Dysprosium-carboxylate nanomeshes with tunable cavity size and assembly motif through ionic interactions.

We report the design of dysprosium directed metallo-supramolecular architectures on a pristine Cu(111) surface. By an appropriate selection of the ditopic molecular linkers equipped with terminal carboxylic groups (TPA, PDA and TDA species), we create reticular and mononuclear metal-organic nanomeshes of tunable internodal distance, which are stabilized by eight-fold DyO interactions. A thermal annealing treatment for the reticular Dy:TDA architecture gives rise to an unprecedented quasi-hexagonal nanostructure based on dinuclear Dy clusters, exhibiting a unique six-fold DyO bonding motif. All metallo-supramolecular architectures are stable at room temperature. Our results open new avenues for the engineering of supramolecular architectures on surfaces incorporating f-block elements forming thermally robust nanoarchitectures through ionic bonds.

[60]Fullerene-porphyrin [n]pseudorotaxanes: self-assembly, photophysics and third-order NLO response.

By means of different spectroscopic techniques, we investigate a novel series of porphyrin derivatives (H2TPP), connected to dibenzo-24-crown-8 (DB24C8) moieties, which undergo self-assembly with different methano[60]fullerene units bearing dibenzylammonium (DBA) cations. The formation of both [2] and [3]pseudorotaxanes was proved by means of NMR, UV-Vis-NIR absorption and emission spectroscopies. With the support of molecular modelling studies, spectroscopic investigations showed the presence of a secondary interaction between the porphyrin and the C60 chromophores leading to the formation of different types of "face-to-face" assemblies. Remarkably, investigations of the non-linear optical response of these supramolecular systems showed that individual porphyrin and fullerene derivatives exhibit significantly lower second hyperpolarizability values when compared to their pseudorotaxanes functionalised counterparts. This proves that this class of supramolecular materials possesses relevant NLO response, which strongly depends on the structural arrangement of the chromophores in solution.

Repair of bone tissue affected by osteoporosis with hydroxyapatite-poly-L-lactide (HAp-PLLA) with and without blood plasma.

The aim of this study is to examine the reparatory ability of the synthetic biomaterial hydroxyapatite-poly-L-lactide (HAp-PLLA), the replacement of alveolar ridge, and rehabilitation of bone defects caused by osteoporosis, in an experimental group of animals. The experiments are performed on syngeneic Sprague Dawley rats. Osteoporosis is induced by glucocorticoids in rats during a 12-week period. After this, the experimental group of animals is divided into five subgroups. An artificial defect is made in the alveolar bone on the left side of the mandible. In one group of animals, the defect is left to heal by itself, while in other groups, pure HAp-PLLA or one mixed with plasma is implanted. The best results are achieved by the implantation of the HAp-PLLA composite biomaterial mixed with autologous plasma. Formation of a new mandibular bone is seen, growing intensely, leading to rapid osteogenesis.

[Injuries of the pelvic bone and lower urinary pathways]. / Povrede karlice i donjih mokracnih puteva

We are all witness of the rapid tempo of our life styles made possible by recent advances in modern technology. The powerful, fast automobiles used in our society are an important contributing factor in trauma and polytrauma. Etiology of injuries therefore are changing before our eyes. Based on statistics of the hospital taken on a series of 753 polytraumatized cases during 1961--1967, the most common etiological factor was automobile accidents. According to predictions for 1977, in Serbia there will be 70,000--105,000 injuries resulting from automobile accidents. 7,000 of these injuries will result in death, 36,000 will be severe injuries, and 62,000 will be minor injuries. These are frightening statistics, and further comment is not needed. Until recently, the principle cause of pelvic trauma was falling from high heights. However, today, statistics show that 60%--80% of all pelvic fractures occur in automobile accidents, only 19% are caused by falls, and 6.4% by industrial accidents. This illustrates the trastic change in etiology of fractures of the pelvis and trauma of the lower urinary pathways.