Rat thyroid graft transplantation after cryopreservation with scintigraphic standardization for an experimental study.

PURPOSE: Budget cuts among other factors undermine the use of state-of-the-art equipment by many research groups. This doesn't mean that their scientific data are not reliable or top-notch. Resort to adaptations is a recurrent need in their reality. The aim of this study was to assess whether scintigraphy with 99mTcO4 is effective in evaluating the functionality of thyroid grafts after cryopreservation in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 24 rats were randomly distributed into 3 groups: Control Group (CG), without surgical procedure, Hypothyroidism Group (HTG), submitted to total thyroidectomy, and Transplanted Group (TG), with total thyroidectomy and cryopreservation of the thyroid gland for 7 days followed by grafting of a thyroid lobe. A protocol using a gamma camera imaging was conducted fourteen weeks after transplantation, and the whole body 99mTc, focusing on the topic of heterotopic thyroid uptake was evaluated. RESULTS: The images acquired had good quality with no noise and artifacts that could jeopardize its analysis. On the 14th day, HTG displayed no thyroid uptake, and the TG had a clear uptake of the thyroid graft in the topography of the biceps femoris muscle. Presented data also showed that both equipment spatial resolution and alignment (4.375 mm) did not interfere with the physiological uptake of 99mTc by the thyroid graft. CONCLUSION: The viability and functionality of cryopreserved thyroid autotransplantation in rats who underwent total thyroidectomy were successfully accessed by the scintigraphy protocol developed.

Laparoscopic Pancreatectomy in Rats: The Development of an Experimental Model.

INTRODUCTION: several pancreatectomy techniques in rats have been described and utilized for research concerning the pancreas endocrine and exocrine functions. However, we did not find a description of any kind of laparoscopic pancreatectomy in rats in the consulted databases. The objective of this study is to describe a laparoscopic splenic lobe pancreatectomy in rats. METHODS: ten Wistars rats weighting more then 300 g were operated for standardizing the laparoscopic pancreatosplenectomy technique, aided by previous descriptions of laparoscopic splenectomy and open pancreatectomy in rats. Adjustments have been progressively adopted for technical refinement. RESULTS: In five animals a low-cost rat laparoscopic set was used. In other five animals we used a standard laparoscopic set. Three rats died early due to different causes: transection of the gastroesophageal junction, hemorrhagic shock and inadvertent colonic injury. The postoperative period of the other seven rats was uneventful until the seventh postoperative day. DISCUSSION: laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy in rats is feasible and safe, even with a low-cost set, in which the results were alike the standard laparoscopic set.

Rat thyroid graft transplantation after cryopreservation with scintigraphic standardization for an experimental study

Abstract Purpose: Budget cuts among other factors undermine the use of state-of-the-art equipment by many research groups. This doesn't mean that their scientific data are not reliable or top-notch. Resort to adaptations is a recurrent need in their reality. The aim of this study was to assess whether scintigraphy with 99mTcO4 is effective in evaluating the functionality of thyroid grafts after cryopreservation in rats. Material and methods: 24 rats were randomly distributed into 3 groups: Control Group (CG), without surgical procedure, Hypothyroidism Group (HTG), submitted to total thyroidectomy, and Transplanted Group (TG), with total thyroidectomy and cryopreservation of the thyroid gland for 7 days followed by grafting of a thyroid lobe. A protocol using a gamma camera imaging was conducted fourteen weeks after transplantation, and the whole body 99mTc, focusing on the topic of heterotopic thyroid uptake was evaluated. Results: The images acquired had good quality with no noise and artifacts that could jeopardize its analysis. On the 14th day, HTG displayed no thyroid uptake, and the TG had a clear uptake of the thyroid graft in the topography of the biceps femoris muscle. Presented data also showed that both equipment spatial resolution and alignment (4.375 mm) did not interfere with the physiological uptake of 99mTc by the thyroid graft. Conclusion: The viability and functionality of cryopreserved thyroid autotransplantation in rats who underwent total thyroidectomy were successfully accessed by the scintigraphy protocol developed. HIGHLIGHTS Adaptations in validated methods are a recurrent trend due to limited budgets which does not diminish their functionality. Scintigraphy with 99mTcO4 is effective in evaluating the functionality of thyroid grafts after cryopreservation in rats. It is possible to adapt human SPECT for other animals for clinical and research purposes.

Translational Application of Fluorescent Molecular Probes for the Detection of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species Associated with Intestinal Reperfusion Injury.

Acute mesenteric ischemia, caused by an abrupt interruption of blood flow in the mesenteric vessels, is associated with high mortality. When treated with surgical interventions or drugs to re-open the vascular lumen, the reperfusion process itself can inflict damage to the intestinal wall. Ischemia and reperfusion injury comprise complex mechanisms involving disarrangement of the splanchnic microcirculatory flow and impairment of the mitochondrial respiratory chain due to initial hypoxemia and subsequent oxidative stress during the reperfusion phase. This pathophysiologic process results in the production of large amounts of reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species, which damage deoxyribonucleic acid, protein, lipids, and carbohydrates by autophagy, mitoptosis, necrosis, necroptosis, and apoptosis. Fluorescence-based systems using molecular probes have emerged as highly effective tools to monitor the concentrations and locations of these often short-lived ROS and RNS. The timely and accurate detection of both ROS and RNS by such an approach would help to identify early injury events associated with ischemia and reperfusion and increase overall clinical diagnostic sensitivity. This abstract describes the pathophysiology of intestinal ischemia and reperfusion and the early biological laboratory diagnosis using fluorescent molecular probes anticipating clinical decisions in the face of an extremely morbid disease.

Cryopreserved Rat Thyroid Autotransplantation in the Treatment of Postoperative Hypothyroidism.

To verify the viability and functionality of cryopreserved thyroid autotransplantation in rats who underwent total thyroidectomy in the treatment of postoperative hypothyroidism. Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly assigned into groups (G) with eight animals each: control (CG); simulation (SG); hypothyroidism (HTG) and transplanted (TG). At the beginning and in the 13th week of the experiment, serum levels of total T3, free T4, TSH and calcium were determined. In both the first and 14th weeks, scintigraphic examinations, 99m-Tc pertechnetate radioisotope biodistribution and histopathology were performed. In the 14th week, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cellular apoptosis (caspase-3) were also evaluated. In the 13th week, the transplanted animals had normal serum levels of total T3 and free T4. TSH levels showed a tendency towards normality. In the 14th week, scintigraphic exams displayed graft isotopic uptake in all animals in the TG group. Histological examinations 13 weeks after transplantation showed the viability and functionality of thyroid follicles. PCNA revealed significant immunoreactivity of the graft (p < 0.001) when the TG was compared to the CG. There was no difference between CG and TG considering the expression of activated caspase-3. The experimental study confirmed the viability and functionality of thyroid autotransplantation implanted in skeletal muscle with evidence of cell proliferation without cellular apoptosis. This surgical strategy was effective in the treatment of postoperative hypothyroidism.

Sulforaphane and Albumin Attenuate Experimental Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury constitutes a severe disorder, in great part resulting from oxidative stress. Because sulforaphane and albumin were shown to increase antioxidant defenses, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of these agents in an experimental model of I/R injury. METHODS: Wistar rats were used to establish a model of intestinal I/R (35 min of ischemia, followed by 45 min of reperfusion) and were treated with albumin (5 mL/kg), sulforaphane (500 µg/kg), or saline intravenously before reperfusion. Animals that were not subjected to I/R served as the sham (laparotomy only) and control groups. Blood samples were analyzed for arterial gas, reactive oxygen species, and reactive nitrogen species using different molecular fluorescent probes. After euthanasia, ileal samples were collected for analysis, including histopathology, immunohistochemistry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assays, and lactic dehydrogenase measurement. RESULTS: Oxygenation status and hemodynamic parameters were uniform during the experiment. The sulforaphane- or albumin-treated groups showed reduced concentrations of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.04), nitric oxide (P < 0.001), and peroxynitrite (P = 0.001), compared with I/R injury untreated animals. Treatment with sulforaphane or albumin resulted in the preservation of goblet cells (P < 0.03), reductions in histopathologic scores (P < 0.01), macrophage density (P < 0.01), iNOS expression (P < 0.004), NF-kappa B activation (P < 0.05), and apoptotic rates (P < 0.04) in the mucosa and a reduction in the concentration of lactic dehydrogenase (P < 0.04), more pronounced with sulforaphane. CONCLUSIONS: Attenuation of intestinal I/R injury in this model probably reflects the antioxidative effects of systemic administration of both sulforaphane and albumin and reinforces their use in future translational research.

Unilateral frontalis muscle paralysis reanimated by contralateral frontalis muscle through sural nerve graft connecting the two muscles (muscle-nerve-muscle neurotization technique)-A case report.

Paralysis of the frontalis muscle is extremely difficult to reverse. The best treatment for facial paralysis reanimation which preserves spontaneity and muscle specificity is end-to-end neurorrhaphy through cross-face nerve grafting. However, it is rarely possible. Muscle-nerve-muscle (MNM) neurotization consists of an interposition of a nerve graft connecting the normal muscle to the denervated muscle. The axons of the muscle with intact innervation grow inside a neural graft towards the paralyzed muscle resulting in neurotization. The purpose of this report is to present a case of frontalis muscle paralysis reanimated by MNM neurotization. A 65-year-old female patient presented complete facial paralysis after temporomandibular joint surgery. Five months afterwards, the patient spontaneously recovered facial muscle movements except the frontalis muscle. Definitive paralysis of the frontalis muscle was diagnosed after 11 months, and MNM neurotization was chosen and performed. Three strings of sural nerve were placed in separated tunnels in the subcutaneous plane, through small skin incisions to connect the two bellies of frontalis muscle bilaterally, and then sutured into the muscle pocket of each side. The patient presented voluntary and synchronic contraction of the bilateral frontalis muscle, 4 months after neurotization. Electroneuromyography confirmed muscle contraction by contralateral stimulation. Despite its efficacy still being researched, it is a very promising technique for the reanimation of small muscles in facial paralysis.

Effects of rocuronium, sugammadex and rocuronium-sugammadex complex on coagulation in rats / Efeitos do rocurônio, sugamadex e complexo rocurônio-sugamadex sobre a coagulação em ratos

Abstract Background and objectives: Sugammadex is an alternative pharmacological drug capable of reversing neuromuscular blockades without the limitations that are presented by anticholinesterase drugs. Coagulation disorders that are related to treatment with sugammadex were reported. The exact mechanism of the effects on coagulation are not fully understood. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of rocuronium, sugammadex and the rocuronium-sugammadex complex on coagulation in an experimental model in rats. Methods: This is an experimental randomized animal study. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into the following groups: the Control Group; the Ssal Group - 0.5 mL of intravenous saline; the Sugammadex Group - intravenous sugammadex (100 mg kg−1); and the Rocuronium-Sugammadex Group - intravenous solution with rocuronium (3.75 mg kg−1) and sugammadex (100 mg kg−1). Anesthesia was performed by using isoflurane with controlled ventilation. Coagulation factors were measured 10 minutes after the end of the preoperative preparation and 30 minutes after the administration of the drugs in accordance with the chosen groups. Results: Platelet counts, prothrombin times, and activated partial thromboplastin times were similar between the groups and between the moments within each group. There were reductions in the plasma fibrinogen levels between sample times 1 and 2 in the Rocuronium-Sugammadex group (p = 0.035). Conclusions: The rocuronium-sugammadex complex promoted reductions in plasma fibrinogen counts, although the levels were still within normal limits.

Resumo Introdução e objetivos: O sugamadex é uma substância farmacológica alternativa capaz de reverter o bloqueio neuromuscular sem as limitações apresentadas pelos anticolinesterásicos. Entretanto, há relatos de transtornos de coagulação relacionados ao tratamento com sugamadex sem que mecanismos exatos de seus efeitos sobre a coagulação sejam totalmente compreendidos. O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi avaliar os efeitos do rocurônio, sugamadex e do complexo rocurônio-sugamadex sobre a coagulação em um modelo experimental com ratos. Métodos: Este é um estudo randomizado experimental animal. Ratos Wistar foram aleatoriamente designados aos seguintes grupos: grupo controle; Grupo Ssal - 0,5 mL de solução salina intravenosa; Grupo sugamadex - sugamadex intravenoso (100 mg.kg-1); e Grupo rocurônio-sugamadex - solução intravenosa com rocurônio (3,75 mg.kg-1) e sugamadex (100 mg.kg-1). A anestesia foi realizada utilizando-se isoflurano com ventilação controlada. Os fatores de coagulação foram medidos 10 minutos após o final do preparo pré-operatório e 30 minutos após a administração de drogas de acordo com os grupos escolhidos. Resultados: Contagem de plaquetas, tempo de protrombina e tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada foram semelhantes entre os grupos e entre os momentos dentro de cada grupo. Houve redução nos níveis de fibrinogênio plasmático entre os tempos 1 e 2 no grupo rocurônio-sugamadex (p = 0,035). Conclusões: O complexo rocurônio-sugamadex promoveu reduções na contagem de fibrinogênio plasmático, apesar de os níveis continuarem dentro dos limites normais.

[Effects of rocuronium, sugammadex and rocuronium-sugammadex complex on coagulation in rats]. / Efeitos do rocurônio, sugamadex e complexo rocurônio­sugamadex sobre a coagulação em ratos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sugammadex is an alternative pharmacological drug capable of reversing neuromuscular blockades without the limitations that are presented by anticholinesterase drugs. Coagulation disorders that are related to treatment with sugammadex were reported. The exact mechanism of the effects on coagulation are not fully understood. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of rocuronium, sugammadex and the rocuronium-sugammadex complex on coagulation in an experimental model in rats. METHODS: This is an experimental randomized animal study. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into the following groups: the Control Group; the Ssal Group - 0.5 mL of intravenous saline; the Sugammadex Group - intravenous sugammadex (100 mg.kg-1); and the Rocuronium-Sugammadex Group - intravenous solution with rocuronium (3.75 mg.kg-1) and sugammadex (100 mg.kg-1). Anesthesia was performed by using isoflurane with controlled ventilation. Coagulation factors were measured 10 minutes after the end of the preoperative preparation and 30 minutes after the administration of the drugs in accordance with the chosen groups. RESULTS: Platelet counts, prothrombin times and activated partial thromboplastin times were similar between the groups and between the moments within each group. There were reductions in the plasma fibrinogen levels between sample times 1 and 2 in the Rocuronium-Sugammadex group (p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: The rocuronium-sugammadex complex promoted reductions in plasma fibrinogen counts, although the levels were still within normal limits.

Brilliant blue G, a P2X7 receptor antagonist, attenuates early phase of renal inflammation, interstitial fibrosis and is associated with renal cell proliferation in ureteral obstruction in rats.

BACKGROUND: Previous study showed that purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7R) reach the highest expression in the first week after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in mice, and are involved in the process of inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis of renal tissue. We, herein, document the role of purinergic P2X7 receptors activation on the third day of UUO, as assessed by means of BBG as its selective inhibitor. METHODS: We investigated the effects of brilliant blue G (BBG), a P2X7R antagonist, in the third day of kidney tissue response to UUO in rats. For this purpose, male Wistar rats submitted to UUO or sham operated, received BBG or vehicle (V), comprising four groups: UUO-BBG, UUO-V, sham-BBG and sham-V. The kidneys were harvested on day 3 UUO and prepared for histology, immunohistochemistry (P2X7R, PCNA, CD-68, α-sma, TGF-ß1, Heat-shock protein-47, TUNEL assay), quantitative real-time PCR (IL-1ß, procollagens type I, III, and IV) for mRNA quantification. RESULTS: The group UUO-V presented an enhancement in tubular cell P2X7-R expression, increase influx of macrophages and myofibroblasts, HSP-47 and TGF- ß1 expression. Also, upregulation of procollagen types I, III, and IV, and IL-1ß mRNAs were seen. On the other hand, group UUO-BBG showed lower expression of procollagens and IL-1ß mRNAs, as well as less immunoreactivity of HSP-47, TGF-ß, macrophages, myofibroblasts, and tubular apoptosis. This group also presented increased epithelial cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: BBG, a known highly selective inhibitor of P2X7R, attenuated renal inflammation, collagen synthesis, renal cell apoptosis, and enhanced renal cell proliferation in the early phase of rat model of UUO.

Assessment of remnant liver function and volume after selective ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery in a rat model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate liver regeneration after selective ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery by 3D Computed Tomography in an experimental model. METHODS: Sixteen Wistar rats were randomized into four equal groups: Group I- control (sham), Group II- isolated selective ligation of the hepatic artery, Group III- isolated selective ligation of the portal vein and Group IV- combined ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery. Before procedure and five days after a 3D CT Scan was performed to analyze the hypertrophy, weight and function of the remnant liver. RESULTS: The largest regeneration rate and increase of weight in the hypertrophied lobe was detected in group IV, the first with an average of 3.99 (p=0.006) and the last varying from 6.10g to 9.64g (p=0.01). However, total liver weight and the R1 ratio (Hypertrophied Lobe Weight/Total Liver Weight) was higher in group III (P<0.001) when compared with groups I, II and IV and showed no difference between them. The immunohistochemical examination with PCNA also found higher percentages with statistical significance differences in rats of groups III and IV. It was possible to confirm a strong correlation between hypertrophied lobe weight and its imaging volumetric study. Liver function tests only showed a significant difference in serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and phosphorous. CONCLUSION: There is a largest liver regeneration after combined ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery and this evidence may improve the knowledge of surgical treatment of liver injuries, with a translational impact in anima nobile.

Assessment of remnant liver function and volume after selective ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery in a rat model

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate liver regeneration after selective ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery by 3D Computed Tomography in an experimental model. Methods: Sixteen Wistar rats were randomized into four equal groups: Group I- control (sham), Group II- isolated selective ligation of the hepatic artery, Group III- isolated selective ligation of the portal vein and Group IV- combined ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery. Before procedure and five days after a 3D CT Scan was performed to analyze the hypertrophy, weight and function of the remnant liver. Results: The largest regeneration rate and increase of weight in the hypertrophied lobe was detected in group IV, the first with an average of 3.99 (p=0.006) and the last varying from 6.10g to 9.64g (p=0.01). However, total liver weight and the R1 ratio (Hypertrophied Lobe Weight/Total Liver Weight) was higher in group III (P<0.001) when compared with groups I, II and IV and showed no difference between them. The immunohistochemical examination with PCNA also found higher percentages with statistical significance differences in rats of groups III and IV. It was possible to confirm a strong correlation between hypertrophied lobe weight and its imaging volumetric study. Liver function tests only showed a significant difference in serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and phosphorous. Conclusion: There is a largest liver regeneration after combined ligation of portal vein and hepatic artery and this evidence may improve the knowledge of surgical treatment of liver injuries, with a translational impact in anima nobile.

Protective effect of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in an experimental model of high-risk colonic anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Dehiscence of intestinal anastomosis results in high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of locally administered adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in a model of high-risk colonic anastomosis in rats. METHODS: Seven days after induction of colitis with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, Wistar rats were submitted to a transection of the descending colon followed by end-to-end anastomosis and were then treated with 2×106 adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (from the preperitoneal fat) or an acellular culture solution instilled onto the surface of the anastomosis. At day 14, after macroscopic survey of the abdominal cavity, the anastomotic area was submitted to histologic and immunohistochemical analysis, evaluation of myeloperoxidase activity, fibrosis, epithelial integrity, NF-κ B activation, expression of inflammatory cytokines, and extracellular matrix-related genes. RESULTS: Anastomotic leakage and mortality associated with high-risk anastomosis decreased with treatment with adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (P < .03). Application of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells resulted in lower histologic scores (P = .011), decreased deposition of collagen fibers (P = .003), preservation of goblet cells (P = .033), decreased myeloperoxidase activity (P = .012), decreased accumulation of CD4+ T-cells (P = .014) and macrophages (P = .011) in the lamina propria, a decrease in the number of apoptotic cells (P = .008), and the activation of NF-κ B (P = .036). Overexpression of IL-17, TNF-α , IFN-γ, and metalloproteinases in the acellular culture solution-treated, high-risk anastomosis group decreased (P < .05) to near normal values with adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells treatment. CONCLUSION: Improvements in outcomes of a high-risk colonic anastomosis with adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells therapy reflect the immunomodulatory activity and healing effect of these cells, even after just topical administration and reinforces their use in future translational research.

Machine perfusion versus cold storage in renal preservation of deceased donors with brain death: systematic review and meta-analysis. / Máquina de perfusão versus armazenamento estático na preservação renal de doadores com morte encefálica: revisão sistemática e metanálise.

With the increasing use of machine perfusion in kidney transplantation, it has been observed that dynamic ischemia correlates with the improvement of organ preservation. In this context, we performed a systematic review that aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the portable machine perfusion (LifePort Kidney Transporter Machine®), used in Brazil, compared to cold storage, regarding the delayed graft function of deceased donors with brain death. Literature search was carried out in LILACS, MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Clarivate Analytics, Cochrane Library, Embase, and SciELO, as well as in Google Scholar manually. The systematic review consisted only of randomized clinical trials. For meta-analysis, relative risk and odds ratio were evaluated. Eighty-six documents were identified and two papers from European and Brazilian groups were selected at the end, with eligibility criteria for meta-analysis. In these, 374 kidneys were assigned to machine perfusion and 374 kidneys were assigned to cold storage. Delayed graft function was observed in 84 and 110 patients, respectively. In meta-analysis, a risk ratio of 0.7568 (p=0.0151) and an odds ratio of 0.6665 (p=0.0225) were obtained, both with a 95% confidence interval. Machine perfusion reduced the incidence of delayed graft function of deceased donors with brain death.

Com a utilização crescente da máquina de perfusão no transplante renal, tem sido constatado que a isquemia dinâmica correlaciona-se à melhora da preservação orgânica. Nesse contexto, realizamos uma revisão sistemática que procurou avaliar a eficácia do uso de máquina de perfusão portátil (LifePort Kidney Transporter Machine®), utilizada no Brasil, comparada ao armazenamento estático, no que tange à função retardada do transplante renal de doadores com morte encefálica. Foi efetuada pesquisa bibliográfica, nas bases LILACS, MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Clarivate Analytics, Cochrane Library, Embase, SciELO, além de busca manual no Google acadêmico. A revisão sistemática, finalizada em abril 2017, foi constituída somente por ensaios clínicos randomizados. Para metanálise, foram avaliadas Razão de Risco e Razão de Chance. Foram identificados 86 documentos e selecionados, ao final, dois artigos com critérios de elegibilidade para metanálise, de grupos europeus e brasileiros. Nestes, 374 rins foram alocados para a máquina de perfusão, e igual número para o armazenamento estático. A função retardada do enxerto foi constatada em 84 e 110 pacientes, respectivamente. Na metanálise, foram obtidas uma Razão de Risco de 0,7568 (p=0,0151) e uma Razão de Chance de 0,6665 (p=0,0225), ambas com intervalo de confiança de 95%. A máquina de perfusão reduziu a incidência de função retardada do enxerto de doadores com morte encefálica.

Alendronate improves bone density and type I collagen accumulation but increases the amount of pentosidine in the healing dental alveolus of ovariectomized rabbits.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that the oral aminobisphosphonate sodium alendronate (ALN) therapy reduces the risk of main fractures in osteoporotic women, but its effect on the jaw bones is poorly known. Here, we hypothesized that ALN affects the newly formed alveolar bone, particularly the quality of the type I collagen cross-linking. METHODS: Osteoporosis was induced by ovariectomy (OVX) in 6-month old rabbits. Six weeks following surgery, eight animals were treated by oral gavage with ALN (OVX + ALN) and ten received placebo (OVX + Pbo). Another six rabbits which were sham operated also received placebo (SHAM + Pbo). One month following the beginning of treatment, the upper and lower left first premolars were removed. Six weeks later, the upper and the lower right first premolars were also extracted. One month after the second extraction, biopsies were collected from the maxillary extraction sites and collagen crosslinks were analyzed in the newly formed bone tissue by HPLC. Also, at this time, mandibular bone segments were subjected to µCT. RESULTS: Animals treated with ALN achieved a roughly 2-time greater bone volume fraction value at a late healing period than animals in the other groups (p < 0.05). Collagen mean results were 2- to 4-times superior in the OVX + ALN group than in the control groups (p < 0.05). ALN-treated animals presented higher amounts of the non-enzymatic collagen cross-link pentosidine (PEN) than the sham-operated rabbits (p < 0.05), whereas the OVX + Pbo group presented the highest amount of PEN (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Alendronate increases bone volume and collagen accumulation, but does not fully rescue the non-osteoporotic alveolar tissue quality as is evident from the increased quantity of pentosidine.

Máquina de perfusão versus armazenamento estático na preservação renal de doadores com morte encefálica: revisão sistemática e metanálise / Machine perfusion versus cold storage in renal preservation of deceased donors with brain death: systematic review and meta-analysis

RESUMO Com a utilização crescente da máquina de perfusão no transplante renal, tem sido constatado que a isquemia dinâmica correlaciona-se à melhora da preservação orgânica. Nesse contexto, realizamos uma revisão sistemática que procurou avaliar a eficácia do uso de máquina de perfusão portátil (LifePort Kidney Transporter Machine®), utilizada no Brasil, comparada ao armazenamento estático, no que tange à função retardada do transplante renal de doadores com morte encefálica. Foi efetuada pesquisa bibliográfica, nas bases LILACS, MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Clarivate Analytics, Cochrane Library, Embase, SciELO, além de busca manual no Google acadêmico. A revisão sistemática, finalizada em abril 2017, foi constituída somente por ensaios clínicos randomizados. Para metanálise, foram avaliadas Razão de Risco e Razão de Chance. Foram identificados 86 documentos e selecionados, ao final, dois artigos com critérios de elegibilidade para metanálise, de grupos europeus e brasileiros. Nestes, 374 rins foram alocados para a máquina de perfusão, e igual número para o armazenamento estático. A função retardada do enxerto foi constatada em 84 e 110 pacientes, respectivamente. Na metanálise, foram obtidas uma Razão de Risco de 0,7568 (p=0,0151) e uma Razão de Chance de 0,6665 (p=0,0225), ambas com intervalo de confiança de 95%. A máquina de perfusão reduziu a incidência de função retardada do enxerto de doadores com morte encefálica.

ABSTRACT With the increasing use of machine perfusion in kidney transplantation, it has been observed that dynamic ischemia correlates with the improvement of organ preservation. In this context, we performed a systematic review that aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the portable machine perfusion (LifePort Kidney Transporter Machine®), used in Brazil, compared to cold storage, regarding the delayed graft function of deceased donors with brain death. Literature search was carried out in LILACS, MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Clarivate Analytics, Cochrane Library, Embase, and SciELO, as well as in Google Scholar manually. The systematic review consisted only of randomized clinical trials. For meta-analysis, relative risk and odds ratio were evaluated. Eighty-six documents were identified and two papers from European and Brazilian groups were selected at the end, with eligibility criteria for meta-analysis. In these, 374 kidneys were assigned to machine perfusion and 374 kidneys were assigned to cold storage. Delayed graft function was observed in 84 and 110 patients, respectively. In meta-analysis, a risk ratio of 0.7568 (p=0.0151) and an odds ratio of 0.6665 (p=0.0225) were obtained, both with a 95% confidence interval. Machine perfusion reduced the incidence of delayed graft function of deceased donors with brain death.

Rat models of high risk colorectal anastomoses 1.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the most frequent surgical techniques of high-risk colorectal anastomoses in rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were enrolled in three different models comprising inflammatory (TNBS enema), vascular (portal vein occlusion) or obstructive (a non-ischemic constricting ring) mechanisms associated with colonic anastomosis that had accomplished after these former lesions. Histological analyses (Hematoxylin and eosin and Picrosirius red) were performed. RESULTS: All anastomoses techniques were associated with risk factors and had complications, mainly anastomotic leakage. In Study 1, the use of a pharmacological agent, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) mimicked an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease with 50% of anastomosis leakage, the higher percentage among all models tested. In Study 2, after portal ischemia followed by reperfusion it was observed a dense neutrophil infiltrate in the midst of necrotic tissue and fibrin at the anastomotic site and 5 days after the anastomosis, no collagen was produced. In Study 3, 5 days after the mechanical obstruction some denuded areas of epithelium with marked oedema of mucosa and submucosa were seen, at the anastomotic site and anastomosis group showed some reduction of collagen density when compared with Control/Sham group. CONCLUSION: All the experimental surgical techniques tested in rats were associated with high-risk colorectal anastomoses and were useful to study colonic anastomotic healing and intestinal leakage.

A technical note on low cost rat laparoscopy an initial experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a novel and adapted low-cost set model for laparoscopic surgery in rats. METHODS: Nine Wistar rats underwent two different laparoscopic procedures, splenectomy (n=3) and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (n = 6), after assembling a low-cost set replacing the conventional one (monitor, micro camera, image processor, light source, laparoscope and insufflator). The new set included an Android Tablet 10.5 ", a 5mm USB Endoscope and semiautomatic sphygmomanometer monitor. RESULTS: The same surgeon performed the laparoscopic procedures. Total surgical time ranged from 36 to 60 minutes with a mean of 45.8 minutes. Three rats died during the distal pancreatic and splenectomy procedure (33.3%), due to respiratory failure (n = 1), uncontrolled abdominal hemorrhage (n=1) and iatrogenic gastric perforation (n = 1). We followed the other six rats (66.6%) for seven days with no further evidence of complications. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic partial pancreatectomy and splenectomy can be performed with the novel low-cost set assembled in the present experimental study. Both specific training and skills development are required to validate more advanced laparoscopic procedures and achieve a desirable outcome.

Rat models of high risk colorectal anastomoses

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the most frequent surgical techniques of high-risk colorectal anastomoses in rats. Methods: Wistar rats were enrolled in three different models comprising inflammatory (TNBS enema), vascular (portal vein occlusion) or obstructive (a non-ischemic constricting ring) mechanisms associated with colonic anastomosis that had accomplished after these former lesions. Histological analyses (Hematoxylin and eosin and Picrosirius red) were performed. Results: All anastomoses techniques were associated with risk factors and had complications, mainly anastomotic leakage. In Study 1, the use of a pharmacological agent, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) mimicked an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease with 50% of anastomosis leakage, the higher percentage among all models tested. In Study 2, after portal ischemia followed by reperfusion it was observed a dense neutrophil infiltrate in the midst of necrotic tissue and fibrin at the anastomotic site and 5 days after the anastomosis, no collagen was produced. In Study 3, 5 days after the mechanical obstruction some denuded areas of epithelium with marked oedema of mucosa and submucosa were seen, at the anastomotic site and anastomosis group showed some reduction of collagen density when compared with Control/Sham group. Conclusion: All the experimental surgical techniques tested in rats were associated with high-risk colorectal anastomoses and were useful to study colonic anastomotic healing and intestinal leakage.

A technical note on low cost rat laparoscopy an initial experience

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate a novel and adapted low-cost set model for laparoscopic surgery in rats. Methods: Nine Wistar rats underwent two different laparoscopic procedures, splenectomy (n=3) and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (n = 6), after assembling a low-cost set replacing the conventional one (monitor, micro camera, image processor, light source, laparoscope and insufflator). The new set included an Android Tablet 10.5 ", a 5mm USB Endoscope and semiautomatic sphygmomanometer monitor. Results: The same surgeon performed the laparoscopic procedures. Total surgical time ranged from 36 to 60 minutes with a mean of 45.8 minutes. Three rats died during the distal pancreatic and splenectomy procedure (33.3%), due to respiratory failure (n = 1), uncontrolled abdominal hemorrhage (n=1) and iatrogenic gastric perforation (n = 1). We followed the other six rats (66.6%) for seven days with no further evidence of complications. Conclusions: The laparoscopic partial pancreatectomy and splenectomy can be performed with the novel low-cost set assembled in the present experimental study. Both specific training and skills development are required to validate more advanced laparoscopic procedures and achieve a desirable outcome.