The Sous Vide Cooking of Mediterranean Mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis): Safety and Quality Assessment

This study involves an investigation of the effects of various cooking temperatures, freeze-thaw processes, and food preservatives on the quality and shelf-life of sous vide Mediterranean mussels. Cooking temperatures of 80 °C or above significantly improved the microbiological quality, with bacterial counts remaining within the acceptability range for human consumption even after 21 days of refrigerated storage. Fast freezing followed by slow thawing preserved the highest moisture content, potentially improving texture. Sensory analysis revealed that refrigerated sous vide mussels maintained a comparable taste to freshly cooked samples. Frozen samples reheated via microwaving exhibited more intense flavour than pan-reheated or fresh mussels. Food additives, including citric acid, potassium benzoate, and potassium sorbate, alone or in combination with grape seed oil, significantly reduced total volatile basic nitrogen and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances during 28 days of storage, indicating decreased spoilage and lipid oxidation. Mussels with a combination of these additives registered a nitrogen content as low as 22 mg of N/100g after 28 days, well below the limit of acceptability (<35 mg of N/100g). Food additives also inhibited bacterial growth, with mesophilic bacteria count below 3.35 Log CFU/g after 28 days, compared with 5.37 Log CFU/g in control samples. This study provides valuable insights for developing optimal cooking and preservation methods for sous vide cooked seafood, underscoring the need for further research on optimal cooking and freeze-thaw protocols for various seafood types.

Staphylococcus microti Strains Isolated from an Italian Mediterranean Buffalo Herd

S. microti is a new species among non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) frequently found in bovine milk samples and associated with subclinical mastitis (SCM). The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of S. microti in 200 composite milk samples and 104 milking parlor surface swabs collected at a buffalo farm in Southern Italy to define its presence in milk and a milking parlor environment. The samples were inoculated onto different agar plates, and the isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. The strains identified as S. microti (54/304 samples, 17.8%) were collected, and their purified genomic DNA was subjected to PCR amplification and whole 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Furthermore, their phenotypic resistance profiles were evaluated by a disk diffusion method, and the genotypic characterization of the tetracycline resistance was performed for the tetM and tetK genes by multiplex PCR. Four and forty-seven S. microti isolates from milk samples of lactating animals with subclinical mastitis (SCM) and intramammary infection (IMI), respectively, and three isolates from milking parlor surfaces were recovered. The genomic DNA was purified from the bacterial isolates, and the amplification and sequencing of the 16S gene further supported the proteomic identification as S. microti. No clinical mastitis was detected in the herd during the study period. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed a worrisome 100% resistance to tetracyclines, genotypically mediated by the tetM gene for all strains. This study highlights that S. microti may be commonly isolated from dairy buffalo milk and milking parlor equipment. Its association with SCM or IMI remains to be established.

Impairment of salivary function in juvenile idiopathic oligoarticular arthritis is a sign of early onset disease

AIM

Recent evidences of the presence of reduced stimulated salivary flow rate and altered saliva composition in oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (o-JIA) suggest a specific damage to the salivary glands. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether reduced salivary flow rate could be related to age and gender at disease onset in o-JIA.

METHODS

A total of 57 Caucasian patients (41 females and 16 males) aged 5 to 16 years affected by o-JIA were consecutively enrolled in the study. Information on medication intake, dietary and oral hygiene habits were gathered through a standardised questionnaire. All patients underwent oral and sialometry examination.

CONCLUSION

Early onset disease would seem to be associated with salivary glands impairment. Regular dental and salivary gland function assessments may be highly recommended in o-JIA patients considering that saliva collection is a non-invasive and inexpensive procedure.

Bowel recovery after intra- vs extra-corporeal anastomosis for oncologic laparoscopic right hemicolectomy within an ERAS protocol: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Restoring bowel continuity after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with an intra-corporeal (IC) rather than an extra-corporeal (EC) ileocolic anastomosis may offer advantages in post-operative recovery. The aim of this study was to compare bowel function recovery between these two techniques, in a context of complete mesocolic excision within an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent oncologic laparoscopic right hemicolectomy from January 2012 to February 2021 in our institution were included in the study. Data were gathered from the prospectively maintained official ERAS (EIAS) database and completed through our institution's electronic health records. The primary endpoint was prolonged post-operative ileus (PPOI), defined as the need to insert a nasogastric tube, or refractory nausea VAS > 4, on or after the third post-operative day. Secondary endpoints were post-operative pain, morbidity and length of hospital stay (LoS). Groups were compared before and after propensity score matching based on age, gender, ASA score, use of epidural analgesia and post-operative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 108 patients met the inclusion criteria, 36 (30%) had IC and 72 (70%) EC anastomosis. In the unmatched population, baseline characteristics were similar except for more frequent use of epidural analgesia in the EC group (62 (72.9%) vs. 17 (47.2), p = 0.007). PSM analysis was carried out. Operative time was longer in the IC group (197 min (176-223) vs. 160 (140-189), p < 0.001). The rate of PPOI was similar (2 (5.6%) patients in the IC group vs. 10 (11.6%) in the EC group (p = 0.306)), but time to frist passage of flatus and stool was shorter in the IC group. There was no difference in morbidity but patients after IC anastomosis had lower pain VAS scores at 24 h (p = 0.004) and a trend for a shorter LoS (6 (5-8) days vs 7 (5-10) in the EC group, p = 0.054). After PSM, there were 36 patients in each group. PPOI, time to first flatus and stool, morbidity and LoS were not significantly different although there was a trend for better recovery outcomes in the IC group. Patients in the IC group had significantly longer operative times but less pain at 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Although IC anastomosis was not significantly associated to lower rates of PPOI, it showed trends of faster recovery and significantly less post-operative pain at the expense of longer operating times.

Bowel recovery after intra vs extracorporeal anastomosis for oncologic laparoscopic right hemicolectomy within an ERAS protocol: A retrospective study

Objective

Restoring bowel continuity after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with an intra-corporeal (IC) rather than an extracorporeal (EC) ileocolic anastomosis, may offer advantages in post-operative recovery. The aim of this study was to compare bowel function recovery between these two techniques, in a context of complete mesocolic excision within an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol.

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent oncologic laparoscopic right hemicolectomy from January 2012 until February 2021 in our institution were included in the study. Data were gathered from the prospectively maintained official ERAS (EIAS) database and completed through our institution's electronic health records. The primary endpoint was Prolonged Postoperative Ileus (PPOI), defined as the need to insert a nasogastric tube, or refractory nausea VAS &gt; 4, on or after the third postoperative day. Secondary endpoints were postoperative morbidity and length of hospital stay (LoS).

Results

122 patients met the inclusion criteria, 36 (30%) had IC, and 86 (70%) EC anastomosis. Baseline characteristics were similar. Operative time was longer in the IC group (197 min (176–223) vs. 160 min (140–189, p&lt;0.001). There was no difference in post-operative morbidity between groups. PPOI occurred in 2 (5.6%) patients in the IC group vs. 10 (11.6%) in the EC group (p=0.306). Patients in the IC group had an earlier first passage of gas (1.5 days (1–2) vs. 2 days (1–3), p=0.035) and stool (2 days (2–4) vs. 3 days (2–4), p=0.029). Upon multivariate analysis, pain VAS scores at 24 h, age and complications Clavien-Dindo &gt;III, but not the anastomotic technique were independent predictors of slower bowel function recovery. IC anastomosis was an independent predictor of lower pain VAS scores at 24 h (OR 0.341, 95%CI [0.151–0.767], p=0.009) and shorter LoS (OR 0.346, 95%CI [0.132–0.910], p=0.031).

Conclusion

Although IC anastomosis was not significantly associated to lower rates of PPOI, it conferred advantages in terms of less post-operative pain, a trend for faster bowel recovery and shorter LoS at the expense of longer operating times.

Molecular characterization of novel mitochondrial peroxiredoxins from the Antarctic emerald rockcod and their gene expression in response to environmental warming

In the present study we describe the molecular characterization of the two paralogous mitochondrial peroxiredoxins from Trematomus bernacchii, a teleost that plays a pivotal role in the Antarctic food chain. The two putative amino acid sequences were compared with orthologs from other fish, highlighting a high percentage of identity and similarity with the respective variant, in particular for the residues that are essential for the characteristic peroxidase activity of these enzymes. The temporal expression of Prdx3 and Prdx5 mRNAs in response to short-term thermal stress showed a general upregulation of prdx3, suggesting that this isoform is the most affected by temperature increase. These data, together with the peculiar differences between the molecular structures of the two mitochondrial Prdxs in T. bernacchii as well as in the tropical species Stegastes partitus, suggest an adaptation that allowed these poikilothermic aquatic vertebrates to colonize very different environments, characterized by different temperature ranges.

Abstract A46: Hsp90 regulates Twist1 expression through STAT3 to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ovarian cancer

Background: Metastatic disease is the leading cause of death from ovarian cancer and its underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Twist1 is a key driver of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. Understanding the function and regulation of Twist1 is a vital step in the development of effective treatments for metastatic ovarian cancer. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone that modulates multiple signaling networks, and recent studies have highlighted the roles of extracellular Hsp90 in promoting metastasis in cancer. The roles of Hsp90 in regulating intracellular pathways leading to EMT and metastasis remain largely unknown.

Objective: In our study, we tested the hypothesis that Hsp90 promotes EMT in ovarian cancer through the regulation of Twist1 at the transcriptional level.

Methods: We treated A2780 and SKOV3 with a Hsp90-specific inhibitor, 17-allylamino-17 demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG). The effects of Hsp90 inhibition on Twist1 mRNA expression and promoter activity were measured using quantitative PCR and luciferase reporter assays, respectively. Proximity ligation assays were performed to visualize the effects of 17-AAG on the interaction between Hsp90 and transcription factors, followed by chromatin immunoprecipitation to measure the binding of transcription factors to the Twist1 promoter.

Results: Treatment with 17-AAG significantly downregulated Twist1 expression at the mRNA level in A2780, SKOV3, and three ovarian cancer patient-derived cell lines. Hsp90 overexpression substantially induced Twist1 promoter activity while treatment with 17-AAG significantly decreased the activity. Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining revealed the presence of 4 transcription factors known to be clients of Hsp90 and regulators of Twist1, which are β-catenin, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), and HIF-1β. We identified that Hsp90 interacts with β-catenin, STAT3, and HIF-1α in our cell lines. We observed that 17-AAG treatment dramatically impaired Hsp90-STAT3 interaction and the binding of STAT3 to the Twist1 promoter. Inhibition of Hsp90 was also shown to block interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-induced EMT.

Conclusion: Taken together, our findings reveal that STAT3 is dependent on Hsp90 to activate Twist1 expression. Hsp90 plays a critical role in enabling STAT3 to bind to the Twist1 promoter and promote Twist1 transcription leading to EMT. We uncovered a previously unrecognized role of Hsp90, which cooperates with STAT3 in the transcriptional regulation of Twist1 in ovarian cancer cells. Inhibiting Hsp90 using small-molecule inhibitors such as 17-AAG may have potential as a therapeutic strategy to prevent EMT and metastasis in ovarian cancer.

Citation Format: Kay Yi Chong, Francesca Garofalo, Oluwagbemisola Madarikan, Nicholas Pitruzzello, Cheng-Hsiu Tsai, Jamie Bingham, Yang Yang-Hartwich. Hsp90 regulates Twist1 expression through STAT3 to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ovarian cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Conference: Addressing Critical Questions in Ovarian Cancer Research and Treatment; Oct 1-4, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2018;24(15_Suppl):Abstract nr A46.

Wild-type and cancer-related p53 proteins are preferentially degraded by MDM2 as dimers rather than tetramers

The p53 tumor suppressor protein is the most well studied as a regulator of transcription in the nucleus, where it exists primarily as a tetramer. However, there are other oligomeric states of p53 that are relevant to its regulation and activities. In unstressed cells, p53 is normally held in check by MDM2 that targets p53 for transcriptional repression, proteasomal degradation, and cytoplasmic localization. Here we discovered a hydrophobic region within the MDM2 N-terminal domain that binds exclusively to the dimeric form of the p53 C-terminal domain in vitro. In cell-based assays, MDM2 exhibits superior binding to, hyperdegradation of, and increased nuclear exclusion of dimeric p53 when compared with tetrameric wild-type p53. Correspondingly, impairing the hydrophobicity of the newly identified N-terminal MDM2 region leads to p53 stabilization. Interestingly, we found that dimeric mutant p53 is partially unfolded and is a target for ubiquitin-independent degradation by the 20S proteasome. Finally, forcing certain tumor-derived mutant forms of p53 into dimer configuration results in hyperdegradation of mutant p53 and inhibition of p53-mediated cancer cell migration. Gaining insight into different oligomeric forms of p53 may provide novel approaches to cancer therapy.

Monitoring the Freezing Point of Buffalo Milk

The aim of this study was to evaluate the basic freezing point of buffalo milk. Bulk milk samples were collected from buffalo and cattle farms in Caserta area from 2008 to 2014. The analysis involved a total of 1886 buffalo milk samples and 1711 bovine milk samples. These were also tested for fat, protein and lactose contents by means of infrared spectrometry. The freezing point was determined by means of a thermistor cryoscope. Data underwent statistical analysis. Our research showed an average freezing point of -0.528°C for buffalo milk and -0.522°C for bovine milk. Given the lack of data on the freezing point of buffalo milk, our study provides the first indication of a basic freezing point of the milk of this species in Italy.

Detection of p53 protein aggregation in cancer cell lines and tumor samples

The p53 protein plays a central role in regulating apoptosis. The loss of functional p53 is common in many cancers. In cancer cells, the dysfunctional p53 protein often maintains a misfolded, inactive conformation due to genetic mutations or posttranslational deregulation. The misfolded p53 protein can aggregate and form amyloid-like oligomers and fibrils, which abrogate the pro-apoptotic functions of p53. Therefore, the aggregation of p53 may be a crucial factor in carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and the response of cancer cells to apoptotic signals. In this chapter, we provide details on various methods for detecting p53 aggregation in cancer cell lines and tumor samples.

Short-time behavior of advecting-diffusing scalar fields in Stokes flows

This article addresses the short-term decay of advecting-diffusing scalar fields in Stokes flows. The analysis is developed in two main subparts. In the first part, we present an analytic approach for a class of simple flow systems expressed mathematically by the one-dimensional advection-diffusion equation w(y)∂(ξ)φ=ε∂(y)(2)φ+iV(y)φ-ε'φ, where ξ is either time or axial coordinate and iV(y) an imaginary potential. This class of systems encompasses both open- and closed-flow models and corresponds to the dynamics of a single Fourier mode in parallel flows. We derive an analytic expression for the short-time (short-length) decay of φ, and show that this decay is characterized by a universal behavior that depends solely on the singularity of the ratio of the transverse-to-axial velocity components V(eff)(y)=V(y)/w(y), corresponding to the effective potential in the imaginary potential formulation. If V(eff)(y) is smooth, then ||φ||(L(2))(ξ)=exp(-ε'ξ-bξ(3)), where b>0 is a constant. Conversely, if the effective potential is singular, then ||φ||(L(2))(ξ)=1-aξ(ν) with a>0. The exponent ν attains the value 5/3 at the very early stages of the process, while for intermediate stages its value is 3/5. By summing over all of the Fourier modes, a stretched exponential decay is obtained in the presence of nonimpulsive initial conditions, while impulsive conditions give rise to an early-stage power-law behavior. In the second part, we consider generic, chaotic, and nonchaotic autonomous Stokes flows, providing a kinematic interpretation of the results found in the first part. The kinematic approach grounded on the warped-time transformation complements the analytical theory developed in the first part.

Nitric oxide synthase-dependent "on/off" switch and apoptosis in freshwater and aestivating lungfish, Protopterus annectens: skeletal muscle versus cardiac muscle

African lungfishes (Protopterus spp.) are obligate air breathers which enter in a prolonged torpor (aestivation) in association with metabolic depression, and biochemical and morpho-functional readjustments during the dry season. During aestivation, the lungfish heart continues to pump, while the skeletal muscle stops to function but can immediately contract during arousal. Currently, nothing is known regarding the orchestration of the multilevel rearrangements occurring in myotomal and myocardial muscles during aestivation and arousal. Because of its universal role in cardio-circulatory and muscle homeostasis, nitric oxide (NO) could be involved in coordinating these stress-induced adaptations. Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy on cardiac and skeletal muscles of Protopterus annectens (freshwater, 6months of aestivation and 6days after arousal) showed that expression, localization and activity of the endothelial-like nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) isoform and its partners Akt and Hsp-90 are tissue-specifically modulated. During aestivation, phospho-eNOS/eNOS and phospho-Akt/Akt ratios increased in the heart but decreased in the skeletal muscle. By contrast, Hsp-90 increased in both muscle types during aestivation. TUNEL assay revealed that increased apoptosis occurred in the skeletal muscle of aestivating lungfish, but the myocardial apoptotic rate of the aestivating lungfish remained unchanged as compared with the freshwater control. Consistent with the preserved cardiac activity during aestivation, the expression of apoptosis repressor (ARC) also remained unchanged in the heart of aestivating and aroused fish as compared with the freshwater control. Contrarily, ARC expression was strongly reduced in the skeletal muscle of aestivating lungfish. On the whole, our data indicate that changes in the eNOS/NO system and cell turnover are implicated in the morpho-functional readjustments occurring in lungfish cardiac and skeletal muscle during the switch from freshwater to aestivation, and between the maintenance and arousal phases of aestivation.

Effects of temperature on the nitric oxide-dependent modulation of the Frank-Starling mechanism: the fish heart as a case study

The Frank-Starling law is a fundamental property of the vertebrate myocardium which allows, when the end-diastolic volume increases, that the consequent stretch of the myocardial fibers generates a more forceful contraction. It has been shown that in the eel (Anguilla anguilla) heart, nitric oxide (NO) exerts a direct myocardial relaxant effect, increasing the sensitivity of the Frank-Starling response (Garofalo et al., 2009). With the use of isolated working heart preparations, this study investigated the relationship between NO modulation of Frank-Starling response and temperature challenges in the eel. The results showed that while, in long-term acclimated fish (spring animals perfused at 20 °C and winter animals perfused at 10 °C) the inhibition of NO production by L-N5 (1-iminoethyl)ornithine (L-NIO) significantly reduced the Frank-Starling response, under thermal shock conditions (spring animals perfused at 10 or 15 °C and winter animals perfused at 15 or 20 °C) L-NIO treatment resulted without effect. Western blotting analysis revealed a decrease of peNOS and pAkt expressions in samples subjected to thermal shock. Moreover, an increase in Hsp90 protein levels was observed under heat thermal stress. Together, these data suggest that the NO synthase/NO-dependent modulation of the Frank-Starling mechanism in fish is sensitive to thermal stress.

Chromosome painting in two genera of South American monkeys: species identification, conservation, and management

Cytogenetic studies showed that a number of New World primate taxa, particularly the genera Alouatta, Aotus, and Callicebus, have highly derived karyotypes. Cytogenetics in these primates, at every level of analysis, has contributed to the recognition of species and revealed that their number was certainly underestimated by researchers relying solely on traditional morphological data. Further attention was drawn to Alouatta and Aotus because they are characterized by translocations of the Y chromosome to autosomes, generating multiple sex chromosome systems. Here we present a report on the hybridization of human chromosome-specific paints on metaphases from 4 individuals originally assigned to Alouatta caraya and 1 individual of Aotuslemurinus. This is only the third karyotype studied with chromosome painting out of more than 10 known karyomorphs in Aotus. The banded chromosomes matched those of karyotype II as defined by Ma et al. [1976a], and we were able to more precisely assign the origin of the sample to A. l. griseimembra. Our results on the Argentinean Alouatta caraya samples were generally comparable to the banding and hybridization pattern of previous studies of A. caraya including the presence of an X(1)X(1)X(2)X(2)/X(1)X(2)Y(1)Y(2) sex chromosome system. The karyotype of the Brazilian Alouatta sample labeled as A. caraya differs from the 3 Argentinean samples by at least 10 chromosome rearrangements. The diploid number, G banding, and hybridization pattern of this female cell line was almost identical to previous painting results on Alouatta guariba guariba. Therefore we must conclude that this cell line is actually from an A. guariba guariba individual. The contribution of cytogenetic tools in identifying species or in this case assigning individuals or cell lines to their precise taxonomic allocation is stressed. Gathering further molecular cytogenetic data on New World primates should be conservation and management priorities.

Phospholamban S-nitrosylation modulates Starling response in fish heart

The Frank-Starling mechanism is a fundamental property of the vertebrate heart, which allows the myocardium to respond to increased filling pressure with a more vigorous contraction of its lengthened fibres. In mammals, myocardial stretch increases cardiac nitric oxide (NO) release from both vascular endothelium and cardiomyocytes. This facilitates myocardial relaxation and ventricular diastolic distensibility, thus influencing the Frank-Starling mechanism. In the in vitro working heart of the eel Anguilla anguilla, we previously showed that an endogenous NO release affects the Frank-Starling response making the heart more sensitive to preload. Using the same bioassay, we now demonstrate that this effect is confirmed in the presence of the exogenous NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine, is independent from endocardial endothelium and guanylate cyclase/cGMP/protein kinase G and cAMP/protein kinase A pathways, involves a PI(3)kinase-mediated activation of endothelial NO synthase and a modulation of the SR-CA(2+)ATPase (SERCA2a) pumps. Furthermore, we show that NO influences cardiac response to preload through S-nitrosylation of phospholamban and consequent activation of SERCA2a. This suggests that in the fish heart NO modulates the Frank-Starling response through a beat-to-beat regulation of calcium reuptake and thus of myocardial relaxation. We propose that this mechanism represents an important evolutionary step for the stretch-induced intrinsic regulation of the vertebrate heart, providing, at the same time, a stimulus for mammalian-oriented studies.

The Antarctic hemoglobinless icefish, fifty five years later: a unique cardiocirculatory interplay of disaptation and phenotypic plasticity

The teleostean Channichthyidae (icefish), endemic stenotherms of the Antarctic waters, perennially at or near freezing, represent a unique example of disaptation among adult vertebrates for their loss of functional traits, particularly hemoglobin (Hb) and, in some species, cardiac myoglobin (Mb), once considered to be essential-life oxygen-binding chromoproteins. Conceivably, this stably frigid, oxygen-rich habitat has permitted high tolerance of disaptation, followed by subsequent adaptive recovery based on gene expression reprogramming and compensatory responses, including an alternative cardio-circulatory design, Hb-free blood and Mb-free cardiac muscle. This review revisits the functional significance of the multilevel cardio-circulatory compensations (hypervolemia, near-zero hematocrit and low blood viscosity, large bore capillaries, increased vascularity with great capacitance, cardiomegaly with very large cardiac output, high blood flow with low systemic pressure and systemic resistance) that counteract the challenge of hypoxemic hypoxia by increasing peripheral oxygen transcellular movement for aerobic tissues, including the myocardium. Reconsidered in the context of recent knowledge on both polar cold adaptation and the new questions related to the advent of nitric oxide (NO) biology, these compensations can be interpreted either according to the "loss-without-penalty" alternative, or in the context of an excessive environmental oxygen supply at low cellular cost and oxygen requirement in the cold. Therefore, rather than reflecting oxygen limitation, several traits may indicate structural overcompensation of oxygen supply reductions at cell/tissue levels. At the multilevel cardio-circulatory adjustments, NO is revealing itself as a major integrator, compensating disaptation with functional phenotypic plasticity, as illustrated by the heart paradigm. Beside NOS-dependent NO generation, recent knowledge concerning Hb/Mb interplay with NO and nitrite has revealed unexpected functions in addition to the classical respiratory role of these proteins. In fact, nitrite, a major biologic reservoir of NO, generates it through deohyHb- and deoxyMb-dependent nitrite reduction, thereby regulating hypoxic vasodilation, cellular respiration and signalling. We suggest that both Hb and Mb are involved as nitrite reductases under hypoxic conditions in a number of cardiocirculatory processes. On the whole, this opens new horizons in environmental and evolutionary physiology.

Cardiac morphodynamic remodelling in the growing eel (Anguilla anguilla L.)

The morphodynamic changes occurring during growth were evaluated in the eel(Anguilla anguilla L.) heart. Using an in vitro working heart preparation, cardiac performance of small (body mass 96.76±27.49 g; mean ± s.d.) and large (body mass 656±12 g; mean± s.d.) eels was compared under basal conditions and under loading (i.e. preload and afterload) challenges. A parallel morphometric evaluation of the ventricle was made using light and transmission electron microscope images.

The small eel hearts show a basal cardiac output lower than their large counterparts (heart rate fh, 38.93±2.82 and 52.7±1.8 beats min–1, respectively; stroke volume Vs, 0.27±0.017 and 0.37±0.016 ml kg–1, respectively; means ± s.e.m.). The two groups show similar responses at increasing preload, but differ remarkably at increasing afterload. Small eel hearts decreased Vs at afterload greater than 3 kPa, in contrast to larger hearts, which maintained constant Vs up to 6 kPa. These changes in mechanical performance are related to structural differences.

Compared with the small eels, the large eels show an increase in the compacta thickness and in the diameter of the trabeculae in the spongiosa,together with reduction of the lacunary spaces. The increased compacta thickness is attained by enlargements of both the muscular and vascular compartments and reduction of the interstitium; consequently, this layer appears more compacted. Both compacta and spongiosa show higher number of myocytes together with reduced cross-sectional area and myofibrillar compartment. The compacta also shows an increased mitochondrial compartment. Our results document a cardiac morphodynamic remodelling in the growing eel.

Pressure-flow studies in men with benign prostatic hypertrophy before and after treatment with transurethral needle ablation

BACKGROUND/AIMS

In this study we wanted to examine the effects that transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) might have on the urodynamic characteristics of bladder outlet obstruction and to evaluate the clinical changes and the safety profile in patients undergoing the TUNA procedure, including the effects on erectile and ejaculatory function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated 24 patients, aged between 66 and 81 (mean 73.4) years with a mean prostatic volume of 57 +/- 15 ml. Before treatment, the clinical history was collected, then prostate-specific antigen (PSA) analysis, digital rectal examinations, I-PSS and quality-of-life (QOL) tests, uroflowmetry with residual volume, and pressure-flow studies were performed in all patients. After treatment, all the patients were evaluated at 6, 12 and 24 months by the same parameters.

RESULTS

After treatment, the I-PSS and QOL scores were considerably improved, and the mean flow rate and the residual volume were also improved. The serum PSA level remained unchanged. The prostatic volume was almost unchanged, and pressure-flow studies showed a reduction in the mean opening pressure and detrusor pressure at maximum flow after treatment. None of the patients complained of alterations in sexual activity nor retrograde ejaculation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms that in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, the TUNA procedure results in no major complications and in significant clinical improvements. There was an improvement in the subjective and objective variables, such as symptom scores and frequency-volume charts and, in the majority of patients, subjective and objective improvements were sustained for the duration of this study, which included a 2-year follow-up with pressure-flow studies. From our experience we can say that the ideal candidate for TUNA treatment should be younger than 70 years, with a prostatic volume of <60 cm H(2)O, with a baseline detrusor pressure at maximum flow of <60 cm H(2)O, with a pretreatment residual volume of <100 ml and with a QOL score of <5.

Direct DNA analysis in a new Italian carrier of Hb-Belfast: beta 15 (A12) Trp-->Arg

A young woman aged 21 was found to be a new carrier of Hb-Belfast: beta 15 (A 12) Trp-->Arg, and the characteristics of her hemoglobinopathy were not different from those of the four cases so far described: mild hemolysis with molecular instability of the abnormal Hb, red cells inclusion bodies, and slight alterations of some functional parameters of whole blood. On this occasion, direct DNA analysis indicated the genomic nucleotide replacement of the disease: TGG-AGG. This was inherited by the mother, originating from Bari (Apulia).

[Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) in benign prostatic hypertrophy: 2-year follow-up]

In this study we have evaluated the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of TUNA in the long term follow-up. We have evaluated 24 patients, aged between 66 and 81 years (mean age 73, 4 yrs) with a mean prostatic volume of 57 ml (range 33-140 mls). Before treatment, urodynamic investigation (max flow rate), residual volume, PSA, IPSS and quality of life tests have been performed in all patients. After treatment, all the patient have been evaluated at 6, 12 and 24 months by the same parameters. Based on our experience, we can say that the results obtained after 24 months are similar to those observed 12 months after treatment, except a slight increase in IPSS and quality of life tests in patients older than 70 years, with a baseline maximal detrusorial pressure > 60 cm H2O, with a baseline residual urine > 100 cc and with a baseline quality of life = 5.

Bone density and metabolism in thalassaemia

Twenty-seven thalassaemic patients (13 F, 14 M, aged 8.1-14.9 yr), regularly transfused and chelated with desferrioxamine (30-40 mg/kg/day) were studied. Every patient was submitted to auxological evaluations, dual X-ray absorptiometry to measure bone mineral density (BMD), and to the determination of bone metabolic markers of osteoclastic activity (total urinary hydroxylysylpyridinoline crosslinks, carboxyterminal pyridinoline crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen [ICTP]) and of osteoblastic activity (bone Gla protein [BGP] and carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen [PIPC]). The evaluations were repeated after 1 year, during which 13 patients continued desferrioxamine chelation while 14 underwent deferiprone chelation (75 mg/kg/day in 3 doses). The data demonstrate widespread bone alterations consisting of osteoporosis, growth failure and bone age delay. Lumber spine (L2-L4) BMD areal values (Z score) inversely correlated with age, as did height SDS of both male and female patients, indicating osteoporosis progressing with age in parallel with growth insufficiency. No clear-cut alterations in bone mineral metabolism were found in basal state and after 1 year. Extensive MR imaging studies are needed to define the contribution of residual bone marrow hyperplasia to thalassaemic osteopathy suggested by subtle radiological signs as enlargement of bone marrow cavities with thinning of the cortical bone and abnormalities of the trabecules of spongy bone.

Controlled clinical studies of nimesulide in the treatment of urogenital inflammation

Two double-blind, randomised studies were conducted to compare the efficacy and tolerability of nimesulide (200 mg/day) with those of placebo or bromeline (240 mg/day). Treatments were administered orally to patients of either sex (aged 19 to 70 years) with acute infection and inflammation of the urogenital tract, and were given concomitantly with antimicrobial therapy for approximately 9 days. In both studies, a clinically significant improvement in symptoms, leading to complete remission, was achieved in most patients treated with nimesulide. Furthermore, treatment with nimesulide resulted in a more rapid improvement in symptoms and complete remission in a greater number of patients than did treatment with bromeline. Both nimesulide and bromeline were well tolerated.

[Clinical and pathological characteristics of carcinoma of the kidney: computerized analysis]

To evaluate the significance of the clinical and pathological features and survivorship data, we analyzed 203 cases of renal carcinoma who underwent surgery at our department from 1974 to 1988. Tumor stages P2 and P3 and grades G2 and G3 were the most frequent. The series is large enough to permit classification according to tumor stage and grade and most of the possible associations. The diagnostic procedure and the surgical technique were consistent. Radical nephrectomy via the transperitoneal approach was performed in 153 patients. Transpleural thoracophrenolaparotomy was performed in 22 patients with a very large tumor mass in the upper pole. Extended classical nephrectomy via the lumbar approach was performed in 27 patients. Computer-assisted analysis of the clinical and pathological data showed tumor stage to be an important prognostic factor. Given a similar situation for tumor stage, the histologic grade has been shown to influence prognosis significantly. Other clinical or pathological parameters such as pseudocapsule, histological type and paraneoplastic biological and humoral changes often correlated with tumor stage or grade. Clinical staging is a point of reference for surgery. However, detection of microfoci of tumor metastasis that might be responsible for late reactivation of the disease is as yet not possible.

Low dose intermittent 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (FEC) in poor risk patients with advanced transitional cell bladder cancer: a pilot study

Fifteen patients with locally advanced or metastatic bladder carcinoma and with cardiac and/or renal impairment were treated with a combination of 5-fluorouracil, 400 mg/m2, epirubicin, 40 mg/m2, and cyclophosphamide, 400 mg/m2. No complete or partial remissions were observed among the 14 evaluable patients. The toxicity level was very low. We are now trying to "tailor" platinum-based combinations to renal function.

[Efficacy and tolerability of nimesulide in inflammatory diseases of the genito-urinary system]

In a controlled clinical trial 80 patients of both sexes, aged between 19 and 70 years, with acute or chronic reacutized flogistic bacterial affections of the genito-urinary tract, were randomly assigned to anti-inflammatory treatment with nimesulide (200 mg/day p.o.) or placebo for a mean period of 9 days, in association to the specific antibiotic therapy. In the group treated with nimesulide a significant clinical improvement of the symptomatology was observed in the majority of cases. The therapeutic activity appeared quickly and complete remission of the symptomatology was achieved in a number of cases significantly higher than in the reference group. The tolerability of nimesulide was good.

[Percutaneous nephropyelolithotomy]

The fact that one can perform a wide passage through the kidney percutaneously with the subsequent introduction of a 26 F nephroscope has radically changed the technique used to remove kidney stones. They may either be extracted directly with forceps or following ultrasonic lithotripsy. The authors report their experience of 39 cases, in 32 of which the method was successful, 3 complications have been reported. The advantages of this method, both for the patient and for the community, are discussed in comparison to the surgical pielolithotomy. The problems concerning the dose absorbed by the operator are also examined.

Design of Apparatus for Constant-Stress or Constant-Load Creep Tests

Apparatus has been designed and built for conducting creep tests under constant-stress or constant-load conditions. An exact mathematical solution describing the shape of the cam lever for constant stress is given. This solution applies for the large strains usually found for ductile metals and alloys, as long as the strain is uniform. The initial specimen length employed in a constant-stress creep test ordinarily is fixed by the dimensions of the cam system used. It is shown by the present analysis that the initial specimen length may be changed if an approximate adjustment is made in the initial setting of a properly designed cam lever. The direction of the load axis remains fixed and therefore the apparatus has the advantage of a more complex level-beam machine. The results of a number of creep tests under constant-stress conditions are reported.

Survey of Various Special Tests Used to Determine Elastic, Plastic, and Rupture Properties of Metals at Elevated Temperatures

Testing techniques employed in determining the elastic moduli, that is, Young’s modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson’s ratio, at room and elevated temperatures are described. These techniques depend on static or dynamic measurements. A comparison and an analysis of test results determined by these two methods are presented. The effect of composition, grain size, and various transformations on the elastic moduli or their temperature dependence is discussed. A review of techniques and experimental data on the effect of high strain rates on plastic and rupture behavior of metals, and alloys at elevated temperatures is presented. It is shown that recovery effects explain qualitatively the results obtained. A brief description of the various stages of recovery is also presented. The variation of hardness with temperature is discussed for pure metals and alloys, including a description of a typical hot-hardness tester. The relationship between hardness and tensile strength, creep, and creep-rupture behavior is briefly summarised. The use of the hot-hardness tester as a research tool for following solid-state reactions at elevated temperatures is discussed. These reactions may depend on temperature, time, or plastic strain or a combination of these.