Integrating microalgae-based wastewater treatment, biostimulant production, and hydroponic cultivation: a sustainable approach to water management and crop production.

A natural appearing microalgae-bacteria consortium was used to process urban wastewater. The process was done in an 80 m2 raceway reactor and the results were compared to an identical reactor operated using freshwater supplemented with commercial fertilisers. The biomass harvesting was done using commercial ultrafiltration membranes to reduce the volume of culture centrifuged. The membrane allowed achieving a biomass concentration of ∼9-10 g L-1. The process proposed avoids the use of centrifuges and the drying of the biomass, two of the most energy consuming steps of conventional processes. The specific growth rate in freshwater and the wastewater-based media was estimated as 0.30 ± 0.05 and 0.24 ± 0.02 days-1, respectively (p < 0.05). The maximum concentration reached at the end of the batch phase was 0.96 ± 0.03 and 0.83 ± 0.07 g L-1 when the biomass was produced using freshwater and wastewater, respectively (p < 0.05). The total nitrogen removal capacity of the system was on average 1.35 g m-2·day-1; nitrogen assimilation into biomass represented 60%-95% of this value. Furthermore, the P-PO4 3- removal capacity of the system varied from 0.15 to 0.68 g m-2·day-1. The outlet effluent of the reactor was used as a nutrient source in the hydroponic production of zucchini seedlings, leading to an increase in the root dry weight and the stem diameter compared to the water alone. The produced biomass showed potential for use as feedstock to produce plant biostimulants with positive effects on root development and chlorophyll retention.

Penile fibrosis-still scarring urologists today: a narrative review.

Background and Objective: Implantation of penile prosthesis (PP) into scarred and fibrotic corpora can be a difficult challenge. In this review article, we provide a review of penile fibrosis, discuss current medical and surgical management and summarize preventative strategies. Methods: In this study, we searched PubMed between the years 2000-2023 for publications with search strategy: "penile fibrosis" OR "scarred corpora" OR "fibrosed corpora". Key Content and Findings: This search returned a total of 137 articles. We examine the evidence for preoperative patient evaluation and penile ultrasound (US), oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, pentoxifylline, and L-arginine, vacuum device therapy and the use of surgical approaches and tools in the context of complex penile fibrosis cases. Severe penile fibrosis is most associated with priapism and infection. Estimating the degree of fibrosis via preoperative US may help set realistic patient expectations. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors and L-arginine reduce fibrosis in animal models however their impact in humans remains unclear despite theoretical advantage for their use. Vacuum device therapy may preserve penile length following priapism and infected PP cases. The use of Coloplast Narrow-Based or AMS-700 CXR implants are used primarily for severe fibrosis. Various surgical excisional/incisional techniques, the Carrion-Rossello, Mooreville Uramix cavernotomes and reverse cutting scissors are all options, and their use varies from case to case. Finally, prevention of penile fibrosis in patients with history of penile implant infection and the safety of early implantation of a penile implant in patients with refractory priapism is encouraged. Conclusions: The management of penile fibrosis remains a challenge but there are multiple options to assist clinicians. Complex cases should be managed and studied at high volume centers.

Patient selection, counseling and preparation for penile prosthesis.

The penile prosthesis has revolutionized the management of erectile dysfunction and is a mainstay in the treatment of this clinical entity. The goal of proper patient selection and counseling is to achieve a satisfactory outcome for the patient. Most patients receiving a penile prosthesis are satisfied with their outcome, and while the penile prosthesis generally allows for high satisfaction rates, avenues for dissatisfaction can arise. Our aim is to aid the prosthetic urologist in identifying such avenues by discussing what factors can lead to a dissatisfied patient. Even a technically successful surgical outcome in the improperly counseled patient can have negative consequences for the patient and the patient-physician relationship. Satisfaction in the penile prosthesis arena can be variably defined and viewed from different perspectives. As such, establishing a personalized framework of expectation management, even in the patient who poses challenging factors, is paramount in preparation for penile prosthesis implantation.

Circumcision and Sexual Medicine.

INTRODUCTION: Male circumcision is one of the most frequently performed and debated urological procedures due to its possible implications for sexual health. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this article is to review the literature on male circumcision and reconcile the scientific evidence to improve the quality of care, patient education, and clinician decision-making regarding the effects on sexual function of this procedure. METHODS: A review of the published literature regarding male circumcision was performed on PubMed. The criteria for selecting resources prioritized systematic reviews and cohort studies pertinent to sexual dysfunction, with a preference for recent publications. RESULTS: Despite the conflicting data reported in articles, the weight of the scientific evidence suggests there is not sufficient data to establish a direct association between male circumcision and sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSION: This review provides clinicians with an updated summary of the best available evidence on male circumcision and sexual dysfunction for evidenced-based quality of care and patient education.

Penile Implant Instrument Innovations.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Numerous innovations have been made since the first inflatable penile prosthesis was introduced in 1973-not just of the implant apparatus itself, but crucially also in the surgical instruments used for prosthetic surgery. Starting with Dr. Furlow's revolutionary inserter tool, advancements were quickly made in dilators, retractors, and cavernotomes. RECENT FINDINGS: More recent innovations have been made in inserter tools, forceps, needle holders, clamps, and disposable instruments. Leading companies Boston Scientific and Coloplast have contributed significantly to the evolution of IPP surgical placement, and companies such as Uramix and Rigicon are developing a wide array of new specialized tools. We aim to summarize the instruments needed for IPP placement, with a focus on describing the variety of instrument innovations since Dr. Brantley Scott designed and placed the first IPP.

Extended Reality-Assisted Surgery as a Surgical Training Tool: Pilot Study Presenting First HoloLens-Assisted Complex Penile Revision Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Extended reality-assisted urologic surgery (XRAS) is a novel technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on the physician's field to integrate common elements of the surgical process in more advanced detail. An extended reality (XR) interface is generated using optical head-mounted display (OHMD) devices. AIM: To present the first case of HoloLens-assisted complex penile revision surgery. METHODS: We describe our pilot study of HoloLens-assisted penile revision surgery and present a thorough review of the literature regarding XRAS technology and innovative OHMD devices. OUTCOMES: The ability of XRAS technology to superimpose a computer-generated image of the patient and integrate common elements of the surgical planning process with long-distance experts. RESULTS: XRAS is a feasible technology for application in complex penile surgical planning processes. CLINICAL TRANSLATION: XRAS and OHMD devices are novel technologies applicable to urological surgical training and planning. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Evidence suggests that the potential use of OHMD devices is safe and beneficial for surgeons. We intend to pioneer HoloLens technology in the surgical planning process of a malfunctioning penile implant due to herniation of the cylinder. This novel technology has not been used in prosthetic surgery, and current data about XRAS are limited. CONCLUSION: OHMD devices are effective in the operative setting. Herein, we successfully demonstrated the integration of Microsoft HoloLens 2 into a penile surgical planning process for the first time. Further development and studies for this technology are necessary to better characterize the XRAS as a training and surgical planning tool. Quesada-Olarte J, Carrion RE, Fernandez-Crespo R, et al. Extended Reality-Assisted Surgery as a Surgical Training Tool: Pilot Study Presenting First HoloLens-Assisted Complex Penile Revision Surgery. J Sex Med 2022;19:1580-1586.

Optimizing Outcomes in Penile Implant Surgery.

Since their initial release in the 1970s, modern penile prostheses have been subjected to continuous improvement with respect to both device engineering and surgical technique. Proper implantation begins with appropriate patient selection and counseling; these are essential elements to optimize results and set expectations postoperatively. An evidence-based protocol for the prevention of infections is essential. A pain management protocol should be initiated even before surgery. Strict adherence to recommended intraoperative techniques minimizes the risk complications; when complications occur, a step-by-step process for management improves odds of resolution. Safe techniques to increase the perceived or actual penile length postimplant can markedly improve patient satisfaction. Postoperatively, the surgeon and the patient should follow strict evidence-based instructions to optimize the overall outcomes of penile prosthesis surgery.

Infection of the Penuma penile implant and associated post-operative complications: A case report.

The Penuma penile implant is the only FDA approved device for cosmetic correction of the penis. We present a case of an infected Penuma implant that presented similarly to penile prosthesis infection. Explantation is recommended, similar to the management of infected penile prosthesis, via an infrapubic approach, which differs from explantation of a penile prosthesis. Post-operatively, the patient developed penile shortening and dorsolateral curve, which is important to discuss when counseling patients.

Sexual Dysfunction Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: a Review Article.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this review article is to evaluate sexual dysfunction among men who have sex with men (MSM). RECENT FINDINGS: Men who have sex with men are commonly affected by sexual dysfunction. Often sexual dysfunction in MSM will significantly impact their psychological well-being perhaps even more than their heterosexual counterparts. Despite the frequency and high impact of sexual dysfunction in MSM, access to appropriate care may be limited. It is important for urologists, especially sexual medicine clinicians, to be aware of and comfortable with differences in sexual practices of MSM. Penile pathology in this patient population will negatively affect their quality of life and well-being. Therefore, it is important to properly assess and treat these patients.

Current Status for Semirigid Penile Prosthetic Devices.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this paper was to evaluate the current use of semirigid penile prosthesis (SRPP), surgical techniques for insertion of SRPP, and how to prevent and approach surgical complications. RECENT FINDINGS: SRPP is a valid option for those who are refractory to medical therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED) and even more appropriate for specific subsets of patient populations. It is important for urologists to know which patient population SRPP is preferred for. Several studies have shown good patient outcomes and patient satisfaction with those who underwent SRPP.

"Pumpology": the Realistic Issues Associated with Pump Placement in Prosthetic Surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this paper was to discuss the issues and/or overt complications associated with the 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (3-IPP) pump. We also addressed how to resolve such issues with or without surgical intervention. RECENT FINDINGS: Numerous modifications of the 3-IPP pump have been introduced with multiple techniques to place the pump. These are largely dependent on the approach to place the 3-IPP. Pump issues may inevitably occur, and there are numerous special maneuvers that can be performed to resolve pump issues. It is important for urologists to know maneuvers for pump malfunctions to prevent unnecessary surgical procedures and pump revision. Several studies are reviewed regarding pump issues and patient satisfaction; however, a more structured prospective research project is warranted to further evaluate these issues.

Evidence for an Intermediate in the Methylation of CB11 H12 - with Methyl Triflate: Comparison of Electrophilic Substitution in Cage Boranes and in Arenes.

The trideuteriomethylation of BH vertices in CB11 H12 - and its derivatives with CD3 OTf (OTf=triflate, trifluoromethanesulfonate) yields a mixture of BCD3 and BCHD2 substitution products, thus demonstrating the intermediacy of a species with a long enough lifetime for hydrogen scrambling between the boron vertex and the methyl substituent. No such scrambling is observed if CD3 OTf is used to methylate toluene. According to density functional theory calculations, the intermediate in BH vertex methylation is a three-center bonded σ adduct of a methyl cation to the BH bond and the proton scrambling occurs via a transition structure containing a distorted square-pyramidal methane attached axially to a "naked" boron vertex. The subsequent proton or deuteron loss is presently not understood in detail. A general comparison of electrophilic substitution on closo-boranes and arenes is provided and similarities as well as differences are discussed. A recalculation of the optimized geometry of the CB11 Me12 . radical produced a second Jahn-Teller distorted minimum and resulted in a somewhat improved agreement between calculated and measured proton hyperfine coupling constants.

Measured and calculated oxidation potentials of 1-X-12-Y-CB11Me10- anions.

Cyclic voltammetry of 31 icosahedral carborane anions 1-X-12-Y-CB(11)Me(10)(-) at a Pt electrode in liquid SO(2) revealed a completely reversible one-electron oxidation even at low scan rates, except for the anions with Y = I, which are oxidized irreversibly up to a scan rate of 5.0 V/s, and the anion with X = COOH and Y = H, whose oxidation is irreversible at scan rates below 1.0 V/s. Relative reversible oxidation potentials agree well with RI-B3LYP/TZVPP,COSMO and significantly less well with RI-BP86/TZVPP,COSMO or RI-HF/TZVPP,COSMO calculated adiabatic electron detachment energies. Correlations with HOMO energies of the anions are nearly as good, even though the oxidized forms are subject to considerable Jahn-Teller distortion. Except for the anion with X = F and Y = Me, the oxidation potentials vary linearly with substituent σ(p) Hammett constants. The slopes (reaction constants) are ~0.31 and ~0.55 V for positions 1 and 12, respectively.

Interpretation of the electronic spectra of four disilanes.

Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT/B3LYP(AC)/cc-pVTZ/cc-pVTZ/6-311G//MP2/cc-pVTZ/cc-pVTZ/6-31G**) has been used to compute vertical excitation energies and oscillator strengths of the six low-lying excited states of four peralkylated disilanes, hexamethyldisilane (1), hexa-tert-butyldisilane (2), 1,6-disila[4.4.4]propellane (3), and 1,7-disila[5.5.5]propellane (4). The results provide an accurate interpretation of the reported UV absorption spectra of 1-4 in solution, and for 1 also in the gas phase up to 62,000 cm(-1). The excellent agreement of the calculated with the available experimental energies and oscillator strengths, and with magnetic circular (MCD) and linear (LD) dichroism, gives us confidence that the method will be useful for dependable interpretation of the electronic spectra of longer oligosilanes. Although the disilane chromophore finds itself in quite different environments in 1-4, its fundamental characteristics remain the same, with one important exception. In all four compounds, the first valence excited state is due to an electron promotion from the sigma(1) HOMO to the pi(1)* orbital, and the second valence excited state to a promotion from the sigma(1) HOMO to the sigma(1)* orbital. Surprisingly, however, it is only in 2, which has an extraordinarily long SiSi bond, that the terminating sigma(1)* orbital is the sigma*(SiSi) antibond, as anticipated, and the sigma sigma* transition has the expected very high oscillator strength. In 1, 3, and 4, the sigma*(SiSi) antibonding orbital is high in energy and does not play any role in low-energy excitations. Instead, the terminating orbital of the sigma(1)sigma(1)* excitation is represented by Si-alkyl antibonds, combined symmetrically with respect to rotation around the SiSi axis and antisymmetrically with respect to operations that interchange the two Si atoms. The common assumption that the characteristic intense sigma sigma* transitions of longer peralkylated oligosilanes extrapolate to the lowest sigma sigma* transition in common peralkylated disilanes is incorrect, and only the weak sigma pi* transitions extrapolate simply.

Scope and limitations of Baird's theory on triplet state aromaticity: application to the tuning of singlet-triplet energy gaps in fulvenes.

Utilizing Baird's theory on triplet state aromaticity, we show that the singlet-triplet energy gaps (DeltaE(ST)) of pentafulvenes are easily varied through substitution by as much as 36 kcal mol(-1). This exploits the fact that fulvenes act as aromatic chameleons in which the dipoles reverse on going from the singlet ground state (S(0)) to the lowest pipi* triplet state (T1); thus, their electron distributions are adapted so as to achieve some aromaticity in both states. The results are based on quantum chemical calculations with the OLYP density functional theory method and the CASPT2 ab initio method, as well as spectroscopic determination of DeltaE(ST) by triplet sensitization. The findings can also be generalized to fulvenes other than the pentafulvenes, even though the effect is attenuated as the size of the fulvene increases. Our studies thus reveal that triplet-state aromaticity can greatly influence the properties of conjugated compounds in the T1 state.

Electronic excitations of 1,4-disilyl-substituted 1,4-disilabicycloalkanes: a MS-CASPT2 study of the influence of cage size.

We present a multistate complete active space second-order perturbation theory computational study aimed to predict the low-lying electronic excitations of four compounds that can be viewed as two disilane units connected through alkane bridges in a bicyclic cage. The analysis has focused on 1,4-disilyl-1,4-disilabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (1a), 1,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,4-disilabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (1b), 1,4-disilyl-1,4-disilabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane (2a), and 1,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,4-disilabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane (2b). The aim has been to find out the nature of the lowest excitations with significant oscillator strengths and to investigate how the cage size affects the excitation energies and the strengths of the transitions. Two different substituents on the terminal silicon atoms (H and CH3) were used in order to investigate the end group effects. The calculations show that the lowest allowed excitations are of the same character as that found in disilanes but now red-shifted. As the cage size is reduced from a 1,4-disilabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane to a 1,4-disilabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane, the Si...Si through-space distance decreases from approximately 2.70 to 2.50 A and the lowest allowed transitions are red-shifted by up to 0.9 eV, indicating increased interaction between the two Si-Si bonds. The first ionization potential, which corresponds to ionization from the Si-Si sigma orbitals, is lower in 1b and 2b than in Si2Me6 by approximately 0.9 and 1.2 eV, respectively. Moreover, 1b and 2b, which have methyl substituents at the terminal Si atoms, have slightly lower excitation energies than the analogous species 1a and 2a.

Z/E-photoisomerizations of olefins with 4npi- or (4n + 2)pi-electron substituents: zigzag variations in olefin properties along the T(1) state energy surfaces.

[Figure: see text]. A quantum chemical study has been performed to assess changes in aromaticity along the T1 state Z/E-isomerization pathways of annulenyl-substituted olefins. It is argued that the point on the T1 energy surface with highest substituent aromaticity corresponds to the minimum. According to Baird (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1972, 94, 4941), aromaticity and antiaromaticity are interchanged when going from S0 to T1. Thus, olefins with S0 aromatic substituents (set A olefins) will be partially antiaromatic in T1 and vice versa for olefins with S0 antiaromatic substituents (set B olefins). Twist of the C=C bond to a structure with a perpendicular orientation of the 2p(C) orbitals (3p*) in T1 should lead to regaining substituent aromaticity in set A and loss of aromaticity in set B olefins. This hypothesis is verified through quantum chemical calculations of T1 energies, geometries (bond lengths and harmonic oscillator measure of aromaticity), spin densities, and nucleus independent chemical shifts whose differences along the T1 PES display zigzag dependencies on the number of -electrons in the annulenyl substituent of the olefin. Aromaticity changes are reflected in the profiles of the T1 potential energy surfaces (T1 PESs) for Z/E-isomerizations because olefins in set A have minima at 3p* whereas those in set B have maxima at such structures. The proper combination (fusion) of the substituents of set A and B olefins could allow for design of novel optical switch compounds that isomerize adiabatically with high isomerization quantum yields.

Fulvenes, fulvalenes, and azulene: are they aromatic chameleons?

On the basis of the theory of Baird on reversal of Hückel's rule for aromaticity and antiaromaticity of annulenes when going from the electronic ground state (S0) to the lowest pipi* triplet state (T1) (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1972, 94, 4941), we argue that fulvenes, fulvalenes, and azulene are "aromatic chameleons". The dipole moments of fulvenes in T1 should be of comparable magnitude to those of S0, but due to the reversal of Hückel's aromaticity rule in T1, their dipole should be in the opposite direction. Thereby, they are capable of adopting some aromaticity in both the T1 and S0 states as they adapt their dipolar resonance structures. The same applies to fulvalenes and azulene in their lowest quintet states (Q1) when compared to S0. Our hypothesis on chameleon behavior is supported by quantum chemical OLYP, CASSCF, and CASPT2 calculations of dipole moments, pi-orbital populations, and energies.

La rabia en las diferentes especies, sus transmisores y su control / The rabies in the different species, its transmitters and its control

Proporciona conocimientos teóricos y prácticos sobre la rabia en humanos y animales domésticos y silvestres. Se hace énfasis en los murciélagos vampiros y su relación con la rabia en bovinos. Contenido: 1) Aspectos generales de la rabia en humanos y en las especies domésticas. Pablo Correa Girón. 2) Ciclos de rabia en la fauna silvestre y su importancia epidemiológica. Raúl Flores-Crespo. 3) Rabia paralítica bovina. Diódoro Batalla Campero, Raúl Flores-Crespo. 4) Situación epidemiológica de la rabia silvestre en México. Carlos J. Jaramillo Arango, José Juan Martínez Maya. 5) Situación actual de la rabia bovina en las Américas. Eduardo Alvarez Peralta. 6) Biología y control de muercielagos vampiros. Raúl Flores-Crespo. 7) Rabia en humanos transmitida por murciélagos vampiros en países de América. Raúl Flores-Crespo. 8) Descripción de procesos empleados en las técnicas de control de vampiros y en la vacunación de bovinos. Esteban Labrandero Iñigo, Araceli Alvarado Islas, Octavio de Paz Villafán, Raúl Flores-Crespo