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The properties of gelatin and collagen extracted from fishery wastes, specifically from mullet (Mugil Cephalus) scales, are modified with the aim to achieve biocompatible films with tunable characteristics to design sustainable UV protection solutions in the healthcare sector. Different additives are used to the scope including plasticizers, cross‐linkers, surfactants and optical modifiers. Carbon dots (CDs) obtained from seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) scales combined with polysorbate‐20 (PS) as a dispersant agent, enable the fabrication of materials capable of blocking UV radiation almost completely, a crucial feature for dermal contact applications. The addition of hydrophobic surfactants and crosslinkers as citric acid, chitosan and surface deacetylated chitin nanocrystals (CsNCs) allowed to modulate the water adsorption of the films in the range 3–30% and to reach a twofold and 4.5‐fold increase of tensile strength and elastic modulus, respectively, as compared to the neat gelatin film. Moreover, film thickness is shown to be another adjustable parameter to enhance optic, mechanical, and permeation properties: the higher the thickness, the greater the UV‐blocking properties, elongation‐at‐break and water vapor permeability, leading to films with attractive characteristics as wearable patches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate outpatient and inpatient dental care for patients with disabilities from 2014 to 2023. Material and methods: A time series analysis was carried out with data from Brazil's public healthcare system, considering the outpatient productivity of Special Needs Dentistry specialists and hospitalizations (inpatient admissions) of patients with disabilities for dental procedures, both normalized to every 100,000 inhabitants (incidence). The significance level was set at 5%. Results: In the last 10 years, 22,420,859 procedures were carried out and 89,380 hospitalizations were approved. Trend analysis showed no significant temporal variation in the incidence of both variables. Regarding the procedures, the majority were low‐complexity (82.1%, p <.001) and clinical (71.2%, p <.001). Periodontal (19.9%) and restorative (19.5%) procedures were the most frequent. Considering the hospitalizations, almost (R$) 40 million was allocated, and the majority were classified as elective (71.9%, p =.002) and of short duration (less than a day). Conclusion: Dental care for patients with disabilities presented patterns related to the types of procedures, complexity and circumstance, in addition to not showing significant temporal variation over the last 10 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to report a case in which a patient with nephrotic syndrome underwent surgery to remove fibrous gum tissue (ulectomy). An 8‐year‐old patient, diagnosed with early onset nephrotic syndrome due to a mutation in the NUP107 gene, had received a kidney transplant and was therefore taking various medications, including immunosuppressants. On oral examination, the patient was found to have a fibrous gingiva that was preventing the eruption of the upper permanent central incisors. A ulectomy was performed and the gingival tissue was sent for histopathological analysis, which showed normal aspects. The upper right central incisor was seen in the oral cavity 15 days after surgery. A second procedure was carried out to facilitate the eruption of the upper left incisor, which was visualized in the oral cavity 30 days later. In addition, oral manifestations such as maxillary atresia, ogival palate and mouth breathing were observed. Therefore, the role of the dental surgeon in the lives of transplanted children is considered important, as they often take various medications that can affect their oral health. Thus, early diagnosis and effective treatment will be essential to prevent future malocclusions and thus improve the quality of life of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case study of a patient who developed tracheal stenosis as a result of a percutaneous tracheostomy following a Sars-Cov2 infection. The patient underwent a tracheal resection and anastomosis surgery using the Tritube® ventilation device. The article highlights the challenges of managing airways in post-Covid-19 patients and emphasizes the importance of accurate monitoring and evaluation to diagnose and treat laryngotracheal stenosis. The use of the Tritube® device allowed for optimal visualization of the surgical field and smooth ventilation during the procedure. The article concludes by sharing the successful outcome of the surgery and raising awareness about post-Covid-19 laryngotracheal stenosis. [Extracted from the article]

Aims: Auriculotherapy is a therapeutic method of traditional Chinese Medicine in which a stimulus is exerted on the ear and activates energy channels throughout the body, helping to control anxiety, stress, pain, inflammation, illnesses chronic, and possibly can be used in patient with Arnold Chiari Malformation type II who have painful symptoms that are difficult to resolve. Thus, the aim of this article is to present a case in a patient with Chiari Malformation II where auriculotherapy and effect of laser therapy were performed, to relieve symptoms of agitation, anxiety and healing of self‐mutilation injuries. Case report: Data from medical records were used to collect medical and dental history, complaints and treatments performed. Eight sessions of auriculotherapy and one of laser therapy were carried out in order to heal the lesions. The patient presented lower levels of anxiety, agitation and ceased the habit of self‐mutilation and, consequently, the pain. Conclusions: The use of auriculotherapy led to a considerable improvement in the patient's painful condition and reduced anxiety, also benefiting the interaction with her family members and laser therapy promoted wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lead (Pb) is a toxic pollutant, which can affect different tissues of the human body. The use of natural elements, as medicinal mushroom can reduce the toxic effects of Pb. Objective: We evaluated, through preclinical tests, the oral co exposures to mushroom Agaricus bisporus (Ab) by gavage and Pb in drinking water, and the capability of Ab be a protective agent for both pregnant rats and their fetuses. Methods: Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 5/group): Group I—Control; Group II—Ab 100 mg/kg; Group III—Pb 100 mg/L; Group IV—Ab +Pb −100 mg/kg +100 mg/L. Exposure was performed until the 19th day of gestation. On the 20th day, pregnant rats were euthanized, and the outcomes evaluated were weight gain; hematological profile; biochemical markers; oxidative stress markers; reproductive capacity; and embryo fetal development. Results: The characterization of mushrooms reveals them to be a valuable source of nutrients. However, Pb ingestion resulted in reduced weight gain and negative impacts on hematological and biochemical parameters. Fortunately, co administration of mushrooms helped to mitigate these negative effects and promote recovery. The mushroom also showed antioxidant activity, improving parameters of oxidative stress. In addition, Ab partially recovered the damage in fetal morphology and bone parameters. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the co administration of Ab improved the toxicity caused by Pb, and the mushroom could be used as a natural alternative as a protective/chelator agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ivermectin is a macrocyclic lactone widely used in veterinary medicine for its broad-spectrum antiparasitic properties. It has been proven to be effective and safe. The purpose of this study was to develop a high-performance liquid chromatography method with a diode array detector for ivermectin screening in feed and water for animal consumption. Furthermore, the objective was to quantify ivermectin levels that were higher than 0.5 mg/kg in solid matrixes and 0.1 mg/kg in water. Doramectin was used as process standard. Samples were extracted using solid phase extraction with silica and C-18 columns. The method involved the use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD). The results were interpreted using a calibration curve built with ivermectin standards at multiple concentrations (0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 12.5 mg/kg). Statistical evaluation of data was done using ANOVA. The data analysis showed that the linear regression was highly significant (P < 0.001), the intercept values were not significantly different from zero, and the correlation coefficient values (>0.999) indicated excellent linearity. Further tests demonstrated that this method is also useful when studying soil matrixes. The soil was dried and analyzed in the same way as feed; the same recoveries were realized on the spiked samples. The method is easy, inexpensive, precise, and repeatable; it requires very small amounts of sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate if there was an association between genetic polymorphisms in tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐⍺ and its receptors TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B with persistent apical periodontitis (PAP) in Brazilian subjects. Methodology: Patients who had pulpal necrosis and apical periodontitis at the time of treatment, with at least 1‐year of follow‐up after non‐surgical root canal treatment were recalled. Three hundred and seventy eight subjects were included, 150 subjects with signs/symptoms of PAP and 228 subjects with root canal‐treated teeth exhibiting healthy perirradicular tissues (healed). Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva and used for TNF‐⍺ (rs1800629), TNFRSF1A (rs1800693) and TNFRSF1B (rs1061622) genotyping by real‐time PCR. Genotypes and alleles frequencies were evaluated by c2 or Fisher's exact tests and odds ratios were implemented (α = 5%). Results: The genetic polymorphism in TNF‐α (rs1800629) was associated as a protective factor for the development of PAP (p <.05), once subjects who presented at least one allele A (AA+AG X GG), had a higher chance to lesion repair (p <.05). The polymorphisms rs1800693 and rs1061622 in TNF receptors (TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B, respectively) were not associated with the development of PAP (p >.05). Conclusions: The observed results demonstrate that polymorphism in TNF‐α but not in its receptors is associated with PAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate several factors that might interfere with the use of electronic root canal length measurement devices (ERCLMDs) in a laboratory setting, including two different embedding media (alginate and electroconductive gel), three different types of devices and the radiographic view on the assessment of the electronic readings. Methodology: Thirty single‐rooted extracted human mandibular premolars were selected. After access and canal pre‐flaring, a size 10 K‐file was inserted in the canal up to the major apical foramen under magnification (×10), and this length was recorded as the actual length (AL) of the canal. Teeth were mounted on a specific endodontic training kit platform (ProTrain). Two different embedding media (electroconductive gel and alginate) and three different ERCLMDs: Apex ID (SybronEndo, Glendora, CA, USA), CanalPro Apex Locator (Coltene‐Endo, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA) and the Root ZX II (J. Morita, Tokyo, Japan), were tested. Following the measurement at the 0.5 mark of each ERCLMD using alginate, two periapical radiographs (bucco‐lingual and proximal views) were taken. The difference between the electronic readings and the AL, as well as the distance from the file tip to the apex of the roots on the radiographs, was calculated. Data were analysed statistically (two‐way anova, Tukey's and chi‐squared tests) at 5% significance level. Results: The incidence of over‐extended readings was significantly greater (P < 0.05) when using the ProTrain electroconductive gel, except for Root ZX II at the 0.5 mark. Root ZX, CanalPro and Apex ID had similar accuracy when the 0.0/APEX mark was used to locate the foramen. For the radiographic method, no difference was found between the devices or radiographic views. Conclusion: Compared with alginate, the conductive gel of the ProTrain kit negatively affected most of the electronic readings. The three evaluated ERCLMDs had similar accuracy in locating the apical foramen when using the mark 0.0/APEX and alginate as the embedding media. Although the ProTrain platform allows radiographs to be exposed in both bucco‐lingual and proximal views, no difference was found between the views when evaluating the apical limit provided by the 0.5 mark in mandibular premolars embedded in alginate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an inflammatory myeloid neoplasia commonly affecting children with frequent somatic mutations in MAPK pathway genes including BRAFV600E and MAP2K1. Some studies suggest that LCH cells can recruit and modulate inflammatory cells, which could provide reciprocal survival signals. To characterize the immune profile of infiltrating inflammatory cells, and to clarify their participation in LCH pathogenesis, a detailed immunohistochemical analysis was performed. Fifteen (10 children, 5 adults) LCH cases were assessed through macrophage (CD68 and CD163), mature dendritic cell (mDC; CD83 and CD208), regulatory T cell (Treg; CD4, CD25 and FOXP3) and cytotoxic lymphocyte (CL; CD56, CD57, perforin and granzyme B) immunomarkers. Moreover, lymphocytic and LCH markers were also analysed. All cases were S100, CD1a, CD207 and CD4‐positive. Bcl‐2 and cyclin D1 expression was observed in 13 of 15 cases. In the immune microenvironment, M2‐polarized macrophages and Tregs were the predominant cell populations, followed by significantly (P <.005) smaller levels of mDCs and CLs. Additionally, the number of CD3 + cells was significantly higher than that of CD20 + cells. In the CD3 + cell population, there were a significantly higher number of CD4 + cells than CD8 + cells. While there were no differences when comparing the paediatric and adult populations, FOXP3 + cells were significantly higher in patients with multisystem involvement and treated with chemotherapy, than single‐site cases and those without chemotherapy. Our results suggest that M2‐polarized macrophages and Treg infiltration can promote LCH development and survival, probably through pro‐tumoral, immunosuppressive and/or cytokine‐mediated mechanisms. This work highlights the need for further exploration of immune‐targeted therapy for LCH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aim: To investigate the association between the genetic polymorphisms FokI (rs2228570) and BglI (rs739837) in vitamin D receptor (VDR) with dental caries and gingivitis susceptibility. Design: This study included 353 Brazilian children (8 to 11 years old). Dental caries was assessed using ICDAS (International System for Detection and Assessment of Carious Lesions) and gingival bleeding using Community Periodontal Index (CPI). The presence of visible biofilm was also evaluated. DNA was extracted from saliva, and real‐time PCR was used to evaluate genetic polymorphisms in VDR: rs2228570 (FokI, A>G/Met>Thr) and rs739837 (BglI, G>T). Dental caries was evaluated as a continuous data (mean and standard deviation‐SD) and was also categorized (ICDAS0versus ICDAS1‐6 or ICDAS1‐2versus ICDAS3‐6). Gingivitis was categorized in with and without. One‐way ANOVA was used for comparisons of caries among genotypes. Chi‐square test, logistic regression, and haplotype analysis were performed (P <.05). Results: Biofilm was associated with dental caries susceptibility and gingivitis (P <.05). The mean distribution of the caries lesions and cavitated caries lesions among FokI and BgII genotypes were not statistically significant (P >.05). Genotype distributions among caries groups (in the two different cut‐offs) and among gingivitis and non‐gingivitis groups were not statistically significant (P >.05). Conclusion: The polymorphisms FokI and BglI in VDR were not associated with dental caries or gingivitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The closed-loop gastric electrical stimulation (CLGES) abiliti® system provides tailored gastric electrical stimulation activated by food entry into the stomach and sensor-based data to medical professionals. The aim of this study was to analyze behavior changes using sensor-based food intake and activity data in participants treated with the CLGES system.Methods: Food intake and activity data (3D accelerometer) were downloaded at baseline and monthly/bimonthly for 12 months in a subset of patients with obesity (N = 45) participating in a multicenter trial with CLGES. Measured food intake parameters included the number of intakes during allowed and disallowed periods, nighttime intakes, and between-meal snacks (average/d). Activity parameters included time in different levels of physical activity (min/d), sleep/sedentary (h/d), and estimated energy expenditure (EE).Results: Weight loss at 12 months averaged 15.7 ± 7.7% of the baseline body weight. Stable reduction in the number of disallowed meals and between-meal snacks (P < 0.05), an increase in all levels of physical activity (P < 0.001), and an increase in activity-based EE (303 ± 53 kcal/d on average, P < 0.001) were seen.Conclusions: Significant improvement in eating and activity was seen in participants. It is hypothesized that feedback of the sensor-based data induced behavioral changes and contributed to weight loss in patients treated with CLGES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate whether genetic and non-genetic risk factors influence 12-month response to ranibizumab treatment for exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: A cohort of 94 Caucasian patients with unilateral exudative AMD received intravitreal ranibizumab. After a three-injection loading phase, a PRN regimen was followed. Patients were genotyped for three single-nucleotide polymorphisms: CFH rs1061170, ARMS2 rs10490924 and C3 rs2230199. Nongenetic risk factors [choroidal neovascularization (CNV) phenotype, smoking habit, hypertension and body mass index] were considered. The selected end-point was the 12-month variation of number of ETDRS letters. Results: Complement factor H (CFH) risk alleles, smoking history and arterial hypertension each independently influenced treatment response, with worse 12-month BCVA outcomes (p = 0.036, 0.037, 0.043, respectively). A significant cumulative effect of these risk factors was also observed: patients homozygous for the CFH risk alleles and with a positive smoking history showed a mean loss of 8.0 ETDRS letters (p = 0.010). Patients with CFH risk alleles, smoking history and hypertension had a mean loss of 13.9 ETDRS letters (p = 0.013). CNV phenotypes did not influence visual outcomes, nor were they associated with other genetic/non-genetic risk factors. Conclusions: Complement factor H risk alleles, smoking history and hypertension affect the mid-term response to ranibizumab in exudative AMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Enzymes that cleave the xyloglucan backbone at unbranched glucose residues have been identified in GH families 5, 7, 12, 16, 44, and 74. Fungi produce enzymes that populate 20 of 22 families that are considered critical for plant biomass deconstruction. We searched for GH12-encoding genes in 27 Eurotiomycetes genomes. After analyzing 50 GH12-related sequences, the conserved variations of the amino acid sequences were examined. Compared to the endoglucanases, the endo-xyloglucanase-associated YSG deletion at the negative subsites of the catalytic cleft with a SST insertion at the reducing end of the substrate-binding crevice is highly conserved. In addition, a highly conserved alanine residue was identified in all xyloglucan-specific enzymes, and this residue is substituted by arginine in more promiscuous glucanases. To understand the basis for the xyloglucan specificity displayed by certain GH12 enzymes, two fungal GH12 endoglucanases were chosen for mutagenesis and functional studies: an endo-xyloglucanase from Aspergillus clavatus (AclaXegA) and an endoglucanase from A. terreus (AtEglD). Comprehensive molecular docking studies and biochemical analyses were performed, revealing that mutations at the entrance of the catalytic cleft in AtEglD result in a wider binding cleft and the alteration of the substrate-cleavage pattern, implying that a trio of residues coordinates the interactions and binding to linear glycans. The loop insertion at the crevice-reducing end of AclaXegA is critical for catalytic efficiency to hydrolyze xyloglucan. The understanding of the structural elements governing endo-xyloglucanase activity on linear and branched glucans will facilitate future enzyme modifications with potential applications in industrial biotechnology. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1494-1505. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The particle size of cereal grains has been found to modulate the rate of passage from the rumen and the digestibility of starch and neutral detergent fibre ( NDF), but few studies have examined its impact on reticular p H. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding finely ground maize on the risk of ruminal acidosis, milk yield and composition. Twelve Holstein- Friesian cows were assigned to one of two experimental groups and fed according to a cross-over design. Diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous and were characterised by the same NDF and ADF, differing only in maize particle size. In the control diet ( Ct), the maize meal was ground to 1.0 mm, whereas in the experimental diet, it was finely ground ( Fg) to 0.5 mm. The p H and temperature of the reticulum were continuously measured in eight cows throughout the trial using indwelling sensors. Dry matter intake was higher in cows offered Fg diet than in Ct (19.0 vs. 20.3 kg/day; p = 0.067). However, milk yield (p = 0.855) and the 3.5% fat-corrected milk ( FCM) (p = 0.724) did not show any differences between the diets. Casein (2.48 vs. 2.57%; p = 0.035) and crude protein (CP) (3.18 vs. 3.31%; p = 0.021) resulted higher in Fg. Similarly, starch digestibility increased in animals offered Fg diet versus Ct (0.94 vs. 0.98; p = 0.078). Among the reticular parameters, the Fg-fed cows spent a significantly higher time below the 5.5 p H threshold (15 vs. 61 min/day; p = 0.047) and had an average daily variation in reticular p H characterised by a lower nadir p H (5.95 vs. 5.72; p < 0.001) and a higher p H range (0.79 vs. 0.94; p = 0.003). In this study, grain particle size affected the risk of the onset of ruminal acidosis. Therefore, it should be carefully considered when formulating rations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of corrosion product at the cut edge of aluminum-rich metal-coated steel is reported in the present work. Painted metal-coated steel samples with different amounts of Al in the metal coating, were immersed in a 0.05 M NaCl solution. The ex situ analysis of the corrosion products formed was carried out by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The role of these products is discussed along with the influence of Al content in the metal coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoglucanases are important enzymes that are involved in the modification and degradation of cellulose. Filamentous fungi such as Aspergillus terreus are effective biomass degraders in nature owing to their capacity to produce an enzymatic arsenal of glycoside hydrolases, including endoglucanase from glycoside hydrolase family 12 (GH12). The A. terreus GH12 endoglucanase was cloned and overexpressed in A. nidulans, purified and crystallized. A single crystal was obtained from a solution consisting of 2 M ammonium sulfate, 5%( v/ v) 2-propanol. X-ray diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 1.85 Å using synchrotron radiation and a preliminary molecular-replacement solution was obtained in the trigonal space group P3221. The unit-cell parameters were a = b = 103.24, c = 48.96 Å. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrombosis, mainly venous, is a rare and well-recognized extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We describe a 25-year-old Caucasian man affected by ulcerative colitis and sclerosing cholangitis with an episode of right middle cerebral arterial thrombosis resolved by intraarterial thrombolysis.We perform a brief review of the International Literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are currently suboptimal. Blood-based screening could improve rates of earlier detection for CRC and adenomatous colorectal polyps. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of plasma-based detection of early CRC and adenomatous polyps using array-mediated analysis methylation profiling of 56 genes implicated in carcinogenesis. Methylation of 56 genes in patients with Stages I and II CRC ( N = 30) and those with adenomatous polyps ( N = 30) were compared with individuals who underwent colonoscopy and were found to have neither adenomatous changes nor CRC. Composite biomarkers were developed for adenomatous polyps and CRC, and their sensitivity and specificity was estimated using five-fold cross validation. Six promoters (CYCD2, HIC1, PAX 5, RASSF1A, RB1 and SRBC) were selected for the biomarker, which differentiated CRC patients and controls with 84% sensitivity and 68% specificity. Three promoters (HIC1, MDG1 and RASSF1A) were selected for the biomarker, which differentiated patients with adenomatous polyps and controls with sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 65%. Methylation profiling of plasma DNA can detect early CRC with significant accuracy and shows promise as a methodology to develop biomarkers for CRC screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 724-734 Summary Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently affects women during their reproductive years. Pregnancy outcome in women with IBD is well described, particularly in retrospective studies. Aim To evaluate the pregnancy outcome in patients with IBD in a prospective European multicentre case-control study. Methods Inflammatory bowel disease pregnant women from 12 European countries were enrolled between January 2003 and December 2006 and matched (1:1) to non-IBD pregnant controls by age at conception and number of previous pregnancies. Data on pregnancy and newborn outcome, disease activity and therapy were prospectively collected every third month using a standard questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis with odds ratio was used for statistical analyses. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 332 pregnant women with IBD were included: 145 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 187 with ulcerative colitis (UC). Median age (range) at conception was 31 years (15-40) in CD and 31 (19-42) in UC patients. No statistically significant differences in frequency of abortions, preterm deliveries, caesarean sections, congenital abnormalities and birth weight were observed comparing CD and UC women with their non-IBD controls. In CD, older age was associated with congenital abnormalities and preterm delivery; smoking increased the risk of preterm delivery. For UC, older age and active disease were associated with low birth weight; while older age and combination therapy were risk factors for preterm delivery. Conclusion In this prospective case-control study, women with either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis have a similar pregnancy outcome when compared with a population of non-inflammatory bowel disease pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) during the latter part of the 20th century represents a watershed in the management of chronic obesity. In this paper we provide an overview of LAGB with respect to its development, clinical outcomes, and future role. We also address current controversies, including a comparison of LAGB with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). At present LAGB seems to be increasing in popularity in the United States, whereas in Europe there seems to be a trend away from gastric banding toward RYGBP. Optimal outcomes after LAGB are a function of correct laparoscopic technique, an experienced surgical team, a well-engineered device, and intensive long-term follow-up. The majority of studies show that LAGB is an extremely safe and effective procedure, with an operative mortality of 0–0.1% and excess weight loss (%EWL) of 50–60%. Commensurate with this degree of weight loss, almost all studies show substantial improvements in obesity-related co-morbidities, such as hypertension, type II diabetes, and dyslipidemia. In addition, LAGB has been shown to be both safe and effective in the super-obese, in adolescents, and in older patients and can be delivered as an ambulatory procedure. Operative mortality and early complication rates are significantly higher for RYGBP and, whilst gastric bypass results in greater weight loss than LAGB in the first 2 years, at 3 years and beyond the difference appears to be less marked. Overall, LAGB provides a safe, effective intervention for obese patients and remains our first-choice procedure for bariatric surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carcass and flesh morphometric, reological and chemical traits of triploid (3n) and diploid (2n) shi drum ( Umbrina cirrosa L.) were evaluated through 7 months. Three age groups, 17-, 21- and 24-month-old fish, were investigated. The effects of ploidy were statistically evaluated and the weight of fish was included in the model as a covariate because triploids grew less than diploids. As expected, fish weight was found to be significantly correlated with all the investigated morphometric traits, but showed a negative correlation with some chemical (pH) and colour traits (lightness) of raw fillet. In comparison with controls, triploid shi drums were characterized by different morphological traits that involved a slender body shape. In triploids, a reduction in condition factor, backbone weight, dressing index and an increase in the agility index were also recorded. When the commercial size (i.e. over 300 g) was achieved, triploids exhibited larger coelomatic and fillet (dorsal white muscle) fat deposition than diploids. Among reological traits, colour and texture were affected by ploidy; raw fillet lightness and cooked flesh tenderness were higher among triploids in all the investigated age groups. As fish were fed with a restricted feeding regimen, fillet fat deposition was supposed to be limited. Thus, the effects of ploidy on reological traits may be only partially explained by lipid fillet amount and are supposed to be more related to different fibre muscle architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the presence of maspin in renal tumours in an attempt to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanism of renal carcinogenesis and for diagnostic purposes. Methods and results: We examined 122 renal neoplasms of varying histological types and immunohistochemically investigated maspin and p53 expression. All clear cell carcinomas (CC) were negative for maspin, whereas oncocytomas (OC), papillary renal cell carcinomas (PC), chromophobe carcinomas (CPC) and, at least focally, collecting duct carcinomas (CDC) stained positively. We found that p53 positivity had a statistically significant correlation with metastasis ( P = 0.009) in CC and maspin showed a significant inverse correlation with the presence of metastasis in PC and CDC ( P = 0.02). Conclusions: The detection of maspin may be useful for differential diagnostic purposes and suggests a different underlying mechanism in the development of the various histological types of renal carcinomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Productive performances of triploid (3n) and diploid (2n) shi drum ( Umbrina cirrosa L.) were evaluated over an experimental period of 76 days. Fish, selected according to body weight (196 specimens from each ploidy), were reared in tanks (two for each thesis) under the same environmental and dietary conditions. A practical extruded diet (crude protein: 43.4%; ether extract: 19.3%) was offered to fish according to a feeding rate that varied from 1% to 1.5% of live weight. Both at the beginning and at the end of the trials, samples of fish were submitted to morphometrics and chemical analysis. The final body weight and the specific growth rate of triploid fish were significantly lower than those of fish diploid. The feed efficiency of triploids showed a reduction in crude protein retention. Juvenile triploids evidenced a larger amount of coelomatic fat, and their gonads were atrophic. The whole-body proximate composition of 3n fish was characterized by a higher ether extract and a lower crude protein content than 2n fish. Triploids had higher liver lipid content; there were no significant differences in viscera proximate composition. Sum, the results showed that chromosome set manipulation in this species can reduce productive performances at a juvenile stage, influencing some morphometric traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marioni G, Blandamura S, Giacomelli L, Calgaro N, Segato P, Leo G, Fischetto D, Staffieri A&de Filippis C(2005)Histopathology46,576–582Nuclear expression of maspin is associated with a lower recurrence rate and a longer disease-free interval after surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: Maspin, a protein belonging to the serpin superfamily, is the product of a tumour suppressor gene. Tissue distribution studies have shown maspin expression in normal mammary epithelial cells, in the placenta, prostate, thymus, testis, oral cavity, small intestine, skin, and cornea. Maspin is expressed but down-regulated in human breast, prostatic, and colonic cancers but apparently up-regulated in pancreatic, ovarian, and gastric cancers. Only two studies concerning maspin expression in head and neck carcinomas are available. The present study is the first attempt to determine maspin expression in laryngeal carcinoma.: Maspin expression was evaluated in 21 cases of laryngeal carcinoma consecutively treated with an exclusively surgical approach with a follow-up period longer than 24 months. The expression of p53, p27 and MIB-1 was also studied. Two patterns of distribution of maspin in laryngeal neoplastic cells were found. Cytoplasmic expression of maspin was identified in 47.6% of the cases. Nuclear maspin positivity was determined in 47.6% of the cases. A statistically significant difference in nuclear maspin expression between the group of patients without carcinoma recurrence and the group with evidence of recurrence was demonstrated (P = 0.039). Log rank test analysis showed a statistically significant direct correlation between nuclear maspin expression and disease-free intervals after surgical treatment calculated in months (P = 0.028). A significant inverse correlation was disclosed between nuclear maspin staining and MIB-1 (P = 0.028). A trend of increasing p27 expression was noted in cases with positive nuclear maspin expression. Nuclear maspin expression was not statistically correlated with p53 expression. A trend towards direct correlation between cytoplasmic maspin expression and squamous cell carcinoma histological grade (G) was apparent. Cytoplasmic maspin expression did not correlate with p53, MIB-1 or p27 expression.: These preliminary results suggest that nuclear location of maspin is a good prognostic factor in laryngeal carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Announces that the Fifth Symposium on Comparative Leukemia Research has been scheduled on September 13-17, 1971, in Padova, Italy.