Comparative Analysis of Super-Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Combined with Flexible Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy versus Flexible Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy Alone for Treating Complex Kidney Stones: A Retrospective Study of 205 Patients.

BACKGROUND This retrospective study aimed to compare outcomes from super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP) combined with flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURL) and FURL alone in 205 patients with 2.5-4.2 cm diameter complex kidney stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between January 2018 and December 2022, 92 patients were treated with SMP combined with FURL (group A), and 113 patients were treated with FURL alone (group B). The stone-free rate (SFR), retreatment ratio, operation time, mean decline in hemoglobin level, postoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS), and postoperative hospitalization time and complications were analyzed and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS The SFR 3 days after the operation was 85.87% in group A, which was significantly higher than that in group B (72.57%) (P=0.021). The rate of retreatment in group A (3.26%) was significantly lower than that in group B (10.62%) (P=0.044). The SFR after 90 days was higher in group A (94.57%) than in group B (90.27%) (P=0.254). The mean decrease in hemoglobin, postoperative hospitalization duration, and VAS score 6 hours after the operation were all significantly higher in group A than in group B (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in operation time, VAS score at 12 and 24 hours after the operation, and complication rate. CONCLUSIONS In the treatment of complex renal stones, compared with FURL, SMP combined with FURL in the oblique supine lithotomy position has the advantages of a higher early SFR with no increased risk of complications.

Clinical Study on Gonococcal Infection of the Penile Raphe.

INTRODUCTION: Gonococcal infection of the penile raphe is rarely encountered in the clinical setting. The study aimed to understand the incidence, sites, clinical manifestations, and treatment of gonococcal infection of the penile raphe. METHODS: We enrolled men with gonococcal infection of the penile raphe and men with urethral gonorrhea from January 2010 to December 2021. All patients' demographic data and clinical characteristics were recorded. All patients were treated with ceftriaxone. Incision and drainage were performed in patients with non-ruptured abscesses. Nodules and sinus tract-like lesions that did not resolve after 1 month of treatment were excised. RESULTS: Among 2,736 men who presented with urethral gonorrhea from January 2010 to December 2021, 5 (0.18%) had accompanying gonococcal infection of the penile raphe. An additional two men presented with gonococcal infection of the penile raphe without urethritis. Thus, 7 (0.26%; confidence interval, 0.11-0.56%) of 2,738 men had urethral gonorrhea or gonococcal infection of the penile raphe confirmed both clinically and by laboratory testing. Lesions were present in the frenulum of the prepuce and at the median aspect, proximal end, distal end, and both the proximal and distal ends of the penile raphe. The lesions manifested as abscesses, ulcers, a nodule, and a nodule with a sinus-like lesion. All lesions exhibited tenderness. All seven patients were cured after treatment. CONCLUSION: Gonococcal infection of the penile raphe is a rare, atypical type of involvement of the male urogenital tract by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It may be a local complication of urethral gonorrhea or an independent primary infection. The proximal end, distal end, and median aspect of the penile raphe can be infected by N. gonorrhoeae. Cutaneous lesions present as abscesses, ulcers, nodules, and sinus-like lesions. Ceftriaxone is effective, but sinus-like lesions require surgery.

Gonococcal tysonitis, a rare local complication of gonorrhea: a clinical study of 15 cases.

To investigate the incidence, clinical manifestations, and treatments of gonococcal tysonitis in men. We enrolled men with gonococcal tysonitis and men with gonococcal urethritis from January 2000 to December 2020. Demographic data, interval from non-marital sexual contact to the onset of symptoms of gonococcal tysonitis, occurrence sites, and manifestations were recorded for all patients. Ceftriaxone (1 g) was injected intramuscularly once daily for 5 days in patients with lesions comprising abscesses or nodules. A single dose of ceftriaxone (1 g) was injected intramuscularly in patients with sinus-like lesions. Incision and drainage were performed in patients with non-ruptured abscesses. Fifteen patients with gonococcal tysonitis (0.29%; 95% confidence interval: 0.15-0.44%) were observed among 5087 patients with gonococcal urethritis. The mean age was 38.64 years (range, 17-74 years). The mean gonococcal tysonitis incubation period was 6.02 ± 1.37 days (range, 2-11 days). Lesions were present in the right side of the preputial frenulum in seven patients (46.67%), in the left side of the preputial frenulum in six patients (40%), and in both sides of preputial frenulum in two patients (13.33%). The lesions manifested as abscesses in 7 patients (46.67%), nodules in six patients (40%), and sinus-like lesions in two patients (13.33%); all lesions exhibited tenderness. All 15 patients were cured after treatment. Gonococcal tysonitis is a rare local complication of gonorrhea. Gonococcal urethritis with concurrent gonococcal tysonitis was less common than gonococcal urethritis with concurrent paraurethral gonococcal infection or gonococcal urethritis with concurrent gonococcal epididymitis. Gonococcal tysonitis lesions manifest as abscesses, nodules, and sinus-like lesions. Treatment with ceftriaxone is effective for gonococcal tysonitis.

Prevalence and Clinical Manifestations of Penile Gonococcal Cutaneous and Accessory Gland Infections in Men With Gonorrhea.

BACKGROUND: No studies have focused on the prevalence and clinical manifestations of penile gonococcal cutaneous and accessory gland infections in men with gonorrhea. METHODS: We enrolled patients with penile gonococcal cutaneous and accessory gland infections and patients with urethral gonorrhea from January 2014 to February 2020. Demographic data, occurrence sites, and manifestations of all patients were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients with penile gonococcal cutaneous and accessory gland infections were observed among 1994 (2.6%; 95% confidence interval, 1.9%-3.4%) patients with urethral or penile gonorrhea. Lesions were present at the external urethral orifice in 22 (43%) patients, at the glans in 11 (21%), in the side of the frenulum of the prepuce in 7 (14%), in the penile raphe in 5 (10%), in the inner plate of the prepuce in 1 (2%), in the external urethral orifice and side of the frenulum of the prepuce in 3 (6%), and in the glans and side of the frenulum of the prepuce in 2 (4%). The lesions manifested as sinus-like lesions in 22 (43%) patients, abscesses in 14 (27%), nodules in 10 (20%), pustules in 3 (6%), nodules with sinus tracts in 1 (2%), and ulcers in 1 (2%). CONCLUSIONS: Penile gonococcal cutaneous and accessory gland infections in men probably are more common than previously understood. They mainly involve the paraurethral duct, glans, Tyson's gland, and penile raphe. Lesions mainly present as sinus-like lesions, abscesses, and nodules.

Synthesis, crystal structure and antimicrobial activity of 2-((2-(4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)quinazolin-4-yl)oxy)-N-phenylacetamide derivatives against phytopathogens.

A total of eighteen 2-((2-(4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)quinazolin-4-yl)oxy)-N-phenylacetamide derivatives were designed and synthesized, via hybrid pharmacophore approach. Among these compounds, chemical structure of compound 4a was unambiguously confirmed by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All the compounds were evaluated in vitro for their inhibition activity against several important phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi in agriculture. The obtained results indicated that several compounds demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). For example, compounds 4c, 4g and 4q had EC50 values of 35.0, 36.5 and 32.4 µg/mL toward this bacterium, respectively, around 1.5 times more active than commercial bactericide bismerthiazol (EC50 = 89.8 µg/mL). Additionally, compounds 4j and 4p were found to display comparable antifungal activity against Gloeosporium fructigenum at 50 µg/mL, to commercial fungicide hymexazol. Finally, the relationships between antibacterial activities and molecular structures of this class of compounds were discussed in detail.

Association between Dyslipidemia and Nephrolithiasis Risk in a Chinese Population.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between dyslipidemia and nephrolithiasis risk in a Chinese population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fasting plasma lipid profiles were measured in a case-control study of 540 nephrolithiasis cases and 656 kidney stone-free controls. RESULTS: Triglycerides (TG) levels were significantly higher, but total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly lower in nephrolithiasis patients than those in the control group (each p < 0.05). Similar associations were found in both primary and recurrent nephrolithiasis patients except for TC levels. Significantly lower TC and LDL-C levels were found in all patients except those with uric acid stones. Patients with calcium oxalate (CaOx) and uric acid stones had significantly higher TG levels. Individuals with hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-cholesterolemia were associated with increased risk of nephrolithiasis (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.71 and OR 7.57, 95% CI 5.64-10.17, respectively). Conversely, those with hypercholesterolemia and high LDL-cholesterolemia were associated with decreased nephrolithiasis risk (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.46-0.79 and OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42-0.90, respectively). The risk remained in patients with CaOx stones. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that dyslipidemia was associated with nephrolithiasis risk in a Chinese population, especially in patients with CaOx stones.

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of novel 1,2,4-triazole thioether derivatives bearing a quinazoline moiety.

A series of structurally novel 3-thioether-1-(quinazolin-4-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-amine derivatives (7a-7r) were designed and synthesized based on a pharmacophore hybrid approach, and screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities in vitro. All the target compounds were fully characterized through [Formula: see text]H NMR, [Formula: see text]C NMR and HRMS spectra. Among them, the structure of compound 7b was further confirmed via single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The obtained results indicated that several target compounds demonstrated notable inhibition activities against tested phytopathogenic bacteria, using a turbidimetric method. For example, compounds 7d, 7g and 7i exhibited EC[Formula: see text] (half-maximal effective concentration) values of 46.9, 47.8 and 43.2 µg/mL, respectively, against the bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac), which were more potent than commercial agrobactericide Bismerthiazol (56.9 µg/mL). Moreover, EC[Formula: see text] values of compounds 7a and 7h were found to be 81.6 and 93.1 µg/mL, respectively, against the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs), being over twofold more active than commercial agrobactericide Thiodiazole-copper (189.6 µg/mL). Finally, some compounds displayed a certain degree of inhibition activity against tested phytopathogenic fungi at 50 µg/mL.

Synthesis of novel quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives containing the 7-oxo-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine moiety as effective agricultural bactericides against the pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.

A series of novel quinazolin-4-one derivatives (7a-7n) bearing the 7-oxo-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine moiety were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their inhibition activities against phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi in vitro. All of the target compounds were fully characterized through [Formula: see text] NMR, [Formula: see text] NMR, HRMS and IR spectra. Among these compounds, the structure of compound 7e was unambiguously confirmed via single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The turbidimetric assays indicated that compounds 7b, 7d, 7g, 7k and 7n exhibited much more potent inhibition activities against the pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), relative to control Bismerthiazol. Moreover, antibacterial activities of compounds 7j, 7k and 7n against the pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac) were comparable to that of control Bismerthiazol. As for the pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs), only compounds 7g and 7i demonstrated inhibition activities similar to control Thiadiazole-copper. Moreover, this class of compounds did not display inhibition activity against three fungi tested. The above findings indicated that quinazolin-4-one derivatives containing the 7-oxo-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine moiety have a potential as promising candidates for the development of new and more efficient agricultural bactericides.

Dynamic Observation of the Morphological Changes in Paraurethral Ducts Infected with Gonococci in Men before and after Ceftriaxone Therapy Using High-Frequency Ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the morphological changes in paraurethral ducts infected with gonococci in men before and after the administration of the ceftriaxone therapy using high-frequency ultrasound and determine its clinical significance. METHODS: Thirty-two male patients with gonococcal paraurethral duct infection were enrolled. Their lesions were examined using an ACUSON X300 ultrasound system before and after they were subjected to ceftriaxone therapy. RESULTS: The paraurethral duct was completely closed 3-4 days after ceftriaxone treatment in 30 patients. Paraurethral duct closure began from the blind end and proceeded gradually towards its orifice; during closure, the paraurethral duct diameter showed no apparent change. These 30 patients whose paraurethral ducts closed were considered cured. In the remaining 2 patients, the length and diameter of the paraurethral ducts showed no change before and after ceftriaxone treatment; one patient was unresponsive to ceftriaxone treatment, and the other had secondary dilatation of the paraurethral duct. These 2 patients were cured after surgery. CONCLUSION: High-frequency ultrasound enables dynamic observation of the morphological changes in paraurethral ducts infected with gonococci before and after ceftriaxone therapy. High-frequency ultrasound can provide valuable information for incision, drainage, and wedge resection of paraurethral ducts.

Calcium-Sensing Receptor Genetic Polymorphisms and Risk of Developing Nephrolithiasis in a Chinese Population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) Arg990Gly (rs1042636, A > G), Ala986Ser (rs1801725, G > T) polymorphisms, and urolithiasis risk. METHODS: Polymorphisms mentioned above were genotyped in a hospital-based case-control study of 615 patients diagnosed with nephrolithiasis and 315 kidney stone-free controls in a Chinese population using the SNaPshot method. RESULTS: The results indicated a significantly increased risk associated with CaSR Arg990Gly GG genotypes (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.08-2.50) compared with the AA genotype. The CaSR Arg990Gly G carriers (AG/GG) had an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 1.45 (1.04-2.03, p = 0.021) compared with the wild genotype in the dominant model. In the stratified analyses, the risk remained for the subgroup of patients with age >48, never smokers and patients with hypertension and calcium oxalate stones (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.02-3.09; OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.03-2.30; OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.32-6.07; OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.12-2.28, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidences that the CaSR Arg990Gly polymorphism is associated with the risk of nephrolithiasis development in a Chinese population.

IGFBP-3 promoter polymorphism -202A>C (rs2854774) contributes to prostate cancer risk: evidence based on 9,482 subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence suggests that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) might play a role in the carcinogenesis of prostate cancer (PCa). To date, several studies have been conducted to investigate the association between IGFBP-3 -202A>C polymorphism and PCa risk in humans. However, the results remain inconclusive and inconsistent. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis of all eligible case-control studies. METHODS: We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association. RESULTS: 16 studies from 10 articles that included a total of 4,602 PCa cases and 4,880 controls were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the IGFBP-3 -A>C polymorphism was associated with a significant increase in PCa risk. The variant homozygote genotype CC of IGFBP-3 -202A>C polymorphism was associated with a significantly increased risk in homozygote comparison (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.07-1.38, I(2) = 36.10%) and recessive model (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.00-1.22, I(2) = 15.60%). In the stratified analysis, the risk remained for studies in Asian men and hospital-based studies. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that the IGFBP-3 -202A>C polymorphism might contribute to PCa susceptibility, especially in Asian men and hospital-based studies. Further studies are needed to confirm the relationship.

Etiology, clinical manifestations, and management methods of cryptitis beside the preputial frenulum in men.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory diseases may occur within the crypt beside the preputial frenulum in men. This study was performed to gain an understanding of the etiology, clinical manifestations, and management methods of cryptitis beside the preputial frenulum in men. RESULTS: Thirteen patients treated for cryptitis beside the preputial frenulum served as the observation group, and 40 healthy individuals served as the control group. The patients' clinical manifestation was the presence of a yellowish oily substance embedded in the crypt. Wiping off the substance revealed a conical blind cavity-like structure with an opening diameter of 1 to 5 mm (2.8 ± 1.3 mm) and depth of 1 to 4 mm (2.5 ± 1.1 mm). No blind cavity-like structures in the crypt were found in the control group. The shortest distance between the opening edges of the bilateral crypts in the observation and control groups was 6 to 14 mm (10.3 ± 2.4 mm) and 2 to 10 mm (3.9 ± 1.9 mm), respectively, with a statistically significant difference. Examination for pathogens in the secretions from skin lesions showed that the three most common pathogens were Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. All patients recovered after antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A blind cavity-like structure in the crypt may be related to excessive width of the preputial frenulum. Cryptitis may be a secondary infection caused by smegma trapped in the blind cavity-like structure. Maintaining cleanliness in the frenulum area may help to prevent the occurrence of cryptitis. Antibiotic treatment is effective.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: Des maladies inflammatoires peuvent survenir dans la crypte située de chaque côté du frein du prépuce chez l'homme. Cette étude a été réalisée pour mieux comprendre l'étiologie, les manifestations cliniques et les méthodes de prise en charge de la cryptite localisée de chaque côté du frein préputial chez l'homme. RéSULTATS: Treize patients traités pour une cryptite de chaque côté du frein du prépuce ont constitué le groupe d'observation, et 40 hommes en bonne santé le groupe témoin. La manifestation clinique des patients était la présence d'une substance huileuse jaunâtre incrustée dans la crypte. L'essuyage de la substance a révélé une structure conique en forme de cavité aveugle avec un diamètre d'ouverture de 1 à 5 mm (2,8±1,3 mm) et une profondeur de 1 à 4 mm (2,5±1,1 mm). Aucune structure aveugle ressemblant à une cavité n'a été trouvée dans les cryptes des hommes du groupe témoin. La plus courte distance entre les bords d'ouverture des cryptes bilatérales dans les groupes d'observation et contrôle était respectivement de 6 à 14 mm (10,3±2,4 mm) et de 2 à 10 mm (3,9±1,9 mm), avec une différence statistiquement significative. L'examen des agents pathogènes dans les sécrétions des lésions cutanées a montré que les trois agents pathogènes les plus courants étaient Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus et Escherichia coli. Tous les patients se sont rétablis après un traitement antibiotique. CONCLUSIONS: Une structure aveugle en forme de cavité dans la crypte peut être liée à une largeur excessive du frein préputial. La cryptite pourrait être une infection secondaire causée par le smegma piégé dans la structure aveugle en forme de cavité. Le maintien de la propreté dans la zone du frein du prépuce peut aider à prévenir l'apparition de la cryptite. Le traitement antibiotique est efficace.

Interleukin-10-819C>T polymorphism contributed to cancer risk: evidence from 29 studies.

Cytokines are important modulators in the interactions between the host immune system and malignant tumor. Of these, Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an important immunoregulatory cytokine mainly produced by macrophages and T lymphocytes. To date, a number of studies investigated the role of the IL-10-819C>T polymorphism in the aetiology of cancers of various organs. However, the results of these studies remain inconclusive. So, we carried out a meta-analysis on all eligible case-control studies to estimate the overall cancer risk of IL-10-819C>T polymorphism as well as to quantify the between-study heterogeneity and potential bias. This meta-analysis, including 8157 cases and 10473 controls from 29 published case-control studies, explored the association between a potentially functional polymorphism, -819C>T within the IL-10 promoter region and cancer risk. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association. The results provided evidence that the IL-10-819C>T polymorphism was associated with a significant decrease in overall cancer risk. In the stratified analyses, the risk remained for studies of "other cancer", smoking-related cancer, Asian populations and hospital-based studies. This meta-analysis identified an evidence of the association between the IL-10-819C>T and cancer risk, especially in "other cancer", smoking-related cancers, Asians and hospital-based studies. Further large case-control studies, especially studies in African population were needed to validate our results.

Gonococcal Infection of the Glans Skin, a Rare Local Complication of Gonorrhea: A Clinical Study of 13 Cases.

The study aimed to understand the incidence, site, skin lesion manifestations, and treatment of gonococcal infection of the glans skin. We enrolled men with gonococcal infection of the glans skin and men with gonococcal urethritis from January 2014 to February 2020. Demographic data, site of onset, and skin lesion manifestations were recorded for all patients. Ceftriaxone (1 g) was injected intramuscularly once daily for 5 days in patients with lesions comprising abscesses or nodules. A single dose of ceftriaxone (1 g) was injected intramuscularly in patients with pustules. Incision and drainage were performed in patients with nonruptured abscesses. Thirteen patients had gonococcal infection of the glans skin (0.65%; 95% confidence interval = [0.30, 1.01]) among 1,989 patients with gonococcal urethritis. Mean age was 35.48 ± 2.37 (range = 26-45) years. Nonmarital sexual behavior patterns were genital-genital in eight patients (61.54%) and genital-oral in five patients (38.46%). All skin lesions occurred on the ventral side of the glans. Eleven patients (84.62%) had a single lesion and two (15.38%) had multiple lesions. The lesions manifested as abscesses in five patients (38.46%), nodules in five patients (38.46%), and pustules in three patients (23.08%). All lesions exhibited tenderness. All 13 patients were cured after treatment. The study shows that gonococcal infection of the glans skin is a rare local complication of gonorrhea. Lesions often occur on the ventral side of the glans, presenting as abscesses, nodules, and pustules. Ceftriaxone treatment was effective for gonococcal infection of the glans skin.

A functional MMP-9-1562C>T polymorphism, MMP-9 serum levels and nephrolithiasis risk in a southern Chinese population.

Background: The role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in the pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is associated with a nearly two-fold greater risk for urinary calculi compared to people without CKD, has been demonstrated. The aim of the research is to evaluate the association between MMP-9-1562C>T polymorphism, MMP-9 serum levels and nephrolithiasis risk. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study involving 302 kidney stone patients and 408 controls without kidney stone from southern China was conducted. Sanger sequencing was used to genotype the MMP-9-1562C>T polymorphism. The serum MMP-9 was measured in 105 kidney stone patients and 77 controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared to the control group, the CT genotype was more frequent in nephrolithiasis patients (adjusted OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.09-2.37: the risk of developing nephrolithiasis in individuals with CT genotype compared to CC genotype). Moreover, there was also a higher frequency of CT/TT genotypes among patients with nephrolithiasis (adjusted OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.02-2.19: the risk of developing nephrolithiasis in individuals with CT/TT genotypes compared to CC genotype). The risk remained for the subgroups of patients aged >53, smokers with pack-years of smoking >20, non-drinkers, non-diabetic patients, patients with hypertension, recurrent episodes and calcium oxalate stones (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.31-3.91; OR = 5.47, 95% CI = 1.10-27.30; OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.14-2.72; OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.03-2.30; OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.01-3.82; OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.06-2.62; OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.02-2.32, respectively). Biochemical parameters did not differ between genotypes. Compared to controls (18.57 ± 5.80 ng/mL), nephrolithiasis patients had significantly higher serum MMP-9 levels (30.17 ± 6.78 ng/mL, p < 0.001). The serum MMP-9 levels of patients with CT/TT genotypes of MMP-9-1562C>T were significantly higher than those with CC genotype (32.00 ± 6.33 vs. 29.13 ± 6.85 ng/mL, p = 0.037). Conclusion: The MMP-9-1562C>T polymorphism in association with its soluble protein increased the risk of kidney stone, thus suggesting it could be used as a susceptibility biomarker for nephrolithiasis. Further functional studies and larger studies that include environmental exposure data are needed to confirm the findings.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Agricultural Antimicrobial Evaluation of Novel Quinazoline Thioether Derivatives Incorporating the 1,2,4-Triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine Moiety.

A total of 22 quinazoline thioether derivatives incorporating a 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine moiety were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as antimicrobial agents in agriculture. Among these compounds, the chemical structure of compound 6l was further confirmed via single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The bioassay results revealed that some of the compounds possessed noticeable in vitro antibacterial activities against the tested phytopathogenic bacteria. For example, compounds 6b and 6g had EC50 values as low as 10.0 and 24.7 µg/mL against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac), respectively, which were significantly better than that of the commercial agrobactericide bismerthiazol (56.9 µg/mL). Particularly, compound 6b was also found to be capable of suppressing the pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) approximately 12-fold more potent than control bismerthiazol, in terms of their EC50 values (7.2 versus 89.8 µg/mL). Importantly, the most active compound 6b turned out to be one with the highest hydrophilicity and the lowest molecular weight within the series. In vivo bioassays further showed the application prospect of 6b as a promising plant bactericide for controlling Xoo. Additionally, in vitro antifungal activities of these compounds were also evaluated at the concentration of 50 µg/mL. Overall, the present study demonstrated the potential of 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine-bearing quinazoline thioether derivatives as efficient agricultural antibacterial agents for crop protection.

High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging-Guided Wedge Resection: An Effective Treatment for Paraurethral Duct Dilatation Following Gonococcal Paraurethral Duct Infection in Men.

This study was performed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of wedge resection on male paraurethral duct dilatation following gonococcal paraurethral duct infection. Twenty-six men with paraurethral duct dilatation following gonococcal paraurethral duct infection were enrolled. Their lesions underwent wedge resection after examination using an ACUSON X300 ultrasound system. The anesthetic method, surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, wound healing time, complications, sequelae, and curative effect were assessed. All 26 men received local infiltration anesthesia. The mean surgical duration was 18.65 ± 2.50 min (range, 14-23 min), the mean intraoperative blood loss was 10.50 ± 1.68 ml (range, 8-14 ml), and the mean wound healing time was 14.73 ± 1.31 days (range, 13-17 days). The lesions were cured in all patients (100%). The postoperative wounds healed in all patients. No complications or glans defects were observed in any patients. The study identifies that high-frequency ultrasound imaging-guided wedge resection is an effective and safe therapy for paraurethral duct dilatation following gonococcal paraurethral duct infection in men.

The interleukin-10 promoter polymorphism rs1800872 (-592C>A), contributes to cancer susceptibility: meta-analysis of 16,785 cases and 19,713 controls.

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a multifunctional cytokine which participates in the development and progression of various malignant tumors. To date, a number of case-control studies were conducted to detect the association between IL-10-592C>A polymorphism and cancer risk in humans. However, the results of these studies on the association remain conflicting. In an effort to solve this controversy, we performed a meta-analysis based on 70 case-control studies from 65 articles, including 16 785 cancer cases and 19 713 controls. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association. The overall results suggested that the variant homozygote genotype AA of the IL-10-592C>A polymorphism was associated with a moderately decreased risk of all cancer types (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.83-0.98 for homozygote comparison, OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.86-0.98 for recessive model). In the stratified analyses, the risk remained for studies of smoking-related cancer, Asian populations and hospital-based studies. These results suggested that the IL-10-592C>A polymorphism might contribute to the cancer susceptibility, especially in smoking-related cancer, Asians and hospital-based studies. Further studies are needed to confirm the relationship.

Sequential therapy for gonococci inflammation of paraurethral glands in males.

OBJECTIVE: To approach the method of sequential therapy in gonococcal inflammation of the paraurethral glands around the external urethral orifice in males. METHODS: Step one: ceftriaxone sodium (1 g intramuscularly (IM) once daily for 5 days) was used for all patients. Step two: refractory patients from step one were treated with incision and drainage, followed by administration of IM ceftriaxone sodium. Step three: patients' sinus tracts were cauterized with a monopulse CO(2) laser. RESULTS: After step one, 34 patients recovered (recovery rate 70.83%). However, 14 patients were unaffected, and sinus tracts appeared in two patients. After step two, 11 of 14 patients recovered and three patients developed sinus tracts, two of whom had sinus tracts in step one that did not heal in step two. After step three, all patients with sinus tracts that had been treated with monopulse CO(2) laser therapy recovered in 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: This sequential therapy can be used to successfully treat gonococcal inflammation of the paraurethral glands around the external urethral orifice in males.