Perioperative outcomes and continence following robotic-assisted radical cystectomy with mainz pouch II urinary diversion in patients with bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: To present the widely unknown perioperative outcomes and continence status of bladder cancer patients following robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with Mainz pouch II urinary diversion (UD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2020 to December 2023, 37 bladder cancer patients who underwent RARC with Mainz pouch II UD were retrospectively assessed (ChiCTR2300070279). The results, which included patient demographics, perioperative data, continence, and complications (early ≤ 30 days and late ≤ 30 days) were reported using the RC-pentafecta criteria. RC-pentafecta criteria included ≥ 16 lymph nodes removed, negative soft tissue surgical margins, absence of major (Grade III-IV) complication at 90 days, absence of clinical recurrence at ≤ 12 months, and absence of long-term UD-related sequelae. A numeric rating scale assessed patient satisfaction with urinary continence 30 days after surgery. The validated Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) questionnaire was used to evaluate bowel function. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Of the 37 patients evaluated over a median (range) follow-up period of 23.0 (12.0-36.5) months. The median (range) age was 65 (40-81) years. The median (range) time to urinary continence after surgery was 2.3 (1.5-6) months. Of the 37 patients, 31 (83.8%) were continent both during the day and at night, 34 (91.9%) were continent during the day, 32 (86.5%) were continent at night, 35 (94.6%) were satisfied with their urinary continence status, and 21 (56.8%) were very satisfied. The mean (range) voiding frequency was 6 (4-10) during the day and 3 (2-5.5) at night. The mean (range) PAC-SYM total score was 9.50 (4.00-15.00). In 12 (32.4%) of the patients, RC-pentafecta was achieved, and achieving RC-pentafecta was linked to better satisfaction scores (7.3 vs. 5.5, p = 0.034). There was no significant difference between RC-pentafecta and No RC-pentafecta groups in terms of OS (25.6 vs. 21.5 months, p = 0.16). 7 (19.4%) patients experienced late complications. CONCLUSIONS: Mainz pouch II UD following RARC in bladder cancer patients results in a satisfactory continence rate. Achieving RC-pentafecta was correlated with better satisfaction scores. The intracorporeal approach to Mainz pouch II UD is beneficial for female patients due to its reduced invasiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2300070279; Registration: 07/04/2023, Last updated version: 01/06/2023. Retrospectively registered.

Risk factors of high fluid absorption in patients treated with mini-PCNL: a single-center prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The factors influencing fluid absorption in mini-percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (mini-PCNL) are still unknown. We aim to investigate the factors that influence irrigation fluid absorption during mini-PCNL. METHODS: A total of 94 patients who underwent mini-PCNL were included in this prospective study. The endoscopic surgical monitoring system (ESMS) was used to measure the volume of irrigation fluid absorbed during the procedure. Irrigating time, the total volume of irrigation fluid, stone size, S.T.O.N.E. score, hemoglobin, electrolyte levels, and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: A significant correlation was observed between fluid absorption and the presence of postoperative fever, and based on this phenomenon, patients were divided into low and high fluid absorption groups. The serum creatinine level in the high fluid absorption group was significantly high (7 vs. 16.5, p = 0.02). Significant differences were observed between the low and high fluid absorption groups in terms of mean stone size (21.70 mm vs. 26.78 mm), presence of stone burden ≥ 800 mm2 (4% vs. 23%), S.T.O.N.E. score > 8 (4% vs. 38%), the fluid used > 18,596 ml (19% vs. 78%), irrigation time (55.61 min vs. 91.28 min), and perfusion rate (24% vs. 45%) (all p < 0.05). The rates of postoperative fever and SIRS in the high fluid absorption group were significantly high (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mean stone size, presence of stone burden ≥ 800 mm2, S.T.O.N.E. score > 8, the fluid used > 18596 mL, irrigation time, and perfusion rate are risk factors of intraoperative fluid absorption in mini-PCNL.

Transperitoneal vs retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: a double-arm, parallel-group randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of patients undergoing Retroperitoneal laparoscopic Radical nephrectomy (RLRN) and Transperitoneal laparoscopic Radical nephrectomy (TLRN). METHODS: A total of 120 patients with localized renal cell carcinoma were randomized into either RLRN or TLRN group. Mainly by comparing the patient perioperative related data, surgical specimen integrity, pathological results and tumor results. RESULTS: Each group comprised 60 patients. The two group were equivalent in terms of perioperative and pathological outcomes. The mean integrity score was significantly lower in the RLRN group than TLRN group. With a median follow-up of 36.4 months after the operation, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no significant difference between RLRN and TLRN in overall survival (89.8% vs. 88.5%; P = 0.898), recurrence-free survival (77.9% vs. 87.7%; P = 0.180), and cancer-specific survival (91.4% vs. 98.3%; P = 0.153). In clinical T2 subgroup, the recurrence rate and recurrence-free survival in the RLRN group was significantly worse than that in the TLRN group (43.2% vs. 76.7%, P = 0.046). Univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis showed that RLRN (HR: 3.35; 95%CI: 1.12-10.03; P = 0.030), male (HR: 4.01; 95%CI: 1.07-14.99; P = 0.039) and tumor size (HR: 1.23; 95%CI: 1.01-1.51; P = 0.042) were independent risk factor for recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that although RLRN versus TLRN had roughly similar efficacy, TLRN outperformed RLRN in terms of surgical specimen integrity. TLRN was also significantly better than RLRN in controlling tumor recurrence for clinical T2 and above cases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=24400 ), identifier: ChiCTR1800014431, date: 13/01/2018.

A pilot dynamic analysis of formative factors of nephrolithiasis related to metabolic syndrome: evidence in a rat model.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: To examine the dynamic changes in the formative factors of nephrolithiasis and the final micromorphological changes in an obesity-initiated metabolic syndrome (MS) rat model. METHODS: Forty five-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: the regular diet group (RD), high-fat diet group (HFD), regular diet with drug (ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride) group (RDD), and high-fat diet with drug group (HFDD). A dynamic assessment of MS components (body weight (BW), body length (BL), Lee's index (LI), blood glucose (BG), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TGs)) and stone-forming factors (urinary pH, urinary calcium, and urinary oxalate acid) was carried out. In addition, the levels of oxidative stress (OS) markers (CAT, SOD, TAC, GSH-PX, and MDA) were measured, and histological analysis was carried out at the end of 16 weeks. RESULTS: MS-related parameters, such as BW, LI, BG, TC, and TG, were significantly higher in HFD-fed rats than in RD-fed rats (p < 0.001). In the HFDD group, significantly lower urinary pH, hyperoxaluria, and hypocalciuria were noted in the dynamic assessment of stone-forming factors (p < 0.001). CAT, TAC, and MDA were notably changed in the HFD-fed groups, particularly the HFDD rats. Histological analysis showed that the renal tubules of HFDD rats had the highest scores for both inflammation and renal crystallization deposition (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that male SD rats with MS are prone to developing nephrolithiasis. Validation in an in vivo model may lead to an understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of action of MS-related nephrolithiasis in humans.Key messagesMale SD rats with metabolic syndrome are more prone to developing calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis after treatment with ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride compared to control lean rats.MS-related nephrolithiasis in rats induced by ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride is mainly related to increased hyperoxaluria and inflammation and decreased antioxidant levels.High-fat diet-fed SD rats treated with ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride are a stable and valid in vivo model for understanding the potential mechanism of action of MS-related nephrolithiasis.

Comparison of open and intracorporeal modified ureterosigmoidostomy (Mainz II) after laparoscopic radical cystectomy with bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative and oncologic outcomes of open modified ureterosigmoidostomy urinary diversion (OMUUD) and intracorporeal modified ureterosigmoidostomy urinary diversion (IMUUD) following laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our single institutional collected database patients undergoing LRC from October 2011 to October 2019. The perioperative characteristics were compared between OMUUD and IMUUD, and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Overall, 84 patients were included. OMUUD and IMUUD were performed in 63 (75%) and 21 (25%) patients, respectively. IMUUD patients demonstrated shorter postoperative length of stay (16.24 ± 3.91 days vs. 18.98 ± 7.41 days, P = 0.033), similar operation time (498.57 ± 121.44 vs. 462.24 ± 99.71, P = 0.175), similar estimated blood loss [400 (200-475) ml vs. 400 (200-700) ml, P = 0.095], and similar overall complication rate within 30 days (19.05% vs. 25.40%, P = 0.848) and 90 days (23.81% vs. 17.46%, P = 0.748). Complete urinary control rate was 87.3% (55/63) in the OMUUD group. In IMUUD, the complete urinary control rate was 90.5% (19/21). There was no significant difference in OS (χ2 = 0.015, P = 0.901) and PFS (χ2 = 0.107, P = 0.743) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: IMUUD postoperative recovery is faster; other perioperative outcomes and oncology results are not significantly different with OMUUD. It is indicated that IMUUD can be utilized safely and effectively in the urinary diversion after LRC.

Calcium-sensing receptor promotes calcium oxalate crystal adhesion and renal injury in Wistar rats by promoting ROS production and subsequent regulation of PS ectropion, OPN, KIM-1, and ERK expression.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the mechanism of calcium-sensing receptors (CaSRs) during the development of nephrolithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were treated with ethylene glycol to induce calcium oxalate crystallization, and gadolinium chloride (GdCl3, an agonist of CaSR) and NPS 2390 (an antagonist of CaSR) were added. Oxidative stress (OS) and calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney were observed. CaSR expression and the expression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), OPN, and KIM-1 were determined by western blotting. In addition, renal tubular epithelial cells were isolated from the kidney to observe phosphatidylserine (PS) ectropion using flow cytometric analysis. Various biochemical parameters were assessed in serum and urine at the end of the experiment. RESULTS: Calcium oxalate increased OS, crystal adhesion, PS ectropion, and the expression of CaSR and ERK, OPN, and KIM-1 in vivo. In addition, lower levels of urine citrate as well as increased serum creatinine and urea levels were observed after treatment with calcium oxalate (p < .05). Compared with calcium oxalate treatment alone, the above deleterious changes were further significantly confirmed by GdCl3 but were reversed by NPS-2390. However, urine calcium excretion was decreased after ethylene glycol treatment but was significantly reduced by NPS 2390 and increased by GdCl3 (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that CaSR might play significant roles in the induction of nephrolithiasis in rats by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and PS ectropion and the composition of urine, OPN, KIM-1, and ERK expression.

[Clinical application value of the endoscopic surveillance system in transurethral bipolar plasmakinetic resection of the prostate].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical application of the endoscopic surveillance system (ESS) in transurethral bipolar plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (TUPKRP). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 136 cases of TUPKRP performed with the assistance of ESS from September 2018 to March 2019. According to the prostate volume (PV), we divided the patients into a PV ≥ 60 ml and a PV < 60 ml group, and compared the surgery-related parameters between the two groups of patients. RESULTS: Operations were successfully completed in all the 136 cases. Statistically significant differences were observed between the PV ≥ 60 ml and a PV < 60 ml groups in the operation time (ï¼»78.93 ± 28.63ï¼½ vs ï¼»51.77 ± 14.85ï¼½ min, P < 0.05), intraoperative blood loss (ï¼»261.61 ± 204.25ï¼½ vs ï¼»69.26 ± 61.13ï¼½ ml, P < 0.05) and absorption of the rinse fluid (ï¼»948.20 ± 656.00ï¼½ vs ï¼»347.39 ± 256.53ï¼½ ml, P < 0.05), but not in the postoperative red cell count, levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit and ions, hospital stay, incidence of prostatic perforation or blood transfusion (P > 0.05). The patients also showed statistically significant differences between the baseline and postoperative parameters in red cell count (ï¼»4.62 ± 0.63ï¼½ vs ï¼»4.31 ± 0.74ï¼½ ×1012/L, P < 0.05) and levels of hemoglobin (ï¼»141.83 ± 18.30ï¼½ vs ï¼»135.20 ± 19.91ï¼½ g/L, P < 0.05), K+ (ï¼»4.01 ± 0.43ï¼½ vs ï¼»3.92 ± 0.54ï¼½ mmol/L, P < 0.05) and Na+ (ï¼»141.90 ± 3.11ï¼½ vs ï¼»139.42 ± 3.81ï¼½ mmol/L, P < 0.05), but not in the levels of Cl－ (ï¼»103.74 ± 9.32ï¼½ vs ï¼»103.70 ± 4.50ï¼½ mmol/L, P > 0.05) and Ca2+ (ï¼»2.21 ± 0.13ï¼½ vs ï¼»2.19 ± 0.21ï¼½ mmol/L, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Large-volume absorption of rinse fluid may overburden the circulatory system and induce left ventricular failure, pulmonary edema or massive bleeding during PKRP for patients with PV ≥ 60 ml due to long operation time and rich blood supply in the hyperplasia gland. The endoscopic surveillance system can provide real-time data on the absorption of rinse fluid and bleeding, reduce complications, and improve surgical safety.

Technical considerations and outcomes for ileal ureter replacement: a retrospective study in China.

BACKGROUND: Ileal ureter replacement is an alternative treatment for various length ureter defects. We present our experience and outcome of ileal ureter replacement in China. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data of patients who underwent ileal ureter replacement between January 2010 and January 2015. We reviewed the medical history, indications for surgery, operative data, perioperative data, and outcomes. Besides, follow-up data included symptom, urine routine test, serum creatinine, serum electrolyte status, and radiographic test. RESULTS: There were 23 patients who underwent ileal ureter replacement by the same surgeon. Twenty patients were performed unilateral ileal ureter replacement, two patients underwent a combination of ileal ureter replacement and Boari flap-psoas hitch, and one received bilateral ileal ureter replacement. Among these patients, the main cause leading to surgical treatment was iatrogenic injuries (n = 15), especially urinary surgery procedure (n = 11). The median follow-up time was 45 months. There were 6 early complications and 6 late complications after operation. Only one patient suffered from small bowel-related complication and was cured by conservative treatment. Only the patient who underwent bilateral ileal ureter replacement had metabolic acidosis. And 22 patients (95.7%) had a good renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Ileal ureter replacement is an efficacious and safe procedure for the therapy of long ureteral defects. With appropriate technical considerations, the complication rate may decrease.

Protective potential of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide extract against ethylene glycol-induced calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a Angelica sinensis polysaccharide aqueous extract as a preventive agent in experimentally induced urolithiasis using in- vitro and vivo models. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Angelica sinensis polysaccharide was investigated in vitro to determine its antilithiatic effects on the formation and morphology of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals and was analyzed in vivo to determine its ability to prevent CaOx urolithiasis in rats subjected to ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis. Potassium citrate administration was used in the positive control group. The urolithiasis-related biochemical parameters were evaluated in the rats urine, serum and kidney homogenates. Kidney sections were subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, and urolithiasis-related phospho-c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase and kidney injury molecule-1proteins were evaluated by Western blot analyses. RESULTS: Angelica sinensis polysaccharide exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of CaOx crystal formation. The in vitro assay revealed significant inhibition of crystal formation (6.99 ± 1.07) in the group treated with 4.0 mg/mL Angelica sinensis polysaccharide extract compared with the control group (58.38 ± 5.63; p < .05). In vivo, after treatment with ethylene glycol for 28 days, urinary oxidative stress, oxalate, creatinine, urea and urolithiasis-related protein were significantly increased (p < .05), except for serum oxidative stress (p > .05). The rats administered the extract of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide showed significantly decreased pathological change and CaOx deposition (p < .05) compared with the urolithiatic rats. Significantly reduced levels of urinary oxidative stress, oxalate, creatinine, urea and urolithiasis-related protein were observed in the Angelica sinensis polysaccharide treatment groups (p < .05) compared with the nephrolithic rats. CONCLUSION: The results presented here suggest that Angelica sinensis polysaccharide has the potential to inhibit CaOx crystallization in vitro and may present anti-urolithiatic effects in vivo.

Inhibitory effect of an aqueous extract of Radix Paeoniae Alba on calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of an aqueous extract of Radix Paeoniae Alba (RPA) on the formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones and the potential mechanism underlying the effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro assay was used to determine whether the RPA extract prevents the formation of CaOx or promotes CaOx dissolution. We also investigated the efficacy of the extract in vivo as a preventive and therapeutic agent for experimentally induced CaOx nephrolithiasis in rats. Various biochemical, molecular, and histological parameters were assessed in kidney tissue and urine at the end of the in vivo experiment. RESULTS: Significant dissolution of formed crystals (8.99 ± 1.43) and inhibition of crystal formation (2.55 ± 0.21) were observed in vitro after treatment with 64 mg/mL of the RPA extract compared with a control treatment (55.10 ± 4.98 and 54.57 ± 5.84, respectively) (p < .05). In preventive protocols, the RPA extract significantly reduced urinary and renal oxalate levels and increased urinary calcium and citrate levels compared to the control. In addition, the RPA preventive protocol significantly decreased osteopontin expression, renal crystallization, and pathological changes compared to the control. These changes were not observed in rats on the therapeutic protocol. CONCLUSIONS: RPA is a useful agent that prevents the formation of CaOx kidney stones.

The selective NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin has potential prophylactic effects on melamine-related nephrolithiasis in vitro and in vivo.

The objective of this study is to examine the effects of apocynin on melamine-cyanuric acid mixture (MCM)-induced nephrolithiasis in vitro and in vivo. For the in vitro experiments, changes in oxidative stress (OS) markers and the expression of osteopontin (OPN) and phospho-p38 (p-p38) were measured to assess the effects of apocynin treatment after MCM-induced crystallization in HK-2 cells, a human renal epithelial-derived cell line. For in vivo studies, the potential effects of apocynin in preventing and treating nephrolithiasis were analyzed with a MCM-induced nephrolithiasis rat model, and urea and creatinine levels were measured. Urinary 8-IP (a product of lipid peroxidation) and malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase activity were assessed in the kidneys as markers of renal OS. The kidneys were removed, weighed, and subjected to histopathological examination. The urolithiasis-associated proteins p-p38 and OPN were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Apocynin treatment prevented the MCM-induced changes in OS and in OPN and p-p38 expression in HK-2 cells. For in vivo experiments, the expression of OS markers, renal OPN, and p-p38 increased after MCM administration, and these increases were diminished by apocynin. In addition, apocynin prevented MCM-induced renal crystallization. Moreover, prophylactic apocynin treatment reduced MCM-induced nephrotoxicity. After therapeutic apocynin treatment in nephrolithic rats, OS decreased, but the other indicators did not improve significantly. Prophylactic apocynin administration reduced renal melamine-related-crystal deposition, potentially by modulating OS and thereby decreasing p-p38 and OPN expression.

[Progress in the studies of prostate cancer related molecules].

Prostate cancer is one of the common malignant tumors of the urinary system and mostly found in elderly men. Like most tumors, prostate cancer involves a variety of molecules in its occurrence and progression. More studies on the development of prostate cancer focus on the tumor markers, DNA damage repair related genes, and tumor invasion and metastasis related factors. This article presents an overview on the research progress in these three aspects.

Perioperative, functional, and oncologic outcomes of minimally-invasive surgery for highly complex renal tumors (RENAL or PADUA score ≥ 10): an evidence-based analysis.

The primary objective of the current study is to undertake a comparative analysis of the effectiveness and safety of minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN; including laparoscopic and robotic approaches) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN) for the treatment of highly complex renal tumors (defined as PADUA or RENAL score ≥ 10). A comprehensive search was conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library) to identify relevant studies published in the English language up to April 2023. The current study employed Review Manager 5.4 and encompassed controlled trials of both MIPN and OPN for the treatment of highly complex renal tumors. This study comprised a total of eight comparative trials involving 1161 patients. MIPN demonstrated a significant reduction in length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference [WMD] - 2.08 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 2.48, - 1.68; p < 0.00001), blood loss (WMD - 39.86 mL, 95% CI - 75.32, - 4.39; p = 0.03), transfusion rates (odds ratio [OR] 0.30, 95% CI 0.13, 0.71; p = 0.006), and overall complications (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.31, 0.70; p = 0.0003). However, there were no significant differences between MIPN and OPN in terms of operative time, warm ischemia time, conversion to radical nephrectomy rates, renal functional and oncologic outcomes. This study reveals that MIPN presents several benefits in comparison to OPN, including decreased length of hospital stay, blood loss, transfusion rates, and complications, while still offering renal functional and oncological outcomes that are comparable to those of OPN in patients with highly complex renal tumors.

Single-Use Digital Flexible Ureteroscopes as a Safe and Effective Choice for the Treatment of Lower Pole Renal Stones: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized-Controlled Trial.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of a single-use digital flexible ureteroscope (FURS) and a reusable FURS for the treatment of lower pole stones (LPS) smaller than 20 mm. Patients and Methods: We analyzed the data of 49 patients with LPS from our previous multicenter, randomized, open-label clinical trial in four hospitals in China. All patients underwent FURS for LPS with a single-use FURS ZebraScope™ (trial group) or a reusable FURS URF-V (control group). The efficacy endpoints assessed were the 1-month postsurgical stone-free rate (SFR), operative time, length of postoperative hospital stay, and mean reduction in hemoglobin level. The safety outcomes assessed were the presence of adverse events (AEs), severe AEs (SAEs), and postoperative complications. Results: The demographic and preoperative parameters were comparable between the two groups. The 1-month SFR was 84.00% for the ZebraScope group and 58.33% for the reusable flexible ureteroscope (URF-V) group (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the two groups in the operative time (p = 0.665), length of hospital stay (p = 0.308), presence of postoperative complications (p = 0.307), presence of AEs (p = 0.483), and the presence of SAEs (p = 0.141). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that single-use digital FURS is a safe and effective option and can offer higher SFR than the reusable FURS in the treatment of LPS smaller than 20 mm. We recommend single-use digital FURS as an alternative to reusable FURS for the treatment of LPS. The Clinical Trial Registration number: ChiCTR1900021615.

Downregulation of lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 Represses Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion Through Mediating PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling by miR-342-3p/CUL4B Axis in Prostate Cancer.

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer among men, threatening men's health and life. Long noncoding RNA Zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 1 antisense gene 1 (ZEB1-AS1) and Cullin 4B (CUL4B) were reported to be connected with the tumorigenesis of PCa. However, it is unclear whether ZEB1-AS1 regulates the expression of CUL4B in PCa. Materials and Methods: The levels of ZEB1-AS1 and CUL4B in PCa tissues and cells were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels of CUL4B, p21, CyclinD1, matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9), E-cadherin, phosphorylated-phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (p-PI3K), PI3K phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT), AKT, p-mTOR and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in PCa tissues or cells were assessed by Western blot analysis. The proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of PCa cells were determined with 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-YI)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) or transwell assay. The interaction between ZEB1-AS1 or CUL4B and microRNA-342-3p (miR-342-3p) was predicted using starBase v2.0 database and confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results: ZEB1-AS1 and CUL4B were upregulated and miR-342-3p was downregulated in PCa tissues and cells. Both ZEB1-AS1 and CUL4B inhibition constrained proliferation, migration, and invasion of PCa cells. Moreover, the elevation of CUL4B reversed the effects of ZEB1-AS1 silencing on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PCa cells. Importantly, ZEB1-AS1 modulated CUL4B expression by sponging miR-342-3p in PCa cells. Besides, ZEB1-AS1 mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway by miR-342-3p/CUL4B axis in PCa cells. Conclusion: ZEB1-AS1 modulated PCa progression through mediating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling by miR-342-3p/CUL4B axis, providing a possible strategy for the treatment of PCa.

Single-Use Versus Reusable Digital Flexible Ureteroscopes for the Treatment of Renal Calculi: A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of a single-use digital flexible ureteroscope (f-URS) and a reusable digital f-URS (URF-V) for the treatment of renal stones in adults. Patients and Methods: In this randomized open-label noninferiority trial, we randomly selected patients with renal stones to receive ureteroscopy through a single-use digital f-URS (ZebraScope™; Happiness Workshop, Beijing, China) or a URF-V (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan). The primary endpoint was the 1-month postsurgical stone-free rate (SFR). The secondary efficacy endpoints assessed were the high-quality rate of images, the eligible rate of operability, the operative time, and the length of hospital stay. The safety outcomes assessed were the presence of postoperative complications, adverse events (AEs), and serious AEs (SAEs). The noninferiority margin was set at -10%. Results: In total, 126 patients completed the study (i.e., 63 patients in each group). The demographic and preoperative parameters were comparable between the two groups. The 1-month SFR was 77.78% for the ZebraScope group and 68.25% for the URF-V group (two-sided 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.95 to 25.01). The high-quality rate of images and the eligible rate of operability were 100% in both groups (two-sided 95% CI: -5.27 to 5.35). There was no difference between the two groups in the operative time (p = 0.687), the length of hospital stay (p = 0.430), the presence of postoperative complications (p = 0.310), the presence of AEs (p = 0.709), and the presence of SAEs (p = 0.648). The most important and fatal SAE was acute urinary tract obstruction. Conclusion: The single-use digital f-URS (ZebraScope) appears to be at least noninferior to URF-V regarding the 1-month SFR, the high-quality rate of images, and the eligible rate of operability. Single-use digital f-URSs are an effective and safe alternative to URF-V.

Modified Mechanical Percussion for Upper Urinary Tract Stone Fragments After Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy: A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of modified mechanical percussion for eliminating upper urinary tract stone fragments after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assigned patients aged 18-60 years with upper urinary tract calculi to the modified mechanical percussion (trial) or observation (control) group. Kidney-ureter-bladder radiography and ultrasound were used for diagnostic evaluation. The primary outcome was the stone-expulsion rate (SER) at 6 hours. The first stone-expulsion time, the SER at 3, 12, and 24 hours, the stone-free rate, additional interventions, and adverse events (AEs) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients underwent randomization: 60 for each group. The mean first stone-expulsion time in the trial and control groups was 6.75 and 13.58 hours, respectively (P = .001). The SERs at 3, 6, and 12 hours in the trial group were 51.8%, 75.4%, and 76.8%, respectively, which were higher than the control group (all P <.05). Among patients who expelled fragments within 6 hours, the stone-free rates were improved at 1 week (P = .002) and at 2 weeks (P = .000). Patients needed fewer additional interventions in the trial group (P = .035). AEs occurred in 42.9% (24 of 56) and 67.9% (38 of 56) of the patients in the trial and control groups, respectively (P = .008). Age, gender, stone size and location, and SER at 24 hours did not differ significantly among the groups. CONCLUSION: Modified mechanical percussion significantly improved SERs and accelerated stone passage after shock wave lithotripsy, resulting in a stone-free status with a lower risk of AEs and reduced need for additional interventions.

Elevated expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 is associated with bladder cancer pathogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between abnormal matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and bladder cancer (BC) development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective analysis, this study used tissue samples derived from 92 patients pathologically diagnosed with BC (experimental group), who were hospitalized between September 2012 and June 2014 at the Urinary Surgery of Department of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital. As controls (control group), 63 normal pericancerous bladder mucosal tissues (3 cm distant form edge of BC foci) with confirmed pathology were selected from the same time period. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect MMP-9 protein expression in the tissues and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure MMP-9 protein levels in tissue samples of patients and control subjects. Finally, a meta-analysis was conducted to understand the overall impact of MMP-9 on BC pathogenesis. STATA 12.0 software (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA) was used for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: The MMP-9 positive expression rate in tissue samples and MMP-9 levels were significantly greater in the experimental group compared to the control group (both P < 0.001). The frequency of MMP-9 positive status showed statistically significant differences between G1 (low-grade) and G3 (high-grade) (P < 0.001), between G2 and G3 (P < 0.05), and between G1/G2 and G3 (P = 0.001). Our meta-analysis findings provided further evidence that MMP-9 positive expression status and MMP-9 levels in the experimental group were significantly higher than the control group (positive expressions: Odds ratio [OR] = 18.59, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 11.63-29.71, P < 0.001; expression levels: Standard mean difference = 1.51, 95%CI = 0.63-2.39, P = 0.001). The positive expression status of MMP-9 was notably lower in G1/G2 compared to G3 (OR = 0.24, 95%CI = 0.15-0.36, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that both positive expression status in tumor tissue and expression levels of MMP-9 are significantly elevated in BC patients and correlate with disease progression. Thus, MMP-9 can serve as a biomarker to determine the degree of BC malignancy.