Characterization of a flying ash stemming from the combustion of the coal

In this study, we were interested in the physic - chemical characterization (SEM, BET, X-ray, DTA-TG, and IR) of the flying ashes stemming of the combustion of the coal in the thermal power station of JORF-LASFAR in EL Jadida (Morocco). On the one hand, we deduce from this study that these flying ashes are belonging to the class F Fly ash (according to ASTM standards). The X-ray diffraction shows that the ashes are mainly constituted by the aluminosilicate and the quartz. The thermal analysis (DTA-TG), the IR, and SEM proves the presence of the carbonates of the calcium. On the other hand, after washing the ashes, with the distilled water, an equilibrium of adsorption - desorption of the carbonates was reached after 30 minutes

A Brazilian multicentre study evaluating pregnancies induced by cabergoline in patients harboring prolactinomas

To evaluate the maternal–fetal outcomes of CAB-induced pregnancies in patients with prolactinoma in a large cohort.The prevalence of tumor growth, miscarriage, preterm, low birth weight, congenital malformations and impairment in neuropsychological development in children among women treated with CAB were assessed in a Brazilian multicentre retrospective observational study. We included 194 women with a mean age of 31 (17–45) years, 43.6% presenting microadenomas and 56.4% macroadenomas, at prolactinoma diagnosis. In 233 pregnancies, CAB was withdrawn in 89%, after pregnancy confirmation. Symptoms related to tumor growth occurred in 25 cases, more frequently in macroadenomas. The overall miscarriage rate was 11%, although higher in the subgroup of patients with CAB maintainance after pregnancy confirmation (38% vs. 7.5%). Amongst the live-birth deliveries, preterm occurred in 12%, low birth weight in 6% and congenital malformations in 4.3%. Neuropsychological development impairment was reported in 7% of cases. Our findings confirm previous results of safety in maternal and fetal outcomes in CAB-induced pregnancies; nevertheless, CAB maintenance after pregnancy confirmation was associated with higher miscarriage rate; result that must be further confirmed2312012

Controversial issues in the management of hyperprolactinemia and prolactinomas – An overview by the Neuroendocrinology Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism

ABSTRACT Prolactinomas are the most common pituitary adenomas (approximately 40% of cases), and they represent an important cause of hypogonadism and infertility in both sexes. The magnitude of prolactin (PRL) elevation can be useful in determining the etiology of hyperprolactinemia. Indeed, PRL levels > 250 ng/mL are highly suggestive of the presence of a prolactinoma. In contrast, most patients with stalk dysfunction, drug-induced hyperprolactinemia or systemic diseases present with PRL levels < 100 ng/mL. However, exceptions to these rules are not rare. On the other hand, among patients with macroprolactinomas (MACs), artificially low PRL levels may result from the so-called “hook effect”. Patients harboring cystic MACs may also present with a mild PRL elevation. The screening for macroprolactin is mostly indicated for asymptomatic patients and those with apparent idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. Dopamine agonists (DAs) are the treatment of choice for prolactinomas, particularly cabergoline, which is more effective and better tolerated than bromocriptine. After 2 years of successful treatment, DA withdrawal should be considered in all cases of microprolactinomas and in selected cases of MACs. In this publication, the goal of the Neuroendocrinology Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) is to provide a review of the diagnosis and treatment of hyperprolactinemia and prolactinomas, emphasizing controversial issues regarding these topics. This review is based on data published in the literature and the authors' experience