Bidirectional Barbed Suture for Bladder Neck Reconstruction, Posterior Reconstruction and Vesicourethral Anastomosis During Robot Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Background: The urethrovesical anastomosis is a particular challenging step of robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Failure to achieve a watertight anastomosis is associated with postoperative urinary leak and its consequences, which include paralytic ileus, prolonged catheterization, urinary peritonitis and possibly re-intervention. The bidirectional barbed suture is a new technology that may lead to improve the quality of the urethrovesical anastomosis. Objective: To present our surgical technique of urethrovesical anastomosis, bladder neck reconstruction and posterior reconstruction, using a bidirectional barbed suture. Material and methods: The bladder neck reconstruction, posterior reconstruction and vesicourethral anastomosis were performed using a 2-0 synthetic absorbable bidirectional monofilament barbed suture Results: All cases were finished successfully without major complication or conversion to laparoscopic or open surgery. Conclusion: The authors successfully modified their RARP technique to take advantage of the properties of the bidirectional barbed suture. Comparative studies that evaluate objective outcomes such as leakage rates and operative time are needed to definitely establish the benefits of this device in comparison to the traditional absorbable monofilament. (C) 2011 AEU. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.

Stabilization of polyaniline by the incorporation of magnetite nanoparticles

Nanocomposites obtained from the polymerization of aniline in the presence of nanoparticles of magnetite (Fe3O4) have been investigated in previous studies. However, there is a lack of information available on the redox interaction of the nanoparticle/conductive polymer couple and the stability that such an oxide can give to the organic phase. In this work, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were incorporated into a PANi matrix by the in-situ oxidative polymerization method. A combination of X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy as well as the cyclic voltammetric and Raman spectroscopy techniques, was used to understand the redox effect that the partially oxidized nanoparticles produced on the polymer. It was found that magnetite greatly stabilised PANi, mainly by enhancing the Leucoemeraldine/Emeraldine redox couple and also by reducing the bipolaronic state. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On the Reaction of Lupulones, Hops beta-Acids, with 1-Hydroxyethyl Radical

Lupulones, hops beta-acids, are one of the main constituents of the hops resin and have an important contribution to the overall bacteriostatic activity of hops during beer brewing. The use of lupulones as natural alternatives to antibiotics is increasing in the food industry and also in bioethanol production. However, lupulones are easy oxidizable and have been shown to be very reactive toward 1-hydroxyethyl radical with apparent bimolecular rate constants close to diffusion control k = 2.9 x 10(8) and 2.6 x 10(8) L mol(-1) s(-1) at 25.0 +/- 0.2 degrees C in ethanol water solution (10% of ethanol (v/v)) as probed by EPR and ESI-IT-MS/MS spin-trapping competitive kinetics, respectively. The free energy change for an electron-transfer mechanism is Delta G degrees = 106 kJ/mol as calculated from the oxidation peak potential experimentally determined for lupulones (1.1 V vs NHE) by cyclic voltammetry and the reported reduction potential for 1-hydroxyethyl radical. The major reaction products identified by LC-ESI-IT-MS/MS and ultrahigh-resolution accurate mass spectrometry (orbitrap FT-MS) are hydroxylated lupulone derivatives and 1-hydroxyethyl radical adducts. The lack of pH dependence for the reaction rate constant, the calculated free energy change for electron transfer, and the main reaction products strongly suggest the prenyl side chains at the hops beta-acids as the reaction centers rather than the beta,beta'-triketone moiety.

Impact of the Manaus urban plume on trace gas mixing ratios near the surface in the Amazon Basin: Implications for the NO-NO2-O-3 photostationary state and peroxy radical levels

We measured the mixing ratios of NO, NO2, O-3, and volatile organic carbon as well as the aerosol light-scattering coefficient on a boat platform cruising on rivers downwind of the city of Manaus (Amazonas State, Brazil) in July 2001 (Large-Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia-Cooperative LBA Airborne Regional Experiment-2001). The dispersion and impact of the Manaus plume was investigated by a combined analysis of ground-based (boat platform) and airborne trace gas and aerosol measurements as well as by meteorological measurements complemented by dispersion calculations (Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model). For the cases with the least anthropogenic influence (including a location in a so far unexplored region similar to 150 km west of Manaus on the Rio Manacapuru), the aerosol scattering coefficient, sigma(s), was below 11 Mm(-1), NOx mixing ratios remained below 0.6 ppb, daytime O-3 mixing ratios were mostly below 20 ppb and maximal isoprene mixing ratios were about 3 ppb in the afternoon. The photostationary state (PSS) was not established for these cases, as indicated by values of the Leighton ratio, Phi, well above unity. Due to the influence of river breeze systems and other thermally driven mesoscale circulations, a change of the synoptic wind direction from east-northeast to south-southeast in the afternoon often caused a substantial increase of ss and trace gas mixing ratios (about threefold for sigma(s), fivefold for NOx, and twofold for O-3), which was associated with the arrival of the Manaus pollution plume at the boat location. The ratio F reached unity within its uncertainty range at NOx mixing ratios of about 3 ppb, indicating "steady-state" conditions in cases when radiation variations, dry deposition, emissions, and reactions mostly involving peroxy radicals (XO2) played a minor role. The median midday/afternoon XO2 mixing ratios estimated using the PSS method range from 90 to 120 parts per trillion (ppt) for the remote cases (sigma(s) < 11 Mm(-1) and NOx < 0.6 ppb), while for the polluted cases our estimates are 15 to 60 ppt. These values are within the range of XO2 estimated by an atmospheric chemistry box model (Chemistry As A Box model Application-Module Efficiently Calculating the Chemistry of the Atmosphere (CAABA/MECCA)-3.0).

Analysis of Passion Fruit rinds (Passiflora edulis): Isoorientin quantification by hptlc and evaluation of antioxidant (radical scavenging) capacity

The content of isoorientin in passion fruit rinds (Passiflora Mulls fo. flavicarpa O. Degener) was determined by HPTLC (high performance thin layer chromatography) with densitometric analysis. The results revealed a higher amount of isoorientin in healthy rinds of P edulis (92.275 +/- 0.610 mg L-1) than in rinds with typical symptoms of PWV (Passion fruit Woodiness Virus) infection (28.931 +/- 0.346 mg L-1). The HPTLC data, allied to assays of radical scavenging activity, suggest the potential of P Mulls rinds as a natural source of flavonoids or as a possible functional food.

Early postoperative pelvic-floor biofeedback improves erectile function in men undergoing radical prostatectomy: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence are common complications following radical prostatectomy (RP). Although pelvic-floor biofeedback training (PFBT) may improve urinary continence following RP, its effects on the recovery of potency are unknown. Fifty-two patients selected for RP were prospectively randomized for a treatment group (n=26) receiving PFBT once a week for 3 months and home exercises or a control group (n=26), in which patients received verbal instructions to contract the pelvic floor. Erectile function (EF) was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) before surgery and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Patients were considered potent when they had a total IIEF-5 score >20. Continence status was assessed and defined as the use of no pads. Groups were comparable in terms of age, body mass index, diabetes, pathological tumor stage and neurovascular bundle preservation. A significant reduction in IIEF-5 scores was observed after surgery in both groups. In the treatment group, 8 (47.1%) patients recovered potency 12 months postoperatively, as opposed to 2 (12.5%) in the control group (P=0.032). The absolute risk reduction was 34.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8-64%) and the number needed to treat was 3 (95% CI: 1.5-17.2). A strong association between recovery of potency and urinary continence was observed, with continent patients having a 5.4 higher chance of being potent (P=0.04). Early PFBT appears to have a significant impact on the recovery of EF after RP. Urinary continence status was a good indicator of EF recovery, with continent patients having a higher chance of being potent.

The radical SeCl: A theoretical contribution to the characterization of its low-lying electronic states

All doublet and quartet electronic states correlating with the first dissociation channel of SeCl and some Rydberg states are investigated theoretically at the CASSCF/MRCI level of theory using extended basis sets, including the contribution of spin-orbit effects. The similarity of the potential energy curves with those of SeF suggests that spectroscopic constants for the ground (X (2)Pi) and the first excited quartet (a(4)Sigma) of SeCl could also be determined via an emission resulting from the reaction of selenium with atomic chlorine. The coupling constant of the ground state at R-e is estimated as -1610 cm (1). The potential energy curves calculated and the derived spectroscopic constants do not support the interpretation and assignment of the scarce transitions recorded experimentally as due to (2)Pi-(2)Pi emissions. That the few observed lines might arise from transitions from the state b(4)Sigma(-)(1/2) to a very high vibrational level of the state a(4)Sigma(-)(1/2) is an open possibility, however, the number of vibrational states and the calculated Delta G(1/2) differ significantly from the reported ones. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

ON THE RADICAL OF A FREE MALCEV ALGEBRA

We prove that the prime radical rad M of the free Malcev algebra M of rank more than two over a field of characteristic not equal 2 coincides with the set of all universally Engelian elements of M. Moreover, let T(M) be the ideal of M consisting of all stable identities of the split simple 7-dimensional Malcev algebra M over F. It is proved that rad M = J(M) boolean AND T(M), where J(M) is the Jacobian ideal of M. Similar results were proved by I. Shestakov and E. Zelmanov for free alternative and free Jordan algebras.

Analysis of passion fruit rinds (Passiflora edulis): isoorientin quantification by HPTLC and evaluation of antioxidant (radical scavenging) capacity

The content of isoorientin in passion fruit rinds (Passiflora edulis fo. flavicarpa O. Degener) was determined by HPTLC (high performance thin layer chromatography) with densitometric analysis. The results revealed a higher amount of isoorientin in healthy rinds of P. edulis (92.275 ± 0.610 mg L-1) than in rinds with typical symptoms of PWV (Passion fruit Woodiness Virus) infection (28.931 ± 0.346 mg L-1). The HPTLC data, allied to assays of radical scavenging activity, suggest the potential of P. edulis rinds as a natural source of flavonoids or as a possible functional food.

Effect of incorporation of amaranth on the physical properties and nutritional value of cheese bread

At the present celiac disease has no known cure, and its only treatment is a strict lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet. Cheese bread is a traditional Brazilian product and a safe option for celiacs. However, like other gluten-free breads, it has inherent low levels of fibers and minerals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of incorporation of whole amaranth flour on the physical properties and nutritional value of cheese bread. Amaranth flour was incorporated at 10, 15, and 20% proportions in different formulations. The increasing amaranth levels darkened the product, reduced specific volume, and increased compression force. Ten percent amaranth-content cheese breads exhibited slight differences in physical properties compared with the controls. These results demonstrated the possibility of incorporating 10% of whole amaranth flour in the formulation of cheese bread resulting in a product with higher dietary fiber and iron contents and the same level of acceptance as that of the conventional formulation. The aim of this approach is to increase the availability of gluten-free bakery products with added nutritional value contributing to increase the variety of the diet of celiac patients.

Relacionismo substancial: a ontologia do comportamento à luz do behaviorismo radical

Sob a influência do pragmatismo e contextualismo pepperiano, analistas do comportamento extraíram do behaviorismo radical qualquer posição ontológica. Como resultado, há a defesa de um relacionismo radical no qual a única propriedade relevante para a existência do comportamento é a própria relação que o define. O objetivo deste ensaio é avaliar a pertinência dessa posição. Três questões guiram esse trabalho: (1) Por que a substância não é importante para o behaviorismo radical?; (2) Por que a substância é importante para o behaviorismo radical?; e (3) Qual seria, de fato, o posicionamento ontológico mais condizente com o behaviorismo radical? Argumenta-se que o relacionismo radical não reflete com acurácia a ontologia behaviorista radical e sugere-se que o relacionismo substancial seja a posição mais coerente.

Modulation of plasma levels and percentages of incorporation of ω-3 PUFAs in egg yolk under the influence of supplementation sources rich in omega 3 to diet of laying

Hundred forty-four Shaver White laying hens were used over a 4 week experimental period to investigate the effect of 3% of soybean oil, corn oil (MIL), canola oil, flaxseed oil (LIN), salmon oil (SAL) or tuna and sardine oil (SR/AT) added to the diets, upon the fatty acid egg yolk composition, blood plasma levels and incorporation time of each fatty acid into the egg yolk. Hens were allocated into 72 cages and the experimental design was a 6 x 6 randomized factorial model. Hens fed 3% of different oils, responded with increased polyunsaturated fatty acids omega 3 (ω-3 PUFAs), except for corn oil. The addition of flaxseed, soybean or corn oil into the diet increased the PUFAs levels into the egg yolk and in the blood plasma. Adding tuna and sardine oil into the diet increased the concentration of yolk saturated fatty acids. The levels of ω-3 PUFAs were increased in the tuna and sardine oil treatment, while the flaxseed oil increased the plasma fatty acids. The deposition of 349.28 mg/yolk of a-linolenic fatty acids (ALA) was higher in the group fed LIN, while the higher equal to 157.13 mg DHA/yolk was observed in group SR/AT. In the plasma, deposition increased from 0.33% (MIL) for 6.29% ALA (LIN), while that of DHA increase of 0.47% (MIL) for 4.24% (SAL) and 4.48% (SR/AT) and of 0.98% (MIL) for 6.14% (SR/AT) and 8.44% (LIN) of ω-3 PUFAs. The percentage of EPA into the yolk and plasma was higher for the hens fed 3% tuna and sardine oil diet, as well as the levels of yolk DHA. The concentration of DHA into the plasma was higher for the salmon and tuna/sardine oil treatments. The PUFAs yolk decreased during the first eight days of experiment, while the ω-3 PUFAs increased during the same period. The concentration of ALA increased until ten days of experiment, while the percentage of EPA and DHA increased up to the eighth experimental day

Irradiación radical convencional e hiperfraccionada del carcinoma de cabeza y cuello localmente avanzado : ensayos predictivos de toxicidad mediante estudios de radiosensibilidad de linfocitos in vitro y estudio de calidad de vida : tesis doctoral

Programa de Doctorado: Cáncer: Biología y Clínica

Constitutive gene expression profile segregates toxicity in locally advanced breast cancer patients treated with high-dose hyperfractionated radical radiotherapy

[EN] Breast cancer patients show a wide variation in normal tissue reactions after radiotherapy. The individual sensitivity to x-rays limits the efficiency of the therapy. Prediction of individual sensitivity to radiotherapy could help to select the radiation protocol and to improve treatment results. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between gene expression profiles of ex vivo un-irradiated and irradiated lymphocytes and the development of toxicity due to high-dose hyperfractionated radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Raw data from microarray experiments were uploaded to the Gene Expression Omnibus Database http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/ (GEO accession GSE15341). We obtained a small group of 81 genes significantly regulated by radiotherapy, lumped in 50 relevant pathways. Using ANOVA and t-test statistical tools we found 20 and 26 constitutive genes (0 Gy) that segregate patients with and without acute and late toxicity, respectively. Non-supervised hierarchical clustering was used for the visualization of results. Six and 9 pathways were significantly regulated respectively. Concerning to irradiated lymphocytes (2 Gy), we founded 29 genes that separate patients with acute toxicity and without it. Those genes were gathered in 4 significant pathways. We could not identify a set of genes that segregates patients with and without late toxicity. In conclusion, we have found an association between the constitutive gene expression profile of peripheral blood lymphocytes and the development of acute and late toxicity in consecutive, unselected patients. These observations suggest the possibility of predicting normal tissue response to irradiation in high-dose non-conventional radiation therapy regimens. Prospective studies with higher number of patients are needed to validate these preliminary results.