BACKGROUND Because of recent advances in the molecular diagnosis of cancer patients, tissue quality has become more important in daily practice. METHODS To evaluate the effects of fixative, duration of fixation, decalcification, and storage periods on nucleic acid integrity, DNA and RNA were extracted from gastrointestinal cancer tissue. The yield and purity were analyzed, and polymerase chai...

BACKGROUND Mitral valve repair is preferred over prosthetic replacement. We surgically repaired mitral valve with degenerated sclerotic lesion and demonstrated mid-term results. METHODS Mitral valve plasty (MVP) was performed with several procedures including ring annuloplasty, leaflet slicing and decalcification. RESULTS There were 19 males and 19 females with a mean age of 67 ± 12 y.o (n ...

Recent advances in biotechnology promoted evolution in the general study of life sciences, and more specifically, in the study of biomineralization. Here I review information from recently developed studies on molecular and cellular aspects of molluscan shell nacreous layer formation. First, I summarize the primary and tertiary structures of the organic matrix (OM) proteins recently identified ...

Executive Summary The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of investigating potential anthropogenic acoustic damage to cetaceans using histological examination of cetacean ears removed on post-mortem examination, predominantly from stranded or by-caught harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in UK waters. The research was conducted in collaboration with ongoing investigations at ...