Discovery of 505-million-year old chitin in the basal demosponge Vauxia gracilenta.

Sponges are probably the earliest branching animals, and their fossil record dates back to the Precambrian. Identifying their skeletal structure and composition is thus a crucial step in improving our understanding of the early evolution of metazoans. Here, we present the discovery of 505-million-year-old chitin, found in exceptionally well preserved Vauxia gracilenta sponges from the Middle Cambrian Burgess Shale. Our new findings indicate that, given the right fossilization conditions, chitin is stable for much longer than previously suspected. The preservation of chitin in these fossils opens new avenues for research into other ancient fossil groups.

[Ureterocele associated to duplex system: an individualized approach to endoscopic incision]. / Ureterocele e duplicità pieloureterale completa: criteri per un approccio individualizzato e ruolo dell'incisione endoscopica.

BACKGROUND: Management of Ureterocele (UC) associated to duplex kidney depends from the type of UC (ectopic or intravesical), from the presence of symptoms and from associated vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in the lower pole of the duplex system. Individualized approach to UC must consider endoscopic puncture as a possible option to reduce hydronephrosis and preserve function. METHODS: The records of 68 patients with duplex system have been reviewed. UC was detected in 27 renal units: it was intravesical in 11 and ectopic in 16. VUR was present in the lower pole in 16 cases. Patients were observed between 1991 and 2001 and mean follow up lasted 20 months (range 2-70). Endoscopic incision was performed in 21 patients. Upper pole nephrectomy, intravesical reconstruction or simple observation were decided for six patients. RESULTS: Endoscopic incision was effective in the treatment of intravesical UC and in some cases, without VUR in the lower pole, it was the unique procedure. Among ectopic UC, a secondary VUR developed following endoscopic incision in 43% of cases and required further treatment. Renogram did not show any significant functional improvement in the affected renal pole, secondary to endoscopic treatment. An open antireflux procedure was necessary in cases with associated VUR. CONCLUSIONS: Total or partial nephrectomy were performed among the first cases of the present series and in most of them it required a double step operation (abdominal and intravesical). In few cases of uncomplicated UC with a non functioning upper pole, a conservative approach was followed by spontaneous reduction of dilatation.

[Perineal modification in pregnancy and puerperium, risk of urinary incontinence]. / Modificazioni del piano perineale in gravidanza e nel puerperio e rischio di incontinenza urinaria.

UNLABELLED: Pregnancy and delivery are important etiopathological factors in the alteration of pelvic equilibrium; in particular and the first delivery is the decisive factor in terms of perineal sequelae affecting pelvic equilibrium and urinary continence. Epidemiological studies have identified a number of pathogenic risk factors related to pregnancy (abnormal increase in maternal weight, diabetes in pregnancy and macrosoma) and the newborn (cranial circumference, newborn weight). Mechanical stress caused by the passage of the fetus may lead to the overstretching of the pelvic floor and the failure to recognise muscular damage even in the absence of macroscopic lesions. In the immediate postpartum or after a number of years these may damage the function of the musculo-aponeurotic structures of the perineum and foster the onset of alterations to pelvic equilibrium and urinary incontinence. In this study the authors have evaluated the modifications to the perineum and continence during pregnancy and puerperium. METHODS: Clinical data were analysed for 40 puerperae all of whom underwent a through perineal examination to assess the function of perineal muscles, both on discharge and 6 months after delivery. RESULTS: The authors tried to identify the main risk factors which predisposed the onset of changes to pelvic equilibrium and urinary continence. On the basis of the contemporary outcome of the Q-TIP test and TP, all women were divided into 4 groups: Group A (TP < 3 and positive Q-TIP test) (22.5%). CONCLUSIONS: In the light of these results, the authors affirm that during gestation it is important to concentrate preventive action on these risk factors.

[Hypertension in pregnancy. Retrospective epidemiologic study]. / La malattia ipertensiva in gravidanza. Studio epidemiologico retrospettivo.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy hypertension today has not a valid etiological explanation. It's possible however that the association of more factors could determine the symptoms. The pregnancy hypertensive disorders are not uncommon, with an incidence estimated from 6 to 8%. Epidemiological studies have shown hypertension in pregnancy increases fetal and maternal mortality and morbidity. Preterm delivery is more common in women with hypertension in pregnancy. The aim of this retrospective study was to verify some epidemiological aspects of pregnancy hypertension at the IV Divisions of I Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the "La Sapienza" University of Rome. METHODS: 1926 pregnant women have been hospitalised at the IV Division from January 1993 to December 1997. Of these 101 had hypertension. Age, hypertension degree, type of job, smoking, parity, previous hypertension developed by patients and their relatives, birthweight, stage of development of hypertension and delivery procedures have been evaluated in this group. RESULTS: The main data obtained from this study are: strong correlation of primiparity and hypertension (55, 45% of observations); increased risk to have hypertension induced by pregnancy in women that have just incurred in hypertension in previous pregnancy; the high incidence of caesarean section in the group considered with respect to the general population (70.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension is still a frequent disorder in pregnancy which may lead to serious complications.

[The role of antenatal courses in preventing the onset of altered pelvic statics and urinary incontinence]. / Quale ruolo dei corsi di preparazione al parto nella prevenzione dell'insorgenza delle alterazioni della statica pelvica e dei disturbi della continenza urinaria.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study was prompted by the frequent finding of urinary incontinence in peri- and postmenopausal women. In an attempt to reduce this incidence, the authors evaluated the role of antenatal courses as an important preventive and operative means of providing information aimed at preventing the onset of alterations to pelvic statics and urinary incontinence. The clinical data of 40 puerperae, of whom 45% had followed our antenatal course, were examined for this purpose. METHODS: A functional examination of the perineum was made in all subjects on discharge after birth and 6 months later. RESULTS: These findings appear to indicate that antenatal courses play an important role in preventing obstetric perineal complications. CONCLUSIONS: During the courses all women were given useful advice on hygiene and diet, including guidelines for suitable regular exercise, the need to drink about 1 litre of unsweetened liquid daily, a balanced diet and advice regardingf perineal relaxation. Subsequently, all subjects were advised to continue exercising after birth to ensure the correct rehabilitation of the perineal floor and they were also given a sheet containing the different learnt during the antenatal courses. In this way these subjects increased their awareness of the need not to underestimate the early symptoms of urinary incontinence should they occur after birth.