[Comparison of the efficacy of thulium fiber laser and holmium laser lithotripsy in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones]

Objective: To compare the efficacy of thulium fiber laser (TFL) and holmium laser (HL) in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones. Methods: A total of 76 patients diagnosed with upper urinary tract stones by radiographic examination and who required ureteroscopy lithotripsy or retrograde intrarenal stone surgery were prospectively enrolled from the Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between January 2022 and June 2022. Patients were divided into TFL group (n=38) and HL group (n=38) in a 1∶1 ratio according to the randomization schedule. The perioperative outcomes and stone-free rate of two groups were recorded and compared. Results: Finally, the clinical data of 71 patients were completely collected, including 55 males and 16 females, with a mean age of (45.7±14.1) years old. There were 36 patients in TFL group and 35 patients in HL group, and there was no significant difference in age, body mass index, gender, Charlson comorbidity index, stone site, stone location, stone size and stone density between two groups (all P>0.05). All the surgeries were successfully performed with no intraoperative complications. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of operation time, stone displacement during lithotripsy, visual field clarity, changes in hemoglobin, leukocyte, and C-reactive protein, and length of postoperative hospital stay (all P>0.05), but the laser action time[M (Q1,Q3)] in the TFL group was 30.0 (20.0, 48.8)s, which was significantly shorter than that in the HL group [90.0 (50.0, 120.0)s, P<0.001]. The stone-free rates of TFL group and HL group were 97.2% (35/36) and 88.6% (31/35), and there was no significant difference (P=0.337). The postoperative complication incidences of TFL group and HL group were 36.1% (13/36)and 22.9% (8/35), respectively, and the difference was not significant either (P=0.221). For ureter stones, the laser action time in TFL group was 22.5 (20.0, 43.8)s, which was significantly shorter than that in HL group [80.0 (50.0, 120.0)s, P<0.001]. For stones with maximum diameter≤10 mm, the laser action time in TFL group was 20.0 (10.0, 25.0)s, which was significantly shorter than that in HL group [50.0 (40.0, 80.0)s, P<0.001]. For stones with maximum diameter>10 mm, the laser action time in TFL group was 60.0(42.5, 180.0)s, which was significantly shorter than that in HL group [180.0(120.0, 210.0)s, P=0.035]. For stones with density≤1 000 CT, the laser action time in TFL group was 30.0 (20.0, 45.0)s, which was significantly shorter than that in HL group [95.0 (47.5, 120.0), P=0.001]. For stones with density>1 000 CT, the laser action time in TFL group was 30.0 (20.0, 90.0)s, which was significantly shorter than that in HL group [80.0 (55.0, 180.0)s, P=0.033]. Conclusion: TFL lithotripsy is an effective and safe surgical procedure for the treatment of upper urinary tract stones, with similar clinical efficacy but shorter laser action time compared to HL lithotripsy.

[Diagnosis and treatment for emphysematous pyelonephritis: analysis of 14 cases from a single centre]

Objective: To examine the modalities of treatment and clinical outcomes of emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN), in order to improve the survival rate of EPN patients. Methods: Totally 14 patients diagnosed as EPN between October 2011 and November 2020 at Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine were included in this article. Data collection including patient demographics, clinical manifestations, management and clinical outcomes were conducted by retrospective charts review, after receiving the institutional review board's approval. There were 11 females and 3 males with a median age of 59 years (range: 52 to 73 years). The lesions were located on the left side in 10 patients and right side in 4 patients. All the 14 patients suffered from fever, and present with severe sepsis or septic shock. The median time from symptom onset to admission to hospital was 3 days(range: 2 to 5 days). All cases had diabetes mellitus. Escherichia coli was the most common organism been cultured (11 cases), while Klebsiella pneumonia was the second (3 cases). CT scan showed bubbly or located gas in the renal parenchyma in 5 cases and presence of steaky or mottled gas in the renal parenchyma in 9 cases. All patients had been admitted to ICU for anti-septic shock therapy. Three patients had undergone percutaneous catheter drainage along with broad-spectrum antibiotics therapy while 3 patients had immediate nephrectomy, the other 8 cases had a combination of an initial percutaneous catheter drainage and second stage nephrectomy. Results: In this case series, 3 patients were died from EPN while the other 11 were survived. The median ICU stay time was 6 days (range: 3 to 11 days). Of the 3 patients died from EPN, 2 had undergone percutaneous catheter drainage along and 1 had received immediate nephrectomy. Among the 11 patients who were survived, only 1 had received percutaneous catheter drainage while the other 10 received nephrectomy (8 patients had staged nephrectomy). Follow-up was performed 6 months after discharge. Of the 11 surviving patients, 2 were lost to follow-up, and the remaining 9 patients had an creatine level of (118.4±29.4) μmol/L (range: 89 to 176 μmol/L). Conclusions: For patients coupled with diabetes who were initially diagnosed as acute pyelonephritis, the possibility of EPN should be considered when the disease progressed rapidly especially septic shock occurred. On the basis of empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics therapy and standardized anti-septic shock treatment, a combination of an initial percutaneous catheter drainage and second stage nephrectomy could be efficacious.

[Robot-assisted nephroureterectomy requiring no robot redocking or patient repositioning: experience from a single center with 62 cases]

Objective: To examine a new technique of robot-assisted nephroureterectomy without robot reldocking or patient repositioning. Methods: Patients diagnosed as upper tract urothelial carcinoma treated with this modality between November 2015 and January 2019 at Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine were included in this analysis. Data collection including patient demographics, operative procedure and postoperative morbidities were conducted by retrospective charts review, after receiving the institutional review board's approval. There were 35 males and 27 females with a median age of 70 years (range: 30 to 91 years) underwent single docking robot-assisted nephroureterectomy without repositioning. Among the 62 cases, 37 patients had pelvic carcinoma while 25 patients had ureteral carcinoma (with proximal portion 12 cases, middle portion 5 cases and distal portion 8 cases). The patient was placed in a 60 to 80-degree, modified flank position with a 15-degree Trendelenburg tilt. The contralateral arm was positioned perpendicular to the torso on an arm board while the ipsilateral arm was taped to the patient's side with ample padding. The robot cart was then docked at a 90-degree angle, perpendicular to the patient. A "W"-shape, three robotic-arm configurations was used for port placement. Results: The surgical procedures were performed successfully in all the 62 patients. The operation time was (171.6±54.7) minutes (range: 60 to 370 minutes). The estimated blood loss during the operation was 50(50) ml (range: 20 to 400 ml) with 4 patients had transfusion. No perioperative death was encountered. Eleven patients had post-operative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade 2) including 3 cases of hemorrhage and 8 cases of chylous leakage. All cases were regularly followed up with a median time of 37 months (range: 17 to 55 months). There were 8, 30, 19, 4 and 1 case followed up for 48, 36, 24, 18 and less than 18 months, respectively. Three patients had reginal recurrences and 11 cases of distant metastasis occurred, with 5 patients died for cancer. The survival rate within 24 months was estimated as 75.4%(43/57). Conclusion: Robot-assisted nephroureterectomy without robot redocking or patient repositioning could be safely reproduced, with surgical outcomes comparable to other established techniques.

[An evidence-based analysis comparing two approaches of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: the standard technique and Retzius-sparing technique]

Objective: To compare the postoperative outcomes and urinary continence recovery time between standard robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) and Retzius-sparing robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RsRARP). Methods: A total of 92 patients with low to intermediate-risk prostate cancer who underwent RARP (n=52) and RsRARP (n=40) in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital from October, 2016 to January, 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative data (operative time, estimated blood loss, complications, postoperative staging, postoperative Gleason score) and surgical outcomes (rate of margin positive, urinary continence recovery time) of RARP and RsRARP group were comparatively analyzed. Results: All 92 cases were successfully performed with robot. RARP group had a significantly shorter mean operative time when compared with that in RsRARP group ((103±23) min vs (130±26) min, P<0.05). The two groups had comparable estimated blood loss ((100±54) ml vs (103±64) ml, P>0.05), rate of postoperative infection (5.8% (3/52) vs 5.0% (2/40), P>0.05) and rate of postoperative urine leakage (3.8%(2/52) vs 2.5%(1/40), P>0.05). The two groups had a comparable rate of margin positive (7.7%(4/52) vs 12.5%(5/40), P>0.05). Compared with RsRARP group, the RARP group had a lower rate of urinary continence recovery immediately after the catheter removing at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after the operation (all P>0.05). The two group had a comparable rate of urinary continence recovery at 6 months after the operation (P>0.05). Conclusion: The RsRARP technique has a good tumor control and obvious advantage of early urinary continence recovery compared with the standard RARP technique. RsRARP technique is safe and effective for the treatment of localized prostate cancer.

[Effect of optimized preoperative dietary management in patients with consecutive operation of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy at night]

Objective: To investigate the effect of optimized preoperative dietary management on enhanced recovery in patient with consecutive operation of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP) at night. Methods: Forty patients undergoing consecutive operation of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy at night in the department of urology in our hospital from Jun 2018 to March 2019 were divided into two groups, 23 patients in the study group and 17 patients in the control group. The control group followed the traditional fasting program at 24∶00 p.m. the day before the surgery. In the study group, the preoperative fasting procedure was optimized. The fasting time, water deprivation time, intravenous infusion volume, scores of hunger and thirst, blood glucose level, length of postoperative hospital stay and adverse reactions were compared between two groups. The level of hunger and thirst were evaluated using the Likert score. Results: The preoperative fasting time and water deprivation time of the study group and the control group were (11.9±4.4 vs 19.3±4.8) h and (6.0±2.9 vs 19.3±4.8) h, respectively (P<0.01). The infusion volume of study group was (406.5±310.5) ml and that of control group (744.1±443.0) ml, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The hunger and thirst scores of the study group were lower than those of the control group before surgery, and the postoperative hospital stay was shorter than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The optimized preoperative dietary management shortens fasting and water deprivation time, reduces the intravenous infusion volume, relieves the hungry and thirsty in patients with consecutive operation of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy at night.

[Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for treating renal hilar tumors: a clinical study of 22 cases]

Objective: To analyze and summarize the surgical experience of robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for treating renal hilar tumors, and assess the efficacy and safety of this surgery. Methods: The clinical data of 22 renal hilar tumor patients who underwent RAPN in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between September 2015 and September 2017 was analyzed. The patients included 19 males and 3 females, with an average age of (55.6 ±13.0) years old and the age range was 28-75 years. In 13 cases, the tumors were in left kidney, and 9 in the right. There were 10 large tumors (>4 cm diameter), the average tumor size was (3.7±1.9) cm. Preoperative glomerular filtration rate was normal in all cases. Results: The surgery was successfully finished in all of the cases, with no conversion to open surgery. The mean duration of the surgery was 80-270 min, with an average of (134.7±44.5) min. The blood loss was 80-500 ml, with an average of (135.9±130.7) ml, and none of the cases needed intraoperative blood transfusion. The warm ischemia time was 8-25 min, with an average of (18.2±4.0) min. The postoperative length of hospitalization was 7-23 d, with an average of (11.5±4.1) d. Serious gross hematuria occurred in 1 patient, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation occurred in 1 patient after surgery. The post-operative pathology showed renal clear cell carcinoma in 18 cases, papillary renal cell carcinoma in 2 cases, chromophobe cell carcinoma in 1 case and well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor in 1 case. The tumor resection margin was negative in all cases. Neither local recurrence nor metastasis was observed during a follow-up of 1 to 15 months. Renal function of all the patients was in normal range. Conclusion: RAPN is a safe, useful approach and a minimally invasive operation for treating renal hilar tumors and it owns crucial advantages in complete and accurate resection of the renal hilar tumors and the reconstruction of the kidney.

High-pressure balloon dilation for male anterior urethral stricture: single-center experience

OBJECTIVES

We retrospectively reviewed the urethral stricture cases treated in our tertiary center, and assessed the safety and feasibility of the high-pressure balloon dilation (HPBD) technique for anterior urethral stricture.

METHODS

From January 2009 to December 2012, a total of 31 patients with anterior urethral strictures underwent HPBD at our center, while another 25 cases were treated by direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU). Patient demographics, stricture characteristics, surgical techniques, and operative outcomes were assessed and compared between the two groups. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was applied to evaluate the stricture-free rate for the two surgical techniques.

RESULTS

The operation time was much shorter for the HPBD procedure than for the DVIU ((13.19±2.68) min vs. (18.44±3.29) min, P<0.01). For the HPBD group, the major postoperative complications as urethral bleeding and urinary tract infection (UTI) were less frequently encountered than those in DVIU (urethral bleeding: 2/31 vs. 8/25, P=0.017; UTI: 1/31 vs. 6/25 P=0.037). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that there was no significant difference in stricture-free rate at 36 months between the two groups (P=0.21, hazard ratio (HR)=0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34 to 1.26). However, there was a significantly higher stricture-free survival in the HPBD group at 12 months (P=0.02, HR=0.35, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.87), which indicated that the stricture recurrence could be delayed by using the HPBD technique.

CONCLUSIONS

HPBD was effective and safe and it could be considered as an alternative treatment modality for anterior urethral stricture disease.

Tamoxifen enhances the cytotoxicity of conventional chemotherapy in esophageal adenocarcinoma cells

INTRODUCTION

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is a lethal malignancy which is increasing in incidence, and many patients receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment. We have previously demonstrated that esophageal adenocarcinoma-derived cell lines respond to treatment with estrogen receptor modulators, such as tamoxifen. Reports from breast cancer suggest that tamoxifen may attenuate the efficacy of other chemotherapeutic agents. We have therefore assessed the response of esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines to tamoxifen therapy when given in combination with conventional agents.

METHODS

Two estrogen receptor (ER)-positive esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines (OE-19 and OE-33) were treated with combinations of tamoxifen, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Effects on cell viability were measured using an MTS assay, and cell death was detected with annexin V/propidium iodide flow cytometry. To assess whether the efficacy of tamoxifen in these cell lines might be relevant to the clinical setting, we analyzed ER status in 10 esophageal adenocarcinoma tissue specimens by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

IC50 values (μM) for OE-19 and OE-33 were 11.2 and 7.1 for tamoxifen, 19.6 and 4.7 for cisplatin, and 1.7 and 5.9 for 5-FU, respectively. Cell death was detected in 11.9% and 15.8% of cells treated with tamoxifen, 7.9% and 8.7% cells treated with cisplatin, and 3.6% and 8.6% cells treated with 5-FU at their IC50s. The addition of tamoxifen to cisplatin increased cell death by 11.4% in OE-19 (p < 0.0001) and 16.3% in OE-33 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the addition of tamoxifen to 5-FU increased cell death by 11.6% in OE-19 (p < 0.0001) and 15.9% in OE-33 (p < 0.0001). Eight of 10 tissue specimens showed positive staining for ERα and 7 of 10 for ERβ.

CONCLUSIONS

In a cell culture model the addition of tamoxifen to conventional chemotherapy appears to be both feasible and beneficial. Expression of ERα and ERβ was also confirmed in esophageal adenocarcinoma tissues.

A novel semiconductor compatible path for nano-graphene synthesis using CBr4 precursor and Ga catalyst

We propose a novel semiconductor compatible path for nano-graphene synthesis using precursors containing C-Br bonding and liquid catalyst. The unique combination of CBr4 as precursor and Ga as catalyst leads to efficient C precipitation at a synthesis temperature of 200 °C or lower. The non-wetting nature of liquid Ga on tested substrates limits nano-scale graphene to form on Ga droplets and substrate surfaces at low synthesis temperatures of T ≤ 450 °C and at droplet/substrate interfaces by C diffusion via droplet edges when T ≥ 400 °C. Good quality interface nano-graphene is demonstrated and the quality can be further improved by optimization of synthesis conditions and proper selection of substrate type and orientation. The proposed method provides a scalable and transfer-free route to synthesize graphene/semiconductor heterostructures, graphene quantum dots as well as patterned graphene nano-structures at a medium temperature range of 400-700 °C suitable for most important elementary and compound semiconductors.

Pure transperitoneal laparoscopic correction of retrocaval ureter

BACKGROUND

Retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital abnormality. Operative repair is always suggested in cases of significant functional obstruction. Laparoscopic procedures have been employed as the minimally invasive therapeutic option for retrocaval ureter. However, the laparoscopic techniques for retrocaval ureter might be technically challenging to some surgeons. The aim of this article was to present our experience and surgical techniques of pure transperitoneal laparoscopic pyelopyelostomy and ureteroureterostomy in nine patients with retrocaval ureter.

METHODS

A total of nine patients of retrocaval ureter underwent pure laparoscopic pyelopyelostomy or ureteroureterostomy. The operation was performed with the patients placed in the 70-degree lateral decubitus position via a three port transperitoneal approach with two 10-mm and one 5-mm ports. The distal part of the dilated renal pelvis was transected at the ureteropelvic junction and the ureter was relocated anterior to the inferior vena cava. The tension-free pyeloureteral or ureteroureteral anastomosis was completed with the intracorporal freehand suturing and in situ knot-tying techniques combined with interrupted and continuous fashion. A double J ureteral stent was inserted in an antegrade manner during laparoscopy. Intravenous urography or computerized tomography and renal ultrasonography were performed after 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

All operations were completed laparoscopically, and no open conversion was required. The mean operative time was 135 minutes (range, 70 - 250 minutes), with minimal blood loss (less than 60 ml). No intra-operative complications or significant bleeding occurred. All patients presented mild postoperative pain and quick convalescence. The symptoms disappeared and hydronephrosis decreased substantially after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Pure transperitoneal laparoscopic correction for retrocaval ureter was associated with an excellent outcome, minimal invasiveness and short hospital stay. It is technically feasible and reliable for retrocaval ureter treatment. Laparoscopic surgery could be the standard treatment for retrocaval ureter.

Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma adjacent to the kidney: report of two cases and review

We report two cases of primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenomas mistaken as renal cysts and discuss the differential diagnosis and management of this tumor.

Celecoxib reduces symptoms in men with difficult chronic pelvic pain syndrome (Category IIIA)

We investigated the effectiveness of celecoxib in reducing symptoms in patients with difficult chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), NIH category IIIA. Sixty-four patients with category IIIA CPPS were randomized into two groups of 32 subjects each. One group was treated with celecoxib (200 mg daily) and the other with placebo. All patients underwent treatment for 6 weeks and were evaluated clinically before (baseline) and after 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment. The evaluation included the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) and a subjective global assessment (SGA). Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate treatment and time effects and their interaction. A decrease (means +/- SD) in total NIH-CPSI score from 23.91 +/- 5.27 to 15.88 +/- 2.51 in the celecoxib group and from 24.25 +/- 5.09 to 19.50 +/- 2.50 in the placebo group was observed during treatment (0 to 6 weeks). A statistically significant decrease was observed in pain subscore (P < 0.006), quality of life subscore (P < 0.032) and total NIH-CPSI score (P < 0.015) after 2, 4 and 6 weeks, but not in urinary subscore. In addition, 38% of the celecoxib and 13% of the placebo subjects had at least a moderate improvement in SGA. The trend was similar for the NIH-CPSI scores. However, the response to treatment in terms of total NIH-CPSI score or subscore was not significantly different from placebo after interruption of treatment for 2 weeks. Our results show that celecoxib provides significant symptomatic improvement limited to the duration of the therapy in patients with difficult category IIIA CPPS compared to placebo.

[Transperitoneal laparoscopic modified lymph node dissection for clinical stage I nonseminomatous germ cell testicular carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and short-term clinical effect of transperitoneal laparoscopic modified retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (LmRPLND) in the management of clinical Stage I nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumors.

METHODS

From October 2004 to July 2006, 7 patients aged 26-36 (mean 30) years underwent LmRPLND with modified unilateral template dissection for clinical Stage I nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumors, which were 3.0 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.0 cm to 6.5 cm x 4.5 cm x 3.0 cm in size, 3 cases on the left and 4 on the right, all diagnosed by ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) and chest X-ray and confirmed by biopsy following radical orchiectomy. Those with positive lymph nodes received 3 courses of chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Success was achieved in all the 7 cases, the operative time ranging from 120 to 210 min (mean 160 min), blood loss from 50 to 200 ml (mean 150 ml), and with no blood transfusion. The drainage tubes were removed 1-2 days after surgery. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.5 days. The follow-up lasted 6-32 (mean 14) months, which revealed normal erection and ejaculation in all the patients, but no major postoperative complications. Pathologically, lymph nodes were negative in 6 cases and positive (1/18) in 1. Normal results were obtained in HCG and AFP tests as well as in retroperitoneal ultrasound and chest X-ray examinations. The patient with positive lymph nodes was treated by adjuvant chemotherapy for 3 courses and found free of malignancy during a 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

LmRPLND is a safe and minimally invasive treatment option for patients with clinical Stage I nonseminomatous germ cell testicular carcinoma. With fewer complications and faster recovery, it appears to be a desirable substitute for the open procedure.

[Construction of recombinant bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine secreting human interferon-alpha 2b]

OBJECTIVE

To construct a recombinant bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine (rBCG) secreting human interferon-alpha 2b (IFN alpha-2b).

METHODS

BCG Ag85B signal sequence and IFN alpha-2b gene were amplified from the genome of BCG and of human peripheral blood by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. IFN alpha-2b gene was cloned in E. coli-BCG shuttle-vector pMV261 to get pMV261-IFN alpha-2b. A new recombinant plasmid pMV261-IFN alpha-2b was constructed by inserting BCG Ag85B signal sequence into pMV261-Ag85B-IFN alpha-2b. Then, BCG was transformed with this recombinant plasmid by electroporation, and designated as rBCG-IFN alpha-2b. The DNA and protein expressions of IFN alpha-2b gene in rBCG were determined by PCR and Western blot respectively. Also the quantity of IFN alpha-2b protein secreted by rBCG in culture supernatants was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

By partial nucleotide sequencing, the DNA sequences of human IFN alpha-2b and BCG Ag85B were consistent with that in the Gene Bank, and were correctly inserted into the shuttle expression vector pMV261 to construct recombinant plasmid pMV261-Ag85B-IFN alpha-2b. BCG was successfully transformed with this recombinant plasmid by electroporation and the recombinant BCG (rBCG-IFN alpha-2b) was capable of synthesizing and secreting cytokine IFN alpha-2b. The concentration of IFN alpha-2b in culture supernatants was quantified by ELISA and calculated to be approximately 301.45 pg/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

Recombinant BCG secreting human IFN alpha-2b (rBCG-IFN alpha-2b) was constructed successfully and the specific IFN alpha-2b protein can be expressed highly and steadily by rBCG vaccine.

Study on enhancement of fibronectin-mediated bacillus Calmette-Guérin attachment to urinary bladder wall in rabbits

To clarify whether intravesical usage of fibrin clot stabilizer epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) or p-aminomethyl benzoic acid (PAMBA) and different injuries enhance fibronectin (FN)-mediated bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) attachment to bladder wall. Thirty New Zealand male white rabbits were randomly divided into five groups and the bladder wall of each rabbit was injured by electrocautery, cryocautery or knife cutting on left lateral wall, right lateral wall and posterior wall in different groups, respectively. Different drug was instilled into the bladder: Group A: pure PBS; B: PBS and radiolabeled BCG ((3)H-BCG); C: EACA and (3)H-BCG; D: PAMBA and (3)H-BCG; E: heparin and (3)H-BCG. After instillation, each injured and non-injured bladder wall were surgically harvested and digested. The quantity of BCG attachment was detected by liquid scintillation counter (scintillation times per min, STPM). Quantity of BCG attachment to injured bladder wall was significantly (P < 0.01) greater than that of non-injured one, no matter which injury was performed. The BCG attachment to bladder wall in Group C or Group D was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than that of Group B. The quantity of BCG attachment to bladder of Group E was significantly (P < 0.05) less than that of Group B, C and D, respectively. Intravesical instillation of fibrin clot stabilizer (PAMBA, EACA) enhances FN-mediated BCG attachment to bladder wall while heparin inhibits this process. Injuries; e.g., cutting, cryocautery or electrocautery of bladder wall can significantly increase BCG attachment to the bladder wall.

Integration of single-crystalline nanocolumns into highly ordered nanopore arrays

The arrangement of nanostructures into desired well-ordered architectures is crucial for the realization of functional nanodevices and has been the focus of current nanotechnology. Existing physical and chemical approaches have the ability to assemble nanostructures, but it is still a challenge to arrange basic nanostructures into a highly ordered designed pattern. Here, we report a novel method to integrate tin-doped indium oxide single-crystalline nanocolumns into highly ordered two-dimensional nanopore patterns through radio-frequency magnetron sputtering by the aid of porous alumina membranes (PAMs). We have further demonstrated that the morphology of the assembled nanopore arrays is controllable by adjusting either the PAM configurations or sputtering conditions. Our present method provides the possibility of a general approach for nanounit integration, and these assembled regular nanopore arrays pave the way for the application of novel filters and sensors.

Effects of 12 beticolins, Cercospora beticola toxins, on proliferation of ras-transformed adrenocortical cell

AIM

To explore different effects of 12 beticolins, Cercospora beticola toxins, on ras-transformed adrenocortical cell growth inhibition and their functional mechanism.

METHODS

Beticolin-induced inhibition was measured with survival cell number determined by an automated photocolorimetric method. The penetration of beticolin was examined by confocal microscopy. Ras protein determined by Lowry method were separated by 14 % SDS-PAGE and electroblotted to Immobilon-P transfer membrane and detected with pan-Ras (Ab-3) monoclonal antibody. The Ca2+ chelation by beticolin was investigated using a calcium ionophore.

RESULTS

Cell growth inhibition was found dose- and time-dependently at submicromolar level for beticolin-1, -2, and -13 (IC50 </= 250 nmol/L) and for beticolin-0, 6, and -11 (400 nmol/L < IC50 </= 500 nmol/L). The inhibition by beticolin-1 was immediate, independent of cell culture step and not reversible for 3-day treatment. Beticolin-3 and -4 were slightly active (1 micromol/L < IC50 </= 2 micromol/L) and beticolin-7, -9, -12, and -5 were inactive at micromolar level. The beticolin-induced cell growth inhibition was correlated with the hydrophobicity of these compounds. Beticolin-1 fluorescence in RTAC cells was detected by confocal microscopy whereas beticolin-3 and -12 were not even after a 24 h incubation period. Beticolin-1-induced cell growth inhibition was partially reverted by calcium ionophore suggesting a role of intracellular Ca2+ chelation by beticolin-1 on cell growth inhibition. Furthermore, beticolin-1 blocked up Ras p21 translocation to membrane and induced accumulation of Ras in the cytosol as an inactive form by different ways.

CONCLUSION

Beticolins with high hydrophobicity inhibit tumorigenic cell proliferation by different ways.

[Clinical summary of relatively large dose of sodium morrhuate injection for the treatment of maxillofacial cavernous hemangionma:A report of 764 cases]

The result of relatively large dose of 5% sodium morrhuate injection(SIM) for the treatment of 764 cases in the cavernous hemangioma in orofacial region is presented.The curative rate was improved,Its cure and elementary cure rate were 89.27%.The dosage,course and practical approach were discussed,The relationship of factors listed above with the curative effect were mentioned.The reaction and complications might be influencing the recurrence rate.Hemangioma after SMI should be observed in order to consolidate its curative effect.