Consumption of ultra-processed foods and health status: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Increasing evidence suggests that high consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is associated with an increase in non-communicable diseases, overweight and obesity. The present study systematically reviewed all observational studies that investigated the association between UPF consumption and health status. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar was conducted, and reference lists of included articles were checked. Only cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies were included. At the end of the selection process, twenty-three studies (ten cross-sectional and thirteen prospective cohort studies) were included in the systematic review. As regards the cross-sectional studies, the highest UPF consumption was associated with a significant increase in the risk of overweight/obesity (+39 %), high waist circumference (+39 %), low HDL-cholesterol levels (+102 %) and the metabolic syndrome (+79 %), while no significant associations with hypertension, hyperglycaemia or hypertriacylglycerolaemia were observed. For prospective cohort studies evaluating a total population of 183 491 participants followed for a period ranging from 3·5 to 19 years, highest UPF consumption was found to be associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in five studies (risk ratio (RR) 1·25, 95 % CI 1·14, 1·37; P < 0·00001), increased risk of CVD in three studies (RR 1·29, 95 % CI 1·12, 1·48; P = 0·0003), cerebrovascular disease in two studies (RR 1·34, 95 % CI 1·07, 1·68; P = 0·01) and depression in two studies (RR 1·20, 95 % CI 1·03, 1·40; P = 0·02). In conclusion, increased UPF consumption was associated, although in a limited number of studies, with a worse cardiometabolic risk profile and a higher risk of CVD, cerebrovascular disease, depression and all-cause mortality.

A Comparative Study on Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Fe3+, and Cr3+ Metal Ions Removal from Industrial Wastewaters by Chitosan-Based Composite Cryogels.

Materials coming from renewable resources have drawn recently an increased attention in various applications as an eco-friendly alternative in the synthesis of novel functional materials. Polysaccharides, with their prominent representative - chitosan (CS), are well-known for their sorption properties, being able to remove metal ions from dilute solutions either by electrostatic interactions or chelation. In this context, we proposed here a comparative study on Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Fe3+, and Cr3+ metal ions removal from industrial wastewaters by CS-based composite cryogels using batch technique. The composite cryogels consisting of CS embedding a natural zeolite, namely clinoptilolite, were synthesized by cryogelation, and their sorption performance were compared to those of CS cryogels and of acid-activated zeolite. A deeper analysis of thermodynamics and kinetics sorption data was performed to get insights into the sorption mechanism of all metal ions onto sorbents. Based on the optimized sorption conditions, the removal of the above-mentioned ions from aqueous solutions by the composite sorbent using dynamic technique was also evaluated.

CRISPR-based gene editing enables FOXP3 gene repair in IPEX patient cells.

The prototypical genetic autoimmune disease is immune dysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X-linked (IPEX) syndrome, a severe pediatric disease with limited treatment options. IPEX syndrome is caused by mutations in the forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) gene, which plays a critical role in immune regulation. As a monogenic disease, IPEX is an ideal candidate for a therapeutic approach in which autologous hematopoietic stem and progenitor (HSPC) cells or T cells are gene edited ex vivo and reinfused. Here, we describe a CRISPR-based gene correction permitting regulated expression of FOXP3 protein. We demonstrate that gene editing preserves HSPC differentiation potential, and that edited regulatory and effector T cells maintain their in vitro phenotype and function. Additionally, we show that this strategy is suitable for IPEX patient cells with diverse mutations. These results demonstrate the feasibility of gene correction, which will be instrumental for the development of therapeutic approaches for other genetic autoimmune diseases.

Mediterranean, but not lacto-ovo-vegetarian, diet positively influence circulating progenitor cells for cardiovascular prevention: The CARDIVEG study.

AIM: To evaluate the possible association between dietary habits and progenitor cells using data obtained from a randomized crossover trial using two different diets, lacto-ovo-vegetarian (VD) and Mediterranean (MD), the CARDIVEG study. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty clinically healthy subjects with a low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk profile (61 F; 19 M; mean age: 50.7 ± 11.6 years) were randomly assigned to isocaloric VD and MD diets lasting three months each, and then crossed. The two diets showed no effects on endothelial progenitor cells and circulating endothelial cells but opposite effects on circulating progenitor cells. In fact, VD determined significant (p < 0.05) and negative changes on circulating progenitor cells, with an average geometric variation of -130 cells/106 events for CD34+/CD45-/dim, -80 cells/106 events for CD133+/CD45-/dim, and -84 cells/106 events for CD34+/CD133+/CD45-/dim while MD determined significant (p < 0.05) and positive changes for CD34+/CD45-/dim levels, with a geometric mean increase of +54 cells/106 events. No significant correlations were observed between changes in progenitor cells and changes in inflammatory parameters during the VD phase. On the other hand, during the MD phase negative correlations between changes of CD34+/CD45-/dim and interleukin-6 (R = -0.324; p = 0.004) as well as interleukin-8 (R = -0.228; p = 0.04) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (R = -0.277; p = 0.01), were observed. These correlations remained significant also after adjustment for confounding factors only for CD34+/CD45-/dim and interleukin-6 (ß = -0.282; p = 0.018) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (ß = -0.254; p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: MD, but not VD, reported a significant and positive effect on circulating progenitor cells in a group of subjects at low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk, probably acting through the modulation of inflammatory parameters.

Effects of a 3-month dietary intervention with a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet on vitamin B12 levels in a group of omnivores: results from the CARDIVEG (Cardiovascular Prevention with Vegetarian Diet) study.

Previous studies have suggested that vegetarianism can result in a reduction of vitamin B12 circulating levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a 3-month dietary intervention with a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet (VD) on the levels of circulating vitamin B12 in a group of omnivores. We analysed fifty-four omnivorous subjects who followed a VD as a first dietary intervention within the CARDIVEG (Cardiovascular Prevention with Vegetarian Diet) study, a dietary intervention study. VD resulted in a significant reduction (P<0·001) of 51·2 % of vitamin B12 intake and in a significant reduction (P=0·005) of 6·2 % of the circulating levels of vitamin B12 (-24·5 pg/ml). Changes in vitamin B12 intake were significantly correlated with changes in circulating levels of vitamin B12 (R 0·61, P<0·001). Subgroup analyses showed that reduction in circulating vitamin B12 levels was more evident in participants who were younger, overweight, non-smokers and had hypercholesterolaemia. A logistic regression analysis showed that a reduction in vitamin B12 intake greater than the first quartile of the delta changes obtained in the study population (-28·5 %) conferred a significantly higher risk of experiencing a decrease in circulating vitamin B12 levels (OR 10·1; 95 % CI 1·3, 76·1). In conclusion, a 3-month VD period determined a significant reduction in circulating levels of vitamin B12, being significantly correlated with the reduction in vitamin B12 intake. Although a well-planned VD can provide adequate nutrition across all life stages, special care must be taken to ensure adequate vitamin B12 intake and to help prevent deficiency.

Mediterranean diet and multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of meta-analyses of observational studies and randomised trials.

Research has shown that a greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of major chronic disease. However, the existing literature leads to debate for different issues, such as the measurement of the adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the use of a wide variety of dietary indices with various food components and the large heterogeneity across the studies. In order to summarise the evidence and evaluate the validity of the association between the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and multiple health outcomes, an umbrella review of the evidence across meta-analyses of observational studies and randomised clinical trials (RCTs) was performed. Thirteen meta-analyses of observational studies and 16 meta-analyses of RCTs investigating the association between the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and 37 different health outcomes, for a total population of over than 12 800 000 subjects, were identified. A robust evidence, supported by a P-value<0.001, a large simple size, and not a considerable heterogeneity between studies, for a greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet and a reduced the risk of overall mortality, cardiovascular diseases, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, overall cancer incidence, neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes was found. For most of the site-specific cancers, as well as for inflammatory and metabolic parameters, the evidence was only suggestive or weak and further studies are needed to draw firmer conclusions. No evidence, on the other hand, was reported for bladder, endometrial and ovarian cancers, as well as for LDL (low density lipoprotein)-cholesterol levels.

3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging Role in Articular Degenerative Pathology.

Osteoarthrosis is one of the most common degenerative diseases, affecting most of the middle and advanced age population. It is responsible for joint pain, and reduces mobility to functional impotence, thus becoming a public health problem. It is characterized by the destruction of articular cartilage and bone structures forming joints. Although osteoarthritis is considered a disease that occurs predominantly in the elderly, we present herein the case a young female patient, known for pelvic limb inequality and flat leg with advanced arthrosis in the left ankle, secondary to multiple surgical interventions performed at the lower limb. Because of the degenerative phenomena, the patient had reduced mobility, functional impairment and local pain. For the quantification and therapeutic management of degenerative changes produced by this pathology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exploration technique is recommended, allowing visualization of alterations in bone structures and cartilage. This is the standard diagnosis method due to important details on bone structures and cartilages, even in the early stages of the disease. The importance of this case is suggested by the young age of the patient (28 years old) and the advanced stage of the degenerative phenomenon, being rare at this age.

A biodegradable AZ91 magnesium alloy coated with a thin nanostructured hydroxyapatite for improving the corrosion resistance.

The main aim of this study was to investigate the properties of an AZ91 alloy coated with nanostructured hydroxyapatite (HA) prepared by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The bioactivity and biomineralization of the AZ91 magnesium alloy coated with HA were investigated in simulated body fluid (SBF) via an in vitro test. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed. The samples were immersed in SBF to study the ability of the surface to promote the formation of an apatite layer as well as corrosion resistance and mass change of the HA-coated AZ91 alloy. Electrochemical tests were performed to estimate the corrosion behaviour of HA-coated and uncoated samples. The results revealed the capability of the HA coating to significantly improve the corrosion resistance of the uncoated AZ91 alloy.

Construction of recombinant pseudorabies viruses by using PRV BACs deficient in IE180 or pac sequences: Application of vBAC90D recombinant virus to production of PRV amplicons.

We describe a simple and efficient method to obtain recombinant pseudorabies virus (PRV) in mammalian cells by using the PRV BACs, PBAC80 deficient in pac sequences and PBAC90 deficient in the IE180 gene. These essential viral sequences were used as targets to obtain viable recombinant viruses. PBAC80 was constructed, confirmed to encode a copy of the IE180 gene regulated by the inducible Ptet promoter, and used to obtain recombinant attenuated PRV viruses that express the EGFP protein (PRV-BT80GF virus). PBAC90 was used to obtain the vBAC90D virus, deficient in IE180 and free of replication-competent revertants, and which can be used as a helper in the production of PRV amplicons.

Cascaded all-optical operations in a hybrid integrated 80-Gb/s logic circuit.

We demonstrate logic functionalities in a high-speed all-optical logic circuit based on differential Mach-Zehnder interferometers with semiconductor optical amplifiers as the nonlinear optical elements. The circuit, implemented by hybrid integration of the semiconductor optical amplifiers on a planar lightwave circuit platform fabricated in silica glass, can be flexibly configured to realize a variety of Boolean logic gates. We present both simulations and experimental demonstrations of cascaded all-optical operations for 80-Gb/s on-off keyed data.

Generation of 1.024-Tb/s Nyquist-WDM phase-conjugated twin vector waves by a polarization-insensitive optical parametric amplifier for fiber-nonlinearity-tolerant transmission.

We experimentally demonstrate the generation of 1.024-Tb/s Nyquist-WDM phase-conjugated vector twin waves (PCTWs), consisting of eight 128-Gb/s polarization-division-multiplexed QPSK signals and their idlers, by a broadband polarization-insensitive fiber optic parametric amplifier. This novel all-optical signal processing approach to generate WDM-PCTWs enables a 2-fold reduction in the needed optical transmitters as compared to the conventional approach where each idler is generated by a dedicated transmitter. Digital coherent superposition of the twin waves at the receiver enables more than doubled reach in a dispersion-managed transmission link. We further study the impact of polarization-mode dispersion on the performance gain brought by the phase-conjugated twin waves, showing a gain of ~3.8 dB in signal quality factors.

Does physiotherapy contribute to the improvement of functional results and of quality of life after primary total hip arthroplasty?

INTRODUCTION: This paper aims to determine whether physiotherapy succeeds in improving the functional results (expressed by the Harris hip score) and the quality of life after primary total hip arthroplasty, especially in very elderly persons. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study has followed up 100 patients with coxarthrosis, who underwent a primary total hip arthroplasty and who were subject to an early initiation of a recovery treatment, adapted to each individual, focused on regaining functionality and independence and continued at home after discharge from hospital. After 3 months, the Harris hip score was compared with the preoperative one and the quality of life was assessed according to a simplified questionnaire derived from SF-36. RESULTS: The average preoperative Harris hip score was significantly lower in patients aged over 75 years, as compared to the other 3 age groups (under 40 years, between 41 and 60 years and between 61 and 75 years). After 3 months, the average Harris hip score was significantly improved, in comparison to the preoperative one (85.89 as compared to 40.06) and there were no statistically significant differences between the average Harris hip score in all 4 age groups. The quality of life was regarded by patients as being good on average, in all 4 age groups. CONCLUSION: Very elderly people benefit equally with the other age groups from a functional recovery after primary total hip arthroplasty, even if this recovery is initially more difficult and more cautious.

Echinococcal cyst of the left vas deferens - a case report and literature review.

UNLABELLED: Cystic echinococcosis or hydatid disease is an important public health issue, mainly in developing countries, due to its high prevalence. Echinococcus granulosus, a cyclophyllid cestode, the pathogenic parasite found in humans, their intermediate host in its way to the final host, the members of canidae family. The main sites of infection in humans are the liver and the lungs. There have been recorded Rare locations such as the heart, spleen, muscles or retroperitoneal have also been recorded. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 29-year-old man, living in rural environment, who was admitted in our Clinic for a pelvic cystic tumor and intermittent ureterohydronephrosis. The blood work showed positive antibodies for Echinococcus granulosus. An urethrocystoscopy and the excision of the tumor were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, the involvement of the male genitourinary tract in cystic echinococcosis is possible and can pose important diagnostic challenges.

Factors that may influence the functional outcome after primary total hip arthroplasty.

AIM: The present paper aims to decipher the multiple factors occurring in patients on the recovery program, in order to obtain an optimal functional outcome after the implantation of a primary total hip prosthesis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: One hundred patients operated with primary total hip prosthesis, consecutively included in this study, underwent an immediate postoperative recovery program, with an integrative aspect, over the entire duration of hospitalization. The program was individualized according to the specific features of the patients, such as gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), type of diagnosis that required the prosthesis implantation, type of prosthesis implanted and functional status of the opposite hip, and it was continued at home. At 3 months postoperatively, the Harris hip score (in comparison with the preoperative one) and the quality of life were calculated. RESULTS: At 3 months post-surgery and post-recovery, the average Harris hip score was more than double in comparison with the preoperative one (85.89 as compared to 40.06), and on average the patients considered the quality of life as good. The preoperative Harris hip score had no statistically significant differences in different patient groups, except for the ones aged over 75, for whom it was statistically significantly lower than the score of other age groups. Three months after surgery, the statistically significant differences between different groups of patients disappeared. At 3 months postoperatively, the average perceived quality of life was good. There were statistically significant differences only in obese patients, who considered it to be very good. DISCUSSION: Correlations are sought between different categories of patients and the obtained results, to be compared with the data in specialized literature. CONCLUSIONS: The factors contributing to a good functional outcome after primary total hip arthroplasty are the following: rehabilitation program beginning immediately after surgery, its performance gradually reaching exercises against resistance and its integrative aspect being mainly oriented towards obtaining movement independence and walking recovery, careful adaptation to the specific features of the patient, related to age, weight condition, opposite hip condition and, within each group, related to the physical possibilities of the person submitted to surgery, as well as the continuation of the rehabilitation program at home. Factors such as gender, old age, the cause requiring prosthesis implantation, obesity or unoperated hip with functional impairment are not limitative and do not prevent obtaining satisfactory results.

Rare renal tumor--mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma.

We report a rare case of renal tumor--mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma in a 65-year-old man. The tumor, located in the right kidney, was well circumscribed. Microscopically, the tumoral proliferation was composed of cuboidal cells arranged in tubules, with abrupt transition to spindle cell morphology in a myxoid stroma. Because of the favorable prognosis with this type of tumor, mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma must be differentiated from papillary renal cell carcinoma, especially the variant with sarcomatoid dedifferentiation.

All-optical XOR and XNOR operations at86.4 Gb/s using a pair of semiconductor optical amplifier Mach-Zehnder interferometers.

We propose a method for increased-speed all-optical XOR operation using semiconductor optical amplifiers. We demonstrate XOR and XNOR operations at 86.4 Gb/s using a pair of photonic-integrated semiconductor optical amplifier Mach-Zehnder interferometers.

[Foreign bodies in the urogenital tract--between iatrogeny and autoerotism]. / Corpi straini la nivelul aparatului uro-genital--între iatrogenie si autoerotism.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to evaluate the cause, diagnosis and management of foreign bodies in the urogenital tract reviewing a 7 years experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2000 to 2007, 12 patients were treated in our department because of foreign bodies localized in the urogenital tract. We retrospectively analyzed the data regarding presentation, diagnosis and management. RESULTS: The foreign bodies from the urogenital tract included: mascara, spray cap, wires, candle, swabs, plastic tube, remnants from JJ ureteral stent and nefrostomy tube. Diagnostic investigations varied from case to case and consisted of: KUB (kidney, ureter and bladder), abdominal ultrasound, urography, computer tomography, and also cystoscopy. The management was endoscopic in 4 (33%) cases, but in the great majority of them--8 (67.6%) it was necessary a classical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Foreign bodies localized in the urogenital tract, represents a relative rare pathology and in many situations those cases have legal implications. Investigations must include radiologic investigations in order to identify their exact location and size. In many cases the management can not be endoscopic and it is necessary a classic intervention.

[Primary retroperitoneal tumors -- the experience in the Urological Clinic of the Central Military Hospital]. / Tumorile retroperitoneale primitive--experienta Clinicii de Urologie a Spitalului Militar Central.

Is a review of the 10 years experience in Urological Clinic of Central Military Hospital concerning the diagnosis and treatment of retroperitoneal tumors, containing personal conclusions about this relatively rare, heterogeneous entity.

[Complicated sigmoid neoplasia with vesico-sigmoid fistula]. / Neoplasm sigmoidian complicat cu fistula sigmoido-vezicala.

Being confronting with two apparently similar cases of entero-vesical fistulas, but complete different concerning the etiopathogeny, surgical management and prognosis, we believe that both communities--urologists and general surgeons--must know how to manage such cases. The tumors involving two or many systems or organs make the surgeon's decision be extremely difficult if not familiarized with both pathologies. We expose these unusual cases in order to demonstrate these affirmations.

[The conversion of endourological operations: a failure or healthy "clinical thinking"?]. / Conversiunea operatiilor endourologice: esec sau "gândire clinica" sanatoasa?

From a lot of 2567 of endourological "low" (TURP, TURB, UIO) and "high" (PNL, URSR, URSA) interventions there are analyzed 48 cases in which there was necessary the conversion to classical surgery. In endourology, just like in laparoscopic surgery, the conversion is divided into conversion of necessity and optional conversion. A reference is made to the way of solving these conversions. The main conclusion is that the urologist has to apply equally and efficiently both classical and endourological procedures.