Heterogeneous methodology of racial/ethnic classification may be responsible for the different risk assessments for prostate cancer between Black and White men in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if the different results of prostate cancer risk between black and white Brazilian men may be associated with the varying methodology used to define participants as either Blacks or Whites. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated median PSA values, rate of PSA level ≥ 4.0 ng/ mL, indications for prostate biopsy, prostate cancer detection rate, biopsy/cancer rate, cancer/biopsy rate, and the relative risk of cancer between blacks versus whites, blacks versus non-blacks (browns and whites), non-whites (browns and blacks) versus whites, African versus non-African descendants, and African descendants or blacks versus non-African descendants and non-blacks. RESULTS: From 1544 participants, there were 51.4% whites, 37.2% browns, 11.4% blacks, and 5.4% African descendants. Median PSA level was 0.9 ng/mL in whites, browns, and non-African descendants, compared to 1.2 ng/mL in blacks, and African descendants or blacks, and 1.3 ng/mL in African descendants. Indications for prostate biopsy were present in 16.9% for African descendants, 15.9% of black, 12.3% of white, 11.4% for non-African descendants, and 9.9% of brown participants. Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 30.3% of performed biopsies: 6.2% of African descendants, 5.1% of blacks, 3.3% of whites, 3.0% of non-African descendants, and 2.6% of browns. CONCLUSIONS: Median PSA values were higher for Blacks versus Whites in all classification systems, except for non-white versus white men. The rate of prostate biopsy, prostate cancer detection rate, and relative risk for cancer was increased in African descendants, and African descendants or blacks, compared to non-African descendants, and non-African descendants and non-blacks, respectively.

Qualitative analysis of the deposit of collagen in bladder suture of rats treated with tacrolimus combined with mycophenolate-mofetil.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the synthesis of type I (mature) and type III (immature) collagen in bladder suture of rats treated with a combination of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil for 15 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into 3 groups: the sham, control and experimental groups. All the animals underwent laparotomy, cystotomy and bladder suture in two planes with surgical PDS 5-0 thread. The sham group did not receive treatment. The control group received saline solution, and the experimental group received 0.1mg/kg/day of tacrolimus with 20mg/kg/day of mycophenolate mofetil, for 15 days. From then on, the tacrolimus was dosed. The surgical specimens of the bladder suture area were processed so that the total type I and type III collagen could be measured by the picrosirius red technique. RESULTS: There was a predominance of type I collagen production in the sham and control groups compared to the experimental group, in which type III collagen was predominant. The production of total collagen did not change. CONCLUSION: The association of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil in animals qualitatively changes the production of collagen after 15 days with a predominance of type III collagen.

The prevalence of prostate cancer in Brazil is higher in Black men than in White men: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Black men have a higher incidence of prostate cancer compared with White men in several countries. In Brazil, most studies reported a similar prevalence of prostate cancer between Blacks and Whites as a result of the high race mixture of the population. OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of the prevalence of prostate cancer in Black versus White, Brown versus White, and Black versus Brown Brazilian men. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This systematic review included cohort, cross sectional and case-control studies comparing the prevalence of prostate cancer between races in Brazil. It was performed using an electronic search of references in bibliographic databases, and dissertations and theses databases from several Brazilian hospitals, universities, and schools of medicine. Meta-analysis was conducted using the RevMan software from the Cochrane Collaboration. To control for potential confounding variables, sensitivity analyses excluding case-control and cross sectional studies were performed. MEASUREMENTS: The outcomes of interest included the number of participants, prevalence of prostate cancer, and odds ratio of cancer between Black and White men, Brown and White men, and Black and Brown men. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Twelve studies approaching the prevalence of prostate cancer in Black or Brown vs. White men in Brazil were identified, totalizing 41388 participants. The prevalence of prostate cancer was 9.6% in Black vs. 5.6% in White men (OR 1.58), 10.1% in Black vs. 6.7% in Brown men (OR 1.43), and 6.7% in Brown vs. 6.6% in White men (OR 1.14). Limitations of this review reflect the complexity and ambiguity in the definition of who is Black and who is not in such an heterogeneous population like the Brazilian people. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review with meta-analysis demonstrates a higher prevalence of prostate cancer in Black men compared to White or Brown Brazilian men. The prevalence of prostate cancer is similar in Brown versus White men.

The significance of biological, environmental, and social risk factors for prostate cancer in a cohort study in Brazil.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the significance of several risk factors for prostate cancer in a cohort of Brazilian men. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Men ≥ 40 years-old participating in a prostate cancer screening program between December 2006 and April 2011 in the city of Curitiba, Brazil, were evaluated to determine the prevalence, relative risk (RR) and 95 % CI of prostate cancer according to age, race, ethnicity, family history of prostate cancer, educational level, and history of vasectomy, increased blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and urethritis. RESULTS: In 2121 men included in this study, prostate cancer prevalence was 0.6 % for men between 40-49 years versus 2.0 % (adjusted RR = 2.58), 7.7 % (adjusted RR = 5.76), and 8.4 % (adjusted RR = 4.88) for men 50-59 years, 60-69 years, and ≥ 70 years, respectively (p < 0.05 to all). The prevalence of cancer was 5.1% in blacks versus 3.3 % in whites (adjusted RR = 1.56, p > 0.05); 6.1 % in African descendants, in comparison to 3.0 % in non-African descendants (adjusted RR = 3.17, p < 0.05); 5.1% in men with a positive family history, compared to 2.5 % in those with no family history (adjusted RR = 1.55, p > 0.05); and 4.8 % in participants with incomplete elementary school level or lower, compared to 2.2 % in men with complete elementary school level or higher education (adjusted RR = 1.85, p > 0.05). Men with/without history of vasectomy, increased blood pressure, diabetes, and urethritis had a prostate cancer prevalence of 0.8 %/3.0 % (adjusted RR = 0.23, p > 0.05), 3.8 %/2.2 % (adjusted RR = 1.16, p > 0.05), 3.7 %/2.6 % (adjusted RR = 1.39, p > 0.05), and 2.6 %/2.6 % (adjusted RR = 0.99, p > 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors associated with an increased prevalence of prostate cancer in this cohort included increasing age and African ethnicity.

Evaluation of nefrotoxicity by tacrolimus and micophenolate mofetil associated with kidney ischemia and reperfusion: experimental study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the renal toxicity caused by tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in a single kidney ischemia and reperfusion model. METHOD: experimental study using Wistar rats, submitted to right nephrectomy and left renal ischemia for 20 minutes, separated into groups in the postoperative period (PO): 1) Control (nonoperated); 2) Sham (operated, without PO drug); 3) TAC0.1, TAC1 and TAC10, tacrolimus administered PO at doses of 0.1mg/kg, 1mg/kg and 10mg/kg via gavage, respectively; 4) MMF, administered mycophenolate mofetil 20mg/kg; 5) MMF/TAC1 and MMF/TAC0.5, with an association of mycophenolate mofetil 20mg/kg and tacrolimus 1mg/kg and 0.5mg/kg, respectively. They were killed on the 14th PO and the kidney was removed for tissue oxidative stress analysis, by the dosage of reduced glutathione (GSH), lipoperoxidation (LPO) and protein carbonylation (PCO), and histological analysis by glomerular stereology (Glomerular volume density, Numerical density glomerular and mean glomerular volume). Renal function was evaluated by the measurement of serum creatinine and urea. RESULTS: both drugs caused alterations in renal function, and the toxicity of tacrolimus was dose-dependent. Subacute toxicity did not show significant glomerular histological changes, and there was renal and compensatory glomerular hypertrophy in all groups except TAC10. CONCLUSION: Both drugs cause changes in renal function. Glomerular morphometry and stereology showed negative interference of immunosuppressants during compensatory glomerular hypertrophy.

Patient positioning during digital rectal examination of the prostate: preferences, tolerability, and results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the preferred position used by Brazilian Urologists to perform DRE, the position that Brazilian patients prefer or think it is less embarrassing to have a DRE, and to evaluate the results of DRE with patients in left lateral decubitus, modified lithotomy, standing-up, or the physician will have them place their elbows on the table and squat down slightly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Brazilian Urologists were contacted by e-mail, and 200 patients answered a questionnaire while undergoing prostate cancer screening. RESULTS: The preferred position was modified lithotomy position reported by 63.4% of Urologists, and left lateral position reported by 42.7% of the patients. Total DRE time was lower in the standing-up position. Pain and urinary urgency scores were similar regardless of the position used, and bowel urgency score was higher in patients squatting down. Patients were similar in terms of age and PSA level, but there was a significant difference between the standard deviations of estimated prostate weight in left lateral position. There were no differences in prostate asymmetry, positive DRE, or incomplete palpation of the prostate rates among different examination positions. CONCLUSIONS: Despite individual subjective preferences, a faster examination time in the standing-up position, and higher bowel urgency scores in patients with their elbows placed on the table and squatting down slightly, there were similar rates of prostate asymmetry, positive DRE, and incomplete palpation of the prostate, and comparable patient tolerability among different examination techniques.

Influence of nicotine on healing of vesical sutures in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To study the effects of nicotine on inflammatory cells, deposition of collagen and its interference on the strength of tissue in vesical sutures in rabbits. METHODS: Twenty New Zealand rabbits were used, randomized into two groups: group N, consisting of 10 animals, to which nicotine was administered in the dose of 2mg/kg of weight as a subcutaneous injection, diluted in 1 ml of saline solution at 0.9% in a daily administration during the 28 days prior to the surgery; and group C, consisting of 10 animals, to which saline solution at 0.9% was administered in the same conditions and time intervals of the nicotine group. All the animals underwent cystotomy and suture of the bladder wall 28 days after the administration of nicotine or saline solution. The measurements were performed on the fourth and seventh day in each group after cystectomy and euthanasia of the animals. A fragment of bladder was removed and sent for a tensile strength test to evaluate the tissue strength and another fragment underwent a histological analysis of inflammatory process and deposition of collagen. RESULTS: There was a decrease of neutrophils on the fourth postoperative day (p=0.079) and an increase of plasmocytes on the seventh postoperative day (p=0.053) in the animals that were given nicotine, without statistical difference in relation to the control group. In the analysis of the proliferation of fibroblasts, deposition of collagen and tensile strength test, there was no statistical difference in relation to the control group. CONCLUSION: The administration of nicotine in rabbits did not influence the healing process of vesical suture in relation to the inflammatory cells, deposit of collagen and tissue strength of the suture.

Evaluation of nefrotoxicity by tacrolimus and micophenolate mofetil associated with kidney ischemia and reperfusion: experimental study in rats / Avaliação da nefrotoxicidade pelo tacrolimus e micofenolato mofetil associados à isquemia e reperfusão renal: estudo experimental em ratos

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the renal toxicity caused by tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in a single kidney ischemia and reperfusion model. Method: experimental study using Wistar rats, submitted to right nephrectomy and left renal ischemia for 20 minutes, separated into groups in the postoperative period (PO): 1) Control (nonoperated); 2) Sham (operated, without PO drug); 3) TAC0.1, TAC1 and TAC10, tacrolimus administered PO at doses of 0.1mg/kg, 1mg/kg and 10mg/kg via gavage, respectively; 4) MMF, administered mycophenolate mofetil 20mg/kg; 5) MMF/TAC1 and MMF/TAC0.5, with an association of mycophenolate mofetil 20mg/kg and tacrolimus 1mg/kg and 0.5mg/kg, respectively. They were killed on the 14th PO and the kidney was removed for tissue oxidative stress analysis, by the dosage of reduced glutathione (GSH), lipoperoxidation (LPO) and protein carbonylation (PCO), and histological analysis by glomerular stereology (Glomerular volume density, Numerical density glomerular and mean glomerular volume). Renal function was evaluated by the measurement of serum creatinine and urea. Results: both drugs caused alterations in renal function, and the toxicity of tacrolimus was dose-dependent. Subacute toxicity did not show significant glomerular histological changes, and there was renal and compensatory glomerular hypertrophy in all groups except TAC10. Conclusion: Both drugs cause changes in renal function. Glomerular morphometry and stereology showed negative interference of immunosuppressants during compensatory glomerular hypertrophy.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a toxicidade renal causada pelo tacrolimus e micofenolato mofetil (MMF) em um modelo de isquemia e reperfusão de rim único. Método: estudo experimental utilizando ratos Wistar, submetidos á nefrectomia direita e isquemia renal esquerda por 20 minutos, separados em grupos no pós- operatório (PO): 1) Controle (não operados); 2) Sham (operados, sem droga PO); 3) TAC0.1, TAC1 e TAC10, administrado tacrolimus no PO nas doses 0,1mg/kg, 1mg/kg e 10mg/kg via gavagem, respectivamentae; 4) MMF, administrado micofenolato mofetil 20mg/kg; 5) MMF/TAC1 e MMF/TAC0.5, com associação de micofenolato mofetil 20mg/kg e tacrolimus 1mg/kg e 0,5mg/kg, respectivamente. Foram mortos no 14º PO e retirado rim para análise do estresse oxidativo tecidual, pela dosagem de glutationa reduzida (GSH), lipoperoxidação (LPO) e carbonilação de proteínas (PCO), e análise histológica por estereologia glomerular (Densidade de volume glomerular, Densidade numérica glomerular e Volume glomerular médio). Foi avaliada função renal pela dosagem de creatinina e uréia séricas. Resultados: ambas drogas provocaram alteração na função renal, sendo a toxicidade do tacrolimus dosedependente. A toxicidade subaguda não mostrou alterações histológicas glomerulares significativas, sendo que houve hipertrofia renal e glomerular compensatória em todos os grupos exceto em TAC10. Conclusão: Ambas drogas provocam alteração na função renal. A morfometria e a estereologia glomerular mostraram interferência negativa dos imunossupressores durante a hipertrofia glomerular compensatória..

Surgical reduction of the renal mass in rats: morphologic and functional analysis on the remnant kidney.

PURPOSE: This study has analyzed the biochemical and morphological effects on the remnant kidney in rats which were submitted to progressive surgical ablation of renal mass. METHODS: Sixty Wistar male rats, weighing between 210 and 380g, were used and they were distributed in 3 groups of 20 animals each. The rats from the groups called 1, 2 and 3 were submitted to the surgical removal of renal tissue equivalent to 1/2, 2/3 and 5/6 of the whole renal mass, respectively. Then the groups were subdivided into 2 subgroups and they were operated again within 24 hours (subgroups 1B, 2B and 3B) and within 8 weeks (subgroups 1C, 2C and 3C) for the removal of the remnant kidney. 24-hour urine and blood were collected to analyze serum creatinine, clearance of creatinine and proteinuria in the first surgical intervention and at the time of the re-operation. The remnant kidney was submitted to a macroscopic evaluation for the degree of hypertrophy and to the analysis of histology. RESULTS: There was a significant increase of the volume of the remnant kidney (164%) and glomerular sclerosis was present in 40% of the animals submitted to the ablation of 5/6 of renal mass. Functional alterations characterized by the increase of urinary excretion of proteins (50% in group 3), rise in the serum creatinine (261% subgroup 2B; 371% subgroup 3B, 118% subgroup 3C) and a significant reduction of the clearance of creatinine (control x subgroup 3C = 2,88 x 1,15 ml/min: p<0,05 were also observed. CONCLUSION: The compensatory renal hypertrophy, as well as the glomerular injury translated in the form of proteinuria and sclerosis, are closed related to the volume of the remnant kidney, thus they are more evident when a greater fraction of the renal tissue is excised.

[Surgical bladder wounds treated with Orbignya phalerata aqueous extract: controlled study in rats]. / Análise da cicatrização da bexiga com o uso do extrato aquoso da Orbignya phalerata (babaçu): estudo controlado em ratos.

INTRODUCTION: Wound healing is a complex process that deals with different biological and immunological systems and is essential to keep the organism integrity. Three well-defined phases occur: inflammatory, proliferative and maturation. A failure or lengthy phase may result in a delay or absence of it. PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to analyse comparatively the histological alteration provided by the use of the aqueous extract of Orbignya phalerata, in the healing process of bladder surgical wounds. METHODS: Forty adult, male Wistar rats were used. The experimental procedure consisted of a longitudinal 2 cm long bladder incision and single layer interrupted suture of 5-0 polyglactine 910. Post-operatively, the rats were randomly divided into two groups of 20. The substance was not used in the control group. The Orbignya phalerata aqueous solution was used in the study group. The animals were observed and killed three and seven days later. Comparative histological analysis was accomplished between the groups. RESULTS: Significant statistical differences were observed in the neo-formation variables (p= 0.001), chronic inflammation (p= 0.002) and fibroblastic proliferation (p= 0.023). Acute inflammation was very evident in the control group. CONCLUSION: The time factor of wound healing showed homogeneity between experimental and control groups, however faster in the experimental one. The Orbignya phalerata had a favoring healing effect in the surgical incision on rats bladder.

[Effect of Passiflora edulis (passion fruit) extract on rats' bladder wound healing: morphological study]. / Efeito do extrato de Passiflora edulis (maracujá) na cicatrização de bexiga em ratos: estudo morfológico.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora edulis leaves in the healing of urinary bladder in rats from histological aspects. METHODS: Forty Wistar male rats were submitted to a longitudinal incision of the bladder followed by a stetching in only one level. After this common procedure, animals were divided at random two groups: Passiflora and Control. In the Passiflora group the only dosage used was administered by intraperitoneal injection of hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora edulis leaves while in the Control group distilled water was injected. Each subgroup was then divided in two subgroups according to the death of these animals: Control, three and seven days, Passiflora, three and seven days. After the death of these animals, an inventory of the abdominal cavity was performed and the bladder was removed. A comparative analysis was done between the two groups with microscopic evaluation of the healing. There was less acute inflammation (p=0.008), greater collagenous formation (p=0.001) and greater capillary neo-formation (p=0.000) in the third day Passiflora subgroup when compared to the Control subgroup of the third day. RESULTS: There was less acute inflammation (p=0.001), greater fibroblastic proliferation (p=0.011) and greater collagenous formation (p=0.001) in the Passiflora subgroup of seventh day when compared with the Control seventh day subgroup. CONCLUSION: The use of Passiflora edulis leaves extract resulted in less acute inflammation, greater fibroblastic proliferation, collagenous formation and capillary neo-formation on rats' bladder wound healing.

Effects of the pneumoperitoneum in rats submitted to a unilateral nephrectomy: morphologic and functional study on the remnant kidney.

PURPOSE: The aim of this experimental study is to analyze the morphologic and functional effects of the pneumoperitoneum on the remnant kidney in rats submitted to a unilateral nephrectomy. METHODS: Forty-eight male adults Wistar rats, with an average weight between 240 to 350 g, were distributed in three groups. The rats in Group 1 were subdivided into two other subgroups: Control Group IA and lB. Groups 2 and 3 and respective subgroups included 12 rats each. All animals were anesthetized and submitted to a puncture. Animals in Groups 2 and 3 were submitted to abdominal insufflation with CO2, during 2 and 4 hours respectively, with a constant IAP of 15 mmHg. Rats of the Control Group 1A and 1B were maintained punctured during 2 and 4 hours respectively, however, without insufflation. In the end of this period, a left nephrectomy was performed in all animals. After 4 weeks, a new pneumoperitoneum with the same duration was installed, according to the groups. After 8 weeks, the animals were submitted to euthanasia to remove the remnant kidney. Samples of blood were collected during the whole experiment to evaluated the renal function by dosing serum creatinine. The remnant kidney was analyzed microscopically to evaluate its level of glomerular hypertrophy, the number ofmesangial cells, and to observe the presence of glomerular sclerosis. All groups were kept under observation and the results were submitted to statistical analysis by a longitudinal and transversal comparative study. RESULTS: At the evaluation of residual renal function no significant clinical alteration was seen in rats submitted to pneumoperitoneum during 2 and 4 hours after a period of 8 weeks. The morphologic analysis of the remnant kidney showed no histological renal injury in the groups. CONCLUSION: The function and renal morphology of rats submitted to a unilateral nephrectomy were not significantly influenced by prolonged and successive pneumoperitoneum, according to this study's biochemical and histological findings.

Effects of remifentanil on awakening of propofol sedated patients submitted to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a randomized clinical trial / Efeitos do remifentanil sobre despertar de pacientes sedados com propofol para endoscopia digestiva alta: estudo clínico randomizado

Abstract Background and objectives: Sedation for endoscopic procedures aims to provide high quality sedation, lower risks, short recovery time, superior recovery quality and absence of side effects, seeking high patient level of satisfaction. The goal of the study was to assess administration of remifentanil combined with propofol regarding the effects of the drug association during sedation and recovery for patients submitted to upper gastrointestinal diagnostic endoscopy. Method: One hundred and five patients were assessed, randomly divided into three groups of 35 patients. The Control Group was sedated with propofol alone. Study Group 1 was sedated with a fixed dose of 0.2 µg.kg−1 remifentanil combined with propofol. Study Group 2 was sedated with 0.3 µg.kg−1 remifentanil combined with propofol. We assessed the quality of sedation, hemodynamic parameters, incidence of significant hypoxemia, time for spontaneous eye opening, post-anesthetic recovery time, quality of post-anesthetic recovery, presence of side effects and patient satisfaction. Results: Study Group 1 showed better quality of sedation. The groups in which remifentanil was administered combined with propofol showed shorter eye-opening time and shorter post-anesthetic recovery time compared to the control group. The three groups presented hemodynamic changes at some of the moments assessed. The incidence of significant hypoxemia, the quality of post-anesthetic recovery, the incidence of side effects and patient satisfaction were similar in the three groups. Conclusions: The combination of propofol with remifentanil at a dose of 0.2 µg.kg−1 was effective in improving the quality of sedation, and at doses of 0.2 µg.kg−1 and 0.3 µg.kg−1 reduced the time to spontaneous eye opening and post-anesthetic recovery in comparison to sedation with propofol administered alone.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A sedação para procedimentos endoscópicos pretende fornecer boa qualidade de sono, menores riscos, tempo de recuperação mais curto, qualidade de recuperação superior e ausência de efeitos colaterais, buscando um elevado nível de satisfação dos pacientes. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência da associação do remifentanil ao propofol e seus efeitos durante a sedação e a recuperação em exames de endoscopia digestiva alta diagnóstica. Método: Foram avaliados 105, divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos de 35 pacientes. O Grupo Controle foi sedado apenas com o uso de propofol, o Grupo de Estudo 1 foi sedado com uso de remifentanil em dose fixa de 0,2 µg.Kg-1 associado ao propofol. E o Grupo de Estudo 2 foi sedado com o uso de remifentanil em dose fixa de 0,3 µg.Kg-1 associado ao propofol. Foram avaliadas a qualidade da sedação, comportamento hemodinâmico, incidência de hipoxemia significativa, tempo para abertura ocular espontânea, tempo de recuperação pós-anestésica, qualidade da recuperação pós-anestésica, presença de efeitos colaterais e satisfação do paciente. Resultado: O Grupo de Estudo 1 apresentou melhor qualidade de sedação. Os grupos em que se associou o remifentanil apresentaram tempo para abertura ocular e tempo de recuperação anestésica mais curtos em relação ao grupo controle. Os três grupos apresentaram alterações hemodinâmicas em algum dos momentos avaliados. A incidência de hipoxemia significativa, a qualidade da recuperação pós-anestésica, a incidência de efeitos colaterais e a satisfação dos pacientes foram similares nos três grupos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a associação do remifentanil na dose de 0,2 µg.kg-1 mostrou-se efetivo na melhora da qualidade da sedação, e nas doses 0,2 µg.kg-1 e de 0,3 µg.kg-1 reduziu o tempo de abertura ocular espontânea e o tempo de recuperação pós-anestésica dos pacientes em relação a sedação apenas com propofol.

Effects of immunosuppression with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil on renal histology and function in single kidney rats submitted to ischemia and reperfusion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate renal histological changes and renal function in single kidney rats submitted to renal ischemia-reperfusion and to immunosuppression with tacrolimus and mycophenolate-mofetil. METHODS: Experimental study with 80 Wistar rats distributed into control, Sham and six other groups treated with immunosuppressive drugs. Animals undergoing surgery, right nephrectomy and left renal clamping, killed on the 14th day and analyzed for renal histology, urea and creatinine. RESULTS: The group receiving tacrolimus at higher doses (T3) showed renal histological lesions indicative of early nephrotoxicity, and significant increase in urea and creatinine. The group M (mycophenolate-mofetil alone) and the group M2 (mycophenolate-mofetil combined with half the usual dose of tacrolimus) presented a slight rise in serum urea. The groups using mycophenolate-mofetil alone or combined with tacrolimus showed creatinine levels similar to that of the group T3. CONCLUSIONS: Histologically, the association of injury by ischemia-reperfusion with the use of tacrolimus or mycophenolate-mofetil alone demonstrated a higher rate of renal changes typical of early nephrotoxicity. In laboratory, the combination of injury by ischemia-reperfusion with tacrolimus at higher doses proved to be nephrotoxic.

Prevalence and risk factors for scrotal lesions/anomalies in a cohort of Brazilian men ≥ 40 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for cutaneous lesions of the scrotum and intrascrotal lesions/anomalies among men included in a prostatic cancer screening program in a Brazilian metropolitan city. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study, private outpatient healthcare service. METHODS: 1731 men aged 40 years or over, participating in a prostate cancer screening program conducted by the municipal public employees' healthcare system, underwent systematic urological assessment by a single examiner. RESULTS: The prevalence of scrotal diseases in our sample was 44.7% (773/1731). Tinea cruris occurred in 203 (11.7%) of the participants, with higher risk among diabetics and lower prevalence among nonwhite individuals; scrotal tinea in eight (0.5%), with higher risk among hypertensive men; subcutaneous nodules in 12 (0.7%), especially in individuals with low schooling level; hydrocele in 283 (16.4%), with higher frequency among participants over the age of 60 years, diabetics or individuals with previous histories of nonspecific urethritis; spermatoceles in 174 (10.1%), with greater prevalence among individuals over the age of 60 years or diabetics, and lower frequency among individuals who underwent vasectomy; unilateral testicular hypotrophy/atrophy in 167 (9.7%) and bilateral hypotrophy/atrophy in 93 (5.4%), both occurring more frequently in individuals over the age of 60 years; absence of palpable testicles due to cryptorchidism in 7 (0.4%); and epididymitis/orchitis in 5 (0.3%), with higher prevalence among diabetics. No cases of cancer were identified in this sample. CONCLUSIONS: Scrotal diseases were highly prevalent in this population of Brazilian men.

Analysis of the histology of the scar bladder and biochemical parameters of rats with a solitary kidney undergoing immunosuppression with tacrolimus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate bladder histology in healing and biochemical analysis of rats with single kidney in ischemia/reperfusion, treated with tacrolimus. METHODS: Fifty rats randomized into five groups. Three rats died in surgery, 47 rats divided in groups: Control (non-operated, n=10), Sham (operated without drugs, n=8), T1 (operated + tacrolimus 1mg/kg, n=10), T2 (operated + tacrolimus 0.1 mg/kg, n=10), T3 (operated + tacrolimus 10mg/kg, n=9). The surgery was: laparotomy, right nephrectomy, left kidney ischemia/reperfusion, cystotomy followed by bladder suture. After that, rats were submited to gavage daily (Control and Sham with saline solution. T1, T2, T3 with tacrolimus in doses already mentioned). On the 14th day, after death induction, cystectomy was performed and bladder was histologicaly analysed. The serum urea, creatinine and tacrolimus were analysed too. RESULTS: There was difference in serum tacrolimus in T3 compared to the other groups (p<0.05). There was higher doses of creatinine in T3 group and higher urea in groups with tacrolimus. There were significant differences among all histologic variables comparing groups with and without tacrolimus (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tacrolimus associated with ischemia/reperfusion is nephrotoxic, suppresses inflammation and seems to delay the healing bladder.

Long-term effects of the testicular torsion on the spermatogenesis of the contralateral testis and the preventive value of the twisted testis orchiepididymectomy.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the testicular torsion causes long-term effects on the spermatogenesis of the contralateral testis, and whether the orchiepididymectomy of the twisted testis could prevent them, using specific spermatogenesis parameters to elucidate the conflicting results in the literature. METHODS: Seventy-four pubertal male Wistar rats were randomly selected. The experimental group consisted of 40 rats, divided into four subgroups, submitted to 1.080 degrees counterclockwise left testicular torsion and its scrotal fixation at the beginning of the experiment, and left orchiepididymectomy at one, five, ten and 90 days, respectively. The control group consisted of 24 rats, divided into four sham operation control subgroups. An additional control subgroup consisted of the ten remaining rats, submitted only to the left orchiepididymectomy at the beginning. At 90 days, the contralateral testes of the experimental and control subgroups were collected for the evaluation of their spermatogenesis parameters: testicular weight, seminiferous tubular diameter, Johnsen score and differential counting of the germ cells. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed among the experimental and control subgroups for all of the spermatogenesis parameters of the contralateral testes. CONCLUSIONS: Testicular torsion does not cause long-term effects on the spermatogenesis of the contralateral testis in pubertal rats, and the orchiepididymectomy of the twisted testis is not necessary for preventive purposes for the contralateral spermatogenesis.

The use of double-J catheter decreases complications of retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy in the treatment of ureteral calculi and the need for double-J catheter to reduce the procedure-related complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study with 47 patients submitted to retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy, of which 31 were selected and divided into two groups: Group 1, whose patients did not have double-J catheter placement, and Group 2, who underwent perioperative double-J catheter implantation. Data collected comprised pre-and post-operative excretory urography, operative time, postoperative analgesia, length of hospital stay and catheter removal. RESULTS: The groups were similar as for age and gender, degree of dilation of the urinary tract, position and average size of the calculi (Group 1 = 15.5 ± 6.6 mm, Group 2 = 16.3 ± 6.1 mm). Operative time was also not significantly different (Group 1 = 130 ± 40.3 min, Group 2 = 136.3 ± 49.3 min). Group 1 had six patients (37.5%) with early (four cases of urinary fistula) and late complications (one case of stenosis of the ureter, one case of functional exclusion of the operated kidney), while Group 2 had no complications. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: The use of double-J catheter was associated with significantly fewer complications in retroperitoneoscopic ureterolithotomy. Surgical time, postoperative analgesia and length of stay were similar between groups with and without catheter.

Immunohistochemistry expression of tumor markers CD34 and P27 as a prognostic factor of clinically localized prostate adenocarcinoma after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of P27 and CD34 markers as prognostic factors in patients with localized prostate cancer. METHODS: analysis of 100 patients with localized prostate cancer submitted to curative surgery. We carried out the usual histological preparation, followed by immunohistochemistry to detect the accumulation of P27 and CD34 protein followed by statistical analysis. RESULTS: in the evaluation of P27 marker and on the correlation with the variables we found significant difference in Gleason score with positive expression (positive P27) related to lower mean PSA (p = 0.091), lower Gleason score (p < 0.0001) and smaller tumor area in CD34 (p = 0.036). Regarding the CD34 marker at the tumor area, it was observed that the smaller the positive CD34, the lower the PSA value (p < 0.0001) and lower the Gleason score (r = 0.5726, p < 0.0001), and the higher the positive CD34, the higher the staging (r = 0.3305, p <0.0001) and the chance of recurrence (p = 0.002). Patients with higher stage also displayed larger positive CD34 areas (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: the markers CD34 and P27 are associated with events specific to prostate cancer, however, only CD34 was able to determine the possibility of biochemical recurrence.

Effects of immunosuppression with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil on renal histology and function in single kidney rats submitted to ischemia and reperfusion

PURPOSE: To evaluate renal histological changes and renal function in single kidney rats submitted to renal ischemia-reperfusion and to immunosuppression with tacrolimus and mycophenolate-mofetil. METHODS: Experimental study with 80 Wistar rats distributed into control, Sham and six other groups treated with immunosuppressive drugs. Animals undergoing surgery, right nephrectomy and left renal clamping, killed on the 14th day and analyzed for renal histology, urea and creatinine. RESULTS: The group receiving tacrolimus at higher doses (T3) showed renal histological lesions indicative of early nephrotoxicity, and significant increase in urea and creatinine. The group M (mycophenolate-mofetil alone) and the group M2 (mycophenolate-mofetil combined with half the usual dose of tacrolimus) presented a slight rise in serum urea. The groups using mycophenolate-mofetil alone or combined with tacrolimus showed creatinine levels similar to that of the group T3. CONCLUSIONS: Histologically, the association of injury by ischemia-reperfusion with the use of tacrolimus or mycophenolate-mofetil alone demonstrated a higher rate of renal changes typical of early nephrotoxicity. In laboratory, the combination of injury by ischemia-reperfusion with tacrolimus at higher doses proved to be nephrotoxic. .