Impact of early onset obesity and hypertension on the unfolded protein response in renal tissues of juvenile sheep.

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Obesity is an independent risk factor for the development of end-stage renal disease. Endoplasmic reticulum stress and subsequent activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) are implicated in the development of adipose tissue dysregulation and type 2 diabetes mellitus in obesity.

Maternal nutrient restriction during pregnancy differentially alters the unfolded protein response in adipose and renal tissue of obese juvenile offspring.

Maternal diet during pregnancy can program an offspring's risk of disease in later life. Obesity adversely alters renal and adipose tissue function, resulting in chronic kidney disease and insulin resistance, respectively, the latter associated with dysregulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). In view of the current obesity epidemic, we explored the combined effects of in utero early- to midgestational nutrient restriction and postnatal obesity on the UPR in ovine juvenile offspring.

Reduced selenium concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity in preeclamptic pregnancies.

Preeclampsia is pregnancy-specific, affecting 2% to 7% of women, and is a leading cause of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Preeclampsia may also predispose the fetus to increased risks of adult cardiovascular disease. Selenium, acting through the selenoprotein glutathione peroxidases, has critical roles in regulating antioxidant status.

Assessment and management of fungating wounds: a review.

Fingating wounds always present a management challenge. Not only is it often difficult to manage the physical aspects of the wound - pain, bleeding, exudate and odour - but also the psychological impact of a fungating wound on the patient and their family or carers is often considerable. This review examines current practice in relation to fungating wounds, and emphasizes the central important of assessment, communication and sensitivity in nursing management.

Supporting family carers in the community setting.

The author examines the pressures that may be experienced by carers in the community and discusses ways in which nurses can help to address these problems.