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Background/Aims: CD8+ T cells and epidermal/dermal dendritic cells expressing CD 1 a are found among neoplastic CD4+ T cells in mycosis fungoides (MF) lesions. This study analysed the relation of [...]

Measurements of the rates of evaporation of hydrogen and helium gas during cryogenic mixing with a jet fluid using commercially available hot wires/films are discussed. A calibration chamber constructed of aluminum in conjunction with a bridge circuit was used to calibrate the hot films/wires for hydrogen and helium at various temperatures. Hot wires performed timidly in this harsh environment. Cylindrical hot films exhibited ruggedness at cryogenic temperatures. Repeated thermal cycling, however, contributed to its eventual failure.

Purpose: This article discusses a 3-year retrospective survey of implant clinical survival and computerized tomographic analysis of bone remodeling in atrophic alveolar crests reconstructed via various autogenous bone grafting procedures and in similar regions of native bone. Materials and Methods: The retrospective chart review included consecutive edentulous patients with severe alveolar crest atrophy treated between 2000 and 2002 with onlay autogenous bone grafts in the mandible and anterior maxilla (as needed) and implant insertion. Implant recipients were followed for 3 years. Defective areas were reconstructed by bone graft harvested from the chin or iliac crest. Implants in reconstructed areas were divided into two groups according to graft source. Implants in corresponding native areas served as controls. Cumulative survival rate (CSR), survival rate, and confidence interval (CI) were calculated, and linear measurements of bone remodeling around implants were assessed on computerized tomographic scans. Results were compared for statistically significant differences by Wilcoxon signed-rank test with a significance level a = .05. Results: Forty patients were treated with 109 screw-type, root-form, rough-surfaced implants inserted in 48 onlay grafts; 88 implants were placed in native bone. The implant 3-year CSRs were 98.9% (CI 96.7% to 100%) in native bone and 99.1% (CI 97.3% to 100%) in onlay grafts, irrespective of bone source. Mean resorption in the maxilla was 4.6 ± 0.9 mm buccally and 3.8 ± 0.8 mm palatally in areas reconstructed with chin grafts, 3.4 ± 1.7 mm buccally and 2.6 ± 1.4 mm palatally in areas reconstructed with iliac crest grafts, and 3.2 ± 1.2 mm buccally and 2.1 ± 0.9 mm palatally in native areas. Conclusions: Similar implant CSRs were seen in native and grafted sites. Maximal implant CSR was observed in onlay grafts from the chin despite more marked linear bone remodeling in this group as compared to iliac crest grafts or native bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study was a 3-year follow-up evaluation of implant clinical success and radiographic bone remodeling in sinus floors elevated with different autogenous bone-grafting procedures and in similar native bone regions, Materials and Methods: This retrospective chart review examined consecutive edentulous patients with severe jaw atrophy treated between 2000 and 2002 via sinus lift, when needed, and implant insertion, Implants in sinus lift areas were divided into four groups by graft source (iliac crest, chin area) and technique (bone block, particulate). Implants positioned in native areas beneath the sinus floor served as controls. The cumulative success rate (CSR) and success rate (SR) were calculated, and linear measurements of bone remodeling around implants were assessed on computerized tomographic scans, Results were statistically compared with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Twenty-eight patients were treated in the posterior maxilla via insertion of 70 screw-type, root-form, rough implants in 39 sinus-lifted areas. All surgical procedures were uneventful. Twenty-four implants were positioned in native areas beneath the sinus floor, The implant CSR was 95.8% in native areas (one failure/24 implants), 85% in sinuses lifted with particulate chin bone (three failures/ 20 implants), and 100% in the other three groups (eight in particulate iliac crest, 20 in chin block, and 22 in iliac crest block). Computerized tomographic scans revealed that bone remodeling around apices caused implants to bulge into the sinuses in both particulate bone graft groups, Crestal remodeling around implant necks was similar for all groups. Conclusions: The use of particulate chin bone grafts in sinus lift procedures does not seem to yield optimal outcomes. Milled iliac crest and chin bone tends to remodel around the implant apices, leading to bulging within the sinuses, Grafting sinuses with either chin or iliac crest bone blocks yields the highest implant success rates and stable sinus floors, INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2009;24:316-324 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoporous single-layers surfaces derived from silicene, named porous silicene (PS) and silicenylene (SC) have been studied via periodic density functional theory with a modified B3LYP functional combined with an all-electron Gaussian basis set. The structural, elastic, electronic and vibrational properties of these nanoporous surfaces were simulated and analyzed. The results show that both PS and SC structures had a non-null band gap and a buckled structure such as pristine silicene, besides that they are more susceptible to longitudinal and transversal deformation than silicene. The large and well-defined porous diameter of PS and SC can bring new applications, such as gas separation, filtering and as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. These results are a challenge for the experimentalists to synthetize these new nanomaterials, comparing their properties with those described in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver diseases affect millions of people worldwide, with different etiologies between countries. The incidence of viral hepatitis is waning as a result of advances in prevention and new therapies. In contrast, with the improvement in living standards, the incidence of metabolic liver diseases including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol-related liver disease is set to rise. On the 14th of May 2022 the Liver Unit Team of Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona organized a "Liver Day" for the general population with educational and preventive aim. Using a mobile medical center with an ultrasound scanner, a fibroscan and HCV test kits, 110 people were visited and screened. Many other people had only information. From the anamnestic data collected, alcohol consumption (> 100 g/week) was detected in 36.5%, hypertension in treatment in 39%, dyslipidemia in 35.6%, type 2 diabetes in 6.7% of our population. We confirmed HCV Ab in 6 patients, nobody with unknown HCV was detected. Based on these collected data, a sample of people was subjected to a fibroscan method and/or an abdominal ultrasound and 40% had steatosis. MAFLD was detected in 28.7% of cases. Liver stiffness (LS) measured with Fibroscan was 5.11±1.28 kPa; only one patient had LS> 8 kPa. LS was higher in MAFLD group. MAFLD patients (n=30) had higher BMI (median BMI 28.3 (IQR 5.10) vs 23.7 (IQR 4.50) and higher waist circumference (median 99±14.18 vs 87±15.20 cm). Data from Verona general population confirms the relevant prevalence of risk factors (alcohol and MAFLD) which can lead to chronic liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly sophisticated identity of pancreatic β-cells is geared to accomplish its unique feat of providing insulin for organismal glucose and lipid homeostasis. This requires a particular and streamlined fuel metabolism which defines mature β-cells as glucose sensors linked to an insulin exocytosis machinery. The establishment of an appropriate β-cell mass and function during development as well as the maintenance of their identity throughout life are necessary for energy homeostasis. The small non-coding RNAs, microRNAs ( miRNAs), are now well-recognized regulators of gene transcripts, which in general are negatively affected by them. Convincing evidence exists to view miRNAs as major actors in β-cell development and function, suggesting an important role for them in the distinctive β-cell 'identity card'. Here, we summarize key features that associate miRNAs and the establishment of the appropriate β-cell identity and its necessary maintenance during their 'long life'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azo dyes are extensively used for coloring textiles, paper, food, leather, drinks, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and inks. The textile industry consumes the largest amount of azo dyes, and it is estimated that approximately 10-15% of dyes used for coloring textiles may be lost in waste streams. Almost all azo dyes are synthetic and resist biodegradation, however, they can readily be reduced by a number of chemical and biological reducing systems. Biological treatment has advantages over physical and chemical methods due to lower costs and minimal environmental effect. This research focuses on the utilization of Aspergillus oryzae to remove some types of azo dyes from aqueous solutions. The fungus, physically induced in its paramorphogenic form (called 'pellets'), was used in the dye biosorption studies with both non-autoclaved and autoclaved hyphae, at different pH values. The goals were the removal of dyes by biosorption and the decrease of their toxicity. The dyes used were Direct Red 23 and Direct Violet 51. Their spectral stability (325-700 nm) was analyzed at different pH values (2.50, 4.50 and 6.50). The best biosorptive pH value and the toxicity limit, (which is given by the lethal concentration (LC100), were then determined. Each dye showed the same spectrum at different pH values. The best biosorptive pH was 2.50, for both nonautoclaved and autoclaved hyphae of A. oryzae. The toxicity level of the dyes was determined using the Trimmed Spearman-Karber Method, with Daphnia similis in all bioassays. The Direct Violet 51 (LC100 400 mg ⋅mL-1) was found to be the most toxic dye, followed by the Direct Red 23 (LC100 900 mg ⋅mL-1). The toxicity bioassays for each dye have shown that it is possible to decrease the toxicity level to zero by adding a small quantity of biomass from A. oryzae in its paramorphogenic form. The autoclaved biomass had a higher biosorptive capacity for the dye than the non-autoclaved biomass. The results show that bioremediation occurs with A. oryzae in its paramorphogenic form, and it can be used as a biosorptive substrate for treatment of industrial waste water containing azo dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is an open, multicentre, randomized, crossover study having the aim to evaluate the preference for sildenafil citrate or tadalafil in a population of Italian patients affected by ED, and to compare the efficacy and safety of these two drugs. MATERIAL AND METHODS. From October 2003 to November 2004, thirteen Italian centers enrolled ED patients (age >18) being in steady and naïve relation to ED treatment, both through PDE5 inhibitors and any other treatment option. These patients were randomized to sildenafil or tadalafil for 12 weeks, after which they were switched to the alternative treatment for a further 12 weeks. The preference was evaluated through the Treatment Preference Question (TPQ): "During this clinical trial you have taken tadalafil and sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Which medication do you prefer to take for the next 8 weeks of treatment?". Moreover, patients were asked to express their preference as "strong" or "moderate" and to answer some questions to clarify the reasons behind their preference. SEP and IIEF-EF questionnaires were used for a comparison of efficacy. RESULTS. 167 patients were enrolled, 144 of whom completed both treatment periods. On being asked the TPQ, 75% of patients (n=108) decided to continue treatment with tadalafil, in particular because it made it possible to have an erection many hours after taking the medication (first or second preference reason for 64.8% of patients), while 25% (n=36) preferred sildenafil (p=0.001). Both drugs improved the IIEF-EF and SEP scores compared to baseline, with a slightly but significantly greater improvement with tadalafil for both parameters. CONCLUSIONS. Tadalafil and sildenafil are both effective and well tolerated. Most of the patients prefer tadalafil thanks to the possibility of having sexual intercourse many hours after taking the medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Tumour necrosis factor-α upregulates the expression of a cutaneous T cell-attracting chemokine (CTACK/CCL27), that promotes migration of cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen-positive lymphocytes into the skin. The role of CTACK/CCL27 in pathogenesis of psoriasis has recently been documented but no data are available at the present time on its modification in psoriatic cutaneous tissue after administration of etanercept. Objectives To evaluate modifications of CTACK/CCL27 expression in skin of patients with psoriasis after administration of etanercept and their relation with disease activity. Methods Twenty-two patients with moderate to severe psoriasis underwent clinical, histological and immunohistochemical evaluations of disease activity at baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks after starting treatment with etanercept. Results All selected patients experienced an improvement of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score ( P < 0·001) and Dermatology Life Quality Index score ( P < 0·001) during the treatment. Skin histological abnormalities showed statistically significant modifications during treatment ( P < 0·001). Immunohistochemical expression of CTACK/CCL27 decreased significantly ( P < 0·001) and its relation with final PASI score was statistically significant ( P < 0·05); the pattern of distribution of CTACK/CCL27 immunoreactivity significantly moved from diffuse and predominantly suprabasal to basal ( P < 0·001) and the restoration of basal distribution of CTACK/CCL27 was also significantly related to clinical improvement of cutaneous disease ( P < 0·001). Conclusions Etanercept induces a clinical and histological improvement of psoriatic disease, promoting a reduction in CTACK/CCL27 cutaneous immunostaining and favouring the restoration of physiological CTACK/CCL27 epidermal expression. Moreover, CTACK/CCL27 reduction in cutaneous expression during administration of etanercept could be considered a favourable prognostic marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: CD8+ T cells and epidermal/dermal dendritic cells expressing CD1a are found among neoplastic CD4+ T cells in mycosis fungoides (MF) lesions. This study analysed the relation of CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), CD1a+ epidermal Langerhan's cells (LCs), and dermal dendritic cells (DDCs) to clinicopathological parameters in 46 MF cases. Methods: Pretreatment diagnostic biopsy specimens of 46 MF cases were submitted to histological analysis and immunohistochemistry. Four histological grades were defined based on the density of the neoplastic infiltrate: grade 1 (mild superficial perivascular infiltrate), grade 2 (moderate superficial perivascular infiltrate with some tendency to confluence), grade 3 (pronounced superficial band-like infiltrate), and grade 4 (deep nodular infiltrate). Epidermotropism was scored as low, moderate, or high. Numbers of CD8+ T cells and of dermal and epidermal CD1a+ cells were scored as 1 (low), 2 (moderate), and 3 (high). Correlations between these parameters and clinical data (age, sex, clinical type of lesions, stage, response to treatment, and recurrence) were analysed by the x² test. Results: Numbers of TILs and DDCs were associated with subepidermal infiltrates, being lower in less dense infiltrates, whereas there was no association between epidermal CD1a+ cells and the analysed parameters. Complete remission in treated patients was related to subepidermal infiltrates but not to TILs, LCs, or DDCs. Conclusions: These results support the notion that CD8+ cells and dermal CD1a+ cells are active against tumour cells. MF with low numbers of TILs could represent an early stage of the disease, before TILs are activated against tumour specific antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoreactivity in tumor cells in patients with endometrial carcinoma. A population of 74 patients with FIGO stage I endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium, who underwent primary surgical management, were selected from January, 1986 to June, 1993 at the Department of Gynecologic and Obstetrics, Ancona University. The archival paraffin blocks from the uterine tumor specimens were recut and assessed for histologic re-examination and PCNA immunostaining (PC 10 monoclonal antibody; Dako, Denmark). A significant increase in PCNA index was observed with respect to nuclear grade (P < 0.001) and depth of myometrial invasion (P < 0.001), with the highest percentage values in nuclear grade 3 tumors and in ≥50% myometrial invasion. A PCNA index ≥50% was related significantly to disease-recurrence risk(P < 0.001) and PCNA index seems to be a significant prognostic parameter in stage I endometrial carcinoma, for disease-free survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS--To investigate the effect of combination endocrine treatment (CET) or luteinising hormone releasing hormone agonist and flutamide on non-neoplastic prostate, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and prostatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS--The morphology, including the mitotic activity, of 12 radical prostatectomies from patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma pretreated for three months with CET was evaluated in haematoxylin and eosin stained sections and compared with an untreated age and stage matched control group. RESULTS--A differential effect on the non-neoplastic prostate was observed. In fact, the transition zone of the treated prostate showed simplification of the glandular lobules: the ducts and acini were small without undulations of the epithelial border and with a prominent basal cell layer. Within the peripheral zone there was inconspicuous branching of the ducts and acini which looked dilatated and lined by flattened atrophic epithelium. Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia occurred in scattered ducts and acini in the peripheral zone of 10 of the 12 patients. The epithelial cell lining showed a prominent basal cell layer. A certain degree of secretory cell type stratification was always present. However, crowding was less evident than in the untreated prostate because of cytoplasmic clearing and enlargement as a result of coalescence of vacuoles. The treated adenocarcinomas had neoplastic acini which looked small and shrunken, and areas of individual infiltrating tumour cells separated by abundant interglandular connective tissue. The secretory cells of the nonneoplastic, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and prostatic adenocarcinoma lesions had inconspicuous nucleoli, nuclear shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and cytoplasmic clearing. Apoptotic bodies were easily identifiable in all the cell layers. The lumina were rich in macrophages, sloughed secretory cells with degenerative features, and apoptotic bodies. Mitoses were not observed in any of the treated non-neoplastic prostate, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, or prostatic adenocarcinomas, whereas the mitotic frequency increased from non-neoplastic prostate through prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia up to prostatic adenocarcinomas in the untreated specimens. CONCLUSIONS--CET before radical prostatectomy causes regressive epithelial changes together with enhanced apoptosis and blocked mitotic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a lecture on the impact of social change on worldwide textiles and fashion industry that was presented May 6, 1987 in Como, Italy. The lecturer discusses that accelerated change in textile and fashion is influenced by values, attitudes, and life styles. These socio-cultural factors are the results of new attitudes to sexuality, women's emancipation, and the transformation of the family. He recommends that those involved in the selling and production of textiles should develop a new method and approach to address these factors effectively.

Introduction There is evidence that regular exercise profoundly affects both the course and outcome of COPD. While PR is well established for COPD patients limited by breathlessness, there is currently no evidence-base for follow-on LTE, which takes into account expressed desires of patients to continue exercise regularly. This pilot study aimed to evaluate an easily accessible, disease appropriate, regular LTE for COPD patients who complete PR, to confirm that it is realistic and assess whether PR benefits can be sustained. Methods Three suitable venues, geographically distributed to maximise access, and two exercise instructors (completed Loughborough Training for Chronic Respiratory Patients) were identified. Patients completing PR were recruited into 13weekly LTE groups. Outcomes (demographic, disease severity, functional capacity (6 min walk test (6MWT), emotional (Hospital Anxiety and Depression HAD score, CAT and Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire CRQ)) were collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Patient and carer satisfaction was recorded at 6 and 12 months. Attendance data were monitored throughout. Hospital admissions for 12/12 before and after LTE commenced, continues to be audited. Results 60 COPD patients (Mean (SD) age 68.75 (10.31) yrs, FEV1 1.27 (0.56) l, 43% male, 22% current smokers, three on LTOT) were referred for LTE June 2010-May 2011. 20/60 (33%) never attended, 14/60 (23%) dropped out within 2 (1-7) months (median (range). 26/60 (43%) continue to exercise, median (range) since starting 5 (1-12) months with 50 (28)%. (Mean (SD) classes attendance. CAT, CRQ, HADS and 6MWT findings are given in the Abstract P149 table 1. Satisfaction surveys indicate high levels of satisfaction with venue, instructor and content. No adverse events occurred during the classes. Direct cost per class (hall hire and instructor) £63. Conclusions This pilot demonstrates feasibility of providing community-based LTE groups using instructors trained to exercise people with COPD. Patients who choose to attend LTE have moderate COPD, but high CAT scores indicating important disease impact on daily functioning. Attendance rate was high for a patient group susceptible to exacerbations, possibly reflecting high patient satisfaction. Preliminary findings suggest LTE in group settings promotes maintenance of benefits acquired from PR with further improvement in health-related quality of life (CRQ and CAT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objectives Smoking cessation is one of the most cost-effective interventions for COPD (£2092/QALY; Hoogendoorn et al 2010). Smokers with COPD should therefore be offered intensive quit-smoking support as treatment for their disease. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of standard quit-smoking interventions (NICE, 2008) for COPD-smokers, to determine levels of support required to improve quit rates. Methods Current smokers with confirmed COPD were referred from within an inner-city general hospital (inpatients/outpatients) to a dedicated quit-smoking specialist (QSS) or from the community COPD-multidisciplinary team to an integrated QSS, who undertook domiciliary visits for housebound smokers. Both QSS had additional counselling skills. Demographics, disease severity (FEV1), smoking history, duration of quit-smoking treatment, pharmacotherapy and quits (4 week) were prospectively recorded over 11 months (September 2010 July-2011). Results 106 patients with moderate COPD M:F 39:67, mean±SD age 66.4±10.4 y range 49-85; FEV1 1.2±0.6l, n=76) were referred: 63 (69%) hospital patients (HP), 43 (41%) from the community (CP). Compared to the HP who had mean±SD FEV1 1.4±0.5 l, and smoked 23.5±11.4 cigarettes/day on referral, CP had significantly (p=0.03) worse lung function (FEV1 1.2±0.5 l) but smoked fewer (p=0.002) cigarettes/day (9.8±8/day). 25/106 (24%) patients quit, but quits were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the CP (20%) compared to the HP (30%). 45/106 (42%) were not able to set a quit-date, 5/106 (5%) set multiple quit-dates. 56/106 (53%) used nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), >2 products in 48/56. 18/106 (17%) used varenicline, seven sequentially following NRT. Duration of pharmacotherapy for quitters was 6.1±4.5 months (mean±SD, range 1-16). 38/106 (36%) were discharged after lost to follow-up. Conclusions These data demonstrate that 1-in-4 smokers with COPD are able to quit using evidence based tobacco addiction treatment. However, quit rates for these smokers are much lower than the Department of Health (DH) expectation of >35%, despite intensive interventions by skilled QSS, domiciliary visits to housebound patients, and pharmacotherapy extended beyond the standard 8-12 weeks. Novel approaches, including addressing psychosocial issues, motivational quit-date setting, review of the DH 4-week quit-target and sufficient funding for extended NRT/Varenicline prescribing, may be required to achieve effective smoking cessation in this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total mercury and organochlorine insecticide (alpha-HCH, lindane, beta-HCH, heptachlor, delta-HCH, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, alpha - and beta-endosulfan, dieldrin, 4,4'-DDE, endrin, 4,4'-DDD, 4,4'-DDT) concentrations were measured in black bream from 10 widely separated sites within the estuarine Gippsland Lakes, Victoria south-east Australia. Mercury concentrations (mean 0.22 mug g-1 wet weight) in the axial muscle tissues were below the maximum concentration in fish permitted for human consumption (0.5 mug g-1), but they were at least 58% higher than those for black bream tested during 1978-79. The cause of the observed increase was not investigated in this study. However, while most of the mercury in the Gippsland Lakes catchment is thought to be due to the legacy of past gold mining, atmospheric emissions from coal burning power plants are likely to contribute to the existing load. Organochlorine insecticides were detected in all fish, but the concentrations were less than 10 ng g-1 (wet weight) in both axial muscle and liver tissues. These levels are at least one order of magnitude below the maximum residue levels permitted in fish for human consumption. The bis-chlorophenol (DDT) group of insecticides was the major component in most cases, and lipidweight concentrations varied between 12 and 85 ng g-1 (mean 39 ng g-1) for axial muscle tissues and between 17 and 61 ng g-1 (mean 35 ng g-1) for liver tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]