ABSTRACT
Advanced oxidation processes (AOP), using semiconductor (SC) and hydroxyapatite (HA) composites, are promising due to the synergy of photocatalytic and adsorption properties. Still, dye removal efficiency of composites based on HA-SC remains low, because most of the research reported consider single SC materials. In this work, nanocrystalline xerogels of titanium oxide (TiO2) with copper oxide (CuO) and HA were synthesized by the sol-gel process. HA was obtained by the precipitation method without heat treatment and calcined in the range of 200-1000 °C. TiO2 and copper precursors were added to a sol containing HA in a 12:1 mol ratio, obtaining HA-TiO2 and HA-CuO-TiO2 nanomaterials. The xerogels were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, emission field scanning electron microscopy and photoresponse. Their performance in the photocatalytic discoloration of an aqueous solution acid yellow dye 36 (AY36) was evaluated, using visible and UV light. The best discoloration was achieved with HA-CuO-TiO2 xerogels with HA calcined at 600 °C, showing a degradation kinetic constant of 0.24 min-1. In contrast, HA-TiO2 materials showed little or no photocatalytic activity, but strong dye adsorption/desorption. The thermal treatment of HA determines the filament-like morphology and degree of compaction of the nanomaterials, which are relevant in the crystallite size and sensitization of the SC matrix. Further studies must address the surface chemistry and rectifying properties of the best SC composite to have a more complete understanding of the mechanisms involved.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) may be managed by transobturator approach. We developed a three-dimensional model, for understanding the surgical anatomy and manual training as well, in order to reduce the learning curve for pelvic surgeries. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate in synthetic models, the anatomical basis for the management of SUI and cystocele. METHOD: The anatomical model includes: pelvic bones, the main layers of the pelvic muscles, ligaments and fascias. The surgical devices were transobturator needles, synthetic slings and meshes for anterior vaginal wall repair. The workshop was carried out with an anatomical overview and hands-on training in this tridimentional models and finally surgery in animals. At the end, a questionnaire was applied to verify the impact of this tool in the learning process and trainee satisfaction. RESULTS: As far as the anatomical concept, 90% (n=72) of the participants classified this model as very good and 10% (n=8) as good. As a tool for understanding the tridimentional pelvic floor anatomy applied to transobturator procedures there were 100% of approval. CONCLUSIONS: This synthetic model allows for understanding the pelvic floor tridimentional anatomy and surgical procedures as well. Further skill is got in the animal model reducing the learning curve for transobturator procedures.
Subject(s)
Cystocele/surgery , Models, Anatomic , Urinary Incontinence, Stress/surgery , Urologic Surgical Procedures/education , Urologic Surgical Procedures/methods , Female , Humans , Pelvic Bones , Pelvic FloorABSTRACT
Titanium oxide grown by a sol-gel route on single-walled carbon nanotubes was studied by Raman and Electrochemical Impedance techniques and compared with mixtures obtained by mechanical grinding. In spite of the superior dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes bundles in sol-gel composites, the lost of the small-diameter carbon nanotubes in the oxidizing sol-gel bath was inferred from their Raman spectra and the lower capacitive current of the voltammograms in 0.1 M H2SO4. We proposed proton electrosorption as the main charge storage mechanism for sol-gel composites, favoured by the hydroxylation and n-type conductivity of the oxide, while electrodes based on mixtures were dominated by double-layer charging, developing some pseudocapacitance with potential cycling due to the reversible oxidation of carbon nanotubes. Comparsion with TiO2/Carbon Blacks composites shows the effective role of single-walled carbon nanotubes as templates to control the mesoporous nature of sol-gel composite electrodes.
Subject(s)
Electrochemistry/methods , Nanotechnology/methods , Nanotubes, Carbon/chemistry , Spectrum Analysis, Raman/methods , Titanium/chemistry , Electric Impedance , Electrodes , Gels , Materials Testing , Metal Nanoparticles , Nanotubes , Oxides/chemistry , Phase TransitionABSTRACT
The excitation spectra and the structural properties of highly hydroxylated C(60)(OH)(x) fullerenes (so-called fullerenols) are analyzed by comparing optical absorption experiments on dilute fullerenol-water solutions with semiempirical and density functional theory electronic structure calculations. The optical spectrum of fullerenol molecules with 24-28 OH attached to the carbon surface is characterized by the existence of broad bands with reduced intensities near the ultraviolet region (below approximately 500 nm) together with a complete absence of optical transitions in the visible part of the spectra, contrasting with the intense absorption observed in C(60) solutions. Our theoretical calculations of the absorption spectra, performed within the framework of the semiempirical Zerner intermediate neglect of diatomic differential overlap method [Reviews in Computational Chemistry II, edited by K. B. Lipkowitz and D. B. Boyd (VCH, Weinheim, 1991), Chap. 8, pp. 313-316] for various gas-phase-like C(60)(OH)(26) isomers, reveal that the excitation spectra of fullerenol molecules strongly depend on the degree of surface functionalization, the precise distribution of the OH groups on the carbon structure, and the presence of impurities in the samples. Interestingly, we have surprisingly found that low energy atomic configurations are obtained when the OH groups segregate on the C(60) surface forming molecular domains of different sizes. This patchy behavior for the hydroxyl molecules on the carbon surface leads in general to the formation of fullerene compounds with closed electronic shells, large highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy gaps, and existence of an excitation spectrum that accounts for the main qualitative features observed in the experimental data.
ABSTRACT
The prevalence of urinary incontinence is around 20% of healthy middle-aged women. Incontinence causes a negative impact on the quality of life and sexuality. From August 2002 to January 2004, 30 patients (mean age 43 years) with stress urinary incontinence (59%), overactive bladder (15%) and mixed incontinence (26%) answered the ICIQ-SF(International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnarie-Short Form) and FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) questionnaires before and after treatment for urinary incontinence. The follow-up ranged from 12 to 53 months. Mean ICIQ score was 17 and 7 before and after treatment respectivelly (p<0,001). Overactive bladder showed the worst scores in all domains. The patients who underwent surgery increased their scores of desire (p=0,02), satisfaction (p=0,05) and total score (p=0,02). Thirteen patients which ICIQ was zero increased: desire (p<0,01), satisfaction (p=0,05) and total score (p=0,01). Urinary incontinence significantly affects the quality of life. Therefore sexual evaluation in incontinence patients is recommended.
Subject(s)
Sexuality , Urinary Incontinence/therapy , Adult , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
La incontinencia urinaria afecta a cerca del 20% de las mujeres en edad reproductiva y afecta negativamente la calidad de vida y la sexualidad. Entre agosto de 2002 y enero 2004, 30 pacientes portadoras de incontinencia urinaria (IU), respondieron los cuestionarios ICIQ-SF (Internacional Consultation on Incontinente Questionaire- Short Form) y FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) antes y después del tratamiento. La edad media fue de 43 años (31 a 51 años), con un tiempo de inicio de los síntomas urinarios que varió entre 12 a 53 meses. Participaron pacientes con incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo (59%), vejiga hiperactiva idiopática (15%) e incontinencia urinaria mixta (26%). Se utilizó el test de Wilcoxon para datos pareados para la evaluación estadística. Los valores de p≤0,05 indicaron diferencias significativas de la respuesta sexual (RS) antes y después del tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria (IU). El objetivo fue evaluar la respuesta sexual y la calidad de vida de las pacientes con incontinencia urinaria antes y después del tratamiento. La muestra final contó con 27 pacientes. La media del score de ICIQ-SF pasó de 17 a 7 después del tratamiento (p0,01), satisfacción (p=0,05) y puntaje total (p=0,01). Se recomienda la evaluación de la respuesta sexual en pacientes con incontinencia urinaria, porque esta condición causa un impacto negativo en la calidad de vida (QoL)
The prevalence of urinary incontinence is around 20% of healthy middle-aged women. Incontinence causes a negative impact on the quality of life and sexuality. From August 2002 to January 2004, 30 patients (mean age 43 years) with stress urinary incontinence (59%), overactive bladder (15%) and mixed incontinence (26%) answered the ICIQ-SF(International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnarie-Short Form) and FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) questionnaires before and after treatment for urinary incontinence. The follow - up ranged from 12 to 53 months. Mean ICIQ score was 17 and 7 before and after treatment respectivelly (p<0,001). Overactive bladder showed the worst scores in all domains. The patients who underwent surgery increased their scores of desire (p=0,02), satisfaction (p=0,05) and total score (p=0,02). Thirteen patients which ICIQ was zero increased: desire (p<0,01), satisfaction (p=0,05) and total score (p=0,01). Urinary incontinence significantly affects the quality of life. Therefore sexual evaluation in incontinence patients is recommended
