Composites of ZnO nanoparticles and biomass based activated carbon: adsorption, photocatalytic and antibacterial capacities.

Composite material (AC-ZnO) was prepared by growing ZnO nanoparticles during the production of biomass based-activated carbon (AC) via the incorporation of zinc acetate in the process. Comprehensive analyses confirmed the presence of ZnO nanoparticles over the AC surface and described the particular nature of the composite adsorbent. Methylene blue (MB) equilibrium data fitted the Dubinin-Radushkevich model. The MB adsorption capacity was higher for the bare activated carbons (197.9-188.7 mg/g) than the activated carbons with ZnO nanoparticles (137.6-149.7 mg/g). The adsorption of the MB on the adsorbents is physical because the mean adsorption energy (E) is between 1.76 and 2.00 kJ/mol. Experiments that combine adsorption and photocatalysis were carried out with different loads of adsorbents and with and without UV-light exposure. Photocatalytic activity was identified mostly at the first stage of the adsorption process and, in the case of experiments with less load of the composite AC-ZnO, because the light obstruction effect of the activated carbon is more for higher loads. The ZnO grown over AC improves the adsorption of cations such as Pb, Al and Fe in aqueous phase (polluted river water) and provides antibacterial capacity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium.

Serum profile of cytokines interferon gamma and interleukin-10 in ewes subjected to artificial insemination by cervical retraction.

This study evaluated the influence of artificial insemination (AI) by cervical retraction (CRI) on serum levels of interferon gamma (IFNγ) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in ewes. Synchronized pluriparous Santa Inês ewes were subjected to natural mating (NM, n = 8) and AI, which was performed for a fixed time (55 ± 1 hour) by CRI (n = 8) or laparoscopy (n = 8). Ewes were classified as pregnant, with return to estrus (RE) or with embryonic loss (EL). Blood samples were collected on Day 0, Day 3, Day 5, Day 12, and Day 17 (Day 0 = AI/NM) for progesterone dosage and cytokines were quantified from Day 0 to Day 12. Progesterone levels were constant, except for a decrease in ewes with RE at Day 17 (P < 0.05). Regardless of the reproductive method used, there was no difference in the IFNγ and IL-10 levels at any time, with averages of 642.1, 713.2, and 741.2 pg/mL for IFNγ and 667.1, 616.8, and 721.1 pg/mL for IL-10 when using CRI, laproscopy, and NM, respectively. Regarding the physiological status, ewes with EL had lower serum levels of IFNγ and IL-10 than pregnant ewes and ewes with RE, regardless of the reproductive method used, with averages of 769.1, 714.9, and 555.7 pg/mL for IFNγ and 713.8, 699.3, and 578.7 pg/mL for IL-10 in pregnant ewes, ewes with RE and EL, respectively (P < 0.01). In conclusion, AI by CRI in Santa Inês ewes does not alter the profile of serum cytokines IFNγ and IL-10 and does not induce an inflammatory reaction that can compromise pregnancy.

Astroglial type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1): A new player in the tripartite synapse.

The endocannabinoid system is an important regulator of physiological functions. In the brain, this control is mainly exerted through the type-1-cannabinoid (CB1) receptors. CB1 receptors are abundant at neuron terminals where their stimulation inhibits neurotransmitter release. However, CB1 receptors are also expressed in astrocytes and recent studies showed that astroglial cannabinoid signaling is a key element of the tripartite synapse. In this review we discuss the different mechanisms by which astroglial CB1 receptors control synaptic transmission and plasticity. The recent involvement of astroglial CB1 receptors in the effects of cannabinoids on memory highlights their key roles in cognitive processes and further indicates that astrocytes are central active elements of high-order brain functions.

Essential actions of melatonin in protecting the ovary from oxidative damage.

Free radicals and other reactive species are involved in normal ovarian physiology. However, they are also highly reactive with complex cellular molecules (proteins, lipids, and DNA) and alter their functions leading to oxidative stress. Oxidative damage may play a prominent role in the development of disorders that considerably influence female fertility. Melatonin, because of its amphiphilic nature that allows for crossing morphophysiological barriers, is an effective antioxidant for protecting macromolecules against oxidative stress caused by reactive species. The balance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants within the follicle seems to be critical to the function of the oocyte and granulosa cells and evidence has accumulated showing that melatonin is involved in the protection of these cells. Melatonin appears to have varied functions at different stages of follicle development, oocyte maturation, and luteal stage. Melatonin concentration in the growing follicle may be an important factor in avoiding atresia, because melatonin in the follicular fluid reduces apoptosis of critical cells. Melatonin also has protective actions during oocyte maturation reducing intrafollicular oxidative damage. An association between melatonin concentrations in follicular fluid and oocyte quality has been reported; this would allow a preovulatory follicle to fully develop and provide a competent oocyte for fertilization. The functional role of reactive species and the cytoprotective properties of melatonin on the ovary from oxidative damage are summarized in this brief review.

Utilidad de los nuevos esquemas de agrupación de los grados de Fuhrman en la práctica clínica para el tumor renal de células claras / Usefulness of New Schemes to Group Fuhrman Grades in Clinical Practice for Clear Cell Renal Tumour

Objetivo: Evaluar si la re-clasificación de los carcinomas renales de células claras (CRCC) en dos o tres grados de Fuhrman (GF) frente a la clasificación clásica mantiene su valor pronóstico. Material y métodos: Estudio sobre una cohorte de 383 CRCC tratados con nefrectomía radical/parcial (1990-2009). Se analizaron datos demográficos, evolución y supervivencia de los pacientes. Un uropatólogo reasignó los grados de Fuhrman de forma ciega al informe original. Para estudiar si se mantenía el valor pronóstico con las distintas clasificaciones se realizaron tres análisis de regresión múltiple de Cox, categorizando la variable grado en 4 categorías (I-II-III-IV), en tres (I+II-III-IV) y en dos (I+II-III+IV). Las variables explicativas fueron: edad, sexo, tamaño tumoral, estadio y grado. Las variables respuesta fueron: tiempo de supervivencia libre de progresión (recidiva locorregional /metástasis) y de supervivencia cáncer-específica. Resultados: La mediana de supervivencia global fue de 125 meses (IC 95%: 92-159). En los tres análisis multivariantes el grado de Fuhrman demostró valor predictivo independiente (p=0,0001) frente al estadio para la supervivencia libre de progresión y supervivencia cáncer-específica. El valor pronóstico se mantuvo en las nuevas clasificaciones. En la de tres categorías el paso del grado I+II al III presentó un RR: 2,31(p=0,0001) y del grado III al IV un RR: 2,47(p=0,0001) y en la de dos categorías se observó un RR: 2,8 (p=0,001) al pasar del grado I+II al III+IV. Conclusiones: La categorización en dos o tres grupos del grado de Fuhrman mantiene la capacidad predictiva sobre la supervivencia libre de progresión y cáncer-específica. Los grados III y IV presentan evoluciones distintas, por lo que la clasificación en tres categorías parece más adecuada para describir la evolución de estos pacientes (AU)

Objective: To evaluate if re-grading renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) in two or three-tiered grading schemes versus the traditional Fuhrman classification maintains the same prognostic value. Material and methods: A study of a cohort of 383 treated CRCC with radical or partial nephrectomy between 1990-2009 was made. We analyzed the demographic data, evolution and survival of these patients. An uropathologist reassigned the Fuhrman grades blindly to the first classification. In order to study if the prognostic value was maintained with the different classification, three Cox multivariate regression analysis were performed, classifying the variable of grade into four categories: (I-II-III-IV), into three (I+II-III-IV) and into two (I+II-III+IV). The explanatory variables were: age, gender, tumor size, study stage and grade. The response variables were progression-free survival (local-regional recurrence/metastasis) and cancer specific survival time. Results: The median overall survival was 125 months (95% CI: 92-159). In the three multivariate analyses carried out, the Fuhrman classification showed independent predictive value (p=:0.0001) compared to progression-free survival and cancer specific survival. The predictive power was maintained in the new classifications. In the three categories, the changing from grade I+II to III meant RR: 2.31 (p=0.0001) and from grade III to IV RR: 2.47 (p=0.0001) and in two-tiered classification an RR: 2.8 (p=0.001) was found when changing from I+II to III+IV. Conclusions: Our results show that categorizing the Fuhrman grade into three or two-tiered grading schemes provide the same predictive accuracy on progressive free survival and cancer specific survival. Grades III and IV have different outcomes so that the three-tiered classification seems to be more appropriate to described the course of these patients (AU)

Prognostic nomogram for disease-free survival in patients with renal adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a postoperative prognostic nomogram for disease-free survival in patients with renal adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 224 patients with organ-confined or locally advanced renal adenocarcinoma were treated with radical or partial nephrectomy. The variables included in the model were age, histological type, pathological stage, Fuhrman grade and DNA ploidy. Tumor recurrence was defined as any clinical evidence of recurrence. The probability of progression-free survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimate, and multivariate analysis was performed using a Cox regression. The nomogram was created using the data obtained from the Cox regression. RESULTS: Tumor recurrence was detected in 89 patients (39.74%). The median progression-free time in these patients was 9.55 months (range 0-133). Of these patients, 70.9% relapsed during the first 2 years, and only 15 patients (6.9%) were alive but ill at the end of the study. The probability of progression-free survival at 5 and 10 years was 66.64 and 61.97%, respectively. We performed a statistical validation of the model with accurate predictions that were discriminated with a confidence interval of 0.75 (comparing the predicted and actual probability). According to the nomogram obtained, patients with low-grade, diploid, organ-confined tumors would be candidates for follow-up not exceeding 5 years due to the low probability of recurrence (<40 points). CONCLUSION: The nomogram we developed is clinically relevant and can provide prognostic information for both patients and researchers. In addition, it can be used by researchers during the monitoring protocols that categorize patients based on their relative risk of disease progression.

First-line chemotherapy with liposomal doxorubicin plus cisplatin for patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma: phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy based on platinum is the standard treatment for unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Liposomal doxorubicin (LD) consists of pegylated phospholipid vesicles that encapsulate doxorubicin-enhancing liposome deposition in the tumour. We evaluated the toxicity profile and anti-tumour activity of cisplatin plus LD in untreated patients with MPM, as well as (99m)Tc-LD distribution in MPM lesions after chemotherapy administration. METHODS: A total of 38 patients with non-resectable MPM received LD 40 mg m(-2) and cisplatin 60 mg m(-2) every 21 days. Gamma camera images of (99m)Tc-LD were acquired to evaluate LD accumulation in measurable tumour tissue. The study was registered in Clinical Trials (NCT00886028). RESULTS: In all, 72% of patients were stage III and 28% were stage IV. Eighty four percent and 16% have high and low risk acording EORTC respectively. The median time to progression was 4.6 months (95% confidence interval (95% CI: 3.4-5.9 months), and median overall survival (OS) was 19.6 months (15.2-37.2 months). Patients that responded to chemotherapy treatment had better survival than patients who did not. Functional physical scales, dysnea, cough, and chest/arm pain demonstrated improvement. The accumulation ratio of LD in tumour and soft tissues vs liver was 0.78±0.16 and 0.29±0.09, respectively. After 1 h of administration, LD uptake in tumour tissue was higher than in soft tissue (P< 0.001). CONCLUSION: The combination of LD and cisplatin results in an active therapeutic regimen for unresectable MPM, with an acceptable toxicity profile and improvement in quality of life. (99m)Tc-LD showed higher levels of tumour uptake as compared with surrounding tissues.

[Usefulness of new schemes to group Fuhrman grades in clinical practice for clear cell renal tumour]. / Utilidad de los nuevos esquemas de agrupación de los grados de Fuhrman en la práctica clínica para el tumor renal de células claras.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if re-grading renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) in two or three-tiered grading schemes versus the traditional Fuhrman classification maintains the same prognostic value. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A study of a cohort of 383 treated CRCC with radical or partial nephrectomy between 1990-2009 was made. We analyzed the demographic data, evolution and survival of these patients. An uropathologist reassigned the Fuhrman grades blindly to the first classification. In order to study if the prognostic value was maintained with the different classification, three Cox multivariate regression analysis were performed, classifying the variable of grade into four categories: (I-II-III-IV), into three (I+II-III-IV) and into two (I+II-III+IV). The explanatory variables were: age, gender, tumor size, study stage and grade. The response variables were progression-free survival (local-regional recurrence/metastasis) and cancer specific survival time. RESULTS: The median overall survival was 125 months (95% CI: 92-159). In the three multivariate analyses carried out, the Fuhrman classification showed independent predictive value (p=:0.0001) compared to progression-free survival and cancer specific survival. The predictive power was maintained in the new classifications. In the three categories, the changing from grade I+II to III meant RR: 2.31 (p=0.0001) and from grade III to IV RR: 2.47 (p=0.0001) and in two-tiered classification an RR: 2.8 (p=0.001) was found when changing from I+II to III+IV. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that categorizing the Fuhrman grade into three or two-tiered grading schemes provide the same predictive accuracy on progressive free survival and cancer specific survival. Grades III and IV have different outcomes so that the three-tiered classification seems to be more appropriate to described the course of these patients.

[Prognostic value of venous tumor thrombus in renal cell carcinoma]. / Análisis del valor pronóstico de la trombosis tumoral venosa en el adenocarcinoma renal.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of venous tumor thrombus in renal cell carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 167 patients with renal cell carcinoma and stage pT3 who underwent radical nephrectomy and extended lymphadenectomy from July 1969 to May 2008 was conducted. Patients with any kind of venous involvement were selected for the analysis (73 patients; 43.7%). The Kaplan Meier survival curves and log-rank test for comparisons were used for the survival analysis. Multivariate analysis was done by Cox regression. RESULTS: Lymph node involvement was present in 30 patients (41.1%) and metastatic disease in 9 patients (12.3%). The most frequent histologic renal cell carcinoma subtype was 50 (68.5%) conventional carcinoma, followed by nondifferentiated in 11 (15.5%), and chromophobe in 9 (12.3%). High grade tumors (Furhman 3-4) were present in 57% of the cases. Venous thrombus level extended to renal vein in 61 patients (83.6%), to inferior vena cava in 9 patients (12.3%) and to the cardiac right atrium in 3 cases (4.1%). The survival analysis showed worse survival in those patients with venous tumor thrombosis (p=.001) and with vein wall invasion (p=.0042), but not in function on the level of the thrombus (p=.12). The multivariate analysis identified the Furhman grade and venous tumor thrombosis as independent survival prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, venous tumor thrombosis, together with the Furhman nuclear grade, is an independent survival prognostic factor. However, neither cephalic extension of the thrombus nor the invasion of the vein wall showed independent prognostic value.

Causas, características y evolución a medio plazo de la retención aguda de orina en las mujeres remitidas a una Unidad de Urodinámica / Causes, Characteristics and Mid-Term Course of Acute Urinary Retention in Women Referred to a Urodynamics Unit

Objetivos: La retención aguda de orina (RAO) es poco frecuente en mujeres y puede relacionarse con distintas patologías. Sólo algunas pacientes son remitidas a una Unidad de Urodinámica para un estudio más exhaustivo. Se pretende describir las características y causas de RAO en las mujeres derivadas a nuestra unidad y analizar su evolución a medio plazo. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo (enero 1982- diciembre 2006) incluyendo las mujeres derivadas a la Unidad de Urodinámica tras sufrir una RAO. Se revisaron las historias clínicas con especial énfasis en antecedentes personales, exploración física, así como estudio urodinámico completo durante el episodio de RAO y una vez superado este. Resultados: Se incluyeron 202 mujeres, con una mediana de edad de 57 años (12- 87). Previamente 59 pacientes (28,7%) presentaban síntomas de vaciado. Los patrones urodinámicos que se encontraron fueron: 65 hipocontractilidad vesical (32,2%), 64 estudio normal (31,7%), 37 acontractilidad (18,3%), 21 obstrucción infravesical (10,4%) y 15 ausencia de relajación de suelo pélvico (7,4%). Las principales causas de RAO fueron: 53 neurológica (26,2%); 46 causa desconocida (22,8%); 19 ginecológica (9,4%); 22 diabetes mellitus (10,9%); y 16 urológica (7,9%). Deterioraron la función renal 14 mujeres (6,9%). Tras la RAO 106 mujeres (52,4%) necesitaron continuar con algún tipo de tratamiento. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie la RAO en mujeres suele ser consecuencia de una enfermedad neurológica o uroginecológica subyacente, aunque en un porcentaje importante de pacientes no se logra filiar la causa. La mitad de las pacientes se recuperaron totalmente y no precisaron ningún tipo de tratamiento (AU)

Objectives: Acute urinary retention (AUR) is uncommon in women and can be related to different conditions. Only some patients are referred to the urodynamics units for a more extensive study. We intend to describe the characteristics and causes of AUR in women referred to our unit and to analyze their middle term evolution. Material and Methods: We performed a descriptive retrospective study (January 1982-December 2006), including the women referred to our Uro-Neurology and Urodynamics Unit after suffering an AUR. Medical charts were reviewed with special emphasis on medical history, physical examination, and also complete urodynamics study during the AUR event and after its resolution. Results: A total of 202 women were included, median age of 57 years (12-87 years). Prior to the AUR, 59 women (28.7%) reported voiding symptoms. The urodynamics findings were: 65 (32.2%) detrusor hypocontractility; 64 (31.7%) normal study; 37 (18.3%) detrusor acontractility; 21 (10.4%) bladder outlet obstruction; 15 (7.4%) poor pelvic floor relaxation. The causes of the AUR were: 53 neurological (26.2%); 46 unknown (22.8%); 19 gynecological (9.4%); 22 diabetes mellitus (10.9%); 16 urological (7.9%). Renal insufficiency was observed in 14 patients (6.9%). After the AUR 106 women (52.4%) needed some kind of prolonged treatment. Conclusions: In our experience, AUR in the female is mainly related to underlying neurologic/urogynecologic disease, even though the etiology could not be known in a significant percentage of patients. Half of the patients recovered completely and did not require any treatment (AU)

[Causes, characteristics and mid-term course of acute urinary retention in women referred to a urodynamics unit]. / Causas, características y evolución a medio plazo de la retención aguda de orina en las mujeres remitidas a una Unidad de Urodinámica.

OBJECTIVES: Acute urinary retention (AUR) is uncommon in women and can be related to different conditions. Only some patients are referred to the urodynamics units for a more extensive study. We intend to describe the charcteristics and causes of AUR in women referred to our unit and to analyze their middle term evolution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a descriptive retrospective study (January 1982-December 2006), including the women referred to our Uro-Neurology and Urodynamics Unit after suffering an AUR. Medical charts were reviewed with special emphasis on medical history, physical examination, and also complete urodynamics study during the AUR event and after its resolution. RESULTS: A total of 202 women were included, median age of 57 years (12-87 years). Prior to the AUR, 59 women (28.7%) reported voiding symptoms. The urodynamics findings were: 65 (32.2%) detrusor hypocontractility; 64 (31.7%) normal study; 37 (18.3%) detrusor acontractility; 21 (10.4%) bladder outlet obstruction; 15 (7.4%) poor pelvic floor relaxation. The causes of the AUR were: 53 neurological (26.2%); 46 unknown (22.8%); 19 gynecological (9.4%); 22 diabetes mellitus (10.9%); 16 urological (7.9%). Renal insufficiency was observed in 14 patients (6.9%). After the AUR 106 women (52.4%) needed some kind of prolonged treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, AUR in the female is mainly related to underlying neurologic/urogynecologic disease, even though the etiology could not be known in a significant percentage of patients. Half of the patients recovered completely and did not require any treatment.

In vivo aneuploidization during the expansion of renal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A correlation has been observed between DNA ploidy and other prognostic parameters such as tumor stage and grade. The present study evaluates tumor aneuploidization during renal adenocarcinoma expansion and growth. METHODS: A total of 252 renal tumors were analyzed between 1969 and 2001. Evaluated variables were age, TNM, Fuhrman classification, histology, size and DNA. A tumor was homogeneous when all the samples were diploid or aneuploid, and a heterogeneous tumor was the coexistence of aneuploid and diploid samples, or all-aneuploid with different aneuploid clones. RESULTS: A total of 224 tumors were included (coefficient of variation <8). The DNA study classified 129 (57.6%) as diploid and 95 (42.4%) as aneuploid. The percentage of aneuploid tumors increased significantly with the pathological stage. Both aneuploid patterns were also significantly more frequent in advanced pathological stages. Tumors with multiple aneuploid clones (n = 17) were significantly more frequent in tumors measuring `4 cm. Both aneuploid patterns showed no differences in survival (p = 0.83), indicating that the heterogeneous pattern probably represents an intermediate step between diploid and homogeneous aneuploid tumor status. CONCLUSIONS: The aneuploid pattern is more common in more advanced stages of the disease, with no clear correlation to primary tumor size. This suggests gradual aneuploidization with tumor expansion and growth.

[Watchful waiting in incidental adenocarcinoma of the prostate]. / Actitud expectante en el adenocarcinoma incidental de próstata.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcome of patients diagnosed of incidental prostate adenocarcinoma managed by watchful waiting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included patients with PSA< 4 ng/mL or higher with previous negative biopsy, who underwent surgery for BPH being diagnosed of incidental prostate adenocarcinoma. We performed a descriptive and retrospective study in patients with this diagnosis between 1992 and 2007. Salvage curative treatment was offered to those patients who progressed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS program. Progression variables were: age, preoperative and postoperative PSA, stage, Gleason score, prostate volume, initial treatment, PSA evolution and salvage treatment if necessary. RESULTS: 47 patients were diagnosed of incidental prostatic adenocarcinoma, finding an incidence of 4.25%. The medium follow up was 37 months. Of the patients who opted for watchful waiting, 72.5% remain on it. 11 patients progressed. Postoperative PSA and Gleason score showed up as prognostic variables of progression in T1a stage and postsurgery PSA did so in T1b patients. CONCLUSION: Watchful waiting is a useful option in patients with incidental prostate adenocarcinoma and favourable prognostic criteria. Postoperative PSA and Gleason score can predict progression in T1a stage and postoperative PSA in T1b stage.

Liposarcoma desdiferenciado de alto grado de cordón espermático. A propósito de un caso / High grade dedifferenciated liposarcoma. Case report and review of the literature

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