Effects of different nitrogen sources on the biogas production - a lab-scale investigation.

For anaerobic digestion processes nitrogen sources are poorly investigated although they are known as possible process limiting factors (in the hydrolysis phase) but also as a source for fermentations for subsequent methane production by methanogenic archaea. In the present study different complex and defined nitrogen sources were investigated in a lab-scale experiment in order to study their potential to build up methane. The outcome of the study can be summarised as follows: from complex nitrogen sources yeast extract and casamino acids showed the highest methane production with approximately 600 ml methane per mole of nitrogen, whereas by the use of skim milk no methane production could be observed.

Diagnostic criteria, classification, and nomenclature for painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis: an ESSIC proposal.

Objectives: Because the term "interstitial cystitis" (IC) has different meanings in different centers and different parts of the world, the European Society for the Study of Interstitial Cystitis (ESSIC) has worked to create a consensus on definitions, diagnosis, and classification in an attempt to overcome the lack of international agreement on various aspects of IC.

Methods: ESSIC has discussed definitions, diagnostic criteria, and disease classification in four meetings and extended e-mail correspondence.

Results: It was agreed to name the disease bladder pain syndrome (BPS).

[Melanosis of the urinary bladder--a case report with 10 years of follow-up and review of literature].

Introduction: Extradermal melanotic lesions are found predominantly in the oral cavity, colon or conjunctiva, and by far less frequently in other organs. We report for the first time a case of solitary melanosis of the urinary bladder with a follow-up of more than 10 years.

Case Report: A 48-year old man presented with symptoms of frequency, urge incontinence, obstructive voiding symptoms and nocturia.

Do cystometric findings predict the results of intravesical hyaluronic acid in women with interstitial cystitis?

Introduction And Objectives: According to National Institute of Health (NIH) criteria, a bladder capacity of less than 350 cc is an automatic exclusion for a diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis (IC). In the present study, patients, showing symptoms of IC and with bladder capacities of <350 and >/=350 cc were tested as to their response to a intravesical hyaluronic acid therapy.

Methods: The study included 48 patients with clinical symptoms of IC and a positive 0.

Comparative assessment of maximal bladder capacity, 0.9% NaCl versus 0.2 M Kcl, for the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis: a prospective controlled study.

Purpose: Increased urothelial permeability has been proposed as a cause of interstitial cystitis (IC). The potassium sensitivity test assesses bladder discomfort after instillation of 0.4 M KCl for identification of increased urothelial permeability.

Evidence for the autoregulation of vesical circulation by intravesical potassium chloride and distension in the normal human bladder.

Objectives: To determine the influence of distension and intravesical KCl on vesical blood flow in the normal human bladder. Subjects and methods Nine normal volunteers underwent comparative cystometry (NaCl vs 0.2 mol/L KCl; filling rate 50 mL/min).

Leaky urothelium and/or vesical ischemia enable urinary potassium to cause idiopathic urgency/frequency syndrome and urge incontinence.

Urine contains up to 10 times more potassium (K+) than blood plasma. Hence, extracellular K+ concentration of the bladder wall can increase secondary to a leaky urothelium (GAG layer deficiency) and/or vesical ischemia (reduced washout) at low filling volumes. Consequent sensory afferentiated excitation/depolarization of the detrusor leads to urgency/frequency and facilitates the onset of 'uninhibited' contractions.

Percutaneous nephrostomy tube with perirenal balloon fixation.

Despite a variety of available systems the fixation of nephrostomy catheters has not been solved satisfactorily so far. Secure and comfortable fixation of the presented nephrostomy tube is provided by its inflatable balloon which is placed in the perinephric space so that the abdominal wall will retain it.

Changes of hypo- and hypertonic sodium chloride induced by the rat urinary bladder at various filling stages. Evidence for an increased transurothelial access of urine to detrusor nerve and muscle cells with distension.

By means of a transaortal injection of a gelatine ink mixture, a manifold mucosa to muscularis blood flow ratio was proved. In addition, the treatment of hypo- and hypertonic NaCl by the rat urinary bladder has been studied at 0.3-, 0.

Intravesical ions, osmolality and pH influence the volume pressure response in the normal rat bladder, and this is more pronounced after DMSO exposure.

The influence of intravesical ions, osmolality, pH value, and active transurothelial NaCl-transport inhibition (furosemide) on the rat bladder volume-pressure response was studied according to the concept of a permeable urothelium and according to direct effects of osmolality and K+ on in vitro muscle preparations. It was found that the bladder capacity was decreased by K+, hyperosmolality and pH5, whereas it was increased by hypoosmolality, electrolyte-free media, furosemide and pH 8. The effects were found to be pronounced after dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) exposure.

Permeability characteristics of the rat urinary bladder in experimental cystitis and after overdistension.

The permeability characteristics of the rat urinary bladder were investigated in experimental cystitis achieved by xylene/Escherichia coli, after dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) exposure and 3 and/or 10 days after overdistension. The changes were found to be comparable between experimental cystitis and DMSO treatment, whereas those after overdistension were specifically different in nature. Passive increases in NaCl permeability were shown to be accompanied by functional, metabolic impairment of the urothelium.

Angiotensin I converting enzyme in the ejaculate of fertile and infertile men.

ACE has been measured in the seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men according to the method of Cushman and Cheung. High enzyme activity was found in fertile subjects which did not significantly differ from those with oligozoospermia and those with the Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Enzyme activity was significantly lower after vasectomy.

Post-vasectomy impairment of transepithelial water reabsorption in the initial segment of the epididymis.

Using a modified split-droplet micropuncture technique there was an impairment of water reabsorption in the initial segment of the epididymis 2 weeks post vasectomy. This was supported by light-microscopy. The cause and a possible reversal of this impairment are not apparent.

The effect of age, mating and vasoligature on angiotensin I converting enzyme in rat testis and epididymis.

Angiotensin I converting enzyme was measured in testis, different sections of epididymis and vas deferens of rats with the analytical method of Piquilloud et al. In tissue specimens without a prior washout of seminal fluid the highest enzyme activity was found in the testis. The enzyme activity fell significantly towards the end of the excurrent ducts, suggesting that the enzyme is synthesized in the Sertoli cells of the testis, undergoes exocrine secretion and is partially inhibited during passage through the epididymis.

[Bladder injuries--diagnosis, acute care and late results].

From 1962 up to 1980 82 bladder injuries have been diagnosed and treated at the University Hospital Innsbruck, Department of Urology. Excluding the iatrogenic bladder trauma, we report on the extraperitoneal and intraperitoneal rupture as well as the contusion. Diagnosis and acute management are emphasized.

Nasal glioma.

Light and electron microscopic studies in a case of nasal glioma revealed a tumor composed nearly entirely of astrocytes. No ganglion cells or neurons were present and the mass was not surrounded by a capsule reminiscent for meningeal tissue. The vasculature resembled dermal patterns rather than typical central nervous system.

Angiotensin I converting enzyme in rat testis, epididymis and vas deferens under different conditions.

Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) was found in the testis, epididymis and vas deferens of rats. In tissue specimens without a prior washout of seminal fluid the highest specific ACE activity was measured in the testis. The enzyme activity was significantly lower towards the end of the excurrent ducts, suggesting that the enzyme is synthesized in the testis and secreted into the seminal fluid there.