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An examination of the occurrence and distribution of phthalate esters in the alimentary canal of a polyhybrid of Tilapia gave evidence of different and selective patterns of distribution in the organ tissues: the phthalate esters were shown to be concentrated in the stomach and anterior intestine. The restricted distribution of phthalate esters can have implications for the physiology of the digestive system. The phthalates, stored in the oxyntic cells of the gastric tubular glands, probably interfere with the digestive process. The strategic location of the enterocytes in the anterior intestine implies that they can hamper the reabsorption of digestion products. The endocrine disrupting effects known for these chemicals are probably related to the absorption of them via the alimentary canal. Copyright 2002 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Calpastatin, the endogenous inhibitor of calcium-activated neutral proteases (calpains; EC 3.4.22.17), was studied in the rabbit vastus lateralis muscle by means of immunochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. Immunoaffinity chromatography using an antibody raised against the 34-kDa monomer of the 68-kDa dimeric inhibitor allowed us to isolate three main proteins (130-, 100- and 80-kDa). These proteins strongly inhibited calpain activity in muscle homogenate (I at about 50 μg/ml). Immunohistochemical experiments showed that calpastatin-related immunoreactivity was present in all fibre types (oxidative, glycolytic, oxidative-glycolytic) at both surface and cytoplasmic level. However, a few (20%) of the slow-twitch, oxidative fibres (5% of the total fibres), did not contain the cytoplasmic inhibitor. Specific immunoreactivity for calpastatin was also associated with the interstitial connective tissue. These results suggest that (i) calpastatin in skeletal muscle, as in other tissues, is present as a mixture of proteins of various molecular weights and (ii) the inhibitor may act not only in the cytoplasm but also at the surface or extracellular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic skull base surgery is constantly evolving and its scope has expanded. The acquisition of surgical skills involves a long learning curve with significant risks for the patient. Therefore, training in the laboratory has become essential to achieve appropriate proficiency and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these procedures. The objective of our work is to develop and validate a cost-effective and easily replicable simulator for endonasal endoscopy training using a swine cadaveric model., Methods: We used fresh Pietrain swine heads. Training exercises of increasing complexity were performed. A Specific Technical Skills and Knowledge Scale was created considering the objectives to be assessed in each task. After the simulation, the trainees were required to answer a satisfaction survey., Results: Ten participants were recruited (5 neurosurgery residents and 5 neurosurgeons). The simulator assessment showed statistically significant differences between groups. Performance was better among the group with endoscopic surgery experience. Face validity was assessed through a postsimulation questionnaire showing an overall mean score of 28.7 out of 30, indicating a highly positive overall assessment of the simulator. Furthermore, 100% of the trainees believe that including endoscopy training in their education would be beneficial., Conclusions: The endonasal endoscopy training simulator using a swine cadaveric model is a useful and accessible tool for enhancing surgical skills in this field. It provides an opportunity for training outside the operating room, reducing the potential risks associated with patient practice, and improving the training of residents., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) regulates fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) expression in osteoblasts. Here, the role of FGF-2 in PGF2alpha-induced proliferation and the signaling pathway involved, were determined in calvarial osteoblasts (COBs) from Fgf2+/+ and Fgf2-/- mice. The involvement of the exported FGF-2 isoform, was determined using the FGF-2 neutralizing antibody to alter its binding to FGFR1. PGF2alpha increased activity of Ras, and MAP-kinase cascade as well as Bcl-2 and c-Myc levels in Fgf2+/+ but not in Fgf2-/- COBs. Moreover, in Fgf2+/+ COBs, PGF2alpha-enhanced nuclear accumulation and co-localization of Bcl-2/c-Myc. Although up-regulation of multiple proliferative and survival signals were induced by PGF2alpha in Fgf2+/+ COBs, phospho-p53 was unmodified while p53 was increased. Increased phospho-p53 was, instead, found in Fgf2-/- COBs without up-regulation of oncogenic proteins. The lack of p53 activation in wild type osteoblasts could be due in part to the overexpression of MDM2 caused by PGF2alpha via FGF-2. PGF2alpha, also, increased cyclins D and E in Fgf2+/+ COBs and induced an expansion of Fgf2+/+ osteoblasts in G(2)/M phase. These data clearly show that PGF2alpha induces proliferation via endogenous FGF-2 and the exported isoform mediates PGF2alpha effects by acting in autocrine manner. Furthermore, silencing of FGFR1 in Fgf2+/+ COBs blocked PGF2alpha induced increase of phospho-MDM2 and cyclins.

Aim: To evaluate resistance index (RI) changes in renal artery after N-acetylcysteine infusion in patients with systemic sclerosis., Methods: In an open-label study 40 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) were treated with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) iv infusion over 5 consecutive hours, at a dose of 0.015 g x kg(-1) x h(-1). Renal haemodynamic effects were evaluated by color Doppler examination before and after NAC infusion., Results: NAC infusion significantly reduced RI in a group of sclerodermic patients with early/active capillaroscopic pattern, modified Rodnan Total Skin Score (mRTSS) <14 and mild-moderate score to the vascular domain of Medsger Scleroderma Disease Severity Scale (DSS). RI increased after NAC infusion in patients with late capillaroscopic pattern, mTRSS>14 and severe-end stage score to the vascular domain of DSS. In patients with reduction of RI after NAC infusion, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide mean value was significantly higher than in those patients with an increase of RI. No significant differences in renal blood flow were found between patients with different subsets of SSc., Conclusion: In patients with low disease severity NAC ameliorates vascular renal function.