Maintaining the cultivation of vegetables with low Pb accumulation while remediating the soil of an allotment garden (Nantes, France) by phytoextraction.

Lead (Pb) is commonly found in urban soils and can transfer to vegetables. This entails a health risk for consumers of garden crops. The increasing demand of gardening on urban soil linked to the population increase and concentration in urban areas induces an increase in the risk, as people could be forced to cultivate contaminated soils. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a cropping system that allows simultaneously (i) growing eatable vegetables that accumulate few Pb and (ii) cleaning up the soil with other plants by phytoextraction. The tests were carried out in an allotment garden (Nantes, France) where soils are moderately enriched by Pb from geogenic origin (178 mg.kg-1 of dry soil on average). Four vegetables known to accumulate slightly Pb (Solanum lycopersicum, Brassica oleracea cv. "Capitata," Solanum tuberosum, and Phaseolus vulgaris) were grown. The in situ ability of Brassica juncea L. to progressively absorb the phytoavailable Pb of the soil was assessed during four seasons. Analyses of the edible parts of the four vegetables confirmed that they can all be safely cultivated. The accumulation of Pb in B. juncea shoots was too low (ca. 1 mg.kg-1 of dry matter at best) for phytoextraction purposes. Our results confirm that it is possible to grow very low Pb-accumulating vegetables on soils moderately contaminated with Pb, although it was not possible to reduce phytoavailable Pb rapidly enough with B. juncea. This study identifies possible avenues of research to improve this cropping system by using appropriate vegetables that will allow food production to continue on moderately contaminated soil while cleaning it up.

Drivers to improve metal(loid) phytoextraction with a focus on microbial degradation of dissolved organic matter in soils.

Bioaugmentation of soils can increase the mobilization of metal(loid)s from the soil-bearing phases. However, once desorbed, these metal(loid)s are mostly complexed to the dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the soil solution, which can restrict their availability to plants (roots mainly taking up the free forms) and then the phytoextraction performances. Firstly the main drivers influencing phytoextraction are reminded, then the review focuses on the DOM role. After having reminding the origin, the chemical structure and the lability of DOM, the pool of stable DOM (the most abundant in the soil) most involved in the complexation of metal(loid)s is addressed in particular by focusing on carboxylic and/or phenolic groups and factors controlling metal(loid) complexation with DOM. Finally, this review addresses the ability of microorganisms to degrade metal(loid)-DOM complexes as an additional lever for increasing the pool of free metal(loid) ions, and then phytoextraction performances, and details the origin of microorganisms and how they are selected. The development of innovative processes including the use of these DOM-degrading microorganisms is proposed in perspectives.

This review focuses on the available drivers to increase the pool of free (i.e. phytoavailable) metal(loid)s in the soil solution, with a specific focus on the ability of microorganisms to degrade dissolved organic matter for enriching this pool, and then to substantially improve phytoextraction performance.

Advantages and limits to copper phytoextraction in vineyards.

Copper (Cu) contamination of soils may alter the functioning and sustainability of vineyard ecosystems. Cultivating Cu-extracting plants in vineyard inter-rows, or phytoextraction, is one possible way currently under consideration in agroecology to reduce Cu contamination of vineyard topsoils. This option is rarely used, mainly because Cu phytoextraction yields are too low to significantly reduce contamination due to the relatively "low" phytoavailability of Cu in the soil (compared to other trace metals) and its preferential accumulation in the roots of most extracting plants. This article describes the main practices and associated constraints that could theoretically be used to maximize Cu phytoextraction at field scale, including the use of Cu-accumulating plants grown (i) with acidifying plants (e.g., leguminous plants), and/or (ii) in the presence of acidifying fertilizers (ammonium, elemental sulfur), or (iii) with soluble "biochelators" added to the soil such as natural humic substances or metabolites produced by rhizospheric bacteria such as siderophores, in the inter-rows. This discussion article also provides an overview of the possible ways to exploit Cu-enriched biomass, notably through ecocatalysis or biofortification of animal feed.

Bioaugmentation coupled with phytoextraction for the treatment of Cd and Sr, and reuse opportunities for phosphogypsum rare earth elements.

The environmental and health impacts caused by phosphogypsum (PG) make it necessary to carefully manage these wastes. Bioaugmentation of a PG-compost mix with Bacillus cereus was associated with Trifolium pratense or Helianthus annuus for the phytoextraction of metal trace elements (MTE). In hydroponics, MTE concentrations in sunflower shoots are higher than in clover; however, as opposed to clover, it regulates their accumulation. The MTE accumulation levels by plants cultivated in pots with the PG-compost mix are much lower than in hydroponics due to lower concentration in available MTE. The bacteria-plant coupling has served to raise MTE concentrations, especially for rare earth elements (REE), i.e., Ce, La, Nd, Y, in the AP of sunflower, by factors of 4.4, 38.3, 3.4 and 21, respectively, compared to non-bioaugmented control. The translocation factor was also increased for all MTE and is ranged between 1.1 for Sr and 6.8 for Y. Moreover, the presence of bacteria raises plant biomass by a factor of 3.7 for shoots and 2.9 for the roots as regards clover. Results showed that in addition to phytoextraction of REE elements, all providing the promise of some kind of economic opportunity, the dispersion of PG stockpiles dust and erosion should be reduced.

Isolation and screening of indigenous bacteria from phosphogypsum-contaminated soils for their potential in promoting plant growth and trace elements mobilization.

Bacteria isolated from soils in the vicinity of phosphogypsum (PG) stockpiles were studied for their potential use in bioaugmentation-assisted phytoextraction. Quick, miniaturized biochemical tests were performed in the presence of metal trace elements (MTE), including rare earth elements (Cd, Sr, Ce, La, Nd and Y), corresponding to their bioavailable concentrations in PG. The intention herein was to assess the capacity of bacteria to: i) grow in PG; ii) produce indole acetic acid and ACC deaminase to promote plant growth and reduce stress; and iii) produce siderophores, including pyoverdine, to mobilize MTE. Results showed that even at maximum PG concentration (10 g/L and pH 3.40), 7 out of 32 isolates were able to grow. The biochemical tests showed differences in the presence or absence of MTE. The presence of MTE seems to promote the production of IAA by a factor of 3.25. On the contrary, it inhibits ACC deaminase and siderophore production, including pyoverdine. According to a scoring method applied, the two most efficient isolates exhibiting maximum metabolite production were identified as Bacillus sp.

Chelate-assisted phytoextraction of lead using Fagopyrum esculentum: laboratory vs. field experiments.

The development of more sustainable remediation techniques has been receiving greater attention, as an alternative to soil excavation plan in urban gardens. An in situ phytoextraction experiment with buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) was performed with a 5 mmol kg-1 citric acid (CA) application. Joint experiments under laboratory conditions were conducted using various cultivars of F. esculentum in two soils with a Pb contamination of either geogenic or anthropogenic origin and various chelate concentrations. Results show that a minimum dose of 50 mmol kg-1 of CA is required to lower soil pH and raise the concentration of mobile Pb-CaCl2 for both soils. Consequently, Pb shoot uptake is increased from 6.3 to 8.9 times depending on soil type. Phytoextraction efficiency is found to be 1.3 to 2.0 times higher in the anthropogenic contaminated soil than in the soil with geogenic Pb. A scale effect has also been identified since Pb root accumulation under laboratory conditions was 2.4 times higher than in the field experiment. Despite an increase in the Pb extraction rate with CA, buckwheat appears to lack the efficiency needed to remove Pb in moderately contaminated soils. The calculated remediation period would last 166 years to remove the mobile Pb fraction.

Fate and transport of metal trace elements from phosphogypsum piles in Tunisia and their impact on soil bacteria and wild plants.

The phosphate industry in Tunisia generates large amounts of phosphogypsum (PG) with more than 107 t per year. Environmental impact of this solid waste was studied. Cd, Ce, La, Nd, Sr and Y were analyzed from soils near PG stockpiles (Sfax and M'dhilla) and sediments from marine discharge (Gabes). Their impacts on the bacterial community structure and wild plants were investigated. Metal trace elements (MTE) concentrations (in mg Kg-1 DM) were much higher in contaminated soil than in the control (at 12 km from PG stockpiles). Highest concentrations were recorded in top soil and decreased with depth. A low bacterial diversity was shown (impacted by plants more than by MTE). The MTE concentrations in aerial parts (AP) and roots varied according to the plant species and were higher in contaminated sites. Sr, La and Cd in the AP ranged 33.10-657.56, 2.22-11.05 and 0.21-14.20 mg Kg-1 DM respectively. Plants exhibiting the maximal metal concentrations in AP (in mg Kg-1 DM) were the following: Zygophylum album for Sr (657.56) >Zygophylum album for Cd (14.20) >Zygophylum album (11.05) for La >Conyza canadensis (1.11) for Ce >Conyza canadensis (0.75) for Nd >Arthrocemum inducum (0.72) for Y. Kochia indica showed the highest bioconcentration factor (1.60) for Cd, while Zygophylum album exhibited the highest translocation factor (6.12) for La. Zygophylum album would be the most suitable candidate for MTE phytoextraction. CAPSULE: Phosphogypsum contaminates soils near stockpiles with metal trace elements including rare earth element and selects wild plants able to be used for phytostabilization and phytomining.

2D Image Quantification of Microbial Iron Chelators (Siderophores) Using Diffusive Equilibrium in Thin Films Method.

Siderophores are natural metal chelating agents that strongly control the biogeochemical metal cycles such as Fe in the environment. This article describes a new methodology to detect and quantify at the micromolar concentration the spatial distribution at millimeter scale of siderophores within the root's system. The "universal" CAS assay originally designed for bacterial siderophores detection and later designed for fungus was adapted here for diffusive equilibrium in thin film gel techniques (DET). The method was calibrated against the marketed desferrioxamine mesylate (DFOM) siderophore and applied with experiments performed with sunflower ( Helianthus annuus) and wheat ( Triticum aestivum) cultivated on free iron agar medium plates. We present here the first results with 2D images of the siderophores distribution in the vicinity of the root system of plants. With this technique we detected (i) the production of siderophores on bacteria inoculated ( Pseudomonas fluorescens) environments and (ii) hotspots of natural iron binding ligands production up to 50 µM in the wheat rhizosphere. The lower detection limit in our experiment was 2.5 µmol/L. This new technique offers a unique opportunity to investigate the siderophore production in two dimensions in a wide range of applications from laboratory experiments to natural systems very likely using an in situ and nondestructive tool.

Effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens and pyoverdine on the phytoextraction of cesium by red clover in soil pots and hydroponics.

With the aim of improving the phytoextraction rate of cesium (Cs), the effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 17400 and its siderophore pyoverdine (PVD) on the uptake of Cs by red clover was studied in soil pots. This work also provides a mechanistic understanding of the Cs-bacteria (or PVD)-illite-plant interactions by using a simplified experimental design, i.e., hydroponics with either Cs in solution or Cs-spiked illite in suspension. For soil spiked with 11.2 mmol kg-1 (1480 mg kg-1) of Cs, 0.43% of total Cs was taken up by red clover in 12 days (119 µmol g-1 (16 mg g-1) of Cs dry matter in roots and 40 µmol g-1 (5 mg g-1) in shoots). In hydroponics with Cs in solution (0.1 mmol L-1 or 13 mg L-1), 75% of Cs was taken up vs. only 0.86% with Cs-spiked illite suspension. P. fluorescens and PVD did not increase Cs concentrations in aboveground parts and roots of red clover and even decreased them. The damaging effect of PVD on red clover growth was demonstrated with the biomass yielding 66% of the control in soil pots (and 100% mortality after 12 days of exposition) and only 56% in hydroponics (78% with illite in suspension). Nonetheless, PVD and, to a lesser extent, P. fluorescens increased the translocation factor up to a factor of 2.8. This study clearly showed a direct damaging effect of PVD and to a lower extent the retention of Cs by biofilm covering both the roots and illite, both resulting in the lower phytoextraction efficiency.

Does surgical delay for radical prostatectomy affect patient pathological outcome? A retrospective analysis from a Canadian cohort.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to assess the impact of surgical wait time (SWT) to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) on final pathological outcome. METHODS: A retrospective review of RARP patient records operated between 2006 and 2015 was conducted. SWT was defined as period from prostate biopsy to surgery. Primary outcome was the impact on postoperative Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA-S) score. Patients were stratified according to D'Amico risk categories. Univariate analysis (UVA) and multivariable (MVA) analysis with a generalized linear model was used to evaluate the effect of SWT and other predictive factors on pathological outcome in individual risk group and on the overall sample. RESULTS: A total of 835 patients were eligible for analysis. Mean SWT was significantly different between the three D'Amico groups, with mean SWT of 180.22 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 169.03; 191.41), 159.14 days (95% CI 152.38; 165.90), and 138.96 days (95% CI 124.60; 153.33) for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively (p<0.001). After stratification by D'Amico risk group, no significant association was observed between SWT and CAPRA-S score in the three risk categories on UVA and MVA. Predictors of higher CAPRA-S score in the multivariable model in the overall cohort were: older age (p=0.014), biopsy Gleason score (p<0.001), percentage of positive cores (p<0.001), and clinical stage (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study evaluating SWT for RARP in a Canadian socialized system, increased delay for surgery does not appear to impact the pathological outcome. Further studies are required to evaluate the impact of wait time on biochemical recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival.

Bioremediation of copper-contaminated soils by bacteria.

Although copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for all living organisms, it can be toxic at low concentrations. Its beneficial effects are therefore only observed for a narrow range of concentrations. Anthropogenic activities such as fungicide spraying and mining have resulted in the Cu contamination of environmental compartments (soil, water and sediment) at levels sometimes exceeding the toxicity threshold. This review focuses on the bioremediation of copper-contaminated soils. The mechanisms by which microorganisms, and in particular bacteria, can mobilize or immobilize Cu in soils are described and the corresponding bioremediation strategies-of varying levels of maturity-are addressed: (i) bioleaching as a process for the ex situ recovery of Cu from Cu-bearing solids, (ii) bioimmobilization to limit the in situ leaching of Cu into groundwater and (iii) bioaugmentation-assisted phytoextraction as an innovative process for in situ enhancement of Cu removal from soil. For each application, the specific conditions required to achieve the desired effect and the practical methods for control of the microbial processes were specified.

Brassica juncea tested on urban soils moderately contaminated by lead: Origin of contamination and effect of chelates.

Urban garden soils are a potential repository of heavy metal pollution, resulting from either anthropogenic or geogenic origin. The efficiency of phytoextraction was compared on two garden soils with the same texture and topsoil Pb concentration (170 mg kg-1) but not the same origin: one geogenic, the other anthropogenic. Two varieties of Brassica juncea were tested with citric acid (25 mmol kg-1) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA, 2.5 mmol kg-1). Geogenic Pb was shown to be two times less available than anthropogenic Pb, as a result of which the phytoextraction efficiency was reduced by 59%. Pb mobility in the soil was solely enhanced with EDTA, which increased the Pb concentration in shoots of B. juncea by between 14 and 26 times in comparison with the control. The highest Pb concentration in shoots still remained low, however (i.e., 45 mg kg-1 dry weight). Regardless of the chelates introduced, B. juncea 426308 accumulated roughly twice as much lead as B. juncea 211000, but only for the anthropogenic contaminated soil. Under these conditions, the amount of Pb accumulated by B. juncea (even when assisted by EDTA) was not high enough to envision achieving soil clean-up within a reasonable time frame.

Erectile function recovery after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP): long term exhaustive analysis across all preoperative potency categories.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate erectile function recovery following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) according to preoperative sexual health inventory for men (SHIM) score stratification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively collected data on 250 consecutive patients who underwent RARP by a single surgeon between October 2006 and October 2012. Thirty-six patients were excluded because of lack of preoperative SHIM score. All patients had a minimum follow up of 2 years. Patients were divided into four groups according to their preoperative SHIM score: group 1 with normal potency (SHIM 22-25), group 2 with mild ED (SHIM 17-21), group 3 with mild-moderate ED (SHIM 12-16) and group 4 with moderate-severe ED (SHIM 1-11). Patients were followed at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 months intervals and twice yearly thereafter. SHIM questionnaire and erection hardness scale (EHS) score were collected at each visit. Potency was defined as successful penetration during intercourse (EHS score 3-4) with or without phosphodiesterase type 5-inhibitor (PDE5-I). RESULTS: After exclusion, 214 patients were evaluated. The number of patients in group 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 95, 59, 26 and 34, respectively. At 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 months, SHIM scores and potency rates were statistically different between groups 1 versus 2 versus 3 versus 4 (p < 0.01, at each time point). Patients in each group 1, 2 and 3 showed a statistically significant improvement in potency rates and SHIM scores at consecutive follow up visits up to 24 months (p < 0.01, for each potency group). Potency rates at 24 months for groups 1 to 4 were 83.3%, 54.5%, 50.0%, and 20.7%, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: For proper patient counseling and better prediction of erectile function recovery after RARP, it is important to stratify patients according to preoperative SHIM scores. Setting realistic expectations may increase patient satisfaction.

Uroflow Stop Test and Potency Recovery: A Surrogate for Pelvic Floor Integrity Post Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy?

OBJECTIVE: To study the relation between uroflow Stop Test and early recovery of potency following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). We recently showed that the ability to completely stop urine flow during voiding, measured objectively by uroflowmetry at the time of catheter removal (uroflow Stop Test) can predict early urinary continence recovery following RARP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective observational cohort, data were collected on 108 patients operated by a single surgeon (AEH). Eighty patients had a positive uroflow Stop Test (group one) and 28 had a negative Stop Test (group two). Patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years. Covariates included age, body mass index, international prostate symptom score and sexual health inventory for men scores, prostate-specific antigen, tumor stage, prostate volume, nerve sparing status, and estimated blood loss. RESULTS: Preoperative characteristics were comparable between both groups except nerve sparing and prostate-specific antigen which were statistically higher in group one (P <.05). Early 3- and 6-months recovery of erectile function was significantly higher in group one. Potency rates in group one and two at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months were 25% vs 14.3% (P = .241), 54.5% vs 18.5% (P = .001), 55.4% vs 18.5% (P = .001), 56.4% vs 36% (P = .084), 66.6% vs 50% (P = .141), 65.5% vs 56% (P = .404) and 73.2% vs 57.7% (P = .160) respectively. Uroflow Stop Test was independent predictor of early potency recovery on multivariate regression analysis at 6 months [odds ratio 6.042 (confidence interval 95% 1.496-24.413) P = .012]. CONCLUSION: Uroflow Stop Test is simple and can help predict early potency recovery following RARP.

Oncological and functional outcomes of 722 robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) cases: The largest Canadian 5-year experience.

INTRODUCTION: While RARP (robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy) has become the predominant surgical approach to treat localized prostate cancer, there is little Canadian data on its oncological and functional outcomes. We describe the largest RARP experience in Canada. METHODS: Data from 722 patients who underwent RARP performed by 7 surgeons (AEH performed 288, TH 69, JBL 23, SB 17, HW 15, QT 7, and KCZ 303 patients) were collected prospectively from October 2006 to December 2013. Preoperative characteristics, as well as postoperative surgical and pathological outcomes, were collected. Functional and oncological outcomes were also assessed up to 72 months postoperative. RESULTS: The median follow-up (Q1-Q3) was 18 months (9-36). The D'Amico risk stratification distribution was 31% low, 58% intermediate and 11% high-risk. The median operative time was 178 minutes (142-205), blood loss was 200 mL (150-300) and the postoperative hospital stay was 1 day (1-23). The transfusion rate was only 1.0%. There were 0.7% major (Clavien III-IV) and 10.1% minor (Clavien I-II) postoperative complications, with no mortality. Pathologically, 445 men (70%) were stage pT2, of which 81 (18%) had a positive surgical margin (PSM). In addition, 189 patients (30%) were stage pT3 and 87 (46%) with PSM. Urinary continence (0-pads/day) returned at 3, 6, and 12 months for 68%, 80%, and 90% of patients, respectively. Overall, the potency rates (successful penetration) for all men at 6, 12, and 24 months were 37%, 52%, and 59%, respectively. Biochemical recurrence was observed in 28 patients (4.9%), and 14 patients (2.4%) were referred for early salvage radiotherapy. In total, 49 patients (8.4%) underwent radio-therapy and/or hormonal therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows similar results compared to other high-volume RARP programs. Being the largest RARP experience in Canada, we report that RARP is safe with acceptable oncologic outcomes in a Canadian setting.

The role of a well-trained team on the early learning curve of robot-assisted laparoscopic procedures: the example of radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The robot-assisted laparoscopic approach for radical prostatectomy (RARP) is being performed increasingly worldwide to treat localized prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of this study was to compare the learning curves of two surgeons with different surgical experiences. METHODS: A prospective collection of peri-operative data was made: age, body mass index, PSA, clinical stage, biopsy Gleason score, operative time (OT), blood loss (BL), pathological stages, final Gleason scores, and complications. Patients were included, in two groups. The first group comprised the first 100 patients undergoing RARP by an expert laparoscopic surgeon. The second group of 100 patients was operated on by a junior surgeon without robotic console experience. Post-operative complications were defined according to the Clavien grading system for surgical morbidity RESULTS: For groups 1 and 2 median age was 63 and 62 years, respectively; median pre-operative PSA level was 10 and 8, respectively; the median BMI was 24 and 25, respectively. The median operative time (OT) was 179 and 160 min, respectively (p > 0.05); and median blood loss was 217 and 346 ml, respectively (p = 0.04). The overall transfusion rate was 1.5% and two major complications were recorded in group 1 and four in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: RARP is safe and reproducible even during the initial learning curve. Overcoming the learning curve is multifactorial and is necessarily dependent on the surgeon. However, joining a well-trained team probably affects positively the performance of the surgeon. The value of expert centers to train new surgeons to RARP needs to be evaluated.

Comparison of cryopreservation methods for the long term storage of the marine diatom Haslea ostrearia (simonsen).

Long term maintenance of microalgal strains by serial subculturing is often expensive and time-consuming. Alternative methods, such as cryopreservation, present several benefits and thus seem more relevant. Our study aimed at comparing two cryopreservation procedures applied to the marine diatom Haslea ostrearia (Simonsen): (1) a two-step freezing method in liquid media using 5%, 10% and 20% MeOH, Me2SO or Glycerol, and (2) an immobilization-dehydration method consisting in an algal cell entrapped in 0.7 M sucrose dehydrated and air-flow desiccated calcium alginate beads before "direct" or "two-step" freezing. Our results showed that the cryopreservation of H. ostrearia was feasible. With the two-step freezing protocol only Me2SO maintained cell viability without contamination but the low percentage of viability (<10%) prevents its use. Conversely, the immobilization-dehydration methods tested in this study were effective. Average viability of 57% and 77% were obtained with the "direct" and the "two step" cooling assays respectively, ensuring preservation of the genetic traits of H. ostrearia.

Assessing the complications of laparoscopic robot-assisted surgery: the case of radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: A robot-assisted laparoscopic approach for radical prostatectomy (RALRP) is being adopted increasingly worldwide for the treatment of localized prostate cancer (CaP). Complications assessment is essential to the objective evaluation of any new procedure. This study aimed to assess the perioperative complications encountered during the implementation of a robot-assisted urologic surgery program. METHODS: A prospective data collection for all men with a diagnosis of CaP who underwent RALRP between 2005 and 2009 in our department was achieved. Together with perioperative data, all the perioperative complications encountered were specifically recorded, including robot dysfunctions. The RALRP was performed with the three-arm Da Vinci system using a transperitoneal approach with six ports. To assess the perioperative complications, the validated Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical procedures was used. Two surgeons were involved in these procedures. A modified Clavien-Dindo classification also was used to account for intraoperative complications. RESULTS: According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, 16 complications (6.7% complication rate) were recorded during the first 240 procedures. Besides postoperative complications, five procedures (2.1%) were directly affected by robot malfunctions without notable consequences for the patients. Considering these five additional complications, an 8.8% complication rate was recorded using a modified Clavien-Dindo classification. The main limitation of the study was its design restricted to RALRP procedures alone. The second limitation was that the authors' modified classification needs to be validated with a larger series and for different surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that RALRP is a safe alternative to classical surgery and that the robotic approach is reliable. The authors believe that the reliability of technological devices should be systematically discussed when outcome analysis of a new procedure is performed.

Selection of low cost materials for the sorption of copper and herbicides as single or mixed compounds in increasing complexity matrices.

Low cost materials (sugar beet pulp, corncob, corncob char, perlite, vermiculite, sand, sediment) have been tested for their ability to quickly sorb copper, glyphosate, diuron and 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) as single or mixed compounds. Tests have been performed in increasingly complex liquid matrices: ultra pure water (UPW), runoff water (RW) and sediment extract medium (SEM). Highest sorption levels in UPW are achieved with corncob char for Cu (93%), glyphosate (74%), diuron (98%) and 3,4-DCA (99%). Other ready-to-use adequate sorbents are sugar beet pulp for Cu and sand for glyphosate, diuron and 3,4-DCA. Sorption levels obtained in UPW are significantly altered in SEM as a result of its higher dissolved organic carbon concentration, tenuous changes being obtained with RW. Interactions between herbicides and Cu are pointed out: higher sorption level is observed for glyphosate in mixture with Cu, as it is observed with diuron and 3,4-DCA when mixed with all other pollutants. Langmuir model has been found to better fit the data for copper, whereas Freundlich one has been found more relevant for diuron and 3,4-DCA. Our results stress the need for studying adsorption in different matrices when searching for sorbents to be used in field conditions.

Effect of immobilization of a bacterial consortium on diuron dissipation and community dynamics.

This work intended to study the relationship between diuron herbicide dissipation and the population dynamics of co-cultivated Delftia acidovorans WDL34 (WDL34) and Arthrobacter sp. N4 (N4) for different cell formulations: free cells or immobilization in Ca-alginate beads of one or both strains. GFP-tagged WDL34 and N4 Gram staining allowed analyzing the cell growth and distribution of each strain in both beads and culture medium in the course of the time. Compared to the free cell co-culture of WDL34 and N4, immobilization of WDL34 in Ca-alginate beads co-cultivated with free N4 increased the dissipation rate of diuron by 53% (0.141 mg ml(-1) h(-1)). In that case, immobilization strongly modified the final equilibrium among both strains (highest total N4 to WDL34 ratio). Our results demonstrated that the inoculant formulation played a major role in the cell growth of each cultivated strain possibly increasing diuron dissipation. This optimized cell formulation may allow improving water and soil treatment.