Presence of secondary bladder cancer following radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: characteristics, risk factors, and predictive value.

BACKGROUND: To assess the characteristics, predictive risk factors, and prognostic effect of secondary bladder cancer (SBCa) following radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHODS: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, the authors analyzed clinicopathologic characteristics and survival data from 472 UTUC patients with SBCa after RNU, between 2004 and 2017. Cox's proportional hazard regression model was implemented to identify independent predictors associated with post-recurrence outcomes. The threshold for statistical significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS: In total, 200 Ta-3N0M0 localized UTUC patients with complete data were finally included. With a median follow-up of 71.0 months (interquartile ranges [IQR] 36.0 -103.8 months), 52.5% (n = 105) had died, with 30.5% (n = 61) dying of UTUC. The median time interval from UTUC to SBCa was 13.5 months (IQR 6.0-40.8 months). According to multivariable Cox regression analysis, patients with SBCa located at multiple sites, advanced SBCa stage, higher SBCa grade, elderly age and a shorter recurrence time, encountered worse cancer-specific survival (CSS), all p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: For primary UTUC patients with SBCa after radical surgery, advanced age, multiple SBCa sites, shorter recurrence time, higher SBCa stage, and grade proved to be significant independent prognostic factors of CSS. We ought to pay more attention to SBCa prevention as well as to earlier signs which may increase the likelihood of early detection. Having the ability to manage what may be seen as the superficial SBCa signs may enable us to improve survival but further research is required.

The impact of atrial fibrillation on outcomes in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: To assess the role of atrial fibrillation (AF) on complicating inpatient outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified patients treated with RP during 2012-2014 within National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Length of stay, cost of hospitalization, and in-hospital complications were compared between patients with or without diagnosis of AF. Propensity score matching methods and multivariable regression analysis were used to adjust for potential confounders and a trend analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Patients with AF had a significantly longer hospital stay (coefficient 0.19, 95% CI 0.09-0.29, P < 0.001) and higher cost (coefficient 0.10, 95% CI 0.06-0.15, P < 0.001). Post-operative cardiac complications were significantly higher for patients with AF (OR 16.38, 95% CI 7.72-34.74, P < 0.001), while no differences were found in other complications between the two groups. Similar results were shown in propensity score matching methods. The cardiac complications after laparoscopic RP (OR: 37.71, 95% CI 1.85-768.73, P = 0.018) and open RP (OR: 16.78, 95% CI 1.41-199.51, P = 0.026) were significantly higher than robot-assisted RP (RARP) in patients with AF. The results of trend study indicated that postoperative cardiac complication rates showed a trend of decreasing year by year while the prevalence of AF was rising. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative AF is associated with increased cardiac complications, longer hospital stay and higher cost in PCa patients undergoing RP. RARP may be a preferred choice for patients with AF. Attention should be paid to this special patient population. Reasonable pre-operative risk stratification and standardized management should be done to decrease perioperative complications.

Transcriptional mutagenesis mediated by 8-oxoG induces translational errors in mammalian cells.

Reactive oxygen species formed within the mammalian cell can produce 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) in mRNA, which can cause base mispairing during gene expression. Here we found that administration of 8-oxoGTP in MTH1-knockdown cells results in increased 8-oxoG content in mRNA. Under this condition, an amber mutation of the reporter luciferase is suppressed. Using second-generation sequencing techniques, we found that U-to-G changes at preassigned sites of the luciferase transcript increased when 8-oxoGTP was supplied. In addition, an increased level of 8-oxoG content in RNA induced the accumulation of aggregable amyloid ß peptides in cells expressing amyloid precursor protein. Our findings indicate that 8-oxoG accumulation in mRNA can alter protein synthesis in mammalian cells. Further work is required to assess the significance of these findings under normal physiological conditions.

Positive node burden rather than the number of removed nodes impacts survival in patients with node-positive prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: The value of pelvic lymphadenectomy during radical prostatectomy (RP) remains controversial. This study aims to test the effects of the number of removed lymph nodes (RLN), positive nodes (pLN), and pLN ratio (pLNR) on cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with node-positive prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: A total of 2458 patients with a greater than 5% probability of lymph node invasion according to the updated Briganti nomogram who harboured pathologically confirmed positive nodes in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2004 and 2015 were identified. Multivariable Cox regression with forward stepwise selection was performed to identify independent risk factors for CSS. Maximally selected rank statistics were used to determine the most informative cut-off value for pLN and pLNR. RESULTS: The median pLN counts and RLN in the study were two (interquartile range [IQR] 1- 3) and 18 (IQR 15-23), respectively. The RLN counts could not predict CSS, while the higher pLN and pLNR were associated with worse CSS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.11; p < 0.001 and HR, 1.01; p < 0.001, respectively). Patients with ≤ 2 pLN or pLNR ≤ 20% had significantly better CSS than those with pLN > 2 or pLNR > 20% (HR, 1.38 (1.08-1.77); p = 0.009; HR, 1.77 (1.41-2.22); p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with node-positive PCa, pelvic lymphadenectomy provides important information for staging, prognosis, and guiding after RP therapy; however, it does not play a therapeutic role. The pLN counts and pLNR were independent predictors of CSS.

Impact of different color fiber sleeves on beam hazards of 532-nm laser and vaporization efficiency.

The 532-nm laser has become increasingly popular for the treatment of urologic diseases. However, laser beam will pose significant hazards for the health of surgeons. In order to reduce beam hazards during surgery, we compared the beam hazards of laser fiber with black sleeves to the traditional fiber with transparent sleeves, and the vaporization efficiency. A total of 18 porcine kidney specimens were vaporized in normal saline at a room temperature under 532-nm laser delivered through a 760-µm core diameter side firing fiber. Two groups were divided according to the color of fiber sleeves: the transparent and the black. Each group was then divided into another three subgroups by laser power: the 80 W group, the 120 W group, and the 160 W group. The beam hazard was evaluated by light intensity measured in a sector area at a distance of 0 m, 0.5 m, and 1 m from the irradiation center. The vaporization efficiency was measured by the vaporization groove depth under the working power of 80 W, 120 W, and 160 W with a working distance of 5 mm and irradiation time of 10 s. The light intensity measured in the black fiber sleeve group is significantly lower than that in the transparent one (P < 0.01), regardless of the measuring distance (0 m, 0.5 m, and 1.0 m) and laser power (80 W, 120 W, and 160 W). No statistical difference was found on the vaporization efficiency between the groups protected by fiber sleeves of different colors (transparent/black, p > 0.05). Compared to the traditional transparent fiber sleeves, more beam hazards will be reduced in the operative region with the protection of black fiber sleeves, especially those from the irradiation center. The vaporization efficiency is not affected by the color of fiber sleeves. Such findings may offer a completely new idea for the protection of surgeons in surgeries with 532-nm lasers.

Results of Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy for Urinary Voiding Dysfunction: Five-Year Experience of a Retrospective, Multicenter Study in China.

PURPOSE: This five-year, retrospective, multicenter study evaluated the long-term safety and efficiency of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in Chinese patients with urinary voiding dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a Chinese national, multicenter, retrospective study that included 247 patients (51.2% female) who received an implantable pulse generator (IPG) (InterStim, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) between 2012 and 2016. Success was considered if the initial ≥50% improvement in any of primary voiding diary variables persisted compared with baseline. The results were further stratified by identifying patients who showed >50% improvement and those although showed <50% improvement but still wanted to receive IPG; these data were collected and analyzed for general improvement. RESULTS: Following test stimulation, 187 patients (43%) declined implantation and 247 (57%) underwent implantation using InterStim®. Among 247 patients, 34 (13.7%) had overactive bladder (OAB), 59 (23.8%) had interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), 47 (19%) had idiopathic urinary retention (IUR), and 107 (44.1%) had neurogenic bladder (NB). IPG efficiency rate for OAB, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, idiopathic urinary retention, and neurogenic bladder were 42.5, 72.4, 51.6, and 58.8%, respectively. The mean duration of follow-up was 20.1 ± 12.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: SNM appears effective in the long term, with a total IPG implantation rate of approximately 57% (ranging between 42.5 and 72.4% depending on indication). Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome appear to be the best indication for stage I testing. Chinese neurogenic bladder patients are most inclined to choose SNM. SNM is relatively safe, with low postoperation adverse events of 16.1% and reoperation rate of 3.2% during the follow-up period.

The prevalence and risk factors of nocturia in China, South Korea, and Taiwan: results from a cross-sectional, population-based study.

PURPOSE: To examine the prevalence, symptomatology, and risk factors for nocturia using data from an internet-based questionnaire conducted in China, South Korea, and Taiwan. METHODS: Data from a cross-sectional, population-representative, internet-based study conducted among men and women aged ≥ 40 years were analysed post hoc. Nocturia prevalence and bother were analysed by sex and age group, and with regard to comorbid conditions and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Multivariate and univariate logistic regression models to identify risk factors for nocturia were constructed, with nocturia involving ≥ 2 nocturnal voids as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Among the 8284 participants, the prevalence of nocturia involving ≥ 1, ≥ 2, or ≥ 3 voids was slightly higher for women (76.1, 37.3, and 17.5%, respectively) compared with men (74.0, 34.5, and 15.5%, respectively). The prevalence and associated bother of nocturia increased with age. Greater proportions of patients with comorbid conditions or wet/more severe overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) experienced nocturia than those without. Multivariate analysis identified that female sex, age > 60 years, diabetes, cardiac disease, body mass index, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) voiding score, stress urinary incontinence, wet OAB, and Hospital Anxiety And Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety score were associated with ≥ 2 nocturnal voids. Hypertension was associated with ≥ 2 nocturnal voids in women but not men, and alcohol consumption in men but not women. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturia is a common and bothersome condition affecting a large proportion of men and women aged ≥ 40 years in China, South Korea, and Taiwan. Factors associated with nocturia included age, sex, comorbid conditions, and LUTS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02618421.

Association of THADA, FOXP4, GPRC6A/RFX6 genes and 8q24 risk alleles with prostate cancer in Northern Chinese men.

PURPOSE: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in males, and multiple genetic studies have confirmed association with susceptibility to PCa. However, the risk conferred in men living in China is unkown. We selected 6 previously identified variants as candidates to define their association with PCa in Chinese men. METHODS: We genotyped 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1465618, rs1983891, rs339331, rs16901966, rs1447295 and rs10090154) using high resolution melting (HRM) analysis and assessed their association with PCa risk in a case-control study of 481 patients and 480 controls in a Chinese population. In addition, the individual and cumulative contribution for the risk of PCa and clinical covariates were analysed. RESULTS: We found that 5 of the 6 genetic variants were associated with PCa risk. The T allele of rs339331 and the G allele of rs16901966 showed a significant association with PCa susceptibility: OR (95%CI)= 0.78 (0.64-0.94), p<0.009 and OR (95%CI)= 0.66 (0.54-0.81), p<0.0001, as well as A allele of rs1447295 (OR [95%CI]=1.46 (1.17-1.84), p<0.001) and T allele of rs10090154 (OR [95%CI]= 0.58 (0.46-0.74), p<0.0001). rs339331(T) was associated with a 0.71-fold and 1.42-fold increase of PCa risk by dominant model (p=0.007) and recessive model (p=0.007). rs16901966 (G) was associated with a 0.51-fold and 1.98-fold increase of PCa risk by dominant model (p=0.006) and recessive model (p=0.0058). rs10090154 (T) was associated with a 1.89-fold and 0.53-fold increase of PCa risk by dominant model (p=0.000006) and recessive model (p=0.000006). And, rs1983891(C) was associated with a 0.77-fold increase of PCa risk by recessive model (p=0.045). rs1447295 was associated with a 1.57-fold increase of PCa risk by dominant model (p=0.008). rs1465618 showed no significant association with PCa. The cumulative effects test of risk alleles (rs rs1983891, rs339331, rs16901966, rs1447295 and rs10090154) showed an increasing risk to PCa in a frequency-dependent manner (ptrend=0.001), and men with more than 3 risk alleles had the most significant susceptibility to PCa (OR=1.99, p=0.001), compared with those who had one risk allele (OR=1.17, p=0.486). CONCLUSION: Our results provide further support for association of the THADA, FOXP4, GPRC6A/RFX6 and 8q24 genes with Pca in Asian populations. Further work is still required to determine the functional variations and finally clarify the underlying biological mechanisms.

[Use of abiraterone acetate in the treatment of patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer and no prior chemotherapy: 3 case reports and literature review].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficiency of using abiraterone and prednisone in the treatment of patient with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) no prior chemotherapy. METHODS: Three mCRPC no prior chemotherapy patients accepted abiraterone and prednisone treatment. The clinical data were analyzed retrospectively and the safety and efficiency of this treatment option were discussed. The Gleason scores of the three mCRPC patients were 5, 9, and 9. The clinical stages were T3aNxM0, T3aNxM1b, and T3aNxM1b. The patients received abiraterone 1 000 mg daily and prednisone 5 mg twice daily and androgen deprivation therapy in the treatment. Their blood pressure, complete blood count, prostate specific antigen (PSA), biochemical parameters, whole body CT scan and bone scan were done regularly to monitor the progression of the diseases. RESULTS: In this study, the general condition improved in two patients. Two of the three patients experienced decrease of PSA and no progression. One patient experienced disease progression. Generally, abiraterone and prednisone resulted in prolonged radiographic progression-free survival and delayed in PSA progression in mCRPC no prior chemotherapy. There were no severe side effects, such as hypokalemia, hypertension, and water-sodium retention. The patient's tolerance was good. CONCLUSION: Abiraterone and prednisone are safe and can improve mCRPC no prior chemotherapy patient's life quality and may prolong the overall survival.

[Correlation of androgen receptor CAG repeats with the risks of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer: a meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of the androgenic receptor (AR) CAG repeats with the risks of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: We searched the major databases at home and abroad for the literature addressing the correlation of the AR gene CAG repeats with BPH and PCa. Based on the results of heterogeneity tests, we used the M-H fixed effect model and random effect model to pool the odds ratio (OR) effect size. We evaluated publication bias by Begg and Egger bias analysis, investigated the association of CAG repeats with the risks of BPH and PCa by systematic review, and stratified their relationship according to the races of the patients. RESULTS: Based on the selection criteria, 4 of the 29 identified studies were included, with 485 cases of BPH, 767 cases of PCa, and 709 controls. There was no heterogeneity between the BPH and control groups, and no correlation between short CAG repeats and BPH after pooling the odds ratio (OR) effect size. Heterogeneity was found among the BPH, PCa and control groups. Random effects model suggested an association of short CAG repeats with the risk of PCa (OR(PCa/control) = 1.45, OR(PCa/BPH) = 1.86, OR(PCa/(BPH + control)) = 1.66), while subgroup analysis with racial stratification indicated inter-ethnic differences between the two. Begg and Egger bias analysis showed no significant publication bias. CONCLUSION: Shorter CAG repeats are positively correlated with the risk of PCa but not with that of BPH.

Identification and genetic characterization of new bovine viral diarrhea virus genotype 2 strains in pigs isolated in China.

Classical swine fever (CSF)-like symptoms in pigs regarded as free from CSF has been reported previously. From sick pigs with CSF-like symptoms, and who had been inoculated with the hog cholera vaccine, samples were collected and subjected to RT-PCR using specific primers. Twelve bovine viral diarrhea virus 2 (BVDV-2) strains were screened and isolated. Homology comparison showed that the E2 genes of the twelve isolates were highly conserved. The genome of the one of the BVDV-2 isolates (named as SH-28) from the sick pigs, which showed a noncytopathic effect in MDBK cell cultures and strong reactivity with monoclonal antibody (MAb) Bz-53 raised against BVDV-2, was sequenced. The genome of SH-28 comprises 12,279 nucleotides and contains a large open reading frame beginning at nucleotide 386 and ending at nucleotide 12,073. Genomic comparison and phylogenetic analyzes showed that SH-28 fall into BVDV-2 subtype and was most similar to XJ-04 (nucleotide and amino acid homologies were 89.9-93.8 % and 91.1-96.9 %, respectively), but was genetically divergent from ZM-95 (pig BVDV-1).

[Association of TET2, LMTK2 and FAM84B gene expression with prostate cancer risk in Chinese patients].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between the common variations of TET2 (rs7679673, A), MTK2 (rs6465657, T) and FAM84B (rs12543663, C) genes and prostate cancer (Pca) risk in Chinese population in Beijing, and to understand the relationship between genotypes and phenotypes including clinical characteristics and life style, etc. in patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: Based on a case-control study, 124 patients with prostate cancer and 138 age-matched control subjects were recruited. Information of clinical phenotype and life style, etc. in the prostate cancer patients was collected. We compared the differences of allele and genotype frequencies of TET2 (rs7679673, A), LMTK2 (rs6465657, T) and FAM84B (rs12543663, C) gene expressions between the two groups for the allele and genotype frequencies, and explored the relationship between different genotypes and clinical features such as patient age, BMI, Gleason score, PSA level and tumor stage, by Chi-square test in patients with PCa. Multifactor dimensionality reduction was used to detect the gene-gene interactions. RESULTS: The FAM84B (rs12543663, C) C carriers frequency had significant difference between the case group and the control group (χ(2) = 3.980 P = 0.046; OR = 1.883; 95%CI = 1.006-3.526). The allele and genotype frequencies of TET2 gene (rs7679673, A) and LMTK2 gene (rs6465657, T) were not significantly different between the case group and the control group (P > 0.05). Analysis of the genotypes and clinical phenotypes showed that the genetic type of FAM84B C carriers [CX (CC + CA)] were significantly associated with cancer stage (χ(2) = 9.585; P = 0.002; OR = 3.740; 95%CI = 1.580 - 8.853). Association between three loci and 12 kind of relevant outcomes was found in TET2 A carriers and the smoking and drinking patients (all P < 0.05). Significant correlation was also found between LMTK2 (rs6465657, T) TX carriers and surgery (χ(2) = 8.612; P = 0.003; OR = 0.174; 95%CI 0.049 - 0.620). No significant correlation was seen with other covariates (P > 0.05). Dendrogram analysis among the three loci showed that the best model consisted of the three sites (P = 0.0270), cross validation consistency: 10/10, and testing balanced accuracy: 0.5120. There may be gene-gene interaction among TET2 (rs7679673, A), LMTK2 (rs6465657, T), and FAM84B (rs12543663, C). CONCLUSIONS: There may be obvious association of FAM84B (rs12543663, C) gene with prostate cancer risk and the stages, and the synergistic effects of TET2 (rs7679673, A), LMTK2 (rs6465657, T) and FAM84B (rs12543663, C) genes may have an association with prostate cancer risk in Chinese population.

The effect of JuanBiQiangGu granules in combination with methotrexate on joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joint inflammation severely affects joint function and quality of life in patients and leads to joint deformities and limb disability. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used in the treatment of RA do not fully control the progression of joint inflammation and bone destruction and have notable adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese medicine formula JuanBiQiangGu Granules (JBQG) are commonly used for the treatment of RA inflammation and delay of bone destruction, but has not been evaluated through high-quality clinical studies. There is a pressing need for well-designed, randomized, parallel, controlled clinical studies to evaluate the exact effect of JBQG on RA joint inflammation and improvement of patient quality of life. Methods: This is a randomized, parallel, controlled clinical study in which 144 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to 2 groups in a 1:1 ratio. The JBQG group received methotrexate 7.5 mg qw and JBQG granules 8 mg tid, while the MTX group received methotrexate 7.5 mg qw. The endpoint was 12 weeks after treatment. Relevant indices at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment were observed and recorded, and DAS28-ESR, HAQ-DI, and Sharp scores were recorded for each patient. Blood samples were collected to test for CRP, ESR, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-17, and INF-γ, and adverse reactions and liver and kidney function (AST, ALT, Cr, BUN) were recorded for safety assessment. After 12 weeks of treatment, the effect of JBQG granules on disease activity, improvement in bone damage, and patient quality of life scores and safety in RA patients were evaluated. Results: A total of 144 subjects completed treatment (71 in the JBQG group and 73 in the MTX group) and were included in the analysis. At baseline, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the observed indicators (p > 0.05). After treatment, 76.06% of patients in the JBQG group had DAS28-ESR levels below or equal to Low, including 45.07% in Remission and 5.63% in High, compared to 53.1% in the MTX group below or equal to Low, 12.33% in Remission, and 17.81% in High. CRP was significantly reduced (8.54 ± 5.87 vs. 11.86 ± 7.92, p < 0.05, p = 0.005), ESR was significantly reduced (15.1 ± 6.11 vs. 21.96 ± 9.19, p < 0.0001), TNF-α was significantly reduced (1.44 ± 0.83 vs. 1.85 ± 1.07, p < 0.05, p = 0.011), IL-17 was significantly reduced (0.53 ± 0.33 vs. 0.71 ± 0.38, p < 0.05, p = 0.004), and INF-γ was significantly reduced (3.2 ± 1.51 vs. 3.89 ± 1.77, p < 0.05, p = 0.014). The median (IQR) OPG in the JBQG group was 2.54 (2.21-3.01), significantly higher than in the MTX group 2.06 (1.81-2.32), p < 0.0001), and the median (IQR) ß-CTX in the JBQG group was 0.4 (0.32-0.43), significantly lower than in the MTX group 0.55 (0.47-0.67), p < 0.0001). The median (IQR) VSA scores were 2 (1-3), a decrease from 3 (2-4) in the MTX group (p < 0.0001). The median (IQR) Sharp scores were 1 (1-2), a decrease from 2 (1-2) in the MTX group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05, p = 0.28). The median (IQR) HAQ-DI scores were 11 (8-16), significantly lower than in the MTX group 26 (16-30) (p < 0.0001). The median (IQR) AST in the JBQG group was 16 (12-20), with a significant difference compared to the MTX group 19 (13-25) (p < 0.01, p = 0.004); the median (IQR) ALT in the JBQG group was 14 (10-18), with a significant difference compared to the MTX group 16 (11-22.5) (p < 0.05, p = 0.015). There were no statistically significant differences in Cr or BUN (p > 0.05). Conclusion: JuanBiQiangGu Granules can be used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis, alleviate joint inflammation, reduce the incidence of adverse reactions to methotrexate, and has good safety. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn/index.html; identifier: ChiCTR2100046373.

[Comparison of natural orifice transumbilical endoscopic surgery versus conventional laparoscopic surgery in renal cyst deroofing].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and feasibility of natural orifice transumbilical endoscopic surgery (NOTES) versus conventional laparoscopic surgery in renal cyst deroofing. METHODS: From May 2010 to August 2011, 8 cases of renal cysts underwent cyst deroofing by the technique of NOTES (Triport) (group A) and 14 cases by conventional laparoscopic surgery (Group B) respectively. The data of patient age, cyst size, operative duration, estimated blood loss, intra-operative complications, drainage duration, post-operative pain score (VAPS) and post-operative hospital stay were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The average cyst sizes of groups A and B were 6.6 ± 2.4 and 7.0 ± 2.5 cm. There was no conversion to open surgery in neither groups and no conversion to standard laparoscopic surgery in group A. The operative duration, estimated blood volume, VAPS and post-operative hospital stay of both groups were 49 vs 35 min, 12 vs 10 ml, 0 vs 1 and 4 vs 5 days respectively. The drainage duration was 1 day for both groups. No severe complication, secondary hemorrhage or wound infection occurred in neither groups. As judged by both surgeons and patients, the post-operative cosmetic appearances of group A were better than those of group B. CONCLUSION: The cyst deroofing by NOTES is a safe and feasible option for the treatment of renal cysts. As compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery, NOTES may achieve better cosmetic effects with smaller wounds.

[Association of prostate cancer with PDLIM5, SLC22A3 and NKX3-1 in Chinese men].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of prostate cancer (PCa) with PDLIM5 (rs17021918, T), SLC22A3 (rs9364554, C) and NKX3-1 (rs1512268, A) in Chinese men. METHODS: We included 124 PCa patients and 138 normal controls in this study, compared the alleles and genotypes of PDLIM5 (rs17021918, T) , SLC22A3 (rs9364554, C) and NKX3-1 (rs1512268, A) of the two groups, and explored the association of each of the genes with the age, body mass index (BMI), Gleason score, PSA level and tumor stage of the patients. We analyzed the gene-gene interaction using the multifactor dimensionality reduction method (MDR). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency distribution of the risk alleles and genotypes of PDLIM5, SLC22A3 and NKX3-1 between the case and control groups (P > 0.05), nor were the three gene loci significantly associated with the age, Gleason score, PSA level and pathological grade of the PCa patients (CP < 0.05). MDR analysis showed no interaction between PDLIM5 and NKX3-1, but tree-diagram analysis revealed a possible synergistic action of the two polymorphism loci. CONCLUSION: PCa might not be associated with PDLIM5 (rs17021918,T), SLC22A3 (rs9364554,C) and NKX3-1 (rs1512268,A) in Chinese men. However, PDLIM5 and NKX3-1 might have a synergistic action on the risk PCa.

The Value of Lymph Node Dissection in Patients With Node-Positive Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Purpose: The value of lymphadenectomy during radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the effects of the removed lymph node (RLN) counts, positive lymph node (pLN) counts, and pLN density (pLND) on survival outcomes in patients with node-positive upper urinary tract urothelial cancer (UTUC). Methods: A total of 306 patients with node-positive UTUC in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2004 and 2016 were identified. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the effect of RLN counts, pLN counts, and pLND on survival outcomes. The maximally selected rank statistics were used to determine the most informative cutoff value for pLND on survival outcomes. Results: The RLN counts or pLN counts were not associated with survival outcomes, whereas higher pLND was associated with lower cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR) 1.75, P = 0.014 and HR 1.62, P = 0.036, respectively]. The most informative cutoff value for pLND in relation to survival was 27%. Patients with pLND ≥27% had worse 5-year survival rates than those with pLND <27% (52.9% vs. 75.9% for CSS and 18.7% vs. 34.2% for OS, each P < 0.05). Furthermore, the multivariable Cox regression model with pLND could predict 5-year CSS (AUC 0.732 vs. 0.647) or OS (AUC 0.704 vs. 0.621) more accurately than the model without pLND. Conclusions: For patients with node-positive UTUC, more lymph nodes removed do not offer a better therapeutic effect. However, pLND provides additional prognostic value.

Correction: All-purpose nanostrategy based on dose deposition enhancement, cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and ROS production as prostate cancer radiosensitizer for potential clinical translation.

Correction for 'All-purpose nanostrategy based on dose deposition enhancement, cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and ROS production as prostate cancer radiosensitizer for potential clinical translation' by Xiao-xiao Guo et al., Nanoscale, 2021, 13, 14525-14537, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR03869A.

Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms on chromosome 17q and the risk of prostate cancer in a Chinese population.

In European populations, 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 17q, 3 SNPs on 17q12, and 4 SNPs on 17q24.3 were recently identified to be closely related to the risk of prostate cancer by a genome-wide association study. In Japanese populations, the correlation between 2 SNPs on 17q and the risk of prostate cancer and tumor aggressiveness was also confirmed by a large-scale experiment. However, whether 17q is associated with prostate cancer and its clinical manifestations in Chinese populations is still unknown. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study in a northern Chinese population and tested 2 SNPs, rs4430796 and rs1859962, on 17q in 124 prostate cancer patients and 111 controls using polymerase chain reaction-high resolution melting curve (PCR-HRM) combined with sequencing. We analyzed the association of the 2 SNPs with the risk of prostate cancer as well as patients' lifestyles, onset ages, Gleason scores, PSA levels, and pathologic stages. We found a significant difference in the G allele of SNP rs1859962 (P = 0.035, OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.03-2.21) but not in the rs4430796 genotype frequency or allele frequency distribution between prostate cancer patients and the controls (P > 0.05). Neither of the SNPs was significantly associated with the onset age, Gleason score, PSA level, pathologic stage, or other clinical indicators of patients with prostate cancer (P > 0.05). Our results show that polymorphism of the G allele of SNP rs1859962 is associated with the risk of prostate cancer in a Chinese population.

[Two single nucleotide polymorphisms on chromosome 3 and the risk of prostate cancer in Chinese men].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of the common variant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on chromosome 3 with the incidence and related risk factors of prostate cancer (PCa) in Chinese men. METHODS: Using the case-control meth- od, we included 124 PCa patients in the PCa group and 111 age- and gender-matched cancer-free healthy subjects as normal controls. We detected the distribution of allele and genotype frequencies of the SNP rs10934853 and rs2660753 with the polymerase chain reaction-high resolution melting curve (PCR-HRM) combined with gene sequencing, analyzed the cumulative effect of the risk genotypes of these two independent variants, and determined the correlation between different genotypes of these two SNPs and clinically related risk factors in the PCa patients. RESULTS: As for the genotypes of rs10934853, there were 28 cases of AA (22.8%), 46 cases of CC (37.4%), and 49 cases of AC (39.8%) in the PCa patients, as compared with 24 (22.0%), 34 (31.2%) and 51 (46.8%) in the healthy controls. As regards the genotypes of rs2660753, there were 13 cases of AA (11.0%), 59 cases of GG (50.0%) and 46 cases of AG (39.0%) in the PCa patients, in comparison with 9 (8.8%), 47 (45.6%) and 47 (45.6%) in the controls. No significant differences were found in the distribution of the genotype and allele frequencies of rs10934853 and rs2660753 between the two groups (P = 0.520 & 0.582). Analysis on the cumulative effect of the risk genotypes of rs10934853 and rs2660753 showed a slightly higher risk of PCa (OR = 1.831 & 1.968) in the two groups with risk genotypes than in the one with wild types (P > 0.05). Different genotypes of rs10934853 and rs2660753 were not correlated with clinically related risk factors of the PCa patients (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: SNP rs10934853 and rs2660753 on chromosome 3 are not obviously correlated with PCa in Chinese patients, and may not be a genetic risk factor of PCa.