Nitrate-assisted photocatalytic efficiency of defective Eu-doped Pr(OH)3 nanostructures.

Pr(OH)3 one-dimensional nanostructures are a less studied member of lanthanide hydroxide nanostructures, which recently demonstrated an excellent adsorption capacity for organic pollutant removal from wastewater. In this study, Pr1-xEux(OH)3 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) defective nanostructures were synthesized by a facile and scalable microwave-assisted hydrothermal method using KOH as an alkaline metal precursor. The phase and surface composition, morphology, vibrational, electronic and optical properties of the as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman, infrared (IR), photoluminescence (PL), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). It was deduced that the incorporation of Eu3+ ions promoted the formation of oxygen vacancies in the already defective Pr(OH)3, subsequently changing the Pr(OH)3 nanorod morphology. The presence of KNO3 phase was registered in the Eu-doped samples. The oxygen-deficient Eu-doped Pr(OH)3 nanostructures displayed an improved photocatalytic activity in the removal of reactive orange (RO16) dye under UV-vis light irradiation. An enhanced photocatalytic activity of the Eu-doped Pr(OH)3 nanostructures was caused by the synergetic effect of oxygen vacancies and Eu3+ (NO3-) ions present on the Pr(OH)3 surface, the charge separation efficiency and the formation of the reactive radicals. In addition, the 3% Eu-doped sample exhibited very good adsorptive properties due to different morphology and higher electrostatic attraction with the anionic dye. Pr1-xEux(OH)3 nanostructures with the possibility of tuning their adsorption/photocatalytic properties present a great potential for wastewater treatment.

Evaluation of Staining-Dependent Colour Changes in Resin Composites Using Principal Component Analysis.

Colour changes in Gradia Direct™ composite after immersion in tea, coffee, red wine, Coca-Cola, Colgate mouthwash, and distilled water were evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA) and the CIELAB colour coordinates. The reflection spectra of the composites were used as input data for the PCA. The output data (scores and loadings) provided information about the magnitude and origin of the surface reflection changes after exposure to the staining solutions. The reflection spectra of the stained samples generally exhibited lower reflection in the blue spectral range, which was manifested in the lower content of the blue shade for the samples. Both analyses demonstrated the high staining abilities of tea, coffee, and red wine, which produced total colour changes of 4.31, 6.61, and 6.22, respectively, according to the CIELAB analysis. PCA revealed subtle changes in the reflection spectra of composites immersed in Coca-Cola, demonstrating Coca-Cola's ability to stain the composite to a small degree.

Dinuclear copper(II) octaazamacrocyclic complex in a PVC coated GCE and graphite as a voltammetric sensor for determination of gallic acid and antioxidant capacity of wine samples.

A novel efficient differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) method for determination gallic acid (GA) was developed by using an electrochemical sensor based on [Cu2tpmc](ClO4)4 immobilized in PVC matrix and coated on graphite (CGE) or classy carbon rod (CGCE). The proposed method is based on the gallic acid oxidation process at formed [Cu2tpmcGA](3+) complex at the electrode surface. The complexation was explored by molecular modeling and DFT calculations. Voltammograms for both sensors, recorded in a HNO3 as a supporting electrolyte at pH 2 and measured in 2.5×10(-7) to 1.0×10(-4) M of GA, resulted with two linear calibration curves (for higher and lower GA concentration range). The detection limit at CGE was 1.48×10(-7) M, while at CGCE was 4.6×10(-6) M. CGE was successfully applied for the determination of the antioxidant capacity based on GA equivalents for white, rosé and red wine samples.

[Renal tumour embolization: a seven year experience (1986-1992)]. / Perkutana transkateterska embolizacija malignih tumora parenhima bubrega: sedmogodisnje iskustvo (1986-1992).

The authors present their experience in renal tumour embolization (renal angioinfarction) over a seven-year period (the previous results--1981-1985, are reported). In this period 99 renal angioinfarctions due to malignant renal tumours were observed. Sixty nine renal angioinfarctions were treated preoperatively (before radical nephrectomy), and 30 angioinfarctions were "palliative"--as the only mode of treatment. The authors analyzed the impact of renal angioinfarction before nephrectomy in 69 patients, compared with 57 patients in whom nephrectomy was the only treatment. The obtained results support their previous reports: renal angioinfarction facilitates the operation, minimizes intraoperative blood loss, and probably, prolongs the survival.

[Idiopathic priapism cured by needle aspiration and prolonged postoperative perfusion]. / Idiopatski prijapizam tretiran iglenom aspiracijom i kontinuisanim postoperacionim ispiranjem.

The authors report a case of idiopathic priapism successfully treated by needle aspiration and continuous perfusion with heparin solution. Two suprapubic cystostomy sets (Cystofix) for punction and drainage of each cavernosal body, were used. The original cystostomy tubes were inserted in the penis and attached to the continuous flow perfusion system. After the operation priapism disappeared and the penis was flaccid during the three days of perfusion. Two months after the operation, the patient had normal erections.

[Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with 1-alpha(OH)D3]. / Lecenje postmenopauzne osteoporoze sintetskim analogom vitamina de-tri.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1-alpha(OH) vitamin D3 in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, we conducted a six month prospective, double blind study in 20 postmenopausal women. Women were randomly divided into two groups. One group (n=12) received 1-alpha(OH) vitamin D3 (0.25 mcg twice a day), the other (n=8) received placebo. At the same time both groups received one calcium tablet (500 mg daily). In the group treated with 1-alpha(OH) vitamin D3, there was a significant increase in serum calcium (p<0.01), urinary excretion of calcium (p<0.05), and serum 1.25(OH)2 vitamin D3 concentracion (p<0.01), while parathyroid hormone levels showed tendency to fall without statistical significance. In the group treated with placebo and calcium, after treatment there was only a significant increase in serum calcium (p<0.01). In the placebo group occurrance of one new vertebral fracture was recorded. There were no side effects during treatment in both groups. It was concluded that the administration of 1-alpha(OH) vitamin D3 is a safe and potentially efficient drug in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

[Effects of dexamethasone on growth hormone response in insulin dependent diabetes mellitus]. / Dejstvo akutne stimulacije deksametazonom na lucenje hormona rasta kod bolesnika s dijabetesom melitusom zavisnim od insulina.

Growth hormone (GH) response to dexamethasone (DEX) in 10 poorly controlled insulin dependent diabetic patients (IDDM) without clinical evidence of diabetic complications and in 10 healthy controls, was studied. GH responses to DEX were compared with pituitary GH response to growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). Fasting GH values were not significantly higher in IDDM in comparison with the controls. The peak GH responses to GHRH and DEX were similar in the controls and IDDM patients (23.8 +/- 6.49 vs 38.87 +/- 7.26, p > 0.05 in GHRH test and 13.71 +/- 3.59 vs 17.33 +/- 5 23, p > 0.05 in DEX test). No significant difference between area under curve during GHRH (1386. +/- 490.69 vs 1966.89 +/- 561.46, p > 0.05) and during DEX test (1085.8 +/- 239 856 vs 501.87 +/- 847.16, p > 0 05) in the controls and IDDM patients, were established There was no significant correlation between basal and peak GH values and AUC during both tests, and HbA1C and duration of diabetes It is concluded that GH response to GHRH was normal and that our patients had preserved the integrity of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis, thanks to the suggested mechanism of dexamethasone action via somatostatin.

[Plasma glucose, serum insulin and C-peptide in patients with various stages of chronic renal failure]. / Glikemija, insulinemija i ce-peptidemija kod bolesnika s razlicitim stepenom bubrezne insuficijencije.

Plasma glucose, serum insulin and C-peptide were measured in patients with various stages of chronic renal failure (CRF). In this study we observed 50 patients: 26 women and 24 men, between the ages of 17 and 73. Following various stages of CRF our patients were devided into IV groups, with 10 patients in each. V-th group was control group with 10 healthy persons. Plasma glucose, serum insulin and C-peptide were measured in the fasting state and following the 2 hours oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In the fasting state, plasma glucose and serum insulin levels were normal in all groups. With deterioration of the renal function plasma glucose and serum insulin increased slower during OGTT but their levels also decreased slower. Fasting levels of C-peptide increased continually with deterioration of renal function in all patients and values were significantly higher than in control group.

Modulation by glucocorticoids of growth hormone secretion in patients with different pituitary tumors.

The acute administration of glucocorticoids is a new stimulus of growth hormone (GH) secretion in man. In order to ascertain its point of action, and also the suitability of this new test as a diagnostic tool in GH pathological states, 33 subjects were studied. Eight of them were normal controls, and 25 were patients with tumors affecting the hypothalamopituitary area. A glucocorticoid stimulus, dexamethasone 4 mg i.v. was administered at 0 min and GH levels (means +/- SEM, microgram/l) were measured during the following 5 h. In addition, GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) and clonidine were employed as either pituitary or hypothalamic GH stimuli. Dexamethasone administration to normal subjects did not alter GH levels in the first 2 h of the test. Afterwards, a GH peak was observed around the third hour, GH levels returning to basal ones thereafter. The dexamethasone-induced GH peak (6.7 +/- 1.5) and area under the curve (526 +/- 137) were lower than after GHRH (14.0 +/- 4.5 and 1,070 +/- 369, respectively). In the 14 acromegalic patients studied, the GHRH-induced GH net increase was similar to that observed in controls, while the placebo did not alter GH basal levels. An absence of hypothalamic control was evident because clonidine did not stimulate GH release. On the other hand, and contrary to normal subjects, dexamethasone strongly inhibited GH secretion, the values being significantly lower when calculated either as mean GH peak, or maximum GH increment (delta). The delta GH was -2.5 +/- 3.1 after placebo, +3.7 +/- 4.5 after clonidine, +17.0 +/- 3.3 after GHRH and -13.4 +/- 4.5 following dexamethasone administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunological resistance to human biosynthetic insulin--effects of immunosuppression and plasmapheresis.

A 55-year-old gentleman, after being treated for a short time with a diet and with Chlorpropamide, was switched to purified porcine insulin due to ketonuria and ketoacidosis. After a year the patient developed immunological insulin resistance (mean daily insulin dose: 3.72 U/kg body weight; anti-insulin antibodies 78%). In order to lower anti-insulin antibodies human recombinant DNA insulin was introduced into further therapy. Contrary to expectations, the patient did not reduce whatsoever his anti-insulin antibodies and his daily insulin dose increased up to 5.63 U/kg body weight. Introduction of combined immunosuppressive therapy (prednisone plus azathioprine) together with plasmapheresis resulted in rapid lowering of daily insulin requirement and reduction in anti-insulin antibodies. Immunosuppressive therapy was continued with 10 mg of prednisone and a year later the patients insulin daily requirement was 0.66 U/kg BW while his antibodies were 18%. The possible causes of insulin resistance to human recombinant DNA insulin are discussed as well as the advantage of combined immunosuppressive therapy together with plasmapheresis that was used for rapid lowering of insulin daily requirement and anti-insulin antibodies titer.

[Renal carbuncle (abscess)]. / Karbunkul (apsces) bubrega.

The authors report a case of renal carbuncle at 44 year old women. The patient has been presented with high temperature and strong pain in the left costovertebral angle. Diagnosis was based on ultrasonography, intravenous urography and computed tomography and confirmed by percutaneous punction. The patient has been successfully cured by percutaneous drainage and parenteral application of antibiotics.

[Free urinary cortisol in the diagnosis of hypercorticism]. / Slobodni urinarni kortizol u dijagnostici hiperkorticizma.

24 hour urinary free cortisol has lower values in suspect obese patients compared to patients with Cushing's syndrome. The most favourable discriminatory border value of urinary cortisol is 100 micrograms/24 hours, giving the most valid differentiation of obese patients suspected for Cushing's syndrome from patients with hypercortisismus. Free cortisol has far expressive discriminatory value compared to 17-OHCS, and it is a good screening test in differential diagnosis of obese suspected patients from patients with Cushing's syndrome.

Further evidence for differential regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH): increased FSH and decreased LH levels in a patient with familial pure gonadal dysgenesis.

There is experimental evidence that a portion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion is independent of hypothalamic influences. A 29 year old woman with familial pure gonadal dysgenesis developed myelodysplastic syndrome. Endocrine investigations showed discrepancy between serum FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. FSH levels remained elevated while LH levels decreased. The FSH to LH ratio was 10 (normal 2-2.5). The fall in LH is likely to be due to factor(s) involved directly and specifically in LH synthesis and release. Exogenous LH releasing hormone administration as well as hormonal replacement treatment increased LH levels. The FSH to LH ratio decreased to 7. This case supports the hypothesis of differential regulation of FSH and LH, and that FSH secretion is at least partly autonomous.

Androgen-producing bilateral large cortical adrenal adenomas associated with polycystic ovaries in a young female.

An association of bilateral large adrenocortical androgen-producing adenomas with polycystic ovaries in a young female is presented. She developed mild hirsutism and secondary amenorrhoea at the age of 17, and was treated for 3 years with an anti-androgen (cyproterone acetate) and ethinyloestradiol. Routine follow-up at the age of 21 showed bilateral large adrenal tumours and polycystic ovaries, together with high serum testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate values. Bilateral adrenalectomy was performed, which resulted in lowering of the elevated androgens, and large bilateral adrenocortical adenomas were confirmed histologically. Contrary to expectations, the polycystic appearance of the ovaries persisted after adrenalectomy. This case supports the possible role of adrenal androgens in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovaries as well as the possibility of the persistence of polycystic ovaries without adrenal androgens once they have developed.

[Autologous transfusion and its use in clinical practice]. / Autologna transfuzija i njenaprimena u klinickoj praksi.

Autologous transfusion is the reinfusion of a patient's own blood. Increased awareness of the risks of homologous transfusion, primarily transfusion transmitted infections has caused patients and physicians to search for safer alternatives. One promising alternative is autologous transfusion, generally accepted as the safest form of transfusion. Current strategies of autologous transfusion include preoperative collection of autologous blood, intraoperative salvage of autologous blood, postoperative salvage of autologous blood and acute normovolemic haemodilution. Preoperative collection is performed to ensure the patient's blood for elective surgical procedures. Intraoperative salvage consists of aspirating blood from surgical fields or other sterile bleeding sites, and returning this blood to the patient. Postoperative blood salvage is retrieval of blood shed within the first 24-48 hours postoperatively in patients who are actively bleeding, usually after cardiopulmonary bypass procedures. Acute normovolemic haemodilution is the rapid removal of blood and simultaneous replacement with cell-free fluid. It appears likely that combination of various autologous transfusion strategies is necessary for the successeful functioning of autologous transfusion programme.

[Castleman's tumor in the retroperitoneal space]. / Kastlemanov (Castleman) tumor u retroperitoneumskom prostoru.

A patient, aged 28, was admitted to the Department of Urology of the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade, for the operation of the right adrenal gland tumour. The adrenal gland tumour was first diagnosed as an inactive hormonal tumour. Intraoperatively it was found in retroperitoneal area, over the right adrenal gland and the right kidney, near the Cava inferior and under the liver it was extirpated. It was a Castleman's tumour of hyaline-vascular type.

GH response to growth hormone releasing hormone and hypoglycaemia is unaltered by high endogenous plasma calcitonin levels in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: As it has previously been reported that calcitonin suppresses stimulated growth hormone release, we have studied the serum growth hormone response to growth hormone releasing hormone and insulin-induced hypoglycaemia in patients with high calcitonin levels due to medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. DESIGN: Growth hormone releasing hormone (100 micrograms i.v.) and insulin (0.15 units/kg i.v.) were given and the growth hormone responses in the patients with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid and normal healthy controls were compared. PATIENTS: Eight with histologically confirmed medullary thyroid carcinoma, two females and six males, aged 21-77 years, were studied and compared with seven healthy age and sex matched controls. MEASUREMENTS: Growth hormone and calcitonin were measured. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the growth hormone responses observed in patients with medullary carcinoma when compared with normal controls either after GHRH or during insulin-induced hypoglycaemia. CONCLUSION: We conclude that calcitonin does not alter the pituitary response to GHRH in medullary thyroid carcinoma and is unlikely to play an important role in regulating growth hormone secretion because calcitonin did not modify the release of growth hormone after insulin-induced hypoglycaemia.