Investigation on peculiar SNR variation at TianMa radio telescope.

Chinese lunar spacecraft Chang'E-3 (CE3) and Chang'E5-T1 (CE5T1) were launched in 2013 and 2014, respectively and very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations were performed. Signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the Tianma (TM) station experienced peculiar variation, whereas SNRs of other stations were rather stable. Further, it happened only when observing spacecraft, and showed no such variation when performing astronomical observations. Moreover, it was distinctive on X band signals, whereas it was not noticed on S band signals. Analysis showed that the SNR variation was closely related with changing rate of elevation angle. Further investigations discovered that there were two sets of antenna control software at TM station, and the SNR variation originated from a bug in elevation control software used for observing spacecraft, not for astronomical observations. The bug caused big pointing error (around ± 30 as) on elevation angle of TM, which resulted in the peculiar SNR variation. It was not noticed on S band signals due to its relatively wide and flat main beam comparing with ± 30 as pointing error. However, the bug was fixed in software update in July, 2016, and the SNR of TM showed no such variation in 2017 and 2018.

The long-term efficacy of one-shot neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with radical cystectomy versus radical cystectomy alone for bladder cancer: a propensity-score matching study.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer is a complex disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Management of bladder cancer before radical cystectomy continues to be controversial. We compared the long-term efficacy of one-shot neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) versus no IAC (NIAC) before radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent either one-shot IAC or NIAC before RC between October 2006 and November 2015. A propensity-score matching (1:3) was performed based on key characters. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to estimate survival probabilities, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival outcomes between different groups. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate survival outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were treated using IAC before RC, and 123 NIAC patients also underwent RC. After matching, there was no significant difference between groups in baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, complication outcomes or tumor characteristics. Compared with clinical tumor stages, pathological tumor stages demonstrated a significant decrease (P = 0.002) in the IAC group. There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS, p = 0.354) or cancer-specific survival (CSS, p = 0.439) between the groups. Among all patients, BMI significantly affected OS (p = 0.004), and positive lymph nodes (PLN) significantly affected both OS (p<0.001) and CSS (p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: One-shot neoadjuvant IAC before RC shows safety and tolerability and provides a significant advantage in pathological downstaging but not in OS or CSS. Further study of neoadjuvant combination therapeutic strategies with RC is needed.

Comparison of intracorporeal and extracorporeal urinary diversions after laparoscopic radical cystectomy in females with bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: To compare the peri-operative outcomes of females undergoing laparoscopic intracorporeal urinary diversions (ICUD) and extracorporeal urinary diversions (ECUD) after laparoscopic radical cystectomies (LRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight females who underwent LRCs and urinary diversions from February 2008 to October 2018 were divided into two groups: the ECUD group (19 patients) and the ICUD group (19 patients). We retrospectively analysed the patients in terms of patients' demographics, peri-operative outcomes, and oncological follow-ups. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the mean operative times between ECUDs and ICUDs (364.6 vs. 297.1 min, p = 0.007), transfusion rates (37% vs. 5%, p = 0.042), time to flatus (5 vs. 3 days, p = 0.020), time to ambulation (2 vs. 1 days, p = 0.022), and duration of postoperative hospital stays (22 vs. 13 days, p = 0.002). The mean lymph node yield was 12.9 in the ECUD group and 18.6 in the ICUD group (p = 0.140). Seven out of 19 patients (37%) in the ECUD group and 6 out of 19 patients (32%) in the ICUD group had positive lymph nodes (p > 0.9). Two out of 19 ECUD patients (11%) and 4 of 19 ICUD patients (21%) had positive surgical margins (p = 0.660). Although there were no differences in major complications at 30 days and in all complications at 90 days, the Clavien grade II complications were significantly different at 30 days (ECUD 8, ICUD 2; p = 0.026). The mean follow-up times were 48.7 months (ECUD group) and 26.4 months (ICUD group). There were no statistically significant differences in estimated glomerular filtration rates postoperatively (p = 0.516). Seven patients had disease metastases (ECUD 2 out of 19, ICUD 5 out of 19; p = 0.405) and 5 died (ECUD 3 out of 19, ICUD 2 out of 19; p > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: ICUDs benefit females by having smaller incisions, faster recoveries, and decreased complication rates.

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal conduit: one center experience and clinical outcomes

ABSTRACT Purpose: To introduce our experience with intracorporeal ileal conduit and evaluate the safety and feasibility of this endoscopic urinary diversion. Materials and Methods: Between March 2014 and July 2017, thirty-six consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal conduit. Patients' demographic data, perioperative data, 90-days postoperative outcomes and complications were collected. This cohort were divided into two groups of 18 patients each by chronological order of the operations to facilitate comparison of clinical data. Data were evaluated using the students' T test, Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's Exact test. Results: All surgeries were completed successfully with no conversion. Median total operating time and median intracorporeal urinary diversion time were 304 and 105 minutes, respectively. Median estimated blood loss was 200 mL, and median lymph node yield was 21. Twenty-six Clavien grade < 3 complications occurred within 30-days and 9 occurred within 30-90 days. Five Clavien grade 3-5 complications occurred within 30 days. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups except for intracorporeal urinary diversion time. At median follow-up of 17.5 (range 3-42) months, 6 patients experienced tumor recurrence/metastasis and 4 of these patients died. Conclusions: Intracorporeal ileal conduit following laparoscopic radical cystectomy is safe, feasible and reproducible. With the accumulation of experience, the operation time can be controlled at a satisfactory level.

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal conduit: one center experience and clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: To introduce our experience with intracorporeal ileal conduit and evaluate the safety and feasibility of this endoscopic urinary diversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2014 and July 2017, thirty-six consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal conduit. Patients' demographic data, perioperative data, 90-days postoperative outcomes and complications were collected. This cohort were divided into two groups of 18 patients each by chronological order of the operations to facilitate comparison of clinical data. Data were evaluated using the students' T test, Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's Exact test. RESULTS: All surgeries were completed successfully with no conversion. Median total operating time and median intracorporeal urinary diversion time were 304 and 105 minutes, respectively. Median estimated blood loss was 200 mL, and median lymph node yield was 21. Twenty-six Clavien grade < 3 complications occurred within 30-days and 9 occurred within 30-90 days. Five Clavien grade 3-5 complications occurred within 30 days. No statistically signifi cant differences were found between the two groups except for intracorporeal urinary diversion time. At median follow-up of 17.5 (range 3-42) months, 6 patients experienced tumor recurrence/metastasis and 4 of these patients died. CONCLUSIONS: Intracorporeal ileal conduit following laparoscopic radical cystectomy is safe, feasible and reproducible. With the accumulation of experience, the operation time can be controlled at a satisfactory level.

Quercetin protects against chronic prostatitis in rat model through NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common disease of urology, of which the pathogenesis and therapy remain to be further elucidated. Quercetin has been reported to improve the symptoms of CP/CPPS patients. We aimed to verify the therapeutic effect of quercetin on CP/CPPS and identify the mechanism responsible for it. METHODS: A novel CP/CPPS model induced with Complete Freund Adjuvant in Sprague Dawley rats was established and the prostates and blood specimens were harvested for further measurement after oral administration of quercetin for 4 weeks. RESULTS: Increased prostate index and infiltration of lymphocytes, up-regulated expression of IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-17A, MCP1, and TNFα, decreased T-SOD, CAT, GSH-PX, and increased MDA, enhanced phosphorylation of NF-κB, P38, ERK1/2, and SAPK/JNK were detected in CP/CPPS rat model. Quercetin was identified to ameliorate the histo-pathologic changes, decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-17A, MCP1, and TNFα, improve anti-oxidant capacity, and suppress the phosphorylation of NF-κB and MAPKs. CONCLUSIONS: Quercetin has specific protective effect on CP/CPPS, which is mediated by anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and at least partly through NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

A Retrospective Study Comparing Surgical and Early Oncological Outcomes between Intracorporeal and Extracorporeal Ileal Conduit after Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy from a Single Center.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted/laparoscopic intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC) has been reported in many experienced centers. Whether laparoscopic ICIC is superior to extracorporeal ileal conduit (ECIC) and whether laparoscopic ICIC should be promoted is still controversial. The aim of the study was to compare surgical and early oncological outcomes between patients undergoing laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) with ICIC and ECIC. METHODS: From January 2011 to June 2016, a total of 45 patients with bladder cancer underwent LRC with ileal conduit at our department, of whom 20 patients underwent LRC with ECIC and 25 patients underwent LRC with ICIC. Data of each patient's characteristics, surgical outcomes, and short-term oncological outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: LRC with ileal conduit was performed successfully on all 45 patients. There were no significant differences in patients' characteristics, mean total operative time, and mean estimated blood loss between the ICIC and ECIC groups. Median time of flatus and oral intake was shorter in the ICIC group compared with the ECIC group (3 vs. 5 days, P = 0.035; 4 vs. 5 days, P = 0.002). The complications rates did not show significant difference between the two groups within the first 90 days postoperatively (P = 0.538). Cancer staging showed 45% of patients in the ECIC group and 36% in the ICIC group had a pathologic stage of T3 or T4, and 50% of patients in the ECIC group and 44% in the ICIC group had a pathologic stage of N1 or N1+. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in overall survival at 24 months (60% vs. 62%, P = 0.857) between the ECIC and ICIC groups. CONCLUSIONS: ICIC after LRC may be successful with the benefits of faster recovery time. No significant difference was found in complications and oncological outcomes between ICIC and ECIC. However, larger series with longer follow-up are needed to validate this procedure.