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Background The Elipse™ intragastric balloon (EIGB) is a new swallowable balloon for weight loss (WL). Preserving metabolically active fat-free mass (FFM) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) during WL are crucial to maximize fat mass (FM) loss. After EIGB placement, a standard low-calorie diet (LCD) is generally prescribed. A low-calorie ketogenic diet (LCKD) has proven to be safe and effective in reducing FM while preserving FFM and RMR. Objective To prospectively compare the effects on WL, FM, FFM, and RMR in two groups of patients who were randomized to two different diets: LCKD and a standard LCD after EIGB placement. Methods WL, FM, FFM, and RMR were measured before EIGB and at 4 months in 48 patients who received either a LCKD (n = 24) or a standard LCD (n = 24). Compliance in following the prescribed diet was determined with food frequency questionnaires in all patients. The impact of LCKD and LCD on renal function was also evaluated. Results The LCKD group showed a significantly lower decrease in FFM and RMR when compared with the LCD group (3.55 vs 14.3%, p p p = 0.0606). Compliance in following the prescribed diets, without negative impact on renal function, was found. Conclusion Based on our findings, despite the small sample size, we were able to support the hypothesis that LCKD is associated with an increased FM loss while reducing the FFM loss and the RMR, without interfering with renal function after EIGB.

This study investigated the influence of pH on malolactic fermentation (MLF) in white wines (adjusted to pH 3.2, 3.4 and 3.8, respectively) from Falanghina grapes and red wines (adjusted to pH 3.4 and 3.8, respectively) from Tintilia grapes. The wines were inoculated with Oenococcus oeni and Lactobacillus plantarum strains, and a mix of them (50:50), in red Tintilia only. The time required to complete MLF in wines from white Falanghina grapes at pH 3.4 and 3.8 was lower with O. oeni, while MLF did not occur at pH 3.2. In red Tintilia, MLF was always completed within 35 days; at high pH (3.8) a significant increase in histamine was detected, while the decrease in citric acid concentration caused an increase in volatile acidity. Sensorial analysis showed an enhancement of red berry and spicy notes in red Tintilia at pH 3.8. PCA on white Falanghina showed that wines at pH 3.2 were located on the negative side of PC1 with higher scores for dry vegetable, sulphide, violet and toasted attributes. Wines at pH 3.4 and 3.8 were located on the positive side of the PC1 with butter and apple attributes. L. plantarum enhanced floral notes in white Falanghina wines and showed a good organoleptic impact on red Tintilia wines, which sensorial intensity was improved by a commercial mix (50:50) of O. oeni and L. plantarum.

Background: N-linked glycosylation, which is a post-translational modification process, plays an important role in protein folding, intracellular trafficking and membrane targeting, as well as in regulating the protein function. Recently, we identified a missense variant (p.T141L) in the short isoform 2 of the X-linked gene asparagine-linked glycosylation 13 (ALG13-is2), which segregated with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and PCCD in a large Australian pedigree; however, any evidence of its pathogenicity was demonstrated. ALG13 gene encodes, through alternative splicing, 2 glycosyltransferase isoforms, which catalyse the second sugar addition of the highly conserved oligosaccharide precursor in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Mutations in the long isoform 1 were associated with epilepsy. Methods and Results: Here, we show a different expression of the 2 isoforms depending on the tissue. Specifically, the long isoform is highly expressed in lungs, ovaries, testes, cerebellum, cortex, retina, pituitary gland, and olfactory bulbs, while the short isoform is highly expressed in mouse podocytes and in human podocyte cell lines, at both mRNA and protein levels. The silencing of ALG13-is2 by specific siRNAs induces an altered N-linked glycosylation pattern of nephrin, as demonstrated by the presence of an additional immunostaining band of about 130 kD. In knock-down cells, immunofluorescence analysis shows perturbed organization of the cytoskeleton and altered localization of nephrin on the cellular membrane. We also demonstrated that the altered pattern of N-linked glycosylation induces an over-expression of binding immunoglobulin protein and calreticulin, suggesting ER stress. Conclusions: These results provide preliminary evidence that ALG13-is2 could be an important modifier of renal filtration defects.

The effects of the cold percolation system on the quality of virgin olive oil from two different Italian cultivars (Coratina and Oliarola) were determined. The quality was also compared with that of oil extracted with the current centrifugation system using a two-phases decanter. Tests were performed in an industrial oil mill equipped with the two extraction systems. The oils extracted with cold percolation system showed, in all cases, lower free acidity, peroxide value, and ultraviolet (UV) absorption (K 232 and K 270 ) and higher polyphenol contents in comparison to oils obtained by two-phases centrifugation. These results were confirmed by the autoxidation stability of the oils examined.

The effect of heating at 50 and 55°C on enzymatic digestibility of corn starch was investigated using flours from two corn hybrids (Furio and CMS 8806) prepared by dry- and wet-milling processes. Results obtained show that the enzyme-digestible starch percentage, in all cases, increases with heating time due to changes in the internal structure of the starch granules. The flours from dry milling have an enzyme-digestible starch percentage higher than that observed in wet milled flours with high moisture content.

The effect of extraction systems on the phenolic composition of virgin olive oils obtained from two different Italian cultivars (Coratina and Oliarola) was determined. The oils extracted using two-phase centrifugation showed in all cases higher phenolic concentration in comparison to oils obtained from three-phase centrifugation. In particular, the highest differences were observed for aglykone derivatives of oleuropein (3,4-DHPEA-EDA and 3,4-DHPEA-EA) that are the most concentrated antioxidant phenolic compounds of virgin olive oil. These results were confirmed by the autoxidation stability of the oils examined. Uber die Auswirkung von Gewinnungsverfahren auf die Phenolzusammensetzung in unbehandeltem Olivenol.Die Auswirkung von unterschiedlichen Extraktionssystemen auf die Phenolzusammensetzung in unbehandelten Olivenolen aus zwei verschiedenen italienischen Olivensorten (Coratina und Oliarola) wurde bestimmt. Ole, die mit dem Zweiphasen-Dekanter erzeugt wurden, zeigten in jedem Falle eine hohere Phenolkonzentration als Ole, die mit dem Dreiphasen-Dekanter gewonnen wurden. Insbesondere wurden hochste Unterschiede bei den Aglykonderivaten von Oleuropein (3,4-DHPEA-EDA und 3,4-DHPEA-EA) festgestellt, den am starksten konzentrierten antioxidierenden Phenolverbindungen im unbehandelten Olivenol. Diese Ergebnisse wurden durch die Stabilitat der gepruften Ole gegen Autoxidation bestatigt.

Intestinal ischemia in the pediatric age group is a rare occurrence. We describe a case of MDCT findings of ischemia due to midgut torsion without intestinal obstruction in a 12-year-old boy, successfully submitted to surgery without any intestinal resection required.

Potential application of metal-chelate regenerable carriers in food processing has been considered for lacease (EC. 1.10.3.2.) immobilization. Among the carriers tested, Sepharose 4B-Epi-IDA-Cu2+ with immobilized enzyme showed the highest activity towards phenolic compounds, removing 75 and 69% of catechin from model solutions eluted from the starting and regenerated carriers, respectively. These carriers were also characterized by high stability.

Several techniques for the repair of abdominal-wall defects and incisional hernia have been described. Primary repair, with or without discharge incision on the rectus muscle sheath, and other closure techniques such as aponeurotic flap, myocutaneous flap, skin or fascial graft, are still associated with high recurrence rates, especially in complicated incisional hernias.

Research has been carried out to determine the quality of oil extracted with the new centrifugation system adopting a two-phases decanter. The quality has also been compared with that of oil extracted with the current centrifugation system using a three-phases decanter. Tests were performed in an industrial oil mill, that was equipped with two- and three-phases decanters. Results obtained show that oil extracted with the two different decanters do not differ in free fatty acids, peroxide value, and ultraviolet absorption. On the contrary, the polyphenol and o-diphenol contents are higher in oils obtained with the new centrifugation system than those of oils from the current centrifugation system. For this reason oils obtained with the new extraction system show an increased resistance to autoxidation. Uber die Qualitat von unbehandeltem Olivenol, gewonnen mit einem neuen Zentrifugensystem mit 2-Phasen-Dekantierung Gepruft wurde die Qualitat von Ol, das mit dem neuen Zentrifugen-System mit 2-Phasen-Dekantierung gewonnen wurde. Es wurde auch ein Vergleich angestellt mit der Qualitat von Ol, das mit dem gebrauchlichen Zentrifugensystem mit 3-Phasen-Dekantierung erzeugt wurde. Die Tests wurden in einer industriellen Olmuhle durchgefuhrt, die sowohl fur 2-Phasen-Dekantierung als auch fur 3-Phasen-Dekantierung ausgerustet ist. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, das die Ole, die beim Einsatz dieser verschiedenen Systeme gewonnen wurden, keinen Unterschied bei freien Fettsauren, Peroxidwert und Ultraviolettabsorption aufweisen. Dagegen ist der Gehalt an Polyphenolen und o-Diphenolen bei den Olen, die mit dem neuen Zentrifugensystem gewonnen wurden, hoher als bei den Olen, die mit dem gebrauchlichen Zentrifugensystem produziert werden. Daher ergibt das neue Extraktionssystem Ole, die resistenter gegen Autoxidation sind.

Polypropylene mesh repair is the gold standard for primary inguinal hernia and incisional hernia. Wound infection and small bowel fistulas are contraindications to polypropylene mesh repair. In addition, synthetic meshes are known to cause severe peritoneal adhesions and enteric fistulas if located close to the bowel. Porcine intestinal submucosa has been used successfully in experimental studies in dogs and rats to repair large abdominal wall defects. A new porcine dermal collagen graft has been used in man for groin hernia repair, incisional hernia repair and other surgical procedures without complications. We describe 6 cases of complicated incisional hernia operated in emergency using porcine dermal collagen grafts. In one woman the incisional hernia was associated with an enterovaginal fistula. Three cases presented severe wound infections, two of which related to a previous polypropylene mesh repair, while another had an irreducible recurrent incisional hernia and one woman presented complete evisceration. None of the patients had postoperative or porcine-graft-related complications. Over a follow-up period of 3-24 months we have had no recurrence or wound infection. The results of these few cases confirm the safety and efficacy of the porcine dermal collagen mesh also in incisional hernia repair.

Laccase (EC. 1.10.3.2.) immobilized on Sepharose 4B-Epi-IDA-Cu -chelate carrier removed, respectively, 39 and 48% of phenols and flavanols from apple juice using starting carrier, while the enzyme removed 34 and 44% with the regenerated carrier.

The influence of a new crusher i.e. blade crusher on the quality of virgin olive oil from two different italian cultivars (Coratina and Oliarola) was determined. In addition the quality of this oil was compared with that of olive oil extracted with the traditional hammer crusher. Tests were performed in an industrial oil mill using the two different crushing instruments. Results obtained showed that quality parameters i.e. free fatty acids, peroxide value, UV absorption and total phenols content as well as the phenolic composition of oils were not significantly affected by the two different crushers used. On the contrary, the use of the blade crusher influenced the composition of the volatile compounds. In particular, the oils obtained using the blade crusher showed significant increases of some aldehydes such as 1-hexanal and trans-2-hexenal, esters such as hexyl acetate and 3hexenyl acetate and a reduction of alcohols such as 1-hexanol. Moreover, the identified pigments of the oils produced using the blade crusher were found at concentrations slightly lower than those in oils obtained after using the hammer crusher. Finally, results of the sensory analysis showed an improved organoleptic quality for the oils obtained using the blade crusher due to an increase of the cut-grass and floral sensory notes.

PURPOSE: This study was performed according to a prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter design. The aim was to test the efficacy of local application of nifedipine gela in healing acute anal fissure by relaxing the internal anal sphincter. METHODS: Two hundred eighty-three patients who gave informed consent were recruited; they received a clinical examination. A questionnaire to evaluate the symptoms and the pain was administered, and a proctoscopy and anorectal manometry were performed. Patients treated with nifedipine (n=141) used topical 0.2 percent nifedipine gel every 12 hours for three weeks. The control group, consisting of 142 patients, received topical 1 percent lidocaine and 1 percent hydrocortisone acetate gel during therapy. Manometry was performed before and on Days 14 and 21. Anal pressures were measured by recording resting and squeeze pressures. RESULTS: Results obtained were as follows: total remission from acute anal fissure was achieved after 21 days of therapy in 95 percent of the nifedipine-treated patients (P