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We discuss an amazing 1922 result of Henry Blumberg that for an arbitrary , there is a dense such that the restriction is continuous. In particular, we provide a new short proof of this theorem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is part of a Special Issue “Parental Care”. Jay Rosenblatt effectively promoted research on rabbit maternal behavior through his interaction with colleagues in Mexico. Here we review the activities of pregnant and lactating rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ), their neuro-hormonal regulation, and the synchronization of behavior between mother and kits. Changing concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin throughout gestation regulate nest-building (digging, straw-carrying, fur-pulling) and prime the mother's brain to respond to the newborn. Nursing is the only mother–young contact throughout lactation. It happens once/day, inside the nest, with ca. 24 h periodicity, and lasts around 3 min. Periodicity and duration of nursing depend on a threshold of suckling as procedures reducing the amount of nipple stimulation interfere with the temporal aspects of nursing, though not with the doe's maternal motivation. Synchronization between mother and kits, critical for nursing, relies on: a) the production of pheromonal cues which guide the young to the mother's nipples for suckling; b) an endogenous circadian rhythm of anticipatory activity in the young, present since birth. Milk intake entrains the kits' locomotor behavior, corticosterone secretion, and the activity of several brain structures. Sibling interactions within the huddle, largely determined by body mass at birth, are important for: a) maintaining body temperature; b) ensuring normal neuromotor and social development. Suckling maintains nursing behavior past the period of abundant milk production but abrupt and efficient weaning occurs in concurrently pregnant-lactating does by unknown factors. Conclusion: female rabbits have evolved a reproductive strategy largely dissociating maternal care from maternal presence, whose multifactorial regulation warrants future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Laparoscopic graft removal for pediatric living donor liver transplantation (PLDLT) reduces morbidity and surgical aggressiveness for the donor. It is important to assess whether the approach used for removal purposes compromises implantation. The objective of this study was to analyze PLDLT progression in children according to whether the graft had been removed laparoscopically or through open surgery. Materials and methods. A retrospective, analytical cohort study of PLDLTs carried out in our institution from 2009 to 2020 was carried out. Results. Transplantation was performed in 14 patients, with a median age of 34.5 (R: 6-187) months. In 6 donors (42%), graft removal was conducted laparoscopically. In 1 donor (7%), removal was initiated laparoscopically, but conversion was required. This patient was included within the open surgery group, which consisted of 8 (58%) donors. No differences were found in terms of operating times, ICU stay, hospital stay, complications during admission, or complications post-admission in the recipient. The surgical approach did not compromise the length of the vessels to be anastomosed in any graft, and it added no extra difficulty to implantation. No differences were found in terms of removal times or hospital stay for the donor. Only 1 donor from the laparoscopy group required re-intervention due to bleeding following port insertion. Conclusion. PLDLT patients had similar results regardless of the removal approach used, which did not compromise the structures of the graft to be anastomosed, or add any extra difficulty to implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are only nursed for 3–5 min every 24 h. They show a circadian increase in activity in anticipation of this, which is entrained by suckling. Our aim was to determine whether serum and liver metabolites show diurnal fluctuations which could act to regulate this circadian pattern. Stomach weight, liver glycogen and serum metabolites were measured every 3 h in 7- to 8-day-old pups when normally nursed (up to 24 h after suckling) and fasted (up to 48 h after suckling). The results suggest: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article compares gravimetry vs. high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as quality control (QC) methods for paclitaxel, docetaxel and oxaliplatin preparations. We aimed at assessing the preparation method reliability in our hospital, evaluating compounding accuracy and estimating the influence of personnel training and standardized homogenization on compounding accuracy. Agreement, correlation, concordance, accuracy and precision between methods were evaluated for each drug. Conforming preparation percentages (CPs) at different tolerance limits (TLs) and compounding accuracy were calculated for each method and drug. Compounding accuracy was compared before and after personnel training and standardized homogenization implantation. SPSS v 20.0 and Ene v 2.0 were used. A total of 222 samples (58 docetaxel, 95 paclitaxel and 69 oxaliplatin) were analyzed. Gravimetry and HPLC are comparable methods. Overall CP was 81% for gravimetry at 10% TL and 85% for HPLC at 15% TL. Compounding accuracy is shown to be good for all methods and drugs. Homogenization optimization and personnel training make measurements more accurate for docetaxel and paclitaxel HPLC, but seem to worsen accuracy for docetaxel gravimetry. Gravimetry has shown to be a good alternative to HPLC for routine QC. Coupling with electronic methods should be considered in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of chronic stress combined with high sucrose intake on the morphology of the adrenal glands in young rats. Male Wistar rats were fed a standard chow diet and allocated into control (C; tap water), chronic restraint stress (St), 30% sucrose diet (S30) and 30% sucrose diet + chronic restraint stress (S30 + St) groups. St consisted of 1 h daily sessions, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Chronic stress reduced the thickness of the zona glomerulosa (ZG) and zona fasciculata (ZF) in both right and left glands; the thickness of the zona reticularis (ZR) was increased in the right gland. Cell density was greater in the ZF and medulla of both right and left glands, whereas cell density increased in the ZR of only the left gland. The percentage of small cells was lower in the ZG, whereas more large cells were found in the left gland. A similar result was obtained for the ZF, ZR and medulla in both right and left glands. Chronic stress increased the area covered by blood vessels in the ZR of the right gland, but decreased the area in the ZR of the left gland. The area covered by blood vessels was reduced in the medulla of both right and left glands in rats subjected to chronic stress. Infiltration of immune cells was increased by chronic stress in all layers of the cortex of the left gland, but was reduced in the medulla of the right gland. A high sucrose diet reduced the thickness of the medulla in the left gland. Cell proliferation increased in the ZG of the right gland and the weight of the right adrenal gland increased. Reduced cell proliferation in the ZG of the left gland was associated with a reduction in the area covered by blood vessels. In addition, the area covered by blood vessels decreased in the medulla of both glands. Our findings demonstrate that exposure to chronic stress during early life causes morphometric changes in adrenal glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evoked EMG reflex activity from the pubococcygeus muscle of female Wistar rats has been reported, but has not been carefully analyzed. Here, we studied this reflex activity through mechanical stimulation of the clitoris, perigenital skin, caudal vagina and foot, all of which produced bilateral reflex multiunit electromyographic (MEMG) tonic “on” activity and displayed a rapid adaptation. However, deep vagina and cervical stimulation did not modify MEMG baseline activity even if it was combined with clitoris, perigenital skin and foot stimulation. Electrical stimulation of the dorsal nerve of the clitoris produced bilateral MEMG activity that when recorded at fast sweep speed, it was possible to observe that the ipsilateral response had an 8 ms latency, while the contralateral response had a 10 ms latency. These data suggest that bilateral reflex activation of pubococcygeus muscle motoneurons is produced by several sensory sources in which a specialized neural circuitry of afferent and efferent components and several spinal cord interneurons are involved. This is in accordance with the multi functionality of this muscle in reproductive and behavioral processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothyroidism is associated with the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, but cellular mechanisms have been scarcely analyzed. Thyroid hormones regulate the synthesis and secretion of bile acids that are endogenous ligands of the farnesoid receptor (FXRa), which have been involved in the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. However, the relationship between thyroid hormones and FXRa expression in the liver is yet unknown. Control (n = 6) and methimazole-induced hypothyroid (n = 6) female rabbits were used to evaluate the amount of lipids and glycogen, vascularization, hepatocytes proliferation, immune cells infiltration, and expression of FXRa. Student-t or Mann-Whitney U tests were carried out to determine significant differences. Hypothyroidism induced steatosis, glycogen loss, fibrosis, and a minor vascularization in the liver. In contrast, hypothyroidism increased the proliferation of hepatocytes and the infiltration of mast cells, but did not modify the number of immune cells into sinusoids. These changes were associated with a minor anti-FXRa immunoreactivity of periportal hepatocytes and pericentral immune cells. Our results suggest that hypothyroidism induces a moderate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, alllowing the hepatic regeneration. The FXRa may be involved in the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in hypothyroid subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Oviductal regions show particular histological characteristics and functions. Tubal pathologies and hypothyroidism are related to primary and secondary infertility. The impact of hypothyroidism on the histological characteristics of oviductal regions has been scarcely studied. Our aim was to analyse the histological characteristics of oviductal regions in control and hypothyroid rabbits. Hypothyroidism was induced by oral administration of methimazole ( MMI) for 30 days. For both groups, serum concentrations of thyroid and gonadal hormones were determined. Sections of oviductal regions were stained with the Masson's trichrome technique to analyse both epithelial and smooth muscle layers. The percentage of proliferative epithelial cells (anti-Ki67) in diverse oviductal regions was also quantified. Data were compared with Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, or Fischer's test. In comparison with the control group, the hypothyroid group showed: (i) a low concentration of T3 and T4, but a high level of TSH; (ii) similar values of serum estradiol, progesterone and testosterone; (iii) a large size of ciliated cells in the ampulla ( AMP), isthmus ( IST) and utero-tubal junction ( UTJ); (iv) a large size of secretory cells in the IST region; (v) a low percentage of proliferative secretory cells in the fimbria-infundibulum ( FIM- INF) region; and (vi) a similar thickness of the smooth muscle layer and the cross-sectional area in the AMP and IST regions. Modifications in the size of the oviductal epithelium in hypothyroid rabbits could be related to changes in the cell metabolism that may impact on the reproductive functions achieved by oviduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To determine changes in morphometry and expression of oestrogen receptors (OR) in the pubococcygeus and bulbospongiosus muscles, and the concentration of serum oestradiol associated with multiparity. Study design: Twelve chinchilla-breed female rabbits were divided into multiparas who had undergone four consecutive deliveries and age-matched virgin nulliparas. Pubococcygeus and bulbospongiosus muscles were surgically removed from each rabbit and processed histologically. Fibre cross-sectional area, number of peripheral nuclei, and expression of ORα and ORβ were measured for each muscle. Serum samples were obtained and the concentration of serum oestradiol was quantified. Results: Multiparity increased (p ≤0.05) fibre cross-sectional area and the number of peripheral nuclei per fibre in pubococcygeus muscle, but not in bulbospongiosus muscle. Expression of both ORα and ORβ was high (p ≤0.05) in both muscles from multiparous rabbits. A rise in serum oestradiol was measured at the end of the second pregnancy, which was absent (p ≤0.05) at the end of the fourth pregnancy. The concentration of serum oestradiol was similar (p >0.05) in nulliparous and multiparous rabbits. Conclusions: Multiparity caused morphometric changes in pubococcygeus muscle but not in bulbospongiosus muscle. As OR expression was high for both muscles, some properties related to fibre composition or muscle physiology could be affected. The finding that serum oestradiol was not elevated at the end of the fourth pregnancy could be related to changes in pelvic and perineal muscles associated with multiparity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Parents are most responsible for nutritional education of children, and pediatricians must advise and help them with their doubts. The purpose of this study was to know the relevance of nutritional topics in daily practice and the main nutritional problems perceived by pediatricians in children under 3 years of age.Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study performed in 2 stages. First stage consisted on discussion meetings with 30 random-selected pediatricians from Madrid and Barcelona. Results were used to design the on-line questionnaire of the second stage (76 questions related to nutrition in children under 3 years). A random and representative sample of Spanish pediatricians was selected for this stage.Results: One hundred and fifty one pediatricians, among 258 sampled, completed the questionnaire. They referred to see a mean of 588 patients/month. The main perceived nutritional problems in the first year of life were iron and vitamin deficiencies and poor weight gain. In the next months, excess in carbohydrates and lipid intake and overweight were the main problems perceived. Parents were considered the main actors regarding their children's nutritional health, but their concern in these questions significantly reduced with children's age (p < 0,0001). Factors considered to have the greatest relevance in the acquisition of good nutritional habits were to provide a diet adjusted for children's requirements and to observe the appropriate sleeping hours. The proportion of children who receive nutritional counseling varied from 88% (0-6 months) to 61% (24-36 months).Conclusions: Despite of the relevance given by pediatricians, educational intervention regarding nutritional health is not ideal. Nutritional problems perceived by pediatricians varied with children's age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To prospectively assess the antibacterial resistance rate in Helicobacter pylori strains obtained from symptomatic children in Europe. Methods: During a 4-year period, 17 paediatric centres from 14 European countries reported prospectively on patients infected with H pylori, for whom antibiotic susceptibility was tested. Results: A total of 1233 patients were reported from Northern (3%), Western (70%), Eastern (9%) and Southern Europe (18%); 41% originated from outside Europe as indicated by mother's birth-country; 13% were <6 years of age, 43% 6-11 years of age and 44% >11 years of age. Testing was carried out before the first treatment (group A, n = 1037), and after treatment failure (group B, n = 196). Overall resistance to clarithromycin was detected in 24% (mean, A: 20%, B: 42%). The primary clarithromycin resistance rate was higher in boys (odds ratio (OR) 1.58; 1.12 to 2.24, p = 0.01), in children <6 years compared with >12 years (OR 1.82, 1.10 to 3.03, p = 0.020) and in patients living in Southern Europe compared with those living in Northern Europe (OR 2.25; 1.52 to 3.30, p<0.001). Overall resistance rate to metronidazole was 25% (A: 23%, B: 35%) and higher in children born outside Europe (A: adjusted. OR 2.42, 95% CI: 1.61 to 3.66, p<0.001). Resistance to both antibiotics occurred in 6.9% (A: 5.3%, B: 15.3%). Resistance to amoxicillin was exceptional (0.6%). Children with peptic ulcer disease (80/1180, 6.8%) were older than patients without ulcer (p=0.001). Conclusion: The primary resistance rate of H pylori strains obtained from unselected children in Europe is high. The use of antibiotics for other indications seems to be the major risk factor for development of primary resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]