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Purpose: This study evaluated the predictors of sperm retrieval (SR) in non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome (KS) patients undergoing microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (mTESE). The cutoff values of the predictors of SR and overall pregnancy rates after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were analyzed for the positive SR (PSR) cases. Materials and Methods: The study was a dual-center retrospective study. Overall 118 patients with KS underwent mTESE between January 2011 and July 2021. Clinicopathological factors including comorbidities, endocrine profiles, and testicular volumes were analyzed. Results: A total of 58 patients showed PSR (49.2%) and 60 patients (50.8%) had negative SR (NSR). The mean overall age of the patients was 32.5 years. The NSR patients had a significantly greater prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cerebrovascular disease. The PSR group had a significantly higher left testis mean volume (p=0.039). The differences between the two study groups regarding follicular-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone variations at 1 and 3 months after mTESE were insignificant. Preoperative mean neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly greater in the NSR group (p=0.011), but the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio showed no significant difference between the two study groups. A live child birth was achieved in 53.4% of the PSR patients. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that total testicular volume >3.93 mL, left testis volume >1.79 mL, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≤1.82 were significantly associated with PSR. Conclusions: mTESE-ICSI is a feasible method for KS patients to have a child, and total testicular volume, left testis volume, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio might be predictors of successful SR.

Abstract A new concept of read-out method for ferroelectric random-access memory (FeRAM) using a graphene layer as the channel material of bottom-gated field effect transistor structure is demonstrated experimentally. The transconductance of the graphene channel is found to change its sign depending on the direction of spontaneous polarization (SP) in the underlying ferroelectric layer. This indicates that the memory state of FeRAM, specified by the SP direction of the ferroelectric layer, can be sensed unambiguously with transconductance measurements. With the proposed read-out method, it is possible to construct an array of ferroelectric memory cells in the form of a cross-point structure where the transconductance of a crossing cell can be measured selectively without any additional selector. This type of FeRAM can be a plausible solution for fabricating high speed, ultra-low power, long lifetime, and high density 3D stackable non-volatile memory.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of low protein diets added with protease on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood profiles of weaned piglets and growing-finishing pigs. A total of 96 weaned pigs ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) with average body weight (BW) of 6.99 ± 0.21 kg were used in a 20-week experiment. The dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial design. Treatments were as follows: In phase 1 (1–2 weeks), two protein levels as high protein (HP; 19.0%), low protein (LP; 17.0%), and three protease (PT) levels (PT0, 0%; PT1, 0.3%; and PT2, 0.5%); in phase 2 (3–4 weeks), protein levels (HP, 18.05%; LP, 16.15%) and protease levels (0%, 0.3%, and 0.5%); in phase 3 (5–12 weeks), protein levels (HP, 17.1%; LP, 15.3%) and protease level (0%, 0.15%, and 0.3%); in phase 4 (13–20 weeks), protein levels (HP, 16.15%; LP, 14.45%) and protease level (0%, 0.15%, and 0.3%). At 4 weeks and 20 weeks after treatment, BW was higher (p < 0.050) in the PT2 group than PT0 group. From weeks 0 to 4, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (G/F) were higher (p = 0.006 and p = 0.014; p = 0.014 and p = 0.044, respectively) in the PT2 group than PT0 and PT1 groups. From weeks 16 to 20, ADG and G/F were higher (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009; p = 0.004 and p = 0.033, respectively) in the PT2 group than PT0 and PT1 groups. Crude protein (CP) digestibility was higher (p = 0.013, p = 0.014, and p = 0.035, respectively) in the low protein (LP) group than high protein (HP) group at weeks 4, 12, and 20. At weeks 4 and 20, the LP diet group had lower (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels than the HP diet group. Therefore, a low CP diet added with protease could increase growth performance and CP digestibility of weaned piglets and growing-finishing pigs.

Abstract This study aims to compare oncologic and functional outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) and segmental ureterectomy (SU) in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We retrospectively collected data on patients who underwent either RNU or SU of UTUC. Propensity score matching was performed among 394 cases to yield a final cohort of 40 RNU and 40 SU cases. Kaplan–Meier analysis and the log-rank test were used to compare overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), progression-free survival (PFS), and intravesical recurrence-free survival (IVRFS) between the groups. We also compared the change in postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). There was no significant difference in terms of CSS, PFS, and IVRFS between the RNU and SU groups, but the RNU group had a better OS than the SU group (p = 0.032). Postoperative eGFR was better preserved in the SU group than in the RNU group (p

This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of a microencapsulated mixture of organic acids (MOA) with low protein in piglet feed on growth performance, diarrhea score, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial counts, and blood profiles in weaning pigs. A total of 80 pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc; 6.8 ± 0.48 kg] were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups: high protein (HP); low protein (LP); MOA1, LP + 0.2% MOA; and MOA2, LP + 0.3% MOA. The MOA2 group had higher average daily weight gains (during days 0–14 and days 0–28), diarrhea score (during days 0–14, during days 14–28 and days 0–28) and greater digestibility of dry matter (days 14 and 28) compared to the LP group (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the pigs fed diets with the MOA1 and MOA2 in blood profiles and fecal microflora. In conclusion, this study indicates that piglets fed 0.3% MOA in low protein diets maintained similar growth performance and nutrient digestibility, but alleviated the incidence of diarrhea compared to piglets fed high protein diets.

Information on the neurons and axons that express the mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 and its expression in axons innervating the dental pulp may help understand the nature of the Piezo1-mediated mechanosensation and the underlying mechanism of dentin sensitivity elicited by mechanical stimuli. For this, we here investigated the neurochemical properties of the neurons in the rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) and their axons in its sensory root that express Piezo1 and the expression of Piezo1 in the rat and human dental pulp by light and electron microscopic immunohistochemistry and quantitative analysis. Piezo1 was expressed mainly in medium-sized and large TG neurons. Piezo1-immunopositive (+) neurons frequently coexpressed the marker for neurons with myelinated axons, NF200, but rarely the markers for neurons with unmyelinated axons, CGRP or IB4. In the sensory root of TG, Piezo1 was expressed primarily in small myelinated axons (Aδ, 60.2%) but also in large myelinated (Aβ, 24.3%) and unmyelinated (C, 15.5%) axons. In the human dental pulp, Piezo1 was expressed in numerous NF200+ axons, which formed a network in the peripheral pulp and often “ascended” toward the dentin. Most Piezo1+ myelinated axons in the radicular pulp became unmyelinated in the peripheral pulp, where Piezo1 immunoreaction product was associated with the axonal plasma membrane, suggesting a functional role of Piezo1 in the peripheral pulp. These findings suggest that Piezo1 is involved primarily in mediating the acute pain elicited by high-threshold mechanical stimuli, and that the Piezo1-mediated dental mechanotransduction occurs primarily in the axons in the peripheral pulp.

Duodenal varices are a serious complication of portal hypertension. Bleeding from duodenal varices is rare, but when bleeding does occur, it is massive and can be fatal. Unfortunately, the optimal therapeutic modality for duodenal variceal bleeding is unclear. This paper presents a patient with duodenal variceal bleeding that was managed successfully using percutaneous trans-splenic variceal obliteration (PTVO). A 56-year-old man with a history of alcoholic cirrhosis presented with a 6-day history of melena. Emergency esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a large, bluish mass with a nipple sign in the second portion of the duodenum. Coil embolization of the duodenal varix was performed via a trans-splenic approach (i.e., PTVO). The patient no longer complained of melena after treatment. The duodenal varix was no longer visible at the follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed three months after PTVO. The use of PTVO might be a viable option for the treatment of duodenal variceal bleeding.

Lead-free double perovskite halides are emerging optoelectronic materials that are alternatives to lead-based perovskite halides. Recently, single-crystalline double perovskite halides were synthesized, and their intriguing functional properties were demonstrated. Despite such pioneering works, lead-free double perovskite halides with better crystallinity are still in demand for applications to novel optoelectronic devices. Here, we realized highly crystalline Cs2AgBiBr6 single crystals with a well-defined atomic ordering on the microscopic scale. We avoided the formation of Ag vacancies and the subsequent secondary Cs3Bi2Br9 by manipulating the initial chemical environments in hydrothermal synthesis. The suppression of Ag vacancies allows us to reduce the trap density in the as-grown crystals and to enhance the carrier mobility further. Our design strategy is applicable for fabricating other lead-free halide materials with high crystallinity.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of crude protein (CP) and protease on nitrogen (N) utilization, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance in growing pigs. A total of six crossbred ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) barrows were individually accepted in 1.2 m × 0.7 m × 0.96 m stainless steel metabolism cages. The pigs (average initial body weight of 27.91 ± 1.84 kg) randomly assigned to six diets with six weeks (6 × 6 Latin square design). The experiment was carried out in an environment with a temperature of 23 ± 1.5°C, a relative humidity of 83 ± 2.3% and a wind speed of 0.25 ± 0.03 m/s. The dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial design with two levels of CP (15.3% or 17.1%) and three levels of protease (0 ppm, 150 ppm, or 300 ppm). The average daily gain and gain to feed ratio (G:F) tended to increase (p = 0.074) with increasing amounts of protease. The low CP level diet reduced (p < 0.050) urinary and fecal N concentrations, the total N excretion in feces, and increased (p < 0.050) N retention. Different protease levels in the diet did not affect (p > 0.05) at N intake, but supplementation of the diets with 300 ppm protease decreased (p < 0.050) the N concentration in urine and feces and tended to increase (p = 0.061) the percentage of N retention retained of the total N intake. The dietary CP level did not affect (p > 0.050) the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, digestible energy (DE), and metabolic energy (ME), but diet supplementation with 300 ppm protease showed higher (p < 0.050) ATTD of DE and ME than in the protease-free diet. Therefore, a low protein diet with protease could improve the utilization of nitrogen, thereby reducing the negative effect of N excretion into the environment while maintaining or increasing growth performance compared to a high protein diet.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of replacing corn with soy hulls on nutrient digestibility of growing pigs. Three experimental diets were tested using a 3 × 3 Latin square design using three barrows per group (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc, average initial body weight of 36.9 ± 4.0 kg) in individual metabolic cages. The dietary treatments were the control (CON) basal diet (corn-soybean meal based diet), whereas in the test diets, soy hulls were included at 5% (H1), 10% (H2), gradually replacing corn. The daily feed allowance was adjusted to 2.7 times the maintenance requirement for digestible energy (DE) (2.7 × 110 kcal of DE/kg BW0.75). Intake of crude fiber (CF) was different among treatments (p < 0.05). Pigs fed with H2 diet excreted higher concentrations of dry matter (DM), and CF than pigs fed with H1 diet and basal diet (p < 0.05). Pigs fed with H1 and H2 diets excreted higher concentrations of crude protein (CP) than pigs fed with CON diet (p < 0.05). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of CF from H1 and H2 diets were higher than CON diet (p < 0.05). Pigs fed with H2 diets were significantly lower (p < 0.05) the ATTD of CP than the pigs fed with CON and H1 diets. The current data suggest that 10% inclusion soy hulls can slightly decrease CP digestibility. However, soy hulls considerably increased CF digestibility.It is concluded that 5% soy hulls may be a usable alternative to corn in growing pig diets.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of exogenous emulsifier supplementation on growth performance, energy digestibility, and meat quality in broilers. A total of 60 Ross 308 broilers were treated for two weeks. The three dietary treatments were: (CON) basal diet; (T1) basal diet + 0.1% exogenous emulsifier, and (T2) basal diet + 0.2% exogenous emulsifier. In Period 1 (0–7 days), broilers in the T2 group showed significantly higher body weight gain (BWG) (p < 0.05) and broilers in the T1 and T2 treatment groups had significantly lower feed conversion ratios (FCR) (p < 0.05). In Period 2 (8–14 days), broilers in the T2 treatment group had significantly higher feed intake (FI) (p < 0.05). Therefore, in this experiment (from days 0 to 19), BWG and FCR were affected (p < 0.05) by the T1 and T2 treatments. Additionally, the T1 and T2 treatments with added exogenous emulsifier in the broiler feed showed significantly higher energy digestibility (p < 0.05) than the CON treatment. Broilers fed the T2 diet had higher water-holding capacity (WHC) (p < 0.05) and cooking loss than the broilers fed the CON and T1 diets. Moreover, the shearing force in the meat was decreased (p < 0.05) in broilers fed the T2 diet. In conclusion, supplementation with exogenous emulsifier to broiler diets improved growth performance, energy digestibility, and meat quality. The optimal amount of exogenous emulsifier supplementation requires further investigation.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of preoperative renal function on oncological outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) who underwent radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent RNU between 2000 and 2012 at six academic centers. The patients were stratified into two groups based on preoperative renal function: eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (chronic kidney disease; CKD) and eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (non-CKD). We investigated oncological outcomes, including overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and progression-free survival dichotomized by preoperative renal function. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine if preoperative CKD was associated with oncological outcomes. In total, 1733 patients were eligible for the present study (CKD = 707 and non-CKD = 1026). Significant differences were noted in the clinical and pathologic features among the two groups, including age, sex, tumor localization, pathological T stage, tumor grade, and number of patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy. The estimated five-year overall survival (79.4 vs. 67.5%, log-rank p < 0.001), cancer-specific survival (83.5 vs. 73.6%, log-rank p < 0.001), and progression-free survival (74.6 vs. 61.5%, log-rank p < 0.001) were significantly different between the two groups, longer in the non-CKD group. Upon multivariable analysis, preoperative CKD status was associated with increased risk of overall mortality, cancer-specific mortality, and progression (p = 0.010, p = 0.016, and p = 0.008, respectively). UTUC patients with preoperative CKD had a higher risk of poor overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and progression-free survival after RNU than those without CKD.

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate urinary nerve growth factor (NGF) as a biomarker of treatment efficacy and recurrence in overactive bladder (OAB) patients. Methods We enrolled 189 OAB subjects who visited our outpatient clinic from February 2010 to February 2015. All subjects with OAB received antimuscarinic treatment. A 3-day voiding diary and questionnaire were collected from each patient. Urinary levels of NGF were evaluated at baseline, the beginning of antimuscarinic treatment, and the end of antimuscarinic treatment. Urinary NGF was normalized to urine creatinine (Cr). Between-group comparisons of baseline characteristics were made using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to predict responses to anticholinergic treatment and recurrence. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test with the Bonferroni correction was used for intragroup comparisons. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the utility of this biomarker. Results Urinary levels of NGF/Cr tended to decrease in patients who responded to treatment (n=62), but this was not significant (P=0.260). Urinary NGF levels were higher at baseline in patients who did not experience recurrence than in those who did (P=0.047). In those who did not experience recurrence (n=29), urinary NGF/Cr decreased at the end of treatment compared to baseline, and this reduction was maintained at 12 weeks after the end of treatment (P

Purpose This study aimed to investigate potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of overactive bladder (OAB). Methods A total of 219 subjects were enrolled and divided into 2 groups: OAB subjects (n=189) and controls without OAB symptoms (n=30). Three-day voiding diaries and questionnaires were collected, and urinary levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), prostaglandin E2, and adenosine triphosphate were measured and normalized to urine creatinine (Cr). Baseline characteristics and urinary levels of markers were analyzed. A receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic performance of urinary markers. Urinary levels of markers according to subgroup and pathogenesis of OAB were evaluated. Correlation analyses were used to analyze the relationship between urinary levels of markers and voiding diary parameters and questionnaires. Results There was no difference between the 2 groups with regards to age, sex ratio, or urine Cr (P>0.05). The urinary levels of NGF/Cr were higher in OAB subjects than in controls (P

Abstract Electrical spin switching in an antiferromagnet is one of the key issues for both academic interest and industrial demand in new-type spin devices because an antiferromagnetic system has a negligible stray field due to an alternating sign between sub-lattices, in contrast to a ferromagnetic system. Naturally, questions arise regarding how fast and, simultaneously, how robustly the magnetization can be switched by external stimuli, e.g., magnetic field and spin current. First, the exploitation of ultrafast precessional motion of magnetization in antiferromagnetic oxide has been studied intensively. Regarding robustness, the so-called inertia-driven switching scenario has been generally accepted as the switching mechanism in antiferromagnet system. However, in order to understand the switching dynamics in a canted antiferromagnet, excited by magnetic field, accurate equation of motion and corresponding interpretation are necessary. Here, we re-investigate the inertia-driven switching process, triggered by the strict phase matching between effective driving field, dh/dt, and antiferromagnetic order parameters, l. Such theoretical approaches make it possible to observe the static parameters of an antiferromagnet, hosting Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (DM) interaction. Indeed, we estimate successfully static parameters, such as DM, exchange, and anisotropy energies, from dynamical behaviour in YFeO3, studied using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy.

Toward the standardization of common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) sprout extract (OBS-E), we aimed to obtain indicator compounds and use a validated method. HPLC-UVD allowed simultaneous quantification of the indicator compounds quercetin-3-O-glucuronide and ellagic acid. The method was validated in terms of specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and limit of detection/limit of quantification (LOD/LOQ). High specificity and linearity was demonstrated, with correlation coefficients of 1.0000 for quercetin-3-O-glucuronide and 0.9998 for ellagic acid. The LOD/LOQ values were 0.486/1.472 μg/mL for quercetin-3-O-glucuronide and 1.003/3.039 μg/mL for ellagic acid. Intra-day and inter-day variability tests produced relative standard deviation for each compound of O-glucuronide, whereas the 70% ethanol extract possessed the lowest. However, the ellagic acid content was highest in the 70% ethanol extract and lowest in the 90% ethanol extract. Thus, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide and ellagic acid can be used industrially as indicator compounds for O. biennis sprout products, and our validated method can be used to establish indicator compounds for other natural products.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common and chronic condition that impacts patients’ daily activities and quality of life. Pharmacotherapy for OAB is a mainstay of treatment. Antimuscarinics and β3-adrenoceptor agonists are the two major classes of oral pharmacotherapy and have similar efficacy for treating the symptoms of OAB. Owing to the chronic nature of OAB, long-term use of medication is essential for OAB symptom control and positive health outcomes. However, many patients elect to stop their medications during the treatment period. Unmet expectations of treatment and side effects seem to be the major factors for discontinuing OAB pharmacotherapy. Furthermore, the short- and long-term persistence and compliance with medication management are markedly worse in OAB than in other chronic medical conditions. Improvement in persistence and compliance with OAB pharmacotherapy is a hot topic in OAB treatment and should be an important goal in the treatment of OAB. Effective strategies should be identified to improve persistence and compliance. In this review, we outline what is known about persistence and compliance and the factors affecting persistence with pharmacotherapy in patients with OAB.

While the physiochemical effects of octahedral tilting and rotating distortions have been studied extensively, octahedral breathing distortion (OBD) at heterointerfaces has rarely been explored. Here, we investigated OBD in fully strained BaBiO3 (BBO) epitaxial films by making a new type of oxide heterointerface with non-breathing BaCeO3 epitaxial films. The integration of first-principles calculations with experimental observations of optical spectroscopy revealed that the oxygen displacement modes in BBO became disordered within six unit cells at the heterointerface and the surface. Controlling OBD in perovskite oxide thin films provides a means to exploit emerging material properties.

A thermotropic phase boundary between non-ergodic and ergodic relaxor phases is tuned in lead-free Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3-based ceramics through a structural transition driven by compositional modification (usually named as “morphotropic approach”). The substitution of Bi(Ni1/2Ti1/2)O3 for Bi1/2(Na0.78K0.22)1/2TiO3 induces a transition from tetragonal to “metrically” cubic phase and thereby, the ergodic relaxor ferroelectric phase becomes predominant at room temperature. A shift of the transition temperature (denoted as TF-R) in the non-ergodic-to-ergodic phase transition is corroborated via temperature-dependent dielectric permittivity and loss measurements. By monitoring the chemical composition dependence of polarization-electric field and strain-electric field hysteresis loops, it is possible to track the critical concentration of Bi(Ni1/2Ti1/2)O3 where the (1 − x)Bi0.5(Na0.78K0.22)0.5TiO3-xBi(Ni0.5Ti0.5)O3 ceramic undergoes the phase transition around room temperature. At the Bi(Ni0.5Ti0.5)O3 content of x = 0.050, the highest room-temperature electrostrictive coefficient of 0.030 m4/C2 is achieved with no hysteretic characteristic, which can foster the realization of actual electrostrictive devices with high operational efficiency at room temperature.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in relation to prostate size and urodynamic parameters, including bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), presence of detrusor overactivity, and detrusor contractility, and to investigate factors predictive of HoLEP success. Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospective data included 174 consecutive patients treated with HoLEP at Samsung Medical Center from 2009 to 2013. Prostate-specific antigen, prostate size, urodynamic parameters, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)/quality of life (QoL) were evaluated preoperatively, while prostate-specific antigen, uroflowmetry/postvoid residual (PVR) urine, and IPSS were measured six months after HoLEP. Two definitions of treatment success were established based on the following three variables: IPSS, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and QoL index. Factors predictive of HoLEP success were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: IPSS/QoL, Qmax, and PVR improved significantly following HoLEP. Improvements in IPSS and PVR were more significant in the BOOI≥40 group compared to the BOOI

Purpose: To examine the impact of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Korean men aged ≥40 years. Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional door-to-door survey was conducted among men aged ≥40 years. Individuals with LUTS were defined as men reporting at least one LUTS using 2002 International Continence Society definitions. Structuredquestionnaires were used to assess several dimensions of HRQoL, including generic health status (EuroQoL-five-dimensions questionnaire), work productivity (work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire), depressive symptoms (center for epidemiologic studies depression scale), and sexual health (sexual satisfaction and erectile dysfunction). The impact of LUTS was assessed by comparing several dimensions of HRQoL among men with and without LUTS. Results: Of the 1,842 participants, 1,536 (83.4%) reported having at least one LUTS. The prevalence of LUTS increased with age (78.3% among those aged 40–49 years to 89.6% among those aged 60 years or older). Those with LUTS reported a significantlylower level of generic health status and worse work productivity compared with those without LUTS. Significantly more individuals with LUTS reported having a higher level of major depressive symptoms compared with those without LUTS.Those with LUTS reported worse sexual activity and enjoyment, and were significantly more likely to have erectile dysfunction than those without LUTS. Conclusions: LUTS seem to have a substantial impact on several dimensions of HRQoL in Korean men aged ≥40 years.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among Korean men aged ≥40 years.MethodsWe performed a population-based, cross-sectional door-to-door survey on a geographically stratified random sample of men aged ≥40 years. All respondents were asked about the presence of individual LUTS using a questionnaire based on 2002 International Continence Society definitions. For comparison, we also defined nocturia as two or more nocturnal micturitions per night. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire was used to assess LUTS severity.ResultsResponses from 1,842 subjects were analyzed. The overall prevalence of LUTS was 83.4%. Storage LUTS (70.1%) were more prevalent than voiding (60.4%) or postmicturition LUTS (38.3%). When nocturia was defined as two or more nocturnal micturitions per night, voiding symptoms became most prevalent (storage, 39.7%; voiding, 60.4%; and postmicturition, 38.3%). More than 90% of our population described the severity of their urinary symptoms as moderate (8-19) or severe (20-35). The prevalence and severity of LUTS increased with age.ConclusionsLUTS are highly prevalent among Korean men, and its prevalence increases with age. Increased public awareness and a larger number of treatment options are needed to appropriately manage symptoms and their consequences.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Holmium: yttrium-aluminium-garnet (YAG) laser for the treatment of urethral/bladder neck strictures after high-intensity focused ultrasound for prostate cancer. Methods: Between February 2007 and July 2010, Holmium: YAG laser urethrotomies were performed in eleven patients for bladder neck strictures or prostatic urethral strictures. The laser was used with a 550-μm fiber at 2 J and frequency 30 to 50 Hz. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed for medical history, perioperative and postoperative data, uroflowmetry, International Prostate Symptoms Score/quality of life, and stricture recurrence. Results: At a median follow-up of 12.0 months (range, 4 to 35 months), the mean postoperative maximal flow rate and residual volume were improved significantly (P

To investigate the difference between preoperative radiologic tumor volume (RTV) and postoperative pathologic tumor volume (PTV) in patients who received nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).We reviewed 482 patients who underwent preoperative computed tomography (CT) within 4 weeks before radical or partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. RTV measured by a three dimensional rendering program was compared with PTV (π/6 x height x length x width) measured in surgical specimen according to pathologic tumor size and histologic subtype. Correlation of the inter-quartile range (IQR) of the RTV and Fuhrman nuclear grade was also investigated.There was a significant positive linear correlation between RTV and PTV (p < 0.001, r = 0.911), and the mean RTV and mean PTV were not significantly different (79.0 vs 76.9 cm3, p = 0.393). For pathologic tumor size (PTS) < 4 cm, the mean RTV was larger than the mean PTV (10.9 vs 7.1 cm3, p < 0.001). For a PTS of 4-7 cm, the mean RTV was larger than the mean PTV (56.0 vs 44.7 cm3, p < 0.001). However, for a PTS ≥ 7 cm, there was no statistical difference between RTV and PTV (p > 0.05). Among patients with clear cell RCC, the mean RTV was significantly larger than the mean PTV (p = 0.042), not for non-clear cell group (p = 0.055). As the quartile of the RTV increased, the Fuhrman grade also increased (p < 0.001).RTV was correlated with PTV and pathologic grade. RTV was larger than the PTV for a tumor size 7 cm or less or in clear cell RCC. RTV may be useful to measure tumor burden preoperatively.

There is increasing evidence that peripheral glutamate signaling mechanism is involved in the nociceptive transmission during pathological conditions. However, little is known about the glutamate signaling mechanism and related specific type of vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT) in the dental pulp following inflammation. To address this issue, we investigated expression and protein levels of VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 in the dental pulp and trigeminal ganglion (TG) following complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) application to the rat dental pulp by light microscopic immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis.The density of VGLUT2- immunopositive (+) axons in the dental pulp and the number of VGLUT2+ soma in the TG increased significantly in the CFA-treated group, compared to control group. The protein levels of VGLUT2 in the dental pulp and TG were also significantly higher in the CFA-treated group than control group by Western blot analysis. The density of VGLUT1+ axons in the dental pulp and soma in the TG remained unchanged in the CFA-treated group.These findings suggest that glutamate signaling that is mediated by VGLUT2 in the pulpal axons may be enhanced in the inflamed dental pulp, which may contribute to pulpal axon sensitization leading to hyperalgesia following inflammation.