The use of gentamicin (GM) is limited due to its nephrotoxicity mediated by oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of a flavonoid-rich extract of Sambucus nigra L. elderflower (SN) to inhibit lipoperoxidation in GM-induced nephrotoxicity. The HPLC analysis of the SN extract recorded high contents of rutin (463.2 ± 0.0 mg mL⁻¹), epicatechin (9.0 ± 1.1 µg mL⁻¹), and ferulic (1.5 ± 0.3 µg mL⁻¹) and caffeic acid (3.6 ± 0.1 µg mL⁻¹). Thirty-two Wistar male rats were randomized into four groups: a control group (C) (no treatment), GM group (100 mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹ GM), GM+SN group (100 mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹ GM and 1 mL SN extract day⁻¹), and SN group (1 mL SN extract day⁻¹). Lipid peroxidation, evaluated by malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzymes activity—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX)—were recorded in renal tissue after ten days of experimental treatment. The MDA level was significantly higher in the GM group compared to the control group (p < 0.0001), and was significantly reduced by SN in the GM+SN group compared to the GM group (p = 0.021). SN extract failed to improve SOD, CAT, and GPX activity in the GM+SN group compared to the GM group (p > 0.05), and its action was most probably due to the ability of flavonoids (rutin, epicatechin) and ferulic and caffeic acids to inhibit synthesis and neutralize reactive species, to reduce the redox-active iron pool, and to inhibit lipid peroxidation. In this study, we propose an innovative method for counteracting GM nephrotoxicity with a high efficiency and low cost, but with the disadvantage of the multifactorial environmental variability of the content of SN extracts.

Blood pressure is a cardinal vital sign that gives important information about the cardiovascular function and about hemodynamic trends during anaesthesia, in critical ill patients and during experimental procedures (Rehman and Nelson, 2018). Arterial blood pressure can be evaluated by direct technique (arterial catheter) or indirect technique (Doppler or oscillometry). Direct measurement is gold standard for blood pressure measurement, giving accurate beat-to-beat information and also allow collection of blood samples. However, it is more invasive and requires equipment for monitoring and experience to place the arterial catheter (Araghi et al., 2006; Ward and Langton, 2007; Wingfield and Raffe, 2002). Given its importance in directing care, it is essential to measure blood pressure accurately and consistently. The aim of this article is to present all technique found in literature, with its advantages and disadvantages, with the errors that may occur so that the researchers can have a better knowledge before choosing their technique. For this study we took into consideration articles from literature and speciality books from which we extracted the information reliable for the study. Experimental studies on small laboratory animals, particularly rats are widely used as a model. Three methods are used for recording the blood pressure in rats: tail cuff (indirect technique), intra-arterial catheters (direct technique), and radio telemetry. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages and each of it may lead to erroneous data if they are improperly performed. The vast ranges of these errors highlight the importance of adhering to appropriate technique when measuring blood pressure.

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of therapeutic ultrasound (US) on oxidative stress (OS)-induced changes in cultured human chondrocytes (HCH). For this, monolayer HCH were randomized in three groups: a control group (CG), a group exposed to OS (OS group), and a group exposed to US and OS (US-OS group). US exposure of the chondrocytes was performed prior to OS induction by hydrogen peroxide. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to assess the chondrocytes ultrastructure. OS and inflammatory markers were recorded. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the OS group than in CG. In the US-OS group MDA and TNF-α were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in the OS group. Finally, in the US-OS group MDA and TNF-α were lower than in CG, but without statistical significance. TEM showed normal chondrocytes in CG. In the OS group TEM showed necrotic chondrocytes and chondrocytes with a high degree of vacuolation and cell organelles damages. In the US-OS group the chondrocytes ultrastructure was well preserved, and autophagosomes were generated. In conclusion, US could protect chondrocytes from biochemical (lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers synthesis) and ultrastructural changes induced by OS and could stimulate autophagosomes development.

Tuberculosis Peritonitis is a serious condition, whose diagnosis is established late due to the nonspecific nature of the clinical features, which delays the performance of imaging investigations and, implicitly, the setting of the diagnosis through biopsy and histopathological examination. We report the case of a 49-year-old man who presented in our clinic with nonspecific symptoms and significant nitrogen retention, with ascites fluid detected during the clinical–paraclinical examination, ultimately confirming the diagnosis of bacillary peritonitis. Confirmation of tuberculous etiology through biopsy and/or bacteriological examination is sovereign for the diagnosis. The therapeutic protocol includes three anti-tuberculostatic drugs, for a period of at least 6 months, with or without the combination of corticosteroid therapy during the first months of treatment. The patient evolution under treatment was initially favorable, but due to peritoneal adhesions, it underwent complications later.