Subclassification of pT3 upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The prognosis of patients with pT3 upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) varies. The current study aimed to further classify patients with pT3 UTUC into different survival outcome groups based on tumor location and site of invasion. METHODS: This retrospective study included 323 patients with pT3 UTUC who underwent nephroureterectomy at 11 hospitals in Japan. Histological and clinical data were obtained via a chart review. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses showed the effect of different variables on recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 72 years. Patients with pT3 UTUCs were divided into two groups: those with renal parenchymal invasion only (pT3a, n = 95) and those with peripelvic or periureteral fat invasion (pT3b, n = 228). pT3b UTUC was significantly associated with hydronephrosis, low preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), histological nodal metastasis, nuclear grade 3, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), carcinoma in situ, and positive surgical margin. Based on the univariate analyses, patients with pT3b UTUC had a significantly lower 5-year RFS (42.4% vs. 70.1%, p < 0.0001), 5-year CSS (54.3% vs. 80.0%, p = 0.0002), and 5-year OS (47.8% vs. 76.8%, p < 0.0001) than those with pT3a UTUC. According to the multivariate analyses, nodal metastasis, LVI, adjuvant chemotherapy, preoperative eGFR, nuclear grade (RFS only), surgical margin (RFS only), and Charlson comorbidity index (OS only), but not pT3b stage, were associated with survival. CONCLUSION: Compared with pT3a UTUC, pT3b UTUC was significantly associated with worse histological features, consequently resulting in unsatisfactory survival outcomes.

Relationship Between Left-Right Dominancy of Prefrontal Cortex Activity and Heart Rate During Rest and Task Periods: An fNIRS Study.

BackgroundFunctional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) studies demonstrated that regulation of stress response of the autonomic nervous system is mediated by the left-right asymmetry of prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity. However, it is not yet clear whether PFC regulation of stress response is functioning only when the subject was under stress or even at rest without stress. In addition, the temporal responsivity of PFC regulation of stress response is not known.AimThis study aims to investigate the relationship between the left-right asymmetry of PFC activity and heart rate during both resting state and stressful state while performing a working memory task.ApproachTwenty-nine subjects were recruited to rest and conduct 2-back task, during which fNIRS and ECG were measured simultaneously.ResultsWe found weak correlation (r = 0.28, p = 0.137) between laterality index (LI) and heart rate in the task session, but no correlation in rest sessions at a group level. Moreover, weak but significant correlation was found only in the task session for all analysis intervals ranged from 2 s to 1 min.ConclusionIt is suggested that regulation of stress responses was mediated by the left-right asymmetry of PFC activity only when the subject was under stress stimuli and embody stress response did not affect PFC in reverse. This regulation can be observed at an analysis interval of no less than 2 s.

Incidence of genitourinary injuries in pelvic fractures: A 12-year single-center retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of genitourinary injuries in pelvic fractures and elucidate the clinical outcomes of patients with pelvic fractures with and without genitourinary injuries at a tertiary trauma center in Japan. METHODS: Patients with pelvic fractures in our tertiary trauma center between May 2009 and April 2021 were retrospectively assessed. The patients' demographics, mechanism of injury, and hospital course details were collected. The outcomes of patients with pelvic fractures with and without genitourinary injuries were compared. RESULTS: Of 402 patients with pelvic fractures, 18 (4.5%) had genitourinary injuries. Falls were the most common mechanisms of injury for all pelvic fractures The incidence of bladder, kidney, urethral, and testis injuries were 2.0%, 1.2%, 1.2%, and 0.5%, respectively. Patients with genitourinary injuries were significantly younger (median age, 26 vs. 51 years; p < 0.001), had a higher rate of intensive care unit admission (94% vs. 58%; p = 0.002), remained hospitalized longer (median duration, 82 vs. 45 days; p < 0.001), and had a longer intensive care unit stay (median duration, 6 vs. 2 days; p < 0.001) when compared to patients without genitourinary injuries. Genitourinary injuries were not associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of genitourinary injuries with pelvic fractures was 4.5%. The presence of genitourinary injuries was associated with a higher rate of intensive care unit admission, longer hospital stay, and longer intensive care unit stay, but it was not associated with in-hospital mortality.

Higher serum alkaline phosphatase value indicates the need for bone mineral density testing in non-metastatic prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy.

PURPOSE: Osteoporosis is a well-known adverse effect of androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. This study aimed to reveal the factors associated with the diagnosis of osteoporosis in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 106 prostate cancer patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy. Patients with bone metastasis at the initiation of androgen deprivation therapy and those with castration-resistant prostate cancer were excluded. Bone mineral density was measured at the lumbar spine and femoral neck using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Osteoporosis was defined as bone mineral density equal to or below either -2.5 SD or 70% of the mean in young adults. The association between clinicopathological variables and bone mineral density or diagnosis of osteoporosis was investigated. RESULTS: Thirty-six (34%) patients were found to have osteoporosis. The incidence of osteoporosis increased in a stepwise manner depending on the duration of androgen deprivation therapy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a longer duration of androgen deprivation therapy (months, odd's ratio = 1.017, P = 0.006), lower body mass index (kg/m2, odd's ratio = 0.801, P = 0.005) and higher serum alkaline phosphatase value (U/l, odd's ratio 1.007, P = 0.014) as the factors independently associated with the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Eleven out of 50 (22%), 14 out of 35 (40%) and 11 out of 20 patients (55%) were osteoporotic in the patients with serum alkaline phosphatase values <238 U/l, 238-322 U/l and >322 U/l, respectively (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis is common in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy; furthermore, its incidence increases depending on the duration of androgen deprivation therapy. Bone mineral density testing should be considered for all patients on androgen deprivation therapy, especially for those with a lower body mass index and higher serum alkaline phosphatase value.

Smaller decline of renal function after nephroureterectomy predicts poorer prognosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a multicentre retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Renal function is frequently impaired in the patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma. We aimed to evaluate the impact of renal function and its change after surgery on survival rates in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma after nephroureterectomy. METHODS: The study cohort comprised 755 patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma who underwent nephroureterectomy between 1995 and 2016 at nine hospitals in Japan. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the three-variable Japanese equation for glomerular filtration rate estimation from serum creatinine level and age. Outcomes were recurrence-free, cancer-specific and overall survivals. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used. RESULTS: Median patients' age was 72 years old. Pre- and post-surgical median estimated glomerular filtration rate were 55.5 and 42.9 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Median estimated glomerular filtration rate decline after surgery, which represents function of the affected side kidney, was 13.1 ml/min/1.73 m2. The 5-year recurrence-free, cancer-specific and overall survivals were 68.3, 79.4 and 74.0%, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that lower preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate and estimated glomerular filtration rate decline were associated with poorer recurrence-free, cancer-specific and overall survivals, but post-operative estimated glomerular filtration rate was not. Estimated glomerular filtration rate decline was more significant poor-prognosticator than preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate. Proportions of the patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 before surgery were 50.6 and 73.2% in organ-confined disease and locally advanced disease, respectively (P < 0.0001). After surgery, they were 91.6 and 89.8%, respectively (P = 0.3896). CONCLUSIONS: Lower preoperative renal function, especially of the affected side kidney, was significantly associated with poor prognosis after nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Many patients with locally advanced disease have reduced renal function at diagnosis and even more after surgery.

SCO-267, a GPR40 Full Agonist, Improves Glycemic and Body Weight Control in Rat Models of Diabetes and Obesity.

The GPR40/FFA1 receptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed in the pancreatic islets and enteroendocrine cells. Here, we report the pharmacological profiles of (3S)-3-cyclopropyl-3-{2-[(1-{2-[(2,2-dimethylpropyl)(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)carbamoyl]-5-methoxyphenyl}piperidin-4-yl)methoxy]pyridin-4-yl}propanoic acid (SCO-267), a novel full agonist of GPR40. Ca2+ signaling and insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion were evaluated in GPR40-expressing CHO, MIN6, and GLUTag cells. Hormone secretions and effects on fasting glucose were tested in rats. Single or repeated dosing effects were evaluated in neonatally streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (N-STZ-1.5 rats), diet-induced obese (DIO) rats, and GPR40-knockout (Ffar1-/- ) mice. Treatment with SCO-267 activated Gq signaling in both high- and low-FFAR1-expressing CHO cells, stimulated insulin secretion in MIN6 cells, and induced GLP-1 release in GLUTag cells. When administered to normal rats, SCO-267 increased insulin, glucagon, GLP-1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, and peptide YY (PYY) secretions under nonfasting conditions. These results show the full agonistic property of SCO-267 against GPR40. Hypoglycemia was not induced in SCO-267-treated rats during the fasting condition. In diabetic N-STZ-1.5 rats, SCO-267 was highly effective in improving glucose tolerance in single and 2-week dosing studies. DIO rats treated with SCO-267 for 2 weeks showed elevated plasma GLP-1 and PYY levels, reduced food intake, and decreased body weight. In wild-type mice, SCO-267 induced GLP-1 secretion, food intake inhibition, and body weight reduction; however, these effects were abolished in Ffar1-/- mice, indicating a GPR40-dependent mechanism. In conclusion, SCO-267 stimulated islet and gut hormone secretion, improved glycemic control in diabetic rats, and decreased body weight in obese rats. These data suggest the therapeutic potential of SCO-267 for the treatment of diabetes and obesity.

SCO-792, an enteropeptidase inhibitor, improves disease status of diabetes and obesity in mice.

AIMS: Enteropeptidase is a serine protease localized on the duodenal brush border that catalyzes the conversion of inactive trypsinogen into active trypsin, thereby regulating protein breakdown in the gut. We evaluated the effects of SCO-792, a novel enteropeptidase inhibitor, in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vivo inhibition of enteropeptidase was evaluated via an oral protein challenge. Pharmacological effects were evaluated in normal mice, in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice and in obese and diabetic ob/ob mice. RESULTS: A single oral administration of SCO-792 inhibited plasma branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in an oral protein challenge test in mice, indicating in vivo inhibition of enteropeptidase. Repeated treatment with SCO-792 induced reduction in food intake and decrease in body weight in DIO and ob/ob mice. Plasma FGF21 levels were increased in SCO-792-treated DIO mice, an observation that was probably independent of reduction in food intake. Hyperglycaemia was markedly improved in SCO-792-treated ob/ob mice. A hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp study revealed improved muscle insulin sensitivity in SCO-792-treated ob/ob mice. SCO-792 also improved plasma and liver lipid profiles and decreased plasma alanine transaminase, suggesting a potential treatment for liver diseases. Dietary supplementation with essential amino acids attenuated the effect of SCO-792 on reduction in food intake and decrease in body weight in normal mice, suggesting a pivotal role for enteropeptidase in these biological phenomena. CONCLUSIONS: SCO-792 inhibited enteropeptidase in vivo, reduced food intake, decreased body weight, increased insulin sensitivity, improved glucose and lipid control, and ameliorated liver parameters in mouse models with obesity and/or diabetes. SCO-792 may exhibit similar effects in patients.

Digital quantitative analysis of mast cell infiltration in interstitial cystitis.

AIMS: To evaluate the significance of mast cell infiltration in interstitial cystitis (IC) by comparison with equally inflamed controls using a digital quantification technique. METHODS: Bladder biopsy specimens from 31 patients with Hunner type IC and 38 patients with non-Hunner type IC were analyzed. Bladder biopsy specimens from 37 patients without IC, including 19 non-specific chronic cystitis ("non-IC cystitis") specimens and 18 non-inflamed bladder ("normal bladder") specimens, were used as controls. Mast cell tryptase-, CD3-, CD20-, and CD138-immunoreactive cells were quantified using digital image analysis software to evaluate both mast cell and lymphoplasmacytic cell densities. Mast cell and lymphoplasmacytic cell densities were counted independently in the entire lamina propria and detrusor areas and compared among the four groups. RESULTS: In the lamina propria, there were no significant differences in mast cell and lymphoplasmacytic cell densities between Hunner type IC and non-IC cystitis or between non-Hunner type IC and normal bladder specimens. In the detrusor, the mast cell densities were not significantly different among the four groups. Mast cell density was correlated with lymphoplasmacytic cell density, but not with clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Mast cell density is not significantly different between IC specimens and non-IC control specimens with a similar degree of background inflammation. The intensity of mast cell infiltration generally correlated with that of lymphoplasmacytic cells. We conclude that mast cell count is of no value in the differential diagnosis between IC and other etiologies.

Extent of Hunner lesions: The relationships with symptom severity and clinical parameters in Hunner type interstitial cystitis patients.

AIMS: To assess the clinical impact of Hunner lesions in patients with Hunner type interstitial cystitis (HIC). METHODS: The clinical records of 94 HIC patients who underwent their first hydrodistension (with lesion fulguration) were retrospectively reviewed. At surgery, the extent of each lesion was classified in terms of the relative involvement for the whole-bladder luminal surface; we defined four grades of involvement: <10%, 10-24%, 25-49%, and ≥50%; and two grades of severity: <25% (focal) and ≥25% (extensive). We examined the relationships between the extent of the lesions and all demographic characteristics, symptom scores, voiding symptoms, and bladder capacity. Factors predictive of the need for repeat hydrodistension were also explored. RESULTS: Symptom severity worsened as the lesional extent rose. Those with extensive lesions scored higher on the O'Leary and Sant Symptom (P = 0.004) and Problem Index scales (P < 0.001), the pain visual analog scale (P = 0.011), the International Prostate Symptom Score scale (P = 0.012), and a quality-of-life index (P = 0.020); and exhibited greater daytime urinary frequency (P = 0.040), more nocturia (P = 0.041), and a smaller bladder capacity (P = 0.007) than the focal group. No symptomatic or clinical parameters predicted the need for repeat hydrodistension. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of Hunner lesions was associated with both symptom severity and bladder capacity but not with other clinical parameters, including the need for repeat hydrodistension, in patients with HIC.

Skeletal-related events and prognosis in urothelial cancer patients with bone metastasis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to elucidate the details of bone metastasis (BM) and the resulting skeletal-related events (SREs), and survival and prognostic factors, in urothelial cancer (UC) patients with BM. METHODS: A total of 48 UC patients with BM who were treated at our institution between 1994 and 2013 were enrolled. Details of BM and SREs were investigated. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival duration. Relationships between several clinical features and survival were analyzed using the log-rank test and the Cox hazard model. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients, 39 (81.3%) were male, with a median age at diagnosis of BM of 68 years [interquartile range (IQR), 61-75 years]. Frequent metastatic sites included the pelvis (31 patients, 64.6%) and spine (28, 58.3%). SREs occurred in 31 patients (64.6%) at a median duration of 0.9 months (IQR, 0.3-5.4 months) after diagnosis of BM, including radiation therapy (n = 23; 74.2%), spinal cord compression (n = 4; 12.9%), pathological fracture (n = 3; 9.7%) and hypercalcemia (n = 1; 3.2%). Median overall survival periods after diagnosis of BM and SREs were 6.2 and 5.6 months, respectively. On multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with survival after BM were performance status [hazard ratio (HR) for ≥2 vs. 0-1, 4.94; P = 0.0003], liver metastasis (HR, 4.08; P = 0.0018), chemotherapy after BM (HR, 0.31; P = 0.0018), and use of bone-modifying agents (HR, 0.36; P = 0.0147). CONCLUSIONS: We revealed clinicopathological factors that are predictive of prognosis of UC patients with BM. Although the prognosis is poor, chemotherapy and bone-modifying agents may confer survival benefits.

Hydrodistension with or without fulguration of hunner lesions for interstitial cystitis: Long-term outcomes and prognostic predictors.

AIMS: Hydrodistension of the bladder, with optional fulguration of Hunner lesions, is one of the recommended therapies for interstitial cystitis (IC). The aims of this study are to evaluate long-term outcomes of hydrodistension and identify outcome predictors. METHODS: The study cohort was 191 newly diagnosed IC patients (155 women and 36 men) who underwent hydrodistension with fulguration of Hunner lesions if detected between 2007 and 2013 at our institution. The primary outcome was therapeutic failure, which was defined as repeat hydrodistension, bladder instillation therapy, or narcotic use for pain control. Clinical features, including comorbidities and endoscopic findings, were analyzed along with the outcome. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 126 patients of Hunner type IC and 65 patients of non-Hunner type IC. The mean time to therapeutic failure was 28.5 months in Hunner type IC and 25.2 months in non-Hunner type IC. The therapeutic failure rate was higher in non-Hunner type IC at 17.3 months; however, the long-term outcomes reversed thereafter. The mean time to therapeutic failure was shorter in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Multivariate analysis identified LSS as a predictor for failure in Hunner type IC and non-Hunner type IC (HR = 18.8, P = 0.001; HR = 3.8, P = 0.028, respectively) and IBS in non-Hunner type IC (HR = 18.0, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Bladder hydrodistension, with fulguration of the Hunner lesions, improved IC symptoms. The outcome was worse in non-Hunner type IC shortly after hydrodistension but eventually comparable across the two types. Concomitant LSS and IBS were predictors for poor outcome. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:965-969, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Invasive urothelial carcinoma with chordoid features may be an ominous sign predicting sarcomatoid change: a case report of a bladder carcinoma.

Invasive urothelial carcinoma with chordoid features has not been reported since being first documented in 2009. Here we report a further case of it, involving an 85-year-old man with a papillary tumor of the urinary bladder, measuring 3 cm in diameter. This case is unique in that an epithelial-mesenchymal transition was suspected to have occurred in the transformation of a conventional urothelial carcinoma to a sarcomatoid variant, with invasive urothelial carcinoma with chordoid features acting as an intermediate stage. Based on this finding, we recommend that the presence of invasive urothelial carcinoma with chordoid features should be reported as it may predict the coexistence or future development of an aggressive sarcomatoid variant.

Botulinum toxin type A injection for refractory interstitial cystitis: A randomized comparative study and predictors of treatment response.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether botulinum toxin type A can represent an alternative treatment option for patients with interstitial cystitis refractory to conventional therapies. METHODS: This is a single-center, prospective, open labeled, randomized comparative study. Patients with refractory interstitial cystitis were randomly divided into two groups: immediate injection (group A) or 1-month delayed injection (group B) of botulinum toxin type A after allocation. The rate of treatment response (global response assessment ≥+1: slightly improved), and changes in symptom scores and frequency volume chart variables were compared between groups 1 month after allocation. Using subjects of both groups as a single cohort, predictive factors for treatment response at 1 month post-injection and the duration of response were explored. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients (group A n = 18, group B n = 16) were allocated. The response rate was significantly higher in group A than group B (72.2% vs 25.0%, P = 0.01). All symptom measures showed significant improvement in group A than group B. When both groups were combined as a single cohort, the response rate was 73.5% at 1 month, 58.8% at 3 months, 38.2% at 6 months and 20.6% at 12 months. The mean duration of response was 5.4 months. Multivariate analysis showed that past exposure to hydrodistension more than three times correlated with better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin type A injection could be an alternative treatment option for patients with interstitial cystitis refractory to conventional therapies, especially for those who have received repeated hydrodistensions and transurethral fulguration.

Automated image analysis for diameters and branching points of cerebral penetrating arteries and veins captured with two-photon microscopy.

The present study was aimed to characterize 3-dimensional (3D) morphology of the cortical microvasculature (e.g., penetrating artery and emerging vein), using two-photon microscopy and automated analysis for their cross-sectional diameters and branching positions in the mouse cortex. We observed that both artery and vein had variable cross-sectional diameters across cortical depths. The mean diameter was similar for both artery (17 ± 5 µm) and vein (15 ± 5 µm), and there were no detectable differences over depths of 50-400 µm. On the other hand, the number of branches was slightly increased up to 400-µm depth for both the artery and vein. The mean number of branches per 0.1 mm vessel length was 1.7 ± 1.2 and 3.8 ± 1.6 for the artery and vein, respectively. This method allows for quantification of the large volume data of microvascular images captured with two-photon microscopy. This will contribute to the morphometric analysis of the cortical microvasculature in functioning brains.

Vessel specific imaging of glucose transfer with fluorescent glucose analogue in anesthetized mouse cortex.

The present study examined glucose transfer in the cellular scale of mouse brain microvasculature in vivo using two-photon microscopy and fluorescent glucose analogue (2-NBDG). The 2-NBDG was intravenously injected (0.04 mL/min) in the anesthetized Tie2-GFP mice in which the vascular endothelium expressed fluorescent protein. Time-lapse imaging was conducted on the cortical parenchyma, while the time-intensity change of the injected 2-NBDG was analysed in respective vascular compartments (artery, capillary, and vein). We observed that 2-NBDG signal increased monotonically in the vasculature during the period of the injection, and rapidly declined following its cessation. In tissue compartment, however, the signal intensity gradually increased even after cessation of the injection. Spatiotemporal analysis of the 2-NBDG intensity over the cross-sections of the vessels further showed distinct change of the 2-NBDG intensity across the vessel wall (endothelium), which may represents a regulation site of tissue glucose influx.

Depth detection limit of a fluorescent object in tissue-like medium with background emission in continuous-wave measurements: a phantom study.

Significance: Although the depth detection limit of fluorescence objects in tissue has been studied, reports with a model including noise statistics for designing the optimum measurement configuration are missing. We demonstrate a variance analysis of the depth detection limit toward clinical applications such as noninvasively assessing the risk of aspiration. Aim: It is essential to analyze how the depth detection limit of the fluorescence object in a strong scattering medium depends on the measurement configuration to optimize the configuration. We aim to evaluate the depth detection limit from theoretical analysis and phantom experiments and discuss the source-detector distance that maximizes this limit. Approach: Experiments for detecting a fluorescent object in a biological tissue-mimicking phantom of ground beef with background emission were conducted using continuous wave fluorescence measurements with a point source-detector scheme. The results were analyzed using a model based on the photon diffusion equations. Then, variance analysis of the signal fluctuation was introduced. Results: The model explained the measured fluorescence intensities and their fluctuations well. The variance analysis showed that the depth detection limit in the presence of ambient light increased with the decrease in the source-detector distance, and the optimum distance was in the range of 10 to 15 mm. The depth detection limit was found to be ∼ 30 mm with this optimum distance for the phantom. Conclusions: The presented analysis provides a guide for the optimum design of the measurement configuration for detecting fluorescence objects in clinical applications.

3D analysis of intracortical microvasculature during chronic hypoxia in mouse brains.

The purpose of this study is to determine when and where the brain microvasculature changes its network in response to chronic hypoxia. To identify the hypoxia-induced structural adaptation, we longitudinally imaged cortical microvasculature at the same location within a mouse somatosensory cortex with two-photon microscopy repeatedly for up to 1 month during continuous exposure to hypoxia (either 8 or 10% oxygen conditions). The two-photon microscopy approach made it possible to track a 3D pathway from a cortical surface arteriole to a venule up to a depth of 0.8 mm from the cortical surface. The network pathway was then divided into individual vessel segments at the branches, and their diameters and lengths were measured. We observed 3-11 vessel segments between the penetrating arteriole and the emerging vein over the depths of 20-460 µm within the 3D reconstructed image (0.46 × 0.46 × 0.80 mm(3)). The average length of the individual capillaries (<7 µm in diameter) was 67 ± 46 µm, which was not influenced by hypoxia. In contrast, 1.4 ± 0.3 and 1.2 ± 0.2 fold increases of the capillary diameter were observed 1 week after exposure to 8 % and 10% hypoxia, respectively. At 3 weeks from the exposure, the capillary diameter reached 8.5 ± 1.9 and 6.7 ± 1.8 µm in 8% and 10 % hypoxic conditions, respectively, which accounted for the 1.8 ± 0.5 and 1.4 ± 0.3 fold increases relative to those of the prehypoxic condition. The vasodilation of penetrating arterioles (1.4 ± 0.2 and 1.2 ± 0.2 fold increases) and emerging veins (1.3 ± 0.2 and 1.3 ± 0.2 fold increases) showed relatively small diameter changes compared with the parenchymal capillaries. These findings indicate that parenchymal capillaries are the major site responding to the oxygen environment during chronic hypoxia.

Retroperitoneal capillary arteriovenous malformation mimicking a malignant neoplasm.

Introduction: Retroperitoneal tumors account for 0.2% of all neoplasms. Among these tumors, retroperitoneal vascular malformations are particularly rare, with most previously reported cases being venous malformations. Case presentation: A 72-year-old woman was diagnosed with a retroperitoneal tumor on abdominal computed tomography. The 27-mm diameter tumor was located away from the right kidney and major vessels in the right perirenal adipose tissue. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a heterogeneously enhanced tumor with well-defined borders. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed rapid enhancement in the arterial phase and a progressive filling-in pattern in the delayed phase. Although vascular malformation was suspected, a definitive diagnosis could not be established. The retroperitoneal tumor was excised laparoscopically for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, and the histopathological diagnosis confirmed it as a capillary arteriovenous malformation. Conclusion: Herein, we presented a rare case of retroperitoneal capillary arteriovenous malformation that was difficult to definitively diagnose preoperatively.

Predictive Factors of Lower Urinary Tract Injuries and Spontaneous Voiding Failure After Pelvic Fractures.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to describe the voiding patterns of patients after surgical treatment of pelvic fractures and determine the predictive factors of lower urinary tract injuries (LUTIs) and spontaneous voiding failure among patients with surgically treated pelvic fractures at a tertiary trauma center in Japan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively assessed patients with surgically treated pelvic fractures in our tertiary trauma center during May 2009-April 2021. We excluded patients who died during hospitalization and who had indwelling catheter prior to the injury. Patients' LUTIs and spontaneous voiding failure at discharge were recorded. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the predictive factors of LUTIs and spontaneous voiding failure at discharge. RESULTS: In total, 334 eligible patients were identified. Among them, 301 patients (90%) voided spontaneously with or without diapers at discharge. Thirty-three patients required some form of catheterization for bladder drainage. LUTIs were found to be associated with chronological age [odds ratio (OR)=0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.92-0.99; p=0.024] and pelvic ring fracture (OR=12.0; 95%CI=1.39-255.2; p=0.024). Spontaneous voiding failure was associated with intensive care unit admission (OR=7.17; 95%CI=1.49-34.4; p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Overall, 10% of patients with surgically treated pelvic fractures were not able to void spontaneously at discharge. Spontaneous voiding failure after pelvic fractures was related to injury severity.

Geriatric 8 and Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 predict length of hospital stay and postoperative complications in Japanese patients undergoing urological surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The Geriatric 8 (G8) and Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13) are established screening tools for assessing vulnerability in older patients. Here we investigated their usefulness as predictors of length of hospital stay and postoperative complications in Japanese patients undergoing urological surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 643 patients who underwent urological surgery (74% were for malignancy) at our institute from 2017 to 2020. G8 and VES-13 scores were routinely recorded upon admission. These indices and other clinical data were obtained through chart review. The correlation between G8 group (high, >14; intermediate, 11-14; low, <11) or VES-13 group (normal, <3; high, ≥3) and length of total hospital stay (LOS), postoperative hospital stay (pLOS), and postoperative complications including delirium were analyzed. RESULTS: The median patient age was 69 years. A total of 44%, 45%, and 11% of patients were classified into high, intermediate, and low G8 groups, respectively, while 77% and 23% were classified into normal and high VES-13 groups, respectively. Univariate analyses revealed that low G8 scores were associated with prolonged LOS (vs. intermediate, odds ratio [OR] 2.87, P < 0.001; vs. high, OR 3.87, P < 0.001), prolonged pLOS (vs. intermediate, OR 2.37, P = 0.005; vs. high, OR 3.06, P < 0.001), and delirium (vs. intermediate, OR 3.23, P = 0.007; vs. high, OR 5.38, P < 0.001), and high VES-13 scores were associated with prolonged LOS (OR 2.85, P < 0.001), prolonged pLOS (OR 2.97, P < 0.001), and Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 2 complications (OR 1.74, P = 0.044), and delirium (OR 3.18, P = 0.001). Furthermore, multivariate analyses revealed that low G8 and high VES-13 scores were independent factors which predicted prolonged LOS (low G8; vs. intermediate, OR 2.96, P < 0.001; vs. high, OR 3.94, P < 0.001; high VES-13; OR 2.98, P < 0.001) and prolonged pLOS (low G8; vs. intermediate, OR 2.41, P = 0.008; vs. high, OR 3.18, P = 0.002; high VES-13; OR 3.47, P < 0.001), respectively. DISCUSSION: The G8 and VES-13 may be effective tools for predicting prolonged LOS/pLOS and postoperative complications in Japanese patients who undergo urological surgery.