Mechanical and structural comparison between primary tumor and lymph node metastasis cells in colorectal cancer.

SW480 and SW620 colon carcinoma cell lines derive from primary tumour and lymph-node metastasis of the same patient, respectively. For this reason, these cells represent an ideal system to analyse phenotypic variations associated with the metastatic process. In this study we analysed SW480 and SW620 cytoskeleton remodelling by measuring the cells' mechanics and morphological properties using different microscopic techniques.

Current exposure of Italian women of reproductive age to PFOS and PFOA: A human biomonitoring study.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentrations were determined in serum samples collected in 2011-2012 from 549 nulliparous Italian women of reproductive age who resided in six different Italian Regions. Assessment of exposure to perfluorinated compounds was part of a large human biomonitoring study (Project Life Plus "Womenbiopop") that aimed at examining the exposure of women of reproductive age to priority organic pollutants. The median concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were 2.

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 and paracrine diffusible signals have a major role in the promotion of breast cancer cell migration induced by cancer-associated fibroblasts.

Background: Despite the recognised contribution of the stroma to breast cancer development and progression, the effective targeting of the tumor microenvironment remains a challenge to be addressed. We previously reported that normal fibroblasts (NFs) and, notably, breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and increases in cell membrane fluidity and migration in well- (MCF-7) and poorly-differentiated (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells. This study was designed to better define the role played, especially by CAFs, in promoting breast tumor cell migration.

Microinvasive Radial Growth Phase of Cutaneous Melanoma: A Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Study with Diagnostic Implications.

Cutaneous melanoma (M) can develop through two progression phases: the radial growth phase of M (RGPM) and the vertical one. This distinction has a practical relevance in defining lesions with potential for a metastatic course. We analyzed the morphological attributes (intraepidermal proliferation type, inflammatory infiltrate, mitogenicity, Breslow thickness, Clark level, ulceration) and the immunohistochemical profile (S100, Melan A, HMB45, p16INK4a, CD117, Ki67, Cyclin D1, E Cadherin, Podoplanin) of 12 microinvasive RGPMs in absence of regression, with almost 10 years of follow-up.

Pneumothorax-associated fibroblastic lesion in combination with localized pleural angiomatosis: A possible cause of juvenile spontaneous hemopneumothorax.

Spontaneous hemopneumothorax is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition, with a potential for a rapid ventilatory collapse and a large collection of hidden blood loss into the pleural cavity. Here, we report the first case in the literature on pneumothorax-associated fibroblastic lesion in combination with localized pleural angiomatosis in a 19-year-old Caucasian male, resulting in massive spontaneous hemopneumothorax and hypovolemic shock. Our findings support a causal link between this condition and pneumothorax.

In vitro effect of temperature on the conformational structure and collagen binding of SdrF, a Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesin.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is the leading etiologic agent of device-related infections. S. epidermidis is able to bind, by means of the adhesins of its cell wall, the host matrix proteins filming the artificial surfaces.

How to Manage Bowel Endometriosis: The ETIC Approach.

A panel of experts in the field of endometriosis expressed their opinions on management options in a 35-year-old patient desiring pregnancy with a history of previous surgery for endometrioma and bowel obstruction symptoms. Many questions that this paradigmatic patient may pose to the clinician are addressed, and various clinical scenarios are discussed. A decision algorithm derived from this discussion is proposed as well.

The development of a new cardiac rehabilitation needs assessment tool (CRNAT) for individualised secondary prevention.

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention are evidence-based strategies to reduce the risk of recurrent cardiac events but are underutilised. New approaches are required to improve uptake.

Methods: A new cardiac rehabilitation needs assessment tool (CRNAT), for use by cardiology ward nurses, was developed and refined in collaboration with stakeholders through action research.

Bio-based alternative to the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with controlled materials properties.

A series of biobased epoxy monomers were prepared from diphenolic acid (DPA) by transforming the free acid into n-alkyl esters and the phenolic hydroxyl groups into diglycidyl ethers. NMR experiments confirmed that the diglycidyl ethers of diphenolates (DGEDP) with methyl and ethyl esters have 6 and 3 mol % of glycidyl ester. Increasing the chain length of DGEDP n-alkyl esters from methyl to n-pentyl resulted in large decreases in epoxy resin viscosity (700-to-11 Pa·s).

Parathyroid gland involvement by thyroid cancer: results from a large series of thyroidectomies performed in two italian university hospitals and review of the literature.

Objectives.Parathyroid involvement by thyroid cancer (TC) has not been frequently investigated in thyroidectomy-based studies. We aimed to detect cases of parathyroid invasion by TC in a large series of thyroidectomies and to review the literature on this topic.

Acquired immunodeficiency similar to Gulf War illness in a dead former serviceman.

A 38-year-old non-commissioned officer was certified unfit for military duty several months before his death. The forensic autopsy revealed a severe bone marrow aplasia and a pulmonary angioinvasive aspergillosis. Moreover, the presence of inorganic foreign particles in the pulmonary macrophages and intestinal endothelia was observed.

Gait analysis in chronic heart failure: The calf as a locus of impaired walking capacity.

Reduced walking capacity, a hallmark of chronic heart failure (CHF), is strongly correlated with hospitalization and morbidity. The aim of this work was to perform a detailed biomechanical gait analysis to better identify mechanisms underlying reduced walking capacity in CHF. Inverse dynamic analyses were conducted in CHF patients and age- and exercise level-matched control subjects on an instrumented treadmill at self-selected treadmill walking speeds and at speeds representing +20% and -20% of the subjects' preferred speed.

Pre-miR146a expression in follicular carcinomas of the thyroid.

Introduction: Micro-RNA, a new class of small, non-coding RNAs, have been shown to be deregulated in several human carcinomas. In particular, SNP rs2910164 in pre-miR146a appears to be correlated with papillary thyroid carcinoma and may be involved in its genetic predisposition. Since data on follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTC) are lacking, we evaluated the involvement of SNP rs2910164 in FTC.

Riboflavin responsive mitochondrial myopathy is a new phenotype of dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase deficiency. The chaperon-like effect of vitamin B2.

Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD, E3) is a flavoprotein common to pyruvate, α-ketoglutarate and branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenases. We found two novel DLD mutations (p.I40Lfs*4; p.

Early effect of NTBC on renal tubular dysfunction in hereditary tyrosinemia type 1.

Background: Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) is characterized by severe progressive liver disease and renal tubular dysfunction. NTBC therapy has revolutionized the management of HT1 but its effect on renal tubular function has so far been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to describe the early effect of NTBC on renal tubular disease in patients with HT1.

Cross-sectional study of 168 patients with hepatorenal tyrosinaemia and implications for clinical practice.

Background: Hepatorenal tyrosinaemia (Tyr 1) is a rare inborn error of tyrosine metabolism. Without treatment, patients are at high risk of developing acute liver failure, renal dysfunction and in the long run hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of our study was to collect cross-sectional data.

Acute thiamine deficiency and refeeding syndrome: Similar findings but different pathogenesis.

Objective: Refeeding syndrome can occur in several contexts of relative malnutrition in which an overaggressive nutritional support is started. The consequences are life threatening with multiorgan impairment, and severe electrolyte imbalances. During refeeding, glucose-involved insulin secretion causes abrupt reverse of lipolysis and a switch from catabolism to anabolism.

Is the soleus a sentinel muscle for impaired aerobic capacity in heart failure?

Purpose: Skeletal muscle wasting is well documented in chronic heart failure (CHF). This article provides a more detailed understanding of the morphology behind this muscle wasting and the relation between muscle morphology, strength, and exercise capacity in CHF. We investigated the effect of CHF on lower limb lean mass, detailed muscle-tendon architecture of the individual triceps surae muscles (soleus (SOL), medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius) and how these parameters relate to exercise capacity and strength.

Brugada syndrome and pregnancy: highlights on antenatal and prenatal management.

Introduction. Brugada syndrome is characterized by a disruption of heart's normal rhythm. It is an autosomal dominant disease due to a mutation of SNC5A gene.