Melanophoroma in a Lichtenstein's green racer snake.

Melanophoroma is a neoplasm of reptilian pigment cells, considered uncommon and part of a group of neoplasms called chromatophoromas. The objective of this work was to describe a case of melanophoroma in a free-living Lichtenstein's green racer snake (Philodryas olfersii), presenting with an ulcerative nodular neoformation in the integument of the head region. In the neurologic evaluation, a proprioceptive deficit was observed. Ultrasound, X-ray, and mass cytology examinations were performed. Radiographic and ultrasound findings of the tumor indicated infiltrative behavior, and cytology indicated a presumptive diagnosis of a melanocytic neoplasm. Based on the results of the examinations and the patient's clinical condition, euthanasia was chosen. At necropsy, there was a nodule measuring 4.5 × 2.5 × 2.0 cm, with a blackish-colored cut surface, mottled by gray areas, which infiltrated soft tissue and bone, and extended dorsally from the mouth to the cervical musculature. On microscopy, a non-delimited, non-encapsulated, and invasive neoplastic proliferation was observed, with moderate cellularity, which was predominantly composed of fusiform cells with distinct borders and foci of epithelioid cells. The cells had ample cytoplasm, which had a brown to black (melanocytic) granular pigment compatible with a melanophoroma. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is a unique description of a melanophoroma in P. olfersii.

About 3D Printability of Thermoplastic Collagen for Biomedical Applications.

With more than 1.5 million total knee and hip implants placed each year, there is an urgent need for a drug delivery system that can effectively support the repair of bone infections. Scaffolds made of natural biopolymers are widely used for this purpose due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and suitable mechanical properties. However, the poor processability is a bottleneck, as highly customizable scaffolds are desired. The aim of the present research is to develop a scaffold made of thermoplastic collagen (TC) using 3D printing technology. The viscosity of the material was measured using a rheometer. A 3D bioplotter was used to fabricate the scaffolds out of TC. The mechanical properties of the TC scaffolds were performed using tension/compression testing on a Zwick/Roell universal testing machine. TC shows better compressibility with increasing temperature and a decrease in dynamic viscosity (η), storage modulus (G'), and loss modulus (G″). The compressive strength of the TC scaffolds was between 3-10 MPa, depending on the geometry (cylinder or cuboid, with different infills). We have demonstrated for the first time that TC can be used to fabricate porous scaffolds by 3D printing in various geometries.

Efficacy and safety of carbon dioxide insufflation versus air insufflation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in randomized controlled trials: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims Ambient air is the most commonly used gas for insufflation in endoscopic procedures worldwide. However, prolonged absorption of air during endoscopic examinations may cause pain and abdominal distension. Carbon dioxide insufflation (CO 2 i) has been increasingly used as an alternative to ambient air insufflation (AAi) in many endoscopic procedures due to its fast diffusion properties and less abdominal distention and pain. For endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), use of CO 2 for insufflation is adequate because this procedure is complex and prolonged. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated the efficacy and safety of CO 2 as an insufflation method during ERCP but presented conflicting results. This systematic review and meta-analysis with only RCTs evaluated the efficacy and safety of CO 2 i versus AAi during ERCP. Methods A literature search was performed using online databases with no restriction regarding idiom or year of publication. Data were extracted by two authors according to a predefined data extraction form. Outcomes evaluated were abdominal pain and distension, complications, procedure duration, and CO 2 levels. Results Eight studies (919 patients) were included. Significant results favoring CO 2 i were less abdominal distension after 1 h (MD: -1.41 [-1.81; -1.0], 95 % CI, I²â€Š= 15 %, P  < 0.00001) and less abdominal pain after 1 h (MD: -23.80 [-27.50; -20.10], 95 %CI, I²â€Š= 9 %, P  < 0.00001) and after 6 h (MD: -7.00 [-8.66; -5.33]; 95 % CI, I²â€Š= 0 %, P  < 0.00001). Conclusion Use of CO 2 i instead of AAi during ERCP is safe and associated with less abdominal distension and pain after the procedure.