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Synthesis and structural investigations using combined NMR, X-ray crystallographic and ab initio/IGLO/NMR techniques, were performed on a variety of new subicosahedral carboranes with adjacent cage carbons. Acetonitrile-induced cage degradation of arachno-4,5-C2B7H12- produced nido-4,5-C2B6H9- in nearly quantitative yield, which can then be protonated to produce the neutral carborane nido-4,5-C2B6H10 in good yield. Both of these nido electron-count clusters have an arachno-type geometry.

Tissue engineering encompasses a multidisciplinary approach geared toward the development of biological substitutes designed to restore and maintain normal function in diseased or injured tissues. This article reviews the basic technology that is used to generate implantable tissue-engineered grafts in vitro that will exhibit characteristics in vivo consistent with the physiology and function of the equivalent healthy tissue. We also examine the current trends in tissue engineering designed to tailor scaffold construction, promote angiogenesis and identify an optimal seeded cell source. Finally, we describe several currently applied therapeutic modalities that use a tissue-engineered construct. While notable progress has clearly been demonstrated in this emerging field, these efforts have not yet translated into widespread clinical applicability. With continued development and innovation, there is optimism that the tremendous potential of this field will be realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first report to our knowledge of progressive renal failure secondary to a retained intravesical foreign body. The urologic management of intravesical foreign bodies is challenging and is often complicated by a delay in presentation. Introduction into the bladder may be through a variety of means, including self insertion such as in this case. Extraction should be tailored according to the nature of the foreign body and should minimize bladder and urethral trauma. We report an unusual case of a 10 year delay in presentation after the insertion of two large intravesical foreign bodies manifesting as progressive renal failure and worsening lower urinary tract symptoms.

Background: Photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate (PVP) is recognized as an alternative for the surgical management of BPH. Our experience suggests a higher incidence of persistent irritative symptoms than expected. Characteristics of our population were evaluated to determine whether postoperative symptomatology could be predicted., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed those patients who underwent PVP at our institution between June 2004 and February 2006. Lower urinary tract symptoms as measured by the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA-SI) score and quality of life (QoL) score were recorded. In addition, peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) and ultrasound prostate volumes were also measured. PVP was performed using an 80 W KTP side-firing laser (LaserScope, San Jose, CA). Total energy used was recorded. AUA-SI score, QoL and Qmax were monitored at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively., Results: Twenty-nine men were evaluated retrospectively. Their mean AUA-SI score, prostate volume and energy used were 17.8, 49.8 cm3 and 96.8 kJ respectively. At 1 month, 34 % complained of significant urgency, frequency and dysuria. Anticholinergic therapy was initiated in six patients. At 6 months, the number of patients complaining of symptoms decreased to 17% and five of the six patients were no longer requiring therapy. An association between finasteride therapy prior to PVP and post-operative symptoms was identified. In our series, 70% of those patients experiencing persistent symptoms had been managed with finasteride. No association between irritative voiding symptoms, laser energy utilized and volume of treated prostate gland was observed. However, a statistically significant association was noted between persistent irritative voiding symptoms and both lower preoperative AUA-SI scores and preoperative use of finasteride., Conclusions: Although a therapeutic benefit is observed following PVP, persistent irritative voiding symptoms are not uncommon. Lower preoperative AUA-SI scores and treatment with finasteride appear to be associated with bothersome postoperative symptoms. This information can be used to effectively select candidates and to counsel those patients with regard to both the therapeutic objective and expectations related to this procedure.