The effect of extra virgin olive oil and soybean on DNA, cytogenicity and some antioxidant enzymes in rats.

We investigated the effect of extra virgin (EV) olive oil and genetically modified (GM) soybean on DNA, cytogenicity and some antioxidant enzymes in rodents. Forty adult male albino rats were used in this study and divided into four groups. The control group of rodents was fed basal ration only. The second group was given basal ration mixed with EV olive oil (30%). The third group was fed basal ration mixed with GM (15%), and the fourth group survived on a combination of EV olive oil, GM and the basal ration for 65 consecutive days. On day 65, blood samples were collected from each rat for antioxidant enzyme analysis. In the group fed on basal ration mixed with GM soyabean (15%), there was a significant increase in serum level of lipid peroxidation, while glutathione transferase decreased significantly. Interestingly, GM soyabean increased not only the percentage of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MPCE), but also the ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes to normochromatic erythrocytes (PEC/NEC); however, the amount of DNA and NCE were significantly decreased. Importantly, the combination of EV olive oil and GM soyabean significantly altered the tested parameters towards normal levels. This may suggest an important role for EV olive oil on rodents' organs and warrants further investigation in humans.

In patients with radiologically-staged resectable oesophago-gastric junctional tumours, is diagnostic laparoscopy useful as an additional staging procedure?

A best evidence topic in surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was in patients with oesophago-gastric junctional tumours which have been radiologically-staged as potentially resectable, is diagnostic laparoscopy useful as an additional staging procedure. 292 papers were found using the reported search, of which 5 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. We conclude that as an additional tool following radiological staging of oesophago-gastric junctional tumours, diagnostic laparoscopy does appear to detect previously occult peritoneal metastases as well as liver metastases and lymph nodes and these findings do in turn lead to changes in management in over ten percent of patients. The procedure is however associated with some morbidity and its efficacy in changing management in the era of routine PET scanning remains to be evaluated.

A 5-year prospective multicenter clinical trial of non-submerged dental implants with a titanium plasma-sprayed surface in 200 patients.

BACKGROUND: Endosseous dental implants are a popular treatment to replace missing teeth. Although many advances have occurred and affected the macrogeometry and surface characteristics of dental implants, among other aspects, it is important to document how the implants perform in patients over time. Such evaluations are helpful not only to document the clinical survival of the implants but also patient satisfaction over an extended period. METHODS: A formal prospective multicenter human clinical was performed at five centers involving 200 patients and 626 implants. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were used and detailed data collected at specified times using case report forms. An independent study monitor reviewed all study data before entry into the study database. Two implant designs were used in two different clinical indications. A non-submerged titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) hollow cylindrical implant with a smooth transgingival collar was evaluated in the maxillary anterior sextant and a non-submerged TPS solid screw implant with similar collar in the mandible. RESULTS: Over the course of the 5-year clinical trial, there was one early failure occurring before definitive prosthesis delivery. Three late failures were documented, one occurring at each of the 6, 12, and 18 months postoperative visits. Life table analysis at 5 years revealed a 99.4% survival rate and a 92.5% success rate. Patient satisfaction was rated as good to excellent for 96.1% of implants in regards to esthetics after 5 years; 98.8% for appearance; and 99.4% for prosthesis comfort, ability to chew and taste, fit, and general satisfaction. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Implant success and survival was over 92% and 99%, respectively, in a formal 5-year prospective multicenter clinical trial involving 200 patients and 626 non-submerged TPS implants. These implants included hollow cylinder implants in the anterior maxilla and solid screw implants placed in the mandible. These findings document the predictability and patient satisfaction of tooth replacement using a non-submerged surgical technique involving a tissue-level, rough surfaced endosseous dental implant.