Association between GnRH analogue use and atopic diseases in patients with prostate cancer: A population-based retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues reduce testosterone levels to castration levels in patients with prostate cancer. However, the role of testosterone in atopic diseases has remained undefined. We aimed to investigate this role. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Patients with prostate cancer were categorized into two groups according to whether they received GnRH analogue treatment (study group I) or not (study group II), and men without prostate cancer and with no GnRH analogue use were defined to comprise the comparison group after their ages and index years were matched with group II. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the hazard ratio (HR) of atopic diseases. RESULTS: Group I, group II, and the comparison group comprised 663, 2,172, and 8,688 individuals, respectively. Group I had a significantly lower risk of atopic diseases (adjusted HR: 0.66, 95% CI, 0.49-0.89, p < 0.01) than did group II. A reduced risk of atopic diseases was found when GnRH analogues were prescribed for 2 months (adjusted HR 0.53, 95% CI, 0.29-0.97, p = 0.04) and 2-14 months (adjusted HR 0.66, 95% CI, 0.49-0.89, p = 0.007). No significant difference in the risk of atopic diseases between group II and the comparison group was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A decreased risk of atopic diseases was observed in patients with prostate cancer treated with GnRH analogues. Further studies are warranted to verify the association between testosterone levels and atopic diseases.

Comprehensive identification of microRNA arm selection preference in lung cancer: miR-324-5p and -3p serve oncogenic functions in lung cancer.

MicroRNA (miRNA/miR) dysfunction is a hallmark of lung cancer, and results in the dysregulation of tumor suppressors and oncogenes during lung cancer progression. Selection of the 5p and 3p arms of miRNA is a mechanism that improves the modulation of miRNA biological functions and complicates the regulatory network in human types of cancer. However, the involvement of arm selection preference of miRNA in lung cancer remains unclear. In the present study, changes in miRNA arm selection preference were comprehensively identified in lung cancer and corresponding adjacent normal tissues by analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas. Arm selection was revealed to be consistent in the majority of miRNAs in lung cancer. Only a few miRNAs had significantly altered arm selection preference in lung cancer. Among these, the biological functions of the individual arms of miR-324 were investigated further. The data revealed that miR-324-5p and -3p were significantly overexpressed in lung cancer cells. Ectopic expression of miR-324-5p significantly promoted cell proliferation and invasion in lung cancer cells, while miR-324-3p overexpression significantly increased cell proliferation but did not alter the invasion of lung cancer cells. In conclusion, the arm selection preference of miRNA may be an additional mechanism through which biological functions are modulated. The results of the present study provide a novel insight into the underlying mechanisms of lung cancer and may direct research into future therapies.

Nonreassuring fetal heart rate decreases heart rate variability in newborn infants.

BACKGROUND: Nonreassuring fetal status (NRFS) refers to a compromised fetal condition which implies hypoxia. The influence of intrapartum hypoxia on autonomic nervous system function in early postnatal life is unknown. This study explored the influence of NRFS on the heart rate variability (HRV) of newborn infants. METHODS: Singleton newborn infants delivered through Cesarean delivery (CD) with indications of elective purpose (n = 32), dystocia (n = 29), or NRFS (n = 22), and through vaginal birth (VB) (n = 80) were consecutively collected. HRV parameters including standard deviation of average NN intervals (SDANN), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), LF%, HF%, and total power (TP), were obtained for analysis in 3 days postpartum. An independent t-test or one-way ANOVA was used to compare differences in numeric data. RESULTS: SDANN, HF, HF%, and TP of newborn infants in the VB group were significantly higher than those in the CD group. The NRFS group had significantly lower SDANN, HF, and TP than those of the elective group, and significantly lower HF, HF%, and TP than those of the dystocia group. CONCLUSIONS: Newborn infants delivered through Cesarean section had lower HRV, especially those who experienced NRFS during labor. The long-term effects of changes of HRV in neonates require further evaluation.

Short-term impact of tension-free vaginal tape obturator procedure on sexual function in women with stress urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: The tension-free vaginal tape obturator (TVT-O) procedure is one of the most commonly used anti-incontinence surgeries, but little is known about its impact on sexual function. AIM: To evaluate sexual function after the TVT-O procedure at 6 months postoperatively. METHODS: Fifty-six sexually active women who underwent the TVT-O procedure for severe stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were evaluated using the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) before and 6 months after surgery. The perception of incontinence-related quality-of-life were also evaluated by the short form of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) to assess the effect of surgery on incontinence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total score and score for each PISQ-12 item. RESULTS: The mean total PISQ-12 score did not differ significantly before (24.0 + or - 12.2) and after (23.0 + or - 13.2) (P = 0.194) the TVT-O procedure. Scores for individual items on the PISQ-12 varied, with incontinence-related items improving but others, such as the frequency of achieving orgasm deteriorating for some women. The scores of UDI-6 and IIQ-7 were significantly improved by 6-month follow-up, indicating that the operation successfully resolved the incontinence. CONCLUSION: Despite successful amelioration of SUI by the TVT-O procedure, sexual function does not necessarily improve in the first 6 months after surgery.

An efficient management system for wireless sensor networks.

Wireless sensor networks have garnered considerable attention recently. Networks typically have many sensor nodes, and are used in commercial, medical, scientific, and military applications for sensing and monitoring the physical world. Many researchers have attempted to improve wireless sensor network management efficiency. A Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)-based sensor network management system was developed that is a convenient and effective way for managers to monitor and control sensor network operations. This paper proposes a novel WSNManagement system that can show the connections stated of relationships among sensor nodes and can be used for monitoring, collecting, and analyzing information obtained by wireless sensor networks. The proposed network management system uses collected information for system configuration. The function of performance analysis facilitates convenient management of sensors. Experimental results show that the proposed method enhances the alive rate of an overall sensor node system, reduces the packet lost rate by roughly 5%, and reduces delay time by roughly 0.2 seconds. Performance analysis demonstrates that the proposed system is effective for wireless sensor network management.

Tension-free vaginal tape-obturator procedure for treatment of severe urodynamic stress incontinence: subjective and objective outcomes during 2 years of follow-up.

AIM: To report our experience of the tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O) procedure for the treatment of severe female urodymanic stress incontinence (USI) during 2 years of follow-up. METHODS: Between January 2005 and June 2007, 67 women with severe USI who underwent the TVT-O procedure were enrolled in the study. Pelvic examination, pad test, urodynamic study, and quality of life (QoL) assessment were performed pre- and post-operatively. Regular follow-up was arranged for analysis. RESULTS: The median duration of follow-up was 24 months. The objective cure rate was 76.2%. The postoperative pad test revealed significant reduction of leakage. The subjective cure rate was 83.5%, and improvement occurred in 14.9%. The postoperative QoL showed significant improvement. One (1.5%) extrusion of tape occurred and three cases of de novo detrusor overactivity were detected. Three patients (4.4%) had immediate postoperative urine retention. No major complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the TVT-O procedure is an effective and safe surgical procedure for severe female USI with satisfactory outcomes, significant improvement in quality of life, and few complications during 2 years of follow-up.

Effect of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty on endothelial function in obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the effects of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) on serum levels of nitric oxide derivatives (NO(x)) and endothelial function by endothelium dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifteen healthy subjects and 30 subjects with moderately severe to severe OSAS who desired UPPP were prospectively enrolled. FMD was measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography; serum level of NO(x) from peripheral blood samples was also measured. All subjects participated in sleep studies. These studies were repeated 3 months after UPPP in OSAS patients. RESULTS: For healthy patients, there was no difference in serum level of NO(x) and FMD between baseline and 3 months later. The serum levels of NO(x) in 14 of 30 patients with OSAS - designated surgical responders - increased from 13.9 +/- 5.5 microM preoperation to 28.9 +/- 8.2 microM postoperatively. FMD increased from 5.2 +/- 5.0 preoperatively to 10.0 +/- 4.7 postoperatively. For the 16 unresponsive patients, serum NOx and FMD remained impaired after UPPP. CONCLUSION: Successful treatment of OSAS with UPPP leads to restoration of FMD and normal serum levels of NO(x).

Functional and anatomic assessments for transobturator vaginal tape inside-out operation for urodynamic stress incontinence.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess by urodynamic study and chain urethrocystography the functional and anatomic changes before and after transobturator vaginal tape inside-out (TVT-O) operation. METHODS: From January 2005 to February 2006, 35 women were enrolled who had urodynamic stress incontinence, with or without intrinsic sphincter deficiency, and had undergone TVT-O with regular follow-up. Investigations, including pelvic examination, pad test, urodynamic study, chain urethrocystography and questionnaire with short forms of Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, were performed pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 12.8 months. The subjective and objective cure rates were 80 and 71.4%, respectively. The maximal urethral pressure was significantly decreased (from 67.0 to 58.9 cmH(2)O) after surgery and bladder neck mobility was reduced. Quality of life assessment revealed significant improvement after TVT-O. CONCLUSION: TVT-O is an effective operation for female urodynamic stress incontinence. Improved postoperative bladder neck mobility showed anatomic correction, indicating a hammock effect. The decreased maximal urethral pressure may reflect neurogenic damage during surgery; thus, minimal dissection and avoidance of unnecessary dissection to prevent periurethral damage are advised.

Work of breathing in eucapnic and hypercapnic sleep apnea syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Upper airways in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are more likely narrower than those of normal subjects, a factor in increasing the work of breathing (WOB) in these individuals. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate WOB while sitting and while supine, both awake and during stage 2 sleep, in patients with hypercapnic or eucapnic OSAS. METHOD: Twenty normal control subjects without OSAS, 20 patients with eucapnic moderate or severe OSAS and another 8 patients with hypercapnic severe OSAS were studied. WOB was measured by esophageal manometry with the subjects seated and then with the subjects supine, both while awake and during stage 2 sleep. RESULTS: In both the control and the eucapnic group, WOB was normal in the sitting position. When the eucapnic subjects lay supine, their WOB increased, both while awake and asleep. In contrast, the hypercapnic subjects had an abnormally high WOB both sitting and supine, whether awake or asleep. CONCLUSION: WOB was increased in subjects with hypercapnic OSAS in both the sitting and supine positions. While eucapnic individuals with OSAS have increased WOB when supine, it is normal when they are sitting upright.

Prevalence of and attitude toward urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of urinary incontinence, and the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Taiwanese women aged 60 years or older. METHOD: A nationwide epidemiological study was conducted and a sample of 2410 women was selected. Personal visits to 1517 women were completed. RESULTS: A total of 485 (29.8%) women reported urinary incontinence; 250 (69.9%) urinary incontinent women experienced symptoms less than once a month. Regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices, 822 (54.3%) of the women surveyed knew the meaning of urinary incontinence, and 147 (30.3%) with urinary incontinence had visited a doctor. The main reason given for not seeking medical help was shyness. CONCLUSION: Although urinary incontinence is a common symptom, it is often not reported to doctors, which leads to undertreatment. From a public health perspective, there is considerable opportunity to improve women's quality of life by increasing health education about urinary incontinence and its treatment.

Risk factors for failure of transvaginal sacrospinous uterine suspension in the treatment of uterovaginal prolapse.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the risk factors for failure of transvaginal sacrospinous uterine suspension (SSUS) in the treatment of uterine prolapse and to examine methods for controlling these risk factors. METHODS: Sixty patients with second degree uterine prolapse or greater were included in this 2-stage study, with 33 in the risk factor assessment and 27 in the clinical study of a modified treatment to eliminate identified risk factors. Patients were followed for at least 5 years. The first part of the study evaluated the risk factors for operative failure and the efficacy of the operative procedure. The second part of the study evaluated a modified treatment plan to eliminate risk factors identified in the first part of the study. RESULTS: The failure rate for those with an elongated cervix (3 of 4, 75%) and those with third degree uterine prolapse (3 of 4, 75%) was significantly higher than for patients without either of these risk factors (6.9%, 2/29) [p = 0.007]. Concomitant partial trachelectomy for those with elongated cervix significantly reduced the failure rate from 75% to 0% (0/7) [p = 0.024]. In the risk factor study, SSUS was successful in 84.8% (28/33) of patients. In the clinical study of modified therapy to prevent significant risk factors, the success rate was 96.3% (26/27). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that an elongated cervix and third degree uterine prolapse were the 2 main risk factors for recurrent uterine prolapse after SSUS. Concomitant partial trachelectomy as an adjuvant treatment of SSUS for treatment of uterovaginal prolapse in patients with an elongated cervix significantly reduces the rate of failure in these patients.

Practical effects of educating nurses on the Natural Death Act.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate a nursing staff's knowledge of the Natural Death Act before and after an educational intervention. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental designed study. Questionnaires were sent to 135 nurses in a medical center who volunteered to participate in the educational program. Demographic data and knowledge of the Natural Death Act were collected. The return rate was 85.37% (n=105). The educational program lasted for 6 h and included five subjects: hospice-palliative care, Natural Death Act, how to face suffering patients, nursing for agonized patients, and communicating with families. The program was a combination of lectures, case discussions, evaluation of individuals' values, and attitudes toward patient death. MAIN RESULTS: At baseline, the average total score in the 18-item questionnaire on the Natural Death Act was 12.96, with a range of 5-18. After the educational intervention, the average total score increased from 12.9 correct answers to 17.04 (of 18). The average increase was 4.08 points, a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: A provision of appropriate training for medical professionals appears to be a useful educational strategy, and this result shows that the Natural Death Act should be included in nursing school educational program. In the future, more effort should be made to fulfill patients' expectations and to follow medical ethics guidelines.