Urban biowaste-derived sensitizing materials for caffeine photodegradation.

Caffeine-photosensitized degradation has been studied in the presence of bio-based materials derived from urban biowaste after aerobic aging. A peculiar fraction (namely bio-based substances (BBSs)), soluble in all the pH range, has been used as photosensitizing agent. Several caffeine photodegradation tests have been performed, and positive results have been obtained in the presence of BBSs and H2O2, without and with additional Fe(II) (photo-Fenton-like process). Moreover, hybrid magnetite-BBS nanoparticles have been synthesized and characterized, in order to improve the sensitizer recovery and reuse after the caffeine degradation. In the presence of such nanoparticles and H2O2 and Fe(II), the complete caffeine degradation has been attained in very short time. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous processes were run at pH = 5, milder condition compared to the classic photo-Fenton process.

Spiral computed tomography assessment of resectability of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: analysis of results.

BACKGROUND: Despite more recent technical advances, single detector spiral computed tomography is still the most widely used imaging technique for the detection and staging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Many reports have recently focused on single detector spiral computed tomography imaging findings indicative of unresectability AIM: To evaluate the ability of single detector spiral computed tomography in the pre-operative staging of ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas in selecting surgically resectable versus unresectable cases, considering different parameters (vascular and local infiltration, liver metastases, lymphadenopathy, and peritoneal carcinomatosis). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients diagnosed with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, pathologically verified, and examined with single detector spiral computed tomography were considered. Of these, 63 underwent surgery; 37 were excluded (imaging evidence of unresectability in biopsy-proven adenocarcinomas). Single detector spiral computed tomography studies, performed at the time of surgery, were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists. The final results were reached by consensus, without being aware of the operation. All prospective clinical readings were also considered, and tabulated. RESULTS: In the patients undergoing surgery, 44 proved to be unresectable and 19 resectable. Considering the above-mentioned parameters, the prospective assessment of resectability demonstrated a rather low sensitivity (68%), with high specificity (95%). Accordingly, a high positive predictive value (97%) was achieved, while the negative predictive value was 56%. After the retrospective evaluation, the value of sensitivity increased (84%) to the expense of the specificity (84%). Moreover, a positive predictive value of 92.5%, and a negative predictive value of 69.5% were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The demonstration of many signs of unresectability of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma reported in the literature yields a better sensitivity in the diagnosis, but unfortunately, is associated with an inevitable reduction in specificity.

Neoadiuvant treatment with intravesical interleukin-2 for recurrent superficial transitional bladder carcinoma Ta-T1/G1-2.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the direct action of IL-2 on recurrent superficial transitional bladder carcinoma and the effect on recurrence rate. 27 patients were submitted to neoadjuvant treatment by intra-vesical instillation of recombinant IL-2 and to transurethral resection. We did not observe any effect on neoplasms but the recurrence rate was less than the expected one. It is possible that treatment of bladder carcinoma with intra-vesical instillation of IL-2 may promote immuno-prophilaxis.

Low-grade left varicocele in patients over 30 years old:the effect of spermatic vein ligation on fertility.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of spermatic vein ligation in patients over 30 years old and with low-grade left varicocele, and thus help to establish whether such patients might benefit from surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized study was conducted on 68 infertile patients (30-38 years old) with evidence of sperm abnormalities and who had low-grade varicocele (grade I according to Hirsch), comparing left spermatic vein ligation with no treatment. The outcome was assessed by standard sperm analysis and eventual paternity. RESULTS: There was no improvement in sperm quality in either of the groups one year after surgery, and no significant difference in paternity. CONCLUSIONS: Left spermatic vein ligation for low-grade varicocele in patients more than 30 years old cannot be recommended.

Renal cell carcinoma metastases. Review of unusual clinical metastases, metastatic modes and patterns and comparison between clinical and autopsy metastatic series.

We reviewed all cases of unusual clinical metastases of renal cell carcinoma found in the English literature. The percentages of usual and unusual clinical metastases are compared with data of some large autopsy series. The involvement of various organs is considered and some metastatic modes and patterns are reported. The analysis shows that clinical metastases are obviously underdiagnosed. Correct staging based on careful clinical investigations is paramount for optimal management of metastatic renal cancer.

[T1G3 bladder tumors: our experience]. / Tumori vescicali T1G3: nostra esperienza.

T1 G3 bladder carcinoma are classified as superficial tumours and treatment results are included in low stage tumour groups. A review of survival rates shows that there is a high risk of progression about 50-70%. The grade is by now considered the most significant prognostic factor and many other prognostic biological tests have been suggested. We treated 41 cases of T1G3 bladder tumours with a first therapeutic TUR and second staging TUR two months later. Subsequently a group of 15 has had "wait" and see" endoscopic follow-up with bad results, a group of 7 underwent "early cystectomy", a group of 12 has been treated with adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy with poor results on recurrence and good results on progression percentages, a group of 6 radiotherapy with poor results. We got confirmation of high risk of progression, 4 cases with high stage from beginning, 3 with precocious metastatic disease. Apart the cases with precocious metastases, the best survival rates are achieved with early cystectomy.

Unusual renal cell carcinoma metastasis to the gallbladder.

Herein we report a case of a renal cell carcinoma with synchronous metastases to the lung and gallbladder. This appears to be the first case of renal cell carcinoma with metastasis to the gallbladder detected prior to autopsy.

[Arterialization of the deep dorsal vein in selected cases of vasculogenic impotence]. / Arterializzazione della vena dorsale profonda in casi selezionati di impotenza vasculogenica.

We report our study of surgical treatment of vasculogenic impotence using the technique of arterialization of the deep dorsal vein. The results of the operation performed in 13 selected cases are good although the follow-up is still short. The reasons why we consider this technique preferable to the others available for penile revascularization are discussed.