Cohort profile: study design and baseline characteristics of an observational longitudinal weight loss cohort and biorepository of patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy in the USA.

Purpose: We developed a comprehensive sleeve gastrectomy (SG) weight loss study cohort and biorepository to uncover mechanisms, biomarkers and predictive factors of weight loss, weight maintenance and amelioration of obesity-related comorbidities. For this purpose, we collected psychosocial, anthropometric, clinical data and a variety of samples pre-surgery, intraoperatively and 1.5, 3, 12 and 24 months post-surgery.

Genetic Predisposition of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Ancient Human Remains.

Background: Several computed tomographic studies have shown the presence of atherosclerosis in ancient human remains. However, while it is important to understand the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), genetic data concerning the prevalence of the disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in our ancestors are scarce.

Objective: For a better understanding of the role of genetics in the evolution of ASCVD, we applied an enrichment capture sequencing approach to mummified human remains from different geographic regions and time periods.

Two-Step Preparation of Protein-Decorated Biohybrid Quantum Dot Nanoparticles for Cellular Uptake.

Decoration of nanoparticles with specific molecules such as antibodies, peptides, and proteins that preserve their biological properties is essential for the recognition and internalization of their specific target cells. Inefficient preparation of such decorated nanoparticles leads to nonspecific interactions diverting them from their desired target. We report a simple two-step procedure for the preparation of biohybrid nanoparticles containing a core of hydrophobic quantum dots coated with a multilayer of human serum albumin.

First report in pre-Columbian mummies from Bolivia of Enterobius vermicularis infection and capillariid eggs: A contribution to Paleoparasitology studies.

Objective: This study was designed to search for ancient parasites in abdominal content and coprolites from Bolivian mummies.

Materials: Twelve mummified individuals from the Andean highlands, housed at the National Museum of Archaeology (MUNARQ) in La Paz, Bolivia.

Methods: Microscopic analysis of rehydrated samples (coprolites and abdominal content), following Lutz's spontaneous sedimentation technique.