Search

With technical development and evolution of endoscopic instruments, endoscopic spinal surgery has become one of the standard treatments for various lumbar spinal diseases ranging from a simple contained disc to complicated cases such as highly migrated disc herniation and other pathology combined with bony degeneration to produce foraminal and canal stenosis. Favorable clinical results of endoscopic decompression for lumbar stenotic disease were reported by several authors. However, studies have also reported limitations, such as steep learning curves and a relatively high complication rate compared with conventional techniques. The endoscopic lumbar decompression technique consists of many essential skills to manage different endoscopic anatomic structures of the spine. From the perspective of surgical completion and safety, this article discusses issues related to technical considerations in endoscopic lumbar decompression.

Here, we study an efficient reduction treatment for improving the electron transport properties in n-type organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) based on solution-processed polymer semiconductors. If complementary-type printed electronic circuits are to be enabled, equivalently high-performance p-type and n-type organic semiconductors have to develop. Most organic semiconductors have p-type performance superior to the n-type performance. Therefore, high-performance n-type organic semiconductors and their doping process are essential. Reduced-state viologen is known to be a powerful molecular dopant via donating electrons to the conjugated polymer semiconductors. However, the reduced-state viologen readily converts to its initial ionic species under ambient conditions, which leads to insufficient n-doping performance, especially for low electron affinity organic semiconductors. N-doped polymer semiconductors using pristine viologen molecular dopants show inadequate n-channel OFET behavior. For enhancing the electron transfer doping process, solution-based reduction treatment is used to improve remarkably the performance of n-channel OFETs based on initially p-type dominant donor-acceptor-type ambipolar polymer semiconductors. This solution-processed organic active channel layer can be produced at low cost and can be applied to flexible electronic and optoelectronic devices by using various graphic art printing techniques.

This study investigates the vibration responses of external post-tensioned (PT) tendons based on experimental data. The vibration signals measured from four large-scale external post-tensioned tendon specimens subjected to localized corrosion until severe level of damage were accumulated. A series of impact tests was conducted to measure lateral vibration signals and the variation in the tension was continuously monitored using a load cell. The acquired vibration signals were evaluated using an axially-tensioned beam model in which the properties were varied to reflect the loss of tension and the reduction in the bending stiffness caused by corrosion damage. A comparison between the experimental data and the analytical results indicates that the natural frequencies were shifted as the residual tension decreased but were influenced by corresponding grout damage in a limited range. As a result, the frequency response was not appreciably affected by the damage level and the tension remained as the primary structural parameter of the external PT tendon with damage.

Purpose. The purpose of our study is to compare the results of spinal decompression using the full-endoscopic interlaminar technique, tubular retractor, and a conventional microsurgical laminotomy technique and evaluate the advantages and clinical feasibility of minimally invasive spinal (MIS) lumbar decompression technique in the lumbar canal and lateral recess stenosis. Methods. The authors retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiological data from 270 patients who received microsurgical (group E: 72 patients), tubular (group T: 34 patients), or full-endoscopic decompression surgery (group E: 164 patients) for their lumbar canal and lateral recess stenosis from June 2016 to August 2017. Clinical (VAS, ODI, and Mcnab criteria), radiologic (spinal canal diameter, segmental dynamic angle, and disc height), and surgical outcome parameters (CPK level, Operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay) were evaluated pre- and postoperatively and compared among the three groups by means of statistical analysis. Failed cases and complications were reviewed in all groups. Results. The mean follow-up period was 6.38 months. The Overall clinical success rate was 89.4%. All groups showed favorable clinical outcome. The clinical and radiologic results were similar in all groups. Regarding surgical outcome, group E showed longer operation time than group M and T (group E: 84.17 minutes/level, group M: 52.22 minutes/level, and group T: 66.12 minutes/level) (p Conclusions. MIS decompression technique is clinically feasible and safe to treat the lumbar canal and lateral recess stenosis, and it has many surgical advantages such as less muscle trauma, minimal postoperative back pain, and fast recovery of the patient compared to traditional open microscopic technique.

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between nitric oxide (NO) and urodynamics in men with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) by analyzing nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the urothelium.Methods: We prospectively enrolled 25 men who planned to undergo surgical treatment for benign prostatic obstruction and identified as BOO in the preoperative urodynamics. Bladder tissue was taken during surgical prostate resection. Expressions of endothelial NOS (eNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and neuronal NOS (nNOS) in the urothelium were analyzed, and their correlation with urodynamic parameters was also assessed in all patients. We also compared the expressions of eNOS, iNOS, and nNOS between BOO with detrusor underactivity (DU) group and BOO without DU group.Results: In all patients, the level of eNOS positively correlated with maximal flow rate and with maximum cystometric capacity (MCC). The level of iNOS positively correlated with MCC. nNOS levels were positively correlated with detrusor pressure at maximal flow and with bladder contractility index in all patients. The level of eNOS, iNOS, and nNOS did not significantly differ between BOO without DU group and BOO with DU group.Conclusions: This study suggests that NO was correlated with bladder dysfunction in men with BOO. Particularly, nNOS may reflect the change in detrusor function.

Studies about social functioning in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are lacking, even though neuroimaging studies and metacognition evaluation results suggest abnormal neural responses during social interactions. This study examined neural responses of OCD patients during handshakes with a virtual avatar. Because of the nature of the handshaking task, we expected that OCD patients with predominantly contamination/washing symptoms (CON) would show different neural responses compared to healthy controls (HCs) and to disease-controlled (NCON) patients. Thirteen CON, 13 NCON, and 18 HC participants performed handshake tasks with clean or dirty virtual avatars while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. During handshakes with a clean avatar, deactivation in the left anterior cingulate cortex was found in CON patients compared to NCON and HC subjects. This cortical deactivation also occurred with dirty-avatar handshakes, but the difference was significant only between the two OCD groups and HC patients. Deactivation in the left anterior cingulate cortex was correlated with both OCD symptom severity and social anxiety traits. This cortical deactivation in OCD, especially in CON patients, suggests that social dysfunction in OCD may be due to interactions between OCD symptoms and impairment in social cognition, including emotional processing.

Purpose To investigate factors associated with early recovery of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in patients with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). Methods The medical records of 393 patients who underwent HoLEP for BPE were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with SUI following HoLEP were selected and divided into 2 groups: those who experienced early recovery of SUI and those who experienced persistent SUI. Recovery of SUI within 1 month after HoLEP was defined as early, and SUI that remained present after 1 month was defined as persistent. Preoperative clinical and urodynamic factors, as well as perioperative factors, were compared between groups. Results SUI following HoLEP was detected in 86 patients. Thirty-three patients exhibited recovery of SUI within 1 month, and SUI remained present in 53 patients after 1 month. Multivariate analysis showed that the transition zone prostate volume (odds ratio [OR], 5.354; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.911–14.999; P=0.001) and the enucleation ratio (OR, 8.253; 95% CI, 1.786–38.126; P=0.007) were significantly associated with early recovery of SUI. Conclusions Early recovery of SUI within 1 month following HoLEP was associated with transition zone prostate volume and the enucleation ratio.

We aim to investigate the role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), a novel endogenous pro-inflammatory cytokine, in the development of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Moreover, the protective effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on VILI through inhibiting local mtDNA release was examined.From March 2015 to March 2016, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 36 patients with VILI and well-matched 36 patients without VILI after major surgery were consecutively collected. The expression levels of mtDNA and inflammatory cytokines in BALF were tested. SD rats were divided into five groups: control, low tidal volume (7 ml/kg) group, high tidal volume (HTV, 40 ml/kg) group, HTV+low dose EGCG and HTV+high dose EGCG groups. BALF were collected to examine the expression levels of mtDNA and several inflammatory cytokines and the lung tissue was harvested for pathological examinations. In addition, cyclic stretch cell culture was used and culture media was collected to analyze expressions of inflammatory cytokines. Administration of mtDNA in a rat model and in vitro cell culturing were used to confirm its pro-inflammatory properties in the development of inflammatory lung injury.A Significant elevation of mtDNA was detected in BALF from patients with VILI (581 ± 193 vs. 311 ± 137, p 0.05) and also in rats ventilated with HTV. EGCG could significantly inhibit HTV-induced local mtDNA release and attenuate the level of inflammatory lung injuries (reduced infiltration of local inflammatory cells, lower lung wet/dry ratio and expression levels of inflammatory cytokines). The beneficial effects of EGCG on preventing inflammatory lung injuries were in a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, higher expression levels of mtDNA and inflammatory cytokines were observed in the media of cyclic stretched cell culture compared to those in the control group (p 0.05). Furthermore, intra-tracheal administration of mtDNA in rats could lead to a marked increase of local inflammatory cytokines and subsequent inflammatory lung injuries (p 0.05). And by adding mtDNA into the cell culture, higher level of inflammatory cytokines in the media was detected (p 0.05). EGCG also showed preventive effects on inflammatory responses on a concentration-dependent manner (p 0.05).The increased expression level of mtDNA and subsequent inflammatory cytokines overproduction may play an important role in the development of VILI. EGCG may be a potential novel therapeutic candidate for protection against VILI by inhibiting the local release of mtDNA.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have reported not only that depression and antidepressant medications can cause erectile dysfunction (ED), but also that having ED may increase the risk of depression. We investigated the effect of a daily low dose of a phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 5 inhibitor (tadalafil, 5 mg) on depression and levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with ED. METHODS: Ten male patients with at least a 3-month history of ED [International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 score ≤21] and depression [the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 score ≥5] were analyzed in this study. The subjects were prescribed a low dose of a PDE5 inhibitor (tadalafil 5 mg) once daily for 8 weeks. The survey questionnaires were performed using the PHQ-15 and the PHQ-9 before and after administration of 8 weeks of tadalafil. Blood samples used for measuring serum BDNF levels were taken and measured at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The mean changes in the PHQ-9 and PHQ-15 scores were 3.60±3.27 and 2.00±2.98, respectively. Analyses of the mean changes in the PHQ-9 scores revealed that the depressive symptoms of the subjects were significantly improved after administration of eight weeks of tadalafil (P

We report on controllable ambipolar charge transport in polymeric semiconductors by the incorporation of viologen-based molecular additives. The viologen dopants selectively contribute to an increase in the charge carrier density of the electrons while enhancing the fibril-like crystalline thin-film morphology of the polymers to provide favourable charge transport in staggered-structure organic field-effect transistors. A well-balanced ambipolar behaviour is obtained at the optimised viologen concentration in donor-acceptor conjugated polymers by conversely modulating the p- and n-channel carrier mobilities within a given active layer. Complementary-like inverter circuits are demonstrated through the application of a simple blanket coating of a viologen-doped ambipolar semiconductor, which exhibits high ideal voltage switching at around half of the applied bias, a high gain of more than 50, and sufficient noise immunity to enable various applications for printed electronics and optoelectronics.

Purpose We evaluated changes in the expression of uroplakin (UP) in the urothelium of patients with ulcerative interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Materials and methods Bladder samples were collected from 19 patients with ulcerative IC/BPS who were treated with augmentation ileocystoplasty and from 5 control patients. Frequency-volume charts, the pain visual analogue scale (VAS), and the O'Leary-Sant interstitial cystitis symptom index (ICSI) and problem index (ICPI) were used to evaluate the patients' symptoms preoperatively. The expression levels of UP-Ib and UP-III in the urothelium were compared between the IC/BPS patients and control patients. Results Sixteen women and three men with IC/BPS were evaluated. Their values for preoperative mean voiding frequency, number of nocturia episodes, and functional bladder capacity as recorded in frequency-volume charts were 21.1±12.8, 5.9±4.2, and 151.1±62.7 mL, respectively. The mean pain VAS, ICSI, and ICPI scores were 8.4±1.3, 17.7±2.2, and 14.7±1.8, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining showed that UP-Ib and UP-III were localized in the urothelium. Upon Western blot analysis, the expression of UP-III was significantly increased in the IC/BPS group compared with the control group. However, expression of UP-Ib did not differ significantly between the IC/BPS and control groups. Conclusions UP-III was significantly upregulated in patients with ulcerative IC/BPS. UP-III is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of ulcerative IC/BPS.

Objectives To assess Asian data from Global Prevalence Study on Infections in Urology (GPIU study) which has been performed more than 10 years. Methods Seventeen Asian countries participated in the GPIU study between 2004 and 2013. Data for these countries were collected from the web-based GPIU database. The point prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTI) and antimicrobial susceptibility of representative pathogens were analysed for Asian geographic regions. Results A total of 6706 patients (5271 male, 1435 female) were assessed during the study period, and 659 patients were diagnosed with a UTI (9.8%). Of these UTI patients, 436 were male and 223 were female. Mean patient age was 54.9 ± 19.3 years. Pyelonephritis and cystitis were the most common clinical diagnoses, representing 30.7% and 29.9% of patients, respectively. Escherichia coli was the most frequently identified uropathogen (38.7%). For the patients with urinary tract infection, cephalosporins were the most frequently used antibiotics (34.4%), followed by fluoroquinolones (24.1%), aminoglycosides (16.8%). Fluoroquinolone resistance was relatively high (ciprofloxacin 54.9%, levofloxacin 39.0%), and cephalosporin resistance 42% (42.5–49.4%). Of the antibiotics evaluated, uropathogens had maintained the highest level of susceptibility to amikacin and imipenem (24.9% and 11.3% resistance rates, respectively). Conclusion Uropathogens in many Asian countries had high resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Knowledge of regional and local resistance data and prudent use of antibiotics are important for proper management of UTI in Asian countries.

Background Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) and arch pseudoaneurysm are rare complications induced by a foreign body, and considerable controversy remains regarding the appropriate management strategies. We herein report a successful one-stage hybrid treatment in a patient with AEF and arch pseudoaneurysm. Case presentation The patient, a 40-year-old man, presented to the emergency room because of intense retrosternal discomfort for 3 days and hematemesis for 3 h. The esophagoscopy and thoracic enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed two irregular mural ulcers in the esophagus and a large saccular pseudoaneurysm at the aortic isthmus, respectively. The laboratory examinations confirmed no widespread inflammation and infection. We have successfully performed a successful one-stage hybrid treatment for this patient. Six-month follow-up shows the patient is in good condition and the esophagoscopy reveals the two mural ulcers had completely healed. Conclusion The treatment decision-making process should depend upon the patients’ specific situations. Our case suggest the one-stage hybrid treatment could be an valuable alternative in some selected patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12893-018-0335-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background This study investigated changes in the expression of cannabinoid (CB) receptors and the effects of CB1 and CB2 agonists on detrusor overactivity (DO) associated with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in rats. Methods Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10) in each group. The control group comprised sham-operated rats. A animals in the BOO, CB1 agonist and CB2 agonist groups all underwent BOO surgery. Three weeks postoperatively, cystometrography (CMG) was performed on all rats. After confirming the presence of DO in the CB1 and CB2 agonist groups, a CB1 agonist (WIN 55,212–2) and a CB2 agonist (CB65) were instilled intravesically, and CMG was repeated. CMG parameters, including the contraction interval (CI) and contraction pressure (CP) were then analyzed. The bladders of rats in all four groups were excised following CMG. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting were performed to localize CB1 and CB2 and measure their expression levels in the urothelium and detrusor muscle. Results The CI was significantly longer and the CP was significantly lower in the CB1 agonist group than in the BOO group. CI and CP in the CB2 agonist group showed the same results. CB1 receptor immunofluorescence staining signals and immunoreactive bands in Western blotting were increased in the BOO group compared with results in the control group. Similarly, results for the CB2 receptor were also increased in the BOO group, although this difference was not significant. The CMG parameters in the BOO group were significantly improved by the inhibitory effects of CB1 and CB2 agonists on BOO-associated DO. The expression of CB1 was significantly increased in the urothelium and detrusor muscle in BOO-associated DO, but no significant change in CB2 expression was observed. Conclusions CB1 and CB2 receptors, especially CB1, play a role in the pathophysiology of BOO-associated DO, and could serve as therapeutic targets.

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare radiologic and clinical outcomes in patients with L4-5 lumbar spondylolisthesis who have undergone either instrumented anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), especially with regard to the development of adjacent segment disease (ASD). Methods Eighty-two patients with preoperative L4-5 spondylolisthesis and minimal ASD who underwent instrumented L4–5 fusion were divided into 3 groups according to the surgical approach used for treatment (ALIF: 27 patients, LLIF: 24 patients, PLIF: 31 patients). Radiographic measurements including preoperative and postoperative foraminal and disk height, segmental and lumbar lordosis, percentage of vertebral slippage, and reduction rate were reviewed. The incidence of ASD and clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared between the 3 groups. Results ASD was found in 37.0% (10/27), 41.7% (10/24), and 64.5% (20/31) of the patients in the ALIF, LLIF, and PLIF groups, respectively (mean follow-up duration: 35.42 ± 9.35 months). The ALIF and LLIF groups had significantly increased disk and foraminal height compared with the PLIF group. The ALIF group had significantly improved lordosis compared with the PLIF and LLIF groups. There were no statistically significant intergroup differences in clinical outcomes assessed by visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index. Conclusion The 3 different fusion techniques investigated can all produce good outcomes in treating lumbar spondylolisthesis in L4-5, but ALIF and LLIF are more advantageous in preventing the development of ASD.

// Shuo Wang 1, 2, * , Ying-Ying Chen 3, 4, * , Yu-Peng Li 5 , Jun Gu 6 , Shu-Dong Gu 4 , Hai Shi 7 , Xue-Song Li 3 , Xiao-Ning Lu 1, 2 , Xiang Li 8 , Shuang-Long Zhang 1 , Kang-Jun Yu 1 , Kun Liu 1 and Li-Li Ji 2 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China 2 Department of Pathology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China 3 Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China 4 Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China 5 Department of Pediatrics, The People’s Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, China 6 Department of Respiratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China 7 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, China 8 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, China * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Kun Liu, email: ntliukun@163.com Li-Li Ji, email: kevin08lily@163.com Keywords: non-small cell lung cancer, DISC1, GSK3β, β-catenin, proliferation Received: February 15, 2017 Accepted: April 27, 2017 Published: May 22, 2017 ABSTRACT Neuropsychiatric disorder-associated disrupted-in-schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) phosphorylation, and may promote neural progenitor cell and pancreatic β-cell proliferation. The present study found that DISC1 promotes non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell growth. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses showed that DISC1 was highly expressed in NSCLC cell lines and patient tissues. DISC1 expression was negatively associated with phosphorylated (p-) GSK3β, but positively correlated with a more invasive tumor phenotype and predicted poor NSCLC patient prognosis. siRNA-mediated DISC1 silencing increased p-GSK3β expression and decreased expression of β-catenin and Cyclin D1, while DISC1 upregulation produced the opposite results. DISC1 knockdown also reduced NSCLC cell proliferation rates in vitro . These results suggest that DISC1 promotes NSCLC growth, likely through GSK3β/β-catenin signaling, and that DISC1 may function as an oncogene and novel anti-NSCLC therapeutic target.

We investigated the efficacy and safety of desmopressin add-on therapy for men with persistent nocturia on α-blocker for lower urinary tract symptoms in this placebo controlled study.The study included men 40 to 65 years old with lower urinary tract symptoms and persistent nocturia despite α-blocker therapy for at least 8 weeks. Patients were randomized to once daily placebo or desmopressin 0.2 mg for 8 weeks. The primary end point was to assess changes in the mean number of nocturia episodes from baseline to the final assessment. Other secondary end points and adverse events were evaluated.A total of 86 patients were randomized to treatment, including placebo in 39 and desmopressin 0.2 mg in 47. Baseline characteristics were similar in the 2 groups. The desmopressin add-on group was significantly superior to placebo in terms of the change from baseline in the mean number of nocturia episodes (-1.13 ± 0.92 vs -0.68 ± 0.79, p = 0.034), the changes in nocturnal urine volume (p0.001), total I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) (p = 0.041), the nocturnal polyuria index (p = 0.001) and ICIQ-N (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Nocturia) (p = 0.001), and the willingness to continue (p = 0.025). The incidence of adverse events in the desmopressin add-on group was similar to that in the placebo group. Most adverse events were mild.Desmopressin add-on therapy in men 40 to 65 years old with persistent nocturia on α-blocker monotherapy for lower urinary tract symptoms is effective and well tolerated.

Neuroinflammation has been raised as a candidate of unifying pathogenesis and a target of a disease-modifying strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex (ARS)-interacting multifunctional protein 1 (AIMP1) is a cytokine that is known to amplify the actions of tumor necrosis factor-α and to be involved in microglial activation and neuronal death. In this respect, AIMP1 could be a plausible target for the treatment of AD. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether anti-AIMP1 antibody could exert therapeutic effects against cognitive impairment using 3xTg-AD mice. Through the passive avoidance test, we found that an intraperitoneal injection of anti-AIMP1 antibody over 4 weeks was effective in protecting memory function in 3xTg-AD mice (16 weeks old). In addition, to address the translational implications of AIMP1, we measured blood AIMP1 levels in patients with AD (n=22), mild cognitive impairment (n=25), and normal cognition (n=23). Blood AIMP1 levels were associated negatively with global cognitive function and were significantly higher in individuals with a higher degree of medial temporal lobe atrophy, which is one of the representative clinical markers of AD. Our results suggested a possible association of AIMP1 with AD pathogenesis, as well as the potential of the anti-AIMP1 antibody as a novel therapeutic option for AD.

Purpose To investigate the change in urinary urgency and predictors of urgency improvement after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients who were treated with HoLEP for BPH and had preoperative urgency measuring ≥3 on a 5-point urinary sensation scale. Those with prostate cancer diagnosed prior to or after HoLEP, a history of other prostatic and/or urethral surgery, moderate to severe postoperative complications, and neurogenic causes were excluded. Patients who had improved urgency with antimuscarinic medication after HoLEP were excluded. We divided the patients into 2 groups based on urgency symptoms 3 months after HoLEP: improved and unimproved urgency. Improved urgency was defined as a reduction of 2 or more points on the 5-point urinary sensation scale. Preoperative clinical and urodynamic factors as well as perioperative factors were compared between groups. Results In total, 139 patients were included in this study. Voiding parameters in all patients improved significantly after HoLEP. Seventy-one patients (51.1%) had improved urgency, while 68 (48.9%) did not show any improvement. A history of acute urinary retention (AUR) and postvoid residual were associated with postoperative urgency improvement in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, a history of AUR was an independent factor affecting urgency improvement. Conclusions A preoperative history of AUR could influence the change in urgency after HoLEP surgery in patients with BPH.

ObjectiveTo survey the distribution of Ixodid tick and infection of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) in natural environments from Deogyusan national parks in Korea.IntroductionSevere fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging viral disease in East-Asian countries, including China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK). The causative agent of SFTS is the SFTS virus (SFTSV) transmitted by hematophagous ticks.MethodsTo investigate the prevalence of SFTSV in the ROK, a total of 4,223 ticks were collected by flagging from Deogyusan National Park from 2015 to 2018. One-step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested PCR were used to detect SFTSV-specific gene fragment from each ticks. The sequence data were analyzed using Chromas and aligned using CLUSTAL X. The phylogenetic analysis was constructed using the neighbor-joining method in MEGA7.ResultsOf the collected adult and nymph ticks, Haemaphysalis longicornis (3611, 85.5%) were the most abundant, followed by H. flava (502, 11.88%), Ixodes nipponensis (109, 2.5%), and Ixodes ovatus (1, 0.02%). The infection rate of SFTSV in total ticks was 5.8% (245/4,223), and the infection rate by year was 3.69% in 2015, 7.97% in 2016, 5.08% in 2017 and 4.68% in 2018. The infection rates of SFTSV were getting decreased each year in Deogyusan National Park. In addition, infection rate was higher in spring and summer of each season. Phylogenetic analysis was performed and SFTSV sequences obtained in this study were included in Korean/Japanese SFTSV clade.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we confirmed the sequence of two clades, and it is thought that the epidemiological investigation of SFTSV is necessary through further studies.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to characterize the learning curve of endoscopic lumbar decompression based on peri- and postoperative parameters and to suggest the potential of full endoscopic decompression as a primary treatment option for lumbar canal and lateral recess stenosis. METHODS The records of 223 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic decompression by a single surgeon for their lumbar canal and lateral recess stenosis were reviewed. Patients were stratified into group 1 (n=100) and group 2 (n=123), depending on their case number. After the 100th case, the procedural time reached a plateau and subsequent patients were assigned to the second group. Demographics and surgical outcomes, including operative times, change in dural sac dimensions, length of hospital stay, and intraoperative complication rates were compared between the 2 groups. Postoperative clinical outcomes, including the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and reoperation rates were compared between the 2 groups (group 1, n=90; group 2, n=110) by follow-up evaluation. RESULTS Procedural times were greater in group 1 than group 2 (group 1, 105.26 minutes; group 2, 67.65 minutes; p

Introduction. The multifocal lumbar pathology including disc herniation and stenosis in the spinal canal or foramen has been considered the most difficult to approach surgically. It often requires mandatory dual approaches and/or fusion techniques. Traditional percutaneous endoscopic lumbar transforaminal and interlaminar approach has been focused on unifocal disc herniation. However, the development of endoscopic spinal instruments and surgical technique has broadened surgical indication and therapeutic boundary in endoscopic spine surgery. Cases Presentation. The authors present outcomes of four patients with multilumbar pathology including highly inferior migrated disc combined with lateral recess stenosis, multifocal disc herniation, bilateral disc herniations in spinal canal and foraminal disc herniation combined with central canal stenosis. They were successfully treated by percutaneous uniportal full endoscopic approach with single incision. Conclusion. Percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery is a safe and effective tool to figure out multilumbar pathology in a minimal invasive way.

Background: Spinocerebellar ataxias are rare dominantly inherited neurodegenerative diseases that lead to severe disability and premature death. Objective: To quantify the impact of disease progression measured by the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia on survival, and to identify different profiles of disease progression and survival. Methods: Four hundred sixty-two spinocerebellar ataxia patients from the EUROSCA prospective cohort study, suffering from spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6, and who had at least two measurements of Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score, were analyzed. Outcomes were change over time in Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score and time to death. Joint model was used to analyze disease progression and survival. Results: Disease progression was the strongest predictor for death in all genotypes: An increase of 1 standard deviation in total Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score increased the risk of death by 1.28 times (95% confidence interval: 1.18–1.38) for patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1; 1.19 times (1.12–1.26) for spinocerebellar ataxia type 2; 1.30 times (1.19–1.42) for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3; and 1.26 times (1.11–1.43) for spinocerebellar ataxia type 6. Three subgroups of disease progression and survival were identified for patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1: “severe” (n = 13; 12%), “intermediate” (n = 31; 29%), and “moderate” (n = 62; 58%). Patients in the severe group were more severely affected at baseline with higher Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia scores and frequency of nonataxia signs compared to those in the other groups. Conclusion: Rapid ataxia progression is associated with poor survival of the most common spinocerebellar ataxia. Theses current results have implications for the design of future interventional studies of spinocerebellar ataxia. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Objective The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of daily low-dose tadalafil on cognitive function and to examine whether there was a change in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and mild cognitive impairment. Methods Male patients aged 50 to 75 years with at least three months of ED (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]-5 score ≤ 21) and mild cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] score ≤ 22) were included in the study. The subjects were prescribed a low-dose PDE5 inhibitor (tadalafil 5 mg) to be taken once daily for eight weeks. Changes in MoCA score and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) study between the two time-points were assessed by paired t tests. Results Overall, 30 male patients were assigned to the treatment group in this study and 25 patients completed the eight-week treatment course. Five patients were withdrawn due to adverse events such as myalgia and dizziness. Mean baseline IIEF and MoCA scores were 7.52 ± 4.84 and 18.92 ± 1.78. After the eight-week treatment, mean IIEF and MoCA scores were increased to 12.92 ± 7.27 (p < 0.05) and 21.8 ± 1.71 (p < 0.05), respectively. Patients showed increased relative regional CBF in the postcentral gyrus, precuneus, and brainstem after tadalafil administration versus at baseline (p < 0.001). Conclusion The results of this prospective clinical study suggest that daily use of tadalafil 5 mg increases some regional CBF and improves cognitive function in patients with ED and mild cognitive impairment.

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is known to prevent apoptosis through the Bax pathway and to promote neovascularization by enhancing the mobilization of stem cells, their differentiation. This study was performed to investigate the effect of TUDCA on erythropoiesis in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Since erythropoiesis of CD34+ HSCs is divided into four phases, the total cell number, viable cell number, cell viability, cell morphology, and expressed erythroid markers in each phase were examined. The number of viable control cells and their viability did not differ from those of the TUDCA-treated cells in phase I and II. However, TUDCA increased cell viability compared to the control in phases III and IV. Cell distribution differed that the immature erythroid cell number was higher for the TUDCA-treated cells than for the control cells until phase III, but all developed into RBCs in the last. The final RBC number and viability was significantly higher in TUDCA-treated cells compared to the control cells. Taken together, we suggest that TUDCA addition to cell cultures for artificial RBC production could be used as a new protocol for improving the viability of RBCs.

Objective To investigate the relationship of somatization and depression with the degree of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostate hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) and changes in psychometric profiles including somatization and depression after treatment of LUTS/BPH. Methods Subjects were evaluated at baseline and at week 12 following routine treatment for LUTS/BPH using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) to measure the severity of LUTS/BPH, the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) to measure the severity of OAB, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depression, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) to evaluate somatization. The correlation of somatization and depression with the degree of LUTS/BPH symptoms at baseline and changes in somatization and depression after LUTS/BPH treatment were assessed using relevant statistical analyses. Results One hundred and twenty patients agreed to participate in this study, and 101 (84.2%) completed the 12-week trial and responded to the study questionnaires. At baseline, total IPSS score was correlated with PHQ-9 (r=0.475, p=0.005) and PHQ-15 (r=0.596, p

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of silodosin on nocturia in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).This was a 12-week, single-arm, open-label, prospective, multicenter study. The study included men aged 50 years or older with nocturia (≥2 events/night) based on a voiding diary, an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥8, and a quality of life score ≥3. Enrolled patients received 8 mg of silodosin once daily for 12 weeks. We evaluated changes in the mean number of nocturia episodes (using a voiding diary) from baseline to the final assessment. Safety assessments included the rate of adverse events and adverse drug reactions.There were 118 patients included in the safety evaluation analysis, and 112 patients in the full analysis set group. The number of nocturia episodes decreased significantly after 12 weeks of treatment with silodosin (-1.12 ± 1.05, P.0001). The secondary efficacy variables, including IPSS, overactive bladder symptom score and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Nocturia score, also improved with treatment (P.0001). There were abnormal drug reactions in 11.8% of patients. The most common adverse drug reaction was an ejaculatory disorder (7.6%). There were no significant adverse drug reactions reported.Silodosin was found to be safe and effective in the treatment of nocturia in patients with BPH.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Right open reading frame kinase 2 (RIOK2) and nin one binding protein (NOB1) are important accessory factors in ribosome assembly. In our previous study, RIOK2 and NOB1 were revealed to be highly expressed in NSCLC, and were associated with the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with NSCLC, i.e. TNM clinical stage, lymph node metastasis and differentiation. In addition, RIOK2 expression was correlated with NOB1. To further explore the mechanism and the RIOK2 and NOB1 signaling pathway, microRNA (miR) regulation was analyzed. The tumor suppressor miR‑145 has been reported to be lowly expressed in numerous types of human cancer; in the present study, the expression levels of miR‑145 were decreased in patients with NSCLC. Furthermore, RIOK2 and NOB1 were predicted to be the direct targets of miR‑145 using bioinformatics software; this was further validated using a dual luciferase reporter assay. In addition, the protein expression levels of RIOK2 and NOB1 were inhibited in response to miR‑145 overexpression, thus resulting in the suppression of cell viability, migration and invasion. These results suggested that RIOK2 and NOB1 may be potential targets in the treatment of NSCLC, and miR‑145 may be considered a therapeutic inhibitor of both genes.

To investigate the usefulness of the ellipsoid formula for assessing compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney on pre-operative and post-operative CT in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients.We retrospectively identified 389 patients who had radical nephrectomy for RCC between 2011 and 2015. Contrast-enhanced CT was performed within 3 months pre-operative and at 1 year post-operative. The kidney volumes were calculated from CT using the ellipsoid formula. We subdivided patients into three groups based on tumour size (I: ≤4 cm, II: 4-7 cm, III: 7 cm). Volumetric renal parameters were compared and multivariate analyses were performed to determine predictors associated with pre-operative and post-operative compensatory hypertrophy.Kidney volume calculation using the ellipsoid method took a median of 51 s. Group III had a significantly larger median pre-operative contralateral renal volume than Groups I and II (I: 140.4, II: 141.6, III: 166.7 ml, p0.05). However, the median ratio of post-operative contralateral renal volume change was significantly higher in Groups I and II than Group III (I: 0.36, II: 0.23, III: 0.12, p0.001). On multivariate analysis, tumour size revealed the strongest positive association with pre-operative contralateral kidney volume (partial regression coefficient: β = 30.8, 7 cm) and ratio of post-operative contralateral kidney volume change (β = 0.214, I vs III; β = 0.168, II vs III).Kidney volume calculation for assessing pre- and post-operative compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney in RCC patients can be easily and rapidly performed from CT images using the ellipsoid formula. Advances in knowledge: The ellipsoid formula allows reliable method for assessing pre-operative and post-operative compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney in RCC.

Aortic valve calcification (AVC), which used to be recognized as a passive and irreversible process, is now widely accepted as an active and regulated process characterized by osteoblastic differentiation of aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs). Apelin, the endogenous ligand for G-protein-coupled receptor APJ, was found to have protective cardiovascular effects in several studies. However, the effects and mechanisms of apelin on osteoblastic differentiation of AVICs have not been elucidated. Using a pro-calcific medium, we devised a method to produce calcific human AVICs. These cells were used to study the relationship between apelin and the osteoblastic calcification of AVICs and the involved signaling pathways. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity/expression and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) expression were examined as hallmark proteins in this research. The involved signaling pathways were studied using the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor, PD98059, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitor, LY294002. The results indicate that apelin attenuates the expression and activity of ALP, the expression of Runx2, and the formation of mineralized nodules. This protective effect was dependent on the dose of apelin, reaching the maximum at 100 pM, and was connected to activity of ERK and Akt (a downstream effector of PI3-K). The activation of ERK and PI3-K initiated the effects of apelin on ALP activity/expression and Runx2, but PD98059 and LY294002 abolished the effect. These results demonstrate that apelin attenuates the osteoblastic differentiation of AVICs via the ERK and PI3-K/Akt pathway.

Although serum bile acid concentrations are approximately 10 µM in healthy subjects, the crosstalk between the biliary system and vascular repair has never been investigated. In this study, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) induced dissociation of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from stromal cells by reducing adhesion molecule expression. TUDCA increased CD34+/Sca1+ progenitors in mice peripheral blood (PB), and CD34+, CD31+, and c-kit+ progenitors in human PB. In addition, TUDCA increased differentiation of CD34+ HSCs into EPC lineage cells via Akt activation. EPC invasion was increased by TUDCA, which was mediated by fibroblast activating protein via Akt activation. Interestingly, TUDCA induced integration of EPCs into human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) by increasing adhesion molecule expression. In the mouse hind limb ischemia model, TUDCA promoted blood perfusion by enhancing angiogenesis through recruitment of Flk-1+/CD34+ and Sca-1+/c-kit+ progenitors into damaged tissue. In GFP+ bone marrow-transplanted hind limb ischemia, TUDCA induced recruitment of GFP+/c-kit+ progenitors to the ischemic area, resulting in an increased blood perfusion ratio. Histological analysis suggested that GFP+ progenitors mobilized from bone marrow, integrated into blood vessels, and differentiated into VEGFR+ cells. In addition, TUDCA decreased cellular senescence by reducing levels of p53, p21, and reactive oxygen species and increased nitric oxide. Transplantation of TUDCA-primed senescent EPCs in hind limb ischemia significantly improved blood vessel regeneration, as compared with senescent EPCs. Our results suggested that TUDCA promoted neovascularization by enhancing the mobilization of stem/progenitor cells from bone marrow, their differentiation into EPCs, and their integration with preexisting endothelial cells. Stem Cells 2015;33:792–805

// Kun Liu 1 , Honglin Chen 2 , Qing-Sheng You 1 , Qing Ye 3 , Fei Wang 1 , Shuo Wang 1 , Shuang-Long Zhang 1 , Kang-Jun Yu 1 and Qi Lu 4 1 Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, P.R. China 2 School of Nursing, Nantong University, Nantong, P.R. China 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, P.R. China 4 Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, P.R. China Correspondence to: Qi Lu, email: ntluqi@sina.com Keywords: curcumin; myocardial ischemia–reperfusion; inflammation Received: September 19, 2017 Accepted: November 06, 2017 Published: December 06, 2017 ABSTRACT Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are at a badly high-risk of morbidity and mortality in the world. Methods: Our study was attempted to investigate the cardioprotective role of curcumin. Hearts injury was assessed in isolated hearts and the rats of coronary artery ligated. Results and Conclusions: The inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed by curcumin in coronary artery ligated rats. ST segment was also reduced by curcumin. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining (TTC) staining and pathological analysis were also showed that curcumin could dramatically alleviate myocardial injury. Besides, the results in vitro also demonstrated that curcumin could improved the function of isolated hearts. Besides, the expressions of inflammation-related pathway in both rats and isolated hearts treated with curcumin were significantly decreased. The present study investigated the protective effects of curcumin on myocardial injury and its mechanism.

We investigated changes in the levels of adenosine triphosphate and nitric oxide in the urothelium of men with detrusor underactivity and benign prostatic hyperplasia.We prospectively enrolled in study 30 men who planned to undergo surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The 15 patients with a bladder contractility index less than 100 were assigned to the detrusor underactivity group while the 15 with a bladder contractility index more than 100 were assigned to the no detrusor underactivity group. Bladder mucosal specimens were collected at surgical prostate resection, and adenosine triphosphate and endothelial nitric oxide synthase were analyzed in these specimens. The levels of adenosine triphosphate and endothelial nitric oxide synthase were compared between the 2 groups. The correlation of urodynamic parameters with adenosine triphosphate and endothelial nitric oxide synthase was assessed in all patients.Mean ± SEM endothelial nitric oxide synthase did not significantly differ between the detrusor underactivity and no underactivity groups (3.393 ± 0.969 vs 1.941 ± 0.377 IU/ml, p = 0.247). However, the mean level of adenosine triphosphate in the detrusor underactivity group was significantly lower than in the no detrusor underactivity group (1.289 ± 0.320 vs 9.262 ± 3.285 pmol, p = 0.011). In addition, in all patients adenosine triphosphate positively correlated with the bladder contractility index (r = 0.478, p = 0.018) and with detrusor pressure on maximal flow (r = 0.411, p = 0.046).Adenosine triphosphate was significantly decreased in the urothelium in men with detrusor underactivity and benign prostatic hyperplasia, reflecting the change in detrusor function.

Neurobiological models of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) emphasize disturbances of the corticostriatal circuit, but it remains unclear as to how these complex network dysfunctions correspond to heterogeneous OCD phenotypes. We aimed to investigate corticostriatal functional connectivity alterations distinct to OCD characterized predominantly by contamination/washing symptoms. Functional connectivity strengths of the striatal seed regions with remaining brain regions during the resting condition and the contamination symptom provocation condition were compared among 13 OCD patients with predominant contamination/washing symptoms (CON), 13 OCD patients without these symptoms (NCON), and 18 healthy controls. The CON group showed distinctively altered functional connectivity between the ventral striatum and the insula during both the resting and symptom-provoking conditions. Also, the connectivity strength between the ventral striatum and the insula significantly correlated with contamination/washing symptom severity. As common connectivity alterations of the whole OCD subjects, corticostriatal circuits involving the orbitofrontal and temporal cortices were again confirmed. To our knowledge, this is the first study that examined specific abnormalities in functional connectivity of contamination/washing symptom dimension OCD. The findings suggest limbic network dysfunctions to play a pivotal role in contamination/washing symptoms, possibly associated with emotionally salient error awareness. Our study sample allowed us to evaluate the corticostriatal network dysfunction underlying the contamination/washing symptom dimension, which leaves other major symptom dimensions to be explored in the future.

Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms are rare entities that usually occur secondary to trauma, infection, or as a complication of cardiovascular surgery. We identified a spontaneous large pseudoaneurysm for which no predisposing factor was identified. Such a finding is very rare.

ARS-Interacting Multi-functional Protein 1 (AIMP1) is a cytokine that is involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, immune activation, and fibroblast proliferation. In this study, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) was isolated as a binding partner of AIMP peptide (amino acids 6-46) in affinity purification using human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). AIMP1 peptide induced the proliferation of adult BMMSCs by activating Akt, inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase-3β, and thereby increasing the level of β-catenin. In addition, AIMP1 peptide induced the translocation of β-catenin to the nucleus and increased the transcription of c-myc and cyclin D1 by activating the β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF) complex. By contrast, transfection of dominant negative TCF abolished the effect of AIMP1. The inhibition of Akt, using LY294002, abolished the accumulation and nuclear translocation of β-catenin induced by AIMP1, leading to a decrease in c-myc and cyclin D1 expression, which decreased the proliferation of BMMSCs. An intraperitoneal injection of AIMP1 peptide into C57/BL6 mice increased the colony formation of fibroblast-like cells. Fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis showed that the colony-forming cells were CD29(+)/CD44(+)/CD90(+)/CD105(+)/CD34(-)/CD45(-), which is characteristic of MSCs. In addition, the fibroblast-like cells differentiated into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. Taken together, these data suggest that AIMP1 peptide promotes the proliferation of BMMSCs by activating the β-catenin/TCF complex via FGFR2-mediated activation of Akt, which leads to an increase in MSCs in peripheral blood.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the preoperative factors related to early quality of life (QoL) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) during the surgeon’s learning curve. Methods: The medical records of 82 patients with a follow-up period of at least 3 months who were treated with HoLEP during the time of a surgeon’s learning curve were analyzed retrospectively. We divided the patients into two groups on the basis of the QoL component of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) 3 months after HoLEP: the high QoL group (IPSS/QoL≤3) and the low QoL group (IPSS/QoL≥4). Preoperative factors in each group were compared, including prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen, history of acute urinary retention (AUR), urgency incontinence, IPSS, and urodynamic parameters. Detrusor underactivity was defined as a bladder contractility index less than 100 on urodynamic study. Results: A total of 61 patients (74.3%) had a high QoL, whereas 21 (25.7%) had a low QoL. A history of AUR, detrusor pressure on maximal flow (PdetQmax), bladder outlet obstruction grade, bladder contractility index, and detrusor underactivity were associated with postoperative QoL in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, a history of AUR and PdetQmax were independent factors affecting postoperative QoL. Conclusions: A history of AUR and bladder contractility affect early QoL, and preoperative urodynamic study plays an important role in the proper selection of patients during the HoLEP learning curve.

Aims : Reducing craving is a key to success in the treatment of alcohol dependence. The emotion circuit may be involved in pathological craving for alcohol. In this study, we investigated neural correlates of emotional involvement in craving in alcohol dependence. Methods : The study included 17 detoxified alcoholic patients and 25 social drinkers. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine brain activation (blood oxygen level-dependent signals) while participants reported craving and emotion in response to visually presented, alcohol-related stimuli and emotional stimuli. Results : In the craving-rating paradigm, negative emotional stimuli as well as alcohol cues activated craving-related brain regions in alcoholic patients. Activations of the inferior parietal lobule and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex by negative emotional stimuli were negatively correlated with craving; meanwhile limbic activation was positively correlated with craving. For the emotion paradigm, greater limbic activation was evident by alcohol-related stimuli in the alcohol-dependent group. Conclusions : Our findings constitute neural evidence for emotional involvement in pathological craving for alcohol, underscoring the importance of emotion management in abstinent alcoholic patients for relapse prevention.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is highly prevalent, but has relatively low persistence and compliance with therapy because of poor efficacy. Although urodynamic study is the gold standard for detailed evaluation of lower urinary tract dysfunction, urodynamic study has limitations as a biomarker, such as invasiveness and a lack of reproducibility of symptoms. Thus, many investigations about new biomarkers for lower urinary tract dysfunction have been carried out and reported. For imaging biomarkers, bladder and prostate parameters assessed by ultrasonography have been used to evaluate lower urinary tract dysfunction. For urinary biomarkers, neurotrophins, such as nerve growth factor and brain derived neurotrophics factor, prostaglandins and cytokines, have been analyzed and evaluated. Among these, nerve growth factor is considered one of the key factors in the pathophysiology of lower urinary tract dysfunction, and is researched in various ways. Serum markers have suggested that C-reactive protein and sex hormones have a relationship with lower urinary tract dysfunction. The possibility of genetic biomarkers in lower urinary tract dysfunction has also been raised. Nevertheless, as yet these biomarkers have not shown enough evidence to reflect lower urinary tract dysfunction and require further investigation. This review will discuss promising and potential biomarkers in lower urinary tract dysfunction to date.

To assess the anti-adhesive effect of treatment with hyaluronic acid-carboxymethylcellulose following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. This was a randomized, controlled, single-blind, parallel-group study using hyaluronic acid-carboxymethylcellulose in patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Sixty patients were enrolled in the study. All patients were randomly assigned to either the hyaluronic acid-carboxymethylcellulose treatment group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). Viscera slide ultrasounds and plain X-rays were obtained at enrollment (V0), postoperative week 12 (V1), and 24 (V2). The primary end point was the difference in the excursion distance in the viscera slide ultrasound between V0 and V2. A total of 50 patients completed this study. The average excursion distance at V2 in the experimental group (n = 25) was significantly longer than in the control group (n = 25, 2.7 ± 1.2 vs. 1.3 ± 1.0 cm, respectively; p

The objective was to investigate the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 in vaginal tissue of premenopausal women experiencing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with and without sexual dysfunction. Women presenting for treatment of SUI were screened using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and 10 were selected who met the criteria for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and 10 asymptomatic controls. Vaginal tissue specimens were obtained from those premenopausal women aged ≥40 years who had had sexual activity ≥2 times every month for the last 6 months and who were scheduled to undergo surgery for SUI. FSD criteria was FSFI scores

Inflammation serves an important role in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Fragments of endogenous damaged‑associated molecular patterns, recently identified as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), have been proven to be a potent pro‑inflammatory mediator. Epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate (EGCG) is able to regulate the expression levels of a series of inflammatory cytokines. However, the involvement of endogenous mtDNA in EGCG‑regulated inflammatory activities in the context of myocardial I/R injury remains to be elucidated. The present study was designed to investigate the role of mtDNA in EGCG‑mediated myocardial protection in a rat I/R model. Significant positive correlations between elevated plasma mtDNA copy numbers and the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukins (IL)‑6 and ‑8 were observed in the myocardial tissue following an I/R injury (P