Supramolecular assembly of a thermoresponsive steroidal surfactant with an oppositely charged thermoresponsive block copolymer.

Supramolecular rearrangements are crucial in determining the response of stimuli sensitive soft matter systems such as those formed by mixtures of oppositely charged amphiphiles. Here mixtures of this kind were prepared by mixing the cationic block copolymer pAMPTMA30-b-pNIPAAM120 and an anionic surfactant obtained by the modification of the bile salt sodium cholate. As pure components, the two compounds presented a thermoresponsive self-assembly at around 30-35 °C; a micelle formation in the case of the copolymer and a transition from fibers to tubes in the case of the bile salt derivative. When both were present in the same solution they associated into mixed aggregates that showed complex thermoresponsive features. At room temperature, the core of the aggregate was comprised of a supramolecular twisted ribbon of the bile salt derivative. The block copolymers were anchored on the surface of this ribbon through electrostatic interactions between their charged blocks and the oppositely charged heads of the bile salt molecules. The whole structure was stabilized by a corona of the uncharged blocks that protruded into the surrounding solvent. By increasing the temperature to 30-34 °C the mixed aggregates transformed into rods with smooth edges that associated into bundles and clusters, which in turn induced clouding of the solution. Circular dichroism allowed us to follow progressive rearrangements of the supramolecular organization within the complex, occurring in the range of temperature of 20-70 °C.

Recovery of the Reproductive Capability Following Exposure to 4-tert-Octylphenol in the Neotropical Cichlid Fish Cichlasoma dimerus.

Here, we analyzed the recovery of the reproductive capability in male Cichlasoma dimerus after exposure to sublethal concentrations of 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), a demonstrated estrogenic chemical. Adult fish were exposed to 0, 30, 150 and 300 µg/L OP during 60 days and subsequently transferred to OP-free water for another 60 days. At 150 and 300 µg/L, absence of fertilized spawnings were recorded during the first 4 weeks following OP exposure, which could be explained by the impairment of testis architecture recorded at the highest OP concentrations. The restoration of the testicular organization began by day 14 in OP-free water, when the germinal epithelium re-started to proliferate. Testicular functionality was recovered by day 28, yielding fertilized eggs and viable F1 embryos. These results show that pathological features induced in the testes of C. dimerus by OP exposure are not permanent since fish recover their fertilization capacity after an adequate depuration period.

[Testicular epidermoid cyst]. / Quiste epidermoide testicular.

INTRODUCTION: Testicular tumors are usually managed by radical orchiectomy because of the high incidence of malignant lesions. Epidermoid cyst of the testis is a rare benign tumor, and its differential diagnosis from malignant testicular tumors is difficult. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical records of seven patients who attended our hospital with testicular epidermoid cysts were reviewed. Preoperative evaluation consisted of testicular ultrasonography in 6 patients, and magnetic resonance imaging in 4 patients. A peroperative biopsy was performed in four patients. RESULTS: Ultrasonographic appearance was specific for diagnosis of epidermoid cyst in 80% of patients. Pathological diagnosis was made in all biopsies taken during surgery. Conservative management was (tumorectomy or partial orquidectomy) performed in 6 patients (85%). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative imaging findings, gross characteristics of the lesion, and peroperative biopsy results provide adequate information to attempt testis-sparing surgery instead of radical orchiectomy.

Quiste epidermoide testicular / Testicular epidermoid cyst

Introducción: La gran mayoría de las tumoraciones testiculares son de origen neoplásico, lo que determina habitualmente una cirugía radical. Los quistes epidermoides testiculares son una entidad benigna rara, que plantea dificultades en su diagnóstico clínico. Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión de los tumores testiculares, encontrando 7 casos de quistes epidermoides. Dentro de la valoración preoperatoria se realizó ecografía escrotal y resonancia magnética en 6 y en 4 pacientes, respectivamente. En 4 casos se realizó también biopsia intraoperatoria. Resultados: Se encontró una imagen típica ecográfica en más del 80 y en el 50% de las resonancias. En las biopsias intraoperatorias realizadas se encontró un 100% de coincidencia con el diagnóstico definitivo de la pieza. Se tomó una conducta conservadora (orquiectomía parcial o tumorectomía) en 6 de los 7 casos (85%), con buena evolución. Conclusión: En los pacientes en que se tiene alta sospecha ecográfica de quiste epidermoide, las características macroscópicas típicas (tumor encapsulado, pequeño tamaño, amarillo nacarado y de fácil enucleación) y un examen con cortes por congelación en el intraoperatorio que confirme el diagnóstico permiten realizar una cirugía conservadora (AU)

Introduction: Testicular tumors are usually managed by radical orchiectomy because of the high incidence of malignant lesions. Epidermoid cyst of the testis is a rare benign tumor, and its differential diagnosis from malignant testicular tumors is difficult. Materials and methods: The clinical records of seven patients who attended our hospital with testicular epidermoid cysts were reviewed. Preoperative evaluation consisted of testicular ultrasonography in 6 patients, and magnetic resonance imaging in 4 patients. A peroperative biopsy was performed in four patients. Results: Ultrasonographic appearance was specific for diagnosis of epidermoid cyst in 80% of patients. Pathological diagnosis was made in all biopsies taken during surgery. Conservative management was (tumorectomy or partial orquidectomy) performed in 6 patients (85%). Conclusions: Preoperative imaging findings, gross characteristics of the lesion, and peroperative biopsy results provide adequate information to attempt testis-sparing surgery instead of radical orchiectomy (AU)

Exposure to waterborne 4-tert-octylphenol induces vitellogenin synthesis and disrupts testis morphology in the South American freshwater fish Cichlasoma dimerus (Teleostei, Perciformes).

Exposure to environmental pollutants may disrupt endocrine functions and cause reproductive effects in human and wildlife populations. Various groups of chemicals have estrogen-like effects, including degradation products of alkylphenol polyethoxylates, such as 4-tert-octylphenol (OP). Laboratory studies have shown that exposure of male fish to xenoestrogens results in induction of circulating vitellogenin (Vtg), inhibition of testicular growth, testis abnormalities and formation of intersex gonads. In this study, the impact of the exposure to waterborne OP on reproductive aspects in the South American cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus was evaluated using qualitative changes in the levels of Vtg in plasma and surface mucus and histological alterations in the liver and gonads as endpoints. Adult males and females were exposed to OP via immersion during 60 days in aquaria under semi-static conditions, water changes being made every 84 h. Treatment groups were: control (ethanol 0.005%), OP 30, 150 and 300 microg/L. Using Western and Dot blot analysis, Vtg was detected in plasma and mucus of control and treated females and treated males, while no Vtg was observed in samples from control males. Morphological changes in the hepatocytes due to the accumulation of Vtg were observed in OP-exposed males. Impairment of testicular structure became apparent in males treated with the highest OP concentrations. The most salient pathological change was the alteration of lobular organization with increased testicular fibrosis and progressive disruption of spermatogenesis. No major changes were observed in ovarian architecture. Our results indicate that detection of Vtg in surface mucus may be a sensitive and non-invasive biomarker of the endocrine disrupting effects of environmental estrogens, resulting in a useful method for field monitoring.

Recanalización tardía de injerto ilíaco / Late recanalisation of an iliac graft

Introducción. Las técnicas endovasculares son útiles para el tratamiento de la enfermedad oclusiva ateroscleróticaen el sector aortoilíaco; la angioplastia transluminal percutánea con balón, con o sin la colocación de stent, estáampliamente aceptada. Una proporción importante de oclusiones de la arteria ilíaca puede recanalizarse con una combinaciónde angioplastia y stent, y muchas son las referencias bibliográficas al respecto, pero poco se ha comentado sobrerecanalizaciones tardías en oclusiones crónicas de injertos en este sector. Caso clínico. Mujer de 53 años de edad coninjerto iliofemoral izquierdo realizado hace cuatro años, ingresa por lesión trófica digital y dolor de reposo en pie izquierdo,refiere claudicación corta desde hace 3 meses, y presenta ausencia de pulsos en el miembro inferior izquierdo.En la arteriografía preoperatoria: obliteración de la arteria ilíaca externa en su origen con repermeabilización en la arteriafemoral común. Se logra mediante abordaje percutáneo contralateral la recanalización del bypass iliofemoral colocandodos stents solapados (8 × 37 mm proximal balón expandible y 7 × 100 mm distal recubierto) con buen resultadoangiográfico, recuperación del pulso femoral izquierdo y buena perfusión del pie. Conclusiones. La recanalización percutáneade una oclusión crónica de un injerto iliofemoral parece una excelente opción terapéutica en casos seleccionados,y más aún si se tiene en cuenta que las reintervenciones quirúrgicas son a menudo difíciles, y no exentas de complicaciones

Introduction. Endovascular techniques are useful for treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease in the aortoiliacsegment; percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with balloon, with or without the placement of a stent, is widelyaccepted. A high proportion of occlusions in the iliac artery can be recanalised with a combination of angioplasty andstent, and many cases have been reported in the literature; little has been said, however, about late recanalisations inchronic occlusions of grafts in this segment. Case report. A 53-year-old female with a left iliofemoral graft that had beenperformed four years earlier; the patient was admitted to hospital due to trophic lesions in the toes and rest pain in theleft foot, reported a three-month history of short claudication, and had no pulse in the lower left limb. In the preoperativearteriography: obliteration of the external iliac artery at its origin with restoration of patency in the common femoralartery. Using a contralateral percutaneous approach, the iliofemoral bypass was recanalised by placing two overlappingstents (8 × 37 mm proximal to the expandable balloon and 7 × 100 mm distal covered) with a good angiographicoutcome, recovery of the left femoral pulse and good perfusion of the foot. Conclusions. Percutaneous recanalisation ofa chronic occlusion of an iliofemoral graft seems to be an excellent therapeutic option in selected cases, and even moreso if we bear in mind that surgical reinterventions are often difficult to perform and are not free of complications

Aneurisma de vena facial: caso clínico y revisión de la bibliografía / Facial vein aneurysm: a case report and review of the literature

Introducción. Los aneurismas de la vena facial son excepcionales. Sólo hay cinco casos publicados en la bibliografía.Se presenta el caso de una paciente con trombosis aguda de un aneurisma gigante de vena facial izquierda,tratado mediante resección quirúrgica. Caso clínico. Mujer de 70 años, con tumoración dolorosa, no compresible ni pulsátil,en la parte lateral izquierda del cuello. En la tomografía computarizada se visualizó una masa de 4 × 4 cm, sin captaciónde contraste y adyacente a la vena yugular interna. Se resecó el aneurisma trombosado de la vena facial con ligadurade cabos proximal y distal. No presentó complicaciones perioperatorias. Conclusiones. La edad media de presentaciónde los aneurismas de vena facial es de 36 años (intervalo: 11-70 años) y tiene un ligero predominio en los varones.Se suelen localizar en la rama anterior de la vena y la mitad de los casos son congénitos. El dolor es el síntoma más frecuentey su tamaño medio es de casi 4 cm. No se han descrito complicaciones tromboembólicas. El diagnóstico de imagense hace con ecografía, tomografía computarizada y resonancia magnética. El tratamiento se indica para los casossintomáticos o de gran tamaño. Debemos tener especial precaución en los localizados en la rama retromandibular, porsu íntimo contacto con la parótida y el nervio facial. El diagnóstico diferencial se hace con quistes, laringoceles y otrastumoraciones cervicales

Introduction. Aneurysms of the facial vein (FV) are rare. Only five cases have been reported in the literature.Here, we report the case of a patient with acute thrombosis of a giant aneurysm in the left FV, which was treated bymeans of surgical resection. Case report. Our case involved a 70-year-old female with a painful tumour that was neithercompressible nor pulsatile in the left side of her neck. The computerised tomography (CT) scan showed a 4 x 4 cm mass,with no contrast enhancement, lying adjacent to the internal jugular vein. The thrombosed aneurysm was excised fromthe FV with ligation of the proximal and distal ends. No perioperative complications occurred. Conclusions. The meanage at which aneurysms of the FV appear is 36 years (interval: 11-70 years) and there is a slight predominance in males.They are usually located in the anterior branch of the vein and half the cases are congenital. Pain is the most frequentsymptom and the average size is almost 4 cm. No thromboembolic complications have been reported. Diagnostic imagingis performed with ultrasonography, CT and magnetic resonance scanning. Treatment is indicated for symptomatic orlarge-sized cases. Special care must be taken in those that are located in the retromandibular branch, due to its being inclose contact with the parotid and the facial nerve. Differential diagnosis is carried out with cysts, laryngoceles andneck tumours

Crystal structure of chenodeoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid and their two 3beta,7alpha- and 3beta,7beta-dihydroxy epimers.

The crystal structures of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (7beta isomer of CDCA) and their other two epimers (3beta,7alpha- and 3beta,7beta-isomers) have been resolved. The four isomers were recrystallized from p-xylene. CDCA crystal is hexagonal P6(5) while the crystals of the other three isomers are orthorhombic (P2(1)2(1)2(1) space group). Only the 3beta,7beta isomer forms an inclusion complex with the solvent with a 1:1 stoichiometry. In all cases, the three hydrogen bond sites (the two hydroxy groups, O3-H and O7-H, and the carboxylic acid group of the side chain, O24bO24a-H) simultaneously act as hydrogen bond donors and acceptors. By considering that O24a is always donor and O24b is always acceptor, the hydrogen bond sequences can be understood on the basis of the interaction between the two hydroxy groups. However the comparison between the four compounds is complicated by the existence of two molecules in the asymmetric unit in the UDCA crystal resulting in that the same hydrogen bond site (for instance O3) can be donor towards two different acceptors (either O7 or O24b). As in the case of the four isomers of deoxycholic acid (Steroids 2004, 69, 379), the other three isomers present a donor-->acceptor sequence, which is O7-->O3 when O3-H is beta and O3-->O7 when O3-H is alpha. The spatial orientation of the carboxylic acid of the side chain is referred to two almost perpendicular planes (defined by (1) the carbon atoms C1/C6-C17/C20 and by (2) the methyl groups C18-C19 and the two carbon atoms to which they are linked, C10 and C13, respectively). Only the side chain of CDCA evidences a positive deviation towards the hydrophobic beta side of the molecule.

[Arachnoid cyst complicated by intracystic hemorrhage and spontaneous subdural hematoma: magnetic resonance findings]. / Quiste aracnoideo complicado con hemorragia intraquística y hematoma subdural espontneo: hallazgos en resonancia magnética.

Arachnoid cysts are collections of cerebrospinal fluid within the arachnoid membrane. They are benign lesions and most are congenital. They are usually asymptomatic; however, they can bleed and become symptomatic. Although arachnoid cyst associated to intracystic hemorrhage and spontaneous subdural hematoma is an uncommon complication, it is a well-known indication for emergency neurosurgery. We present the findings in a ten-year-old boy diagnosed with arachnoid cyst complicated by intracystic hemorrhage and spontaneous subdural hematoma diagnosed by magnetic resonance.

Specific aspects of erectile function in urology/andrology.

The urologist/andrologist is the specialist responsible for diagnosis and treatment of health problems related to the genitourinary tract, and his or her participation in comprehensive care for a patient with erectile dysfunction (ED) is fundamental and often indispensable. The urologists/andrologists should characterize the origin of ED because of their knowledge and familiarity of all diagnostic tests and second- and third-line therapy. The origin of ED is important to determine for various reasons, such as young people suitable for etiologic treatment, medicolegal reasons, or patients' wishes for a better understanding of their condition. A review of the diagnostic tests available as well as indications for second- and third-line therapy is presented. The close relationship between ED and urological disorders, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer and their treatments, and renal failure, in association with penile conditions like Peyronie's disease, priapism, and possible androgen deficiency in men older than 50 years, places the urologist at the center of integrated treatment of male ED.

Successful prediction of the hydrogen bond network of the 3-oxo-12alpha-hydroxy-5beta-cholan-24-oic acid crystal from resolution of the crystal structure of deoxycholic acid and its three 3,12-dihydroxy epimers.

Crystal structures of p-xylene-crystallized deoxycholic acid (3alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-5beta-cholan-24-oic acid) and its three epimers (3beta,12alpha-; 3alpha,12beta-; and 3beta,12beta-) have been solved. Deoxycholic acid forms a crystalline (P21) complex with the solvent with a 2:1 stoichiometry whereas crystals of the three epimers do not form inclusion compounds. Crystals of the 3beta,12beta-epimer are hexagonal, whereas the 3alpha,12beta-and 3beta,12alpha-epimers crystallize in the P2(1)2(1)2(1) orthorhombic space group. The three hydrogen bond sites (two hydroxy groups, i. e. O3-H, and O12-H, and the carboxylic acid group of the side chain, O24bO24a-H) simultaneously act as hydrogen bond donors and acceptors. The hydrogen bond network in the crystals was analyzed and the following sequences have been observed: two chains (abcabc... or acbacb... ) and two rings (abc or acb), which constitute a complete set of all the possible sequences which can be drawn for an intermolecular hydrogen bond network formed by three hydrogen bond donor/acceptor sites forming crossing hydrogen bonds. The orientation of O3-H (alpha or beta) determines the sequence of the acceptor and the donor groups involved in the pattern: O24a --> O12 --> O3 --> O24b when it is alpha and O24a --> O3 --> O12--> O24B when it is beta. These observations were used to predict the hydrogen bond network of p-xylene-crystallized 3-oxo,12alpha-hydroxy-5beta-cholan-24-oic acid. This compound has two hydrogen bond donor and three potential hydrogen bond acceptor sites. According to the previous sequence set, this compound should crystallize in the monoclinic P21 system, should form a complex with the solvent, O24b should not participate in the hydrogen bond network, and the chain sequence O24a --> O12 --> O3 would be followed. All predictions were confirmed experimentally.

Ultrastructure of the testis in Synbranchus marmoratus (Teleostei, Synbranchidae): the germinal compartment.

Synbranchus marmoratus, is a protogynic diandric species in which two types of males, primary and secondary, are found. In both types, the germinal compartment in the testes is of the unrestricted lobular type, but in secondary (sex reversed females) males the lobules develop within the former ovarian lamellae. In the present study, the germinal compartment was examined in both types of males using light microscopy as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Germinal compartment is limited by a basement membrane and contains Sertoli and germ cells. During maturation, processes of Sertoli cells form the borders of spermatocysts containing isogenic germ cells. Characteristically, type A and type B spermatogonia have a single nucleolus and grouped mitochondria associated with dense bodies or nuage. Type B spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids are joined by cytoplasmatic bridges and are confined within spermatocysts. Secondary spermatocytes are difficult to find, indicating that this stage is of short duration. Biflagellated spermatozoa have a rounded head, no acrosome, and possess a midpiece consisting of two basal bodies, each of which produces a flagellum with a typical 9+2 microtubular composition. No associations occur between sperm and Sertoli cells. There were no differences between spermatogenesis in primary and secondary males in this protogynic, diandric fish.

Immunocytochemical localization of different cell types in the adenohypophysis of the cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus (Heckel, 1840).

The adenohypophysis of the cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus was studied using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method with antisera raised against piscine pituitary hormones and heterologous antisera against mammalian pituitary hormones. Antiserum raised against rabbit ACTH recognized a group of cells bordering the neurohypophysis (NH) in the rostral pars distalis (RPD). Anti-chum salmon prolactin (PRL) identified a compact group of cells in the periphery of the RPD. Gonadotropin II (GTH II), thyrotropin (TSH) and growth hormone (GH)-ir cells were localized in the proximal pars distalis. Ir-GTH II cells were also observed in the dorsal area of the pars intermedia (PI). Ir-GTH I cells could not be identified using anti-chum salmon GTH I, this may be due either to a failure of the antisera to recognize the gonadotropin or to a low expression of the hormone in adults of this species. PAS positive cells from the PI bound specifically with three different antisera raised against somatolactin (SL) of four different fish species. These cells surrounded deep branches of the NH in the PI.

Immunocytochemical localization of different cell types in the adenohypophysis of the cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus (Heckel, 1840).

The adenohypophysis of the cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus was studied using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method with antisera raised against piscine pituitary hormones and heterologous antisera against mammalian pituitary hormones. Antiserum raised against rabbit ACTH recognized a group of cells bordering the neurohypophysis (NH) in the rostral pars distalis (RPD). Anti-chum salmon prolactin (PRL) identified a compact group of cells in the periphery of the RPD. Gonadotropin II (GTH II), thyrotropin (TSH) and growth hormone (GH)-ir cells were localized in the proximal pars distalis. Ir-GTH II cells were also observed in the dorsal area of the pars intermedia (PI). Ir-GTH I cells could not be identified using anti-chum salmon GTH I, this may be due either to a failure of the antisera to recognize the gonadotropin or to a low expression of the hormone in adults of this species. PAS positive cells from the PI bound specifically with three different antisera raised against somatolactin (SL) of four different fish species. These cells surrounded deep branches of the NH in the PI.

[PSA levels and its relationship with digital examination, age, and score of prostatic symptoms]. / Valor del PSA en relación con el tacto, edad y score de la sintomatología prostática.

Between November 1992 and March 1993 our Service conducted a campaign for early detection of prostate disease among the male population of Vigo. The study focused in the relationship of PSA with the age, rectal examination and prostate symptomatology score. In view of the results obtained it has been concluded that PSA levels increase gradually as a function of age, volume and prostate symptomatology score.

Aggregation behavior of bile salts in aqueous solution.

Freezing point depression, delta T/k, and pNa are measured and analyzed for aqueous solutions of trihydroxy (NaTC) and dihydroxy (NaDC and NaTDC) bile salts. The results show the existence of break points in the plot of delta T/k vs molality at 0.018, 0.013, and 0.007 m, respectively, in good agreement with previous published critical micelle concentration values. Above the break point bile salts form aggregates with average aggregation numbers of 2.59 +/- 0.12 (NaTC), 5.82 +/- 0.04 (NaDC), and 5.42 +/- 0.47 (NaTDC). Fractions of bound counterions are also deduced, being close to 0.3 for the three bile salts studied. This indicates that only one counterion is bound for every three monomers in the aggregate. The different structural models published for the bile salt aggregates are discussed.