfermeiro na área da genômica, no contexto atual da saúde, com ênfase no papel de conselheiro genético. Analisa também a importância da inserção desse profissional na referida área de atuação, frente à crescente demanda desse serviço nas práticas assistenciais.

This paper aims to propose a reflection on the nurse’s activities in genomics area, in the current context of health, with emphasis on the role ofgenetic counselor. It also analyzes the importance of integrating these professionals in this area of activity, with the growing demand for this servicein care practices.

Este artículo tiene por objetivo reflexionar sobre la actuación del enfermero en el área de genómica, en el contexto actual de la salud. Tambiénanaliza la importancia de incluir a dichos profesionales en tal área debido a su creciente demanda en las prácticas asistenciales.