Magnetic Nanocomposites of Coated Ferrites/MOF as Pesticide Adsorbents.

Magnetic metal-organic frameworks (MMOFs) are gaining increased attention as emerging adsorbents/water remediation agents. Herein, a facile development of novel MMOFs comprised of coated ferrite nanoparticles (MNPs) and UiO-66 metal-organic framework is reported. In specific, coated Co- and Zn-doped ferrite magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized as building block while the metal-organic framework was grown in the presence of MNPs via a semi-self-assembly approach.

Drug-Inclusive Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Systems for the Controlled Release of the Osteoporosis Drug Zoledronate.

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are common pharmaceutical treatments used for calcium- and bone-related disorders, the principal one being osteoporosis. Their antiresorptive action is related to their high affinity for hydroxyapatite, the main inorganic substituent of bone. On the other hand, the phosphonate groups on their backbone make them excellent ligands for metal ions.

Carbohydrate restriction in the morning increases weight loss effect of a hypocaloric Mediterranean type diet: a randomized, parallel group dietary intervention in overweight and obese subjects.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of carbohydrate restriction in the morning in the framework of a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet on weight loss and metabolic parameters.

Methods: Seventy overweight/obese individuals were randomized to two hypocaloric dietary regimens: one Mediterranean diet (Med-D) and one morning carbohydrate-restriction diet (MCR-D). Participants assigned to the MCR-D were permitted to consume a breakfast low in carbohydrate content, whereas typical Mediterranean morning meals were allowed in the Med-D group.

Salvage or Solution: Alloplastic Reconstruction in Hemifacial Microsomia.

Introduction: Skeletal reconstruction in severe grades of hemifacial microsomia (HFM) continues to be challenging. Traditional techniques of autografts and osseous distraction for reconstruction of the glenoid fossa, condyle, and ramus can fall short of expectations and can create new problems. This intercontinental study analyzes the role of alloplastic skeletal rehabilitation in severe HFM.

An open data repository for steady state analysis of a 100-node electricity distribution network with moderate connection of renewable energy sources.

The data of this article represent a real electricity distribution network on twenty kilovolts (20 kV) at medium voltage level of the Hellenic electricity distribution system [1]. This network has been chosen as suitable for smart grid analysis. It demonstrates moderate penetration of renewable sources and it has capability in part of time for reverse power flows.

Correction of alveolar cleft with calcium-based bone substitutes.

The criterion standard of alveolar cleft repair is iliac crest bone graft before secondary canine eruption. Tooth eruption has never been shown to occur in synthetic bone substitute, and there is no ideal autologous bone graft for primary repair. This prospective study evaluated alveolar cleft grafting with a calcium substitute before primary canine eruption.

Management of anastrozole-induced bone loss in breast cancer patients with oral risedronate: results from the ARBI prospective clinical trial.

Introduction: The aim of this multicenter, phase III, prospective open label clinical trial was to investigate the effect of risedronate (R) on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal, early breast cancer (BC) patients scheduled to receive anastrozole (A).

Methods: Pre-treatment BMD of 213 patients with hormone receptor-positive BC was evaluated at lumbar spine (LS) and hip (HP). Patients were categorized according to their baseline BMD T-score as being at low, moderate and high risk of osteoporosis.

Tc2 response at the onset of COPD exacerbations.

Background: T lymphocytes and especially the subpopulations of CD8+ cells are believed to have a key role in COPD pathophysiology, but there are only few data regarding the role of these cells in COPD exacerbation.

Aim: We aimed to study prospectively changes of CD8+ T-lymphocyte subpopulations in the sputum of COPD patients at the onset of mild exacerbations and at a stable condition in order to provide further insight in the pathophysiology of the disease.

Methods: Induced-sputum samples were collected from 24 COPD patients with median age of 52 years (interquartile range [IQR], 44 to 58 years) and FEV(1) percentage of predicted of 78.

The effect of aging on spermatogenesis and pregnancy outcomes.

Until fairly recently, it had been assumed that paternal age had only a minor impact on reproductive outcome. Several recent provocative studies have raised the specter of a causal association between paternal age and significant medical conditions in the offspring. However, the observational nature of these studies leaves open the possibility that factors other than age itself may be responsible for observed results.

Wide variability in laboratory reference values for serum testosterone.

Introduction: The laboratory determination of testosterone levels consistent with a diagnosis of hypogonadism is complicated by the availability of multiple testosterone assays and varying reference ranges.

Aim: To assess current laboratory practices regarding availability of testosterone assays and use of reference values.

Methods: A telephone survey of 12 academic, 12 community medical laboratories, and one national laboratory.

Subjective sexual response to testosterone replacement therapy based on initial serum levels of total testosterone.

Introduction: Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been shown to be beneficial for men with hypogonadism. However, it is unknown how well hypogonadal men respond to TRT based on the severity of testosterone deficiency.

Aim: To determine subjective sexual response rates to TRT based on initial serum testosterone values, with particular interest in men with "low-normal" levels of total testosterone (TT).

Technical advances in penile prostheses.

Despite the introduction of oral phosphodiesterase inhibitors, penile prostheses continue to be an important form of treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Penile prostheses are associated with high satisfaction rates due to their ease of use, reliability, and ability to provide excellent rigidity. Advances over the last decade include steps to reduce mechanical failures and surface coatings to prevent prosthetic infections.

Phleboliths in varicoceles presenting as spermatic cord mass.

Objective: To discuss the diagnosis and management of phleboliths in the dilated veins of a varicocele.

Design: Case report.

Setting: Two healthy patients in an academic andrology center.

Hypogonadism in the man with erectile dysfunction: what to look for and when to treat.

Hypogonadism (low serum testosterone) is commonly associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). However, many urologists may lack appreciation of the relative merits of treating hypogonadism compared with oral phosphodiesterase inhibitors for sexual dysfunction. Testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) may be the best treatment for men with ED when the presentation includes diminished libido or other sexual symptoms or when non-sexual symptoms such as depressed mood, decreased sense of vitality, and increased fatigue also exist.

Erectile dysfunction and andropause symptoms in infertile men.

Purpose: We evaluated the prevalence of andropause symptoms and erectile dysfunction in our infertile population.

Materials And Methods: A total of 302 consecutive men presenting for infertility evaluation and 60 consecutive men with proven fertility seeking vasectomy (controls) were administered the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaires. Information regarding other clinical parameters, including seminal parameters, was collected by review of patient charts.

Ureteric obstruction requiring nephrectomy after uterine fibroid embolization.

To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases of ureteric obstruction resulting in a non-functioning hydronephrotic kidney after uterine fibroid embolization. We report a case of a patient who required surgical intervention for management of symptoms.

Improvement of facial appearance and nocturnal breathing with geniotomy (sliding genioplasty): report of two cases.

This article reports on two cases of nonobese female patients who presented in an orthodontic practice complaining of dental malocclusion and facial dysharmony. Because of the observed clinically and radiographically extreme mandibular retrognathia, they were referred for a sleep study and were found to have mild sleep apnea. Surgery in the form of advancement geniotomy was offered to relieve their retroglossal obstruction, improve their nocturnal sleep, and simultaneously address their facial esthetic concerns.

A case of transitional cell carcinoma seeding of small bowel anastomosis after radical cystoprostatectomy.

We present a case in which a man developed transitional cell carcinoma of the small bowel 6 months after having undergone a cystoprostatectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion.

Stent therapy for malignant superior vena cava syndrome: should be first line therapy or simple adjunct to radiotherapy.

Unlabelled: The goal of this paper is to present our experience with superior vena cava (SVC) stenting, as first line procedure for immediate relief, in patients with malignancy, and its potential influence in the subsequent radiotherapy (XRT). Over a 1-year period, 18 patients with SVC syndrome due to severe stenosis secondary to mediastinal malignancy were referred for stent insertion. A SVC score was used to measure treatment effectiveness.

Renal colic and torsion: case report and review.

Acute ureteric colic and acute scrotum are among the most commonly seen urological emergencies. We present a case in which a male patient presented with simultaneous right flank pain and ipsilateral scrotal pain.

Determining minimum effective anesthetic concentration of hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia.

We determined the minimum effective anesthetic concentration (MEAC) of bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia, defined as the median effective concentration at which a spinal anesthetic produces surgically equivalent anesthesia within 20 min of administration in 50% of human subjects. Two doses of spinal bupivacaine (7.5 mg and 10 mg) were administered to 45 volunteers (19-39 yr) in a randomized, double-blinded fashion.

Planning mandibular distraction: preliminary report.

Normal lengths of the vertical ramus, body, and angle of the mandible at different ages are presented. Before mandibular distraction is embarked on, the extent of the deficiency of the mandible is assessed. The length of the vertical ramus and body are measured on cephalometric radiographs or three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) scans.