Diagnostic accuracy of antiendomysial antibodies biopsy test for celiac disease in clinical practice.

Background: The diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) is still challenging and tests that show an activation of the immune system against gluten are required. IgA antiendomysial antibodies detection in the supernatant of intestinal biopsies by immunofluorescence technique (AEA-biopsy) is a promising diagnostic tool. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of AEA-biopsy in a pediatric population with suspected CD.

Effects of Modified Glucosamine on the Chondrogenic Potential of Circulating Stem Cells under Experimental Inflammation.

Glucosamine (GlcN) is a glycosaminoglycan (GAGs) constituent in connective tissues. It is naturally produced by our body or consumed from diets. In the last decade, in vitro and in vivo trials have demonstrated that the administration of GlcN or its derivates has a protective effect on cartilage when the balance between catabolic and anabolic processes is disrupted and cells are no longer able to fully compensate for the loss of collagen and proteoglycans.

STW 5 Herbal Preparation Modulates Wnt3a and Claudin 1 Gene Expression in Zebrafish IBS-like Model.

Aim: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and stool irregularities. STW 5 has proven clinical efficacy in functional gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS, targeting pathways that suppress inflammation and protect the mucosa. Wnt signaling is known to modulate NF-kβ-dependent inflammatory cytokine production.

The Alexis system for laparoscopic splenectomy in pediatric patients.

The laparoscopic splenectomy in pediatric patients is performed worldwide but often the disproportion between size of patients and size of organs requires an extra laparotomic access for spleen removal. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Alexis system to retrieve the spleen without additional laparotomic access. The charts of all patients who underwent splenectomy at our center during the last 5 years were retrieved.