Physiological Responses of a Grapefruit Orchard to Irrigation with Desalinated Seawater.

Desalinated seawater (DSW) has emerged as a promising solution for irrigation in regions facing water scarcity. However, adopting DSW may impact the existing cultivation model, given the presence of potentially harmful elements, among other factors. A three-year experiment was carried out to assess the short-term effects of four irrigation waters-freshwater (FW), DSW, a mix 1:1 of FW and DSW (MW), and DSW with low boron (B) concentration (DSW-B)-on a 'Rio Red' grapefruit orchard. These irrigation waters exhibited varying levels of phytotoxic elements, some potentially harmful to citrus trees. Sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) concentrations exceeded citrus thresholds in all treatments, except in DSW-B, whilst B exceeded toxicity levels in DSW and MW treatments. Leaf concentrations of Cl- and Na+ remained low in all treatments, whereas B approached toxic levels only in DSW and MW-irrigated trees. The rapid growth of the trees, preventing excessive accumulation through a dilution effect, protected the plants from significant impacts on nutrition and physiology, such as gas exchange and chlorophyll levels, due to phytotoxic elements accumulation. Minor reductions in photosynthesis in DSW-irrigated trees were attributed to high B in leaves, since Cl- and Na+ remained below toxic levels. The accelerated tree growth effectively prevented the substantial accumulation of phytotoxic elements, thereby limiting adverse effects on tree development and yield. When the maturation of trees reaches maximal growth, the potential accumulation of phytotoxic elements is expected to increase, potentially influencing tree behavior differently. Further study until the trees reach maturity is imperative for comprehensive understanding of the long-term effects of desalinated seawater irrigation.

Photoactivatable Ruthenium Complexes Containing Minimal Straining Benzothiazolyl-1,2,3-triazole Chelators for Cancer Treatment.

Ruthenium(II) complexes containing diimine ligands have contributed to the development of agents for photoactivated chemotherapy. Several approaches have been used to obtain photolabile Ru(II) complexes. The two most explored have been the use of monodentate ligands and the incorporation of steric effects between the bidentate ligands and the Ru(II). However, the introduction of electronic effects in the ligands has been less explored. Herein, we report a systematic experimental, theoretical, and photocytotoxicity study of a novel series of Ru(II) complexes Ru1-Ru5 of general formula [Ru(phen)2(N∧N')]2+, where N∧N' are different minimal strained ligands based on the 1-aryl-4-benzothiazolyl-1,2,3-triazole (BTAT) scaffold, being CH3 (Ru1), F (Ru2), CF3 (Ru3), NO2 (Ru4), and N(CH3)2 (Ru5) substituents in the R4 of the phenyl ring. The complexes are stable in solution in the dark, but upon irradiation in water with blue light (λex = 465 nm, 4 mW/cm2) photoejection of the ligand BTAT was observed by HPLC-MS spectrometry and UV-vis spectroscopy, with t1/2 ranging from 4.5 to 14.15 min depending of the electronic properties of the corresponding BTAT, being Ru4 the less photolabile (the one containing the more electron withdrawing substituent, NO2). The properties of the ground state singlet and excited state triplet of Ru1-Ru5 have been explored using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations. A mechanism for the photoejection of the BTAT ligand from the Ru complexes, in H2O, is proposed. Phototoxicity studies in A375 and HeLa human cancer cell lines showed that the new Ru BTAT complexes were strongly phototoxic. An enhancement of the emission intensity of HeLa cells treated with Ru5 was observed in response to increasing doses of light due to the photoejection of the BTAT ligand. These studies suggest that BTAT could serve as a photocleavable protecting group for the cytotoxic bis-aqua ruthenium warhead [Ru(phen)2(OH2)2]2+.

A near-infrared light-activatable Ru(ii)-coumarin photosensitizer active under hypoxic conditions.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a promising approach for cancer treatment. However, the oxygen dependency of PDT to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) hampers its therapeutic efficacy, especially against hypoxic solid tumors. In addition, some photosensitizers (PSs) have dark toxicity and are only activatable with short wavelengths such as blue or UV-light, which suffer from poor tissue penetration. Herein, we developed a novel hypoxia-active PS with operability in the near-infrared (NIR) region based on the conjugation of a cyclometalated Ru(ii) polypyridyl complex of the type [Ru(C^N)(N^N)2] to a NIR-emitting COUPY dye. The novel Ru(ii)-coumarin conjugate exhibits water-solubility, dark stability in biological media and high photostability along with advantageous luminescent properties that facilitate both bioimaging and phototherapy. Spectroscopic and photobiological studies revealed that this conjugate efficiently generates singlet oxygen and superoxide radical anions, thereby achieving high photoactivity toward cancer cells upon highly-penetrating 740 nm light irradiation even under hypoxic environments (2% O2). The induction of ROS-mediated cancer cell death upon low-energy wavelength irradiation along with the low dark toxicity exerted by this Ru(ii)-coumarin conjugate could circumvent tissue penetration issues while alleviating the hypoxia limitation of PDT. As such, this strategy could pave the way to the development of novel NIR- and hypoxia-active Ru(ii)-based theragnostic PSs fuelled by the conjugation of tunable, low molecular-weight COUPY fluorophores.

Flight performance and the factors affecting the flight behaviour of Philaenus spumarius the main vector of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe.

The recent emergence of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe is a major threat to agriculture, including olive, almond and grape. Philaenus spumarius is the predominant vector of X. fastidiosa in Europe. Understanding vector movement is critical for developing effective control measures against bacterial spread. In this study, our goal was to set up a flight-mill protocol to assess P. spumarius flight potential and to analyse how different variables may affect its flight behaviour. We found that P. spumarius was able to fly ≈ 500 m in 30 min with a maximum single flight of 5.5 km in 5.4 h. Based on the observations, the flight potential of the females was higher in spring and autumn than in summer, and that of the males was highest in autumn. Moreover, we found that P. spumarius had a higher flight potential during the morning and the night than during the afternoon. Our results revealed that P. spumarius is likely to disperse much further than the established sizes of the infected and buffer zones designated by the EU. This knowledge on the flight potential of P. spumarius will be critical for improving management actions against P. spumarius and the spread of X. fastidiosa in Europe.

Magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate anterior pelvic prolapse: H line is the key.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to compare clinical staging of anterior pelvic prolapse with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) staging, using the pubococcygeal line (PCL), the midpubic line (MPL), and the H line as reference lines. Moreover, we aim to analyze interrater reliability of each reference line. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-two women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms were studied using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification on physical examination. Two different observers calculated anterior POP using the three MRI reference lines, retrospectively. Agreement between MRI and clinical staging was estimated using Pearson correlation for the quantitative measurements and kappa index for the stages. Interrater reliability was estimated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Correlation between physical examination and the H line was high by both observers (r = 0.86 and r = 0.76, p < 0.01). The correlation was lower using MPL (r = 0.76 and r = 0.65, p < 0.01). The results of comparing MRI staging and physical examination were: κ = 0.618 and κ = 0.602 for the H line, κ = 0.273 and κ = 0.267 for MPL and κ = -0.105 and κ = -0.140 for PCL. The results of interrater reliability were: ICC of 0.968 for the H line, ICC of 0.788 for MPL, and ICC of 0.737 for PCL. CONCLUSION: Anterior POP staging using MRI H line as a reference presents a better agreement with clinical staging than PCL or MPL. The H line has better interrater reliability. The H line could replace the current lines.

Ru(ii) photosensitizers competent for hypoxic cancers via green light activation.

A family of five heteroleptic complexes [Ru(C^N)(N^N)2][PF6] (HC^N = methyl 1-butyl-2-arylbenzimidazolecarboxylate; N^N = polypyridine) has been synthesized to act as biologically-compatible green light photosensitizers (PSs) with phototherapeutic indexes (PIs) up to higher than 700 under hypoxia (2% O2) in HeLa cancer cells under short time of irradiation.

Lewis Acid-Mediated Formation of 1,3-Disubstituted Spiro[cyclopropane-1,2'-indanes]: The Activating Effect of the Cyclopropane Walsh Orbital.

By virtue of its alkylidenecyclopropane moiety, 2-(cyclopropylidenemethyl)benzaldehyde reacts with a range of amines and thiols under Lewis acid catalysis. These reactions yield 1,3-bis(arylamino) and 1,3-bis(arylthio and alkylthio)indanes, respectively, which are spirolinked to the cyclopropane ring at carbon 2. The reaction mechanism, and the peculiar contribution of the cyclopropane ring, have been scrutinized via DFT calculations.

[Urinary tract hemangiopericytoma treated with radical surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Report of two cases.] / Hemangiopericitoma en la via urinaria tratados con cirugía radical y quimioterapia neoadyuvante. A propósito de dos casos.

OBJECTIVE: Hemangiopericytoma is a tumor of vascular origin. It is very rare in the prostate. They are generally aggressive tumors. Currently, the treatment of choice is radical surgery. In the literature, there are less than 50 cases described, and neoadjuvant treatment has not been reported in any article. This treatment presents positive responses in another type of sarcomas. Our goal is to report two cases of malignant hemangiopericytoma. The first case was treated with radical surgery and the second case was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery. METHODS: The first case is a 40 year old male. Obstructive urinary symptoms were his first symptoms. A prostate mass with tumor characteristics was seen on ultrasound. After transrectal biopsy, he was diagnosed with hemangiopericitoma. Because the tumor size, neoadjuvant chemotherapeutic prior to radical surgery was decided. The second case is a 77 year old male with an incidental diagnosis of renal mass. After radical nephrectomy, he was diagnosed with hemangiopericitoma. He did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: In the first case, after neoadjuvant therapy, tumor size was reduced significantly. A pelvic exenteration with radical cystoprostatectomy and rectal resection and Bricker type urinary diversion and colostomy were carried out. In the second case controls after radical nephrectomy were correct and he did not need any treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In urinary tumors, the prostate hemangiopericytoma is a rare entity. Currently, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is not established as treatment for these tumors. For other sarcomas neoadyuvant treatment has good response. In our case, a good result was obtained with neoadjuvant chemotheraphy before surgery. However, a greater number of cases are necessary to establish the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in urinary hemangiopericytomas.

OBJETIVO: El hemangiopericitoma es un tumor de origen vascular muy infrecuente en la próstata. Son tumores de características agresivas y actualmente el tratamiento de elección es la cirugía radical. En la literatura existen descritos menos de 50 casos de hemangiopericitomas, y ninguno con tratamiento neoadyuvante. Dicho tratamiento neoadyuvante está descrito en otro tipo de sarcomas con buenas respuestas. Presentamos dos casos de un hemangiopericitoma maligno, uno tratado sólo con cirugía radical y otro con neoadyuvancia quimioterápica previa a la cirugía radical.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El primer caso es un varón de 40 años con síntomas urinarios obstructivos. Se diagnosticó de hemangiopericitoma tras realización de biopsia transrectal. Se decidió neoadyuvancia quimioterápica previa a la cirugía. El segundo paciente es un varón de 74 años con hallazgo accidental de masa renal. Tras nefrectomía radical se diagnosticó de hemangiopericitoma. RESULTADOS: Tras la neoadyuvancia, en el primer paciente, se realizó una cistoprostatectomía radical y una resección de recto con derivación urinaria tipo Bricker y colostomía. El segundo paciente no precisó tratamiento adyuvante tras la cirugía radical. CONCLUSIONES: El hemangiopericitoma es una entidad rara en los tumores urinarios. Actualmente la neoadyuvancia quimioterápica no está establecida como pilar del tratamiento de estos tumores, aunque en otros campos donde los sarcomas son más frecuentes, si que se objetiva mejor respuesta. En nuestro caso obtuvimos una buena respuesta con dicha neoadyuvancia previa a la cirugía, aunque es necesario un mayor seguimiento a una mayor cohorte de pacientes para establecer el uso de la quimioterapia neoadyuvante en los hemangiopericitomas urinarios.

Hemangiopericitoma en la via urinaria tratados con cirugía radical y quimioterapia neoadyuvante. A propósito de dos casos / Urinary tract hemangiopericytoma treated with radical surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Report of two cases

Objetivo: El hemangiopericitoma es un tumor de origen vascular muy infrecuente en la próstata. Son tumores de características agresivas y actualmente el tratamiento de elección es la cirugía radical. En la literatura existen descritos menos de 50 casos de hemangiopericitomas, y ninguno con tratamiento neoadyuvante. Dicho tratamiento neoadyuvante está descrito en otro tipo de sarcomas con buenas respuestas. Presentamos dos casos de un hemangiopericitoma maligno, uno tratado sólo con cirugía radical y otro con neoadyuvancia quimioterápica previa a la cirugía radical. Material y métodos: El primer caso es un varón de 40 años con síntomas urinarios obstructivos. Se diagnosticó de hemangiopericitoma tras realización de biopsia transrectal. Se decidió neoadyuvancia quimioterápica previa a la cirugía. El segundo paciente es un varón de 74 años con hallazgo accidental de masa renal. Tras nefrectomía radical se diagnosticó de hemangiopericitoma. Resultados: Tras la neoadyuvancia, en el primer paciente, se realizó una cistoprostatectomía radical y una resección de recto con derivación urinaria tipo Bricker y colostomía. El segundo paciente no precisó tratamiento adyuvante tras la cirugía radical. Conclusiones: El hemangiopericitoma es una entidad rara en los tumores urinarios. Actualmente la neoadyuvancia quimioterápica no está establecida como pilar del tratamiento de estos tumores, aunque en otros campos donde los sarcomas son más frecuentes, si que se objetiva mejor respuesta. En nuestro caso obtuvimos una buena respuesta con dicha neoadyuvancia previa a la cirugía, aunque es necesario un mayor seguimiento a una mayor cohorte de pacientes para establecer el uso de la quimioterapia neoadyuvante en los hemangiopericitomas urinarios

Objective: Hemangiopericytoma is a tumor of vascular origin. It is very rare in the prostate. They are generally aggressive tumors. Currently, the treatment ofchoice is radical surgery. In the literature, there are less than 50 cases described, and neoadjuvant treatment has not been reported in any article. This treatment presents positive responses in another type of sarcomas. Our goal is to report two cases of malignant hemangiopericytoma. The first case was treated with radical surgery and the second case was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery. Methods: The first case is a 40 year old male. Obstructive urinary symptoms were his first symptoms. A prostate mass with tumor characteristics was seen on ultrasound. After transrectal biopsy, he was diagnosed with hemangiopericitoma. Because the tumor size, neoadjuvant chemotherapeutic prior to radical surgery was decided. The second case is a 77 year old male with an incidental diagnosis of renal mass. After radical nephrectomy, he was diagnosed with hemangiopericitoma. He did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Results: In the first case, after neoadjuvant therapy, tumor size was reduced significantly. A pelvic exenteration with radical cystoprostatectomy and rectal resection and Bricker type urinary diversion and colostomy were carried out. In the second case controls after radical nephrectomy were correct and he did not need any treatment. Conclusions: In urinary tumors, the prostate hemangiopericytoma is a rare entity. Currently, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is not established as treatment for these tumors. For other sarcomas neoadyuvant treatment has good response. In our case, a good result was obtained with neoadjuvant chemotheraphy before surgery. However, a greater number of cases are necessary to establish the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in urinary hemangiopericytomas

[Report of two cases of malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis.] / Analisis de dos casos de mesotelioma maligno de la túnica vaginal.

OBJECTIVE: Paratesticular mesothelioma isan infrequent tumor and only 250 cases have been published.It originates in the scrotal tunica vaginalis. It represents0.3-1.4% of mesotheliomas and it predominates inpatients with history of asbestos exposure and old age. Itsdiagnosis is usually casual. Our objective is to present thecases that occurred in our service with malignant paratesticularmesothelioma and to carry out a review of the currentliterature on this pathology. METHODS: We report two cases diagnosed with malignantparatesticular mesothelioma that happened in the lasttwo years. RESULT: The first case was a 73-year-old male with asymptomatichydrocele. The second was a 57-year-oldmale who had testicular pain and hydrocele. Both werediagnosed of mesothelioma after hydrocelectomy. The firsttreatment was radical orchiectomy in both cases. The firstpatient did not need more treatments. The second patientpresented pulmonary nodules, lymphadenopathy and localrelapse, which was treated with chemotherapy and localresection. CONCLUSION: Paratesticular mesothelioma is an infrequenttumor. Scrotal mass associated with hydrocele is thetypical form of presentation. Surgical treatment consists ofradical orchiectomy. They have poor prognosis because inmost cases there is rapid local and dissemination.

OBJETIVO: El mesotelioma paratesticular es  un tumor infrecuente, con menos de 250 casos publicados, originado en la túnica vaginal escrotal. Representa el 0,3-1,4% de los mesoteliomas. Predomina en pacientes añosos, con la exposición al asbesto y su diagnóstico sueleser casual. Nuestro objetivo es presentar dos casos ocurridos en nuestro servicio con mesotelioma paratesticular maligno y realizar una revisión de la literatura actual sobre dicha patologia.MÉTODO: Aportamos dos casos diagnosticados de mesotelioma paratesticular maligno acontecidos en nuestro servicio durante los últimos dos años. RESULTADO: El primer caso es un varón de 73 años que debutó con hidrocele sin dolor. El segundó es un varón de 57 años que inició su clínica con un cuadro de dolor testicular e hidrocele. En ambos se diagnostica de mesotelioma maligno de la túnica vaginal tras hidrocelectomía. Se realiza como tratamiento inicial una orquiectomía radical en ambos pacientes. El primer paciente no precisó ningún tratamiento adicional. El segundo paciente presentó nódulos pulmonares y adenopatías junto con recidiva local, que se trató con quimioterapia y resección local.CONCLUSIÓN: El mesotelioma paratesticular es un tumor infrecuente, sin una clínica especifica. Su forma típica de presentación es una masa escrotal indolora asociada a hidrocele.El tratamiento quirúrgico consiste en orquiectomía radical. En la mayoría de los casos existe una rápida diseminación local y a distancia que otorgan a estos tumores un mal pronóstico.

Analisis de dos casos de mesotelioma maligno de la túnica vaginal / No disponible

Objetivo: El mesotelioma paratesticular es un tumor infrecuente, con menos de 250 casos publicados, originado en la túnica vaginal escrotal. Representa el 0,3-1,4% de los mesoteliomas. Predomina en pacientes añosos, con la exposición al asbesto y su diagnóstico suele ser casual. Nuestro objetivo es presentar dos casos ocurridos en nuestro servicio con mesotelioma paratesticular maligno y realizar una revisión de la literatura actual sobre dicha patologia. Método: Aportamos dos casos diagnosticados de mesotelioma paratesticular maligno acontecidos en nuestro servicio durante los últimos dos años. Resultado: El primer caso es un varón de 73 años que debutó con hidrocele sin dolor. El segundó es un varón de 57 años que inició su clínica con un cuadro de dolor testicular e hidrocele. En ambos se diagnostica de mesotelioma maligno de la túnica vaginal tras hidrocelectomía. Se realiza como tratamiento inicial una orquiectomía radical en ambos pacientes. El primer paciente no precisó ningún tratamiento adicional. El segundo paciente presentó nódulos pulmonares y adenopatías junto con recidiva local, que se trató con quimioterapia y resección local. Conclusión: El mesotelioma paratesticular es un tumor infrecuente, sin una clínica especifica. Su forma típica de presentación es una masa escrotal indolora asociada a hidrocele. El tratamiento quirúrgico consiste en orquiectomía radical. En la mayoría de los casos existe una rápida diseminación local y a distancia que otorgan a estos tumores un mal pronóstico

Objective: Paratesticular mesothelioma is an infrequent tumor and only 250 cases have been published. It originates in the scrotal tunica vaginalis. It represents 0.3-1.4% of mesotheliomas and it predominates in patients with history of asbestos exposure and old age. Its diagnosis is usually casual. Our objective is to present the cases that occurred in our service with malignant paratesticular mesothelioma and to carry out a review of the current literature on this pathology. Methods: We report two cases diagnosed with malignant paratesticular mesothelioma that happened in the last two years. Result: The first case was a 73-year-old male with asymptomatic hydrocele. The second was a 57-year-old male who had testicular pain and hydrocele. Both were diagnosed of mesothelioma after hydrocelectomy. The first treatment was radical orchiectomy in both cases. The first patient did not need more treatments. The second patient presented pulmonary nodules, lymphadenopathy and local relapse, which was treated with chemotherapy and local resection. Conclusion: Paratesticular mesothelioma is an infrequent tumor. Scrotal mass associated with hydrocele is the typical form of presentation. Surgical treatment consists of radical orchiectomy. They have poor prognosis because in most cases there is rapid local and dissemination

New half-sandwich ruthenium(ii) complexes as proteosynthesis inhibitors in cancer cells.

Half-sandwich ruthenium(ii) complexes [(η6-p-cymene)Ru(C^N)-(X)]0/+ (X = Cl, py or 4-NMe2-py) containing a cyclometalated 2-ppy or 1-ppz with a non-coordinated CHO group as a handle for further functionalization have been synthesized to achieve selective cytotoxicity to cancer cells, the more potent compounds acting as proteosynthesis inhibitors; this is a new mode of action for half-sandwich metal complexes.

A new C,N-cyclometalated osmium(ii) arene anticancer scaffold with a handle for functionalization and antioxidative properties.

A series of six osmium(ii) complexes of the type [(η6-p-cymene)Os(C^N)X] (X = chlorido or acetato) containing benzimidazole C^N ligands with an ester group as a handle for further functionalization have been synthesized. They exhibit IC50 values in the low micromolar range in a panel of cisplatin (CDDP)-resistant cancer cells (approximately 10× more cytotoxic than CDDP in MCF-7), decrease the levels of intracellular ROS and reduce the NAD+ coenzyme, and inhibit tubulin polymerization. This discovery could open the door to a new large family of osmium(ii)-based bioconjugates with diverse modes of action.

Perfil del paciente con vejiga hiperactiva tratado con dosis flexible de antimuscarínicos en la práctica clínica diaria / Profile of oab patient on treatment with flexible-dose antimuscarinic drugs in daily clinical practice

OBJETIVO: Describir en el entorno de la práctica clínica diaria, el perfil del paciente con vejiga hiperactiva (VH) tratado con dosis flexible de antimuscarícos. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y multicéntrico llevado a cabo en 88 Hospitales públicos y privados. Se incluyeron pacientes adultos, diagnosticados de VH que iniciaron tratamiento con algún antimuscarínico a dosis flexible. Se recogió tipo de antimuscarínico, dosis, tratamientos concomitantes, beneficio aportado y cumplimiento terapéutico. RESULTADOS: Población constituida por 846 pacientes mayores de 60 años, pluripatológica (83,5%) y polimedicada (73,4%), formada mayoritariamente por mujeres (74,5%) y con más de un año de evolución de la VH. Principales antimuscarínicos inicialmente prescritos: fesoterodina (66,9%) y solifenacina (31,0%). El 68,2% de los pacientes iniciaron el tratamiento con la dosis baja. En la visita de seguimiento, el 47,0% modificó dosis (84,2% aumentaron la dosis, 15,8% disminuyeron la dosis). Los grupos que tuvieron que modificar dosis presentaron significativamente mayor morbilidad, peor sintomatología, mayor empleo de recursos sanitarios y peor cumplimiento terapéutico que el grupo de pacientes tratados siempre a dosis alta. CONCLUSIÓN: En determinados pacientes, el empleo desde el inicio del tratamiento antimuscarínico de dosis- flexible a la dosis más alta, podría proporcionar mayor beneficio terapéutico, adherencia y menor empleo de recursos sanitarios que el escalado de dosis

OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile of the overactive bladder (OAB) patient on treatment with flexible-dose antimuscarinic treatment in daily clinical practice. METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective and multicenter study, carried out at 88 public and private hospitals. Adult patients diagnosed with OAB who initiated flexible-dose antimuscarinic treatment. Type of antimuscarinic, dose, concomitant treatments, treatment benefit and treatment adherence were recorded. RESULTS: This was a pluripathological (83.5%) and polymedicated (73.4%) population, comprised of 846 patients, mostly women (74.5%) with a mean (SD) age of 61.3 (12.1) years and more than one year of OAB evolution. Main initially prescribed antimuscarinics were fesoterodine (66.5%) and solifenacine (30.0%). Overall, 68.2% of the patients started treatment with the low dosage; at the follow-up visit 47.0% changed the dosage (84.2% increased the dosage, 15.8% decreased the dosage). Patients who changed the dosage showed a significantly greater morbidity, worse OAB symptoms, greater health resources use, and worse adherence to treatment compared with those that maintained the high dosage all the time. CONCLUSION: No differences were found regarding the demographic or clinical characteristics that allow us to identify which patients should receive the different options of available dose of antimuscarinic drugs, although greater benefits seem to be achieved with the use of the highest or the lowest dose from the outset than with the change of dose

Cost-effectiveness analysis of fesoterodine flexible dose in newly diagnosed patients with overactive bladder in routine clinical practice in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out cost-effectiveness analysis from the Spanish National Health System perspective, of treating overactive bladder (OAB), in newly diagnosed patients with two flexible doses of fesoterodine in routine clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Economic evaluation of flexible-dose fesoterodine in newly diagnosed patients, including two treatment groups: standard escalating from 4 to 8 mg or fast escalating to 8 mg. Costs were estimated from health care resources utilization related to OAB, and were expressed in 2015 Euros. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were obtained from overactive bladder questionnaire-short form. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were carried out. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety symptomatic OAB patients treated with fesoterodine and newly diagnosed (141 in fast escalating group and 249 in standard escalating) were analyzed. Adjusted health care total costs were not statistically different; difference -€4.1 (confidence interval: -153.3; 25.1) P=0.842. QALYs were higher in fast escalating to high dose vs standard escalating group, resulting in a cost of -€16,020/QALY gained for fast escalating vs standard escalating group. CONCLUSION: When the cost-effectiveness threshold is set at a maximum value of €30,000/QALY gained, fesoterodine fast escalating group was cost-effective vs standard escalating group 67.6% of the time. The treatment with fesoterodine, in female patients newly diagnosed, fast escalating to 8 mg was a cost-effective option relative to escalating traditionally from 4 to 8 mg, in the management of OAB in routine clinical practice, from the Spanish National Health System perspective.

Design of a Computerised Flight Mill Device to Measure the Flight Potential of Different Insects.

Several insect species pose a serious threat to different plant species, sometimes becoming a pest that produces significant damage to the landscape, biodiversity, and/or the economy. This is the case of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), Semanotus laurasii Lucas (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), and Monochamus galloprovincialis Olivier (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), which have become serious threats to ornamental and productive trees all over the world such as palm trees, cypresses, and pines. Knowledge about their flight potential is very important for designing and applying measures targeted to reduce the negative effects from these pests. Studying the flight capability and behaviour of some insects is difficult due to their small size and the large area wherein they can fly, so we wondered how we could obtain information about their flight capabilities in a controlled environment. The answer came with the design of flight mills. Relevant data about the flight potential of these insects may be recorded and analysed by means of a flight mill. Once an insect is attached to the flight mill, it is able to fly in a circular direction without hitting walls or objects. By adding sensors to the flight mill, it is possible to record the number of revolutions and flight time. This paper presents a full description of a computer monitored flight mill. The description covers both the mechanical and the electronic parts in detail. The mill was designed to easily adapt to the anatomy of different insects and was successfully tested with individuals from three species R. ferrugineus, S. laurasii, and M. galloprovincialis.

Profile of oab patient on treatment with flexible-dose antimuscarinic drugs in daily clinical practice. / Perfil del paciente con vejiga hiperactiva tratado con dosis flexible de antimuscarínicos en la práctica clínica diaria.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile of the overactive bladder (OAB) patient on treatment with flexible-dose antimuscarinic treatment in daily clinical practice. METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective and multicenter study, carried out at 88 public and private hospitals. Adult patients diagnosed with OAB who initiated flexible-dose antimuscarinic treatment. Type of antimuscarinic, dose, concomitant treatments, treatment benefit and treatment adherence were recorded. RESULTS: This was a pluripathological (83.5% and polymedicated 73.4%) population, comprised of 846 patients, mostly women (74.5%) with a mean (SD) age of 61.3 (12.1) years and more than one year of OAB evolution. Main initially prescribed antimuscarinics were fesoterodine (66.5%) and solifenacine (30.0%). Overall, 68.2% of the patients started treatment with the low dosage; at the follow-up visit 47.0% changed the dosage (84.2% increased the dosage, 15.8% decreased the dosage). Patients who changed the dosage showed a significantly greater morbidity, worse OAB symptoms, greater health resources use, and worse adherence to treatment compared with those that maintained the high dosage all the time. CONCLUSION: No differences were found regarding the demographic or clinical characteristics that allow us to identify which patients should receive the different options of available dose of antimuscarinic drugs, although greater benefits seem to be achieved with the use of the highest or the lowest dose from the outset than with the change of dose.

Cysticlean® a highly pac standardized content in the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections: an observational, prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The present study was aimed at determining the prophylactic efficacy of American cranberry (AC) extract (Cysticlean®) in women with recurrent symptomatic postcoital urinary tract infections (PCUTI), non-consumer of AC extract in the past 3 months before inclusion, and to determine changes in their quality of life (QoL). METHODS: This was a single center, observational, prospective study in a total of 20 women (mean age 35.2 years; 50.0% were married). Patients were followed up for 3 and 6 months during treatment. RESULTS: The number of PCUTIs in the previous 3 months prior to start the treatment with Cysticlean® was 2.8±1.3 and it was reduced to 0.2±0.5 at Month 6 (P<0.0001), which represent a 93% improvement. At baseline, the mean score on the VAS scale (range from 0 to 100) for assessing the QoL was 62.4±19.1, increasing to 78.2±12.4 at Month 6 (P=0.0002), which represents a 20% improvement. All patients had an infection with positive urine culture at baseline, after 6 months there were only 3 symptomatic infections (P<0.001). The most common bacterium was Escherichia coli. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylaxis with American cranberry extract (Cysticlean®) could be an alternative to classical therapies with antibiotics. Further studies are needed to confirm results obtained in this pilot study.

Dose and aging effect on patients reported treatment benefit switching from the first overactive bladder therapy with tolterodine ER to fesoterodine: post-hoc analysis from an observational and retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Previous randomized studies have demonstrated that fesoterodine significantly improves the Overactive Bladder (OAB) symptoms and their assessment by patients compared with tolterodine extended-release (ER). This study aimed to assess the effect of aging and dose escalation on patient-reported treatment benefit, after changing their first Overactive Bladder (OAB) therapy with tolterodine-ER to fesoterodine in daily clinical practice. METHODS: A post-hoc analysis of data from a retrospective, cross-sectional and observational study was performed in a cohort of 748 OAB adults patients (OAB-V8 score ≥8), who switched to fesoterodine from their first tolterodine-ER-based therapy within the 3-4 months before study visit. Effect of fesoterodine doses (4 mg vs. 8 mg) and patient age (<65 yr vs. ≥65 yr) were assessed. Patient reported treatment benefit [Treatment Benefit Scale (TBS)] and physician assessment of improvement with change [Clinical Global Impression of Improvement subscale (CGI-I)] were recorded. Treatment satisfaction, degree of worry, bother and interference with daily living activities due to urinary symptoms were also assessed. RESULTS: Improvements were not affected by age. Fesoterodine 8 mg vs. 4 mg provides significant improvements in terms of treatment benefit [TBS 97.1% vs. 88.4%, p < 0.001; CGI-I 95.8% vs. 90.8% p < 0.05)], degree of worry, bother and interference with daily-living activities related to OAB symptoms (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A change from tolterodine ER therapy to fesoterodine with dose escalation to 8 mg in symptomatic OAB patients, seems to be associated with greater improvement in terms of both patient-reported-treatment benefit and clinical global impression of change. Improvement was not affected by age.

Our experience in the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence with the male Remeex system.

OBJECTIVES: We show our experience in the treatment of post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence with the male Remeex system (MRS). We also describe the elements of the system, its therapeutic indications, technical implantation and appropriate adjustment. METHODS: From March 2007 to January 2009 five male patients aged 57 to 71 years (mean age 66 years) with postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence were operated on to insert a suburethral readjustable sling (Remeex). All patients had severe urinary incontinence with deterioration of their quality of life. The evolution period ranged from 2 to 10 years with an average of 3.5 years, requiring from 5 to 8 pads a day. RESULTS: All patients are continent after a mean follow up of 15.4 months (range 6-28 months). Only two of them use one security pad when they perform physical efforts. The Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (7) scores before surgery and 6 months after diminished from 68+/-7 to 10+/-3. All patients are very satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: MRS is a valid therapeutic option for post-prostatectomy incontinence, being a reproducible technique, of easy execution, that allows readjustment through a suprapubic incision under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. It has a low complication rate with excellent and endured results.