Biocompatibility analysis and chemical characterization of Mn-doped hydroxyapatite.

The present work studies the effect of Mn doping on the crystalline structure of the Hap synthesized by the hydrothermal method at 200 °C for 24 h, from Ca(OH)2 and (NH4)2HPO4, incorporating MnCl2 to 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 %wt of Mn concentrations. Samples were characterized by the X-Ray Diffraction technique, which revealed the diffraction peaks that corresponded to the hexagonal and monoclinic phase of the Hap; it was observed that the average size of crystallite decreased from 23.67 to 22.69 nm as the concentration of Mn increased. TEM shows that in all samples, there are two distributions of particle sizes; one corresponds to nanorods with several tens of nanometers in length, and the other in which the diameter and length are very close. FTIR analysis revealed absorption bands corresponding to the PO4-3 and OH- groups characteristic of the Hap. It was possible to establish a substitution mechanism between the Mn and the ions of Ca+2 of the Hap. From the Alamar blue test, a cell viability of 86.88% ± 5 corresponding to the sample of Hap at 1.5 %wt Mn was obtained, considered non-cytotoxic according to ISO 10993-5. It also evaluated and demonstrated the good osteoinductive properties of the materials, which were verified by histology and immunofluorescence expression of osteogenic markers. Adhesion, viability, biocompatibility and osteoinductive properties, make these materials candidates for future applications in bone tissue engineering with likely uses in regenerative medicine.

[An alternative technique to prevent obturator nerve stimulation during lateral bladder tumours transurethral resection]. / Tecnica alternativa para prevenir la estimulación del nervio obturador durante la RTU vesical de neoformaciones en cara lateral.

OBJECTIVES: We presents an alternative to prevent the obturator nerve stimulation during TUBR. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We revise 400 bladder tumours corresponding to 218 patients, 46.8% of them localized in lateral bladder wall. An alternative technique is used for that blockade. RESULTS: There have been no adductor contractions in more than 95% of TUBR. CONCLUSIONS: The alternative technique may reduce the stimulation of the obturador nerve and the risk of bladder perforation.

[Treatment of erectile dysfunction with penile prothesis. Our experience]. / Tratamiento de la disfunción eréctil mediante el implante de prótesis de pene. Análisis de nuestra serie.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review the current situation of penile prosthesis in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and to analyze the indications, degree of acceptability and complications in our experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1984 to 2003, 48 implants were inserted in men suffering from impotence due to different etiologies. The mean age was 55 years. Vascular disease, Diabetes and pelvic surgery were the most common pathologies recorded. The type of prothesis inserted were malleable inactive in 7 cases (14.58%), Jonas6, Acu-form1. Inflable active with 3 components in 19 cases (39.58%), AMS 700 plus17, Alpha2. Inflable active integrated in 5 cases (10.41%) Hydroflex4, Dynaflex1. Inflable active with 2 components in 17 cases (35.4%), Ambicor2, Mark II15. RESULTS: Infection of the prosthesis was observed in 6.25% of the cases. This infectious complication required removal of the prosthesis. 4.16% of the cases complained of mechanical failure that required change of the prosthesis. 80% of the patients were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSIONS: Penile prostheses continue to be an effective and valid therapeutic alternative in impotent. Although the complication rate is low, adequate information must be provided to the patient.

[Infertility caused by AZF microdeletions. A new case of azoospermia]. / Infertilidad por microdeleciones AZF. Un nuevo caso de azoospermia.

We report report a case of a man with azoospermia who was studied because of infertility. Between the causes of azoospermia and severe oligospermia, in male patients with infertility evaluations, small deletions in regions of the Y chromosome must be considered, as in our case. Regions for spermatogenesis in the Yq chromosome can be evidenced using PCR analysis. Men with azoospermia are at high risk to have small deletions in that regions. Yq chromosome deletions could be transmitted when ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is applied. Thereafter, study of microdeletions would be included in severe infertile men.

[Post-traumatic high flow priapism in a child]. / Priapismo de alto flujo postraumático infantil.

We report on the case of a post-traumatic high-flow priapism in a 14 year-old boy, which was confirmed by cavernous blood gas measurement color flow Doppler sonography, and arteriography. It was successfully treated with superselective embolization of the right internal pudendal artery, resulting a clear disappearance of cavernus rigidity.

[Suprarenal hemorrhage as the first manifestation of a small cell pulmonary carcinoma. Presentation of a case]. / Hemorragia suprarrenal como primera manifestación de un carcinoma pulmonar de células pequeñas. Presentación de un caso.

OBJECTIVE: To report on a case of small cell lung carcinoma presenting as adrenal hemorrhage. METHODS: A case of small cell lung carcinoma presenting as adrenal hemorrhage in a 60-year-old male is presented. The most important features of this tumor type and the adrenal metastasis are described. RESULTS: Treatment with carboplatin and VP-16 was unsuccessful. A brain CT scan showed several space occupying parenchymal lesions. Palliative radiotherapy was administered. The patient's condition has progressively become worse. He is currently receiving only palliative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The adrenal gland is a common site of metastasis. One of the tumor types that frequently metastasize to the adrenals is small cell lung carcinoma, which is characterized by early local and systemic dissemination, associated paraneoplastic syndromes and its sensitivity to cytostatic agents. Adrenal metastasis from lung carcinoma should be suspected in patients with a large, heterogeneous, bilateral lesion.

[Determination of NMP-22 as recurrence marker in bladder cancer. Preliminary study]. / Determinación de NMP-22 como marcador de recidivas en el cáncer vesical. Estudio preliminar.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to determine the efficacy of NMP-22 as a diagnostic test for recurrence of bladder tumors and to compare its efficacy with urine cytology. METHODS: 30 patients (25 male, 5 female), aged 41-87 years (mean 73.4), with bladder tumor were evaluated by cytology, cystoscopy and determination of NMP-22 at 3 and 6 months post-TUR of the bladder. A positive test was defined as NMP-22 greater than 10 U/ml. RESULTS: 80.7% were T1, 15.3% T2-T3, 76.8% were grade I and II, and 23.2% were grade III. NMP-22 showed a sensitivity of 69%, a specificity of 64%, a positive predictive value of 52% and a negative predictive value of 78%, using tumor recurrence at 3 and 6 months as the unit of analysis, for a recurrence rate of 36%. Cytology showed a sensitivity of 44%, a specificity of 92%, a positive predictive value of 77% and a negative predictive value of 74%. When both tests were used, we obtained a sensitivity of 87.5%, a specificity of 64.2%, a positive predictive value of 58.3% and a negative predictive value of 90%. In grade I tumors, determination of NMP-22 had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 77.7%, a positive predictive value of 60% and a negative predictive value of 69%. CONCLUSIONS: NMP-22 showed an acceptable sensitivity but a low positive predictive value, therefore control cystoscopic evaluation cannot be avoided. The sensitivity and negative predictive values increased when NMP-22 and cytology are used in combination. We found NMP-22 to be a very useful marker for recurrence of low grade tumors.

[Multiple urethral lithiasis. Report of a case]. / Litiasis uretral múltiple. A propósito de un caso.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of multiple urethral calculi, an uncommon urological condition in our setting. The clinical, radiological and therapeutic aspects are discussed and the literature is briefly reviewed. METHODS/RESULTS: A 77-year-old male consulted at the emergency services of our hospital for dysuria, pollakiuria and difficulty in voiding. The patient also referred and indurated area in the penile ventral aspect. Radiological examination disclosed three calculi in the penile urethra with were successfully removed by meatotomty and urethrolithotomy. The patient is currently asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Urethral calculus is uncommon in developed countries. "Milking" is not advocated due to the high incidence of urethral injury. Treatment is by simple urethrolithotomy in combination with other techniques (urethroplasty, diverticulectomy, etc.), if required.

[Quantification of bladder tumor antigen (BTA trak) and its correlation with bladder cancer grade and stage]. / Cuantificación del antígeno tumoral vesical (BTA trak) y su correlación con el grado y estadio del cáncer vesical.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of the BTA Trak test as a diagnostic marker for bladder cancer, determine its correlation with tumor grade and stage, compare its sensitivity with urinary cytology and its utility in urological conditions other than bladder cancer. METHODS: 77 patients comprised the study; 33 with bladder cancer and 44 without. A urine sample was obtained from all patients for the BTA Trak test and another three samples for urinary cytology from each of the 33 patients with bladder cancer. Of the 44 patients without bladder cancer, 36 had conditions involving the urinary tract and 8 presented conditions without urothelial involvement. The BTA Trak test was repeated three months after treatment in 11 of the patients with bladder cancer and three months after the first test in 13 patients without bladder cancer. RESULTS: Using BTA Trak threshold values of 14 U/ml as first reference and 50 U/ml as the value indicating clinical warning, these were found to be higher in 24 of 33 patients with bladder tumor (sensitivity 72.7%). By tumor stage, BTA Trak was positive in 12 of 21 pT1 (sensitivity 57%) and in 11 of 11 pT2 (sensitivity 100%). Concerning tumor grade, values were higher than threshold in 13 of 22 GI-II (sensitivity 59.9%) and 10 of 10 GIII (sensitivity 100%). Urinary cytology was positive in only 8 cases (sensitivity 24.4%). In the patients without bladder cancer, values are higher than threshold in 3 of 8 patients with urological conditions without urinary tract involvement and 14 of 36 with a probable urothelial involvement without tumor, accounting for an overall sensitivity of BTA Trak of 61.4%. The BTA Trak test three months after treatment showed lower value in 7 of 8 patients with bladder tumor and pretreatment values higher than threshold. CONCLUSIONS: The BTA Trak test is a simple quantitative method with a high sensitivity for the diagnosis of bladder tumors, especially those in the advanced stages and grades. It is superior to cytology, although it has a lower specificity, particularly in conditions with urinary tract involvement.

[Significance of random biopsies of healthy mucosa in superficial bladder tumor]. / Significado de las biopsias al azar de mucosa sana en el tumor de vejiga superficial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of the random biopsies of normal-appearing mucosa taken during TUR of superficial bladder tumors and to correlate them with the outcome and characteristics of the superficial tumor. METHODS: Multiple random biopsy specimens from normal-appearing areas of 300 TUR procedures for primary or recurrent superficial urothelial carcinoma were analyzed. Preoperative cytologies were obtained in most of the patients and tumor number, localization, size, stage and grade according to the WHO classification were determined. In patients with multiple tumors, the stage, size and grade of the worst tumor were utilized. Patients who showed a risk of recurrence during follow-up received intravesical therapy postTUR of the bladder. The site and characteristics of recurrence were analyzed and compared with the random biopsy findings. RESULTS: In 38 superficial tumors (12.7%), significant histological changes were found in the random biopsies of normal-appearing mucosa taken during resection. A significant difference was found between patients with and without positive random biopsies only for tumor stage. Statistically significant differences were found when comparing the primary and recurrent tumors, due to the greater number of high and moderate grade tumors in the primaries. There were significant differences in regard to the positive preoperative cytologies between the patients with negative and those with positive random biopsies. No statistical correlation was found between the localization of the superficial tumor and a positive biopsy or between the latter and the site of tumor recurrence. There were 126 recurrences (42%); mean time to recurrence was 13.5 months (median 9.5 months). No significant difference was found (log-rank) for time to recurrence in patients with positive or negative random biopsies, but significant differences were found when we analyzed the number of superficial tumors and the use of intravesical therapy, but not for the type of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple random biopsies permit a better categorization of the tumor and complete staging. The outcome and the decision to administer intravesical therapy following TUR of the bladder are influenced by the foregoing. The practical results of random biopsies, however, are scanty, since the prognostic significance of the histological changes found in these biopsies is not worse than that of the superficial tumor resected. There are, however, a few cases with a higher risk of recurrence and/or progression than the superficial tumor. Preoperative cytology is useful in the selection of these patients. Furthermore, since the proportion of high grade tumors is higher in primary tumors, performing multiple biopsies is mandatory in these cases if previous urine cytology is not available.

[Skin metastases of primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate. Apropos of a case]. / Metástasis cutánea de carcinoma transicional primario de próstata. A propósito de un caso.

OBJECTIVE: To report on a rare case of cutaneous metastasis from primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate. METHODS: A 70-year-old patient with transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate presented with cutaneous metastasis in the left leg. RESULTS: The cutaneous lesion was resected. Pathological analysis of the specimen demonstrated cutaneous metastasis from transitional cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate is an uncommon and aggressive tumor that can metastasize to distant, atypical sites, as in the case described herein.

[Synchronous bilateral renal adenocarcinoma. Our experience with conservative kidney surgery]. / Adenocarcinoma renal bilateral sincrónico. Nuestra experiencia con la cirugía conservadora renal.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience with synchronous bilateral renal adenocarcinoma. The indications for conservative surgery, the different types and the controversies are discussed. METHODS: 5 patients with bilateral renal adenocarcinoma from our series of 320 renal adenocarcinomas were analyzed for gender, age at presentation, tumor location, size, presenting features and type of surgery performed. RESULTS: Bilateral renal adenocarcinoma accounted for 1.56% in our series. Mean age at presentation was 57.8 years (range 43-69 years). All 5 patients were male. All patients underwent conservative surgery by tumor excision or partial nephrectomy of the side with less involvement followed by delayed radical surgery of the contralateral side. Follow-up ranged from 19 months to 14 years. To date all patients are disease-free and only one is on dialysis 14 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral renal adenocarcinoma has been reported to account for 1.4%-5% of all renal masses. The incidence in our series was 1.56%. Conservative renal surgery is indicated in patients like those described herein to prevent the need for dialysis. In our view, conservative renal surgery is a good therapeutic option that carries a small risk of tumor multicentricity and future recurrence.

[Castleman's disease in the retroperitoneal region]. / Enfermedad de Castleman de localización retroperitoneal.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of Castleman's disease presenting as a retroperitoneal mass, with special reference to the differential diagnosis from other retroperitoneal lesions. The histological features, variants, clinical manifestations, etiopathogenesis and treatment of Castleman's disease are reviewed. METHODS: A 64-year-old male presented with voiding symptoms and hypogastric pain. An ultrasound scan showed a 5 x 6 cm mass located behind the bladder and above the prostate, which was confirmed by an abdomino-pelvic CT scan. RESULTS: Retroperitoneal sarcoma was suspected and the mass was resected. The histopathological analysis showed giant lymphoid hyperplasia (vascular hyaline variant of Castleman's disease). CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal Castleman's disease is a lymphoproliferative disorder with two well-defined histological types and a mixed variant. Although this lesion is frequently localized to the mediastinum (71%), extrathoracic lesions have been described. Definitive diagnosis is based on the postoperative pathological findings.

[Renal cell carcinoma. Clinical onset with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Report of a case]. / Carcinoma de células renales. Presentación clínica debut con carcinomatosis peritoneal. A propósito de un caso.

Renal carcinoma accounts for 2-3% of malignant tumours in the adult, with high tendency for metastasis basically in liver, lymph nodes, lungs and bones. Intraperitoneal, gut, mesentery and omentum involvement is extremely rare affecting only 1% of patients with metastasis at post-mortem. Contribution of one case of renal carcinoma with initial presentation as intraperitoneal metastasis.

[Risk of tumor seeding after nephroureterectomy combined with endoscopic resection of the ureteral meatus]. / Riesgo de implantación tumoral tras la nefroureterectomía combinada con resección endoscópica del meato ureteral.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of tumor implantation at the site of resection in the ureteral orifice, following nephroureterectomy combined with resection of the bladder cuff of. METHODS/RESULTS: A patient with high grade and stage carcinoma of the renal pelvis and no previous bladder tumor presented with a perivesical mass 6 months following nephroureterectomy. She had a high grade transitional cell carcinoma that infiltrated all of the bladder wall, vagina and parametrium in the region of the meatus that had been resected endoscopically. CONCLUSIONS: The present case indicates there may be histological or technique-related factors that facilitate tumor cell implantation in the deep perivesical region after this procedure is performed. It is necessary to identify these factors before this procedure is used widely.

[Granulomatous prostatitis. Review of 22 cases]. / Prostatitis granulomatosa. Revisión de 22 casos.

Granulomatous prostatitis is an uncommon inflammatory process of the prostate, which can be caused by a variety of infectious agents or be part of a systemic allergic condition. In most cases, origin is unspecific. Clinical presentation, treatment and evolution are similar to those of benign prostatic hypertrophy and, in many cases, can only be distinguished from prostate carcinoma in the histological study. The authors present in this paper the results and conclusions of a retrospective study of 22 cases of granulomatous prostatitis.

[Tumor bladder antigen (TBA). A new method for the diagnosis and detection of recurrence of bladder cancer]. / Antígeno vesical tumoral (BTA). Nuevo método para el diagnóstico y detección de recidiva del cáncer vesical.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the usefulness and accuracy of the BTA test versus urinary cytology. METHODS: The BTA test was performed in 45 patients distributed into three groups: group I comprised patients with hematuria of unknown origin; group II had a diagnosis of bladder cancer; and group III comprised patients who had undergone TUR for a bladder tumor and were undergoing endoscopic control evaluation. The sensitivity and specificity of each diagnostic method were determined for each group of patients. RESULTS: The BTA test showed a higher sensitivity than urinary cytology in all groups, the difference being significant for groups II and III. Its specificity, however, was lower than that of cytology in groups I and III, and similar in group II. CONCLUSION: The BTA test is a simple and useful method for the diagnosis and follow-up of bladder cancer. It has a higher sensitivity than urinary cytology, although its specificity is lower due to the higher number of false positives observed in patients with inflammatory bladder conditions. Randomized studies are warranted to determine if the accuracy of urinary cytology can be enhanced with the combined use of the BTA test which has been demonstrated to have a higher specificity.