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Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent lipid peroxidation process. Although the involvement of ferroptosis in kidney diseases has recently been reported, the association between ferroptosis and urolithiasis remains unclear. The present study examined the effects of ferroptosis on calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury in vivo and in vitro. First, renal tubular epithelial cells were exposed to various concentrations of CaOx. By measuring cell viability, Fe2+ levels, lipid peroxidation levels and the levels of ferroptosis-related proteins, it was identified that the relative expression of the ferroptosis agonist proteins, p53, long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSL4), transferrin (TF) and trans-ferrin receptor (TRC), increased, while the relative expression of the ferroptosis inhibitory proteins, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11, XCT) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), decreased significantly. Furthermore, the levels of Fe2+ and lipid peroxidation gradually increased, while cell viability significantly decreased. From these results, it was noted that the extent of CaOx-induced ferroptosis activation and cell injury was dependent on the CaOx concentration. To further investigate the association between ferroptosis and renal tubular epithelial cell injury, the ferroptosis agonist, erastin, and the ferroptosis inhibitor, ferrostatin-1, were used to regulate the degree of ferroptosis at the same CaOx concen-tration in in vivo and in vitro experiments. CaOx-induced ferroptosis and damage to renal tubular epithelial cells and renal tissue were investigated. Finally, it was identified that through the regulation of ferroptosis levels, renal tubular epithelial cell injury increased significantly when the ferrop-tosis level increased, and vice versa. On the whole, the present results indicated that ferroptosis is essential for renal tubular epithelial cell injury induced by CaOx crystals. This finding is highly significant and promotes the further investigation of the association between ferroptosis and urolithiasis.

The adhesion behaviors of droplets on surfaces are attracting increasing attention due to their various applications. Many bioinspired superhydrophobic surfaces with different adhesion states have been constructed in order to mimic the functions of natural surfaces such as a lotus leaf, a rose petal, butterfly wings, etc. In this review, we first present a brief introduction to the fundamental theories of the adhesion behaviors of droplets on various surfaces, including low adhesion, high adhesion and anisotropic adhesion states. Then, different techniques to characterize droplet adhesion on these surfaces, including the rotating disk technique, the atomic force microscope cantilever technique, and capillary sensor-based techniques, are described. Wetting behaviors, and the switching between different adhesion states on bioinspired surfaces, are also summarized and discussed. Subsequently, the diverse applications of bioinspired surfaces, including water collection, liquid transport, drag reduction, and oil/water separation, are discussed. Finally, the challenges of using liquid adhesion behaviors on various surfaces, and future applications of these surfaces, are discussed.

Interactions between the tumor cells and bone marrow (BM) microenvironment promote survival, growth, and chemoresistance of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The mTOR pathway plays a key role in mediating the AML-BM microenvironment interactions. Here, we report the anti-AML activity of a natural monomer extracted from the Chinese medicinal herb Evodia rutaecarpa, dihydroevocarpine. Our results showed that dihydroevocarpine-induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and G0/G1 arrest in AML cells, and inhibited the tumor growth in an AML xenograft model. Importantly, our study revealed that the dihydroevocarpine treatment inhibited the mTOR pathway via suppressing the mTORC1/2 activity, and thus overcame the protective effect of the BM microenvironment on AML cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that dihydroevocarpine could be used as a potential anti-AML agent alone or a therapeutic adjunct in AML therapy, particularly in the presence of the BM microenvironment.

As infertility became a significant public health problem, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) were introduced. However, the fertilization rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF) per cycle varied, and patients needed to repeat IVF or change to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Here, 75 couples suffering from female fallopian tubal blockage (tubal group) and 42 spouses beset by male abnormal sperm status (dysspermia group) were recruited. We comprehensively explored the relationship among couples’ clinical factors, follicular metabolites, and IVF/ICSI stepwise outcomes. IVF/ICSI outcomes were affected by follicular metabolites and physical status in both women and men, regardless of which side infertility came from. Particularly, in the tubal group, the energy supporting pathways—glycolysis and pyruvate metabolism—were most essential in follicles, and IVF/ICSI outcomes were also related to sperm parameters. However, in the dysspermia group, in addition to sperm conditions, oocyte quality acted as a compensation for poor sperm quality, for which aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and the related supporting metabolism were critical in the follicular environment, and ultimately played a decisive role in IVF/ICSI outcomes. The respective logistic regression models in combination with selective male sperm parameters, estradiol (E2), follicular alanine, glutamine, glycoprotein, lipid, and acetic acid, were constructed to predict IVF or ICSI outcomes. No matter which sex infertility comes from, factors from both men and women should be considered. The current study provides a feasible option for pre-IVF evaluation, as well as guidance for follow-up clinical intervention to improve IVF/ICSI success rates.

Renal tubular epithelial cell damage is the basis for the formation of kidney stones. Oxalate can induce human proximal tubular (HK-2) cells to undergo autophagy and ferroptosis. The present study was aimed at investigating whether the ferroptosis of HK-2 cells induced by oxalate is caused by the excessive activation of autophagy. We treated HK-2 cells with 2 mmol/L of oxalate to establish a kidney stone model. First, we tested the degree of oxidative damage and the level of autophagy and ferroptosis in the control group and the oxalate intervention group. We then knocked down and overexpressed the BECN1 gene and knocked down the NCOA4 gene in HK-2 cells, followed by redetection of the above indicators. We confirmed that oxalate could induce autophagy and ferroptosis in HK-2 cells. Moreover, after oxalate treatment, overexpression of the BENC1 gene increased cell oxidative damage and ferroptosis. In addition, knockdown of NCOA4 reversed the effect of oxalate-induced ferroptosis in HK-2 cells. Our results show that the effects of oxalate on the ferroptosis of HK-2 cells are caused by the activation of autophagy, and knockdown of the NCOA4 could ameliorate this effect.

Background: Deposition of various crystal and organic substances in the kidney can lead to kidney stone formation. Melatonin is an effective endogenous antioxidant that can prevent crystalluria and kidney damage due to crystal formation and aggregation. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which melatonin inhibits endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis. Methods: We treated HK-2 cells with oxalate to establish an in vitro kidney stone model, and treated these cells with different concentrations of melatonin (0, 5, 10, 20 μmol/L) and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor Compound C. We measured levels of stress response markers including reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and factors in the stress response pathway, such as ATF6, GRP78, DDIT3, PERK, p-PERK, IRE1, p-IRE1, XBP1s, AMPK, and p-AMPK, using real time-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence analyzes. We measured mitochondrial membrane potential and caspases-3 activity using the CCK8, enzyme-linked immunosorbent, and flow cytometry assays to assess HK-2 cell viability and apoptosis. Results: Melatonin improved the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of the HK-2 cells, as evidenced by the dose-dependent reduction in apoptosis, ROS levels, and protein expression of ATF6, GRP78, DDIT3, p-PERK, p-IRE1, XBP1s, caspase-12, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9. Addition of the AMPK inhibitor, Compound C, partially reversed the protective effect of melatonin. Conclusion: Our study revealed that the protective effects of melatonin on oxalate-induced ER stress and apoptosis is partly dependent on AMPK activation in HK-2 cells. These findings provide insight into the prevention and treatment of kidney stones.

Background Congenital or acquired abnormalities may result in ureteral malformation, trauma, or defect. Traditional reconstructive methods are often associated with numerous complications. Tissue engineering technology may provide an alternate avenue for ureteral reconstruction. In this study, we constructed tissue-engineered tubularized grafts (TETGs) by seeding homologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and bladder smooth muscle cells (SMCs) into bladder submucosa matrix (BSM) for ureteral reconstruction in rabbit models. Methods ADSCs and bladder SMCs were seeded onto 2 sides of the BSM, respectively. Then the grafts were used to construct TETGs of 4.0 cm length and 8.0 mm diameter and were transplanted into the omentum of rabbits for 2 weeks before ureteral reconstruction. The 4.0-cm segment of the ureter was replaced by the TETG. Evolutionary formation of tissue structures and degree of epithelization were evaluated with the use of histologic and immunohistochemical techniques at 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks after implantation. Results All of the rabbits were alive until they were killed. Histologic and immunohistochemical analyses showed consistent regeneration of mature and functional urothelium. At 16 weeks after TETG implantation, multilayered urothelium covered the entire lumen, with visible neovascularization in the center and formation of organized smooth muscle bundles. Conclusions We successfully constructed a tissue-engineered transplanted graft by seeding ADSCs and SMCs onto the BSM for ureteral repair and reconstruction in a rabbit model.

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) exerts an essential role in the pathological processes of many diseases. Our previous study found that lncRNA ATB was highly expressed in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), and migration-related assays were conducted to access the regulatory effects of lncRNA ATB on proliferative and migratory capacities of RCC cells. Flow cytometry was carried out to determine cell cycle and apoptosis influenced by lncRNA ATB. The interaction among lncRNA ATB, DNMT1, and p53 was evaluated through RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and western blot analyses. The results showed that lncRNA ATB knockdown in RCC cell line ACHN inhibited proliferative and migratory capacities and promoted apoptosis. Meanwhile, overexpression of lncRNA ATB in RCC cell line A-498 promoted proliferative and migratory capacities but inhibited apoptosis. RIP and ChIP assays confirmed that lncRNA ATB can bind to DNMT1 and stabilize its expression; meanwhile, it can promote the binding of DNMT1 to p53. Overexpression of p53 partially reversed the proliferative and migratory changes caused by lncRNA ATB. To sum up, our study revealed that high expression of lncRNA ATB could accelerate the proliferative and migratory rates of RCC cells and inhibit cell apoptosis through downregulating p53 via binding to DNMT1.

Circular RNA (circRNA) play important roles in the pathological processes of many diseases. By analyzing the results of the GSE100186 chip, we found that the expression of circRNA ZNF609 (circ-ZNF609) was significantly increased in renal cell carcinoma. Recently, there are studies showing that circ-ZNF609 can regulate cell proliferation and invasion ability of various cells. In this study, we investigated whether circ-ZNF609 may affect cell invasion and proliferation in renal carcinoma. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the expression of circ-ZNF609 in renal carcinoma cell lines and renal epithelial cells. The direct interaction between microRNA-138-5p (miR-138-5p) and forkhead box P4 (FOXP4) or circ-ZNF609 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. We use Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, and Matrigel assays to assess the effect of miR-138-5p or circ-ZNF609 on cell proliferation or invasion ability. And we found that circ-ZNF609 is significantly increased in renal carcinoma cell lines. In addition, the high expression of circ-ZNF609 promotes cell proliferation and invasion ability. In short, our current study reveals the role of the circ-ZNF609/miR-138-5p/FOXP4 regulatory network in renal carcinoma and provides a new perspective for the pathogenesis of renal carcinoma.

Clinically, autologous gastrointestinal segments are traditionally used for urinary diversion. However, this procedure often causes many serious complications. Tissue engineering may provide an alternative treatment method in urinary diversion. This research aims to produce tissue-engineered tubular substitutions by using homologous adipose-derived stem cells, smooth muscle cells, and bladder acellular matrix in developing urinary diversion in a rabbit model. Adipose-derived stem cells and smooth muscle cells of rabbit were obtained and cultured in vitro. These cultured adipose-derived stem cells and smooth muscle cells were seeded onto the two sides of the bladder acellular matrix and then incubated for seven days. The cell-seeded matrix was used to build tissue-engineered tubular substitutions, which were then implanted and wrapped into the omentum in vivo for two weeks to promote angiogenesis. In the experimental group, the bladder of 20 rabbits was totally resected, and the above tissue-engineered tubular substitutions were used for urinary diversion. In the control group, bladder acellular matrix tubular substitutions with unseeded cells were implanted into the omentum and were used as urinary diversion on another five rabbits with the same process. The implants were harvested, and histological examination was conducted at 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks after operation. Intravenous urography assessment was performed at 16 weeks postoperatively. All the rabbits were alive in the experimental group until they were sacrificed. Histological analysis of the construct displayed the presence of multilayer urothelial cells on the luminal side and organized smooth muscle tissue on the other side, and different diameters of neovascularization were clearly identified in the substitutions obtained. No leakage, stricture, or obstructions were noted with intravenous urography assessment. All the animals in the control group died within two weeks, and urine leakage, scar formation, and inflammation were detected through autopsy. This study demonstrates the feasibility of tissue-engineered tubular substitutions constructed using homologous adipose-derived stem cells, smooth muscle cells, and bladder acellular matrix for urinary diversion in a rabbit model.

Ileal conduits are commonly used in bladder cancer treatment and in pediatric patients who require urinary diversion surgeries. We constructed a tissue-engineered conduit using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and a bladder acellular matrix (BAM) and transplanted it into rabbits for urinary diversion to evaluate the feasibility of its clinical application. Rabbit BMSCs were isolated, expanded in vitro, and were then treated with a conditional medium for 3 weeks, allowing the BMSCs to transform into urothelium-like cells. These cells were seeded onto BAM and cultured for another week. The cell-matrix grafts were then sewn into a conduit approximately 4 cm in length and 1 cm in diameter and were implanted as conduits for urinary diversion in 12 male rabbits. Rabbits were sacrificed at 1, 2, and 4 week after operation. Histologic examinations were performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and tissue structures were evaluated by using immunohistochemistry. BMSCs can transform into urothelium-like cells that express the urothelium-specific proteins uroplakin 1A (UPK1A), cytokeratin 7 (CK7), and cytokeratin 13 (CK13). These cells are able to generate epithelial coverage in the conduit lumen based on BAM. Immunohistochemistry showed positive staining with AE1/AE3, UPK1A, and tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1), indicating the presence of mature and functional epithelial cells on the lumen of the conduit. BMSCs may represent a new source cell for urinary tissue engineering, and it is feasible to construct a conduit with transformed BMSCs and BAM for urinary diversion in rabbits.

This study aimed to construct antimicrobial peptide LL-37 expressed lentiviral vector and explore the expression of LL-37 in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from dog periphery mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The methodology on obtaining EPCs from dog PBMCs was explored and infection approach about the expression of LL-37 in EPCs was optimized. LL-37 was amplified, digested by Age I and constructed into pGC-FU vector. Meanwhile, EPCs were generated from PBMCs using endothelial growth medium. Markers including acetylated low density lipoproteins (Dilac-LDL), Ulex lectin (UEA-1), von Willebrand factor (vWF), VE-cadherin, CD34 and CD133 were used to identify EPCs. Then, LL-37 was introduced into EPCs using lentivirus infection with green fluorescent protein (GFP) as the biomarker. Finally, we used western-blot to examine the expression of LL-37 in EPCs. The pGC-FU-LL-37-GFP was successfully constructed. Viral particles existed in 10−4 μL group with titer of 2 × 108 TU/mL. Both early (round-shaped morphology) and late (pebble-shaped appearance) EPCs were observed. And these EPCs were confirmed by Dil-acLDL uptake and FITC-UEA-1 binding. An approximate 50 % of infection efficacy was confirmed by immunofluorescence. Furthermore, we successfully observed LL-37 expression in EPCs via western blot analysis. In conclusions, LL-37 expressed in the EPCs was successfully achieved. However, the anti-infection and angiogenesis of LL-37 expressed EPCs need further research in future.

Aim The aim of the present study was to review our 5-year experience and compare the outcomes of flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for treating 10–20-mm renal stones. Patients and Methods In this retrospective study, we compared 310 patients with renal stones of 10–20-mm size treated with PCNL (n = 164) or fURS (n = 175) between March 2008 and March 2013. The parameters of patients included age, body mass index and sex, as well as the size, location, and previous stone treatments. Factors, such as operation duration, hospitalization time, drop in haemoglobin level, complications, stone-free rate (SFR) and necessitating blood transfusion were analysed. Results The two groups had comparable demographic data, such as age, sex, stone size and localization. The mean operation duration for PCNL was 52.6 min, and for fURS, 81.3 min (P 0.05). The SFR was 82.3 per cent after fURS and 91.4 per cent after PCNL at the first day, postoperatively (P > 0.05). Four weeks after the staged procedure, the SFR was 96.4 per cent after fURS and 97.7 per cent after PCNL (P > 0.05). After the second-stage procedure, the SFR was significantly higher than that at the first day, postoperatively, in the fURS group (82.3 per cent vs 96.4 per cent, P

Introduction This study investigates the efficacy of ureteral reconstruction using a spiral bladder muscle flap with vascular pedicles (ie, the superior vesical arteries) to repair full-length ureteral defects and explores a surgical approach for repairing long ureteral defects (>20 cm) using a bladder muscle flap. Technical Considerations The characteristics of the ureteral reconstruction surgery include the following: (1) Surgeons fully expose the bladder in the retroperitoneal space. (2) While dissecting the superior vesical arteries, the integrities of the blood vessel trunk and the primary branches are maintained as much as possible. (3) While preparing the bladder muscle flap, the surgeons make an S-shaped cut along the route of the superior vesical arteries along the bladder. In general, the basal width of the muscle flap is approximately 2-3 cm in length, and the total length is approximately 1-2 cm longer than the defective ureter. (4) During the surgery, kidney descent and fixation and psoas hitch are performed to reduce end-to-end anastomotic tension. (5) The addition of a submucosal tunnel to prevent postoperative ureteral reflux is unnecessary. (6) A pedicled greater omentum graft is transferred to cover the reconstructed ureter to enhance blood supply when necessary. Conclusion Ureteroplasty using a spiral bladder muscle flap with vascular pedicles (ie, the superior vesical arteries) is an ideal treatment to repair full-length ureteral defects. Moreover, this technique is particularly useful for ureteral defects longer than 20 cm. This procedure should be strongly promoted.

Development of a culture system that supports self-renewal and proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is enormously valuable for experimental research and potential treatment for male infertility. Although several research groups had reported their successes in SSC isolation and culture, the two current accepted culture systems are different in cell enrichment methods, serum and growth factors. Previous researches also indicated SSCs from different mouse strains required different culture conditions. Here we report for the first time that SSCs from BALB/c mice could be cultured in an improved culture system for 3 months. The modified culture system consisted of an improved enzymatic procedure, the enrichment of undifferentiated spermatogonia by differential adherence selection of isolated SSCs, mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder cells, StemPro-34 SFM medium supplemented with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), basic fibroblast growth factor and GDNF-family receptor α1 (GFRα1). The improved digestion method increased the viability and enrichment efficiency of isolated testis cells. Furthermore, basal culture medium with 10% fetal bovine serum as selected medium could increase the number of germ cell colonies in the initiation stage of culture. Cultured SSCs were characterized morphologically and formed typical colonies. Immunocytochemical staining and RT-PCR showed that cultured SSCs expressed Oct-4, GFRα1, Sox2 and several other special genes resembling undifferentiated spermatogonia. Spermatogonia transplantation further confirmed that cultured SSCs were functionally normal and could restore complete spermatogenesis. The culture methods described here could serve as a paradigm to establish conditions for the culture of SSCs from other species, allowing identification of universal factors necessary for proliferation of SSCs.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) microenvironment plays critical roles in antitumor immune response. Resveratrol exhibits a direct antitumor effect in various tumor models. However, the immunomodulatory effect of resveratrol on RCC microenvironment is unknown. In this study, we found that administration of low dose of resveratrol inhibits Renca tumor growth and its inhibition effect depends on CD8(+) T cells. Moreover, the proportion of regulatory T cells is decreased, while the proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells does not alter after resveratrol treatment. More importantly, massive amount of activated CD8(+) T cells accumulates in tumor microenvironment in the resveratrol-treated group and shows increased cytotoxicity, as indicated by a higher expression of Fas ligand. We also found that resveratrol switches the expression of T-helper (Th) 2 cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 to Th 1 cytokines with dominance of interferon (IFN)-γ, which increases the expression of Fas in Renca cells. Furthermore, we found resveratrol down-regulates angiogenesis along with decreased level of vascular endothelial growth factor in tumor microenvironment. Our results strongly suggest that resveratrol might be used for RCC immunotherapy through modulating tumor microenvironment.

Background Congenital or acquired abnormalities may lead to a urethral defect that often requires surgical reconstruction. The traditional methods often lead to complications, including urethrocutaneous fistulae and strictures. In this study, we proposed to construct a tissue-engineered sheet graft (TESG) using a bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)– and smooth muscle cell (SMC)–seeded bladder acellular matrix (BAM) for urethral reconstruction. Methods Rabbit BMSCs and SMCs were isolated, expanded, and identified in vitro before seeding into BAM as the experimental group, whereas BAM-only was the control group. The graft was used to construct TESG for implantation into the rabbit omentum for 2 weeks before urethral reconstruction. We divided 24 male rabbits into four experimental groups six each, and six other were the control group. Histological analysis was performed at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks postoperatively. Retrograde urethrography was performed at 16 weeks postoperatively. Results All experimental rabbits survived to they were humanly killed. At 8 weeks, there was no difference between the graft and the normal urethra with no severe shrinkage. At 8 and 16 weeks after TESG grafting in vivo, multilayer urothelium covered the graft, neovascularization was visible within the center of TESG, and organized smooth muscle bundles were present. Retrograde urethrography failed to demonstrate diverticula formation or urethral stricture. Three control rabbits died within 4 weeks postoperatively. Autopsy showed their urethras to be almost completely blocked whereas another three hosts displays urethral strictures. Conclusion A TESG was constructed using a BMSC- and SMC-seeded BAM for urethral reconstruction.

Background Congenital or acquired abnormalities may cause an ureteral injury or defect. The main methods to reconstruct a long ureter often cause serious complications. In this study, we sought to construct a tissue-engineered graft by seeding bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) into a bladder acellular matrix (BAM) for ureteral reconstruction. Methods Isolated, proliferated, and in vitro identified rabbit bone marrow MSCs and SMCs were seeded into BAM as the experimental group. Grafts only seeding SMCs were the control group. Cell-seeded grafts were used to construct tissue-engineered tubular grafts (TETG) for transplantation into the rabbit's omentum for 2 weeks before ureteral reconstruction. Evolutionary histology was performed at 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks postoperatively. Renal function and ureteral obstruction were evaluated using intravenous urography at 16 weeks. Results Flow cytometry demonstrated bone marrow MSCs to express CD29, CD44, CD90, but not CD34. Histological examination revealed consistent regeneration of TETG urothelium in the experimental group. At 8 and 16 weeks after TETG grafting in vivo, multilayer urothelium covered the entire lumen with visible neovascularization within the center. Organized smooth muscle bundles were observed. Intravenous urography demonstrated no ureteral stricture or hydronephrosis. The 5 rabbits were dead within 4 weeks postoperatively. Autopsy showed scar formation inside the graft with severe hydronephrosis. Conclusion We successfully constructed a TETG by seeding bone marrow MSCs and SMCs into BAM for ureteral reconstruction. Thus bone marrow MSCs can potentially promote urothelial regeneration to achieve a tissue-engineered ureter.

Objective. To evaluate the influence of cold ischemia time on spermatogenesis in a rabbit model of testicular ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Material and Methods. The testicular I/R model was established in 24 male white rabbits. The left testes were preserved using HC-A solution at 0°C to 4°C. Cold ischemia time was 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours. The right testes without vascular occlusion were used as autologous controls. Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, the animals were sacrificed, and samples were obtained at bilateral orchiectomy. Another 8 normal testes were used as normal controls. Testicular tissue Johnsen score, malondialdehyde concentration, and apoptosis index were used to evaluate spermatogenesis. Results. The Johnsen score decreased and the apoptosis index increased with the duration of cold ischemia time in the I/R groups. The malondialdehyde concentration in the I/R groups was significantly higher than the sham and normal groups, and was highest at 4 hours of cold ischemia time. Conclusion. Testicular I/R injury is highly related to cold ischemia time. In rabbit models, testis transplantation is best performed within 4 hours of cold ischemia with traditional hypothermic protection.

The threshold of optic nerve sheath diameter by ocular ultrasonography for the detection of increased intracranial pressure in Korean adult patients with brain lesions Jin pyeong Jeon, Sang chul Lee, Hannah Lee, Ho geol Ryu Hallym University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea Background/Purpose: Previous studies have shown that optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) over 5 mm using an ocular ultrasonography (US) is useful for the detection of increased intracranial pressure (IICP) in awhite population-based cohort. However, cut-off point value, which optimally stratifies IICP, has not been studied in Korean population. This study was started to identify the cut-off point value of the ONSD for the detection of IICP in adult patients. Methods: This prospective analysis was done for suspected IICP patients suffering from traumatic brain injury, tumor, or hemorrhage in 3 participating institutions from April 2013 to April 2015. The measurements of ONSD were done by a qualified neurosurgeon and an anesthesiologist using a 13-MHz liner probe. The interpretation of the CT and MRI were done by 2 neurosurgeons. A receiver operating characteristic curvewas constructed to determine theONSD cut-off point. Results: A total of 78 patients who suspected IICP were enrolled. Their mean age was 48.2 ± 13.2 years, and 41 (52.36%) were female. Among them, 56 patients showed IICP according to MRI or CT. The mean ONSD for patients with IICP or without IICP were 5.91 ± 0.31 and 5.22 ± 0.28 mm, respectively. The ONSD cut-off point for identifying IICP was 5.5 mm with a sensitivity of 94.34% (95% CI, 84.3-98.8) and a specificity of 86.67% (95% CI, 59.5-98.3). Conclusions: The cut-off point of ONSD by ocular US in Korea is 5.5 mm, which is lower than that in a white population. Accordingly, ethnic difference should be taken into account when using ONSD for the detection of IICP.