Infective Endocarditis in Congenital Heart Disease

Any congenital heart disease (CHD) with high-velocity jets of blood flow and/or artificial material is associated with the highest risk of infective endocarditis (IE). And IE can be a big issue not only for the patient with CHD before the operation but also after the palliative and the radical surgery. Jets stream of the intracardiac shunt (including the residual shunt after corrective operation) and artificial conduits and/or patches after palliated or corrective operation can be the origin of IE. Even though the incidence of IE in children is much lower than in adults, the risk of IE can be high for patients with CHD. Certain CHD are common underlying conditions of IE, including ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, aortic valve abnormalities, endocardial cushion defects, and tetralogy of Fallot. Furthermore, patients with complex cyanotic CHD with or without conduit procedures, palliative shunt, patches, and prosthetic valves are becoming a large group at risk

Physical Training Programs After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Exercise-based rehabilitation is considered an important adjunct therapy for secondary prevention in patients with coronary artery disease, mainly in populations with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention. Thus, the increasing number of cardiac surgeries along the years is enlarging the participation of patients in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Encouraging exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation might decreases in-hospital stay, speeds returns to work and reduces costs in public health. Recently, two training modalities of exercise gained much attention in cardiac rehabilitation programs: continuous exercise and high-intensity interval aerobic training (HIIAT). The aim of this chapter is to review the effects of HIIAT in patients that undergone to CABG or other cardiac surgeries regarding clinical and physiological parameters such as death, cardiovascular outcomes, aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, quality of life and other parameters, beyond to evaluate the feasibility and safety of HIIAT in this patient’s group

Plasma brain natriuretic peptide and the evaluation of volume overload in infants and children with congenital heart disease.

This study was designed to explore whether it was possible to evaluate the severity of VSD, PDA, and ASD by measuring brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. We also investigated normal BNP levels in children to provide a baseline for our study. We measured BNP levels in 253 normal children, including 11 normal neonates, and in 91 VSD patients, 29 PDA patients, and 34 ASD patients. BNP levels showed no age-related differences in normal children (the mean value: 5.3 +/- 3.8 pg/ml). In the healthy neonates, BNP levels rose from 10.4 +/- 11.9 pg/ml in cord blood to 118.8 +/- 83.2 pg/ml on day 0, then fell to 15.3 +/- 7.8 pg/ml by day 7. In VSD and PDA patients, BNP levels correlated significantly with Qp/Qs, LVEDV, and peak RVP/LVP. In ASD patients, BNP levels correlated with Qp/Qs and RVEDV. Especially, in VSD patients, as an index corresponding to 1.5-2.0 of the Qp/Qs ratio, BNP levels of 20-35 pg/ml were found to be best with regard to both sensitivity and specificity. In the healthy neonates, BNP levels changed rapidly after birth. In VSD, PDA, and ASD patients, BNP levels were well-correlated with the severity of the disease. Especially, in VSD patients, it that appears BNP levels may be useful in evaluating surgical indications, with 20-35 pg/ml levels being the appropriate cut-off value.</p

Avaliação in vivo da interação leucócito-endotélio mesentérico após ligadura e punção cecal e remoção cirúrgica do foco sééptico

PURPOSE: Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) has been used as a useful model for the induction of polymicrobial sepsis. Necrotic tissue resection and peritoneal lavage (REL) are the surgical procedures for controlling perforated appendicitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate leukocyte-endothelial interactions in the rat mesentery in vivo after CLP and REL. METHODS: Thirty-seven male Wistar rats (250-300 g) underwent laparotomy and were randomly assigned to the following groups: 1) SHAM; 2) CLP: animals submitted to CLP, 3) CLP+REL: animals submitted to CLP and REL. Mesenteric leukocyte-endothelial interactions were studied by intravital microscopy assessed once in each animal (3-5 postcapillary venules, 15-25 µm diameter) 24 hours after intervention. Follow-up was performed in all animals; this included analysis of glycemia, lactate, hematocrit, white blood cell count as well as a functional score that was the sum of scoring on the following parameters: alertness, mobility, piloerection, diarrhea, encrusted eyes, and dirty nose and tail. RESULTS: None of the animals showed significant changes in body weight (265 ± 20 g) or in hematocrit levels (46% ± 2%) during the experimental protocol. Compared to SHAM animals, CLP animals showed an increased number of rolling (2x), adherent, and migrating leukocytes (7x) in the mesenteric microcirculation, an increase in blood glucose (136 ± 8 mg/dL), lactate (3.58 ± 0.94 mmol/L), white cell count (23,570 ± 4,991 cells/mm³) and functional alterations (score 11 ± 1), characterized by impaired alertness and mobility, and presence of piloerection, diarrhea, encrusted eyes, and dirty nose and tail. The REL procedure normalized the number of rolling, adherent, and migrated leukocytes in the mesentery; glycemia; lactate; and white blood cell count. The REL procedure also improved the functional score (7 ± 1). CONCLUSION: Local and systemic inflammation was induced by CLP, while REL completely overcame the inflammatory process.OBJETIVO: O procedimento de ligadura cecal e perfuração (CLP) tem sido usado como um modelo útil de indução de sepse polimicrobiana. A ressecção do tecido necrosado e lavagem peritoneal (REL) são procedimentos cirúrgicos freqüentemente utilizados para controlar uma apendicite perfurada. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar in vivo as interações leucócito-endotélio no mesentério de ratos após a CLP e REL. MÉTODOS: Trinta e sete ratos Wistar machos (250-300 g) foram submetidos à laparotomia e aleatoriamente divididos em grupos: 1) SHAM, 2) CLP: ratos submetidos à CLP, 3) CLP+REL: animais submetidos à CLP e REL. As interações leucócito-endotélio no mesentério foram estudadas através de microscopia intravital somente uma vez em cada animal (3-5 vênulas pós-capilares, 15-25 µm diâmetro), 24-horas após as intervenções. A evolução clínica foi realizada em todos os animais, incluindo glicemia, lactato, hematócrito, número total de células brancas e um escore funcional, o qual foi considerado como a somatória dos seguintes parâmetros: estado de alerta, mobilidade, piloereção, diarréia, olhos encrustados, e nariz e cauda sujos. RESULTADOS: Os animais não apresentaram alterações significantes no peso (265 ± 20 g) e hematócrito (46 ± 2%) ao longo do estudo. Comparados ao SHAM, os animais CLP apresentaram aumento no número de leucócitos em rolamento (2x), aderidos (7x) e migrados (7x) na microcirculação mesentérica, aumentos da glicemia (136 ± 8 mg/dL), lactato (3,58 ± 0,94 mmol/L), leucocitose (23.570 ± 4.991 células/mm³) e alterações clínicas (escore 11±1), caracterizadas por comprometimento do estado de alerta e mobilidade, e presença de piloereção, diarréia, olhos encrustados, nariz e cauda sujos. REL normalizou o número de leucócitos em rolamento, aderidos e migrados no mesentério, a glicemia, o lactato e o número de leucócitos circulantes. REL também melhorou o escore clínico (7 ± 1). CONCLUSÃO: A CLP induziu inflamação local e sistêmica. A REL resolveu, por completo, o processo inflamatório

Effects of the Environmental Factors upon the Differentiation and Development of Fruit Buds of the Peach Trees

1. The development of peach fruit buds collected simultaneously from twenty different regions in Japan was classified into three groups according to the climatic conditions, in spite of the differences of tree age and methods of cultivation. It was related with the mean temperature in June, July, and August in 1957. It was also known that about 900 degrees C of heat summations above 10 degrees C from the time of sprouting in April to the time of fruit bud differentiation in the peach in various regions was required. 2. As the results of temperature treatments, high day and night temperatures markedly prevented the fruit bud formation, and also high night temperature reduced the number of fruit buds. 3. The time of differentiation of fruit bud in the peach does not definitely respond to light duration, but, under short photoperiods the number of fruit buds was considerably reduced. The shading of the peach trees greatly reduced the fruit bud formation, and with the severe shading the peach tree finally died. It indicated that in the interior of dense, unpruned trees, the flower formation may be greatly prevented by the low intensity of light. 4. The differentiation and development of fruit buds were stimulated under dry conditions of the soil at the early stage of growth, and they were greatly reduced, if the soil conditions were either extremely dry or wet throughout the growing season. 5. The excessive application of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer to young peach trees definitely delayed the differentiation and formation of fruit bud, while the application of phosphorus fertilizer considerably increased fruit bud formation. 6. The complete defoliation at the early stages of growing season entirely prevented the formation of fruit bud. Some buds were destroyed, and others were stimulated to sprout the secondary shoot. The similar effects, though less severe, were found also in plots where three-fourths leaves were removed

Effects of Different Peep Levels on Mesenteric Leukocyte-Endothelial Interactions in Rats During Mechanical Ventilation

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical ventilation with positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) improves oxygenation and treats acute pulmonary failure. However, increased intrathoracic pressure may cause regional blood flow alterations that may contribute to mesenteric ischemia and gastrointestinal failure. We investigated the effects of different PEEP levels on mesenteric leukocyte-endothelial interactions. METHODS: Forty-four male Wistar rats were initially anesthetized (Pentobarbital I.P. 50mg/kg) and randomly assigned to one of the following groups: 1) NAIVE (only anesthesia; n=9), 2) PEEP 0 (PEEP of 0 cmH2O, n=13), 3) PEEP 5 (PEEP of 5 cmH2O, n=12), and 4) PEEP 10 (PEEP of 10 cmH2O, n=13). Positive end expiratory pressure groups were tracheostomized and mechanically ventilated with a tidal volume of 10 mL/kg, respiratory rate of 70 rpm, and inspired oxygen fraction of 1. Animals were maintained under isoflurane anesthesia. After two hours, laparotomy was performed, and leukocyte-endothelial interactions were evaluated by intravital microscopy. RESULTS: No significant changes were observed in mean arterial blood pressure among groups during the study. Tracheal peak pressure was smaller in PEEP 5 compared with PEEP 0 and PEEP 10 groups (11, 15, and 16 cmH2O, respectively; p<0.05). After two hours of MV, there were no differences among NAIVE, PEEP 0 and PEEP 5 groups in the number of rollers (118±9,127±14 and 147±26 cells/10minutes, respectively), adherent leukocytes (3±1,3±1 and 4±2 cells/100µm venule length, respectively), and migrated leukocytes (2±1,2±1 and 2±1 cells/5,000µm², respectively) at the mesentery. However, the PEEP 10 group exhibited an increase in the number of rolling, adherent and migrated leukocytes (188±15 cells / 10 min, 8±1 cells / 100 µm and 12±1 cells / 5,000 µm², respectively; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High intrathoracic pressure was harmful to mesenteric microcirculation in the experimental model of rats with normal lungs and stable systemic blood pressure, a finding that may have relevance for complications related to mechanical ventilation

Imprint cytological feature of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder : A case report

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare poorly differentiated carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation showing aggressive clinical behavior. We herein report a case of gallbladder LCNEC, which was difficult to differentiate from poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. An imprint cytology was very useful for the final diagnosis in this case. A 56-year-old male with left exophthalmos was admitted to the hospital. Radiological examinations revealed the presence of a left gallbladder tumor with orbital metastasis. The histological diagnosis was poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, and intensive chemoradiotherapy was administered. Unfortunately, the patient died of extensive metastases 36 months after the initial onset of symptoms. An autopsy revealed a tumor mass in the gallbladder associated with multiple liver and peritoneal metastases. Imprint cytology of the main tumor revealed cytological features of LCNEC, and additional histological examinations confirmed this diagnosis. Although performing a histological examination is important for making a final diagnosis, imprint cytology is powerful tool for differential diagnosis of LCNEC, especially in patients with carcinoma with poor differentiation