Corticosterone, lactate, and circulating leukocyte responses of free-ranging cottonmouth snakes (Agkistrodon piscivorus) vary with the duration and nature of the acute stressor.

Exposure to acute stressors can induce multiple physiological changes in vertebrates such as altering circulating hormone and enzyme levels as well as leukocyte counts, and interactions between endocrine and immune function may produce suites of physiological changes following acute stress. Previously, we showed that presence of human observers elicited only a weak elevation of plasma corticosterone levels in cottonmouths. Additional variables, however, must be considered to understand if changes in physiological parameters are highly generalized or vary among sexes or with context.

Insights into Prevention of Health Complications in Small for Gestational Age (SGA) Births in Relation to Maternal Characteristics: A Narrative Review.

Small for gestational age (SGA) births are a significant clinical and public health issue. The objective of this review was to summarize maternal biological and socio-demographic factors and preventive strategies used to reduce the risk of SGA births. A literature search encompassing data from the last 15 years was conducted using electronic databases MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus to review risk factors and preventive strategies for SGA.

Corticosterone in three species of free-ranging watersnakes: Testing for reproductive suppression and an association with body condition.

The potentially suppressive effects of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis revolve around the central role that glucocorticoids play in mobilizing energy. As an individual's energy balance becomes negative, the HPA axis helps mobilize energy and shifts energy expenditure away from reproduction toward maintenance and survival. While there is evidence in support of these relationships, substantial species variability exists.

New techniques of regional anaesthesia for renal laparoscopic surgeries.

Renal procedures are performed within the realm of urology, general and transplant surgery. The implementation of new operating techniques imposes on anaesthetists the need to adapt their methods, aiming to improve the patient's perioperative comfort and safety. Laparoscopy is gaining increasing interest as a less invasive procedure; however clinical research shows that pain after the procedure is underestimated and therefore poorly controlled.

The Relationship between the Infant Gut Microbiota and Allergy. The Role of and Prebiotic Oligosaccharides in the Activation of Anti-Allergic Mechanisms in Early Life.

The increase in allergy prevalence observed in recent decades may be a consequence of early intestinal dysbiosis. The intestinal microbiota is formed in the first 1000 days of life, when it is particularly sensitive to various factors, such as the composition of the mother's microbiota, type of delivery, infant's diet, number of siblings, contact with animals, and antibiotic therapy. Breastfeeding and vaginal birth favorably affect the formation of an infant's intestinal microbiota and protect against allergy development.

Urinary procollagen III aminoterminal propeptide and β-catenin - New diagnostic biomarkers in solitary functioning kidney?

Purpose: We aimed at evaluating urinary levels of procollagen III aminoterminal propeptide (PIIINP) and β-catenin and the relationship between these markers and clinical and laboratory variables in children with a solitary functioning kidney (SFK).

Patients And Methods: The study group consisted of 98 (M/F: 62/36) children with an SFK with a median age of 8 years. An age-matched control group contained 54 healthy peers.

Are low birth weight children predisposed to renal loss of carnitine?

The plasma homeostasis of both free and esterified carnitines is mostly regulated by renal tubular reabsorption, which may be disturbed in low birth weight children. The aim of study was to check whether disturbances in excretion of l-carnitine (LC) and its main ester, acetyl-carnitine (ALC), may be the result of renal dysfunction in low birth weight children (LBW). This study included 59 LBW children (2165 g [1490-2440]) and 22 children with normal birth weight as a reference group (3500 g [3275-3650]).

Breast cancer in an 18-year-old female: A fatal case report and literature review.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignancy in both pre- and postmenopausal women. However, it is exceedingly rare in very young patients, and especially in adolescents. Herein, we report a case of an 18-year-old female diagnosed with invasive BC.

Seasonal changes in baseline corticosterone, association with innate immunity, and effects of confinement in free-ranging Eastern Box Turtles, Terrapene carolina carolina.

Seasonal changes in glucocorticoids and their influence on the immune system are widespread in vertebrates, but whether this occurs in lesser studied taxa like turtles is unclear. The purpose of this study was to test for seasonal changes in baseline corticosterone (CORT), innate immunity, body condition, and metabolic factors (triglycerides, uric acid) in free-ranging Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), a species which is in decline across its range. In addition, the effect of handling and confinement on CORT levels was measured.

Iliac Fascia Compartment Block and Analgesic Consumption in Patients Operated on for Hip Fracture.

Background: Fractures of the proximal femur in elderly patients are a challenge for orthopedics, anesthe-sio-logy and geriatrics. Early mobilization reduces postoperative mortality among these patients. Effective anal-gesia is necessary to achieve this goal.

Factors Affecting Breathing Capacity and Early Tracheal Extubation After Liver Transplantation: Analysis of 506 Cases.

Background: Early extubation is a standard procedure after liver transplantation (LT).

Methods: The preoperative and perioperative data of 506 adult patients undergoing LT from July 2000 to March 2015 were analyzed. The goal of this study was to determine preoperative and perioperative independent predictors of early tracheal extubation.

Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in children with sleep-disordered breathing.

Objective: Chronic Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is considered to be a factor involved in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This cross-sectional study examined the seroprevalence of HP in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in respect to OSAS severity and in reference to other common pediatric medical conditions.

Methods: Overnight polysomnography with pH-metry (PSG) was performed at a Sleep Laboratory (in the years 2008-2011).

[Application of ultrasonography in central venous catheterization; access sites and procedure techniques].

Central venous catheterization is commonly performed in clinical practice. Traditional procedural technique is based on anatomical landmarks, but is associated with a high risk of failure and complications. To decrease their incidence European and American societies recommend application of ultrasonography.

Gastrointestinal symptoms and autism spectrum disorder: links and risks - a possible new overlap syndrome.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a genetically determined neurodevelopmental brain disorder presenting with restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities, or persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction. ASD is characterized by many different clinical endophenotypes and is potentially linked with certain comorbidities. According to current recommendations, children with ASD are at risk of having alimentary tract disorders - mainly, they are at a greater risk of general gastrointestinal (GI) concerns, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances in autism spectrum disorder in children.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder with a prevalence of 1 in 68 children, commonly presents with comorbid conditions which include sleep disorders. Sleep disorders reported in ASD include, among others, increased bedtime resistance, insomnia, parasomnia, sleep disordered breathing, morning rise problems, and daytime sleepiness. Polysomnography studies show that children with ASD have altered sleep architecture including shorter total sleep time and longer sleep latency than typically developing peers.

The natural history of cow's milk allergy in north-eastern Poland.

Purpose: The rate of cow's milk allergy diminishes with age. There is not enough information concerning geographical trends in persistent cow's milk allergy in children. The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of persistent cow's milk allergy in children previously diagnosed with IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA).

Influence of stressor duration on leukocyte and hormonal responses in male Southeastern five-lined skinks (Plestiodon inexpectatus).

Environmental stressors elicit elevations of plasma glucocorticoid hormones. Stressors also result in increases in the circulating heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H:L ratio), which has been linked to increased glucocorticoids. Recently, there has been debate about the extent to which stress-induced elevations of corticosterone are tied to increases in the H:L ratio and about whether one measure of physiological stress might be used in lieu of the other.

Respiratory response to proton pump inhibitor treatment in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Objective: Evaluation of the respiratory response to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods: Of 131 children diagnosed with OSAS (Apnea Hypopnea Index, AHI >1/h), 37 children (6.9 years; 28.

Effects of breeding season, testosterone and ACTH on the corticosterone response of free-ranging male fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus).

An attenuated stress response during the breeding season has been reported for several vertebrate species, but the underlying physiological mechanism has received little attention, particularly in reptiles. Modulation could involve changes in the capacity of the adrenal gland to secrete glucocorticoids in addition to upstream changes in the pituitary or hypothalamus. In this study the magnitude of the corticosterone response to capture and confinement was compared between the breeding and postbreeding season in adult male eastern fence lizards, Sceloporus undulatus.

Effects of acute temperature change, confinement and housing on plasma corticosterone in water snakes, Nerodia sipedon (Colubridae: Natricinae).

Body temperature affects many aspects of reptilian behavior and physiology, but its effect on hormonal secretion has been little studied, especially in snakes. Major objectives of this study were to determine if acute changes in body temperature during confinement influenced plasma corticosterone levels and if initial body temperatures upon capture in the field were related to baseline corticosterone levels in water snakes (Nerodia sipedon). Water snakes were bled upon capture in the field and after one hour of confinement in a cooled, control, or heated incubator.

Large bowel perforation: morbidity and mortality.

Perforations of large bowel are rare but severe complications, mainly of colorectal cancer and colonic diverticulitis. The choice of the surgical procedure is still debated. We retrospectively studied peritonitis caused by large bowel perforation to assess predictors of mortality and safety of primary resection and anastomosis.

Testosterone, endurance, and Darwinian fitness: natural and sexual selection on the physiological bases of alternative male behaviors in side-blotched lizards.

The mechanistic bases of natural and sexual selection on physiological and behavioral traits were examined in male morphs of three colors of the side-blotched lizard, Uta stansburiana. Orange-throated males are aggressive and defend large territories with many females. Blue-throated males defend smaller territories with fewer females; however, blue-throated males assiduously mate guard females on their territory.

Effects of testosterone on locomotor performance and growth in field-active northern fence lizards, Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus.

The role of steroids in locomotor performance and growth was examined in free-living lizards. Male northern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus) with experimentally elevated plasma testosterone concentrations had greater sprint speed (+24%) and burst stamina (+17%) than sham-implanted males after 14-23 d in the field. This enhanced performance was associated with significant energetic costs, as the testosterone-implanted lizards had reduced growth rates, and, in a companion experiment, field-active testosterone-implanted lizards had smaller fat-body masses than controls after just 3-4 wk.

The challenge hypothesis and seasonal changes in aggression and steroids in male northern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus).

The challenge hypothesis has been very successful in explaining patterns of testosterone secretion in response to social stimuli in avian species. However, there have been few studies in nonavian vertebrates. We tested the challenge hypothesis in male northern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus).