ADAMTS9 and ADAMTS20 are differentially affected by loss of B3GLCT in mouse model of Peters plus syndrome.

Peters plus syndrome (MIM #261540 PTRPLS), characterized by defects in eye development, prominent forehead, hypertelorism, short stature and brachydactyly, is caused by mutations in the β3-glucosyltransferase (B3GLCT) gene. Protein O-fucosyltransferase 2 (POFUT2) and B3GLCT work sequentially to add an O-linked glucose β1-3fucose disaccharide to properly folded thrombospondin type 1 repeats (TSRs). Forty-nine proteins are predicted to be modified by POFUT2, and nearly half are members of the ADAMTS superfamily.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in elderly patients: is there still a difference?

Purpose: Although surgery is frequently not the first treatment option in elderly patients diagnosed with common bile duct stones (CBDS) because of the fear of high morbidity and mortality rates, there are few data about the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) in the elderly.

Methods: From February 2004 to January 2012, 94 patients underwent LCBDE at our center. Data about sex, age, comorbidity, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, conversion to open surgery and bile duct clearance rate, postoperative complications, need for reoperation, and mortality were analyzed comparing patients of age 70 or older (group A, n=38) with patients aged under 70 (group B, n=56).

[A vacuum assisted closure system in complex wounds: a retrospective study].

Introduction: Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy is a dynamic and non-invasive system for improving wound healing. This novel therapy is based on applying air suction at a controlled sub-atmospheric pressure. The most important benefits of this therapy include, a reduction in the wound area together with induction of new granulation tissue formation, effective wound cleansing (removal of small tissue by suction), and the continuous removal of wound exudate.