Neonatal tobacco smoke reduces thermogenesis capacity in brown adipose tissue in adult rats

Maternal smoking is a risk factor for progeny obesity. We have previously shown, in a rat model of neonatal tobacco smoke exposure, a mild increase in food intake and a considerable increase in visceral adiposity in the adult offspring. Males also had secondary hyperthyroidism, while females had only higher T4. Since brown adipose tissue (BAT) hypofunction is related to obesity, here we tested the hypothesis that higher levels of thyroid hormones are not functional in BAT, suggesting a lower metabolic rate. We evaluated autonomic nerve activity in BAT and its function in adult rats that were exposed to tobacco smoke during lactation. At birth, litters were adjusted to 3 male and 3 female pups/litter. From postnatal day (PND) 3 to 21, Wistar lactating rats and their pups were divided into SE group, smoke-exposed in a cigarette smoking machine (4 times/day) and C group, exposed to filtered air. Offspring were sacrificed at PND180. Adult SE rats of both genders had lower interscapular BAT autonomic nervous system activity, with higher BAT mass but no change in morphology. BAT UCP1 and CPT1a protein levels were decreased in the SE groups of both genders. Male SE rats had lower β3-AR, TRα1, and TRβ1 expression while females showed lower PGC1α expression. BAT Dio2 mRNA and hypothalamic POMC and MC4R levels were similar between groups. Hypothalamic pAMPK level was higher in SE males and lower in SE females. Thus, neonatal cigarette smoke exposure induces lower BAT thermogenic capacity, which can be obesogenic at adulthood.

Excessive bleeding predictors after cardiac surgery in adults: integrative review

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To integrate literature data on the predictors of excessive bleeding after cardiac surgery in adults. BACKGROUND: Perioperative nursing care requires awareness of the risk factors for excessive bleeding after cardiac surgery to assure vigilance prioritising and early correction of those that are modifiable. DESIGN: Integrative literature review. METHODS: Articles were searched in seven databases. Seventeen studies investigating predictive factors for excessive bleeding after open-heart surgery from 2004-2014 were included.RESULTS:Predictors of excessive bleeding after cardiac surgery were: Patient-related: male gender, higher preoperative haemoglobin levels, lower body mass index, diabetes mellitus, impaired left ventricular function, lower amount of prebypass thrombin generation, lower preoperative platelet counts, decreased preoperative platelet aggregation, preoperative platelet inhibition level >20%, preoperative thrombocytopenia and lower preoperative fibrinogen concentration. Procedure-related: the operating surgeon, coronary artery bypass surgery with three or more bypasses, use of the internal mammary artery, duration of surgery, increased cross-clamp time, increased cardiopulmonary bypass time, lower intraoperative core body temperature and bypass-induced haemostatic disorders. Postoperative: fibrinogen levels and metabolic acidosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-related, procedure-related and postoperative predictors of excessive bleeding after cardiac surgery were identified.

Comparative study between two techniques using a glycerin in the conservation of central nervous system

Standard formalin embalming is the most important of all work with cadavers in anatomy laboratories, as it keeps the tissue strict, insoluble and protected against deterioration. The most commonly used substance for preservation of cadavers and tissues is formaldehyde, a preservative because it is inexpensive, easy penetration and fast action on the parts. Another substance used is glycerin with rapid action and dehydrating fixative, used also for the preservation of anatomical specimens. This study aimed to compare two techniques that use glycerin in conserving parts of the central nervous system of animals. We evaluated the properties and fixing of conservative solutions applied. The two techniques chosen for this work were: the Giacomini and Torres method. In the Torres method, the tissue was more flexible and easy to visualize the structures. In the Giacomini method, the tissues were dark colored, rigid, with little flexibility. This technique requires a shorter time of immersion, compared to Torres. We conclude that the most appropriate method for application in laboratories of anatomy and applicability in practical lessons is technique was Torres.