Technetium-99m Sestamibi Scintigraphy Pattern in Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

complications of end stage renal disease (ESRD). We aimed in this investigation to explore the role of Technetium-99m sestamibi (99mTc MIBI) scintigraphy in the pre-operative assessment of refractory hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: Dual-phase 99mTc MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy was performed for 23 patients with ESRD who have persistent intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels exceeding 300 pg/ml. Based on scintigraphy results, 13 patients underwent neck exploration during which only glands with positive scintigraphy findings were removed. Results: Among the six patients who had iPTH levels < 800 pg/ml, only one patient had positive scintigraphy findings (16.7%). Among the 17 patients who had iPTH levels ≥ 800 pg/ml, 16 patients had positive scintigraphy findings (94.1%). 99mTc MIBI scan detected 23 positive sites of focal trace uptake in those 17 patients. Partial parathyroidectomy was performed for 13 patients, removing in total 19 glands, while four patients declined surgery. On histological examination, 12 glands showed diffuse hyperplasia, four glands showed nodular hyperplasia and three glands revealed parathyroid adenoma. The three glands with parathyroid adenoma were correctly identified prior to surgery by 99mTc MIBI scintigraphy. The long-term outcomes of these patients are now being monitored. Conclusion: ESRD patients with iPTH level ≥ 800 pg/ml are more likely to have positive sites of focal tracer uptake on MIBI scan than patients with lower iPTH levels. Dual-phase 99mTc MIBI scintigraphy has the ability to correctly identify parathyroid adenoma prior to surgical exploration in these patients. Keywords: Hyperparathyroidism, parathyroid adenoma, parathyroid hyperplasia, scintigraphy, 99mTc sestamib

Aluminum-induced testosterone decrease results in physiological and behavioral changes in male mice

Recently, there has been much controversy on the role of testosterone on social and aggression behaviors. This work aimed to determine the effect of testosterone decrease, induced by aluminum exposure on the level of aggression. Male Swiss-Webster strain mice were classified into three groups. The first (control group) received distilled water, while the second and third groups were administrated 300 and 600 mg/kg aluminum chloride, respectively, by oral route for 20 days. Thereafter, they were subjected to “standard opponent” test. A significant decrease in testosterone levels in the treated groups was obtained at both the low and high doses of aluminum. Expectedly, significant decreases were observed in the social contacts, threat, attack and number of fights of both treated groups in a dose dependant manner. All blood parameters revealed a dose dependent significant decrease as well. A significant decrease in both serotonin and dopamine levels was simultaneously obtained with the decrease of testosterone level especially at the high dose of aluminum. In contrast, at the high dose, acetylcholine recorded significantly high value. In conclusion, aluminum-induced testosterone decrease resulted in a significant decline in aggression, several blood parameters and levels of neurotransmitters.Keywords: Aluminum, Swiss-Webster mice, standard opponent test, social behavior, testosteron

Bioactivity of Samsum ant (Pachycondyla sennaarensis) venom against lipopolysaccharides through antioxidant and upregulation of Akt1 signaling in rats

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at investigating the oxidative stress ameliorating effect, lipids profile restoration, and the anti-inflammatory effect of Samsum Ant Venom (SAV) in induced endotoxemic male rats, injected with bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). RESULTS: Results revealed that LPS significantly increased the oxidative stress indications in LPS-injected rats. A significant increase of both malondialdehyde (MDA), and advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP), as well as a significant suppression of glutathione were all detected. Treatment with 100 μg/kg dose of SAV significantly restored the oxidative stress normal indications and increased the total glutathione levels. Treatment of the LPS-rats with 100 μg/kg dose of SAV showed a clear anti-inflammatory function; as the histological architecture of the hepatic tissue was partially recovered, along with a valuable decrease in the leukocytes infiltrated the hepatic tissues. Treatment of some rat groups with 600 μg/kg dose of SAV after LPS injection induced a severe endotoxemia that resulted in very high mortality rates. SAV versus the effects of LPS on AKT1, Fas, TNF-α and IFN-γ mRNA expression. SAV was found to significantly lower Fas gene expression comparing to the LPS group and restore the level of IFN-γ mRNA expression to that of the control group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, SAV, at the dose of 100 μg/kg body weight, maintained and restored the oxidative stability, the anti-inflammatory, and the hypolipidemic bioactivity in rats after induced disruption of these parameters by LPS injection. This improvement by SAV was mediated by upregulation of AKT1

Cytotoxic effects of Smp24 and Smp43 scorpion venom antimicrobial peptides on tumour and non-tumour cell lines

Smp24 and Smp43 are novel cationic AMPs identified from the venom of the Egyptian scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus, having potent activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. Here we describe cytotoxicity of these peptides towards three non-tumour cell lines (CD34+ (hematopoietic stem progenitor from cord blood), HRECs (human renal epithelial cells) and HACAT (human skin keratinocytes) and two acute leukaemia cell lines (myeloid (KG1a) and lymphoid (CCRF-CEM) leukaemia cell lines) using a combination of biochemical and imaging techniques. Smp24 and Smp43 (4–256 µg/mL) decreased the cell viability (as measured by intracellular ATP) of all cells tested, although keratinocytes were markedly less sensitive. Cell membrane leakage as evidenced by the release of lactate dehydrogenase was evident throughout and was confirmed by scanning electron microscope studies

Correlation of ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight with actual birth weight at a rural setting

Background: Ultrasound estimation of fetal weight in term pregnancies is used to determine fetal growth. The objective of this study was to assess the precision of sonographic estimation of fetal weight in normal vaginal deliveries at a rural setting.Methods: The study was cross-sectional. A group of 74 pregnant women delivered normally in Muglad hospital in West Kordofan, Sudan, were considered in the study. Fetal weight was estimated by Hadlock and shephards formulae within one week prior to delivery and then newborn weight was taken within 24 hours after delivery. Data were collected by a questionnaire and medical examination as well as sonographic examination. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 23 and Kruskal Wallis Test (post-hoc analysis) Pearson’s correlation coefficient within 95% confidence interval. p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The correlation, by Paired sample, to assess fetal weight was as follows: between Hadlock and shephards was 0.901 (p < 0.001), between Hadlock and AFW was 0.908 (p < 0.001) and between Shephards and AFW was 0.781 (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Estimation of fetal weight by Hadlock has been more correlated with actual fetal weight (AFW) than that done with shephards. The study recommends using Hadlock formula which is more accurate in estimation of fetal weight by sonography

Aplicaciones farmacéuticas e impactos ambientales de la Spirulina (Arthrospira). Una visión general

Recently, microalgae cultivation for different applications, including the production of nutritional and pharmaceutical active compounds has received increasing attention. Among the different genera, Spirulina (Arthrospira sp.) is one of the most promising blue-green microalgae (Cyanophyta) because it is rich in antioxidants, essential amino acids (EAAs), minerals, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins. It has a high protein content (60-70% of the dry weight), which is a complete protein, i.e. containing all EAAs. Therefore, Spirulina is currently a commercial product with high nutritional value and also a significant source of complementary and alternative medicine. The objective of the present work was to review the pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications of Spirulina, especially its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and anti-toxicity properties. The results were obtained from experiments in the literature performed in vitro and in vivo using experimental animals. The main reported active ingredients in Spirulina include phycocyanin, tocopherol, β-carotene, caffeic acids and chlorogenic acid, which showed individual or synergetic effects. In addition, the present review discusses the future perspectives of genetically modified Spirulina as a source for industrial products while producing valuable biomass photoautotrophically. Furthermore, the consequent environmental impacts of large-scale cultivation of Spirulina are discussed.Recientemente, el cultivo de microalgas para diferentes aplicaciones, incluida la producción de compuestos activos nutricionales y farmacéuticos, está recibiendo una atención cada vez mayor. Entre los diferentes géneros, Spirulina (Arthrospira sp.) es una de las microalgas azul-verde más prometedoras (Cyanophyta) porque es rica en antioxidantes, aminoácidos esenciales (EAAs), minerales, proteínas, ácidos grasos poliinsaturados y vitaminas. Tiene un alto contenido de proteína (60-70% del peso seco) es una proteína completa, es decir, contiene todos los EAAs. Por lo tanto, la Spirulina es actualmente un producto comercial con alto valor nutricional y también una fuente importante parala medicina complementaria y alternativa. El objetivo del presente trabajo es revisar las aplicaciones farmacéuticas y terapéuticas de Spirulina, especialmente propiedades antioxidantes, antiinflamatorias, anticancerígenas, antimicrobianas, antidiabéticas, antiobesidad y antitóxicas. Los resultados se obtienen a partir de trabajos experimentales realizados in vitro e in vivo utilizando animales de experimentación. Los principales ingredientes activos reportados en Spirulina incluyen ficocianina, tocoferol, β-caroteno, ácidos caféicos y clorogénico que mostraron efectos individuales o sinérgicos. Además, en la presente revisión se discute las perspectivas futuras de la Spirulina genéticamente modificada como fuente de productos industriales, al mismo tiempo que se produce una valiosa biomasa fotoautotrófica. Además, se discutieron los impactos ambientales consiguientes del cultivo a gran escala de la Spirulina

Antioxidant Potential of Spirulina platensis

The present study aimed to examine the protective role of Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) against arsenic-induced testicular oxidative damage in rats. Arsenic (in the form of NaAsO2 at a dose of 6.3 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks) caused a significant accumulation of arsenic in testicular tissues as well as a decrease in the levels of testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione, and zinc. Moreover, it significantly decreased plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels and reduced sperm motility and sperm count. Arsenic (AS) led to a significant increase in testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), and sperm abnormalities. S. platensis at a dose of 300 mg/kg was found to attenuate As-induced oxidative stress, testicular damage, and sperm abnormalities by its potent antioxidant activity. S. platensis may represent a potential therapeutic option to protect the testicular tissue from arsenic intoxication

Robotic-assisted radical cystectomy: the first multicentric Brazilian experience

The objective of this study is to report the first multicentric Brazilian series and learning curve of robotic radical cystectomy (RARC) with related intra- and postoperative outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed 37 RARC prospectively collected at four different centers in Brazil, from 2013 to 2019. We analyzed the patient’s demographics, pathological tumor, and nodal status, as well as intra- and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed with the IBM (SPSS version 25) software. Overall, 86% were male, and the median age was 69&nbsp;years. 83% had muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and 17% a high-grade, recurrent non-muscle-invasive tumor. The median operative time was 420&nbsp;min with 300&nbsp;min as console time. Median blood loss was 350&nbsp;ml and transfusion rate was 10%. In 68% of the cases, we performed an intracorporeal Bricker urinary diversion, 24% intracorporeal neobladder, and 8% ureterostomy. Six patients (16%) had a Clavien 1–2, 8% had Clavien 3, 2.5% had a Clavien 4, and 5% had Clavien 5. The median length of hospital stay was 7&nbsp;days. The final pathological exam pointed out pT0 in 16%, pT1 in 8%, pT2 in 32%, ≥ pT3 in 27%, and 16% pTis. 95% had negative surgical margins. The survival at 30, 90, and 180&nbsp;days was 98%, 95%, and 95%, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first multicentric series of RARC reporting the learning curve in Brazil; even if still representing a challenging procedure, RARC could be safely and effectively faced by experienced surgeons at centers with high volumes of robotic surgery