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Ventral or incisional hernia are a common disease pattern in general surgery. Most commonly, a mesh repair is used for reconstruction, whereby the mesh itself might cause complications, like infections or adhesions. Biological materials, like biocellulose, might reduce these clinical problems substantially. In this prospective rodent study, a biocellulose mesh (produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus) was implanted either by a sublay technique or as supplementation of the abdominal wall. After an observation period of 90 days, animals were sacrificed. The adhesions after the reconstruction of the abdominal wall were moderate. The histologic investigations revealed that the biocellulose itself was inert, with a minimal regenerative response surrounding the mesh. The explanted mesh showed a minimal shrinkage (around 15%) as well as a minimal loss of tear-out force, which might be without clinical relevance. This is the first in vivo study describing biocellulose as a suitable mesh for the repair of ventral hernia in two different hernia models. The material seems to be a promising option for solving actual problems in modern hernia surgery.

Purpose: The prevalence of obesity, along with that of its associated health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is increasing annually. Bariatric surgery is indicated for the treatment of obesity if conservative treatment fails. While various liver fibrosis scores have been proposed for assessing liver function, they are typically used prior to bariatric surgery. This study aimed to determine whether fibrosis scores calculated from non-invasive parameters are effective in monitoring liver function after bariatric surgery. Methods: This study analyzed data from 151 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and were followed up at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively. From the routinely collected parameters, liver fibrosis scores (APRI, Fib-4, BARD, Forns index [FORNS], Lok score [LOK], and NAFLD scores) were calculated retrospectively and compared to diabetes status % excess weight loss (%EWL) and % total weight loss (%TWL) over a 3-year follow-up period. Results: After SG, APRI, FORNS, and NAFLD scores showed significant improvements, whereas Fib-4, BARD, and LOK scores did not improve. Similarly, body mass index, %EWL, %TWL, and diabetes status also improved significantly. Throughout the 3-year follow-up period, only the APRI and NAFLD scores showed significant improvement. Conclusion: Only APRI and NAFLD scores changed significantly after SG. Thus, these two scores may be used to reflect and monitor liver function in patients who have undergone SG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current production standards and communication campaigns about animal welfare in relation to beef strongly emphasise the “humane” rearing of cattle. Aspects such as transport and slaughtering conditions are often overlooked in both production standards and communications with consumers. Long transport routes and conventional slaughtering can cause significant stress to animals and have negative impacts on their welfare and on meat quality. On-farm slaughter can address these criticisms. Communicating the value of low-stress slaughtering conditions like on-farm slaughtering may offer significant sales potential for a premium market segment. In this study, we explore consumers’ preferences and willingness to pay for beef that is slaughtered on-farm rather than in conventional abattoirs. We conducted an online survey (n = 400) in 2022, with a sample that is representative of the German population with respect to gender, age, income and education. Our survey included a discrete choice experiment for the purchase of minced beef, incorporating product attributes that influence purchase decisions. These included: price, information on the social, economic and environmental benefits of regional production, different production standards (conventional/organic) and information on on-farm slaughtering. Our findings indicate that consumers derive the highest utility from a low price, followed by information about on-farm slaughtering. Participants indicated a preference for information on high animal welfare over high beef quality. We conclude that highlighting on-farm slaughtering could be a significant benefit in marketing premium beef products.