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Here we report that both-end open anodic TiO2 nanotube membranes, after sensitization with a Ru(II)-based dye, exhibit visible-light switching properties for flow-through the nanotube channels. Under illumination, the gate is in an open state providing ∼four-times faster permeation of small molecules through the membrane compared to a dark state. Switching is reversible with no apparent dye degradation being observed. Gating is possible not only of permeating dye molecules but also of nanoprobes such as polystyrene nanospheres. Supported by quantitative modelling, we attribute the switching mechanism to light-induced changes of the charge distribution at the dye/TiO2 interface which in turn alters the hydrodynamics within the anodic tube membranes. This demonstrates that these simple dye-sensitized nanotube membranes can be used as an optically addressable flow-through gate in nanofluidics.

Over the past ten years, self-aligned TiO

Over the past years, α-Fe2 O3 (hematite) has re-emerged as a promising photoanode material in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. In spite of considerable success in obtaining relatively high solar conversion efficiency, the main drawbacks hindering practical application of hematite are its intrinsically hampered charge transport and sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics on the photoelectrode surface. In the present work, we report a strategy that synergistically addresses both of these critical limitations. Our approach is based on three key features that are applied simultaneously: i) a careful nanostructuring of the hematite photoanode in the form of nanorods, ii) doping of hematite by Sn4+ ions using a controlled gradient, and iii) surface decoration of hematite by a new class of layered double hydroxide (LDH) OER co-catalysts based on Zn-Co LDH. All three interconnected forms of functionalization result in an extraordinary cathodic shift of the photocurrent onset potential by more than 300 mV and a PEC performance that reaches a photocurrent density of 2.00 mA cm-2 at 1.50 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode.

In the present work we show how to achieve different nanotube morphologies (namely, not only single- and double-walled tubes, but also a tube-in-tube configuration) by combining specific anodization parameters. We characterize as-grown tube layers in terms of morphology, chemical composition and properties. As-grown tubes exhibit a double-walled morphology, that is, they consist of an inner and an outer shell. The low quality inner shell can be removed by an optimized chemical treatment thus leading to nanotubes of a higher quality oxide and with a single-walled nature. Double-walled tubes grown at low electrolyte temperature provide a thick inner shell that after adequate annealing can form a unique tube-in-tube morphology.

Here we report that both-end open anodic TiO

Solar driven photoelectrochemical water splitting (PEC-WS) using semiconductor photoelectrodes represents a promising approach for a sustainable and environmentally friendly production of renewable energy vectors and fuel sources, such as dihydrogen (H2). In this context, titanium dioxide (TiO$_2$) and iron oxide (hematite, $\alpha$-Fe$_2$O$_3$) are among the most investigated candidates as photoanode materials, mainly owing to their resistance to photocorrosion, non-toxicity, natural abundance, and low production cost. Major drawbacks are, however, an inherently low electrical conductivity and a limited hole diffusion length that significantly affect the performance of TiO$_2$ and $\alpha$-Fe$_2$O$_3$ in PEC devices. To this regard, one-dimensional (1D) nanostructuring is typically applied as it provides several superior features such as a significant enlargement of the material surface area, extended contact between the semiconductor and the electrolyte and, most remarkably, preferential electrical transport that overall suppress charge carrier recombination and improve TiO$_2$ and $\alpha$-Fe$_2$O$_3$ photo-electrocatalytic properties. The present review describes various synthetic methods, properties and PEC applications of 1D-photoanodes (nanotubes, nanorods, nanofibers, nanowires) based on titania, hematite, and on $\alpha$-Fe$_2$O$_3$/TiO$_2$ heterostructures. Various routes towards modification and enhancement of PEC activity of 1D photoanodes are also discussed including doping, decoration with co-catalysts and heterojunction engineering. Finally, the challenges related to the optimization of charge transfer kinetics in both oxides are highlighted.

We report the fabrication of defect-free crystalline TiO2 nanotube (NT) membranes that maintain a full anatase phase composition up to an annealing temperature of 950 °C. Key is the use of a lactic acid electrolyte for the growth of the anodic nanotube layers. These nanotube layers are mechanically sufficiently robust to fabricate, by chemical etching, lift-off and annealing, both-end-open membranes that feature no morphological damage over their entire surface area and thickness. We illustrate the beneficial use of the pure anatase membranes for a flow-through photocatalytic application, i.e., the photodegradation of Acid Orange 7. However, it is anticipated that these pure anatase membranes will also have a wide range of uses in photo(electrochemical) applications of TiO2. Keywords: TiO2 nanotubes, Robust nanotube membranes, Anatase, Organic dye photodegradation

Aim Preoperative workup of deep infiltrating endometriosis is limited in the evaluation of extragenital and extrapelvic disease and in distinguishing between the previous surgical scar and active lesion. Histological verification remains the gold standard for diagnosis. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) with an experimental estrogen receptor tracer (16α-[18F]fluoro-17β-estradiol; [18F]FES) for accurate staging and non-invasive diagnosis of the disease. The primary endpoint was the feasibility of this tool on comparison with histology. The secondary endpoint was the accuracy of PET/CT in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods Four eligible subjects with extragenital endometriosis underwent MRI, PET/CT with [18F]FES, and laparoscopic excision of endometriosis in the same month. Region-by-region analysis was used to compare the findings of the two diagnostic tools with surgical histological specimens obtained during laparoscopy. Results A total of 40 anatomical regions were examined: seven were [18F]FES positive, four were positive on MRI and eight positive on histology. A total of nine regions were discordant. PET/CT agreed with histology in 9/9 of the discrepant findings. Conclusion PET/CT with [18F]FES was feasible and had greater accuracy than MRI, particularly in patients with previous surgery. Further studies are needed, however, to investigate its role in bowel endometriosis in sites other than recto-sigmoid junction, nerve localization, and subcentimetric disease.

A catalyst series consisting in platinum nanoparticles photodeposited on pure titania and on W/Ti mixed oxides, these latter prepared by the sol-gel method, were tested in the hydrogenation of 4-nitrostyrene. A remarkable increase in the reaction rate occurred when the catalyst support contained tungsten, with a parallel boosting in the selective reduction of the nitro group. With the selective W-containing catalysts, the reaction proceeded at constant rate (zero order rate law), while the tungsten-free catalyst showed a rate-dependence on the 4-nitrostyrene concentration (positive order reaction). The presence of tungsten in the support is beneficial not only because a higher surface area is obtained, thanks to the stabilization of anatase owing to the presence of tungsten, but also because it allows the photodeposition of smaller, better dispersed platinum particles, on which the adsorption of the aromatic part of 4-nitrostyrene is less favored. Tungsten not only substitutes titanium in the titania lattice, as revealed by HAAF-STEM analysis, but it is also present as WOx species partly covering the Pt nanoparticles photodeposited on the mixed oxide support, as revealed by an in depth distribution XPS analysis. This accounts for the progressively lower performance observed with increasing tungsten content in the catalysts, the highest conversion and selective hydrogenation of the 4-nitrostyrene nitro group having been achieved on the catalyst with a 1% W/Ti molar ratio.

Photocatalysis uses semiconductors to convert sunlight into chemical energy. Recent reports have shown that plasmonic nanostructures can be used to extend semiconductor light absorption or to drive direct photocatalysis with visible light at their surface. In this review, we discuss the fundamental decay pathway of localized surface plasmons in the context of driving solar-powered chemical reactions. We also review different nanophotonic approaches demonstrated for increasing solar-to-hydrogen conversion in photoelectrochemical water splitting, including experimental observations of enhanced reaction selectivity for reactions occurring at the metalsemiconductor interface. The enhanced reaction selectivity is highly dependent on the morphology, electronic properties, and spatial arrangement of composite nanostructures and their elements. In addition, we report on the particular features of photocatalytic reactions evolving at plasmonic metal surfaces and discuss the possibility of manipulating the reaction selectivity through the activation of targeted molecular bonds. Finally, using solar-to-hydrogen conversion techniques as an example, we quantify the efficacy metrics achievable in plasmon-driven photoelectrochemical systems and highlight some of the new directions that could lead to the practical implementation of solar-powered plasmon-based catalytic devices.

Over the past ten years, self-aligned TiO2 nanotubes have attracted tremendous scientific and technological interest due to their anticipated impact on energy conversion, environment remediation and biocompatibility. In the present manuscript, we review fundamental principles that govern the self-organized initiation of anodic TiO2 nanotubes. We start with the fundamental question: Why is self-organization taking place? We illustrate the inherent key mechanistic aspects that lead to tube growth in various different morphologies, such as rippled-walled tubes, smooth tubes, stacks and bamboo-type tubes, and importantly the formation of double-walled TiO2 nanotubes versus single-walled tubes, and the drastic difference in their physical and chemical properties. We show how both double- and single-walled tube layers can be detached from the metallic substrate and exploited for the preparation of robust self-standing membranes. Finally, we show how by selecting the right growth approach to TiO2 nanotubes specific functional features can be significantly improved, e.g., an enhanced electron mobility, intrinsic doping, or crystallization into pure anatase at extremely high temperatures can be achieved. This in turn can be exploited in constructing high performance devices based on anodic TiO2 in a wide range of applications., Comment: from Nanoscale Horiz., 2016, Advance Article

Morcellation of a bulky uterus after total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is a challenge for those dealing with advanced laparoscopic surgery. However, there are no laparoscopic standardized procedures available to date. We developed a laparoscopic cold knife technique with the aim of demonstrating a simple and reproducible method of sectioning and vaginal retrieval of the bulky uterus.From June 2012 to June 2014, patients who underwent TLH for benign indication, with a uterus size over 12 gestational weeks, were prospectively admitted into the clinical study. Before specimen vaginal retrieval, uterine section was achieved by Chardonnens' cold knife with the aim of obtaining two uterus halves sectioned longitudinally and held together only by the posterior cervical wall. We performed the procedure in a containment system to avoid myometrial spillage into the abdomen.Twenty-nine women with a bulky uterus were treated by TLH and the cold knife section technique. The uterine size ranged from 240 to 850 g (median, 460 g), and the average morcellation operative time was 11.3 minutes. All procedures were completed successfully without complications.Our data suggest that the cold knife uterine section technique after TLH is a feasible, simple, and reproducible method of bulky uterus morcellation, even if further research is advisable to fully evaluate the advantages of this procedure.

Solar driven photoelectrochemical water splitting (PEC-WS) using semiconductor photoelectrodes represents a promising approach for a sustainable and environmentally friendly production of renewable energy vectors and fuel sources, such as dihydrogen (H

We report that 1-hydropyridinyl radicals (1-PyH^•) photogenerated in solution react with dissolved CO_2 en route to its 2e^– reduction into carboxylic acids. The 254 nm excitation of pyridine (Py) in deaerated 2-PrOH/H_2O mixtures saturated with 1 atm of CO_2 yields a suite of products, among which we identified Na(HCOO)_2^– (m/z^– = 113), C_5H_6NCOO– (m/z^– = 124), and C_5H_(10)O_2NCOO– (m/z^– = 160) species by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. These products demonstrably contain carboxylate functionalities that split CO_2 neutrals via collisionally induced dissociation. We infer that 1-PyH^• [from (1) ^3Py^* + 2-PrOH → 1-PyH^• + ^•PrOH] adds to CO_2, in competition with radical–radical reactions, leading to intermediates that are in turn reduced by ^•PrOH into the observed species. The formation of carboxylates in this system, which is shown to require CO_2, Py, 2-PrOH, and actinic radiation, amounts to the homogeneous 2e^– reduction of CO_2 by 2-PrOH initiated by Py^*. We evaluate a rate constant (2) k_2(1-PyH^• + CO_2 → •Py-1-COOH) ≈ O (10) M^(–1) s^(–1) and an activation energy E_2 ≥ 9 kcal mol^(–1) that are compatible with thermochemical estimates for this reaction.

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is becoming an increasingly popular treatment in endometrial cancer. Intra-abdominal or vaginal uterus morcellation are well described and routinely practiced techniques in removing a benign bulky uterus but contraindicated in endometrial cancer. In malignancy, the uterus needs to be removed intact to avoid intraperitoneal spillage of the endometrial cancer cells, and a uterine size of 12 gestational weeks (g.w.) or larger has been considered a contraindication for the laparoscopic approach. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a sealed vaginal morcellation technique in a bag for endometrial cancer laparoscopic treatment. We prospectively scheduled 12 patients affected by endometrial cancer with uterus bigger than 12 g.w. for endometrial cancer laparoscopic treatment. After performing TLH, a sterile plastic wrapping bag was inserted by a 12 mm camera port by rolling it onto the blunt probe. The uterus was covered from the fundus to the cervix, placing the free edges of the bag down into the manipulator cup with two blunt graspers. The specimen completely covered by the bag was then pushed down under direct laparoscopic vision through colpotomy and pulled out from the vagina. The uterus was morcellated by the vaginal route. All patients underwent laparoscopic treatment with vaginal uterine morcellation. The mean uterus weight was 290.8 ± 79.7 g with a mean morcellation operative time of 12.1 min. All vaginal morcellations were completed successfully. All patients were without evidence of local or distant recurrence at the median follow-up time of 18 months. This technique allows the surgeon to morcellate a bulky uterus in cases of endometrial cancer and reduces the chance of neoplastic cell spillage during debulking at TLH. Vaginal morcellation following oncologic rules permits a rapid uterine extraction and may avoid a number of unnecessary laparotomies.

To compare prosthetic and ligament vaginal vault suspension at vaginal hysterectomy in patients, with utero-vaginal stage III–IV pelvic organ prolapse quantification. A retrospective case–control study was designed to compare 61 patients who had undergone Posterior intravaginal slingplasty (PIVS) with 61 patients in a matched control group who had undergone uterosacral ligament suspension (ULS). The primary outcome was to compare anatomic vaginal vault failure rate. The secondary outcomes were subjective cure and cure without adverse events. Follow-up mean duration for the PIVS and ULS groups was 56.2 and 57.7 months, respectively. Recurrent vault prolapse was observed more frequently in the ULS group with pre-intervention stage IV prolapse (0 vs 14.8 %; p = 0.04), while there was no difference in prolapse recurrence at any vaginal site. Although the subjective cure of PIVS and ULS was superimposable (91.8 vs 86.9 %; p = 0.25), there was a significantly higher cure rate, without adverse events, in the ULS group (90.2 vs 100 %; p = 0.01). Non-mesh vaginal vault repair should be considered the first-line measure at vaginal hysterectomy; prosthetic repair should be used for therapeutic purposes in patients with vaginal vault recurrence and considered at vaginal hysterectomy only in selected subjects with complete utero-vaginal eversion.

Aiming at producing TiO2-based photocatalytic materials with reduced charge carriers recombination, WO3–TiO2 mixed oxides were synthesized by a sol–gel method employing either an inorganic salt, Na2WO4, or an organic alkoxide, W(OC2H5)6, as tungsten precursor, with different W/Ti ratios. The so-obtained materials were characterized by XRPD, BET, UV–vis reflectance, XPS and EDX analyses and their photoactivity was tested under UV–visible irradiation in both the mineralization of formic acid in aqueous suspension and the gas phase oxidation of acetaldehyde. Both photoactivity results and photocurrent measurements point to a superior performance of photocatalysts obtained from the organic precursor with an optimal tungsten content (3%). The formation of an intimately mixed oxide, as revealed by XRPD analysis, results in photoactivity higher than that of pure TiO2, and also of benchmark P25 TiO2, consequent to a better charge separation due to the migration of photoproduced holes from WO3 domains to TiO2 and of photopromoted electrons in the opposite direction. The persistence of pure anatase phase in W-containing photocatalysts also after calcination at 700 °C and their higher surface area with respect to pure TiO2 also contribute in increasing the photocatalytic activity of the WO3–TiO2 mixed oxides.

Study Objective To demonstrate our developed nerve-preserving technique during laparoscopic sacropexy (LSP) for multicompartment pelvic organ prolapse. Design A step-by-step demonstration of our surgical procedure on video (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Informed consent was obtained from the subject, and the applicable Institutional Review Board provided approval. Setting Although sacropexy does remain the ‘gold standard’ procedure for apical prolapse [1] , the subjective outcome of the procedure has been reported to be not so satisfactory as its anatomic outcome [2] . New onset bowel symptoms have been observed with voiding and sexual dysfunctions [3] . Published data revealed a correlation between iatrogenic denervation during LSP and postoperative dysfunctions [4-6] . We adopted a nerve-preserving approach with the aim of reducing the iatrogenic morbidity. Interventions Our surgical nerve-preserving LSP technique from the promontory down to the right uterosacral ligament and the rectovaginal space proceeds in 3 steps: Step 1: Opening the peritoneum. The peritoneum is opened just medial to the right common iliac artery, approximately 20 to 30 mm above the sacral promontory, allowing a safe approach in an area far from nerves and vascular structures. Peritoneal incision is extended toward the promontory. The underlying presacral fascia containing the right hypogastric nerve (rHN) is identified and incised longitudinally. The presacral fascia and the rHN are then pushed medially to expose the longitudinal anterior vertebral ligament; the finding of the middle sacral veins represents the limit of any further medial dissection. Opening and displacement of the prevertebral fascia are not mandatory. Step 2: Opening the peritoneum of the right pelvic sidewall, respecting the integrity of the presacral fascia and of the rHN contained within it. An inverted L-shaped peritoneal incision extending from the sacral promontory up to the left uterosacral ligament is completed, with care taken to preserve the rHN identified previously. In proximity to the uterus, the dissection line crosses the upper edge of the right uterosacral ligament at its proximal third and extends medially. The rectovaginal space is opened and joined to the peritoneal tunnel with a section of the superficial layer of the right uterosacral ligament, preserving its deep nervous portion. Step 3: Dissection of the rectovaginal space, respecting the integrity of the rectal fascia. The rectovaginal space is fully dissected, and at its caudal edge the dissection is carried out laterally to the rectum upward to identify the pelvic parietal fascia covering the levator ani muscle, in the middle to the cranial edge of the perineal body. Preservation of the rectal fascia prevents possible injury to the middle rectal vessels and the rectal branches of the inferior hypogastric plexus, which runs close to the pelvic floor. The complete dissection of the rectovaginal space appears in an inverted V-shaped space covering approximately two-thirds of the posterior vaginal wall, with the apex at the convergence of the uterosacral ligaments. The procedure is completed with dissection of the vesicovaginal space through the creation of an avascular triangular-shaped space with the apex at the dorsal end of the bladder trigone and laterally limited by the superficial vascular layer of the vesicouterine ligaments. The bladder branches of the inferior hypogastric plexus run far from the surgical field in the deep portion of the vesicouterine ligaments. Conclusion A nerve-sparing approach to pelvic spaces during LSP is feasible following well-defined surgical steps, which allow the surgeon to visualize all of the nerve pathways and potentially dangerous anatomic structures.

TiO2 and Ti-W mixed oxide photocatalysts, with W/Ti molar ratios in the 0–5% range, were prepared through a simple sol-gel method, followed by annealing at 500 or 700 °C, and their photoactivity was tested in the photo-oxidation of formic acid in the aqueous phase under ambient aerobic conditions. XRPD analysis evidenced that in the presence of tungsten the anatase phase was stable even after calcination at 700 °C, with a progressively larger surface area and smaller particle dimensions with increasing tungsten content. Tungsten can both enter the titania lattice, as demonstrated by HAADF-STEM analysis, and also segregate as amorphous WO3 on the photocatalysts surface, as suggested by XPS analysis. The best performing Ti/W oxide photocatalyst is that containing 1.0 mol% W/Ti, mainly due to the tungsten-induced stabilization effect of the anatase phase, whereas electron transfer from TiO2 to WO3, though compatible with the here performed EPR measurements, appears to have no beneficial effect in the investigated reaction, likely due to the low energy level of the conduction band of WO3, from which electrons cannot efficiently transfer to adsorbed dioxygen.

We report the fabrication of 3D hierarchical hetero-nanostructures composed of thin α-Fe2O3 nanoflakes branched on TiO2 nanotubes. The novel α-Fe2O3/TiO2 hierarchical nanostructures, synthesized on FTO through a multi-step hydrothermal process, exhibit enhanced performances in photo-electrochemical water splitting and in the photocatalytic degradation of an organic dye, with respect to pure TiO2 nanotubes. An enhanced separation of photogenerated charge carriers is here proposed as the main factor for the observed photo-activities: electrons photogenerated in TiO2 are efficiently collected at FTO, while holes are transferred to the α-Fe2O3 nanobranches that serve as charge mediators to the electrolyte. The morphology of α-Fe2O3 that varies from ultrathin nanoflakes to nanorod/nanofiber structures depending on the Fe precursor concentration was shown to have a significant impact on the photo-induced activity of the α-Fe2O3/TiO2 composites. In particular, it is shown that for an optimized photo-electrochemical structure, a combination of critical factors should be achieved such as (i) TiO2 light absorption and photo-activation vs. α-Fe2O3-induced shadowing effect and (ii) the availability of free TiO2 surface vs. α-Fe2O3-coated surface. Finally, theoretical analysis, based on DFT calculations, confirmed the optical properties experimentally determined for the α-Fe2O3/TiO2 hierarchical nanostructures. We anticipate that this new multi-step hydrothermal process can be a blueprint for the design and development of other hierarchical heterogeneous metal oxide electrodes suitable for photo-electrochemical applications.

We investigated the feasibility and acceptability of office hysteroscopic polypectomy using a new continuous-flow operative 16 Fr Gubbini’s mini-resectoscope. This is a prospective clinical study (Canadian Task Force classification III). The office hysteroscopic polypectomy was performed with a mini-resectoscope without analgesia or anesthesia. We evaluated the polyp size and the number, the effectiveness of resection, the operating time, the pelvic pain and complications. The office hysteroscopic polypectomy was successfully performed in all 33 patients. The polyps ranged in size from 5 to 50 mm with a mean of 18.15 ± 11.45 mm. We analyzed the operating time with a mean of 11.45 ± 4.71 min: 29 procedures took less than 15 min from the start of vaginoscopy to the end of surgery. Overall mean visual analog scale (VAS) calculated was 2.48 ± 1.37 (range 0–6). The correlation between the size of the polyps and operating time was statistically significant (p

The medical and economic benefits of the transvaginal approach over the abdominal and laparoscopic methods are demonstrated in many studies. Vaginal hysterectomy with bipolar vessel sailing (BiClamp(®)) represents an example of mininvasive surgery and could be a valid and cost-benefit alternative in the surgical treatment of benign gynaecologic disease. BiClamp(®) may be carried out according to Clavè's technique with a good result in postoperative pain.Prospective randomized study (Canadian Task Force classification I). We compared the vaginal hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomies with BiClamp(®) and multimodal anaesthesia (group A 30 patients) with vaginal hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomies and spinal anaesthesia (group B 30 patients).The median operating time was 33.5 min for group A and 54.5 min for group B (p0.0001). The median blood loss was 59.25 ml in group A and 81.75 ml in group B. The median hospital stay was 1.6 ± 0.58 days for group A and 2.55 ± 0.66 days for group B. Postoperative pain was statistically different between groups in the immediate postoperatory times, at 2 and at 6 h from the surgery and at 10 p.m. (p0.0001). Analyses of cost-effectiveness have stated advantages in terms of costs and indirect-direct benefits but also in earlier resumption of working.BiClamp(®) technique with multimodal anaesthesia has advantages from surgical, anaesthesiology and economic point of view. It is a minimally invasive surgery characterised by lower morbidity, quicker surgery times and reduced costs when compared to classical vaginal hysterectomy. BiClamp(®) technique represents a new border in vaginal surgery.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive performances of some biochemical markers in predicting pre-term delivery in asymptomatic women. Methods We included 491 asymptomatic women at 24 weeks’ gestation, who underwent the endocervical phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding protein (phIGFBP-1) test, cervico-vaginal interleukins 6 (IL-6) and 8 (IL-8), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP). A receiveroperating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to determine the most useful cut off point. A multivariate logistic regression model was used in order to analyze the combination of significant predictive variables for pre-term delivery following univariate analysis. Results ROC curves indicated that 33 lg/l was the optimal cut off value for phIGFBP-1 test, 21.3 ng/l for IL-6, 324 ng/l for IL-8, and 8.42 mg/l for CRP in predicting preterm delivery. The univariate logistic regression analyses revealed an odds ratio of 3.04 for phIGFBP-1 test, 4.82 for IL-6, and 3.08 for CRP. The multivariate analysis of phIGFBP-1 test, IL-6, and CRP showed that they were independent variables and therefore useful in combination for predicting pre-term delivery. Conclusions The phIGFBP-1 test, the cervico-vaginal IL-6, and the serum CRP are independent variables that can be used together to predict pre-term delivery in asymptomatic women.

Ewing's sarcomas/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (ES/pPNETs) are high-grade malignant neoplasms rarely found outside the skeletal system. Only 12 cases of vulvar ES/pPNET have so far been reported, all involving children or women of child-bearing age. We describe the case of a 52-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital for the local excision of a 4 cm vulvar mass, originally thought to be a Bartholin's gland cyst. It was subsequently found to consist of small round cells positive for anti-CD99 antibody, thus suggesting a diagnosis of ES/pPNET. The demonstration of EWSR1 gene translocations by means of fluorescent in situ hybridization excluded small-cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the small type, Merkel cell carcinoma, and lymphoblastic lymphoma. After surgery, the patient received six cycles of polychemotherapy and radiotherapy; she is still alive and well after 1 year of follow-up. Our findings underline the crucial role of molecular biology techniques in the differential diagnosis of small round cell tumors in these unusual locations.

Minilaparotomic access in spinal anaesthesia represents an example of mininvasive surgery and could be a valid cost-benefit alternative in the surgical treatment of benign gynaecologic diseases.The study is a randomized study. We analyzed a consecutive series of 80 patients treated for benign gynaecological diseases with spinal (group A) or with general anaesthesia (group B).The median length of incision was 5 cm. The average operating time was 40.5 +/- 9.39 min, without differences between groups. The average hospital stay was 0.71 days shorter (por = 0.0001) and the postoperative pain was lower at 2 and 6 h from the surgery and at 10 p.m. in the group A (por = 0.0001).Minilaparotomy in spinal anaesthesia carries advantages from economic point of view with reduction of length of stay in hospital which is an important parameter for the evaluation of the quality of surgical treatments.

Study Objective To investigate the feasibility and acceptability of office hysteroscopic polypectomy using a novel continuous-flow operative 16F mini-resectoscope. Design Multicenter prospective case series (Canadian Task Force classification III). Setting “SS Antonio e Biagio” Hospital, Alessandria, and University “Federico II” of Naples. Patients One hundred eighty-two patients with endometrial polyps. Interventions Hysteroscopic polypectomy performed with 16F mini-resectoscope in an office setting, without analgesia and/or anesthesia. Measurements and Main Results Polypectomy was successfully performed in 175 patients in a single surgical step (96.15%), with only 1 patient (.54%) requiring a second office surgical step to complete the surgery. Seven patients (3.84%) were excluded from the analysis of operative parameters because of severe pelvic pain during the office procedure, which required a second inpatient surgical step. No major complications were recorded. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that removal of endometrial polyps using the 16F mini-resectoscope in an office setting is a feasible and safe surgical option. Outpatient see-and-treat polypectomy is an acceptable and effective alternative to inpatient resectoscopic polypectomy.

Thrombophilias are inherited or acquired conditions that predispose the affected individual to thromboembolism. Several studies have demonstrated that the presence of thrombophilic defects is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcome. Preeclampsia (PE) is associated with vascular and endothelial damage and thrombophilias may play an important role in this pathology. Most studies have found an association between early-onset PE and thrombophilia. Early recognition of PE is essential for optimal treatment but, at present, specific markers of the disease are lacking. Therapy must address the prevention of maternal complications and improvement of neonatal outcome. There is no clear evidence to support the use of heparin prophylaxis for PE. A high dose of antithrombin concentrate may represent a possible therapy in early-onset PE. Preventive and conservative treatment of PE with early diagnosis and a new therapeutic approach will allow the prolongation of pregnancy with fewer maternal and fetal complications.

Aiming at understanding how plasmonic reactions depend on important parameters such as metal loading and strong metal-support interaction (SMSI), we report the plasmonic photodegradation of formic acid (FA) under green LED irradiation employing three TiO2 supports (stoichiometric TiO2, N-doped TiO2, black TiO2) modified with Au nanoparticles (NPs) 3-6 nm in size. The rate of FA photo-oxidation follows different trends depending on Au loading for stoichiometric and doped Au/TiO2 materials. In the first case, the only contribution of hot electron transfer produces a volcano-shaped curve of photoreaction rates with increasing the Au loading. When TiO2 contains intra-bandgap states the photoactivity increases linearly with the Au NPs amount, thanks to the concomitant enhancement produced by hot electron transfer and plasmonic resonant energy transfer (PRET). The role of PRET is supported by Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations, which show that the increase of both A u NPs inter-distance and of SMSI enhances the probability of charge carrier generation at the Au/TiO2 interface.

We report that gaseous isoprene ISO(g) is oxidized into soluble species on the surface of aqueous acidic FeCl_2 solutions simultaneously exposed to H_2O_2(g). In our experiments, ISO(g) and/or H_2O_2(g) streams intersect aqueous pH 2 FeCl_2 microjets for 10 μs. The products formed in these reactive encounters are identified in situ via online electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. We found that the (ISO)nH^+ oligomers generated from ISO(g) on the surface of pH < 4 water are oxidized into myriad products whose combined yields exceed 5%. MS^2 analysis reveals that the positive ions derived from the protonation of neutral products split H_2O and O neutrals, whereas the less abundant negative carboxylate ion products undergo CO, H_2O, and CO_2 losses. Significantly, all products are fully quenched by ·OH scavenger tert-butyl alcohol. These results are consistent with an oxidation process initiated by the addition of ·OH from (Fe^(2+)(aq) + H_2O_2(g)) to (ISO)nH^+, followed by fast reactions involving dissolved H_2O_2, HO_2·, and O_2 that lead to polyols; carbonyls; and, to a lesser extent, carboxylic acids. Our experiments demonstrate that gas-phase olefins are oxidized upon colliding on the surface of Fe-containing acidic aqueous media under typical tropospheric conditions.

BACKGROUND Serous psammocarcinoma is a rare variant of epithelial neoplasia that can arise from the ovaries or peritoneum. It is characterized by massive psammoma body formation, invasiveness and low grade cytologic features. CASE A 70-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital; a bimanual examination with cervicovaginal smear was performed. The smears revealed neoplastic cells with psammoma bodies; afterward, endocervical curettage revealed microaggregates of epithelial neoplastic cells with psammoma bodies. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a diffuse peritoneal carcinosis with left ovarian calcification. An exploratory laparotomy was carried out. Final pathologic findings showed peritoneal serous psammocarcinoma with ovarian implants. CONCLUSION Our report suggests that a Pap smear can play a role in the detection of peritoneal psammocarcinoma and underlines the significance of psammoma bodies as a cytologic marker of this rare tumor.

The aim of this multicentric study is to compare clinical, biophysical and molecular parameters in the prediction of the success of labour induction with prostaglandins. We included 115 women, who underwent to labour induction at term with vaginal prostaglandin gel. We evaluated the diagnostic efficiency of endocervical phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (phIGFBP-1), cervicovaginal interleukins 6 (IL-6) and 8 (IL-8). We analyzed the transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length. A receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to determine the most useful cut-off point. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the combination of significant predictive variables following univariate analysis. We analyzed all the data searching for the parameters that best predict the beginning of the active phase of labour within 12 h. 36.5 % of the patients delivered within 12 h. The Bishop score was >4 in the 43 % of patients with an active phase. The best cut-off values at ROC curves for cervical length, IL-6 and IL-8 were respectively 22 mm, 5 mg/dl and 20,237 mg/dl. At univariate analysis, all predictors of success, with the exception of IL-6, were significantly associated with the beginning of the active phase. Multivariate analysis of the Bishop score (OR 2.3), phIGFBP-1 test (OR 11.2) and IL-8 (OR 6.6) showed that the variables were independent and therefore useful in combination to predict the success of labour induction. The phIGFBP-1 test is a fast and easy test that can be used with Bishop score and IL-8 to reach an high positive predictive value in the prediction of the success of labour induction with prostaglandins.

Vertical transmission of JC virus and BK virus has been investigated by few authors, with conflicting results. We performed a combined serological and genomic study of 19 unselected pregnant women and their newborns. Blood and urine samples were collected during each gestational trimester from the pregnant women. Umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood, urine and nasopharyngeal secretion samples were taken from newborns at delivery and after 1 week and 1 month of life. Polyomavirus DNA was detected by nested PCR. Polyomavirus IgG-, IgM- and IgA-specific antibodies were measured in maternal and newborn serum samples using a virus-like-particle-based ELISA method. BKV and JCV DNA were detected in urine from 4 (21 %) and 5 (26 %) women, respectively. BKV and JCV seroprevalences in the pregnant women were 84 % and 42 %, respectively. Using a rise in the IgG level or the transient appearance of an IgA or IgM response as evidence of infection in the newborn, we detected BKV and JCV infections in four (21 %) and three (16 %) newborns, respectively. Three infants had serological evidence of infection with both BKV and JCV. In two of the four possible BKV-infected newborns, the mothers seroconverted during pregnancy, while another mother was viruric and IgA seropositive. The mother of one of the three possible JCV-infected newborns was viruric and IgA seropositive; another mother was viruric. These results suggest JC virus and BK virus can be transmitted from mother to newborn during pregnancy or soon after birth.

Increased levels of endogenous and/or exogenous estrogens are one of the well known risk factors of endometrial cancer. Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are a family of enzymes which phosphorylate diacylglycerol (DAG) to produce phosphatidic acid (PA), thus turning off and on DAG-mediated and PA-mediated signaling pathways, respectively. DGK α activity is stimulated by growth factors and oncogenes and is required for chemotactic, proliferative, and angiogenic signaling in vitro. Herein, using either specific siRNAs or the pharmacological inhibitor R59949, we demonstrate that DGK α activity is required for 17-β-estradiol (E2)-induced proliferation, motility, and anchorage-independent growth of Hec-1A endometrial cancer cell line. Impairment of DGK α activity also influences basal cell proliferation and growth in soft agar of Hec-1A, while it has no effects on basal cell motility. Moreover, we show that DGK α activity induced by E2, as well as its observed effects, are mediated by the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor GPR30 (GPER). These findings suggest that DGK α may be a potential target in endometrial cancer therapy. © 2011 Elsevier Inc.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (phIGFBP-1) and of the fetal fibronectin test (fFN) in predicting pre-term delivery in symptomatic women.We included 210 symptomatic women at 24-34 weeks' gestation, who underwent the phIGFBP-1 and fFN test. We analyzed the prevalence of pre-term delivery in these patients within 7 days upon admission, before the 34th and the 37th weeks' gestation.The 3.8% of women delivered within 7 days upon the admission, the 7.6% before 34 weeks and the 16.2% before 37 weeks' gestation. The phIGFBP-1 and fFN test had a high specificity and a high negative predictive value in predicting pre-term delivery within 7 days, before 34 and before 37 weeks' gestation. The logistic regression of phIGFBP-1 was statistically significant in predicting pre-term delivery with an odds ratio of 10.0834 weeks' gestation. The multivariate analysis showed that the phIGFBP test had a higher OR34 weeks' gestation (p0.001) and that the two variables were independent and useful in combination to predict pre-term delivery (37 weeks' gestation).The phIGFBP-1 test may be better that the fFN test in predicting pre-term delivery before 34 weeks' gestation.

Serous psammocarcinoma is a rare variant of epithelial neoplasia that can arise from the ovaries or peritoneum. It is characterized by massive psammoma body formation, invasiveness and low grade cytologic features.A 70-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital; a bimanual examination with cervicovaginal smear was performed. The smears revealed neoplastic cells with psammoma bodies; afterward, endocervical curettage revealed microaggregates of epithelial neoplastic cells with psammoma bodies. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a diffuse peritoneal carcinosis with left ovarian calcification. An exploratory laparotomy was carried out. Final pathologic findings showed peritoneal serous psammocarcinoma with ovarian implants.Our report suggests that a Pap smear can play a role in the detection of peritoneal psammocarcinoma and underlines the significance of psammoma bodies as a cytologic marker of this rare tumor.