High-Resolution Imaging of the Lymphatic Vascular System in Living Mice/Rats Using Dual-Modal Polymer Dots.

Noninvasive, repeated, and high-resolution imaging of the lymphatic vascular system plays an important role in studying the development and function of lymphatics. However, conventional imaging modality such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray lymphangiography shows insufficient temporal and spatial resolution and can only visualize large lymphatic vessels. Herein, we developed polymer dots as a novel lymphatic agent for simultaneously imaging the lymphatic capillary plexus and collecting lymphatic vessels in living mice/rats at a fast temporal resolution and high spatial resolution by combination with probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE). The imaging effect was verified by whole-body near-infrared fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging as well as ex vivo two-photon microscope imaging. Our study provides a novel approach for using polymer dots for high-resolution lymphatic vascular imaging in small animals.

Therapeutic efficacy of Cernilton in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with histological prostatitis after transurethral resection of the prostate.

OBJECTIVE: This study was to prospectively evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Cernilton in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with histological prostatitis after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients with histological prostatitis were recruited from January 2007 to January 2013. All patients were divided into groups A (mild), B (moderate), and C (severe) based on symptom severity, and then randomly subgrouped into Cernilton group and control group. Patients in Cernilton group were treated with Cernilton for 3 months after TURP, while patients in control group received placebo. A series of patient indicators were evaluated before, perioperatively (peri), and after TURP. RESULTS: The assessed indicators remained unchanged peri-TURP as compared to those before surgery. 6 months after TURP, indicators remained stable in group A, and significant differences were observed in the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) in group B and in the storage symptom score (Ss), quality of life (QoL) and IEFF-5 in group C. In addition, there were significant differences in Ss, QoL and IEFF-5 between Cernilton group and control group. CONCLUSION: In BPH patients with histological prostatitis after TURP, Cernilton can improve the lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual dysfunction depending on the grade of prostatitis.