Fatty acid methyl and ethyl esters as well as wax esters for evaluating the quality of olive oils

Erworben im Rahmen der Schweizer Nationallizenzen (http://www.nationallizenzen.ch)A promising correlation between chemical analysis and sensorial evaluation was confirmed: extra virgin olive oils with low contents of methyl and ethyl esters of fatty acids as well as straight chain wax esters were sensorially evaluated as being of high quality, whereas some with high contents were even devaluated as not being of extra virgin quality. Methanol and ethanol formed during fermentation in degrading olives are esterified, largely by transesterification with fatty acids from the triglycerides, and in this way transferred into the pressed oil. The presence of high contents of methyl and ethyl esters in degrading olives was confirmed. Wax esters from the skin of the olives are extracted at low yields, whereby the yield increases when the olives are soft and possibly degrading. High wax ester contents may, therefore, stand for mild oils, but also for deficient oils

Combining staged laparoscopic colectomy with robotic completion proctectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in ulcerative colitis for improved clinical and cosmetic outcomes: a single-center feasibility study and technical description

Robotic proctectomy has been shown to lead to better functional outcomes compared to laparoscopic surgery in rectal cancer. However, in ulcerative colitis (UC), the potential value of robotic proctectomy has not yet been investigated, and in this indication, the operation needs to be adjusted to the total colectomy typically performed in the preceding 6 months. In this study, we describe the technique and analyze outcomes of a staged laparoscopic and robotic three-stage restorative proctocolectomy and compare the clinical outcome with the classical laparoscopic procedure. Between December 2016 and May 2021, 17 patients underwent robotic completion proctectomy (CP) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for UC. These patients were compared to 10 patients who underwent laparoscopic CP and IPAA, following laparoscopic total colectomy with end ileostomy 6 months prior by the same surgical team at our tertiary referral center. 27 patients underwent a 3-stage procedure for refractory UC (10 in the lap. group vs. 17 in the robot group). Return to normal bowel function and morbidity were comparable between the two groups. Median length of hospital stay was the same for the robotic proctectomy/IPAA group with 7 days [median; IQR (6-10)], compared to the laparoscopic stage II with 7.5 days [median; IQR (6.25-8)]. Median time to soft diet was 2 days [IQR (1-3)] vs. 3 days in the lap group [IQR 3 (3-4)]. Two patients suffered from a major complication (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3a) in the first 90 postoperative days in the robotic group vs. one in the laparoscopic group. Perception of cosmetic results were favorable with 100% of patients reporting to be highly satisfied or satisfied in the robotic group. This report demonstrates the feasibility of a combined laparoscopic and robotic staged restorative proctocolectomy for UC, when compared with the traditional approach. Robotic pelvic dissection and a revised trocar placement in staged proctocolectomy with synergistic use of both surgical techniques with their individual advantages will likely improve overall long-term functional results, including an improved cosmetic outcome

Towards detecting genotoxic chemicals in food packaging at thresholds of toxicological concern using bioassays with high-performance thin-layer chromatography

High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)-bioassays are promising new methods for detecting bioactive chemicals in food packaging. Here, we test whether direct-acting genotoxic chemicals are detectable in food contact materials (FCM) using HPTLC-bioassays. First, an interactive worksheet lays out steps to calculate needed detection limits in (bio)analytical methods from regulatory limits, including thresholds of toxicological concern (TTC). Second, we show that the sensitivity of a HPTLC-genotoxicity assay to low doses of chemicals, including food contact chemicals, is greater than a standardized microtiter plate version and in vitro assays already reported. Third, using HPTLC, we detected genotoxicity in extracts of FCM, and not in simulated migrates of FCM. Applying the worksheet to calculate needed detection limits in FCM migrates, we observed that seven of ten genotoxic chemicals would be detectable with HPTLC if present at the regulatory 10 ppb limit and two of ten at TTC for adults. With development, HPTLC-bioassays might become the best option for supporting safety assessment of genotoxicants in food packaging