Immobilization of TiO2NP@ oxidized cellulose nanocrystals for paper-based active packaging materials.

In the current work, we present a renewable alternative coating formulation made of durable titania nanoparticles and oxidized nanocellulose (TiO2NPs@OCNs) nanocomposites and sodium alginate (SA), to create an environmentally friendly and secure food packaging paper. OCNs sugarcane fibers are firstly hydrolyzed using ammonium persulphate (APS). Then, TiO2NPs@OCNs nanocomposites are made in situ with OCNs using a green water-based sol-gel synthesis. Gram (+) microorganisms as well as Gram (-) bacteria are used to test the antibacterial properties of the TiO2NPs@OCN dispersions. The results show that the TiO2NP@OCNs significantly decreases the growth for all bacterial species. The TiO2NP@OCNs nanocomposites are mixed with SA, and the resulting formulations are used to coat paper sheets. The corresponding physicochemical properties are evaluated using FTIR, TGA, AFM, SEM, and EDX. Furthermore, the mechanical strength, air permeability, and water vapor characteristics of the paper sheets treated with SA/TiO2NPs@OCN are carried out, resulting in a great improvement of these properties. Finally, the SA/TiO2NPs@OCNs coated papers have been used as packaging for strawberries. The findings demonstrate that coated papers could preserve strawberry quality better than unpacked fruit and extend strawberry shelf life from 6 to 18 days.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes protect photosynthetic reactions in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii against photoinhibition.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are among the most exploited carbon allotropes in nanosensing, bioengineering, and photobiological applications, however, the interactions of nanotubes with the photosynthetic process and structures are still poorly understood. We found that SWCNTs are not toxic to the photosynthetic apparatus of the model unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and demonstrate that this carbon nanomaterial can protect algal photosynthesis against photoinhibition. The results show that the inherent phytotoxicity of the nanotubes may be overcome by an intentional selection of nanomaterial characteristics. A low concentration (2 µg mL-1) of well-dispersed, purified and small SWCNTs did not alter the growth and pigment accumulation of the cultures. Indeed, under the photoinhibitory conditions of our experiments, SWCNT-enriched samples were characterized by a lower rate of PSII inactivation, reduced excitation pressure in PSII, a higher rate of photosynthetic electron transport, and an increased non-photochemical quenching in comparison with the controls. In addition, SWCNTs change the distribution of energy between the photosystems in favour of PSII (state 1). The underlying mechanism of this action is not yet understood but possibly, electrons or energy can be exchanged between the redox active nanotubes and photosynthetic components, and probably other redox active intra-chloroplast constituents. Alternatively, nanotubes may promote the formation of an NPQ conformation of PSII. Our results provided evidence for such electron/energy transfer from photosynthetic structures toward the nanotubes. The discovered photoprotective effects can potentially be used in photobiotechnology to maintain the photosynthetic activity of microorganisms under unfavourable conditions.

Evaluation of Long-Lasting Antibacterial Properties and Cytotoxic Behavior of Functionalized Silver-Nanocellulose Composite.

Materials possessing long-term antibacterial behavior and high cytotoxicity are of extreme interest in several applications, from biomedical devices to food packaging. Furthermore, for the safeguard of the human health and the environment, it is also stringent keeping in mind the need to gather good functional performances with the development of ecofriendly materials and processes. In this study, we propose a green fabrication method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles supported on oxidized nanocellulose (ONCs), acting as both template and reducing agent. The complete structural and morphological characterization shows that well-dispersed and crystalline Ag nanoparticles of about 10-20 nm were obtained in the cellulose matrix. The antibacterial properties of Ag-nanocomposites (Ag-ONCs) were evaluated through specific Agar diffusion tests against E. coli bacteria, and the results clearly demonstrate that Ag-ONCs possess high long-lasting antibacterial behavior, retained up to 85% growth bacteria inhibition, even after 30 days of incubation. Finally, cell viability assays reveal that Ag-ONCs show a significant cytotoxicity in mouse embryonic fibroblasts.

Is possible to rule out clinically significant prostate cancer using PI-RADS v2 for the assessment of prostate MRI?

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the diagnostic performance and interobserver agreement of PI-RADS v2. Materials and Methods In this Institutional Review Board approved single-center retrospective study, 98 patients with clinically suspected PCa who underwent 3-T multiparametric MRI followed by MRI/TRUS fusion-guided prostate biopsy were included from June 2013 to February 2015. Two radiologists (R1 and R2) with 8 and 1 years of experience in abdominal radiology reviewed the MRI scans and assigned PI-RADS v2 scores in all prostate zones. PI-RADS v2 were compared to MRI/TRUS fusion-guided biopsy results, which were classified as negative, PCa, and significant PCa (sPCa). Results Sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV and accuracy for PCa was 85.7% (same for all metrics) for R1 and 81.6%, 79.6%, 81.2%, 80.0% and 80.6% for R2. For detecting sPCa, the corresponding values were 95.3%, 85.4%, 95.9%, 83.7% and 89.8% for R1 and 93.0%, 81.8%, 93.7%, 86.7% and 86.7% for R2. There was substantial interobserver agreement in assigning PI-RADS v2 score as negative (1, 2, 3) or positive (4, 5) (Kappa=0.78). On multivariate analysis, PI-RADS v2 (p <0.001) was the only independent predictor of sPCa compared with age, abnormal DRE, prostate volume, PSA and PSA density. Conclusions Our study population demonstrated that PI-RADS v2 had high diagnostic accuracy, substantial interobserver agreement, and it was the only independent predictor of sPCa.

Is possible to rule out clinically significant prostate cancer using PI-RADS v2 for the assessment of prostate MRI?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic performance and interobserver agreement of PI-RADS v2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this Institutional Review Board approved single-center retrospective study, 98 patients with clinically suspected PCa who underwent 3-T multiparametric MRI followed by MRI/TRUS fusion-guided prostate biopsy were included from June 2013 to February 2015. Two radiologists (R1 and R2) with 8 and 1 years of experience in abdominal radiology reviewed the MRI scans and assigned PI-RADS v2 scores in all prostate zones. PI-RADS v2 were compared to MRI/TRUS fusion-guided biopsy results, which were classified as negative, PCa, and significant PCa (sPCa). RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV and accuracy for PCa was 85.7% (same for all metrics) for R1 and 81.6%, 79.6%, 81.2%, 80.0% and 80.6% for R2. For detecting sPCa, the corresponding values were 95.3%, 85.4%, 95.9%, 83.7% and 89.8% for R1 and 93.0%, 81.8%, 93.7%, 86.7% and 86.7% for R2. There was substantial interobserver agreement in assigning PI-RADS v2 score as negative (1, 2, 3) or positive (4, 5) (Kappa=0.78). On multivariate analysis, PI-RADS v2 (p <0.001) was the only independent predictor of sPCa compared with age, abnormal DRE, prostate volume, PSA and PSA density. CONCLUSIONS: Our study population demonstrated that PI-RADS v2 had high diagnostic accuracy, substantial interobserver agreement, and it was the only independent predictor of sPCa.

Effects of Prostatic Artery Embolization on the Dynamic Component of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia as Assessed by Ultrasound Elastography: A Pilot Series.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) on prostatic elasticity as assessed by Ultrasound Elastography (US-E), as well as to describe the feasibility and role of US-E as a novel tool in both pre- and post-PAE evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, single-center investigation that included eight patients undergoing PAE for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributed to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Baseline and 3-month follow-up evaluations were performed and included prostate-specific antigen (PSA), uroflowmetry, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and clinical assessment using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire and the IPSS-Quality of life (QoL) item. US-E with measurement of the prostatic Elastic Modulus (EM) was performed before PAE and at 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: After PAE, US-E showed a significant reduction of prostatic EM as assessed in kPa (33.14 vs. 47.24, - 29.8%, p = 0.002) and in m/s (3.75 vs. 4.63, - 19.0%, p < 0.001). Also, the transitional/peripheral zone ratio was significantly reduced by 45.36% (0.53 vs. 0.97, p < 0.05). All eight patients presented with significant LUTS improvement after PAE (p < 0.05 for IPSS, QoL, prostate volume, peak urinary flow rate and PSA). CONCLUSIONS: Findings described in this study suggest that PAE significantly reduces prostatic EM, leading to a positive effect on BPH dynamic component related to prostatic elasticity. Also, it features US-E as an additional tool for pre- and post-PAE evaluation, describing a novel indication for this technology.

Resin-Based Materials with Chlorhexidine-Loaded MCM-41: Surface Characteristics, Drug Release, and Antibiofilm Activity.

Poly(methyl methacrylate) resins containing chlorhexidine diacetate (CHX)-loaded mesoporous silicate MCM-41 have the ability to prevent Candida biofilm adhesion and growth over time. With the aim of increasing knowledge of the drug release and surface properties of these materials and their relationship with antibiofilm activity, in this paper an acrylic-based resin containing CHX-loaded spherical and narrow size silanized MCM-41 was prepared. Resins containing CHX but no filler were prepared as well and compared. Samples were characterized for polymerization degree, water sorption, and drug release. The sample capacity of inhibiting Candida biofilm adhesion and formation over time was evaluated. All samples were able to reduce the Candida biofilm mass over time. The resin containing CHX loaded into silanized MCM-41 mesopores resulted in less activity during the first 4 h but was able to maintain antibiofilm activity for a longer time. This effect was correlated to the prolonged CHX release and to the sample surface modifications observed after treatment with water and artificial saliva, evaluated by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, scanning electron, and atomic force microscopies.

Pediatric Liver Transplant: Techniques and Complications.

Liver transplant is considered to be the last-resort treatment approach for pediatric patients with end-stage liver disease. Despite the remarkable advance in survival rates, liver transplant remains an intricate surgery with significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of complications is crucial for patient survival but is challenging given the lack of specificity in clinical presentation. Knowledge of the liver and vascular anatomy of the donor and the recipient or recipients before surgery is also important to avoid complications. In this framework, radiologists play a pivotal role on the multidisciplinary team in both pre- and postoperative scenarios by providing a road map to guide the surgery and by assisting in diagnosis of complications. The most common complications after liver transplant are (a) vascular, including the hepatic artery, portal vein, hepatic veins, and inferior vena cava; (b) biliary; (c) parenchymal; (d) perihepatic; and (e) neoplastic. The authors review surgical techniques, the role of each imaging modality, normal posttransplant imaging features, types of complications after liver transplant, and information required in the radiology report that is critical to patient care. They present an algorithm for an imaging approach for pediatric patients after liver transplant and describe key points that should be included in radiologic reports in the pre- and postoperative settings. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2017.

Clinical, laboratorial, and urodynamic findings of prostatic artery embolization for the treatment of urinary retention related to benign prostatic hyperplasia. A prospective single-center pilot study.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to describe the clinical, laboratorial, and urodynamic findings of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in patients with urinary retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: A prospective study of 11 patients with urinary retention due to BPH was conducted. Patients underwent physical examination, prostate specific antigen (PSA) measurement, transrectal ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. International prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), and urodynamic testing were used to assess the outcome before and after 1 year. RESULTS: Clinical success was 91% (10/11 patients) with a mean follow-up of 22.3 months (range, 12-41 months). At the first year follow-up, the mean IPSS score was 2.8 points (p = 0.04), mean QoL was 0.4 points (p = 0.001), mean PSA decreased from 10.1 to 4.3 ng/mL (p = 0.003), maximum urinary flow (Qmax) improved from 4.2 to 10.8 mL/sec (p = 0.009), and detrusor pressure (Pdet) decreased from 85.7 to 51.5 cm H2O (p = 0.007). Before PAE, Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index (BOOI) showed values >40 in 100% of patients. After PAE, 30% of patients were >40 (obstructed), 40% were between 20 and 40 (undetermined), and 30% were <20 (unobstructed). Patients with a BOOI <20 had higher PSA values at 1-day after PAE. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and urodynamic parameters improved significantly after PAE in patients with acute urinary retention due to BPH. Total PSA at day 1 after PAE was higher in patients with unobstructed values in pressure flow studies.

Quality of life and clinical symptom improvement support prostatic artery embolization for patients with acute urinary retention caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: To show that prostatic artery embolization (PAE) improves quality of life (QoL) and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with acute urinary retention caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center prospective study of PAE in 11 patients with BPH managed with indwelling urinary catheters. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), ultrasound, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, QoL, and urodynamic tests were used to assess outcomes. Prostate size ranged from 30 to 90 g, and embolizations were performed with 300-500-µm Embosphere microspheres. RESULTS: The rate of technical success (ie, bilateral PAE) was 75%, and the rate of clinical success (ie, catheter removal and symptom improvement) was 91% (10 of 11 patients). Postembolization syndrome manifested as mild pain in the perineum, retropubic area, and/or urethra. Ten of 11 patients urinated spontaneously after Foley catheter removal 4-25 days after PAE (mean, 12.1 d). No major complications were observed. Follow-up ranged from 19 to 48 months. In an asymptomatic patient, a discrete area of hypoperfusion suggesting small ischemia of the bladder was observed on 30-day MR imaging follow-up, but the bladder was normal on 90-day MR imaging. After 1 year, mean prostate volume reduction was greater than 30%, symptoms were mild (mean IPSS, 2.8 ± 2.1; P = .04), no erectile dysfunction was observed, and QoL improved significantly (mean, 0.4 ± 0.5; P = .001) using the paired t test. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe symptoms and acute urinary retention caused by BPH can be treated safely by PAE, which improves clinical symptoms and QoL.

Clinically low-risk prostate cancer: evaluation with transrectal doppler ultrasound and functional magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate transrectal ultrasound, amplitude Doppler ultrasound, conventional T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, spectroscopy and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in localizing and locally staging low-risk prostate cancer. INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer has been diagnosed at earlier stages and the most accepted classification for low-risk prostate cancer is based on clinical stage T1c or T2a, Gleason score ≤6, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≤10 ng/ml. METHODS: From 2005 to 2006, magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 42 patients, and transrectal ultrasound in 26 of these patients. Seven patients were excluded from the study. Mean patient age was 64.94 years and mean serum PSA was 6.05 ng/ml. The examinations were analyzed for tumor identification and location in prostate sextants, detection of extracapsular extension, and seminal vesicle invasion, using surgical pathology findings as the gold standard. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (45.7%) had pathologically proven organ-confined disease, 11 (31.4%) had positive surgical margin, 8 (28.9%) had extracapsular extension, and 3 (8.6%) presented with extracapsular extension and seminal vesicle invasion. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy values for localizing low-risk prostate cancer were 53.1%, 48.3%, 63.4%, 37.8% and 51.3% for transrectal ultrasound; 70.4%, 36.2%, 65.1%, 42.0% and 57.7% for amplitude Doppler ultrasound; 71.5%, 58.9%, 76.6%, 52.4% and 67.1% for magnetic resonance imaging; 70.4%, 58.7%, 78.4%, 48.2% and 66.7% for magnetic resonance spectroscopy; 67.2%, 65.7%, 79.3%, 50.6% and 66.7% for dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy values for detecting extracapsular extension were 33.3%, 92%, 14.3%, 97.2% and 89.7% for transrectal ultrasound and 50.0%, 77.6%, 13.7%, 95.6% and 75.7% for magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. For detecting seminal vesicle invasion, these values were 66.7%, 85.7%, 22.2%, 97.7% and 84.6% for transrectal ultrasound and 40.0%, 83.1%, 15.4%, 94.7% and 80.0% for magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSION: Although preliminary, our results suggest that imaging modalities have limited usefulness in localizing and locally staging clinically low-risk prostate cancer.

Clinically low-risk prostate cancer: evaluation with transrectal doppler ultrasound and functional magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate transrectal ultrasound, amplitude Doppler ultrasound, conventional T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, spectroscopy and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in localizing and locally staging low-risk prostate cancer. INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer has been diagnosed at earlier stages and the most accepted classification for low-risk prostate cancer is based on clinical stage T1c or T2a, Gleason score <6, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) <10 ng/ml. METHODS: From 2005 to 2006, magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 42 patients, and transrectal ultrasound in 26 of these patients. Seven patients were excluded from the study. Mean patient age was 64.94 years and mean serum PSA was 6.05 ng/ml. The examinations were analyzed for tumor identification and location in prostate sextants, detection of extracapsular extension, and seminal vesicle invasion, using surgical pathology findings as the gold standard. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (45.7 percent) had pathologically proven organ-confined disease, 11 (31.4 percent) had positive surgical margin, 8 (28.9 percent) had extracapsular extension, and 3 (8.6 percent) presented with extracapsular extension and seminal vesicle invasion. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy values for localizing low-risk prostate cancer were 53.1 percent, 48.3 percent, 63.4 percent, 37.8 percent and 51.3 percent for transrectal ultrasound; 70.4 percent, 36.2 percent, 65.1 percent, 42.0 percent and 57.7 percent for amplitude Doppler ultrasound; 71.5 percent, 58.9 percent, 76.6 percent, 52.4 percent and 67.1 percent for magnetic resonance imaging; 70.4 percent, 58.7 percent, 78.4 percent, 48.2 percent and 66.7 percent for magnetic resonance spectroscopy; 67.2 percent, 65.7 percent, 79.3 percent, 50.6 percent and 66.7 percent for dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy values for detecting extracapsular extension were 33.3 percent, 92 percent, 14.3 percent, 97.2 percent and 89.7 percent for transrectal ultrasound and 50.0 percent, 77.6 percent, 13.7 percent, 95.6 percent and 75.7 percent for magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. For detecting seminal vesicle invasion, these values were 66.7 percent, 85.7 percent, 22.2 percent, 97.7 percent and 84.6 percent for transrectal ultrasound and 40.0 percent, 83.1 percent, 15.4 percent, 94.7 percent and 80.0 percent for magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSION: Although preliminary, our results suggest that imaging modalities have limited usefulness in localizing and locally staging clinically low-risk prostate cancer.

Estudo comparativo entre três técnicas de anestesia geral para biópsia de próstata dirigida por ultrassonografia transretal / A comparative study among three techniques of general anesthesia for ultrasound-guided transrectal prostate biopsy / Estudio comparativo entre tres técnicas de anestesia general para biopsia de próstata dirigida por ultrasonido transrectal

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A biópsia de próstata dirigida por ultrassonografia transretal constitui referência no diagnóstico das neoplasias da próstata. Quanto maior o número de amostras colhidas, maiores a dor e o desconforto relatados pelo paciente. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar três técnicas anestésicas neste grupo de pacientes. MÉTODO: Foram estudados 45 pacientes separados em três grupos: 1 - Propofol; 2 - Propofol + Bloqueio de Plexo Prostático; 3 - Propofol + Fentanil. Os pacientes foram monitorados com pressão arterial não invasiva, eletrocardioscopia contínua, oximetria de pulso (SpO2) e Índice Bispectral. Não receberam medicação pré-anestésica. Foram avaliados os parâmetros hemodinâmicos no intra e pós-operatório, Índice bispectral no intraoperatório, avaliação da dor pela escala numérica verbal (ENV) no pós-operatório imediato e uso de dipirona como tratamento da dor pós-operatória. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa entre os três grupos: variáveis antropométricas, quantidade de propofol, número de fragmentos e tempo do exame. Os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e a SpO2 apresentaram comportamento semelhante nos três grupos durante o estudo. No grupo 1, a dor avaliada pela ENV foi mais elevada e houve maior necessidade de dipirona que nos outros grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Sedação com propofol isolado para biópsia causa maior dor e desconforto pós-operatório do que quando associado a bloqueio do plexo prostático ou a fentanil sistêmico. Além de hipnose, é necessária a realização de analgesia intraoperatória para garantir conforto pósoperatório.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ultrasound-guided transrectal prostate biopsy is a reference in the diagnosis of prostate neoplasias. The higher the number of samples, the greater is the pain and discomfort. The objective of this study was to compare three anesthetic techniques in this group of patients. METHODS: Forty-five patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups: 1 - Propofol; 2 - Propofol + Prostatic Plexus Block; 3 - Propofol + Fentanyl. Patients were monitored with non-invasive blood pressure, continuous electrocardioscopy, pulse oximetry (SpO2), and Bispectral Index. Patients did not receive pre-anesthetic medication. Intraoperative and postoperative hemodynamic parameters, intraoperative bispectral index, and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and the use of dypirone to treat postoperative pain were evaluated. RESULTS: A significant difference among the three groups was not observed for: anthropometric parameters, amount of propofol, number of fragments, and duration of the exam. Hemodynamic parameters and SpO2 presented similar behavior in all three groups. In group 1, the pain evaluated by the VAS was more severe and required more dypirone than in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sedation with propofol alone for biopsy is associated with greater postoperative pain and discomfort than in prostatic plexus block or systemic fentanyl. Besides hypnosis, intraoperative analgesia is required to guarantee postoperative comfort.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La biopsia de próstata dirigida por ultrasonido transrectal constituye una referencia en el diagnóstico de las neoplasias de la próstata. Mientras mayor es el número de muestras escogidas, mayores son el dolor y la incomodidad relatados por el paciente. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar tres técnicas anestésicas en ese grupo de pacientes. MÉTODO: Fueron estudiados 45 pacientes divididos en tres grupos: 1- Propofol; 2- Propofol + Bloqueo de Plexo Prostático; 3- Propofol + Fentanil. Los pacientes fueron monitorizados con presión arterial no invasiva, electrocardioscopia continua, oximetría de pulso (SpO2) e Índice Bispectral. No recibieron medicación preanestésica. Se evaluaron los parámetros hemodinámicos en el intra y postoperatorio, índice bispectral en el intraoperatorio, el dolor por la escala numérica verbal (ENV) en el postoperatorio inmediato y el uso de dipirona como tratamiento del dolor postoperatorio. RESULTADOS: No hubo diferencia significativa entre los tres grupos: en las variables antropométricas, cantidad de propofol, número de fragmentos y tiempo del examen. Los parámetros hemodinámicos y la SpO2 presentaron un comportamiento semejante en los tres grupos durante el estudio. En el grupo 1, el dolor evaluado por la ENV fue más elevado y hubo una mayor necesidad de aplicar la dipirona que en los otros grupos. CONCLUSIONES: La sedación con propofol aislado para la biopsia causa un mayor dolor e incomodidad en el postoperatorio que cuando se asocia al bloqueo del plexo prostático o al fentanil sistémico. Además de la hipnosis, se hace necesario realizar la analgesia intraoperatoria para garantizar la comodidad en el postoperatorio.

A comparative study among three techniques of general anesthesia for ultrasound-guided transrectal prostate biopsy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ultrasound-guided transrectal prostate biopsy is a reference in the diagnosis of prostate neoplasias. The higher the number of samples, the greater is the pain and discomfort. The objective of this study was to compare three anesthetic techniques in this group of patients. METHODS: Forty-five patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups: 1 - Propofol; 2 - Propofol + Prostatic Plexus Block; 3 - Propofol + Fentanyl. Patients were monitored with non-invasive blood pressure, continuous electrocardioscopy, pulse oximetry (SpO2), and Bispectral Index. Patients did not receive pre-anesthetic medication. Intraoperative and postoperative hemodynamic parameters, intraoperative bispectral index, and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and the use of dypirone to treat postoperative pain were evaluated. RESULTS: A significant difference among the three groups was not observed for: anthropometric parameters, amount of propofol, number of fragments, and duration of the exam. Hemodynamic parameters and SpO2 presented similar behavior in all three groups. In group 1, the pain evaluated by the VAS was more severe and required more dypirone than in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sedation with propofol alone for biopsy is associated with greater postoperative pain and discomfort than in prostatic plexus block or systemic fentanyl. Besides hypnosis, intraoperative analgesia is required to guarantee postoperative comfort.

Prostatic artery embolization as a primary treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia: preliminary results in two patients.

Symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) typically occurs in the sixth and seventh decades, and the most frequent obstructive urinary symptoms are hesitancy, decreased urinary stream, sensation of incomplete emptying, nocturia, frequency, and urgency. Various medications, specifically 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and selective alpha-blockers, can decrease the severity of the symptoms secondary to BPH, but prostatectomy is still considered to be the traditional method of management. We report the preliminary results for two patients with acute urinary retention due to BPH, successfully treated by prostate artery embolization (PAE). The patients were investigated using the International Prostate Symptom Score, by digital rectal examination, urodynamic testing, prostate biopsy, transrectal ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Uroflowmetry and postvoid residual urine volume complemented the investigation at 30, 90, and 180 days after PAE. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia; embolization of the prostate arteries was performed with a microcatheter and 300- to 500-microm microspheres using complete stasis as the end point. One patient was subjected to bilateral PAE and the other to unilateral PAE; they urinated spontaneously after removal of the urethral catheter, 15 and 10 days after the procedure, respectively. At 6-month follow-up, US and MRI revealed a prostate reduction of 39.7% and 47.8%, respectively, for the bilateral PAE and 25.5 and 27.8%, respectively, for the patient submitted to unilateral PAE. The early results, at 6-month follow-up, for the two patients with BPH show a promising potential alternative for treatment with PAE.

Ressonância magnética da próstata: uma visão geral para o radiologista: [revisão] / Magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate: an overview for radiologists: [revision]

O adenocarcinoma prostático é o segundo tumor em incidência e mortalidade dentre as neoplasias malignas masculinas. Para adequada programação terapêutica é importante a distinção entre tumores confinados à próstata e aqueles com extensão extraprostática. Diferentes estudos têm demonstrado que a ressonância magnética da próstata com bobina endorretal auxilia no estadiamento local destes pacientes. Este artigo apresenta informações sobre a anatomia prostática, o aspecto tumoral à ressonância magnética, sinais de extensão tumoral extraprostática e invasão de vesículas seminais, sugestões de protocolo, princípios gerais e importância da espectroscopia de prótons, do estudo perfusional e da difusão, indicações da ressonância magnética na investigação de recidiva pós-operatória e pós-radioterapia, seu papel na detecção de lesões suspeitas em pacientes com suspeita clínico-laboratorial de adenocarcinoma prostático, além de apresentar os diagnósticos diferenciais e limitações do método.

Prostate adenocarcinoma is the second tumor in incidence and mortality among malignant neoplasms in men. The differentiation between tumors confined to the organ and those with extraprostatic extension is critical for an appropriate therapeutic planning. Different studies have demonstrated that magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate with endorectal coil is useful in the local staging of these tumors. The present article presents information on the prostate gland anatomy, the tumor aspect at magnetic resonance imaging, specific signs of extracapsular extension and seminal vesicles invasion, protocol suggestions, general principles and relevance of proton spectroscopy, perfusion and diffusion imaging, role of magnetic resonance imaging in the postoperative and post-radiotherapy detection of local tumor recurrence, and also in the detection of lesions in patients with clinical/laboratory suspicion of prostate adenocarcinoma. Additionally, the present article describes differential diagnoses and limitations of the method.

Diagnostic accuracy of color Doppler sonographic study of the ureteric jets in evaluation of hydronephrosis.

OBJECTIVE: Hydronephrosis (HN) and obstruction are closely associated, but upper urinary tract dilatation can occur without significant obstruction. Despite some pitfalls, conventional ultrasonography and diuretic renography (DR) are the main means of evaluation of HN in children. Recent reports have demonstrated color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) to reliably identify ureteric jets in the bladder. The aim of this study was to evaluate this method as a diagnostic tool to distinguish obstructive from non-obstructive dilatations of the upper tract. METHODS: We evaluated 51 patients (37 boys and 14 girls), aged 3 months to 14 years (median 4 years), who presented with unilateral grade III and IV hydronephrosis with suspicion of pyeloureteral junction obstruction. All patients underwent DR and evaluation of ureteric jets by transverse CDSG of the bladder within a maximum of 2 weeks. Obstruction was considered in the DR when the hydronephrotic unit showed a differential renal function of less than 40%, or when symptomatic intermittent renal colic was present in older children. The number of ureteric jets was counted over a 5-min period and the frequency calculated for each ureteral orifice. Relative jet frequency (RJF) was defined as frequency of the hydronephrotic side divided by total ureteric jet frequency. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) plots were constructed to determine the best cut-off for RJF, in order to identify renal units with obstructive hydronephrosis. RESULTS: Twenty-three (45.1%) hydronephrotic units were considered obstructed. The mean RJF differed between obstructive (0.09+/-0.15) and non-obstructive hydronephrosis (0.42+/-0.11) (p<0.001). ROC analysis revealed that RJF <0.25 was the best threshold, and correctly discriminated obstruction in 91.2% of the children with a sensitivity of 87% (95% CI 78.6-98.2%) and specificity of 96.4% (95% CI 87.8-99%). The positive likelihood ratio was 24.3 and the area under the ROC curve was 0.92 (95% CI 0.86-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: RJF <25% was found to be a good indicator of obstruction in children with unilateral hydronephrosis. CDUS evaluation of ureteric jets is an easy and non-invasive method that can be used as an initial diagnostic tool, and in follow-up cases, to differentiate obstructed from non-obstructed hydronephrosis in the pediatric population.

Rabdomiossarcoma prostático em adulto: relato de caso / Prostatic rhabdomyosarcoma in an adult patient: a case report

O rabdomiossarcoma prostático é um tumor agressivo, encontrado predominantemente na infância, sendo bastante raro na vida adulta. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente de 27 anos de idade que tinha lesão extensa, com invasão dos planos periprostáticos e metástases a distância no momento do diagnóstico. Estudamos os achados aos exames de ultra-som, tomografia computadorizada, ressonância magnética e tomografia por emissão de pósitrons/tomografia computadorizada, correlacionando-os com os casos já descritos na literatura.

Prostatic rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive tumor predominantly found in children. The present paper reports a case of a 27-year-old-patient who had an extensive lesion invading periprostatic planes, with distant metastases found at the moment of the diagnosis. Imaging findings on ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography/computed tomography were evaluated and correlated with the ones already described in the literature.