The encircling mesh in abdominal wall surgery: rationale and technical details of a dorso-ventral physiological restoration.

We describe a new, functional surgical technique, known as 'encircling mesh', designed to address abdominal wall problems. The rationale of the procedure is to connect the anterior and posterior trunk muscle compartments by means of a purpose built polypropylene mesh that encloses a belt shifted posteriorly across the spine subcutaneously, through use of a disposable introducer. The technical details and a case presentation, with specific references to the cosmetic and functional outcomes are described.

Y-chromosome and mtDNA polymorphisms in Iraq, a crossroad of the early human dispersal and of post-Neolithic migrations.

Analyses of mtDNA and Y-chromosome variation were performed in a sample of Iraqis, a scarcely investigated population of the "Fertile Crescent." A total of 216 mtDNAs were screened for the diagnostic RFLP markers of the main Eurasian and African haplogroups. A subset of these samples, whose HVS-I sequences were previously obtained, was also examined by high-resolution restriction analysis. The Y-chromosome variation was investigated in 139 subjects by using 17 biallelic markers and the 49a,f/Taq I system. For both uniparental systems, the large majority of the haplogroups observed in the Iraqi population are those (H, J, T, and U for the mtDNA, and J(xM172) and J-M172 for the Y chromosome) considered to have originated in the Middle East and to have later spread all over Western Eurasia. However, about 9% of the mtDNAs and 30% of the Y-chromosomes most likely represent arrivals from distant geographic regions. The different proportion of long-range genetic input observed for the mtDNA and the Y chromosome appears to indicate that events of gene flow to this area might have involved mainly males rather than females.

[Endoluminal diode laser vein damage: preclinic study for vein insufficiency]. / Trattamento diodico per danno venoso endoluminale: studio preclinico per la insufficienza venosa.

BACKGROUND: The ex-vivo phase of this research aims to define fibre laser activity ranges with the intent of using a safety protocol on the operating table to ensure maximum results in occluding the vein lumen with minimum necessary energy parameters. METHODS: The study was performed on 20 human saphenous veins removed during phlebological surgery. A 1 mm diameter optical fibre was inserted in the vein to the proximal extremity where administration of laser energy began along the vein axis. The veins were subdivided into three groups based on the parameters used: Group 1: treated with 20 Watt power; Group 2, treated with 15 Watt power; Group 3, treated with 10 Watt power. On conclusion of the procedure the veins were immersed in formalin and sent for histological examination. RESULTS: The greatest endothelial damage was observed in the group of veins treated with fluence above 300 J/cm(2), in which carbonisation of the endothelium was observed; in those treated with lower fluence (200-100 J/cm(2)) damage consisted in coagulation necrosis and interstitial oedema; at fluence of 100 J/cm(2) endothelial damage was less uniform. CONCLUSIONS: Experimental evidence would appear to support the hypothesis that the optimal protocol is below 300 J/cm(2) fluence with 15 Watt power and pulse train 100-300 ms.

The 49a,f haplotype 11 is a new marker of the EU19 lineage that traces migrations from northern regions of the Black Sea.

Previous studies on human Y-chromosome polymorphisms in the European populations highlighted the high frequency of the 49a,f/TaqI haplotype 11 and of the Eu19 (M17) lineage in Eastern Europe. To better understand the origin and the evolution of the Eu19, and its relationship with 49a,f Ht11, this study surveyed 2,235 individuals (mainly from Europe and the Middle East) for the 49a,f Ht11 and for many biallelic markers defining the Eu19 lineage. As previously described, the highest frequency of Eu19 was found in Eastern Europe. All the Eu19 Y-chromosomes turned out to be 49a,f Ht11 or its derivatives, the distribution of which suggests that the Eu19/49a,f Ht11 emerged in Ukraine, probably in a Palaeolithic population. Thereafter, the spread of this lineage toward Europe, Asia, and India occurred at different waves over a few thousands years. At present this seems to indicate the influence of the Ukraine Palaeolithic groups in the gene pool of modern populations. For the first time it is possible to make inferences about the evolution of some haplotypes of the 49a,f system. In spite of its unknown molecular base, this is one of the first most informative polymorphisms of the Y chromosome.