[Concordance between three integrated scores based on prostate biopsy and grade-grouping of radical prostatectomy specimen].

Objective: To analyze three different integrated scoring schemes of prostate biopsy and to compare their concordance with the scoring of radical prostatectomy specimens. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 556 patients with radical prostatectomy performed in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China from 2017 to 2020. In these cases, whole organ sections were performed, the pathological data based on biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens were summarized, and 3 integrated scores of prostate biopsy were calculated, namely the global score, the highest score and score of the largest volume. Results: Among the 556 patients, 104 cases (18.7%) were classified as WHO/ISUP grade group 1, 227 cases (40.8%) as grade group 2 (3+4=7); 143 cases (25.7%) as grade group 3 (4+3=7); 44 cases (7.9%) as grade group 4 (4+4=8) and 38 cases (6.8%) as grade group 5. Among the three comprehensive scoring methods for prostate cancer biopsy, the consistency of global score was the highest (62.4%). In the correlation analysis, the correlation between the scores of radical specimens and the global scores was highest (R=0.730, P<0.01), while the correlations of the scores based on radical specimens with highest scores and scores of the largest volume based on biopsy were insignificant (R=0.719, P<0.01; R=0.631, P<0.01, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed tPSA group and the three integrated scores of prostate biopsy were statistically correlated with extraglandular invasion, lymph node metastasis, perineural invasion and biochemical recurrence. Elevated global score was an independent prognostic risk factor for extraglandular invasion and biochemical recurrence in patients; increased serum tPSA was an independent prognostic risk factor for extraglandular invasion; increased hjighest score was an independent risk factor for perineural invasion. Conclusions: In this study, among the three different integrated scores, the overall score is most likely corresponded to the radical specimen grade group, but there is difference in various subgroup analyses. Integrated score of prostate biopsy can reflect grade group of radical prostatectomy specimens, thereby providing more clinical information for assisting in optimal patient management and consultation.

[Expression of GPNMB in renal eosinophilic tumors and its value in differential diagnosis].

Objective: To investigate the expression of glycoprotein non metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) in renal eosinophilic tumors and to compare the value of GPNMB with CK20, CK7 and CD117 in the differential diagnosis of renal eosinophilic tumors. Methods: Traditional renal tumor eosinophil subtypes, including 22 cases of renal clear cell carcinoma eosinophil subtype (e-ccRCC), 19 cases of renal papillary cell carcinoma eosinophil subtype (e-papRCC), 17 cases of renal chromophobe cell carcinoma eosinophil subtype (e-chRCC), 12 cases of renal oncocytoma (RO) and emerging renal tumor types with eosinophil characteristics [3 cases of eosinophilic solid cystic renal cell carcinoma (ESC RCC), 3 cases of renal low-grade eosinophil tumor (LOT), 4 cases of fumarate hydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma (FH-dRCC) and 5 cases of renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma (E-AML)], were collected at the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from January 2017 to March 2022. The expression of GPNMB, CK20, CK7 and CD117 was detected by immunohistochemistry and statistically analyzed. Results: GPNMB was expressed in all emerging renal tumor types with eosinophil characteristics (ESC RCC, LOT, FH-dRCC) and E-AML, while the expression rates in traditional renal eosinophil subtypes e-papRCC, e-chRCC, e-ccRCC and RO were very low or zero (1/19, 1/17, 0/22 and 0/12, respectively); the expression rate of CK7 in LOT (3/3), e-chRCC (15/17), e-ccRCC (4/22), e-papRCC (2/19), ESC RCC (0/3), RO (4/12), E-AML(1/5), and FH-dRCC (2/4) variedly; the expression of CK20 was different in ESC RCC (3/3), LOT(3/3), e-chRCC(1/17), RO(9/12), e-papRCC(4/19), FH-dRCC(1/4), e-ccRCC(0/22) and E-AML(0/5), and so did that of CD117 in e-ccRCC(2/22), e-papRCC(1/19), e-chRCC(16/17), RO(10/12), ESC RCC(0/3), LOT(1/3), E-AML(2/5) and FH-dRCC(1/4). GPNMB had 100% sensitivity and 97.1% specificity in distinguishing E-AML and emerging renal tumor types (such as ESC RCC, LOT, FH-dRCC) from traditional renal tumor types (such as e-ccRCC, e-papRCC, e-chRCC, RO),respectively. Compared with CK7, CK20 and CD117 antibodies, GPNMB was more effective in the differential diagnosis (P<0.05). Conclusion: As a new renal tumor marker, GPNMB can effectively distinguish E-AML and emerging renal tumor types with eosinophil characteristics such as ESC RCC, LOT, FH-dRCC from traditional renal tumor eosinophil subtypes such as e-ccRCC, e-papRCC, e-chRCC and RO, which is helpful for the differential diagnosis of renal eosinophilic tumors.

[Application of skin phosphorylated synuclein in the diagnosis of dementia with Lewy body].

Patients with dementia with Lewy body(DLB), Alzheimer disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTP), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and healthy controls in the Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2019 to March 2021 were recruited, with 3 in each group. Phosphorylated α-synuclein from the skin of DLB patients was detected by skin micro-biopsy and compared with patients with AD, FTP, PSP and health controls. Phosphorylated α-synuclein was found in the skin nerves of the DLB patients, while no α-synuclein were detected in the skin samples of others. Skin phosphorylated α-synuclein may potentially become a diagnostic biomarker of DLB, however further studies are warranted to assess its sensitivity and specificity.

Exosome-mediated transfer of MIF confers temozolomide resistance by regulating TIMP3/PI3K/AKT axis in gliomas.

Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is an important cause of clinical treatment failure and poor prognosis in gliomas. Increasing evidence indicates that cancer-derived exosomes contribute to chemoresistance; however, the specific contribution of glioma-derived exosomes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the role and underlying mechanisms of exosomal macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on TMZ resistance in gliomas. We first demonstrated that MIF was upregulated in the exosomes of TMZ-resistant cells, engendering the transfer of TMZ resistance to sensitive cells. Our results indicated that exosomal MIF conferred TMZ resistance to sensitive cells through the enhancement of cell proliferation and the repression of cell apoptosis upon TMZ exposure. MIF knockdown enhanced TMZ sensitivity in resistant glioma cells by upregulating Metalloproteinase Inhibitor 3 (TIMP3) and subsequently suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Additionally, exosomal MIF promoted tumor growth and TMZ resistance of glioma cells in vivo, while IOS-1 (MIF inhibitor) promotes glioma TMZ sensitive in vivo. Taken together, our study demonstrated that exosome-mediated transfer of MIF enhanced TMZ resistance in glioma through downregulating TIMP3 and further activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, highlighting a prognostic biomarker and promising therapeutic target for TMZ treatment in gliomas.

An 11-lncRNA risk scoring model predicts prognosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to construct a multi-gene risk scoring model that can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: RNA-seq data from 494 LUSC tumor samples and 49 peripheral lung tissue samples were obtained from TCGA_LUSC database. Differential analysis was conducted using edgeR to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) between LUSC and normal samples. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to screen lncRNAs that were significantly correlated with LUSC prognosis. LASSO regression model was built to reduce complexity. The LUSC prognostic model based on lncRNAs was established by multivariate Cox regression analysis, which was evaluated by ROC curves and survival analysis. ROC and Kaplan-Meier survival curves of each lncRNA in the model were plotted and compared. RESULTS: 2085 DElncRNAs were identified. Combined with univariate Cox regression analysis, 342 prognosis-related genes were screened. After LASSO regression analysis, 11 lncRNAs tightly related to LUSC prognosis were identified and a risk scoring model was constructed. ROC curve analysis proved the good performance of the model. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the mortality in high-risk group was significantly higher. The survival analysis results of each lncRNA were also consistent with the prediction in Cox regression. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that the 11-lncRNA risk scoring model may provide a new insight for predicting prognosis of LUSC patients.

Effects of growth hormone on pregnancy rates of patients with thin endometrium.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether growth hormone (GH) could improve pregnancy rates of patients with thin endometrium by clinical study and laboratory experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-three patients were randomized to either the GH-received group (40) or the routine exogenous administration of estrogens control group (53) for clinical study. The human endometrial carcinoma cell line RL95-2 was used for testing the role of GH with Western blot and real-time PCR by exposure to various concentrations of GH (0.1 nM,1 nM,10 nM,100 nM). RESULTS: Patients treated with GH had a significantly (P < 0.05) greater endometrium thickness on day 3 (7.87±0.72 vs 6.34±0.86), higher implantation rates (24.4% vs 10.5%) and greater clinical pregnancy rates (42.5% vs 18.9%) compared with the control group. No adverse events were associated with the use of GH. Administration of GH significantly up-regulated the expression of VEGF, ItgB3 and IGF-I expression in RL95-2 cells at both mRNA and protein levels (P < 0.05). AG490, an inhibitor of JAK2, nearly completely inhibited the up-regulative effect of GH through the JAK2-STAT5 pathway, and GH-induced effects could be mediated through autocrine IGF-I together with its hepatic counterpart. IGF-I mRNA was detected in the RL95-2 cells. CONCLUSION: GH may improve pregnancy outcomes of patients with thin endometrium who undergo frozen embryo transfer by acting on human endometrial cells to promote proliferation and vascularization and to up-regulate receptivity-related molecular expression.

BML-111 inhibits the inflammatory response and apoptosis of renal tissue in rats with hemorrhagic shock by inhibiting the MAPK pathway.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of lipoxin receptor agonist BML-111 on acute kidney injury and AKI in rats with hemorrhagic shock (HS) and its mechanism were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A model of hemorrhagic shock in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was established, and recovered after 30 min of shock. 1 mg/kg BML-111 was intraperitoneally injected at the beginning of resuscitation in group BML-111. The concentration of serum creatinine, serum KIM-1 content, NGAL and inflammatory factors were detected. Renal tissue injury was examined by HE staining; TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptosis of rat kidney cells. Western blot was performed for the detection of the expression level of MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), Bax, cytochrome C and caspase-3,9 in rat renal tissue. RESULTS: HE staining showed pathological changes in groups group comparing to sham group. BML-111 group had a significant decrease in renal tissue injury. The scores of renal injury in each group were in accordance with the histological changes. The expression level of inflammatory factors in HS group was significantly higher than that in sham group (p<0.05). After BML-111 intervention, the levels of inflammatory factors in renal tissue were significantly lower than those in HS group (p<0.05). Meanwhile, NGAL and KIM-1 also showed the same trend. TUNEL staining showed that compared with sham group, the number of apoptotic cells in renal tissue of HS group increased significantly, and the apoptosis rate of renal tissue cells in group BML-111 decreased significantly. Western blot showed that the expression level of JNK, p38MAPK, and apoptosis-related protein in HS group was significantly increased, whereas the expression level of p38MAPK and JNK in group BML-111 was significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: BML-111 can reduce the inflammatory response and apoptosis of renal tissue by inhibiting the activation of MAPK signaling pathway in acute renal injury induced by hemorrhagic shock.

Knockdown of IRE1α inhibits colonic tumorigenesis through decreasing ß-catenin and IRE1α targeting suppresses colon cancer cells.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress occurs frequently in cancers. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated to cope with ER stress. This has generated widespread interest in targeting UPR as therapeutic strategies. Inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endonuclease 1α (IRE1α), an ER stress sensor, is a key component of UPR. However, the role of IRE1α in tumorigenesis remains unclear. The purpose of this work is to investigate the role of IRE1α in colon cancer and to determine whether IRE1α could serve as a target for therapy. We found that knockdown of IRE1α suppressed the proliferation of colon cancer cells in vitro and xenograft growth in vivo. Inhibition of expression of IRE1α decreased stemness of colon cancer stem cells (CSCs) and attenuated growth of intestinal organoids. Genetic ablation of IRE1α prevented the colitis-associated colonic tumorigenesis in mice. The mechanistic study indicates that knockdown of IRE1α repressed the expression of ß-catenin, a key factor that drives colonic tumorigenesis, through activating pancreatic ER kinase/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α signaling. We found that the IRE1a-specific inhibitor 4µ8C could suppress the production of ß-catenin, inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer cells, repressed colon CSCs and prevented xenograft growth. The results suggest that IRE1α has a critical role in colonic tumorigenesis and IRE1α targeting might be a strategy for treatment of colon cancers.

[The correlation between CT score of lung injury and oxygenation index in patients with acute hydrogen sulphide poisoning].

Objective: To explore correlation between chest CT score and oxygenation index in patients with acute hydrogen sulphide poisoning, whether CT score can be applied to assess acute lung injury after acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning and provide basis and reference. Methods: The clinic and a series of CT datas of 32 acute hydrogen sulphide poisoning cases were retrospectively analysed and compared, According to GBZ31-2002 (the diagnostic standard of occupational H(2)S acute poisoning) , these patients were divided into 2 grouds including moderate groud and severe groud; The CT score were improved, referenceing the scoring criteria of the chest X-ray; The difference of the CT score and the oxygenation index were analyzed between moderate and severe group in the acute phase and the disperse phase; The correlation between CT score and oxygenation index were analyzed. Results: The CT score in moderate poisoning group were lower than severe group (2.26±1.37 vs 10.44±2.55, 1.34±0.65 vs 4.55±2.45, all P<0.05) in the acute phase and the dissipation phase.The oxygen index of the 19 cases in the acute phase were 307.55±28.29, and the oxygen index of the 8 cases in the dissipation phase was 435.75±37.00; The oxygen index of the 9 cases in the acute phase and the dissipation phase were respectively 193.17±36.41, 347.67±44.49. The oxygen partial pressure and oxygenation index in severe group were significantly lower than those in moderate group (all P<0.01) in the acute phase and the dissipation phase. Pearman correlation analysis showed that the CT score were negatively correlated to the oxygen index in the acute phase and the dissipation phase, respectively (r=-0.97、-0.75, all P<0.01) . Conclusions: The CT score of lung injury and oxygenation index is negatively correlated. The CT score can be used to evaluate the degree of lung injury, and can be used in the evaluation of acute lung injury after acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning.

Fyn kinase-regulated NMDA receptor- and AMPA receptor-dependent pain sensitization in spinal dorsal horn of mice.

BACKGROUND: Inhibition of Src-family protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs) in spinal dorsal horn has been established as an effective strategy for the alleviation of chronic pathological pain. As one of the important SFKs members, Fyn kinase is critical for synaptic plasticity and many pathophysiological processes. However, whether Fyn is involved in spinal sensitization is far from being elucidated. METHOD: We manipulated Fyn activity by expressing a constitutively active Fyn mutant [Fyn(Y528F) ] or a catalytically null mutant [Fyn(K296M) ] in the spinal dorsal horn of mice, and performed behavioural and biochemical experiments to investigate the role of Fyn in regulating the nociceptive responses and the synaptic expression of ionotropic glutamate receptors. RESULTS: Spinal expression of Fyn(Y528F) alone in intact mice was sufficient to elicit persistent mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, which lasted for at least 12 days. Fyn(Y528F) simultaneously enhanced the concentrations of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)-subtype and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-subtype glutamate receptors at synaptosomal membrane fraction. Pharmacological inhibition of NMDA receptors or AMPA receptors greatly alleviated Fyn(Y528F)-induced pain hypersensitivity. To evaluate the contribution of Fyn to inflammatory pain, we expressed Fyn(K296M) before intradermal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), finding that Fyn(K296M) had no effect on the induction of inflammatory pain within 3 h post-CFA injection, which, however, repressed the synaptic accumulation of NMDA receptors and AMPA receptors to attenuate the maintenance of chronic pain states. CONCLUSION: Fyn played a key role in the sustained sensitization of nociceptive behaviours by up-regulating the functions of ionotropic glutamate receptors in spinal dorsal horn.

Different bladder defects reconstructed with bladder acellular matrix grafts in a rabbit model.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential use of the bladder acellular matrix graft (BAMG), two different bladder defects in the rabbit model were reconstructed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups of rabbits underwent partial bladder wall cystectomy (group A, 30-40%; group B, 70-60%) and reconstruction of the defects with an equally sized BAMG. After 4, 12, and 24 weeks, bladder cystographs were performed. Then the rabbits were killed after uneventful postoperative periods, and the grafts were harvested for H&E staining and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Two rabbits died on the postoperative days 3 and 6 in group A due to urinary peritonitis. At 24 weeks, in group A, the reconstructed bladders reached a mean volume of 94.39±0.54% of the precystectomy bladder capacity. Histologically, complete regeneration of smooth muscle and urothelium tissue was evident. Regenerated SMCs and urothelium stained positive for α-smooth muscle actin and AE1/AE3. In group B, the mean bladder volume was 64.5±3.19% of the precystectomy volume. Histologically, group B was characterized by multilayered urothelium without organized muscle tissue. CONCLUSION: The BAMG was an effective scaffold for bladder wall regeneration in the rabbit model. However, the use of BAMG reconstruction in larger bladder defects did not induce the same quality and quantity of bladder regeneration as the reconstruction of smaller bladder defects.

Sexual function and health-related quality of life following anterior vaginal wall surgery for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

To assess female sexual function (FSF) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) following anterior vaginal wall surgeries for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The retrospective study consisted of 116 patients. Chinese translations of the modified Lemack Questionnaire (not validated) and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-Short Form 20 were used to assess FSF and HRQOL, 3 months pre-operatively and 12-24 months (mean 16.8 months) post-operatively. Sixty-one (52.6%, 29 in SUI group and 32 in POP group) of patients were sexually active before and after the operation. Overall, 12 (19.7%, six in SUI group and six in POP group) reported an improvement in overall intercourse satisfaction, 21 (34.4%, 8 in the SUI and 13 in the POP group) were decreased and 28 (45.9%, 15 in SUI group and 13 in POP group) were unchanged. Incidence of coital incontinence decreased significantly in SUI group. Frequency of intercourse decreased, vaginal dryness and pain due to it and asymptomatic vaginal narrowing increased significantly, following the surgery in POP group. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of intercourse in SUI group, patients' perception of intercourse, frequency of orgasm and the importance of sex life in both groups. Partner discomfort remained unchanged. HRQOL improved significantly after the operation in both groups. There was no association between HRQOL and FSF in the post-operative period. In most patients, overall FSF did not impaired. All trans-anterior vaginal wall surgery positively impacted on the patients' HRQOL. A prospective study with validated questionnaire is necessary in future.

Heat-shock protein 70 expression in the seminal plasma of patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic value and potentially protective capacity of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) in chronic bacterial prostatitis and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). In this study, seminal plasma levels of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß)) and HSP70 were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 80 men: 15 healthy controls, 16 men with chronic bacterial prostatitis, 23 men with CP/CPPS IIIA and 26 with CP/CPPS IIIB. The HSP70 levels in chronic bacterial prostatitis and CP/CPPS patients were correlated with chronic prostatitis symptom index (CPSI). Significantly increased levels of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1ß) and HSP70 were observed in seminal plasmas from patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis compared with CP/CPPS patients and controls. However, only IL-1ß was significantly elevated compared with CP/CPPS IIIB and controls in patients with CP/CPPS IIIA. HSP70 levels in CP/CPPS patients were significantly lower than that in controls. HSP70 concentration in seminal plasma was negatively correlated with CPSI in chronic bacterial prostatitis. The results indicated that HSP70 and IL-1ß appear to be the most reliable and predictive surrogate markers to diagnose chronic bacterial prostatitis and CP/CPPS, respectively. HSP70 has an important protective role in the regulation of cell functions in chronic bacterial prostatitis. CP/CPPS would probably be detrimental to the ability of T cells and consequently suppress the expression of HSP70.

Chronic lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome: a case report and review of the literature.

A 25-year-old male weightlifter felt increasing intractable low back pain during training but denied any acute injury. The physical examination, blood parameters, radiographs and MRI were unremarkable. He had been treated non-operatively by various means, with only temporary relief. The pressures in the lumbar paraspinal compartment were abnormally high and he was treated by surgical decompression. This gave rapid relief, he returned to training, and one year later the pain had not recurred.

Band structure and fermi surface of an extremely overdoped iron-based superconductor KFe2As2.

We have performed high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy on heavily overdoped KFe_{2}As_{2} (transition temperature T_{c} = 3 K). We observed several renormalized bands near the Fermi level with a renormalization factor of 2-4. While the Fermi surface around the Brillouin-zone center is qualitatively similar to that of optimally doped Ba_{1-x}K_{x}Fe_{2}As_{2} (x = 0.4; T_{c} = 37 K), the Fermi surface topology around the zone corner (M point) is markedly different: the two electron Fermi surface pockets are completely absent due to an excess of hole doping. This result indicates that the electronic states around the M point play an important role in the high-T_{c} superconductivity of Ba_{1-x}K_{x}Fe_{2}As_{2} and suggests that the interband scattering via the antiferromagnetic wave vector essentially controls the T_{c} value in the overdoped region.

Fermi surface nesting induced strong pairing in iron-based superconductors.

The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in iron pnictides raised the possibility of an unconventional superconducting mechanism in multiband materials. The observation of Fermi-surface (FS)-dependent nodeless superconducting gaps suggested that inter-FS interactions may play a crucial role in superconducting pairing. In the optimally hole-doped Ba(0.6)K(0.4)Fe(2)As(2), the pairing strength is enhanced simultaneously (2Delta/T(c) approximately 7) on the nearly nested FS pockets, i.e., the inner hole-like (alpha) FS and the 2 hybridized electron-like FSs, whereas the pairing remains weak (2Delta/T(c) approximately 3.6) in the poorly nested outer hole-like (beta) FS. Here, we report that in the electron-doped BaFe(1.85)Co(0.15)As(2), the FS nesting condition switches from the alpha to the beta FS due to the opposite size changes for hole- and electron-like FSs upon electron doping. The strong pairing strength (2Delta/T(c) approximately 6) is also found to switch to the nested beta FS, indicating an intimate connection between FS nesting and superconducting pairing, and strongly supporting the inter-FS pairing mechanism in the iron-based superconductors.

Nedd4L expression is downregulated in prostate cancer compared to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

AIMS: To characterize aspects of Nedd4L in prostate cancer (PC) by assessing its expression in hyperplastic and malignant prostate tissue, and to correlate findings with PC histologic grade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens from 56 patients with clinically localized PC, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) transurethral resection specimens from 31 patients, were assessed for Nedd4L expression using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Nedd4L (P<0.001) expressions were significantly decreased in PC compared to benign prostate tissue. Furthermore, downregulation of Nedd4L (P<0.05) expression correlated with increasing Gleason score. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that prostate cancer cells in vivo may need Nedd4L expression to regulate TGF-beta1 signaling, and that Nedd4L expression might be involved in prostate cancer development.

Urethral cystoscopic realignment and early end-to-end anastomosis develop different influence on erectile function in patients with ruptured bulbous urethra.

The objective of this study is to compare the influence on erectile function between urethral cystoscopic realignment and early end-to-end anastomosis treating ruptured bulbous urethra. 58 cases were selected, 32 had urethral cystoscopic realignment (group I) and 26 cases had urethral end-to-end anastomosis (group II). The parameters of P-CDU (Penile Color Duplex Ultrasound), NPT (Nocturnal Penile Tumescence), and IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function) were compared between the two groups 6 months after operation. Group I was higher than group II in IIEF (21 vs 14) with significant differences. With P-CDU we observed an improvement in penile vascularization in group I as confirmed by the detection of an increase in peak systolic velocity (PSV) (26 cm/s vs 16 cm/s, p<0.01) and a decrease in end diastolic velocity (EDV) (3 cm/s vs 6 cm/s p<0.05), resulting in an increase in resistive index (RI) (0.85 vs 0.56, p<0.05). The parameters of NPT showed a significant increase compared to group II (p<0.01) in satisfactory erection number (5 vs 1.5), maximum rigidity (80% vs 42%), and total time that the increase in circumference was greater than 30% of baseline during sleep (100 sec vs 30 sec). Urethral cystoscopic realignment treating ruptured bulbous urethra can reduce the incidence of erectile dysfunction [ED]. A long term follow-up should be studied.