According to these results, an early and persistent elevation of CRP after colorectal surgery with anastomosis, is a marker of anastomotic leakage. A cut-off value > 140 mg/L on POD3 maximizes sensitivity and specificity.

BACKGROUND The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, the main endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and their metabolic enzymes N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D, fatty acid amide hydrolase, diacylglycerol lipase and monoacylglycerol lipase. This system is involved in the modulation of essential physiological processes. Its role in the reproductive system has become significantly important in recent years, given its major role in events such as gametogenesis, decidualisation, implantation and placentation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this paper, we review the literature and summarize the role of the ECS elements in reproduction and their potential as early markers for diagnosis of reproductive disorders or as pharmacological targets for treatment. SEARCH METHODS Original research and review papers published from 1964 to June 2019 were selected in terms of relevance, reliability and quality by searching PubMed, MEDLINE and Web of Science, using the following search terms: endocannabinoid system and endometriosis; endocannabinoid system and ectopic pregnancy; endocannabinoid system and miscarriage; endocannabinoid system and pre-eclampsia; endocannabinoid system and endometrial cancer; endocannabinoid system and reproduction; endocannabinoid, endometrium; placenta; N-acylethanolamines; anandamide; 2-arachidonoylglycerol; and cannabinoids. OUTCOMES This review demonstrates relevant information concerning ECS alterations in endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia and endometrial cancer. We highlight the importance of the endocannabinoids in endometrial and placental physiology and pathophysiology, from studies in vitro and in vivo and in clinical observations. The most studied of the endogenous cannabinoids is AEA. The levels of AEA were increased in plasma of patients with endometriosis and miscarriage, as well as in the fallopian tube of women with ectopic pregnancy and in endometrial biopsies of endometrial cancer. Changes in the pattern of expression of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 were also observed in endometrial biopsies of endometriosis, fallopian tube and decidua of patients with ectopic pregnancy and pre-eclamptic placenta. Moreover, alterations in CB2 expression have been reported in association with endometrial cancer. In general, studies on the cannabinoid signalling through CB2 and on the biological activities of the other major endocannabinoid, namely 2-AG, as well as its metabolic enzymes are scarce and avidly required. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the described endometrial and placental pathologies are still unclear and lack the means for an early diagnosis. Based on current evidence, though alterations in ECS are demonstrated at tissue level, it is difficult to associate plasmatic changes in AEA with specific endometrial and placental diseases. Thus, pairing alterations in AEA levels with 2-AG and/or other endocannabinoid-like molecules may provide more accurate and early diagnoses. In addition, patients may benefit from new therapies that target the ECS and endocannabinoid signalling.

A cross‐sectional study of 593 students (277 boys, 316 girls) 8–15 years of age was done to evaluate the physical fitness (PF) of children and adolescents from Maputo, Mozambique, relative to socioeconomic status (SES) and physical activity (PA). PF was assessed by a battery of field tests including the sit and reach, sit‐ups, hand grip strength, a 10 × 5 meters shuttle run, and two distance runs, 1,600 and 2,400 meters. PA was estimated with a questionnaire designed for this population. Students were divided into three groups according to region of residence, which was used as the criterion of SES. PA was more intense among underprivileged students due to domestic activities and walking time per day. PF significantly differed among SES groups. Poor students exhibited significantly better results on the sit and reach and endurance runs, while privileged children performed better on sit‐ups and the shuttle run. There were no differences in grip strength. Comparison with North American reference data suggests that Mozambican youth have greater flexibility and cardiorespiratory endurance, but less absolute strength and power. The results suggest that SES is an important determinant of fitness in Mozambique, especially because of its influence on body size, composition, and on PA. In addition, cultural effects on the performance of the tests were indicated. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 9:449–457, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.