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Purpose: We aimed to analyze the characteristics and management of bladder and urethral injuries in Korea by use of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database. Materials and Methods: Data from the NHIS database representative of all cases of Korean bladder injury (n=4,631) and urethral injury (n=17,858) reported between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed. We used the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, clinical modification codes to identify the diagnoses. Results: A total of 491 males (1.97/100,000) and 590 females (2.39/100,000) experienced bladder injury in 2012, and 449 males (1.76/100,000) and 624 females (2.47/100,000) in 2016. The risk of bladder injury was higher in female than in male (hazard ratio [HR], 1.267; p

Background Three-quarters of aged men experience lower urinary tract symptoms with benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) are standard endosurgical procedures in patients with BPH. Previous studies reported better results in patients undergoing HoLEP than in those undergoing TURP. Methods This study compared the efficiency and safety of conventional morcellation and morcellation performed after X-incision during enucleation, a newly added technique in HoLEP. Overall, 174 patients were selected as the final study population. The populations were stratified with respect to resected volumes. A t-test were used to compare the conventional morcellation and X-incision procedure groups. Results In morcellation times and rates, there were significant differences in stratified resected mass (g) between the groups. The results also showed a decreased incidence of bladder injury as a surgical complication. Conclusion We believe morcellation performed after X-incision procedure during enucleation is efficient and safe for older adults with BPH.

Background : This retrospective study examined the safety and efficacy of transurethral enucleation with bipolar energy (TUEB) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), based on initial experiences. Methods : In this study, 2 surgeons performed TUEB on 23 patients between January 2014 and April 2017. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual urine (PVR) were used as variables. Resected prostate volume (g), resection time, efficiency of resection, change in hemoglobin, and indwelling Foley catheter duration were used to assess the efficacy of TUEB. Foley catheter reinsertion rate, occurrence of urethral or bladder neck stricture, urinary incontinence, and bladder injury were evaluated as complications of TUEB. Results : Mean age was 70.3±8.3 years. Mean prostate volume was 55.1±33.9 g. Preoperative and 1-month postoperative PSA, IPSS, QoL, Qmax, and PVR data were collected and showed significant difference. Resected prostate volume, resection time, resection efficiency, indwelling Foley catheter duration, and change in hemoglobin values were 22.9±14.7 g, 109.6±60.3 minutes, 0.23±0.13 g/min, 4.7±4.7 days, and 0.9±0.7 g/dL, respectively. Following TUEB, incontinence occurred in 2 patients and acute urinary retention in 2 (8.7%). Conclusion : Our initial experience suggests that TUEB is efficient and safe for patients with BPH. However, the study was limited by the small number of subjects.

Abstract To evaluate the effect of naftopidil 75 mg once daily for ureteral double-J (DJ) stent-related discomfort after a ureteroscopic procedure using a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. 100 patients with indwelled retrograde DJ ureteral stents after ureteroscopic stone removal or retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) were randomized 1:1 to receive either placebo or naftopidil during the stenting period. At the time of stent removal, the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ), the International Prostate Symptom Score and the total amount of used analgesics were reported. Of the 92 patients who completed the study, 49 patients were enrolled in the placebo group, and 43 patients in the naftopidil group. USSQ urinary symptom scores (30.90 vs. 29.23, p = 0.299) and USSQ body pain scores (22.28 vs. 19.58, respectively, p = 0.286) were lower in the naftopidil group than in the placebo group, but the difference was not significant. Multivariate analysis showed that the use of a ureteral access sheath during RIRS was the only significant predictor of postoperative DJ-related pain (OR = 2.736, p = 0.031). The use of naftopidil once daily did not significantly reduce DJ ureteral stent-related discomfort. Larger-scaled prospective studies should be conducted to evaluate the effects of naftopidil on DJ stent-related symptoms and surgeries.

OBJECTIVES:A prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of naftopidil 75 mg for medical expulsive therapy for a single ureter stone. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Patients diagnosed with a ureter stone were prescribed aceclofenac 100 mg or a combined medication of tramadol 37.5 mg and acetaminophen 325 mg. Patients then randomly received either naftopidil 75 mg or placebo. Primary endpoint was the stone passage rate at 14 days after medication. RESULTS:The 150 patients enrolled in 6 institutions randomly received either naftopidil (n = 75) or placebo (n = 75). The percentages of ureter stone passed spontaneously 14 days after medication was 60.9% in the naftopidil group and 53.3% in the placebo group. Stone-free rates and the total use of analgesics showed no significant differences between the two groups. Stone-free rates at 14 days after medication were decreased when maximal stone size was increased: 39.4% (≥ 5 mm), 15.5% (≥ 6 mm), and 7.0% (≥ 7 mm). CONCLUSIONS:The use of naftopidil 75 mg once daily was not effective in increasing spontaneous stone passage rates or reducing analgesic use. The maximal stone size < 6 mm and the follow-up for two weeks would be appropriate for applying medical expulsive therapy to patients with a single ureter stone.

Membranous lupus nephritis (MLN) and idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) are kidney diseases with similar morphology, but distinct etiologies, both producing glomeruli with immune deposits. Immunoglobulins and complements, the main components of the deposits, can be detected by immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy. Previous researches characterized the immune deposits only individually, but not the interactions between them. To study these relationships we analyzed an IF profile of IgG subclasses and complements (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, C3, C1q, and C4) in 53 and 95 cases of biopsy-confirmed MLNs and IMNs, respectively, mainly using information theory and Bayesian networks. We identified significant entropy differences between MLN and IMN for all markers except C3 and IgG1, but mutual information (a measure of mutual dependence) were not significantly different for all the pairs of markers. The entropy differences between MLN and IMN, therefore, were not attributable to the mutual information. These findings suggest that disease type directly and/or indirectly influences the glomerular deposits of most of IgG subclasses and complements, and that the interactions between any pair of the markers were similar between the two diseases. A Markov chain of IgG subclasses was derived from the mutual information about each pair of IgG subclass. Finally we developed an integrated disease model, consistent with the previous findings, describing the glomerular immune deposits of the IgG subclasses and complements based on a Bayesian network using the Markov chain of IgG subclasses as seed. The relationships between the markers were effectively explored by information theory and Bayesian network. Although deposits of IgG subclasses and complements depended on both disease type and the other markers, the interaction between the markers appears conserved, independent from the disease type. The disease model provided an integrated and intuitive representation of the relationships of the IgG subclasses and complements in MLN and IMN.

The Korean Association of Urogenital Tract Infection and Inflammation and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency updated the Korean sexually transmitted infections (STIs) guidelines to respond to the changing epidemiologic trends, evolving scientific evidence, and advances in laboratory diagnostics and research. The main recommendations in the Mycoplasma genitalium infection parts of the Korean STIs guidelines 2023 revision are as follows: 1) For initial treatment: azithromycin 500 mg orally in a single dose, then 250 mg once daily for 4 days. 2) In case of treatment failure or recurrence, a macrolide susceptibility/resistance test is required, when susceptibility/resistance test is not feasible, doxycycline or minocycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days, followed by azithromycin 1 g orally on the first day, then azithromycin 500 mg orally once daily for 3 days and then a test-of-cure should be considered 3 weeks after completion of therapy. 3) In case of macrolide sensitivity, doxycycline or minocycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days, followed by azithromycin 1 g orally initial dose, then azithromycin 500 mg orally once daily for 3 days. 4) In case of macrolide resistance, doxycycline or minocycline 100 mg orally twice daily for 7 days, followed by moxifloxacin 400 mg orally once daily for 7 days. In the Korean STIs guideline 2023, macrolide resistance-guided antimicrobial therapy was emphasized due to the increased prevalence of macrolide resistance worldwide. Therefore, in case of treatment failure or recurrence, a macrolide susceptibility/resistance test is required.

The razor-backed musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) is native to the Southwestern United States and is traded as a pet. Currently, turtle species that are traded as pets have been observed in the wild with increasing frequency, and S. carinatus is among them. To effectively manage an invasive species, it is necessary to know its distribution. Therefore, in this study, we report a new observation of S. carinatus. We captured the turtle in a reservoir in Gwangju, South Korea, and confirmed it to be S. carinatus through morphological characteristics and genetic analysis. Our results show that, despite extensive efforts in the management of invasive species, species traded as pets continue to be observed in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication between moving vehicles is very important for safety. In this paper, a bidirectional antenna that can be installed inside a vehicle is proposed and tested in a real vehicular environment at 5.8 GHz. The forward link and backward link seated by two persons and three persons were compared in terms of received RF power and the peak-to-average power ratio (PAR). It was found that, even with three persons, the power link fulfilled the communication requirements using the proposed antenna.

A study synthesized exclusively single-crystalline Cd(< 10%)-doped alpha-manganese sulphide (MnS) nanowires (NWs), with a controlled Cd content, by the chemical vapor deposition method. Results indicate that the distinctive magnetic properties of the nanowires have a strong correlation with their photoluminescence, which could be influenced by the nanosize effect and the Cd doping.

[Cd.sub.1-x][Mn.sub.x]S (x=0.1-0.3) nanowires were synthesized by using the chemical vapor deposition method. The nanowires consist of single-crystalline wurtzite structured CdS with a [010] or [011] growth direction, while the XRD pattern shows the concentration of the lattice constants, confirming the incorporation of Mn into the CdS lattices.

The Sn-doped In2O3(ZnO)4 and In2O3(ZnO)5 nanowires are synthesized by thermal evaporation method. The diameter of nanowires is periodically modulated in the range of 50-90 nm.

ZnO nanowires doped with a high concentration Ga, In and Sn are synthesized through thermal evaporations. The absorption and photoluminescence of Sn-doped ZnO nanowires shift to the lower energy region than those of In- and Ga-doped nanowires due to the larger charge density of Sn.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to examine the conditions, characteristics, and risk factors of level IIb lymph node metastases in oral squamous cell carcinoma and to formulate surgical criteria for level IIb lymph node dissection. We analyzed clinical and pathological records for 541 oral squamous carcinoma patients in relation to level IIb metastasis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to detect risk factors for level IIb lymph node metastasis; a predictive model was built based on multivariate analysis and tested in a validation group. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the training group indicated that level IIa metastasis and Lymphovascular permeation (LVP) were two independent risk factors for level IIb lymph node metastasis. This model was built and tested in a validation group, the area under the curve being 0.697 (P

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to conduct epidemiologic investigations on the pattern of the lesion and differences between treatment modalities in terms of recurrence by reviewing follow-up records to form a basis for planning patient follow-up visits. Materials and methods In this retrospective, single-center cohort study, 266 patients diagnosed with odontogenic keratocyst between 1993 and 2013 were included. Medical records and radiographic images were analyzed for age distribution, occurrence site and size, treatment modalities, and recurrence. Results The average age at first diagnosis was 33.1 years, and the male to female ratio was 1.33:1.00. The highest rate of incidence was in the third decade followed by the fourth, second, and fifth decades. The incidence in the maxilla was 34%, and 66% in the mandible. Mandibular ramus was most commonly involved. Lesions between 3 and 6 crowns were the most common, and the rate of recurrence increased with size. Enucleation after decompression had higher rate of recurrence (35.8%) than enucleation (27.1%), but there was no statistical significance. Conclusion The recurrence of odontogenic kerotocyst (OKC) was significantly associated with large size, multilocular form, and surgical procedure. A 10-year follow-up period is recommended to determine any recurrence of OKC.

ObjectivesThe concept of adequate surgical margins remains controversial in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) surgery. This study aimed to identify surgical margin-related indicators that might impact recurrence and survival of OSCC patients.Materials and MethodsHistopathological examination was performed using hematoxylin-eosin-stained surgical margin tissue sections in 235 OSCC patients. Axin2 and Snail expression at the surgical margin was detected by immunohistochemistry. The impact of the Axin2-Snail cascade on tumorigenesis of the immortalized human oral keratinocyte (IHOK) line was investigated in vivo.ResultsThe width and dysplasia of surgical margins were not significantly associated with the outcome of OSCC patients. In a multivariate analysis using variable clinicopathologic factors and with Axin2 and Snail expression as cofactors, higher age (hazard ratio [HR]:1.050; P=0.047), Axin2 (HR:6.883; P=0.014), and Snail abundance (HR:5.663; P=0.009) had independent impacts on worsened overall survival. Similarly, lesion site in retromolar trigone (HR:4.077; P=0.010), upper (HR:4.332; P=0.005) and lower gingiva (HR:3.545; P=0.012), presence of extranodal extension (HR:9.967; P

Abstract Background Condylar dislocation can arise as a complication in patients who required mandibular and/or condylar reconstruction and were operated on with fibula free flap (FFF) using surgical guides designed using simulation surgery. Surgeons should be aware of the complications in these present cases when planning and performing reconstructions as well as predicting prognoses. Cases presentation Two cases showed condylar dislocation in mandibular reconstruction using a FFF fixed with a reconstruction plate. Three cases showed condylar dislocation in mandibular reconstruction using a fibula free flap fixed with a mini-plate. Conclusion Despite the lack of clinical symptoms in these cases following mandibular reconstruction using an FFF, the mandibular condyle was severely displaced away from the glenoid fossa. A surgeon must have sufficient time to consider the use of a long flap with thickness similar to that of the mandible, ways to minimize span and bending, and methods of fixation. The patient, moreover, should be educated on condylar dislocation. Customized CAD/CAM-prototyped temporomandibular condyle-connected plates may be a good alternative even if virtual simulation surgery is to be performed before surgery. These considerations may help reduce the incidence of complications after mandibular reconstruction.

Background: Epididymal anomalies and patent processus vaginalis are frequently found in boys with cryptorchidism or hydrocele. We conducted this study to evaluate the association between epididymal anomalies and testicular location or patent processus vaginalis in boys with undescended testis or hydrocele.Methods: Children undergoing surgery with undescended testis (group A, 136 boys and 162 testes) or communicating hydrocele (group B, 93 boys and 96 testes) were included. Testicular locations and epididymal anomalies were investigated prospectively. An anomalous epididymis was defined as anomalies of epididymal fusion that consisted of loss of continuity between the testis, the epididymis, and the long looping epididymis. The epididymis was considered normal when a normal, firm attachment between the testis, the caput, and the cauda epididymis was present.Results: The mean ages of groups A and B were 24.6 ± 19.7 (range, 8-52 months) and 31.4 ± 20.6 months (range, 10-59 months). The incidence of epididymal anomalies was significantly higher in group A than that in group B (65.4 % vs. 13.5 %, P <  .001). The incidence of epididymal anomalies in boys with undescended testis was significantly different according to testis location. Epididymal anomalies were observed in 100 %, 91.4 %, and 39.3 % of cases when the testis was located in the abdomen, inguinal canal, and distal to the external inguinal ring, respectively (P < 0.001).Conclusion: We conclude that epididymal anomalies were more frequent in boys with undescended testis than in boys with hydrocele, and that these anomalies were more frequent when undescended testis was at a higher level. These results suggest that testicular location is associated with epididymal anomalies rather than patent processus vaginalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposesAlthough clinical and radiological examinations can be used to diagnose oral cancer, and surgical pathology remains the gold standard, these conventional methods have limitations. We evaluated the feasibility of longitudinal next-generation sequencing-based liquid biopsy for oral squamous cell carcinoma surveillance.Materials and methodsEleven patients were enrolled, and plasma and saliva were collected before, and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Tumor-specific mutations were selected using paired, whole-exome analyses of tumor tissues and whole blood. Genes frequently mutated in head and neck cancer were identified using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) databases to design targeted deep sequencing panels.ResultsIn five of the six patients with recurrent cancer, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was detected earlier with liquid biopsy than with conventional monitoring techniques. Moreover, patients without recurrence exhibited decreased ctDNA allele frequency post-treatment.ConclusionsLongitudinal liquid biopsy of plasma and saliva may be feasible for detecting somatic mutations associated with oral squamous cell carcinomas. It might be attributable to determine early tumor recurrence through genetic analysis of ctDNA.

Background: To assess the functional outcomes and morbidity in patients undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) with and without previous transurethral prostate surgery. Methods: Patients were stratified into two groups, 558 patients who underwent primary HoLEP (group I) and 50 patients who underwent 'secondary-HoLEP' with prior transurethral prostate surgery (group II). Results: There were no significant differences in the preoperative parameters (median age, International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS], prostate-specific antigen [PSA], prostate volume, maximum urinary flow rate [Qmax], and postvoid residual urine volume [PVR]). No significant intraoperative differences were noted in the use of total energy, resected volume, enucleation time, resection efficiency, and mean catheterization time. There were significant improvements in Qmax, PVR, and IPSS in both groups. Complications in groups I and II included 19 (3.1%) and 1 (2.0%) bladder injuries, 25 (4.4%) and 2 (4.0%) recatheterization for transient voiding difficulty, 20 (3.5%) and 2 (4%) cases of severe hematuria requiring additional treatment, and 5 (0.8%) and 0 cases for remorcellation due to remaining adenoma. Transient incontinence was the most common complication for both groups I and II, 30 cases (5.4%) and 3 cases (6.0%) respectively. Urinary tract infection showed improvement subsequent to antibiotic treatment. During the 6 month follow-up period, urethral stricture occurred in 7 cases (1.3%) for group I and in 1 case (2.0%) for group II. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in functional outcomes and morbidity between the two groups. 'Secondary- HoLEP' seems to be effective and safe for patients with prior BPH surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Natural history of young patients with bladder cancer has not yet been known. So this study aimed to understand characteristics and prognosis of patients less than 40 years with bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 42 patients (group 1) less than 40 years with bladder cancer followed up for 6 months at least from October 1998 to January 2010. As controlled group (group 2) consisted 44 patients of 60 years or more who had same condition as above mentioned from January to December 2009 was set. Tumor size and number, pathological results, urine cytology results and recurrence rate were reviewed. Results: The mean ages and the gender distribution in the two groups showed no difference. Tumor size (P = 0.021) and number (P = 0.016) in group 1 was smaller than control. The proportion of muscle invasive type was not significant, but pTa in group 1 was occupied larger portion than group 2 (P = 0.01). Group 1 had more low grade cancer (P = 0.013), and lower recurrence rate (7.1%) than group 2 (38.6%) (P = 0.001). In addition, the mean recurrence free duration of group 1 and 2 were 37.7 ± 6.3 and 9.9 ± 2.5 months, respectively. Group 1 showed later relapse than group 2 (P = 0.002). No progression in stage at recurrence was in group 1, but 1 case had progression in group 2. In grade, 1 case was worsen in group 1 and 3 cases were worsen in group 2. Conclusions: These results suggested that young patients with bladder cancer was expected better prognosis than older patients [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We attempted to evaluate the perioperative complications of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia by using the modified Clavien classification system (MCCS). Materials and Methods: Targeting 402 patients who underwent HoLEP for benign prostatic hyperplasia performed by a single surgeon between July 2008 and January 2011, we investigated complications that occurred during and within 1 month after surgery and classified them into grade I to grade V on the basis of the MCCS. If two or more complications occurred in one patient, each complication was graded and counted. Results: The mean age, prostate volume, operation time, hospital stay, and average follow-up period of 402 patients who underwent HoLEP were 68.8 years (range, 52-84 years), 53.2 g (range, 23-228 g), 58.2 minutes (range, 20-230 minutes), 4.5 days (range, 2-7 days), and 9 months (range, 4-27 months), respectively; 78 complications occurred in 71 of the patients (morbidity rate, 17.6%). In MCCS grade I, complications occurred in 54 cases (69.2%); in grade II, complications occurred in 19 cases (24.3%); in grade III, complications occurred in 4 cases (5.1%); and in grade IV, 1 patient required intensive care unit care because of cerebral infarction (1.2%). There were no grade V complications. Conclusions: The HoLEP-based MCCS complications classification was performed very quickly. However, MCCS, when compared with other measures of endoscopic prostate surgery experiences, including HoLEP, exposed the lack of accuracy in low grade classification and the inability to include late complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Some of head and neck cancer patients are in compromised general condition after ablation surgery and chemoradiation therapy, which makes secondary free tissue transfer quite challenging. Elderly cancer patients also have some risk for microvascular surgery with lengthened general anesthesia. In those cases, the pedicled flap vascularized by supraclavicular artery could be considered as an alternative to free flap. Despite several authors have demonstrated the clinical reliability of supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF), to date, SCAIF has not been widely used among reconstructive surgeon. In this article, we clarified vascular flow pattern and introduce simple surgical technique of SCAIF with a literature review. Case presentation Three patients who had underwent previous neck surgery and adjuvant therapy received maxillofacial reconstruction using SCAIF. It required only a few landmarks, flap harvesting was carried out, and the elapsed time gradually decreased to 15 min with experiences. There were no remarkable morbidities in both donor and recipient sites. Conclusion SCAIF exhibited minimal anatomic variations and short learning curve of surgical techniques, which might be valuable reconstruction modality for beginning surgeon. And it can be beneficial option for the patients with vessel-depleted neck, medically compromised status for lengthened general anesthesia and failed free tissue transfer.

Rh-loaded In2O3hollow spheres with diameters of ∼2 μm were prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal reaction of aqueous solution containing indium nitrate, rhodium chloride, and glucose and subsequent heat treatment at 500 °C for 2 h. The response to 100 ppm C2H5OH (Ra/Rg, Ra: resistance in air, Rg: resistance in gas) of 1.67 at% Rh-loaded In2O3hollow spheres was 4748, which was ∼180 times higher than that of pure In2O3hollow spheres. Rh loading decreased the temperature for maximum gas response from 475 °C to 371 °C, which also enhanced the selectivity to C2H5OH 15.1–24.7 times and recovery speed. The ultrahigh sensitivity and selectivity to C2H5OH, the lower sensing temperature, and the reduced recovery time were attributed to electronic interactions between Rh and In2O3and the promotion of catalytic dissociation of C2H5OH into reactive gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetite (Fe3O4) hollow spheres were prepared by solvothermal reaction of ethanol solution containing Fe-acetate and l-lysine, and were subsequently transformed into hematite (Fe2O3) hollow spheres with nanoscale (20–30 nm) thin shells by heat treatment at 500 °C for 2 h. Both the as-prepared and heat-treated hollow spheres contained another small sphere within each shell, which was attributed to the following solvothermal self-assembly reactions: (1) the nucleation of Fe3O4spheres, (2) lysine capping on the nuclei, (3) the growth of lysine-capped particles by cross-linking between lysine molecules, and (4) the formation of Fe shell layers by the interaction between Fe ions and outer lysine molecules. In the assembly reaction, l-lysine with amino and carboxyl radicals played the key role. The heat-treated Fe2O3hollow spheres showed significantly enhanced C2H5OH sensing characteristics and promising Li-ion intercalation behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jang K-S, Song Y S, Jang S-H, Min K-W, Na W, Jang S M, Jun Y J, Lee K H, Choi D & Paik S S (2010) Histopathology 56, 229–239 Clinicopathological significance of nuclear PTEN expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma Aims: Tumour suppressor phosphatase and tensin homologue ( PTEN) is an important negative regulator for the PIP3/Akt signalling pathway that promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. Inactivation of PTEN by mutation, deletion and promoter hypermethylation has been demonstrated in a range of cancers. The aim was to investigate whether the loss of nuclear PTEN protein expression correlates with conventional clinicopathological parameters and patient survival. Methods and results: Immunohistochemistry staining for PTEN was performed on a tissue microarray of 19 samples of normal colonic mucosa, 14 adenomatous polyps, 482 adenocarcinomas and 56 metastatic lymph nodes. All 19 normal colonic mucosa samples (100%) were positive and 12 (85.7%) out of 14 adenomatous polyps were positive for PTEN. However, only 241 (50.0%) of the 482 colorectal adenocarcinomas and 26 (46.4%) of the 56 metastatic lymph nodes were positive for PTEN. Loss of PTEN expression was related to defective mismatch repair protein expression and colonic localization rather than rectal localization. On univariate survival analysis, patients with PTEN− adenocarcinoma revealed a poor overall and disease-free survival ( P = 0.030 and P = 0.046, respectively). On multivariate analysis, a significant difference was observed in patients with stage II cancer that was not observed in other stages. Conclusions: Nuclear PTEN expression gradually decrease during the normal–adenoma–adenocarcinoma–metastasis sequence, which suggests an important role for PTEN in carcinogenesis. Moreover, loss of nuclear PTEN expression was a marker of poor clinical outcome in patients with stage II colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cd1-xMnxS (x = 0.1−0.3) nanowires were synthesized by using the chemical vapor deposition method. They all consist of a single-crystalline wurtzite CdS structure with a [010] or [011] growth direction. The X-ray diffraction pattern reveals the contraction of the lattice constants due to the incorporation of Mn. The Mn2+ emission at ∼2.15 eV, originating from the d−d (4T1 → 6A1) transition, appears below 50−80 K. Its decay time is in the range of 0.55−1 ms, showing a decrease with increasing Mn content. The Mn doping reduces significantly the decay time of band-edge emission from 590 ps to 20−30 ps. Upon applying magnetic field (up to 7 T), the Mn2+ emission is suppressed and donor−acceptor pair emission becomes dominant, suggesting the energy transfer from the band electrons to the Mn2+ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilayered piezoelectric micro-diaphragms have been successfully fabricated by micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) processing. The micro-diaphragms consisted of diol based sol-gel derived Pb(Zr 0.52 Ti 0.48 )O 3 (PZT) capacitor, sputtered Pt electrode, and low temperature oxide(LTO)/SiN x /Si substrate. The PZT film exhibited (111) oriented structure. The dielectric constant and loss of the PZT thin films were 800 and 3% at 100&nvsim; 100 kHz, respectively. The remanent polarization was 20 μ C/cm 2 . The lateral dimension of the PZT film was varied relative to the square-shaped supporting membrane with 300 or 400 μ m length. The relative size (ratio of lateral dimensions) of the PZT film to the supporting membrane was varied from 0.7 to 1.1 to investigate its influence on the system performance. The micro-diaphragm exhibited mechanical displacement from 0.067 to 0.135 μ m at 15 V and had a maximum displacement at a ratio of relative size of 0.8, regardless of the lateral size of the supporting membrane. The fundamental resonant frequency of the micro-diaphragm which has 300 μ m length supporting membrane was in the range of 348 kHz to 365 kHz, depending on the relative size. As the PZT size increased relative to the supporting membrane, the resonant frequency decreased and reached a minimum at the relative size of 0.8. The micro-diaphragm with the supporting membrane (400 μ m length) had a lower resonant frequency, i.e., 251&nvsim;270 kHz, but showed a similar behavior to the micro-diaphragm with the supporting membrane (300 μ m length) in relation to the resonant frequencies with the relative size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R-curve behavior of Si3N4-BN composites and monolithic Si3N4 for comparison was investigated. Si3N4-BN composites showed a slowly rising R-curve behavior in contrast with a steep R-curve of monolithic Si3N4. BN platelets in the composites seem to decrease the crack bridging effects of rod-shaped Si3N4 grains for small cracks, but enhanced the toughness for long cracks as they increased the crack bridging scale. Therefore, fracture toughness of the composites was relatively low for the small cracks, but it increased significantly to ∼8 MPa·m½ when the crack grew longer than 700 μm, becoming even higher than that of the monolithic Si3N4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The conventional transcervical resection for submandibular gland disease has some risks and an unsatisfactory cosmetic result. Recently, robot-assisted surgery has been developed as a plausible substitute for conventional surgery which provides an excellent cosmetic outcome. Case presentation The authors performed robot-assisted sialadenectomy via modified facelift incision using the da Vinci Xi surgical system (Intuitive Surgical Inc., CA, USA) with two endowrist arms (monopolar curved scissors and Maryland bipolar forceps) successfully in a 44-year-old female patient who suffered from sialolith and severe atrophic submandibular gland. Conclusions If similar studies are done in the future, this robot-assisted sialadenectomy may become established as an alternative to existing disadvantageous surgical methods.

Abstract Background Tunneled transposition of the facial artery myomucosal (FAMM) island flap on the lingual side of the mandible has been reported for intraoral as well as oropharyngeal reconstruction. This modified technique overcomes the limitations of short range and dentition and further confirms the flexibility of the flap. This paper presents a case of reconstructing secondary soft palatal defect due to flap necrosis following two-flap palatoplasty in irradiated patient with lingually transposed facial artery myomucosal island flap. Case presentation The authors successfully reconstructed secondary soft palatal defect due to flap necrosis following two-flap palatoplasty in an irradiated 59-year-old female patient with tunnelized-facial artery myomucosal island flap (t-FAMMIF). Conclusions Islanding and tunneling modification extends the versatility of the FAMM flap in the reconstruction of soft palatal defects post tumor excision and even after radiation, giving a great range of rotation and eliminating the need for revision in a second stage procedure. The authors thus highly recommend this versatile flap for the reconstruction of small and medium-sized oral defects.

Abstract Tissue defect reconstruction using radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is a common surgical technique whose success or failure is mainly dependent on venous drainage. RFFF has two major venous outflow systems, superficial and deep vein. Drainage methods include combining both systems or using one alone. This review aims to recapitulate the vascular anatomy and network of RFFF as well as shed light on deep vein as a reliable venous drainage system. We also discuss basic evidence for and advantages of single microanastomosis with coalesced vein to overcome technical difficulties associated with the deep vein system.

High-density Zn0.85In0.15O and Zn0.75In0.25O nanowires were synthesized by thermal evaporation method. They consist of single-crystalline wurtzite ZnO structure with uniform [010] growth direction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals the structural defects caused by the In incorporation. X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) analysis suggests that In withdraw the electrons from Zn and increase the dangling-bond O 2p states. The lower energy shift and green-band enhancement of photoluminescence are well correlated with the results of XRD and XPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly porous NiO–gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) nano-composite powders are synthesized by a one-pot glycine nitrate process and applied to the fabrication of Ni–YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia)-supported tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with a cell configuration of Ni–YSZ/Ni/Ni–GDC/GDC/LSCF (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ)–GDC/LSCF. The power density of the cell is as high as 413 mW cm−2 at 600 °C, which is 1.37 times higher than that of an identically configured cell fabricated using ball milling-derived NiO–GDC powders (301 mW cm−2). The high porosity of the powders and the good mixing between the NiO and GDC primary nanoparticles due to the abrupt combustion of the precursors effectively suppress the densification, coarsening, and agglomeration of NiO and GDC particles during sintering, resulting in a highly porous Ni–GDC anode layer with good dispersion of Ni and GDC particles and a cell with significantly enhanced power density.

Highly sinterable gadolinia doped ceria (GDC) powders are prepared by carbonate coprecipitation and applied to the GDC interlayer in Ni–YSZ (yttria stabilized zirconia)-supported tubular solid oxide fuel cell in order to prevent the reaction between YSZ electrolyte and LSCF (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ) cathode materials. The formation of highly resistive phase at the YSZ/LSCF interface was effectively blocked by the low-temperature densification of GDC interlayer using carbonate-derived active GDC powders and the suppression of Sr diffusion toward YSZ electrolyte via GDC interlayer by tuning the heat-treatment temperature for cathode fabrication. The power density of the cell with the configuration of Ni–YSZ/YSZ/GDC/LSCF–GDC/LSCF was as high as 906 mW cm−2, which was 2.0 times higher than that (455 mW cm−2) of the cell with the configuration of Ni–YSZ/YSZ/LSM(La0.8Sr0.2MnO3−δ)–YSZ/LSM at 750 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]