Heterogeneity in the preferential diet of neotropical bats impacts the pancreatic islet mass and α and ß cell distribution.

Whether there is a relationship between bats' dietary patterns and evolutionary endocrine pancreas adaptation is not clearly understood. Aiming to contribute to this topic, we evaluated some metabolic and structural parameters in the following adult bats: the frugivorous Artibeus lituratus, the nectarivorous Anoura caudifer, the hematophagous Desmodus rotundus, and the insectivorous Molossus molossus. A. lituratus and A. caudifer diets consist of high amounts of simple carbohydrates, while D. rotundus and M. molossus diets consist of high amounts of proteins or protein and fat, respectively. In our results, A. lituratus and A. caudifer bats exhibited the highest values of relative islet mass (%), islet density (number of islets per pancreas area), and the lowest values of intestinal length among the four species. When adjusted by the body mass (mg/g of body mass), both D. rotundus and A. caudifer bats exhibited the highest islet mass values among the groups. Blood glucose was similar between A. lituratus, D. rotundus, and M. molossus, with the lowest values for the A. caudifer bats. M. molossus bats had the highest plasma cholesterol values among the studied species but exhibited similar plasma triacylglycerol with D. rotundus and A. caudifer bats. ß- and α-cell distribution within A. lituratus, A. caudifer, and M. molossus islets achieved an approximate average value of âˆ¼ 66% and âˆ¼ 28%, respectively, a pattern inverted in D. rotundus islets (53% of α cells and 40% of ß cells). A. caudifer and D. rotundus exhibited the highest and the lowest ß/α-cells ratio per islet, respectively. We conclude that the macronutrient predominance in each bat-eating niche correlates with the morphophysiological pancreas features being the nectarivorous A. caudifer the species with the highest islet mass per body mass and ß/α-cells ratio, while the hematophagous D. rotundus showed the highest α-cells apparatus.

Randomized clinical trial of dexketoprofen/tramadol 25 mg/75 mg in moderate-to-severe pain after total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and safety of the dexketoprofen/tramadol 25 mg/75 mg fixed-dose combination vs dexketoprofen (25 mg) and tramadol (100 mg) in moderate-to-severe acute pain after total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study in patients experiencing pain of at least moderate intensity on the day after surgery, compared with placebo at first administration to validate the pain model. The study drug was administered orally every 8 h throughout a 5 day period. Rescue medication, metamizole 500 mg, was available during the treatment period. The evaluation of efficacy was based on patient assessments of pain intensity and pain relief. The primary end point was the mean sum of the pain intensity difference values throughout the first 8 h (SPID8). RESULTS: Overall, 641 patients, mean age 62 (range 29-80) yr, were analysed; mean (sd) values of SPID8 were 247 (157) for dexketoprofen/tramadol, 209 (155) for dexketoprofen, 205 (146) for tramadol, and 151 (159) for placebo. The primary analysis confirmed the superiority of the combination over dexketoprofen 25 mg (P=0.019; 95% confidence interval 6.4-73) and tramadol 100 mg (P=0.012; 95% confidence interval 9.5-76). The single components were superior to placebo (P<0.05), confirming model sensitivity. Most secondary analyses supported the superiority of the combination. The incidence of adverse drug reactions was low and similar among active treatment groups. CONCLUSION: The efficacy results confirmed the superiority of dexketoprofen/tramadol over its single components, even at higher doses (tramadol), with a safety profile fully in line with that previously known for these agents in monotherapy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT 2012-004548-31 (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search?query=eudract_number:2012-004548-31);ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01902134 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01902134?term=NCT01902134&rank=1).

Dexketoprofen/tramadol: randomised double-blind trial and confirmation of empirical theory of combination analgesics in acute pain.

BACKGROUND: Combination analgesics are effective in acute pain, and a theoretical framework predicts efficacy for combinations. The combination of dexketoprofen and tramadol is untested, but predicted to be highly effective. METHODS: This was a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, single-dose trial in patients with moderate or severe pain following third molar extraction. There were ten treatment arms, including dexketoprofen trometamol (12.5 mg and 25 mg) and tramadol hydrochloride (37.5 mg and 75 mg), given as four different fixed combinations and single components, with ibuprofen 400 mg as active control as well as a placebo control. The study objective was to evaluate the superior analgesic efficacy and safety of each combination and each single agent versus placebo. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with at least 50 % max TOTPAR over six hours. RESULTS: 606 patients were randomised and provided at least one post-dose assessment. All combinations were significantly better than placebo. The highest percentage of responders (72%) was achieved in the dexketoprofen trometamol 25 mg plus tramadol hydrochloride 75 mg group (NNT 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.3 to 2.1). Addition of tramadol to dexketoprofen resulted in greater peak pain relief and greater pain relief over the longer term, particularly at times longer than six hours (median duration of 8.1 h). Adverse events were unremarkable. CONCLUSIONS: Dexketoprofen trometamol 25 mg combined with tramadol hydrochloride 75 mg provided good analgesia with rapid onset and long duration in a model of moderate to severe pain. The results of the dose finding study are consistent with pre-trial calculations based on empirical formulae. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT (2010-022798-32); Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01307020).

Comparative study of endocrine pancreatic tissue in bats: Assessing variations among frugivorous, insectivorous, and nectarivorous diets.

Whether the endocrine pancreas exhibits structural features to couple with dietary patterns is not fully explored. Considering the lack of data comparing endocrine pancreas and islet cell distribution among different bat species in the same study, we considered this an opportunity to explore the topic, including five species within three different predominant diets. For this, we applied morphometric techniques to compare the islets of frugivorous Artibeus lituratus and Carollia perspicillata, insectivorous Molossus molossus and Myotis nigricans, and nectarivorous Glossophaga soricina bats. Data for islet size, cellularity, and mass were equivalent between frugivorous A. lituratus and nectarivorous G. soricina, which differed from insectivorous bats. The frugivorous C. perspicillata bat exhibited morphometric islet values between A. lituratus and the insectivorous species. A. lituratus and G. soricina but not C. perspicillata bats had higher islet mass than insectivorous species due to larger size, instead of a higher number of islets per area. Insectivorous bats, on the other hand, had a higher proportion of α-cells per islet. These differences in the endocrine pancreas across species with different eating habits indicate the occurrence of species-specific adjustments along the years of evolution, with the demand for α-cells higher in bats with higher protein intake.

Analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status in endometrial stromal sarcoma.

PURPOSE: Endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESSs) are rare neoplasms, which are currently treated by surgery, whereas effective adjuvant therapies have not yet been established. Recently, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression has been described in ESS, and a potential role of EGFR-targeted adjuvant therapies has been proposed. The aim of this study was to analyze EGFR status in an ESS series and to evaluate their potential role as molecular targets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EGFR status was investigated in a total of ten cases of ESS, which included seven low-grade ESS and three undifferentiated ESS cases. EGFR expression levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry, and gene amplification analysis was performed with dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). RESULTS: Nine out of ten ESS cases showed positive immunostaining, whereas FISH analysis demonstrated constantly negative results. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that EGFR is frequently overexpressed in ESS. FISH analysis did not show EGFR amplification in any of the tumors, therefore EGFR expression in ESS should be related to different genetic mechanisms.

Expression and characterization of two new alkane-inducible cytochrome P450s from Trichoderma harzianum.

n-Dodecane and fatty acids were good inducers of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and the ω-hydroxylase of lauric acid, which is a marker for ω-hydroxylation of n-alkanes, in Trichoderma harzianum. A cDNA, containing an ORF of 1520 bp, encoding a CYP52 of 520 amino acids, was isolated by RACE. Another n-alkane-inducible CYP was identified by LLC-MS/MS analysis of a microsomal protein band induced by n-dodecane in a library of T. harzianum. This suggests that T. harzianum has a CYP-dependent conversion of alkanes to fatty acids allowing their incorporation into lipids.

Functional outcomes of upper eyelid blepharoplasty: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Various functional outcomes after upper blepharoplasty are reported in the literature. We systematically reviewed the literature to assess the objective and subjective functional effects of upper blepharoplasty. METHODS: After a systematic search of four search engines (Pubmed, Embase, Cinahl and Cochraine), any study on objective and subjective (patient reported) functional outcome after upper blepharoplasty was subjected to a quality assessment for possible inclusion in the review. The intervention was defined as a solitary surgical upper blepharoplasty containing the removal of skin, with or without the removal of a strip of orbicularis oculi muscle and/or upper orbital fat. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials, controlled trials, cohort studies and case series (n ≥ 10). RESULTS: A total of 3525 studies were assessed, of which 28 studies were included in this systematic review. Favorable outcomes after an upper blepharoplasty were reported and included enlarged visual field, enhanced quality of life related to fewer headaches and improved vision. Furthermore, sensitivity of the eyelids decreased, with differences in recovery. Outcomes for eyebrow height, astigmatism, contrast sensitivity and eyelid kinematics were not consistent between the studies. No meta-analysis could be performed due to the limited scope of included studies and the great variety in outcomes and blepharoplasty techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Upper blepharoplasty is accompanied by a great variety of beneficial functional outcomes including an increased visual field and improvement in headache- and vision-related quality of life. Further research is needed, especially where results are conflicting (effects on eye dryness and eyebrow height) and/or the data are limited (contrast sensitivity, astigmatism).

Soft-tissue chondroma of the masticatory space.

Soft-tissue chondroma is an infrequent, benign, cartilaginous tumour that is uncommon in the head and neck region. Single-location chondromas rarely evolve into malignant neoplasms. Chondromas are composed of hyaline cartilage with focal calcification. There have been a few reports published of cases of soft-tissue chondroma of the neck and parapharyngeal space. Here is described a new location of this tumour in the masticatory space.

[An intraoral swelling located in the buccal mucosa]. / Een zwelling aan de binnenkant van de wang.

A 69-year-old woman presented with a bony hard swelling inside her left cheek. After clinical and radiographic examination, the diagnosis sialolithiasis of the main duct of the parotid gland was made. Surgical removal relieved her complaints.

Tramadol hydrochloride 75 mg/dexketoprofen 25 mg oral fixed-dose combination in moderate-to-severe acute pain: sustained analgesic effect over a 56-h period in the postoperative setting.

Multimodal analgesia constitutes a common strategy in pain management. A tramadol hydrochloride 75 mg/dexketoprofen 25 mg oral fixed combination (TRAM/DKP 75 mg/25 mg) has been recently registered and released in Europe for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain. This paper provides additional analyses on the results of two phase III clinical trials (DEX-TRA-04 and DEX-TRA-05) on postoperative pain to document its sustained effect. The analysis was applied to a modified intention-to-treat population (mITT, n = 933) of patients undergoing active treatment from the first dose, to assess the sustained effect of TRAM/DKP 75 mg/25 mg on pain intensity (PI-VAS 0-100) over 56 h from first drug intake. The superior analgesic effect of TRAM/DKP 75 mg/25 mg over 56 h in terms of difference in PI-VAS (mean [SE]) was shown for DEX-TRA-04 (-11.0 [0.55] over dexketoprofen 25 mg and -9.1 [0.55] over tramadol 100 mg, P ≤ 0.0001) and for DEX-TRA-05 (-10.4 [0.51] over dexketoprofen 25 mg and -8.3 [0.51] over tramadol 100 mg, P ≤ 0.0001). The statistical analysis performed on data coming from both studies confirms the superior sustained analgesia of TRAM/DKP 75 mg/25 mg over tramadol 100 mg and dexketoprofen 25 mg. These results are consistent with the previously published data obtained on the ITT population and strongly support the role of this oral fixed-dose combination in the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain.

Bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting: long-term clinical and angiographic results of in situ versus Y grafts.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated whether bilateral internal thoracic arteries provide the same long-term results when used as in situ grafts and as Y grafts. METHODS AND RESULTS: From October 1991 to February 2000, 1818 patients had bilateral internal thoracic arteries used as in situ (n = 1378, group A) or as Y grafts (n = 440, group B). The number of anastomoses per patient and the number of bilateral internal thoracic artery anastomoses per patient were higher in group B (3.1 +/- 0.9 and 2.7 +/- 0.9) than in group A (2.9 +/- 0.8 and 2.2 +/- 0.6) (both P <.001). The number of right internal thoracic artery anastomoses per patient rose from 1.0 +/- 0. 3 in group A to 1.4 +/- 0.6 in group B (P <.001), and the number of sequential anastomoses per right internal thoracic artery graft rose from 4.1% to 34.3% (P <.001). Thirty-day mortality was 2.0% in group A versus 2.5% in group B (P = not significant). No difference in postoperative course was detected. Eight-year survivals were 95.8% +/- 2.7% in group A versus 94.8% +/- 4.0% in group B (P = not significant), and event-free survivals were 95.2% +/- 2.9% in group A versus 93.6% +/- 4.4% in group B (P = not significant). Early angiograms were obtained in 295 patients (945 anastomoses, 863 distal and 82 proximal Y grafts), 213 patients (611) in group A and 82 patients (334) in group B. Patency rate was 98.8% in group A and 96.0% in group B (P = not significant), whereas grade A patency rate was 97.2% in group A and 96.4% in group B (P = not significant). Late angiograms were obtained in 88 patients (25 in group A and 63 in group B) at a mean of 17.5 +/- 18.4 months: patency rate was 100% in group A and 99.2 in group B (P = not significant), and grade A patency rate was 98.6% in group A and 98.8% in group B (P = not significant). No Y anastomosis was occluded or stenosed. COMMENT: Survival, incidence of cardiac events, and angiographic patency in the early and late phases are similar for bilateral internal thoracic arteries used either in situ or as Y grafts. However, Y grafting with bilateral internal thoracic arteries increases the number of anastomoses per bilateral thoracic artery, as well as the flexibility of the right internal thoracic artery.

Midterm results after minimally invasive coronary surgery (LAST operation)

BACKGROUND: Our experience with a left internal thoracic artery graft to the left anterior descending artery via a left anterior small thoracotomy is reviewed to evaluate midterm results. METHODS: From November 1994 to April 1997, four hundred sixty patients were scheduled to undergo a left internal thoracic artery graft to the left anterior descending coronary artery via a left anterior small thoracotomy; 26 of these patients (5.7%) were converted and 434 of them had the operation. Two hundred fourteen patients (49.3%) had isolated disease of the left anterior descending artery, and 220 patients (50.7%) had multiple vessel disease. A sufficient length of the left internal thoracic artery was harvested to reach the left anterior descending artery. RESULTS: Three hundred nine patients (71.2%) underwent extubation by hour 2. Mean intensive care unit stay was 4.2 +/- 4.5 hours; mean postoperative hospital stay was 66 +/- 29 hours; the 30-day mortality rate was 1.1%; the late mortality rate was 1.4%. Eighteen patients underwent reoperation early (< or = 30 days), and eight patients underwent reoperation late (> 30 days) because of conduit/anastomotic malfunction. Four patients underwent reoperation with patent anastomosis for progression of disease (n = 3) or pericarditis (n = 1). Three patients had a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Cumulating angiographic and stress Doppler flow assessment results, a patent anastomosis was obtained in 417 patients and a nonrestrictive anastomosis in 404 patients. Twenty-nine months after surgery, survival was 97.1% +/- 0.7% (95% confidence interval 90.5% to 100%) and event-free survival 89.4% +/- 1.2% (95% confidence interval 78.2% to 100%). In the last 190 patients, with our increased experience and better instruments, we obtained a patent anastomosis in 188 patients (98.9%) and a nonrestrictive anastomosis in 185 (97.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Left anterior small thoracotomy gives acceptable midterm results. Incidence of patent and nonrestrictive anastomoses was satisfactory, especially in the most recent part of our experience, when the learning curve ended.

Persistence of mammary artery branches and blood supply to the left anterior descending artery.

BACKGROUND: Partial harvesting of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is a widespread technique used during minimally invasive coronary operations performed through a left anterior small thoracotomy. The influence of persisting LIMA branches was investigated to evaluate their effect on the blood flow of the left anterior descending artery. METHODS: Thirty patients, 15 with totally (group A) and 15 with partially (group B) harvested LIMAs, were evaluated. All the patients underwent postoperative angiography, during which a flow map of the LIMA was performed. The average peak velocity and the diastolic-to-systolic peak velocity ratio were recorded. The LIMA graft flow pattern was recorded in the proximal and distal thirds of the artery. Intramammary adenosine (12 to 14 microg) was injected and the average peak velocities before and after injection were calculated. RESULTS: The average peak velocity was similar in both groups in the proximal and distal thirds of the LIMA (25 +/- 7 and 26 +/- 5 cm/sec, respectively, in group A versus 27 +/- 5 and 25 +/- 5 cm/sec, respectively in group B; p = NS). The diastolic-to-systolic peak velocity ratio was similar proximally (0.78 +/- 0.3 in group A versus 0.69 +/- 0.3 cm/s in group B; p = NS), but not distally (1.72 +/- 0.1 in group A versus 0.97 +/- 0.3 in group B; p < 0.0005). The LIMA graft flow reserve was similar both proximally and distally (2.6 +/- 0.6 and 2.5 +/- 0.3 cm/s, respectively, in group A versus 2.6 +/- 0.5 and 2.6 +/- 0.3 cm/s, respectively, in group B; p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: The persistence of LIMA branches does not influence the blood flow of the left anterior descending artery after acute adenosine-induced myocardial hyperemia. If a left anterior small thoracotomy is used in left anterior descending artery direct revascularization, complete LIMA harvesting is not mandatory and depends on the personal preference of the surgeon.

Myocardial revascularization with and without cardiopulmonary bypass in multivessel disease: impact of the strategy on early outcome.

BACKGROUND: The impact of myocardial revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was evaluated in a series of consecutive patients with multivessel disease. METHODS: From May 21, 1997 to November 30, 2000, 1,843 consecutive patients underwent isolated myocardial revascularization. From this total, 919 patients were done without CPB (group A, 49.9%) and 924 patients were done with CPB (group B, 50.1%). Patients that converted from without CPB to with CPB were included in group A. Thirty-three variables were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analysis to identify the independent variables predictive of higher incidence of early mortality, acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, and early major events. RESULTS: Early mortality was 2.2% (group A, 1.4%; group B, 3.0%; p = 0.016), acute myocardial infarction incidence was 1.8% (group A, 1.1%; group B, 2.6%; p = 0.027), cerebrovascular accident incidence was 0.9% (group A, 0.8%; group B, 1.0%; p = not significant), and early major events incidence was 6.7% (group A, 5.3%; group B, 8.2%; p < 0.001). Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that CPB was an independent risk factor for higher mortality (odds ratio, 2.2; p = 0.0217), higher incidence of acute myocardial infarction (odds ratio, 2.5; p = 0.0185), and higher incidence of early major events (odds ratio, 1.8, p = 0.0034). CONCLUSIONS: When CPB was not used, patients experienced lower early mortality and incidences of acute myocardial infarction were less complicated, both at univariate analysis and stepwise logistic regression analysis.

Off or on bypass: what is the safety threshold?

BACKGROUND: To identify the technical profile of the patients operated on without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the benefit of the procedure. METHODS: From May 21, 1997, to December 31, 1998, 785 patients had coronary artery bypass grafting through a median sternotomy (group A: 472 without CPB; group B: 290 with CPB; group C: 23 converted). Technical aspects, mortality rate, cerebrovascular accident (CVA) incidence (crude and risk-adjusted), and incidence of major complications were recorded. RESULTS: Patients without CPB had mainly one to three grafts and one- or two-vessel disease. Multiple arterial grafting was not a limit, whereas sequential grafting was. Group A had lower complications rates, shorter intensive care unit and postoperative in hospital stays, and lower transfusion rates. Mortality rates and CVA incidence (crude and risk-adjusted) were similar in both groups and in each subgroup considered. In group A, a lower complications rate was present in some patients (aged greater than 70 years, female, with unstable angina). Group C showed higher mortality and complications rates. Failure of revascularization showed no difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Primary endpoints are not affected by the surgical strategy, whereas some of the secondary endpoints are. However, patients in group A experienced fewer complications. Both techniques can give satisfying results and must be applied according to the surgeon's preference.

Angiographic anatomy of the grafted left internal mammary artery.

BACKGROUND: The hypothesis that persistence of undivided branches is a common finding after myocardial revascularization using the left internal mammary artery was explored. METHODS: Three hundred seven consecutive postoperative angiographies of the left internal mammary artery were considered. Seven were excluded because of occlusion or malfunction of the conduit or the anastomosis. Of the remaining 300, 150 were harvested through a left anterior small thoracotomy (group A) and 150 through a median sternotomy (group B). The persistence of undivided branches was recorded for each group. RESULTS: Common origin with other branches of the subclavian artery was present in 55 patients in group A and 54 in group B (p = not significant); the persistence of lateral costal branch was also equally distributed in both groups (15 and 17; p = not significant). The first intercostal artery was present in 5 patients in group A and in none in group B (p = not significant). Branches of 1 mm or more were more frequent in group A (34 versus 4, p < 0.001), as well as branches of less than 1 mm (140 versus 67; p < 0.001). Only 2 patients in group A had no branches versus 48 patients in group B (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Common origin with other branches of the subclavian artery and persistence of the lateral costal branch are common aspects in the angiographic anatomy of the grafted left internal mammary artery. Moreover, new branches, sometimes wider than 1 mm, develop with time. These findings are independent from the harvesting technique, the left anterior small thoracotomy, or the median sternotomy. If flow competition between the coronary and noncoronary territories was a reality, coronary artery grafting with the left internal mammary artery would be unsuccessful since the beginning.

Left anterior descending coronary artery grafting via left anterior small thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: We explored the possibility of anastomosing the left anterior internal mammary artery (LIMA) to the left anterior descending artery in a beating heart via a left anterior small thoracotomy. METHODS: This procedure was performed in 155 of 162 scheduled patients; in 7 (4.3%) the left anterior descending artery was not suitable or was too small. The chest was opened in the fourth intercostal space (mean wound length, 10.5 cm) and the LIMA was harvested for about 4 cm. The left anterior descending artery was occluded by means of two 4/0 Prolene (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) sutures, and the proximal suture was snared. The anastomosis was performed with two 8/0 Prolene sutures while the heart was beating. Early postoperatively all patients underwent repeat angiography or a Doppler flow assessment of the LIMA or both. RESULTS: The LIMA was connected directly to the left anterior descending artery in 144 patients and with interposition of an inferior epigastric artery in 11. In 2 patients the diagonal branch was also grafted using an inferior epigastric artery from the LIMA. One patient (0.6%) died 38 days after the operation due to multiorgan failure. Nine patients (5.8%) had failure requiring a redo operation: 7 (4.5%) early and 2 (1.3%) late. One additional patient had a late percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for anastomotic stenosis. At a mean 5.6 months of follow-up, 143 patients (92.2%) were alive, asymptomatic with or without medical treatment, and without cardiac events. CONCLUSIONS: Left internal mammary artery-to-left anterior descending artery anastomosis performed on a beating heart via a left anterior small thoracotomy is a safe procedure. In selected patients the operation has good early and midterm results.

A novel approach to study linoleic acid autoxidation: importance of simultaneous detection of the substrate and its derivative oxidation products.

In this paper we have proposed a novel approach for studying the reaction of lipid oxidation by using the simplest chemical system available. Neat linoleic acid was incubated for 24 hours at 37 degrees C in the air. The course of lipid oxidation was followed by measuring simultaneously by HPLC with a diode array detector 1) linoleic acid decrease, 2) the products formed by radical attack, namely four hydroperoxy-octadeca-dienoic acid (HPODE) isomers, two c,t (c,t) and two trans,trans (t,t). 3) the byproducts formed by HPODE degradations, the four oxo-octadeca-dienoic acid (oxo-ODE) isomers. In HPODEs the presence of conjugated diene chromophore was confirmed by second derivative spectrophotometry. c,t HPODEs were also identified for their positional isomerism, while for t,t molecules the lack of suitable reference compound makes unfeasible the identification of their positional isomerism. As in the case of the latter two c,t and two t,t oxo-ODE isomers were characterized. This simple system appears to be useful for studying the activity exherted by lipophilic molecules that, like alpha-tocopherol, may act as antioxidants and/or as hydrogen atom donating molecules. The presence of alpha-tocopherol in different concentration for 24 hours in the reaction environment, shifts the reaction of linoleic acid autoxidation towards different byproduct formations. From the results obtained it is evident that alpha-tocopherol acts as hydrogen atom donor at all concentration tested, shifting the reaction toward a prevalent formation of c,t isomer of both HPODEs and oxo-ODEs. At concentration lower than 40 nmoles, when the ratio between alpha-tocopherol and linoleic acid was 1:100, the reaction of autoxidation is strongly inhibited, while at higher concentration alpha-tocopherol acted as a prooxidant. In these experimental conditions, alpha-tocopherylquinone was spectrophotometrically identified as the predominant oxidation product of alpha-tocopherol.

Aluminum toxicity. Hematological effects.

Sequential effects of intoxication with aluminum hydroxide (Al) (80 mg/Kg body weight, i.p., three times a week), were studied on rats from weaning and up to 28 weeks. The study was carried out on hematological and iron metabolism-related parameters on peripheral blood, at the end of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th months of exposure. As it was described that hematotoxic effects of Al are mainly seen together with high levels of uremia, renal function was measured at the same periods. The animals treated developed a microcytosis and was accompanied by a decrease in mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). Significantly lower red blood cell counts (RBC million/microl) were found in rats treated during the 1st month. These values matched those obtained for control rats during the 2nd month. From the 3rd month onwards, a significant increase was observed as compared to control groups, and the following values were obtained by the 6th month: (T) 10.0 +/- 0.3 versus (C) 8.7 +/- 0.2 (million/microl). Both MCH and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were found to be significantly lower in groups treated from the 2nd month. At the end of the 6th month the following values were found: MCH (T) 13.3 +/- 0.1 versus (C) 16.9 +/- 0.3 (pg); MCV (T) 42.1 +/- 0.7 versus (C) 51.8 +/- 0.9 (fl). Al was found responsible for lower serum iron concentration levels and in the percentage of transferrin saturation. Thus, although microcytic anemia constitutes an evidence of chronic aluminum exposure, prolonged exposure could lead to a recovery of hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration values with an increase in red cell number. Nevertheless, both microcytosis and the decrease of MCH would persist. These modifications took place without changes being observed in the renal function during the observation period.

Minimally invasive coronary artery surgery: the last operation.

Left anterior descending grafting with a left internal thoracic artery on a beating heart via a small left anterior thoracotomy is a procedure that is becoming popular, even if not yet standardized. From November 21, 1994 through February 20, 1997, 411 patients underwent a small left anterior thoracotomy; 206 had single-vessel disease, 205 had multiple-vessel disease. The early mortality rate was 1.0% (4 patients); causes of death were cardiac, not operation-related in 3, and non-cardiac in 1. The late mortality rate was 1.4% (6 patients); causes of death were cardiac operation-related in 1, non-cardiac in 3. All patients had a postoperative Doppler-flow velocity assessment; 231 (56.2%) underwent an angiographic control during the first postoperative year. Some patients were selected, as every patient with conduit or anastomotic malfunction underwent angiography. The patency rate was 92.4% (214/231); perfect distal anastomoses were obtained in 87.0% (201/231). With increasing experience and new instruments for left internal thoracic artery harvesting and left anterior descending artery stabilization, from April 21, 1996, patency rate increased to 98.2% (107/109) and perfect patency rate to 95.4% (104/109); results are therefore improving with time. The left anterior small thoracotomy procedure gives acceptable midterm results and is a reasonable alternative to the median sternotomy when the left anterior descending artery needs to be grafted with the left internal thoracic artery.