Algorithm and its application for automatic measurement of the full-field isoclinic parameter by digital phase-shifting photoelasticity.

The photoelastic method is an experimental technique that combines optics and mechanics for a stress analysis. The photoelastic phase-shifting technique is different from the moiré, holography, and speckle phase-shifting techniques, which only need to measure one parameter. The photoelastic phase-shifting technique needs to assess isoclinic and isochromatic parameters, which affect each other, seriously hindering the development of the phase-shifting photoelasticity method. First, the interaction between the isoclinic and isochromatic parameters is analyzed in detail. Secondly, an algorithm is proposed to adjust the mutation and obtain the correct isoclinic parameter affected by the isochromatic parameter. This method can effectively eliminate the influence of the isochromatic parameter. The isoclinic parameter is consistent with the theoretical value, which verifies the effectiveness of this method. Finally, the photoelastic method uses the proposed algorithm to test the stress at different positions of the turbine blade root. Moreover, the bearing capacity of the turbine blade root is analyzed to provide support for the safe use and optimization design of the turbine.

Predictive factors of stone-free rate and complications in patients undergoing minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy under local infiltration anesthesia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate predictive factors affecting the stone-free rates (SFR) and complications of minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) under local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 976 consecutive patients who underwent MPCNL under LIA from January 2015 to June 2018. Postoperative complications were classified according to modified Clavien classification system. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors affecting SFR and complications. RESULTS: The pain was acceptable with postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores being 3.58, 2.99, 2.25, and 2.07 after 0, 6, 24, and 48 h, respectively. The SFR after primary MPCNL reached 85.7%. Postoperative complications were recorded in 77 patients (7.9%). In the univariate logistic analysis, larger stone size, staghorn stone, and multiple calyxes were significantly associated with lower SFR. The higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, staghorn stone, positive urine culture, multiple tracts, and longer operation time were associated with occurrence of complications. However, hydronephrosis was associated with lower complication rate. Multivariate analysis indicated that larger stone size (P < 0.001) and staghorn stone (P < 0.001) were associated with lower SFR, while development of complications was independently influenced by higher ASA score (P = 0.002), multiple tract (P = 0.004), and staghorn stone (P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: MPCNL can be safely and effectively performed under LIA. Stone size and staghorn stone are factors associated with SFR while ASA score, multiple tracts, and staghorn stone are associated with the development of complications. For the first time, we developed a model to predict the SFR and complications in MPCNL under LIA.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy under Local Infiltration Anesthesia in Kneeling Prone Position for a Patient with Spinal Deformity.

Urolithiasis, a common condition in patients with spinal deformity, poses a challenge to surgical procedures and anesthetic management. A 51-year-old Chinese male presented with bilateral complex renal calculi. He was also affected by severe kyphosis deformity and spinal stiffness due to ankylosing spondylitis. Dr. Li performed the percutaneous nephrolithotomy under local infiltration anesthesia with the patient in a kneeling prone position, achieving satisfactory stone clearance with no severe complications. We found this protocol safe and effective to manage kidney stones in patients with spinal deformity. Local infiltration anesthesia may benefit patients for whom epidural anesthesia and intubation anesthesia are difficult.

Super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP) vs retrograde intrarenal surgery for the treatment of 1-2 cm lower-pole renal calculi: an international multicentre randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety and effectiveness of super-mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for the treatment of 1-2 cm lower-pole renal calculi (LPC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: An international multicentre, prospective, randomised, unblinded controlled study was conducted at 10 academic medical centres in China, India, and Turkey, between August 2015 and June 2017. In all, 160 consecutive patients with 1-2 cm LPC were randomised to receive SMP or RIRS. The primary endpoint was stone-free rate (SFR). Stone-free status was defined as no residual fragments of ≥0.3 cm on plain abdominal radiograph of the kidneys, ureters and bladder, and ultrasonography at 1-day and on computed tomography at 3-months after operation. Secondary endpoints included blood loss, operating time, postoperative pain scores, auxiliary procedures, complications, and hospital stay. Postoperative follow-up was scheduled at 3 months. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. The trial was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov/ (NCT02519634). RESULTS: The two groups had similar baseline characteristics. The mean (sd) stone diameters were comparable between the groups, at 1.50 (0.29) cm for the SMP group vs 1.43 (0.34) cm for the RIRS group (P = 0.214). SMP achieved a significantly better 1-day and 3-month SFR than RIRS (1-day SFR 91.2% vs 71.2%, P = 0.001; 3-months SFR 93.8% vs 82.5%, P = 0.028). The auxiliary procedure rate was lower in the SMP group. RIRS was found to be superior with lower haemoglobin drop and less postoperative pain. Blood transfusion was not required in either group. There was no significant difference in operating time, hospital stay, and complication rates, between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: SMP was more effective than RIRS for treating 1-2 cm LPC in terms of a better SFR and lesser auxiliary procedure rate. The complications and hospital stay were comparable. RIRS has the advantage of less postoperative pain.

Dual-centre randomized-controlled trial comparing transurethral endoscopic enucleation of the prostate using diode laser vs. bipolar plasmakinetic for the treatment of LUTS secondary of benign prostate obstruction: 1-year follow-up results.

PURPOSE: Bipolar endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (BEEP) was recommended by the 2016 EAU guidelines as the first choice of surgical treatment in men with a substantially enlarged prostate and moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms. The main aim of this study was to compare a modified diode laser enucleation of the prostate (DiLEP) to BEEP. METHODS: A total of 114 patients with prostate (20-160 mL) were randomized 1:1 into either DiLEP or BEEP in a dual-centre, non-inferiority-design randomized-controlled trial. The primary outcomes included Qmax and IPSS at 12 months. Non-inferiority was evaluated by comparing the two-sided 95% CI for the mean differences of Qmax and IPSS. Secondary endpoints included other perioperative parameters, postoperative micturition variables, and complication rate. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients (97%) had completed the intent-to-treat analysis, The results showed that DiLEP was comparable to BEEP regarding Qmax (28.0 ± 7.0 vs. 28.1 ± 7.2 mL/s) and IPSS (3.0 ± 2.2 vs. 2.9 ± 2.6) at 12 months, the non-inferiority was met for both Qmax and IPSS. There were also no significant difference between two groups regarding tissue removal rate (71.8 vs. 73.8%), hemoglobin decrease (0.33 ± 0.66 vs. 0.36 ± 0.75 g/dL), sodium decrease (1.0 ± 2.7 vs. 0.3 ± 2.9 mmol/L), and Clavien III complications (5.3 vs. 1.8%) at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: This DiLEP is an anatomical endoscopic enucleation technique for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, it is non-inferior to BEEP regarding Qmax and IPSS at 12 months postoperatively.

Ligation-free technique for dorsal vascular complex control during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a single-center experience from China.

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate a ligation-free technique and compare perioperative and postoperative outcomes of this technique versus the standard suture method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of 233 consecutive patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent ligation-free technique (n = 180, Group 1) or standard ligation (n = 53, Group 2) at an academic institution from February 2010 to January 2014. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Operative time was significantly shorter in Group 1 than in Group 2 (148.47 vs. 164.25 min, p = 0.000). No difference in EBL was noted between the groups (191.11 vs. 185.06 mL, p = 0.055). Postoperative continence rates at 3, 6, and 12 months in Groups 1 and 2 were 40.0 versus 24.5, 54.4 versus 37.7, and 73.9 versus 71.7 %, respectively. These differences were statistically significant. No patient in either group had a positive apical surgical margin. During follow-up, tumor recurrence or metastasis was not observed in any patient. Limitations of the study include this retrospective study of a single-center experience and lack of potency appraisal. CONCLUSIONS: This present ligation-free technique showed a statistically significant shorter interval to recovery of continence and higher continence rates in short-term postoperative results by contrast to conventional suture ligation, but no significant difference was revealed in long-term urinary control. We offer this technique and the correlative data to provide more information for deeply understanding the precise construction of the dorsal vascular complex and the mechanism of urinary control.

Super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP): a new concept in technique and instrumentation.

OBJECTIVE: To present a novel miniature endoscopic system designed to improve the safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy, named the 'super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy' (SMP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The endoscopic system consists of a 7-F nephroscope with enhanced irrigation and a modified 10-14 F access sheath with a suction-evacuation function. This system was tested in patients with renal stones of <2.5 cm, in a multicentre prospective non-randomised clinical trial. In all, 146 patients were accrued in 14 centres. Nephrostomy tract dilatation was carried out to 10-14 F. The lithotripsy was performed using either a Holmium laser or pneumatic lithotripter. A nephrostomy tube or JJ stent was placed only if clinically indicated. RESULTS: SMP was completed successfully in 141 of 146 patients. Five patients required conversion to larger nephrostomy tracts. The mean (sd) stone size was 2.2 (0.6) cm and the mean operative duration was 45.6 min. The initial stone-free rate (SFR) was 90.1%. The SFR at the 3-month follow-up was 95.8%. Three patients required auxiliary procedures for residual stones. Complications occurred in 12.8% of the patients, all of which were Clavien grade ≤II and no transfusions were needed. In all, 72.3% of the patients did not require any kind of catheter, while 19.8% had JJ stents and 5.7% had nephrostomy tubes placed. The mean hospital stay was 2.1 days. CONCLUSIONS: SMP is a safe and effective treatment for renal stones of <2.5 cm. SMP may be particularly suitable for patients with lower pole stones and stones that ae not amenable to retrograde intrarenal surgery.

Ni/CdS bifunctional Ti@TiO2 core-shell nanowire electrode for high-performance nonenzymatic glucose sensing.

In this work, a Ni/CdS bifunctional Ti@TiO2 core-shell nanowire electrode with excellent electrochemical sensing property was successfully constructed through a hydrothermal and electrodeposition method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to confirm the synthesis and characterize the morphology of the as-prepared samples. The results revealed that the CdS layer between Ni and TiO2 plays an important role in the uniform nucleation and the following growth of highly dispersive Ni nanoparticle on the Ti@TiO2 core-shell nanowire surface. The bifunctional nanostructured electrode was applied to construct an electrochemical nonenzymatic sensor for the reliable detection of glucose. Under optimized conditions, this nonenzymatic glucose sensor displayed a high sensitivity up to 1136.67 µA mM(-1) cm(-2), a wider liner range of 0.005-12 mM, and a lower detection limit of 0.35 µM for glucose oxidation. The high dispersity of Ni nanoparticles, combined with the anti-poisoning faculty against the intermediate derived from the self-cleaning ability of CdS under the photoexcitation, was considered to be responsible for these enhanced electrochemical performances. Importantly, favorable reproducibility and long-term performance were also obtained thanks to the robust frameworks. All these results indicate this novel electrode is a promising candidate for nonenzymatic glucose sensing.

Surgical planning and manual image fusion based on 3D model facilitate laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for intrarenal tumors.

PURPOSE: Construction of three-dimensional (3D) model of renal tumor facilitated surgical planning and imaging guidance of manual image fusion in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for intrarenal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with intrarenal tumors underwent LPN between January and December 2012. Computed tomography-based reconstruction of the 3D models of renal tumors was performed using Mimics 12.1 software. Surgical planning was performed through morphometry and multi-angle visual views of the tumor model. Two-step manual image fusion superimposed 3D model images onto 2D laparoscopic images. The image fusion was verified by intraoperative ultrasound. Imaging-guided laparoscopic hilar clamping and tumor excision was performed. Manual fusion time, patient demographics, surgical details, and postoperative treatment parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The reconstructed 3D tumor models accurately represented the patient's physiological anatomical landmarks. The surgical planning markers were marked successfully. Manual image fusion was flexible and feasible with fusion time of 6 min (5-7 min). All surgeries were completed laparoscopically. The median tumor excision time was 5.4 min (3.5-10 min), whereas the median warm ischemia time was 25.5 min (16-32 min). Twelve patients (80 %) demonstrated renal cell carcinoma on final pathology, and all surgical margins were negative. No tumor recurrence was detected after a media follow-up of 1 year (3-15 months). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical planning and two-step manual image fusion based on 3D model of renal tumor facilitated visible-imaging-guided tumor resection with negative margin in LPN for intrarenal tumor. It is promising and moves us one step closer to imaging-guided surgery.

Orthotopic detaenial sigmoid neobladder after radical cystectomy: technical considerations, complications and functional outcomes.

PURPOSE: In recent years the orthotopic neobladder has gained increasing popularity in patients who undergo radical cystectomy. However, there are only a few reports of orthotopic neobladders reconstructed from the sigmoid without detubularization. We investigated the complications and functional outcomes of the orthotopic sigmoid neobladder reconstructed using our detaenial technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of the detaenial sigmoid neobladder in 210 consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy at our institution from January 2003 to March 2010. ANOVA was used to investigate urodynamic finding differentials with time. Univariable and multivariable analyses were done to determine factors influencing continence. RESULTS: Median followup was 48 months. Early complications (90 days or less) were observed in 65 patients (31%). Late complications (greater than 90 days) were observed in 45 patients (21.5%). Five-year daytime and nighttime complete continence rates were 74.6% and 57.1%, respectively. Younger age was the only independent factor associated with complete continence during the day (OR 2.342, 95% CI 1.803-3.041, p <0.001) and night (OR 1.193, 95% CI 1.087-1.310, p <0.001). Mean maximal capacity and post-void residual urine were 328.8 and 22.2 ml, respectively. The mean maximal flow rate was 18.5 ml per second. The mean end filling pressure, pressure at maximal capacity and maximal intravesical pressure were 35.8, 55 and 60.6 cm H2O, respectively. These parameters remained stable with time (each p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that detaenial sigmoid neobladder is a safe, feasible alternative for urinary diversion.

Construction of a three-dimensional model of renal stones: comprehensive planning for percutaneous nephrolithotomy and assistance in surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To construct a three-dimensional (3D) model of renal stones to facilitate comprehensive planning for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and to assist in surgery. METHODS: Fifteen patients with complex renal stones, including one patient with a horseshoe kidney, eight patients with partial/complete staghorn, and six patients with multiple renal stones, participated in our study. Computed tomography images of the unenhanced, arterial, venous, and excretory phases were obtained before surgery. Image segmentation and 3D reconstruction of the renal stones were performed using Mimics 12.1 software. A virtual safe and reliable percutaneous renal access route were established for each patient by comprehensive planning based on the 3D model of renal stones. PCNL was subsequently performed with the assistance of the 3D model. Patient demographics, surgical details, and postoperative treatment parameters were recorded. RESULTS: The 3D models of renal stones accurately represented the interrelationships between the intrarenal arteries and veins, collecting system, stones, and adjacent anatomical structures. PCNL was completed successfully in all 15 patients. The mean operating time was 75.6 ± 13.4 min. The change in hemoglobin concentration was 1.2 ± 0.3 g/l. The one-stage stone-free rate was 93.3%, and the final stone-free rate was 100%. No major postoperative complications were noted, except for postoperative pain in one case. CONCLUSION: Construction of a 3D model of renal stones with the aim of minimizing the risks of percutaneous procedures and achieving higher one-stage stone-free rates is feasible for comprehensive PCNL planning and assistance in patients with complex renal stones.

Urethral reconstruction using allogenic frozen-thawed bladder mucosa: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility and effectivity of allogenic frozen-thawed bladder mucosa for urethroplasty. METHODS: Bladder mucosa was harvested from 6 New Zealand rabbits. Changes in the bladder mucosa as seen by histological and electron microscope examination were compared between the frozen-thawed and fresh groups. Twelve urethral stricture models were established and randomly divided into two groups. In the test group, we performed urethroplasty with allogenic frozen-thawed bladder mucosa, and the same operation was done in the control group, but using fresh bladder mucosa. The result of retrograde urethrography and histological changes of the urethral sample were compared postoperatively. RESULTS: No obvious changes on histological and electron microscope examination were observed in the frozen-thawed bladder mucosa. Inflammation reaction of the surgical site in the test group was milder than that of the controls 2 weeks after surgery. The urethral epithelial cells grew well 2 weeks after surgery, but lots of epithelia were necrotic in the control group. The urethra of all rabbits in the test group had good continuity and the urethral lumen was large in the test group 2 months after surgery. There was a layer of urethral epithelium in the test group 2 months after surgery, whereas scar tissue was found in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The freeze-thaw technique can maintain bladder mucosa structure and biological function. Frozen-thawed allogenic bladder mucosa may be a potential material for urethroplasty.

2,2'-Anhydro-1-(3',5'-di-O-acetyl-ß-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil, a cyclouridine nucleoside with a C4'-endo furanosyl conformation.

2,2'-Anhydro-1-(3',5'-di-O-acetyl-ß-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil, C13H14N2O7, was obtained by refluxing 2',3'-O-(methoxymethylene)uridine in acetic anhydride. The structure exhibits a nearly perfect C4'-endo ((4)E) conformation. The best four-atom plane of the five-membered furanose ring is O-C-C-C, involving the C atoms of the fused five-membered oxazolidine ring, and the torsion angle is only -0.4 (2)°. The oxazolidine ring is essentially coplanar with the six-membered uracil ring [r.m.s. deviation = 0.012 (5) Šand dihedral angle = -3.2 (3)°]. The conformation at the exocyclic C-C bond is gauche-trans which is stabilized by various C-H...π and C-O...π interactions.

1-(Phenyl-sulfon-yl)naphthalene.

In the title compound, C(16)H(12)O(2)S, the phenyl ring is nearly perpendicular to the naphthalene system [dihedral angle = 80.3 (1)°]. The packing is consolidated by a weak C-H⋯π inter-action involving neighbouring naphthalene and benzene rings. In addition, there exist two different offset π-π stacking inter-actions between benzene rings and between naphthalene systems of symmetry-related mol-ecules [centroid-centroid distances = 3.876 (9) and 3.566 (4) Å, and slippage = 1.412 and 0.554 Å, respectively.

Amentoflavone-Enriched Selaginella rossii Protects against Ultraviolet- and Oxidative Stress-Induced Aging in Skin Cells.

Selaginellaceae plants are used in cosmetics to limit skin aging. This study is the first to investigate the anti-aging effects of Selaginella rossii (SR) on ultraviolet B (UVB)- and oxidative stress-induced skin cells. The 95% ethanol extract of Selaginella rossii (SR95E) contained much higher amounts of amentoflavone (AMF), an active compound, than other Selaginellaceae plants and was more effective in inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression in CCD-986sk fibroblasts. SR95E significantly decreased UVB-induced MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 expression and enhanced procollagen type I C-peptide content and mRNA expression of collagen type I alpha (COL1A)1 and COL1A2 in CCD-986sk fibroblasts. In HaCaT keratinocytes, SR95E treatment also dose-dependently decreased UVB-induced MMP-1 concentration and MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 mRNA expression. Moreover, SR95E treatment markedly inhibited UVB-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and nuclear factor kappa-B signaling in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, SR95E and AMF markedly regulated the 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced expression of cellular senescence-related markers, including p16, p21 and LMNB1, in HaCaT cells. Overall, this study indicates that SR may have potential as a functional material on preventing UVB- and AAPH-induced skin aging and wrinkles.

Amentoflavone-Enriched Selaginella rossii Warb. Suppresses Body Weight and Hyperglycemia by Inhibiting Intestinal Lipid Absorption in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Many Selaginellaceae species are used as traditional medicines in Asia. This study is the first to investigate the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of Selaginella rossii (SR) in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6J mice. Seven-day oral administration of ethanol extract (100 mg/kg/day) or ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract (50 mg/kg/day) from SR improved oral fat tolerance by inhibiting intestinal lipid absorption; 10-week long-term administration of the EtOAc extract markedly reduced HFD-induced body weight gain and hyperglycemia by reducing adipocyte hypertrophy, glucose levels, HbA1c, and plasma insulin levels. Treatment with SR extracts reduced the expression of intestinal lipid absorption-related genes, including Cd36, fatty acid-binding protein 6, ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 8, NPC1 like intracellular cholesterol transporter 1, and ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 1. In addition, the EtOAc extract increased the expression of protein absorption-related solute carrier family genes, including Slc15a1, Slc8a2, and Slc6a9. SR extracts reduced HFD-induced hepatic steatosis by suppressing fatty acid transport to hepatocytes and hepatic lipid accumulation. Furthermore, amentoflavone (AMF), the primary compound in SR extracts, reduced intestinal lipid absorption by inhibiting fatty acid transport in HFD-fed mice. AMF-enriched SR extracts effectively protected against HFD-induced body weight gain and hyperglycemia by inhibiting intestinal lipid absorption.

Three-dimensional clusters of peony-shaped CuO nanosheets as a high-rate anode for Li-ion batteries.

Copper oxide (CuO) has emerged as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity, low cost and low toxicity to the natural environment. However, the low electronic/ionic conductivity and the imponderable volume expansion problem during the charge and discharge process hinder its practical applications. Herein, we introduced three-dimensional clusters of peony-shaped CuO nanosheets (TCP-CuO) to tackle these problems by increasing the surface of the active material. The unique three-dimensional peony-liked structure not only alleviates the volume expansion problem, but also enhances the electron/ion conductivity. As a result, the TCP-CuO electrode possesses a reversible high capacity of 641.1 mA h g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 after 80 cycles as well as an outstanding rate performance of 531.6 mA h g-1 at a rate of 5C (1C = 674 mA g-1) and excellent cycling durability of 441.1 mA h g-1 at 1 A g-1 after 100 cycles. This work demonstrated a novel strategy for the construction of a well-designed structure for other advanced energy-storage technologies.

Transurethral enucleation and resection of prostate in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia by plasma kinetics.

PURPOSE: We evaluated transurethral enucleation and resection of the prostate in patients with urinary symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia using the Plasmakinetic™ system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 1,100 patients who underwent transurethral enucleation and resection of the prostate between January 2003 and February 2009 at our institution. We assessed the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score, peak flow rate and post-void residual urine volume preoperatively, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and yearly thereafter. Enucleation and resection time, enucleated tissue weight, catheterization time, hospital stay and long-term complications were recorded. RESULTS: No patient had significant blood loss or signs of the transurethral resection syndrome. Mean±SD patient age was 66.7±7.3 years and mean followup was 4.3 years. Mean preoperative prostate weight was 67.7±12 gm (range 35 to 256), mean enucleation time was 15.5 minutes (range 10 to 38), mean resection time was 46 minutes (range 20 to 65) and mean resected tissue weight was 42.8±7.7 gm (range 23 to 219). Mean catheter time was 1.8±0.4 days and mean hospital stay was 5.3±2.3 days. Transurethral enucleation and resection of the prostate induced significant, pronounced, immediate and lasting improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, maximum urinary flow and post-void residual urine volume. Postoperative complications included meatal stenosis in 9 cases, incontinence in 56, urethral stricture in 12 and bladder neck contracture in 10. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral enucleation and resection of the prostate appears to be the modern alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate and open prostatectomy for bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. It may be done in glands up to 250 gm.

Electrodeposited nickel hydroxide on nickel foam with ultrahigh capacitance.

Electrodeposited Ni(OH)(2) on nickel foam with porous and 3D nanostructures has ultrahigh capacitance in the potential range -0.05-0.45 V, and a maximum specific capacitance as high as 3152 F g(-1) can be achieved in 3% KOH solution at a charge/discharge current density of 4 A g(-1).

Environment-friendly determination of low concentration azobenzene beta-cyclodextrin-modified electrode.

OBJECTIVE: To study environment-friendly determination of azobenzene in trace amounts using beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD)-modified Au electrode. METHODS: beta-CD-modified Au electrode was fabricated with a two-step approach, and then a gold electrode modified with beta-CD was used to detect azobenzene by employing Osteryoung square wave voltammetry. RESULTS: The modified electrode could detect azobenzene, showing a good linearity between the electrochemical current and concentration. CONCLUSION: Although the electrochemical current is related with concentration, the detection limit is around 1.0 x 10(-10) mol/L. This study may provide a new environment-friendly approach for monitoring water quality.