Bacterial accumulation by the Demospongiae Hymeniacidon perlevis: a tool for the bioremediation of polluted seawater.

Sponges can filter large amounts of water, which exerts an important grazing impact on free bacteria, an important component of the diet of sponges. We examined the accumulation of bacteria in the Demospongiae (Hymeniacidon perlevis). Analyses were performed on homogenates from unstarved and starved sponges in seawater from their sampling site (the Ionian Sea).

Estimating the national wage loss from cancer in Canada.

Objectives: Using primary and secondary data sources, we set out to estimate the Canadian wage loss from cancer for patients, caregivers, and parents from a patient and a societal perspective.

Methods: First, a multiple-database literature search was conducted to find Canadian-specific direct surveys of wage loss from cancer. Second, estimates for wage loss were generated from the nationally representative Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) Cycle 3.

Effects of marijuana on visuospatial working memory: an fMRI study in young adults.

Objectives: The effects of marijuana use on visuospatial working memory were investigated in 19-21-year-olds using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods: Participants were members of the Ottawa Prenatal Prospective Study, a longitudinal study that collected a unique body of information on participants from infancy to young adulthood including: prenatal drug history, detailed cognitive/behavioral performance, and current and past drug usage. This information allowed for the measurement of an unprecedented number of potentially confounding drug exposure variables including: prenatal marijuana, nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine exposure and offspring alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine use.

The impact of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy on the diagnostic accuracy of lentigo maligna and equivocal pigmented and nonpigmented macules of the face.

Limited studies have reported the in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features of lentigo maligna (LM). A total of 64 RCM features were scored retrospectively and blinded to diagnosis in a consecutive series of RCM sampled, clinically equivocal, macules of the face (n=81 LM, n=203 benign macules (BMs)). In addition to describing RCM diagnostic features for LM (univariate), an algorithm was developed (LM score) to distinguish LM from BM.

Supercritical CO(2)-extracted tomato Oleoresins enhance gap junction intercellular communications and recover from mercury chloride inhibition in keratinocytes.

A nutritionally relevant phytochemical such as lycopene, found in tomatoes and other fruits, has been proposed to have health-promoting effects by modulating hormonal and immune systems, metabolic pathways, and gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC). This work analyzes lycopene extracts, obtained from tomato and tomato added with grape seeds by using a safe and environmentally friendly extraction process, based on supercritical carbon dioxide technology (S-CO(2)). Analysis of the innovative S-CO(2)-extracted oleoresins showed peculiar chemical composition with high lycopene concentration and the presence of other carotenoids, lipids, and phenol compounds.

[Is there an age limit for radical surgery in case of tumors infiltrating the duodenum?].

Aim: Radical resection is the only potential cure for pancreatic malignancies and a useful treatment for other benign diseases, such as pancreatitis. Over the last two decades, medical and surgical improvements have drastically changed the postoperative outcome of elderly patients undergoing pancreatic resection, and appropriate treatment for elderly potential candidates for pancreatic resection has become an important issue.

Methods: A hundred and five consecutive patients undergoing radical pancreatic resection between 2003 and 2007 at the Surgery Unit of the University of Modena, Italy, were considered and divided into two groups according to their age, i.

Microembolic signals and strategy to prevent gas embolism during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) supplies systemic blood perfusion and gas exchange in patients with cardiopulmonary failure. The current literature lacks of papers reporting the possible risks of microembolism among the complications of this treatment.In this study we present our preliminary experience on brain blood flow velocity and emboli detection through the transcranial Doppler monitoring during ECMO.

Technological properties of bakers' yeasts in durum wheat semolina dough.

Properties of 13 Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from different sources (traditional sourdoughs, industrial baking yeasts etc.) were studied in dough produced with durum wheat (Sicilian semolina, variety Mongibello). Durum wheat semolina and durum wheat flour are products prepared from grain of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.

Bosentan for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a severe and underdiagnosed disease characterized by progressive hypertension secondary to organized thrombi in pulmonary vessels. The arteriolar lesions of CTEPH are similar to those seen in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Surgical disobliteration of the vessels by pulmonary endarterectomy is the therapy of choice but this is not suitable for all cases.

A20 protects mice from lethal liver ischemia/reperfusion injury by increasing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha expression.

The nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitory protein A20 demonstrates hepatoprotective abilities through combined antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and pro-proliferative functions. Accordingly, overexpression of A20 in the liver protects mice from toxic hepatitis and lethal radical hepatectomy, whereas A20 knockout mice die prematurely from unfettered liver inflammation. The effect of A20 on oxidative liver damage, as seen in ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), is unknown.

Reflectance confocal microscopy and features of melanocytic lesions: an internet-based study of the reproducibility of terminology.

Objective: To test the interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility of the standard terminology for description and diagnosis of melanocytic lesions in in vivo confocal microscopy.

Design: A dedicated Web platform was developed to train the participants and to allow independent distant evaluations of confocal images via the Internet.

Setting: Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.

New insights into nevogenesis: in vivo characterization and follow-up of melanocytic nevi by reflectance confocal microscopy.

Background: Development of melanocytic nevi is a complex process.

Objective: The aim of the study was to characterize the in vivo confocal microscopy patterns and histopathologic correlates of melanocytic nevi. In addition, for the first time, confocal follow-up of characteristic nevi was performed documenting histologic changes in nevi.

Endovascular bi-ventricular pacing-defibrillator placement using a trans-atrial approach.

Venous access for pectoral pacemaker and defibrillator lead placement can be compromised by venous occlusion due to previous pacing leads, access ports for medications such as chemotherapy, dialysis access, and other causes. On rare occasion, a femoral access is utilized for device placement. We report here a patient without venous access to the heart from either above or below due to retroperitoneal fibrosis.

Asymmetric Syntheses of L,L- and L,D-di-myo-inositol-1,1'-phosphate and their behavior as stabilizers of enzyme activity at extreme temperatures.

The big "DIP"per: The preparation of both l,l-DIP and l,d-DIP (see structures) involves a complex case of double asymmetric induction in the key step of the synthesis. The differential ability of each isomer to contribute to thermoprotection in the context of a key enzyme has been assessed and both isomers of DIP are shown to possess biological activity.

Core-shell hydrogel particles harvest, concentrate and preserve labile low abundance biomarkers.

Background: The blood proteome is thought to represent a rich source of biomarkers for early stage disease detection. Nevertheless, three major challenges have hindered biomarker discovery: a) candidate biomarkers exist at extremely low concentrations in blood; b) high abundance resident proteins such as albumin mask the rare biomarkers; c) biomarkers are rapidly degraded by endogenous and exogenous proteinases.

Methodology And Principal Findings: Hydrogel nanoparticles created with a N-isopropylacrylamide based core (365 nm)-shell (167 nm) and functionalized with a charged based bait (acrylic acid) were studied as a technology for addressing all these biomarker discovery problems, in one step, in solution.

Spitz nevi: In vivo confocal microscopic features, dermatoscopic aspects, histopathologic correlates, and diagnostic significance.

Background: Spitz nevi are benign melanocytic tumors, sometimes misdiagnosed as malignant melanoma (MM).

Objective: We sought identification of characteristic in vivo microscopic features of Spitz nevi, their histopathologic correlates, and diagnostic usefulness.

Methods: Forty Spitz nevi were studied by in vivo confocal microscopy and dermatoscopy, evaluating histopathologic correlates, and compared with 40 MMs and 40 Clark nevi.

In vivo confocal microscopic and histopathologic correlations of dermoscopic features in 202 melanocytic lesions.

Objectives: To identify in vivo microscopic substrates of the dermoscopic patterns of melanocytic lesions and to correlate them with histopathologic features.

Design: Before excision, lesion areas that showed characteristic dermoscopic patterns were imaged by dermoscopy and confocal microscopy and directly correlated with histopathologic features.

Setting: Departments of Dermatology of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and Hospital Clínico of Barcelona, between July 2006 and March 2007.

Reflectance confocal microscopy for in vivo skin imaging.

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a novel noninvasive technique for "in vivo" examination of the skin. In a confocal microscope, near- infrared light from a diode laser is focused on a microscopic skin target. As this light passes between cellular structures having different refraction indexes, it is naturally reflected, and this reflected light is then captured and recomposed into a two-dimensional gray scale image by computer software.

A prospective, observational registry of patients with severe sepsis: the Canadian Sepsis Treatment and Response Registry.

Objective: To determine the location of acquisition, timing, and outcomes associated with severe sepsis in community and teaching hospital critical care units.

Design: Prospective, observational study.

Setting: Twelve Canadian community and teaching hospital critical care units.

Concentration and Preservation of Very Low Abundance Biomarkers in Urine, such as Human Growth Hormone (hGH), by Cibacron Blue F3G-A Loaded Hydrogel Particles.

Urine is a potential source of diagnostic biomarkers for detection of diseases, and is a very attractive means of non-invasive biospecimen collection. Nonetheless, proteomic measurement in urine is very challenging because diagnostic biomarkers exist in very low concentration (usually below the sensitivity of common immunoassays) and may be subject to rapid degradation. Hydrogel nanoparticles functionalized with Cibacron Blue F3G-A (CB) have been applied to address these challenges for urine biomarker measurement.

In vivo microscopic features of nodular melanomas: dermoscopy, confocal microscopy, and histopathologic correlates.

Objective: To characterize nodular melanoma (NM) using dermoscopy, in vivo reflectance-mode confocal microscopy, and histopathologic analysis.

Design: Consecutive pure NMs and superficial spreading melanomas (SSMs) with nodular or blue areas were studied using dermoscopy and confocal microscopy, and a correlation with histopathologic findings was performed.

Materials: Ten NMs, 10 SSMs with a nodular area, and 10 SSMs with a blue palpable but not yet nodular area.

[Microperimetry in age-related macular degeneration].

Introduction: Patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) usually present fixation and sensitivity abnormalities. The relationships between fundus lesions and functional abnormalities were evaluated with microperimetry.

Patients And Methods: A complete ophthalmologic examination, including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and fundus-related perimetry (MP-1 Micro-Perimeter, Nidek Technologies, Padova, Italy) was performed in 80 eyes of 80 consecutive patients (43 females, 37 males) with AMD and in 20 matched healthy control subjects (11 females, nine males).

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy enhances secondary evaluation of melanocytic lesions.

We recently described an in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) method and our aim was to evaluate a possible additive value of this type of analysis in the management of melanocytic lesions. In two referral centers (Sydney and Modena), lesions (203 nevi and 123 melanomas (MMs) with a median Breslow thickness of 0.54 mm) were excised on the basis of clinical suspicion (history, dermoscopy examination, and/or digital monitoring).

Universal or targeted screening for fetal alcohol exposure: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Objective: In this article, we compared the costs of testing meconium for alcohol exposure in newborns with the lifetime benefits of early detection and intervention.

Method: A decision analytic model was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of testing meconium for two scenarios: (1) all infants in the Canadian province of Ontario and (2) infants who have an older sibling diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The model incorporated the costs of early screening, early intervention, and the lifetime societal benefits of early intervention.