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The effect of the imidazole derivatives on corrosion behavior of copper in acid rain solution was investigated. Electrochemical methods, quantum chemical calculations and SEM–EDS analysis was used during the work. Results show that inhibition efficiency of 1,1′-sulfonylimidazole, 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole and 1,2-dimethylimidazole improves with the increase of inhibitors concentration. Surface analysis confirmed that a protective layer is formed on the electrode surface. SEM–EDS analysis of the copper electrode surface confirmed adsorption of inhibitor on active sites on electrode surface. Adsorption of inhibitors in acid rain solution follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Quantum chemical calculations confirmed results obtained by electrochemical measurements.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney tumor in adults, accounting for approximately 90% of kidney malignances, occurring usually between the ages of 60 and 70. The 5-year overall survival rate for all RCC types is 49%. Since RCCs are resistant to numeorus different radio and chemotherapeutics that act via apoptosis induction, the development of new approaches to RCC treatment is still in the focus of modern urology. In particular, in recent years, autophagy in RCC has been widely studied as a mechanism of cell extinction through which tumor cells can overcome resistance to apoptosis activation therapy. Autophagy is often referred to as a double-edged sword because it can be a process that allows cells of cancer to survive and, on the other hand and under other conditions, it can be a cell dying mechanism, independent or closely related to other cell death modalities, like apoptosis and necrosis. The central role in the tempering of the process of autophagy, in general, belongs to the mTOR complex (mammalian target of rapamycin), which integrates numerous signals that affect autophagy, such as growth factors, nutrients, various stressors and the energy status of the cell. In RCC, the most important is PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, since activation of this signaling leads to survival of tumor cells through mTOR activation and thus, autophagy inhibition. Up to now, it was found that autophagy markers such as Beclin-1 and LC3-II can be considered as prognostic markers for RCC since the high level of Beclin-1 was detected in tissues and cells of RCC (A498 and ACHN cell lines) and that tumor cell mobility is promoted by the up-regulated expression of LC3. Therefore, a progress in RCC therapy can be expected from the development and synthesis of specific compounds targeting autophagy, as well as the therapy based on their combination.

We examined the status and role of autophagy, a process of lysosomal recycling of cellular material, in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Paired samples of tumor and adjacent non-malignant tissue were collected from 20 patients with ccRCC after radical nephrectomy. The mRNA levels of apoptosis ( BAD, BAX, BCL2, BCLXL, BIM) and autophagy ( ATG4, BECN1, GABARAP, p62, UVRAG) regulators were measured by RT-qPCR. The protein levels of autophagosome-associated LC3-II, autophagy receptor p62, apoptotic marker PARP, as well as phosphorylation of autophagy initiator Unc 51-like kinase 1 (ULK1), its activator AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and 4EBP1, the substrate of ULK1 inhibitor mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), were analyzed by immunoblotting. The mRNA levels of pro-apoptotic BAX, anti-apoptotic BCLXL and pro-autophagic ATG4, p62 and UVRAG were higher in ccRCC tumors. Autophagy induction was confirmed by an increase in phospho-ULK1 and degradation of the autophagic target p62, while apoptotic PARP cleavage was unaltered. AMPK phosphorylation was reduced and 4EBP1 phosphorylation was increased in ccRCC tissue. The expression of apoptosis regulators did not correlate with clinicopathological features of ccRCC. Conversely, high mRNA levels of ATG4, GABARAP and p62 were associated with lower tumor stage, as well as with smaller tumor size and better disease-specific 5-year survival ( ATG4 and p62). Accordingly, low p62 protein levels, corresponding to increased autophagic flux, were associated with lower tumor stage, reduced metastasis and improved 5-year survival. These data demonstrate that transcriptional induction of autophagy in ccRCC is accompanied by AMPK/mTOR-independent increase in ULK1 activation and autophagic flux, which might slow tumor progression and metastasis independently of apoptosis.

This review paper aims to summarize significant researcher’s results dealing with potential copper corrosion inhibitors in the last few years. Due to its good properties such as good mechanical workability, thermal and electrical conductivity, copper is frequently used metallic material in different industrial fields and in daily life. However, it is known that exposure of copper in aggressive environments leads to its deterioration. Having this in mind, there is a need to protect copper from corrosion. The inhibition ability of different tested compounds such as azoles, amino acids, plant extracts, and pharmaceutical compounds is shown in this paper. To increase inhibition efficiency, different research groups examined the synergistic effect between different compounds. In addition, progress in the corrosion protection of materials has led to new trends in this field—development of superhydrophobic coatings as potential copper corrosion inhibitors. High surface roughness and low surface energy are essential for preparing superhydrophobic layers. To obtain surface of high roughness different methods such as chemical etching, chemical vapor deposition, and solution immersion method are used, because they are efficient, simple, and low-cost procedures.

The corrosion behavior of copper in 0.9% NaCl solution in the presence of azithromycin was investigated. For this purpose electrochemical methods such as open circuit potential measurements, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used. The results obtained by potentiodynamic polarization indicated that azithromycin behaves as mixed type inhibitor. The order of inhibition efficiency obtained by potentiodynamic polarization is in good agreement with results achieved by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Also, the inhibition efficiency of azithromycin increases with increasing its concentration. According to the micrographs obtained by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, in the presence of azithromycin, protective film is formed on the copper surface.

The effect of (6R,7R)-7-[[(2R)-2-amino-2-cyclohexa-1,4-dien-1-ylacetyl]amino]-3-methyl-8-oxo-5-thia-1-azobicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid (cephradine) on corrosion behavior of copper in 0.9% NaCl solution was investigated. The electrochemical methods including the open circuit potential measurements, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations were used for this investigation. According to the results obtained by potentiodynamic polarization, cephradine acts as mixed type inhibitor. Also, the results obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicate that cephradine provides good copper protection in 0.9% NaCl solution. The inhibition efficiency of cephradine increases with increasing its concentration. The scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirms that a protective layer is formed on the copper surface due to the adsorption of cephradine on the active sites on the copper surface. Adsorption of cephradine in 0.9% NaCl solution follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Quantum chemical calculations are in agreement with results obtained by electrochemical measurements.

Electrochemical behavior of brass and inhibitory effect of L-cysteine in HCl solution are investigated using electrochemical techniques in addition to SEM-EDS analysis. Results show that inhibition efficiency depends on inhibitor concentration and immersion time of brass electrode in inhibitor solution. Electrochemical test results point to formation of Cu(I)-cysteine complex on the brass surface in chloride solutions with addition of different amounts of cysteine. The formed complex has an important role in inhibition of the corrosion process in the examined media because Cu(I)-cysteine significantly reduces dissolution of brass. Curves obtained in acidic solution in the presence of cysteine after pretreatment in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) by cyclic measurements and potentiodynamic polarization measurements indicate intense inhibition of corrosion processes. Efficient inhibition of brass dissolution is result of formation of a stable protective layer on the brass surface after pretreatment of the electrode in SDS solution. The brass surface is modified in sodium dodecyl sulfate solution in order to increase cysteine adsorption on the electrode surface and to improve inhibition efficiency. Inhibition mechanism of cysteine includes adsorption on active sites on the electrode surface, which is confirmed by SEM-EDS analysis of brass. Adsorption of cysteine in hydrochloric acid solution obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Also, Gibbs free energy of adsorption has a value of −31.5 kJ/mol and indicates strong adsorption of cysteine on the electrode surface.

The effect of potassium sorbate as well as 5-chloro-1H-benzotriazole - potassium sorbate on the corrosion behavior of copper in acidic sulfate media containing Cl- ions was examined. For this purpose, the electrochemical methods and quantum chemical calculations were used. The inhibition efficiency in the presence of 5-chloro-1H-benzotriazole - potassium sorbate was higher than in the presence of potassium sorbate. Also, the inhibition efficiency of binary inhibitor depends on the concentration of Cl- ions added in sulfate solution. According to the results obtained by potentiodynamic polarization measurements, both potassium sorbate and 5-chloro-1H-benzotriazole - potassium sorbate behave as mixed type inhibitors. Quantum chemical parameters are in good agreement with results obtained by electrochemical measurements.

Dear Editor, We read with great interest the commentary by Lorzadeh and Ghavami1 on our article that reported AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-independent upregulation of autophagy in the tumor tissue of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients.2 We agree with their observation that the somewhat surprising absence of a link between AMPK/mTOR signaling and autophagy induction in ccRCC …

Stainless steel 316L is a biomaterial, widely used in medicine for the fabrication of implants in orthopedics and cardiovascular surgery. The human body is an extremely aggressive environment and materials used for implants need to be highly resistant to corrosion and degradation. Corrosion of steel leads to the release of ions which are toxic to humans and may cause inflammatory processes in the body. Therefore, it is very important to decrease corrosion of stainless steel implants and to find inhibitors that will not cause health effects and that can be safely used. Amino acids are biomolecules that have confirmed action as corrosion inhibitors in aggressive solutions. The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibition action of rarely studied amino acids, L-Lysine and L-Threonine, on the corrosion process of stainless steel in artificial body solution using open circuit potential measurements, potentiodynamic measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, surface scanning by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and quantum chemical calculation during the investigation. In order to increase the inhibition efficiency, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) was used as an agent for modification of stainless steel surface that provides effortless adsorption of L-Lysine molecules on the electrode surface. Results obtained by potentiodynamic polarization measurements reveal that L-Lysine and L-Threonine act like mixed-type inhibitors with a more pronounced influence on cathodic processes. Also, potentiodynamic curves indicate that L-Lysine and L-Threonine act through adsorption onto the steel surface without changing the mechanism of corrosion of steel. Adsorption follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. EIS measurements reveal that charge transfer resistance increases in the presence of amino acids and after pretreatment in SDS solution indicating an increase of protection ability of formed film on the stainless steel surface. Results achieved by AFM reveal that the steel surface becomes smoother in BM − 3 solution with the addition of L-Lysine, suggesting adsorption of the amino acid molecule on the electrode surface. AFM results also indicate that SDS facilitates adsorption of amino acid molecules onto the steel surface. DFT results provide theoretical support for the results obtained by electrochemical studies. Taken together, experimental and theoretical results reveal that tested amino acids can be used as corrosion inhibitors in artificial body solution.

Copper corrosion behaviour in the presence of binary system containing 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole and gelatine as well as 1H-benzotriazole and gelatine in 0.01 mol dm−3 H2SO4 with the addition of different concentration of Cl− ions was investigated in this study. The corrosion inhibition effect of these compounds was examined by electrochemical techniques (open circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization and cyclic voltammetry measurements) and weight loss measurements. The surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy with energy X-ray spectroscopy was also performed to assess the morphology of untreated and treated surface of copper coupons. According to the potentiodynamic polarization results, these inhibitors showed good performance in the presence of Cl− ions and they act as mixed-type inhibitors. The inhibition efficiency of binary system is over 90% indicating that these compounds provide good copper protection in sulphate-chloride solutions. The results obtained from weight loss mea...

The effects of adenine, salicylaldoxime and 4(5)-methylimidazole on brass corrosion in NaCl were investigated. The investigation comprised electrochemical techniques, scanning electron microscopy and quantum chemical calculation. The results obtained by polarization measurements show that the examined compounds successfully inhibited the corrosion of brass. Additionally, the quantum mechanical calculations indicate that there is a correlation between energy gap and inhibition efficiency. Moreover, the inhibition mechanism includes the adsorption of the inhibitor on active sites on the electrode surface, which was confirmed by SEM-EDS analysis of the brass.

It is known that if unused drugs are improperly disposed, they can pollute the environment. Furthermore, researchers are still trying to find an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor. These factors lead to the possible application of unused pharmaceutical compounds as corrosion inhibitors. The feasibility of an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic drug, ibuprofen, was evaluated as a potential copper corrosion inhibitor in synthetic acid rain solution. This investigation was performed by applying electrochemical and weight loss measurements and quantum chemical calculations. The results obtained by these techniques revealed the ability of ibuprofen to protect copper from corrosion. The inhibition efficiency of ibuprofen rises with increase in its concentration and can reach a value of 97.3%. The results of surface analysis of treated coupons by scanning electron microscopy and theoretical calculations are consistent with the experimental results.

Copper as material can be very useful for biological applications, whether it is used alone or as a component of more complex material. However, it is very important to provide safe application and assure that copper release in the living organisms is under control. That is the reason for undertaking the investigation regarding copper corrosion behaviour in simulated body fluid, more precisely artificial blood plasma. Common way for metal corrosion control is application of organic compounds with the ability to act as corrosion inhibitors. The effect of adenine and 2,6-diaminopurine on copper resistance to corrosion in biological media is evaluated within this study. They are chosen due to their biocompatibility and the fact that they can be introduced into the body as a part of some medical treatments. Electrochemical methods applied showed that both compounds provide copper corrosion inhibition with efficiency of approximately 90%. The results of electrochemical measurements are accompanied by theoretical quantum chemical calculations that also indicate possibility to inhibit corrosion by application of tested compounds. The presence of adenine and 2,6-diaminopurine on the surface of copper as a result of adsorption enabling surface protection is confirmed using scanning electron microscope. Keywords: Adenine, 2,6-Diaminopurine, Copper, Artificial blood plasma

The utilization of copper as a material in various fields is well known. In such environments as a synthetic acid rain solution, various aggressive ions can be found that negatively affect the characteristics of copper, i.e. lead to its dissolution. The most common way to protect copper from dissolving is to use inhibitors. Therefore, in this paper, the possibility of expired paracetamol for preventing the corrosion of copper in a synthetic acid rain solution was investigated. The results obtained by electrochemical methods showed the resistance of copper to corrosion in the presence of paracetamol. Additionally, binary system of paracetamol and potassium sorbate showed higher inhibition efficiency (97%) in regard to paracetamol (96.3%). Furthermore, the calculated quantum chemical parameters as well ae Gibbs free energy confirmed the inhibitory ability of paracetamol achieved by adsorption on the copper surface.

To estimate influence of 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole and 4(5)methil-imidazole on electrochemical behaviour of copper electrode in 0.5 moldm-3 Na2SO4 solution, pH 3, following methods were used: open circuit potential measurements, potentiodynamic polarization, chronoamperometry. Potentiodynamic measurements showed that investigated inhibitors can be used as copper corrosion inhibitor in acidic 0.5 moldm-3Na2SO4 solution. Increase of concentrations leads to better inhibitor efficiency. These results were confirmed using the chronoamperometry. Adsorption of 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole and 4(5)methil-imidazole obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

This paper deals with electrochemical properties of copper in the presence of the non-toxic compound 2-amino- 5-ethyl- 1,3,4-thiadiazole (AETDA) in acidic chloride solution. Electrochemical techniq...

The synergistic inhibition effect of the 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (MBTAH)/1H-benzotriazole (BTAH) with potassium sorbate and gelatin on the copper corrosion in an acidic sulphate solution was investigated by electrochemical methods and weight loss measurements. According to the obtained results, potassium sorbate and gelatin act as mixed-type inhibitors. The inhibition efficiency was significantly greater in the presence of MBTAH/BTAH with potassium sorbate or gelatin which indicates that synergistic inhibition effect was achieved. Investigated compounds obey Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

The electrochemical behaviour of brass and anticorrosion effect of 2-amino-5- ethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole (AETD) in chloride solution was investigated using electrochemical techniques. Results show that inhibition efficiency depended on inhibitor concentration and immersion time of brass electrode in inhibitor solution. Mechanism of brass corrosion inhibition by 2-amino-5-ethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole includes adsorption of inhibitor on active sites on electrode surface. Adsorption of AETD in 3% NaCl solution obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

The electrochemical behavior of brass and anticorrosion effect of 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (2-MMI) in weakly alkaline solution with and without presence of chloride ions was investigated using electrochemical techniques in addition to SEM-EDS analysis. Results show that inhibition efficiency depended on inhibitor concentration and immersion time of brass electrode in inhibitor solution. Inhibition mechanism of 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole includes adsorption of inhibitor on active sites on electrode surface which was confirmed by SEM-EDS analysis of the brass. Adsorption of the 2-MMI in sodium tetraborate solution obeys Flory-Huggins adsorption isotherm, while in the presence of chloride, ions adsorption of inhibitor obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

To report our ongoing experience with dorsal buccal mucosa graft (BMG) urethroplasty for the primary repair of anterior urethral strictures in patients with lichen sclerosus (LS). A total of 32 men with LS underwent BMG urethroplasty from January 2010 to September 2012. In 27 patients, stricture was limited to the penile urethra, while in five patients, both bulbar and penile urethra were involved. In these five patients, the entire anterior urethra was replaced with BMG. In nine (28.1 %) younger patients (mean age 38.2 years, range 33–45), with adverse local conditions and significant scarring, two-stage repair was done. The paired t test was performed on preoperative and postoperative Q max as well as on preoperative and postoperative post-void residual urine volume, and the Fisher exact test was used to assess success between treatment groups. The chi-squared test was used to compare categorical data. The overall success rate was 90.6 %. Complications occurred in 9.4 % of the patients (3 of 32) including hematoma in two patients and fistula in one patient. In this cohort of patients, mean preoperative Q max was 6.2 ml per second (range 2.6–10.2) versus 18.2 (range 15.8–21.2) postoperatively (at 9 months), which was statistically significant (p

Sažetak Uvod: retroperitonealna fibroza (RPF) predstavlja hronicni patoloski proces koji karakterise fibroza koja obuhvata i pritiska uretere i velike krvne sudove u retroperitonealnom prostoru. Specifican oblik RPF je idiopatska RPF, retka vaskularna kolagena bolesti nejasne etiologije. U ovom radu je predstavljena grupa od 15 bolesnika koji su operisani zbog idiopatske RPF. Metode: Od 1989 do 2012, 11 muskaraca i cetiri žene su operisani zbog primarne RPF. Ureteri su bili zahvaceni jednostrano (7 bolesnika) ili bilateralno (8 bolesnika). Glavni simptomi su bili lumbalni bol zbog hidronefroze, uremija i infekcije urinarnog trakta. Dijagnoza je postavljena na osnovu intravenske urografije (IVU), retrogradne ureteropijelografije i kompjuterizovane tomografije (CT). Primenjene su sledece hirurske procedure: intraperiteonalno postavljanje uretera (8 bolesnika) i obmotavanje uretera omentalnim flapom (6 bolesnika). Kod jednog bolesnika je ucinjena bilateralna resekcija stenoticnog segmenta i ureterorafija,a potom i obmotavanje uretera omentalnim flapom. Rezultati: Patoloski pregled je potvrdio postojanje primarne RPF kod svih bolesnika. Prosecno trajanje operacije je bilo 3.5 sata (od 2.5 do 4.5 sata). Prosecni boravak u bolnici je bio 21 dan (od 16 do 26 dana). Prosecno pracenje je iznosilo 32 meseca (od 6 do 46 meseci). Tokom pracenja, kod 12 bolesnika je na IVU konstantovano poboljsanje. Zakljucak: Rano prepoznavanje znakova i simptoma RPF je od najvece važnosti za ishod lecenja. Hirurski zahvati, ukljucujuci obmotavanje uretera omentalnim flapom, ili intraperitonealno postavljanje uretera, obicno predstavljaju definitivni tretman. Abstract Introduction: Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) represents chronic pathological process characterized by fibrosis which entraps and compresses the ureters and the great blood vessels in the retroperitoneal space. Specific form of RPF is idiopathic RPF, an uncommon collagen vascular disease of unclear etiology. The series of 15 patients which underwent open surgical repair due to idiopathic RPF is presented herein. Methods: From 1989 to 2012, 11 male and 4 female patients underwent surgery due to primary RPF. The ureters were entrapped unilaterally (7 pts.), or bilaterally (8 pts.). Major symptoms included low back pain due to hydronephrosis (9 pts.), uremia (4 pts.), and urinary tract infection (2 pts). The diagnosis was based on intravenous urography (IVU), retrograde ureteropyelography and computed tomography (CT). Surgical procedures included intraperitoneal ureteral displacement (8 pts.) and ureteral wrapping with omental flap (6 pts.). One patient underwent bilateral ureteral stenotic segments resection and oblique ureteroraphy, followed by wrapping with omental flap. Results: Pathological examination confirmed primary RPF in all patients. The mean operative time was 3.5 hours (range 2.5- 4.5 hours). Average intrahospital stay was 21 days (range 16-26 days). The mean follow up was 32 months (6- 46 months). During the follow up, 12 patients had improvement on IVU. Conclusions: Early recognition of signs and symptoms of RPF is of the utmost importance for the outcome. Surgical procedures, including ureteral wrapping with omental flap, or intraperitoneal ureteral displacement, usually represent definitive treatment.

Background: PCNL is safe procedure which is well tolerated, but as with any other surgical procedure, it is associated with a specific set of complications. There is a marked heterogeneity in reporting complication rates in literature, and this problem was highlighted in Ad Hoc EAU guidelines panel who recommended urgent creation of uniform and reproducible quality system. Modified Dindo-Clavien grading system today is the most utilized classification for complications in urology, and standard in reporting complications for PCNL. Aim(s): To analyze the complication rate for PCNL using the modified Dindo-Clavien grading system in our patients and literature review. Methods: In our institution, with few breaks, PCNL was performed since mid 2010. Complication rate in 63 patients was analyzed retrospectively. Modified Dindo-Clavien grading system that is validated for PCNL has been accepted for classification of complication for PCNL, and literature review was performed. We have summarized the most significant factors which may affect the complication rate during and after PCNL. Results : Overall complication rate was 30% in our study population. The most common complications observed were: postoperative fever Grade1-2 (9.52%) and bleeding Grade1 (7.9%), Grade2 (3.17%), Grade3a (4.76%) and Grade3b (1.58%). Nephrostomy tube leakage was not found in our sample, mostly due to specific postoperative utilizing of auxiliary procedures. Conclusion: Reporting of complication for PCNL should be uniform, and modified Dindo-Clavien grading system that is validated for PCNL should be accepted to be a standard in urology. Surgeons training and experience are the most important to ensure the efficacy of procedure, therefore we suggest that learning of percutaneous renal access should be mandatory in residents trainee program.

The paper analyzes the tendencies in demographic development of the municipality of Bosilegrad in the period from 1961 to 2011. For this purpose, it was necessary to determine the contribution of certain components of demographic development (natural and mechanical movement of the population) and to analyze them. The demographic development of the municipality is largely a reflection of the natural-geographic and economic-political circumstances (Lajić et al., 2010). The decrease in the total number of inhabitants was strongly influenced by emigration for decades, and also the negative natural increase contributed to the overall depopulation. The influence of natural movement and migration on population change and their relationship varied during the observed period. In the period from 1963 to 1991, total depopulation was taking place under the direct influence of the negative migration rate. In the same period, natural increase was positive but insufficient to compensate for the loss of population. In the last twenty years, the reduction in the number of inhabitants has been under the direct influence of negative natural increase. During this period, the intensity of migration has weakened, while the influence of natural increase prevailed..

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyzed the efficacy and safety of a minimally invasive surgical procedure using the Trans-Obturator-Tape with "outside-in" approach for treatment female stress urinary incontinence. Patients and Methods: 171 women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) associated with urethral hypermobility, underwent the T.O.T. procedure (March 2010 to January 2014). 27 patients were previously operated for incontinence. Mean age was 59 years (37-80). 6 patients were having mixed incontinence, and 51 had SUI with urgencies. A non-elastic, polypropylene tape was placed under the mid-urethra. The surgical placement technique utilises a trans - obturator percutaneous approach. All patients underwent post-operative clinical examination, cough-stress test (full bladder), uroflowmetry, and post-voiding residual assessment. Results: Mean follow-up was 22 months (4-45). At 12 months follow-up 91,2% of the patients were completely cured. The overall peri-operative complication rate was 6,4% with no vascular, nerve or bowel injury. 5 patients (2,9%) had post-operative urinary retention. Conclusion: The present study confirms the results obtained by the instigator of the technique, E. Delorme, and allows us to consider T.O.T. as an effective and safe technique for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

Testosterone (T) and 5α-dihidrotestosterone (DHT) play a crucial role in the prostate fetal development, growth and function. Testosterone is the most important serum androgen in the male, but the major androgen in the prostatic tissue is DHT. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the fourth most common disease and affects 6% of general population. Biochemical characteristics of BPH are decreased T, increased DHT and estrogen concentration, increased FGF and decreased TGF-β activity. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is the main secretory product of the prostate gland; its synthesis largely depends on the DHT concentration in the prostatic tissue. Normal healthy prostate gland secretes 0.01-0.02 mg PSA per day, while hyperplastic prostate secretes ten times larger amounts of PSA. Secreted PSA is washed out from the urethra during voiding and can be detected in the urine (uPSA). However, the phenomenon of elevated PSA in BPH patients has always been regarded as the "artifact", which complicates the diagnosis of localized prostate cancer (PCa). Nevertheless, recent studies precisely established that serum PSA ≥ 1.6 ng/mL is suggestive for BPH progression in men with prostate volume ≥ 31mL and age ≥ 62 years. In addition, urinary PSA (uPSA) concentration is significantly higher in subjects with BPH; uPSA level ≥ 150 ng/mL can be used as additional predictive parameter of BPH progression. Sažetak Testosteron (T) i 5α-dihidrotestosteron (DHT) igraju kljucnu ulogu u razvoju fetalne prostate, kao i u rastu i funkciji prostate kod odraslih osoba. Testosteron je najvažniji serumski androgen kod muskarca, ali je DHT glavni androgen u tkivu prostate. Benigna hiperplazija prostate (BHP) je danas cetvrta najcesca bolest, koja pogađa 6% ukupnog stanovnistva. Biohemijske karakteristike BHP su pad koncentracije T, a porast DHT i estrogena, kao i povecanje aktivnosti FGF i smanjenje aktivnosti TGF-β. Prostata specificni antigen (PSA) je glavni sekretorni proizvod prostate; sinteza PSA uglavnom zavisi od koncentracije DHT u tkivu prostate. Normalna zdrava prostate sekretuje 0.01-0.02 mg PSA dnevno, dok BHP sekretuje I 10 puta vece kolicine PSA. Sekretovani PSA se ispira iz uretre tokom mokrenja i može da se detektuje u urinu (uPSA). Međutim, porast PSA koji prati BHP je uvek bio smatran samo kao “artefakt”, koji otežava dijagnozu lokalizovanog karcinoma prostate (CaP). Ipak, novije studije su precizno utvrdile da PSA ≥ 1.6 ng/mL ukazuje na progresiju BHP, kod ljudi sa zapreminom prostate ≥ 31mL i staroscu ≥ 62 godine. Osim toga, koncentracija uPSA ≥ 150 ng/mL može da se koristi kao dodatni parametar progresije BHP.

This investigation aimed to study a “green” non-toxic biodegradable copper corrosion inhibitor in an acidic sodium sulphate solution. The methods used in the investigation of cysteine as a copper corrosion inhibitor in an acidic sodium sulphate solution were: potentiodynamic measurements, open circuit potential measurements, and chronoamperometric measurements. Optical microscopy was used in addition to electrochemical methods. Potentiodynamic measurements show that cysteine has good inhibitory properties in an acidic medium. Polarisation curves indicate that the presence of cysteine in a sulphate solution decreases the current density and that using various cysteine concentrations results in the formation of a protective film on the surface of the electrode due to the formation of the Cu(I)-cys complex. These results are confirmed by chronoamperometric measurements. Furthermore, it is clear from microphotographs that a protective film does form on copper electrode in the presence of cysteine. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm indicates that cysteine is chemisorbed on the surface of the electrode.

Introduction. Vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF) are the most common and the most frequent type of urogenital fistulas. They may have a different etiology. In most cases, surgery is required for treatment. Objective. The aim of the study was to analyze the results of surgical therapy of VVF in a tertiary level institution over the last decade. Methods. The retrospective study of results was conducted involving a total number of 99 women who were surgically treated for VVF at the Clinic of Urology of the Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade in the period from 2001–2010. Results. Over the past ten years VVF occurred after hysterectomy in 74.7% of cases, and almost twice more frequently after hysterectomy for a benign gynecological disease. In the surgical treatment of primary VVF transvesical approach was used in 53.53% (52/99) of cases. Relapses were treated surgically using transperitoneal approach in all cases. No significant difference was found in respect to the applied approach in the surgical treatment of primary fistulas. In even 94% (93/99) of cases the problem of VVF was solved by a single surgical intervention only. In total, in 107 interventions 8 (7.4%) relapses were recorded. Conclusion. The study showed that VVF occurred after hysterectomy in three quarters of cases, more frequently after hysterectomy due to a benign gynecological disease. Early detection with timely and appropriate treatment of gynecological diseases will reduce the number of conditions that may lead to VVF. Surgical treatment of VVF yielded satisfactory results; it was shown that even in 94% of cases the problem of VVF was solved by a single surgical intervention only, however further improvement is certainly necessary.

Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is a congenital anomaly as the result of abnormal interaction between the ureteric bud and metanephric mesenchyme. Unilateral MCDK can be associated with other anomalies of the genitourinary tract. Relatively rare associated anomaly is the presence of ipsilateral refluxing blind megaureter. The patient reported herein is a 23–years–old woman with involuted MCDK and ipsilateral blind megaureter causing chronic urinary infection and chronic abdominal pain. Preoperative and intraoperative examination failed to detect the communication between megaureter and the urinary bladder.

Introduction. The trans-isomer of resveratrol is the active ingredient of Poligonum cuspidatum, known for its medicinal properties and traditionally used in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. It is also found abundantly in the skin of red grapes and red wine. Previous studies have suggested that trans-resveratrol demonstrates a variety of pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, as well as neuroprotective properties and procognitive effects. Objective. The goal of the present study was to examine the influence of trans-resveratrol on behavior in rats and its antidepressant properties. Methods. Male Wistar rats were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with the increasing doses of trans-resveratrol (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) or vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide - DMSO), 30 minutes before testing of the spontaneous locomotor activity or forced swimming. For the experiments, the behavior of the animals was recorded by a digital camera, and the data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey post-hoc test. Results. Testing of spontaneous locomotor activity, after the application of vehicle or increasing doses of trans-resveratrol, showed no statistically significant difference between groups (p>0.05). In the forced swim test, one-way ANOVA indicated statistically significant effects of trans-resveratrol (p0.05). Conclusion. The results from our study suggest that trans-resveratrol produces significant effects in the central nervous system. After single application, it has acute antidepressant effects, but without influence on locomotor activity.

The aim of this study was to investigate electrochemical properties of brass in neutral and weakly alkaline solutions in the presence of cysteine as a nontoxic and ecological corrosion inhibitor. Potentiodynamic measurements, open circuit potential measurements, as well as chronoamperometric measurements were the methods used during investigation of the inhibitory effect of cysteine on the corrosion behaviour of brass. Potentiodynamic measurements showed that cysteine behaves as a mixed-type inhibitor in the investigated media. Based on polarization curves for brass in a weakly alkaline solution of sodium sulphate at varying cysteine concentrations, an interaction occurs between Cu(+) ions and the inhibitor, resulting in the formation of a protective complex on the electrode surface. The results of chronoamperometric measurements confirm the results obtained by potentiodynamic measurements. Optical microphotography of the brass surface also confirms the formation of a protective film in the presence of a 1 × 10(-4) mol/dm(3) cysteine. Adsorption of cysteine on the brass surface proceeds according to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

The effect of purine (concentration range of 1.00 × 10−6–1.00 × 10−2 M) on the behavior of copper in a 0.5 M Na2SO4 solution (pH 7 and pH 9) was studied using the open circuit potential measurement, potentiodynamic polarization, and chronoamperometry. Potentiodynamic polarization shows that purine acts as a copper corrosion inhibitor in both alkaline and neutral sulfate solutions. The efficiency of inhibition increases as the purine concentration increases. Chronoamperometric results follow the same trend as the results of potentiodynamic polarization. The inhibition effect can also be observed visually by microscopic examination of the electrode surface. Purine is adsorbed on copper surface according to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.