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Background: Despite the implementation of enhanced recovery protocols, a significant proportion of patients experience delayed recovery. Identifying potential determinants of delayed recovery is crucial for optimizing perioperative protocols and tailoring patient pathways. Objective: This study aims to identify possible determinants of delayed recovery. Design: Retrospective observational study based on a prospectively collected dedicated register spanning from 2015 to 2022. Setting: Twenty-two Italian hospitals specializing in high-volume colorectal surgery and trained in enhanced recovery protocols. Patients: Patients undergoing elective colorectal resection for cancer or benign disease. Main outcome measures: Recovery status on postoperative day 2. Late recovery was defined as the failure to meet at least two indicators of postoperative recovery (oral feeding, removal of the urinary catheter, cessation of intravenous fluids, and mobilization) on postoperative day 2. Results: A total of 1535 patients were analyzed. The median overall adherence to pre- and intraoperative enhanced recovery protocol items was 75.0% (range: 66.6%–83.3%). Delayed recovery was observed in 487 (31.7%) patients. Multiple regression analysis revealed six enhanced recovery protocol items that independently positively influenced postoperative recovery: pre-admission counseling (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.596), a preoperative carbohydrate drink (aOR 1.948), intraoperative fluid infusions < 7 ml/kg/h (aOR 1.662), avoidance of thoracic epidural analgesia (aOR 2.137), removal of nasogastric tube at the end of surgery (aOR 4.939), and successful laparoscopy (aOR 2.341). The rate of delayed recovery progressively decreased with increasing adherence to these six positive items, reaching 13.0% when all items were applied (correlation coefficient [r] = – 0.99, p < 0.001). Limitations: This study is limited by its retrospective analysis of a register containing data from multiple centers and a diverse patient population. Conclusions: Adherence to specific pre- and intraoperative enhanced recovery protocol items, including counseling, preoperative carbohydrate intake, restrictive intraoperative fluid management, avoidance of thoracic epidural analgesia, early removal of nasogastric tube, and successful laparoscopy, appears crucial for promoting early recovery following elective colorectal resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paint booth efuent, generated during the painting and varnishing processes of wooden furniture, has a high content of solvents and suspended solids in its composition, being difcult to treat biologically and acting as a potential water pollutant. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate algal growth in culture media composed of paint booth efuent and domestic sewage mixed in eight diferent proportions. Microalgae growth was assessed in 400 mL fasks. The percentages (relative to the total fask volume) of paint booth efuent were 0%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, with the domestic sewage completing 100% of the total volume. The production of total carotenoids was also evaluated since stressful environments may enable the production of value-added pigments by microalgae. Volumes of 25% and 50% of paint booth efuent in the medium resulted in the highest concentrations of chlorophyll-α (3.0 and 2.3 mg/L, respectively) and total carotenoids (5.6 and 3.9 mg/L, respectively). The optimal volume of this efuent in the mixture was close to 40% (v/v). Regression analysis suggests that volumes above the optimal value can inhibit algae growth, possibly associated with lower nutrient availability and solvent toxicity. Therefore, it is possible to cultivate microalgae in paint booth efuent, especially when mixed with domestic sewage, which allows the adoption of a single, simple, and biological treatment system for both efuents produced in the furniture industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfill leachates and sewage sludge are environmental contaminants that challenges urban sustainability. It was evaluated the use of sewage sludge thermally treated by pyrolysis (450 °C) as an adsorbent of N-NH4+ from landfill leachates. Samples of landfill leachates and sewage sludge were collected in southern Brazil. Sorption experiments were performed using pyrolyzed sludge (PSS) and commercial activated carbon (as reference material), with landfill leachate as the solution source of N-NH4+. Citric acid was used in the desorption experiments. The chemical composition, specific surface area, and porosity of PSS was determined, and infrared spectroscopic analysis with Fourier transformation was performed. The PSS presented a maximum N-NH4+ adsorption capacity of 14.8 mg g−1, with abundant carboxylic groups and a high specific surface area (30.4 m2 g−1). The landfill leachate contained 445.8 mg L−1 of N-NH4+, and the PSS was able to remove 16% of it in the sorption experiment, with a 60% saturation of the pyrolyzed sludge adsorption sites. A pH change from 4 to 7 increases pyrolyzed sludge adsorption due to negative charge formation (the zero charge point (pHZCP) of PSS = 6). Another factor that favored N-NH4+ adsorption was the low pyrolysis temperature (450 °C) that preserved the –O–H (3400 cm−1) and Si–OH (1040 cm−1) functional groups. The entropy parameter (ΔS) of 0.42 kJ mol−1 combined with a negative ΔG° indicates affinity between the PSS and N-NH4+. Of the N-NH4+ adsorbed by the PSS, only 19% was desorbed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of different root canal filling materials on the change of failure of the endodontic treatment of necrotic primary teeth. Methods: A literature search was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Scopus databases, and grey literature up to July 2022 selecting randomised clinical trials related to research question. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted the data, and assessed the bias risk. Root canal filling materials were grouped according to the main component [iodoform (IOD), calcium hydroxide (CAOH), zinc oxide (ZO) or mix (IOD plus CAOH plus ZO) pastes]. Pairwise and network meta-analyses using the mixed treatment comparisons method were performed to compare the number of events (failure) among treatments. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for calculated. Post-probabilities among treatments were also calculated and interpreted. Results: From 1186 potentially relevant studies, 17 were selected for full-text analysis, and 7 were included in the meta-analysis, totalizing 263 teeth. In the direct evidence, ZO pastes resulted in a higher chance of failure than IOD pastes (OR 7.07 95% CI 1.02, 62.59). In the indirect evidence, there was no difference between the materials. The IOD pastes presented a high probability (81%) of being the treatment associated to lowest number of failures among all treatments. The CAOH pastes presented the highest probability of being the worst option. Studies showed high bias risk. Conclusion: There is currently no scientific evidence of the superiority of any one root canal filling material for endodontic treatment of necrotic primary teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The incidence of inguinal hernia is higher in elderly because of aging-related diseases like prostatism, bronchitis, collagen laxity. A conservative management is common in elderly to reduce surgery-related risks, however watchful waiting can expose to obstruction and strangulation. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of emergency surgery in a large series of elderly with complicated groin hernia and to identify the independent risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality. The predictive performance of prognostic risk scores has been also assessed. Methods: This is a prospective observational study carried out between January 2017 and June 2018 in elderly patients who underwent emergency surgery for complicated hernia in 38 Italian hospitals. Pre-operative, surgical and postoperative data were recorded for each patient. ASA score, Charlson's comorbidity index, P-POSSUM and CR-POSSUM were assessed. Results: 259 patients were recruited, mean age was 80 years. A direct repair without mesh was performed in 62 (23.9%) patients. Explorative laparotomy was performed in 56 (21.6%) patients and bowel resection was necessary in 44 (17%). Mortality occurred in seven (2.8%) patients. Fifty-five (21.2%) patients developed complications, 12 of whom had a major one. At univariate and multivariate analyses, Charlson's comorbidity index ≥ 6, altered mental status, and need for laparotomy were associated with major complications and mortality Conclusion: Emergency surgery for complicated hernia is burdened by high morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. Preoperative comorbidity played a pivotal role in predicting complications and mortality and therefore Charlson's comorbidity index could be adopted to select patients for elective operation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the impact of sex and age on relationship between prodromal constipation and disease phenotype in Parkinson's disease at early stages. Methods: A total of 385 Parkinson's disease patients from the PRIAMO study were classified according to the presence of prodromal constipation and followed for 24 months. Multivariable mixed-effect models were applied. All analyses were performed separately for sex (64.1% men) and median age (different by sex: 67 years-old in men and 68 years-old in women). Results: As for sex, prodromal constipation was associated with greater odds of attention/memory complaints and apathy symptoms in women only. As for age, prodromal constipation was associated with lower cognitive and higher apathy scores in older patients only. Conclusions: Prodromal constipation anticipates lower cognitive performances and more severe apathy since the earliest stages in women and older patients. Sex- and age-related heterogeneity of prodromal markers of Parkinson's disease may impact disease phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite the implementation of minimally invasive surgery and enhanced recovery protocols, the use of drain in elective splenectomy is still controversial. The aim of this study was to assess whether the abdominal drain can impact on short-term outcome after elective laparoscopic splenectomy. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of a consecutively collected database including all patients who underwent elective laparoscopic splenectomy in our institution between January 2001 and June 2019. Postoperative complications were defined according to a priori criteria and graded according to Clavien-Dindo classification. All complications that occurred during hospitalization or within 30 days after discharge were considered. Primary endpoint was postoperative morbidity, and secondary endpoint was postoperative hospital length of stay. Results: One hundred and sixty-one patients were analysed. Intraperitoneal drain was placed in 75 (46.6%) patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 36 (22.4%) patients, while 8 (4.9%) patients had major complications. Median postoperative length of stay was 4 days. At multivariate analysis, only malignancy was significantly associated with the onset of complications (OR 3.50; 95% CI 1.1–11.0; p = 0.032). Malignancy, ASA > 2, conversion to open surgery, presence of drain and longer operation were significantly associated with prolonged length of stay. Patients with drain showed a greater unadjusted risk of abdominal collections (RR 10.32; 95% CI 1.3–79.6; p = 0.006). Conclusion: Abdominal drain did not reduce morbidity and prolonged the length of stay following elective laparoscopic splenectomy. Therefore, the present study does not support the routine use of drain in such procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify the variables and actual difficulties related to children and adolescents' non-compliance with dental flossing. Methods: This cross-sectional study with 36 children and 59 adolescents were selected from dental clinics at the Dental School, University of São Paulo. The percentage of surfaces with disclosed biofilm was used to evaluate general oral hygiene. Participants answered questions concerning dental flossing (difficulties, self-reported motivation, and previous instruction). An examiner observed how the participants flossed their teeth and their possible faults. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed and odds ratio values were calculated in order to verify the association between non-compliance (or difficulties) with flossing and possible reasons for that. Results: Similar non-compliance with daily flossing was observed among children and adolescents (p = 0.95). Children's flossing negligence was strongly associated with self-reported laziness in flossing (p = 0.02), and negatively associated with their previous practice by some dentists (p = 0.009). Self-described difficulties in flossing also showed an association with laziness in flossing (p = 0.03). No association was found between negligence of flossing and all variables tested among adolescents (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusions: Low compliance and difficulties in flossing among children and adolescents seemed to be more related to lack of motivation, although problems concerning manual skills were also observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive waste dumps with sulfide minerals promote acid mine drainage (AMD), which results in water and soil contamination by metals and metalloids. In these systems, contamination is regulated by many factors, such as mineralogical composition of soil and the presence of sorption sites on specific mineral phases. So, the present study dedicates itself to understanding the distribution of trace elements in different size fractions (<2-mm and <2-μm fractions) of mining soils and to evaluate the relationship between chemical and mineralogical composition. Cerdeirinha and Penedono, located in Portugal, were the waste dumps under study. The results revealed that the two waste dumps have high degree of contamination by metals and arsenic and that these elements are concentrated in the clay size fraction. Hence, the higher degree of contamination by toxic elements, especially arsenic in Penedono as well as the role of clay minerals, jarosite, and goethite in retaining trace elements has management implications. Such information must be carefully thought in the rehabilitation projects to be planned for both waste dumps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the potential beneficial effects of the Brazilian Pampa biome honey in a Drosophila-based hypoxia model. Adult flies were reared in standard medium in the presence or absence of honey (at a final concentration of 10 % in medium). Then, control flies (4 % sucrose in medium) and honey-treated flies were submitted to hypoxia. Subsequently, flies were analyzed for mortality, neurolocomotor behavior (negative geotaxis), mitochondrial/oxidative stress parameters and expression of hypoxia/stress related genes by RT-qPCR. The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of phenolics and flavonoids in the studied honey. Caffeic acid was the major compound followed by p-coumaric acid and kaempferol. The presence of such compounds was correlated with a substantial antioxidant activity in vitro. Flies subjected to hypoxia presented marked mortality, locomotor deficits and changes in oxidative stress and mitochondrial activity parameters. Honey treatment was able to completely block mortality and locomotor phenotypes. In addition, honey was able to reverse ROS production and hypoxia-induced changes in mitochondrial complex I and II activity. Hypoxia also induced an up-regulation in mRNA expression of Sima (HIF-1), NFκβ, NRF2, HOX, AKT-1, InR, dILP2, dILP5 and HSP27. Honey treatment was not able to modulate changes in the tested genes, indicating that its protective effects involve additional mechanisms other than transcriptional activity of hypoxia-driven adaptive responses in flies. Our results demonstrated, for the first time, the beneficial effects of honey against the deleterious effects of hypoxia/reperfusion processes in a complex organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently diverse biocidal agents can be used for distinct applications, such as personal hygiene, disinfection, antiparasitic activity, and antifouling effects. Zinc pyrithione is an organometallic biocide, with bactericidal, algicidal and fungicidal activities. It has been recently incorporated in antifouling formulas, such as paints, which prevent the establishment of a biofilm on surfaces exposed to the aquatic environment. It has also been used in cosmetics, such as anti-dandruff shampoos and soaps. Previously reported data has shown the presence of this substance in the aquatic compartment, a factor contributing to the potential exertion of toxic effects, and there is also evidence that photodegradation products of zinc pyrithione were involved in neurotoxic effects, namely by inhibiting cholinesterases in fish species. Additional evidence points to the involvement of zinc pyrithione in alterations of metal homeostasis and oxidative stress, in both aquatic organisms and human cell models. The present work assesses the potential ecotoxicity elicited by zinc pyrithione in the freshwater fish Gambusia holbrooki after an acute (96 h) exposure. The oxidative stress was assessed by the quantification of the activities of specific enzymes from the antioxidant defense system, such as catalase, and glutathione- S-transferases; and the extent of peroxidative damage was quantified by measuring the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels. Neurotoxicity was assessed through measurement of acetylcholinesterase activity; and a standardized method for the description and assessment of histological changes in liver and gills of was also used. Zinc pyrithione caused non-specific and reversible tissue alterations, both in liver and gills of exposed organisms. However, histopathological indices were not significantly different from the control group. In terms of oxidative stress biomarkers, none of the tested biomarkers indicated the occurrence of pro-oxidative effects, suggesting that the oxidative pathway is not the major toxicological outcome of exposure to zinc pyrithione. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large body of evidence was compiled in the recent decades showing a noteworthy increase in the detection of pharmaceutical drugs in aquatic ecosystems. Due to its ubiquitous presence, chemical nature, and practical purpose, this type of contaminant can exert toxic effects in nontarget organisms. Exposure to pharmaceutical drugs can result in adaptive alterations, such as changes in tissues, or in key homeostatic mechanisms, such as antioxidant mechanisms, biochemical/physiological pathways, and cellular damage. These alterations can be monitored to determine the impact of these compounds on exposed aquatic organisms. Among pharmaceutical drugs in the environment, antibiotics are particularly important because they include a variety of substances widely used in medical and veterinary practice, livestock production, and aquaculture. This wide use constitutes a decisive factor contributing for their frequent detection in the aquatic environment. Tetracyclines are the individual antibiotic subclass with the second highest frequency of detection in environmental matrices. The characterization of the potential ecotoxicological effects of tetracycline is a much-required task; to attain this objective, the present study assessed the acute toxic effects of tetracycline in the freshwater fish species Gambusia holbrooki by the determination of histological changes in the gills and liver, changes in antioxidant defense [glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and lipoperoxidative damage] as well as potential neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase activity). The obtained results suggest the existence of a cause-and-effect relationship between the exposure to tetracycline and histological alterations (more specifically in gills) and enzymatic activity (particularly the enzyme CAT in liver and GST in gills) indicating that this compound can exert a pro-oxidative activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of pharmaceutical drugs in aquatic ecosystems has been widely reported during the past years. Salicylic acid (SA) is mainly used in human medicine as an analgesic and antipyretic drug, being also active in preventing platelet aggregation. To study the ecotoxicological effects potentially elicited by SA in freshwater fish, brown trout individuals ( Salmo trutta fario) were chronically exposed (28 days) to this drug, in order to evaluate the enzymatic and histological effects, in both gills and liver. A qualitative and semi-qualitative evaluation of the gills and liver was performed, and also a quantitative evaluation of various lamellar structures. Oxidative stress was quantified trough the determination of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), glutathione reductase (GRed), total and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Catalase (Cat) activities. Lipid peroxidative damage was also assessed by the quantification of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the liver. The here-obtained data showed the occurrence of oxidative stress, reflected by an increased activity of GPx and GRed in the liver; additionally, it was possible to observe non-specific histological changes in gills. The global significance of the entire set of results is discussed, giving emphasis to the ecological relevance of the responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Breast cancer, a heterogeneous disease has been broadly classified into oestrogen receptor positive (ER+) or oestrogen receptor negative (ER−) tumour types. Each of these tumours is dependent on specific signalling pathways for their progression. While high levels of survivin, an anti-apoptotic protein, increases aggressive behaviour in ER− breast tumours, oxidative stress (OS) promotes the progression of ER+ breast tumours. Mechanisms and molecular targets by which OS promotes tumourigenesis remain poorly understood.Results:DETA-NONOate, a nitric oxide (NO)-donor induces OS in breast cancer cell lines by early re-localisation and downregulation of cellular survivin. Using in vivo models of HMLEHRAS xenografts and E2-induced breast tumours in ACI rats, we demonstrate that high OS downregulates survivin during initiation of tumourigenesis. Overexpression of survivin in HMLEHRAS cells led to a significant delay in tumour initiation and tumour volume in nude mice. This inverse relationship between survivin and OS was also observed in ER+ human breast tumours. We also demonstrate an upregulation of NADPH oxidase-1 (NOX1) and its activating protein p67, which are novel markers of OS in E2-induced tumours in ACI rats and as well as in ER+ human breast tumours.Conclusion:Our data, therefore, suggest that downregulation of survivin could be an important early event by which OS initiates breast tumour formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the greatest challenges in urological oncology is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is the third leading cause of death in genitourinary cancers. RCCs are highly vascularized and respond positively to antiangiogenic therapy. Endostatin (ES) is a fragment of collagen XVIII that possesses antiangiogenic activity. In this study, we examined the potential of ES-based antiangiogenic therapy to activate tumor-associated endothelial cells in metastatic RCC (mRCC). Balb/c-bearing Renca cells were treated with NIH/3T3-LendSN or, as a control, with NIH/3T3-LXSN cells. The T-cell subsets and lymphocyte populations of tumors, mediastinal lymph nodes and the spleen were assessed by flow cytometry. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was assessed by real-time PCR, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry analysis. ES gene therapy led to an increase in the percentage of infiltrating CD4-interferon (IFN)-γ cells (P<0.05), CD8-IFN-γ cells (P<0.01) and CD49b-tumor necrosis factor-α cells (P<0.01). In addition, ES therapy caused an increase at the mRNA level of ICAM-1 (1.4-fold; P<0.01) and VCAM-1 (1.5-fold) (control vs treated group; P<0.001). Through flow cytometry, we found a significant increase in the CD34/ICAM-1 cells (8.1-fold; P<0.001) and CD34/VCAM-1 cells (1.6-fold; P<0.05). ES gene therapy induced a significant increase in both T CD4 and CD8 cells in the lymph nodes and the spleen, suggesting that ES therapy may facilitate cell survival or clonal expansion. CD49b cells were also present in increased quantities in all of these organs. In this study, we demonstrate an antitumor inflammatory effect of ES in an mRCC model, and this effect is mediated by an increase in ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in tumor-associated endothelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finite fossil-fuel supplies, nuclear waste and global warming linked to CO emissions have made the development of alternative/'green' methods of energy production, conversion and storage popular topics in today's energy-conscious society. These crucial environmental issues, together with the rapid advance and eagerness from the electric automotive industry have combined to make the development of radically improved energy storage systems a worldwide imperative. CuMg has an orthorhombic crystal structure and does not form a hydride: it reacts reversibly with hydrogen to produce CuMg and MgH. However, CuLiMg ( x = 0.08) has a hexagonal crystal structure, just like NiMg, a compound known for its hydrogen storage properties. NiMg absorbs up to 3.6 wt% of H. Our studies showed that not only CuLiMg absorbs a considerable amount of hydrogen, but also starts releasing it at a temperature in the range of 40-130 °C. In order to determine the properties of the hydrogenated CuLiMg, absorption-desorption, Differential scanning calorimeter and thermo-gravimetric experiments were performed. Neutron spectra were collected to elucidate the behavior of hydrogen in the Li-doped CuMg intermetallic. Using DFT calculations we were able to determine the best value for x in CuLiMg and compare different possible structures for the CuLiMg hydride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In asthmatics, a rapid decline in pulmonary function is observed, likely as a consequence of airways remodeling. Persistence of allergen exposure in patients with occupational asthma (OA) maintains chronic bronchial inflammation, resulting in a more severe lung function decline. Few studies were performed on the effects of allergen exposure cessation. Objective: This study aims at evaluating the influence of allergen exposure cessation on respiratory decline in allergic asthmatic workers. Methods: Two groups of workers with allergic OA were selected. The first group (30 workers) changed job after the diagnosis and was no more exposed to sensitizing allergens, and the second group (28 subjects) did not and, as a consequence of preventive measures in the work place, was exposed to a lower level of allergens. All were treated with conventional therapy, according to GINA protocols. FEV1 changes during a 12-year period were evaluated. Results: Despite pharmacological therapy, the pulmonary function decay slope was steeper in workers continuously exposed to the sensitizing agent (even at reduced level) than in those with a complete cessation of exposure: final FEV1 loss was 512.5 ± 180 ml versus 332.5 ± 108 ml, respectively. The difference became significant after 4 years from the cessation of the exposure. Conclusions: The study shows that the cessation of the exposure to allergen in the work place appears the most effective measure in limiting pulmonary function decline in asthmatic workers and underlines the importance of allergic risk assessment and control in the management of occupational asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, samples arising from the scaling of a Portuguese granite building were examined in an attempt to understand the mechanisms of surface blackening and detachment. The building, the Third Order of St. Francis Church, is located in the city centre of Porto which is an area characterised by moderate motor traffic. The Mediterranean climate and the façade orientation favoured the proliferation of microorganisms on the Third Order of St. Francis Church, in Porto. The scientific approach carried out in the South façade revealed that these coloured layers are essentially of biological origin. Subsequent chemical analysis confirmed microscope observations and pointed out to the presence of organic matter synthesised by cyanobacteria, algae and lichens. Numerous biological marker compounds indicated a significant presence of biogenically derived material, suggesting that biological activity was playing a major role in the development of coloured layers and in the detachment processes in this historic building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mechanisms that increase resistance to apoptosis help promote cellular transformation. Cancer cells have deregulated apoptotic pathways, where increased expression and stability of anti-apoptotic proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 increases resistance to apoptosis. Pathways that increase the stability of proteins in cancer cells remain poorly understood.Methods: Using human mammary epithelial and established breast cancer cell lines, we assessed the mechanisms that increase the stability of anti-apoptotic proteins in breast cancer cells by caspase assay, western blot, small-inhibitory RNA treatment and immunoprecipitation.Results: While breast cancer cells were resistant to de novo inhibition of protein synthesis, a rapid proteosome-mediated degradation of Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 induced apoptosis in mammary epithelial cells. Although Mule, an E3 ligase that targets Mcl-1 for degradation was expressed in mammary epithelial and breast cancer cell lines, rapid increase of polyubiquitinated Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 was detected only in mammary epithelial cells. Only transient formation of the Mule-Mcl-1 complex was detected in breast cancer cells. Downregulation of pERK1/2 in breast cancer cells reduced Mcl-1 levels and increased Mcl-1/Mule complex.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that reduced Mule/Mcl-1 complex has a significant role in increasing the stability of Mcl-1 in breast cancer cells and increased resistance to apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed to assess the formation of photosynthetic biofilms on and within different natural stone materials, and to analyse their biogeophysical and biogeochemical deterioration potential. This was performed by means of artificial colonisation under laboratory conditions during 3 months. Monitoring of microbial development was performed by image analysis and biofilm biomass estimation by chlorophyll extraction technique. Microscopy investigations were carried out to study relationships between microorganisms and the mineral substrata. The model applied in this work corroborated a successful survival strategy inside endolithic microhabitat, using natural phototrophic biofilm cultivation, composed by cyanobacteria and algae, which increased intrinsic porosity by active mineral dissolution. We observed the presence of mineral-like iron derivatives (e.g. maghemite) around the cells and intracellularly and the precipitation of hausmannite, suggesting manganese transformations related to the biomineralisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One critical problem of sheet formed products is its dimensional accuracy. This is related to springback (elastic recovery), after forming load releasing. It may happen in any forming process; however, it is easier noted and quantified in bending process. Needless to say that this problem is undesirable since it affects assemblies, mainly at aeronautics industry [1]. Although, literature provides some models for predicting springback in conventional bending, this is not the case for non conventional bending using polyurethanic die and that’s why the process has been treated on trial and error basis at shop, implying in product discharge. So, this work intends to present a theoretical model for predicting springback. Model validation has been done by experimental results. Predicted values are in a good agreement with these latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crucial determinants of the potential effects of mercury in aquatic ecosystems are the speciation, partitioning, and cycling of its various species. These processes are affected by site-specific factors, such as water chemistry, sediment transport, and hydrodynamics. This study presents two different approaches to the development of one-dimensional/dynamic-deterministic models for the evaluation and prediction of mercury contamination in a lowland tidal river, the River Yare (Norfolk, UK). The models described here were developed to encompass the entire river system and address the mass balance of mercury in a multicompartment system, including tidal reversal and saline limit. The models were focused on river systems, with the River Yare being used as a case study because previous modelling studies have been centred on lakes and wetlands whilst there is a paucity of information for rivers. Initial comparisons with actual measured water parameters (salinity and suspended solids) indicate that both models exhibit good agreement with the actual values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents results of the application of two-one-dimensional/dynamic-deterministic models developed to evaluate and predict mercury contamination of a lowland river, the River Yare, Norfolk, UK. As a general indication of model performance, MODEL 1 produced a prediction of the overall mass balance of mercury in the River Yare that was 6% lower than an estimate, based on measurements, and 10% lower than the prediction provided by MODEL 2. The mercury surficial sediment concentrations calculated by MODEL 1 varied from 0.46 mg kg−1 in 1995 (Reach 3) to 3.55 mg kg−1 in 1986 (Reaches 6 and 7), whereas the minimum mercury concentration calculated by MODEL 2 was 0.42 mg kg−1 in 1995 (Reach 3) and the maximum was 8.45 mg kg−1 in 1986 (Reach 5). Average mercury concentrations experimentally measured in surficial sediments ranged from 0.47 mg kg−1 in 1995 (Reach 3) to 8.10 mg kg−1 in 1986 (Reach 6). MODEL 2 gave an excellent prediction of mercury in fish flesh compared with the results obtained from the actual analysis of fish flesh. Both models demonstrated good ability to simulate actual values determined for all compartments, water, surficial sediments, bottom sediments, and fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological and histochemical features of degeneration in honeybee (Apis mellifera) salivary glands were investigated in 5th instar larvae and in the pre-pupal period. The distribution and activity patterns of acid phosphatase enzyme were also analysed. As a routine, the larval salivary glands were fixed and processed for light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Tissue sections were subsequently stained with haematoxylin-eosin, bromophenol blue, silver, or a variant of the critical electrolyte concentration (CEC) method. Ultrathin sections were contrasted with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. Glands were processed for the histochemical and cytochemical localization of acid phosphatase, as well as biochemical assay to detect its activity pattern. Acid phosphatase activity was histochemically detected in all the salivary glands analysed. The cytochemical results showed acid phosphatase in vesicles, Golgi apparatus and lysosomes during the secretory phase and, additionally, in autophagic structures and luminal secretion during the degenerative phase. These findings were in agreement with the biochemical assay. At the end of the 5th instar, the glandular cells had a vacuolated cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei, and epithelial cells were shed into the glandular lumen. The transition phase from the 5th instar to the pre-pupal period was characterized by intense vacuolation of the basal cytoplasm and release of parts of the cytoplasm into the lumen by apical blebbing; these blebs contained cytoplasmic RNA, rough endoplasmic reticule and, occasionally, nuclear material. In the pre-pupal phase, the glandular epithelium showed progressive degeneration so that at the end of this phase only nuclei and remnants of the cytoplasm were observed. The nuclei were pyknotic, with peripheral chromatin and blebs. The gland remained in the haemolymph and was recycled during metamorphosis. The programmed cell death in this gland represented a morphological form intermediate between apoptosis and autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thorough training is essential to the success of colorectal laparoscopic surgery (LPS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a 3-month training period in LPS. Methods: Before beginning the study, the surgical team attended several courses of LPS and spent a long time working at a large animal facility to perfect laparoscopic techniques. Twenty-six consecutive patients underwent LPS in a 3-month training period. Controls (n = 26) who underwent open colorectal surgery (LPT) were selected to match the LPS patients for age, gender, primary disease, type of surgery, comorbidity, and nutritional status. Results: Conversion to open surgery was necessary in one patient (3.8%). The operative time was 1 h longer for LPS than LPT (p < 0.001). The mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 17 in LPS and 18 in LPT (p = 0.76). The first flatus (p < 0.02) and bowel movement (p < 0.002) occurred earlier in the LPS group. The postoperative infection rate was 11.5% for LPS and 19.2% for LPT (p = 0.33). Two anastomotic leaks occurred in each group. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 9.6 days (standard deviation [SD], 2.6) for LPS and 11.0 days (SD, 5.2) for LPT (p = 0.68). Recovery of postoperative physical performance and social life occurred earlier in the LPS than the LPT group (p < 0.001). At 1-year follow-up, no difference was found in terms of cancer recurrence or long-term complications. Conclusion: Oncologic results and postoperative morbidity were comparable for LPS and LPT. LPS allows a faster postoperative recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defining the basis of the selective cell vulnerability of motor neurones (MN) represents the key issue in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and tissue culture models are the ideal system for the identification of the MN specific features at the single cell level. Neurone-astrocyte metabolic interactions, which have a critical role in MN through glutamatergic toxicity, have been mostly defined in vitro. Ca++ metabolism, which appears to play a critical role in inducing MN loss in ALS, has been successfully studied using in vitro cell models. Furthermore, primary cultures demonstrated that apoptotic or necrotic death of neurones after injury depends upon the cell energetic status. Superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) mutations were successfully expressed in cultured rodent MNs, providing a critical assay to sequence the molecular processes responsible for MN degeneration due to the identified genetic defect. The recent identification of genes that separate humans from apes further increases the value of the human in vitro models to better understand specific human cellular properties. Purified human MNs and astrocytes can today be obtained from the human embryonic spinal cord anterior horns. Interactions at the single cell level can be dissected using the cDNA amplification techniques. The effects of molecules affecting MN survival, neurite extension, and metabolism can easily be defined in vitro, gaining a critical mass of information of immediate clinical application in the treatment of patients affected by ALS. Understanding the properties of human MNs in vitro represents today a significant and critical tool that can easily be reached after extension of the available knowledge from non-primate to human research. Human MN culture studies can greatly contribute to identifying the primitive critical cellular events responsible for the MN degeneration observed in ALS and to gaining crucial information ¶on new therapeutical agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic spectrum of C is calculated using quantum mechanical methods. The first allowed transition in C is calculated at an energy of 3.5 eV and with an oscillator strength of 0.09. Several transitions are found at higher energies with comparatively strong oscillator strengths, the strongest one being at 5.78 eV ( λ=214 nm). The calculated energy level diagram of C is also used to predict wavelengths for transitions in C and C. A comparison is made with some recently observed diffuse interstellar bands at 1180 nm and 1320 nm, which have been speculated to originate from C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: A multicentre prospective study was performed to estimate the incidence of hospital infections and to identify the most relevant risk factors for sepsis in a large and unselected population of high-risk newborns. The study involved 49 neonatal intensive care units and 17 neonatal intermediate care units in Italy. Newborns were followed up from admittance to the units until discharge. Data on demographics and clinical characteristics, exposure to the principal invasive procedures, and onset of infectious complications were prospectively collected. Only infections developing after 48 h from admittance to the unit were recorded. A multiple logistic regression was performed to identify which factors were independently associated with sepsis. Among the 8263 newborns included in the analysis, the incidence of infected newborns was 14.4 per 100 newborns and 0.9/100 days of stay. The incidence of infections was 19.1/100 newborns and 1.2/100 days of stay. Sepsis represented 15.4% of all infections (incidence 2.9/100 newborns and 0.2/100 days of stay). The following factors were independently associated with sepsis: umbilical catheterization, both through the vein and the artery for more than 5 days; mechanical ventilation for more than 5 days; necrotizing enterocolitis; birth weight equal to or less than 2500 g; nasogastric tube; total parenteral nutrition; and transfer from other hospitals. Umbilical catheters accounted for the highest proportion of sepsis (62%), followed by arterial catheters (31%), nasopharyngeal cannulae (26%), tracheal cannulae (20%), and nasal cannulae (20%). The population attributable risk for the other procedures was less than 10%.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that in a large and unselected newborn population, several host factors and invasive procedures are independently associated with an increased risk of sepsis. After adjustment for clinical severity, intravascular catheterization and assisted ventilation were found to be responsible for a considerable proportion of observed sepsis. They should therefore be considered as priorities for interventions, aimed both at reducing unnecessary use and promoting more strict compliance with aseptic practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrophoretical protein patterns of hypopharyngeal glands, larval food of Melipona, and royal jelly of Apis were compared. Since protein patterns of hypopharyngeal glands from newly emerged workers, brood cell provisioners and foragers are similar to freshly deposited larval food, the identical protein bands probably represent actual gland secretion. This suggests that, as in Apis, the glands secrete proteins to the larval food, and maintain this ability throughout life, although at slightly different intensities, according to the activity of the bees. The similarity on the electrophoretic profiles of the major larval food protein in Apis and Melipona is an interesting finding because of its probable evolutionary significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]