Optical, morphological and photocatalytic properties of biobased tractable films of chitosan/donor-acceptor polymer blends.

Biobased tractable films consisting of blends of chitosan (CS) with polymer bearing carbazole derivatives as pendant groups and fluorene-thiophene as donor-acceptor units (referred to as DA) were prepared, and their optical, morphological and photocatalytic properties were studied. DA was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and mixed with an acidified aqueous solution containing chitosan to obtain chitosan/DA (CS/DA) films by solution casting. The fabricated biobased films were characterized using spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR and UV-vis), thermogravimetry, mechanical assays, contact angle analysis, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The effects of varying DA compositions and the results of exposure to visible-light irradiation of the films were also analyzed. The results indicated the existence of interactions between chitosan and DA and a potentially profitable light-driven response of these biobased films. This behavior was reflected in the optical, topographical, and contact angle properties of the films, which exhibited different characteristics before and after visible-light exposure. Finally, the photocatalytic performance of the biobased films was tested via the decomposition of methyl orange (MO), as a reaction model system. Our results revealed a significant photocatalytic activity (according to biobased film composition, approximately 64 % and 87 % of methyl orange were degraded under continuous visible-light irradiation for 120 min) of the films which is attributed to the combined presence and synergetic effects of the film-forming ability of chitosan and the photoproperties of DA.

Ancient mitochondrial pseudogenes reveal hybridization between distant lineages in the evolution of the Rupicapra genus.

Mitochondrial pseudogenes (numts) inserted in the nuclear genome are frequently found in population studies. Its presence is commonly connected with problems and errors when they are confounded with true mitochondrial sequences. In the opposite side, numts can provide valuable phylogenetic information when they are copies of ancient mitochondrial lineages. We show that Rupicapra individuals of different geographic origin from the Cantabrian Mountains to the Apennines and the Caucasus share a nuclear COI fragment. The numt copies are monophyletic, and their pattern of differentiation shows two outstanding features: a long evolution as differentiated true mitochondrial lineage, and a recent integration and spread through the chamois populations. The COI pseudogene is much older than the present day mitochondrial clades of Rupicapra and occupies a basal position within the Rupicapra-Ammotragus-Arabitragus node. Joint analysis of this numt and a cytb pseudogene with a similar pattern of evolution places the source mitochondrial lineage as a sister branch that separated from the Ammotragus-Arabitragus lineage 6millionyearsago (Mya). The occurrence of this sequence in the nucleus of chamois suggests hybridization between highly divergent lineages. The integration event seems to be very recent, more recent than the split of the present day mtDNA lineages of Rupicapra (1.9Mya). This observation invites to think of the spread across the genus by horizontal transfer through recent male-biased dispersal.

[Urachal adenocarcinoma treated with robotic assisted laparoscopy partial cystectomy]. / Cistectomóa parcial laparoscópica asistida por robot Da Vinci para el tratamiento del adenocarcinoma de uraco.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of urachal adenocarcinoma treated with robotic assisted laparoscopic partial cystectomy and en-bloc exeresis of urachus and umbilicus and bibliographic review. METHODS: A 63 year-old man with hematuria and hypogastric pain. He was diagnosed of urachal adenocarcinoma by transurethral resection and axial tomography. We performed a robotic assisted laparoscopic partial cystectomy using a da Vinci® S HD (Intuitive Surgical System) device. We describe the surgical technique and examine total length of time for surgery and for console, pathology report, margin status, postoperative outcome and oncological status 7 months after surgery. RESULTS: 4 ports were used for robotic arms and one additional for the assistant. Cystoscopy was performed during surgery to mark tumor margins. Bladder was closed using a running suture with Poliglactin 0. Total length time for surgery was 2hs 28 minutes, console time was 1h54'. Two days later patient was discharged and no complication was reported. After two weeks Foley cathether was removed and bladder volume was 300ml. Pathology report informed undifferentiated urachal adenocarcinoma with perivesical tissue infiltration with margins free from tumor, corresponding to Sheldon IIIB and Ontario III classification. Seven months later patient was fee from recurrence. CONCLUSION: Robotic assisted laparoscopy partial cystectomy with en-bloc exeresis of urachal and umbilicus is feasible.

Cistectomía parcial laparoscópica asistida por robot da Vinci para el tratamiento del adenocarcinoma de uraco / Urachal adenocarcinoma treated with robotic assisted laparoscopy partial cystectomy

OBJETIVO: Describir un caso de adenocarcinoma de uraco tratado con cistectomía parcial con extracción en bloque del uraco y ombligo por vía laparoscópica asistida por robot y hacer una revisión de la literatura. MÉTODOS: Varón de 63 años que consultó por hematuria y dolor durante la micción en hipogastrio diagnosticado de adenocarcinoma localizado de uraco mediante resección transuretral de vejiga y tomografía axial computada (TAC). Se realizó una cistectomía parcial laparoscópica asistida por robot utilizando una unidad da Vinci® (Intuitive Surgical System) modelo S HD de cuatro brazos. Describimos la técnica quirúrgica y evaluamos el tiempo de consola, tiempo quirúrgico total, sangrado introperatorio, anatomía patológica, márgenes quirúrgicos, evolución postoperatoria y su situación clínica tras 5 meses de seguimiento. RESULTADOS: Se dispusieron 4 trocares robóticos y uno adicional para la aspiración. Se demarco el limite vesical por vía endoscópica para asegurar márgenes negativos.. El tiempo de consola fue de 1:54hs, tiempo total de cirugía de 2:48hs con un sangrado de 100ml. Evolucionó sin complicaciones con alta a las 48hs. La sonda vesical fue retirada a los 15 días permaneciendo con una capacidad vesical de 300ml al mes de la cirugía. La anatomía patológica informó un adenocarcinoma de uraco pobremente diferenciado con infiltración del tejido fibroadiposo perivesical y márgenes quirúrgicos libres de tumor. Clasificación de Sheldon IIIB y Ontario III. Sin signos de recidiva a los 7 meses de seguimiento. CONCLUSIÓN: La cistectomía parcial con extracción en bloque del uraco y ombligo realizada por vía laparoscópica asistida por robot es factible (AU)

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of urachal adenocarcinoma treated with robotic assisted laparoscopic partial cystectomy and en-bloc exeresis of urachus and umbilicus and bibliographic review. METHODS: A 63 year-old man with hematuria and hypogastric pain. He was diagnosed of urachal adenocarcinoma by transurethral resection and axial tomography. We performed a robotic assisted laparoscopic partial cystectomy using a da Vinci® S HD (Intuitive Surgical System) device. We describe the surgical technique and examine total length of time for surgery and for console, pathology report, margin status, postoperative outcome and oncological status 7 months after surgery. RESULTS: 4 ports were used for robotic arms and one additional for the assistant. Cystoscopy was performed during surgery to mark tumor margins. Bladder was closedusing a running suture with Poliglactin 0. Total length time for surgery was 2hs 28 minutes, console time was 1h54`. Two days later patient was discharged and no complication was reported. After two weeks Foley cathether was removed and bladder volume was 300ml. Pathology report informed undifferentiated urachal adenocarcinoma with perivesical tissue infiltration with margins free from tumor, corresponding to Sheldon IIIB and Ontario III classification. Seven months later patient was fee from recurrence. CONCLUSION: Robotic assisted laparoscopy partial cystectomy with en-bloc exeresis of urachal and umbilicus is feasible (AU)

Deregulation of tissue homeostasis in endometria from patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome with and without endometrial hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the proteins involved in endometrial homeostasis in PCOS women. METHODS: Protein expression of Ki67, Bcl-2, Bax, Pro-Caspase-3 and Caspase-3 by immunohistochemistry and/or Western blot, and DNA fragmentation using in situ 3'-end labeling of apoptotic cells, was measured in 9 samples of normal endometrium (NE), 12 PCOS endometria without treatment (PCOSE), 7 endometria from PCOS women with endometrial hyperplasia (HPCOSE) and 9 endometria from patients with endometrial hyperplasia (HE). RESULTS: Cell proliferation was higher in epithelium from PCOSE (P<0.05), HPCOSE and HE vs NE. A higher Bcl-2/Bax relative ratio in PCOSE and HPCOSE was observed, in absence of active Caspase-3 and scarce DNA fragmentation in the four groups of endometria studied. CONCLUSION: As the apoptosis was scarce in all of the groups studied, endometrial homeostasis deregulation in PCOS could be a result of increased proliferation. Therefore, the onset of endometrial hyperplasia in PCOS endometrium could be linked to inadequate cell proliferation, and concomitantly to inadequate cell survival.

[Giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica: diagnosis and evolution of 90 cases]. / Arteritis de células gigantes y polimialgia reumática: diagnóstico y evolución de 90 casos.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical features of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatic (PMR), and to evaluate the criteria proposed by the American College of Rheumatology in our results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 90 patients with GCA (n = 57.55 of whom were diagnosed by biops) and PMR (n = 33) diagnosed over the last 10 years. RESULTS: Headache was present in 45 patients (78.94%) with GCA and in 7 (21.21%) with PMR (p < 0.001); polymyalgic syndrome was observed in 15 patients (26.31%) with GCA and in 33 (100%) with PMR (p < 0.001); jaw or tongue claudication was observed in 14 patients (24.57%) with GCA and in 2 (6.06%) with PMR (p < 0.05), and visual disturbances were only present in 9 patients (15.79%) with GCA. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was > or = 50 mm/h in 84 patients (93.33%), and > or = 100 mm/h in 43 of them (51.19%). The ESR became normal (20 Pounds mm/h) in less of 8 weeks after the treatment was started in 64 patients (76.19%). At the time of diagnosis, 61 patients (61.67%) had anemia, which was severe (Hb < 10 g/dl) in 17 cases (27.86%). After steroid treatment 43 patients (70.49%) improved their anemia in less of 12 weeks, and 25 of them (58.13%) in less of 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The cranial symptoms were predictive for a positive temporal artery biopsy. The anemia and its quick normalization after steroid treatment can help to the diagnostic.

Estimation of microsatellite mutation rates in Drosophila melanogaster.

Microsatellite mutations were studied in a set of 175 mutation accumulation lines, all of them independently derived from a completely homozygous population of Drosophila melanogaster and maintained under strong inbreeding during 80 generations. We assayed 28 microsatellites and detected two mutations. One mutation consisted of a single addition of a dinucleotide repeat and the other was a deletion of five trinucleotide repeats. The average mutation rate was 5.1 x 10(-6), in full agreement with previous estimates from two different sets of mutation accumulation lines.

Spontaneous changes in Drosophila melanogaster transposable elements and their effects on fitness.

Twenty-eight spontaneous alterations modifying the hybridization banding pattern of six families of transposable elements (297, Foldback, copia, jockey, P and hobo) have been fixed in a set of mutation-accumulation lines of Drosophila melanogaster. Their effect on fitness has been studied by competition with the original pattern. Most alterations affecting transposable elements were shown to be rearrangements with no detectable effect on fitness, showing that spontaneous transposable element mutations mainly generate minor fitness mutations.

Structural instability of 297 element in Drosophila melanogaster.

297 element Southern pattern modifications previously detected in mutation accumulation lines of Drosophila melanogaster were further investigated by in situ hybridisation, Southern blotting with different combinations of genomic digest-probe, and PCR. Only one out of the nine pattern modifications studied could be interpreted as an excision and was detectable by in situ hybridisation to polytene chromosomes. Results were consistent with most pattern modifications being small rearrangements within the body of the element. In agreement with the existence of spontaneous rearrangements of this kind is the observation that many genomic copies of element 297 are defective and these are not limited to heterochromatin. These findings have important implications for the models of transposable element (TE) number regulation as well as for the study of genome evolution.

An evaluation of RAPD fragment reproducibility and nature.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fragment reproducibility was assayed in three animal species: red deer (Cervus elaphus), wild boar (Sus scrofa) and fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). Ten 10-mer primers (Operon) were tested in two replicate reactions per individual under different stringency conditions (annealing temperatures of 35 degrees C or 45 degrees C). Two estimates were generated from the data: autosimilarity, which tests the reproducibility of overall banding patterns, and band repeatability, which tests the reproducibility of specific bands. Autosimilarity (the similarity of individuals with themselves) was lower than 1 for all three species ranging between values of 0.66 for Drosophila at 45 degrees C and 0.88 for wild boar at 35 degrees C. Band repeatability was estimated as the proportion of individuals showing homologous bands in both replicates. The fraction of repeatable bands was 23% for deer, 36% for boar and 26% for fruit fly, all at an annealing temperature of 35 degrees C. Raising the annealing temperature did not improve repeatability. Phage lambda DNA was subjected to amplification and the pattern of bands compared with theoretical expectations based on nucleotide sequence. Observed fragments could not be related to expected ones, even if a 2 bp mismatch is allowed. Therefore, the nature of genetic variation uncovered by the RAPD method is unclear. These data demonstrate that prudence should guide inferences about population structure and nucleotide divergence based on RAPD markers.

Application of DNA fingerprinting to population study of chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra).

Hypervariable minisatellite DNA probes 33.15 and 33.6, originally developed for studies in human populations, were used to study genetic variation in chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). The mean number of bands per individual was 25 for probe 33.15 and 15 for probe 33.6. The average band frequency was 0.33 for both probes. The mean similarity was 0.44, greater than that reported for human and natural populations and close to values found in domestic populations of mammals. This lack of variability could be related to the bottleneck suffered by the population due to large-scale hunting after the Spanish Civil War. Levels of variability are high compared with variability at the level of protein markers, so the use of minisatellite DNA is recommended for future population studies in this species. We did not find large genetic differences between subpopulations, indicating that the population is genetically homogeneous.

Rates of movement of transposable elements in Drosophila melanogaster.

Mobilization rates of nine families of transposable elements (P, hobo, FB, gypsy, 412, copia, blood, 297, and jockey) were estimated by using 182 lines. Lines were started from a completely isogenic population of Drosophila melanogaster, carrying the marker sepia as an indicator of possible contamination, and have been accumulating spontaneous mutations independently for 80 generations of brother-sister (or two double-first-cousin) matings. Transposable element movements have been analyzed in complete genomes by the Southern technique. Mobilization was a rare event, with an average rate of 10(-5) per site per generation. The most active element was FB. In contrast, the retroelements gypsy and blood did not move at all. Most changes in restriction patterns were consistent with rearrangements rather than with true transposition. The euchromatic or heterochromatic location of elements was tested by comparing insertion patterns from adults and salivary glands. Certain putative rearrangements involved heterochromatic copies of the retroelements 412, copia or 297. Clustering of movement across families was observed, suggesting that movement of different families may be non-independent. As association between modified insertion patterns and mutant effects on quantitative traits shows that spontaneous transposition events cause continuous variation.

The need for aggressive nutritional intervention in the injured patient: the development of a predictive model.

Early nutritional intervention has been advocated in trauma patients. We have developed a model to identify those patients who will most benefit from the invasive and costly measures that are required to provide injured patients with early enteral feedings. Four hundred forty-two patients admitted to a level I trauma center during a 2-month period were evaluated using 21 clinical variables. Time to tolerance of a regular diet was used as the dependent variable in a step-wise regression, and then the selected variables were used to build a classification and regression tree to predict tolerance of a regular diet within 5 days. Our findings demonstrate that intensive care unit disposition, Injury Severity Score, Abdominal Trauma Index, and the need for early surgical intervention are important predictors regarding the need for early nutritional intervention. When the model was applied to the study population, it had a sensitivity of 83%, a specificity of 84%, and an accuracy of 84%.

Endothelial modulation of vascular tone and 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced responses in human chorionic arteries and veins.

1. In vitro studies were undertaken to evaluate the potential role of endothelium through release of vasodilators compounds on basal tension and on vasoconstrictor response induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in chorionic arteries and veins rings from normotensive gestants. 2. N omega-nitro-L-arginine (100 microM) and methylene blue (10 microM) increased significantly the basal tension in chorionic arteries but not in veins. However, indomethacin (10 microM) inhibited the basal tension in both kinds of vessels. 3. The sensitivity to 5-HT was significantly lower in placental arteries than in veins. Removal of endothelium increased the sensitivity of placental arteries to 5-HT in 2.2-fold; however, in veins denudation had no significant effect. 4. N omega-nitro-L-arginine potentiated the 5-HT-induced tone in both types of vessels, but the increase of contraction was greater in chorionic arteries than in veins. However, indomethacin decreased the 5-HT-induced contractions in arteries and veins. 5. These results indicate that NO is more important than vasodilators prostanoids in the control of vascular tone and in 5-HT-induced placental contractile response.

Nitric oxide and prostaglandin systems inhibition on the isolated perfused human placenta from normal and preeclamptic pregnancies.

Isolated human placental cotyledons from normal (NG) and preeclamptic gestants (PG) were perfused in vitro, and the effect of N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA, 100 microM), methylene blue (MB, 50 microM), and indomethacin (INDO, 10 microM), on resting perfusion pressure and on the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced vasoconstriction was established. In the HG, L-NA and MB increased resting perfusion pressure (p < 0.001) and INDO had no significant effect on resting pressure. In the PG, these agents did not significantly modify resting perfusion pressure. In the PG, 5-HT (10 microM-1 microM) caused greater maximal increases in perfusion pressure than in NG. In the NG, L-NA greatly enhanced the 5-HT-induced pressure, however INDO attenuated this effect. In the PG, L-NA did not modify significantly the 5-HT-induced response, but INDO reduced this response. These results suggest that basal release of nitric-oxide but not of vasodilator prostanoids may contribute to the low resting vascular tone in the NG and attenuates the strong vasoconstrictor effect induced by 5-HT. Impairment of action of nitric oxide could contribute to the enhanced pressor response to 5-HT observed in the PG.

Inversion polymorphism and accumulation of lethals in selected lines of Drosophila melanogaster.

Five long-term selected lines of Drosophila melanogaster were monitored for the presence of lethals and inversions on the third chromosome for a period of nearly 100 generations after the cessation of selection. The results provide an example of the action of inversions as a trap for genes with homozygous detrimental effects in small populations. Lines polymorphic for cosmopolitan inversions In(3R)C and In(3L)P maintain linked lethal and detrimental genes in a near-balanced system. Consideration of the high selection response attained despite inversion polymorphism leads to the conclusion that extreme responses to selection can be obtained without exploiting the potential from large genomic regions.