Streptococcus taonis sp. nov., a novel bacterial species isolated from a blood culture of a patient.

One Gram stain-positive, catalase-negative, α-hemolytic, chain-forming or paired cocci, designated ST22-14T, was isolated from a blood culture of a child with suspected infection. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequences analyses showed that the most closely related species to strain ST22-14T were "Streptococcus vulneris" DM3B3T (99.2%), Streptococcus mitis NCTC 12261T (99.0%), "Streptococcus gwangjuense" ChDC B345T, (99.0%), Streptococcus oralis subsp. dentisani 7747T (99.0%), Streptococcus downii CECT 9732T (99.0%), and Streptococcus infantis ATCC 700779T (98.9%). The genome of strain ST22-14T consists of 2,053,261 bp with a G + C content of 39.4%. Average nucleotide identity values between strain ST22-14T and Streptococcus mitis NCTC 12261T or other five species were from 82.2 to 88.0%. In silico DNA-DNA hybridization of ST22-14T showed an estimated DNA reassociation value of 34.6% with the closest species. The main cellular fatty acids of strain ST22-14T were 16:0, 18:0, 14:0, 18:1ω7c and 18:1ω6c. Based on these results, strain ST22-14T should be classified as a novel species of genus Streptococcus, for which the name Streptococcus taonis sp. nov. is proposed (type strain ST22-14T = NBRC 116002T = BCRC 81402T).

Bluefin tuna reveal global patterns of mercury pollution and bioavailability in the world's oceans.

Bluefin tuna (BFT), highly prized among consumers, accumulate high levels of mercury (Hg) as neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg). However, how Hg bioaccumulation varies among globally distributed BFT populations is not understood. Here, we show mercury accumulation rates (MARs) in BFT are highest in the Mediterranean Sea and decrease as North Pacific Ocean > Indian Ocean > North Atlantic Ocean. Moreover, MARs increase in proportion to the concentrations of MeHg in regional seawater and zooplankton, linking MeHg accumulation in BFT to MeHg bioavailability at the base of each subbasin's food web. Observed global patterns correspond to levels of Hg in each ocean subbasin; the Mediterranean, North Pacific, and Indian Oceans are subject to geogenic enrichment and anthropogenic contamination, while the North Atlantic Ocean is less so. MAR in BFT as a global pollution index reflects natural and human sources and global thermohaline circulation.

Highly Luminescent Earth-Benign Organometallic Manganese Halide Crystals with Ultrahigh Thermal Stability of Emission from 4 to 623 K.

The phosphor-converted light-emitting diode (PC-LED) has become an indispensable solid-state lighting and display technologies in the modern society. Nevertheless, the use of scarce rare-earth elements and the thermal quenching (TQ) behavior are still two most crucial issues yet to be solved. Here, this work successfully demonstrates a highly efficient and thermally stable green emissive MnI2 (XanPO) crystals showing a notable photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 94% and a super TQ resistance from 4 to 623 K. This unprecedented superior thermal stability is attributed to the low electron-phonon coupling and the unique rigid crystal structure of MnI2 (XanPO) over the whole temperature range based on the temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) and single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analyses. Considering these appealing properties, green PC-LEDs with a power efficacy of 102.5 lm W-1 , an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 22.7% and a peak luminance up to 7750 000 cd m-2 are fabricated by integrating MnI2 (XanPO) with commercial blue LEDs. Moreover, the applicability of MnI2 (XanPO) in both micro-LEDs and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is also demonstrated. In a nutshell, this study uncovers a candidate of highly luminescent and TQ resistant manganese halide suitable for a variety of emission applications.

Streptococcus vulneris sp. nov., isolated from wound of patient with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).

A new α-haemolytic streptococcal strain, designated DM3B3T, was isolated from the wound of a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patient. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA full-gene sequencing (1563 bp) revealed highest sequence similarity to Streptococcus mitis (99.7%), followed by "Streptococcus gwangjuense" (99.6%), and Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae (99.5%). Comparison of five housekeeping genes, groEL, rpoB, sodA, recA and pheS, revealed that strain DM3B3T was well separated from the Streptococcus reference strains. The complete genome of strain DM3B3T consisted of 1,963,039 bp with a G + C content of 41.0 mol%. Average nucleotide identity values between strain DM3B3T and Streptococcus mitis NCTC 12261T, "Streptococcus gwangjuense" ChDC B345T, and Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae ATCC BAA-960T were 93.8%, 94.4%, and 92.2%, respectively. The highest digital DNA-DNA hybridization value with respect to the closest species was 57.5%, i.e., below the species cut-off of 70% hybridization. The main cellular fatty acids of strain DM3B3T were 16:0, 18:1ω7c, 18:1ω9c and 18:0. On the basis of phylogenetic, genotypic and phenotypic data, we propose to classify this isolate as representative of a novel species of the genus Streptococcus, Streptococcus vulneris sp. nov., in reference to its isolation from wound, with strain DM3B3T (= NBRC 114638T = BCRC 81288T) as the type strain.

Enterococcus alishanensis sp. nov., a novel lactic acid bacterium isolated from fresh coffee beans.

A coccus-shaped organism, designated ALS3T, was isolated from fresh coffee cherries collected at a farm located in the Ali Mountain region of Taiwan. Sequence analysis of its 16S rRNA gene indicated that strain ALS3T belongs to the genus Enterococcus and has more than 98.5 % sequence similarity to Enterococcus pallens and Enterococcus hermanniensis. When comparing the ALS3T genome with these two type strains, the average nucleotide identity values and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were 72.6-73.3 and 19.2 %, respectively. The G+C content of the genomic DNA from strain ALS3T was 35.6 mol%. Results of sequence analysis, together with enzymatic activities and characteristics of carbohydrate metabolism, indicated that strain ALS3T is distinct and represents a novel species, for which the name Enterococcus alishanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ALS3T (=NBRC 109593T=BCRC 80605T).

Fructobacillus apis sp. nov., isolated from the gut of honeybee (Apis mellifera).

A Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, catalase-negative, fructose-dependent strain (W13T) was isolated from the gut of honeybee (Apis mellifera). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that strain W13T represents a distinct line of descent within the genus Fructobacillus, with the closest neighbours being Fructobacillus broussonetiae BCRC 81240T (98.9 % sequence similarity) and Fructobacillus durionis DSM 19113T (96.8 % sequence similarity). Comparative sequencing of the additional phylogenetic markers rpoC and recA confirmed the 16S rRNA gene tree topology. The complete genome of strain W13T consisted of 1 292 712 bp with a G+C content of 48.3 mol%. Pairwise comparisons of the average nucleotide identity values and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between the genomes of W13T and its close phylogenetic neighbours, F. broussonetiae BCRC 81240T and F. durionis DSM 19113T, resulted in 76.2-84.1 % and 20.2-27.6 %, respectively. The main cellular fatty acids of strain W13T were C16 : 0, C18 : 1 ω9c and C18 : 1 ω7c. Thus, we propose a novel species within the genus Fructobacillus, with the name Fructobacillus apis sp. nov. and the type strain is W13T (= NBRC 115637T=BCRC 81365T).

Streptococcus vaginalis sp. nov., a novel bacterial species isolated from vaginal swabs of a pregnant woman with diabetes.

Sequences targeted at the V3 and V4 16S rRNA hypervariable regions of a streptococcal strain (P1L01T) isolated from vaginal swabs of a pregnant woman with diabetes were 100% similar to those of Streptococcus anginosus subsp. whileyi. However, phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA full-gene sequencing (1562 bp) revealed highest sequence similarity to Streptococcus periodonticum (98.7%), followed by Streptococcus anginosus subsp. whileyi (98.7%), and Streptococcus anginosus subsp. anginosus (98.4%). Phylogenies of housekeeping genes rpoB and groEL were compared to improve classification, and the results showed a clear separation between strain P1L01T and closely related Streptococcus type strains. The complete genome of strain P1L01T consisted of 2,108,769 bp with a G + C content of 38.5 mol%. Average nucleotide identity values, based on genome sequencing, between strain P1L01T and Streptococcus periodonticum KCOM 2412T, Streptococcus anginosus subsp. whileyi CCUG 39159T, and Streptococcus anginosus subsp. anginosus NCTC 10713T were 95.5%, 94.3%, and 95.3%, respectively. The highest in silico DNA-DNA hybridization value with respect to the closest species was 66.2%, i.e., below the species cutoff of 70% hybridization. The main cellular fatty acids of strain P1L01T were 16:0, 18:1ω7c, and 14:0. On the basis of phylogenetic, genotypic and phenotypic data, we propose to classify this isolate as representative of a novel species of the genus Streptococcus, Streptococcus vaginalis sp. nov., in reference to its isolation from vaginal swabs, with strain P1L01T (= NBRC 114754T = BCRC 81289T) as the type strain.

A performance comparison of the fully automated urine particle analyzer UF-5000 with UF-1000i and Gram staining in predicting bacterial growth patterns in women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the new flow cytometer UF-5000 with the UF-1000i and Gram staining for determining bacterial patterns in urine samples. METHODS: Women who attended our clinic with symptoms suggestive of urinary tract infection were enrolled in the study. Mid-stream urine samples were collected for gram staining, urine analysis and urine cultures. Bacterial patterns were classified using the UF-1000i (none, cocci bacteria or rods/mixed growth), the UF-5000 (none, cocci, rods or mixed growth) and Gram staining. RESULTS: Among the 102 included samples, there were 10 g-positive cocci, 2 g-positive bacilli, 66 g-negative rods, and 24 mixed growth. The sensitivity/specificity of the UF-1000i was 81.8/91.1% for gram-negative rods and 23.5/96.9% for cocci/mixed. The sensitivity/specificity of the UF-5000 was 80.0/88.2% for gram negative rods and 70.0/86.5% for gram-positive cocci. CONCLUSIONS: The UF-5000 demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity for Gram-negative bacilli and demonstrated an improved sensitivity for detecting Gram-positive cocci compared with the UF-1000i.

Leuconostoc litchii sp. nov., a novel lactic acid bacterium isolated from lychee.

A novel lactic acid bacterium, strain MB7T, was isolated from lychee in Taiwan. MB7T is Gram-staining-positive, catalase-negative, non-motile, non-haemolytic, facultatively anaerobic, coccoid-shaped, heterofermentative and mainly produces d-lactic acid from glucose. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA, pheS and rpoA gene sequences has demonstrated that the novel strain represented a member of the genus Leuconostoc. 16S rRNA gene sequencing results indicated that MB7T had the same sequence similarity of 99.25 % to four type strains of members of the genus Leuconostoc: Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum DSM 20484T, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. jonggajibkimchii DRC 1506T, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides ATCC 8293T and Leuconostoc suionicum DSM 20241T. Additionally, high 16S rRNA sequence similarities were also observed with Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremoris ATCC 19254T (99.12 %) and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides NRIC 1777T (98.69 %). When comparing the genomes of these type strains, the average nucleotide identity values and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of MB7T with these type strains were 76.57-80.53 and 22.0-22.6 %, respectively. MB7T also showed different phenotypic characteristics to other most closely related species of the genus Leuconostoc, such as carbohydrate metabolizing ability, halotolerance and growth at various pHs. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic properties, strain MB7T represents a novel species belonging to the genus Leuconostoc, for which the name Leuconostoc litchii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MB7T (=BCRC 81077T=NBRC 113542T).

Spatiotemporal Variations in Dissolved Elemental Mercury in the River-Dominated and Monsoon-Influenced East China Sea: Drivers, Budgets, and Implications.

Distinct spatiotemporal distributions of sea surface dissolved elemental mercury (DEM) and its air-sea exchange flux were observed in the river-dominated and monsoon-influenced East China Sea (ECS). Spatially, DEM concentrations were higher in the nearshore Changjiang diluted water (90 ± 20 to 260 ± 40 fM) than in the offshore Kuroshio water (60 ± 10 to 160 ± 40 fM) and correlated with salinity and total Hg concentrations, suggesting that the total Hg discharged from the Changjiang river is a controlling factor. In summer, monsoon-driven coastal upwelling formed a transient nearshore water mass with very elevated DEM concentrations (290 ± 20 to 320 ± 70 fM). Seasonally, DEM concentrations in all water masses were the highest in summer (120 ± 30 to 320 ± 70 fM). Estimated rate coefficients for DEM production varied seasonally and strongly correlated with sea surface temperature (SST). Hg0 evasion fluxes also peaked in summer (670 ± 380 pmol m-2 day-1), while in winter, DEM was close to equilibrium with gaseous elemental mercury in the atmosphere. Based on the air-sea Hg fluxes for all four seasons from this study and regional atmospheric deposition fluxes from others, we conclude that the ECS is a net sink of Hg annually, but it is a source of Hg to the atmosphere in summer. Moreover, the contribution of the ECS to Hg evasion may increase as a result of flood-associated high Changjiang discharge and rising SST.

Atrial and Ventricular Response to Treatment of Premature Ventricular Complexes.

BACKGROUND: Premature ventricular complexes (PVC) may cause ventricular dyssynchrony and lead to left atrium and ventricle mechanical abnormalities. Although ventricular cardiomyopathy due to PVCs has been well studied, little is known about atrial adaptation to PVCs. OBJECTIVES: To assess atrial and ventricular responses to PVC therapy. METHODS: All patients with PVC burden > 5000 beats/day on Holter monitoring were enrolled. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, social habits, Holter parameters, and echocardiography profiles were recorded. Follow-up Holter electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography data were compared between PVC-treated and non-treated patients. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-six patients were enrolled, of whom 139 received PVC treatment. Among the treated patients, 125 who underwent follow up Holter ECG or echocardiography were included in the final analysis. The mean follow-up times of Holter ECG and echocardiography were 9.40 ± 6.70 and 9.40 ± 5.52 months, respectively. Ventricular arrhythmic burden was significantly reduced in the treatment group (16.46% vs. 13.41%, p = 0.041) but was significantly increased in the observation group (7.58% vs. 14.95%, p = 0.032). A significant increase in left atrial (LA) diameter (36.94 mm vs. 39.46 mm, p = 0.025) and reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (57.26% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.040) were noted in the observation group. There were no significant differences in supraventricular arrhythmic burden in the observation group and LA diameter and LVEF in the treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: PVC therapy effectively reduced ventricular arrhythmic burden in the treatment group on follow-up. Our data suggest that PVC treatment may prevent LA dilation and LVEF decline.

Lactobacillus musae sp. nov., a novel lactic acid bacterium isolated from banana fruits.

Two Gram-stain-positive, catalase-negative, rod-shaped, bacterial strains (313T and 311) were isolated from banana fruits in Taiwan. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the highest similarity to both strains corresponded to the type strain of Lactobacillus nantensis (99.19 %), followed by Lactobacillus crustorum (98.99 %), Lactobacillus heilongjiangensis (98.59 %) and Lactobacillus farciminis (98.52 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the sequences of two housekeeping genes, pheS and rpoA, revealed that these two strains were well separated from the Lactobacillus reference strains. DNA-DNA relatedness values revealed genotype separation of the two strains from the above four species. The DNA G+C content of strain 313T was 35.5 mol%. The strains were homofermentative and mainly produced l-lactic acid from glucose. The major cellular fatty acids of strain 313T were 18 : 1ω6c and/or 18 : 1ω7c, 16 : 0, and 19 : 1ω6c and/or 19 : 0 cyclo ω10c. Based on their physiological and genotypic characteristics, the isolates represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which the name Lactobacillusmusae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 313T=NBRC 112868T=BCRC 81020T).

Comparative genomic analysis of bacteriocin-producing Weissella cibaria 110.

Weissella cibaria 110 was isolated from plaa-som, a Thai fermented fish product, and known to produce the weissellicin 110 bacteriocin. We carried out comprehensive comparative genomic analysis of W. cibaria 110 with four other non-bacteriocin-producing W. cibaria strains and identified potential antibiotic-resistant genes. We further identified a type III restriction-modification system, a TA system, and a bacteriocin gene cluster that are unique in W. cibaria 110. Genes related to bacteriocin biosynthesis are organized in clusters and are encoded with minimum genetic machinery consisting of structural cognate immunity genes, including ABC transporter and immunity protein. Finally, we predicted W. cibaria 110 to produce a class IId bacteriocin, weissellicin 110, which is 31 amino acids in length and contains a 21-amino-acid N-terminal leader peptide. This is the first bacteriocin-producing sequencing genome in W. cibaria, and we describe the difference between the bacteriocin-producing and non bacteriocin-producing strains from genome point of view.

Diversity of Lactic Acid Bacteria Associated with Banana Fruits in Taiwan.

Banana is a popular fruit worldwide. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) microflora in banana fruits has not been studied in detail. A total of 164 LAB were isolated from banana fruits in Taiwan. These isolates were initially divided into nine groups (r1 to r9) using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing. Isolates belonging to Lactobacillus plantarum group were further divided into three additional groups using multiplex PCR assay targeting the recA gene. The most common bacterial genera found in banana fruits were Lactobacillus and Weissella. The distribution of LAB indicated that, in most cases, neighboring regions shared common strains, but there were still some differences between regions. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA, rpoA, and pheS gene sequences, two strains included in the genera Lactobacillus were identified as potential novel species or subspecies. In addition, a total 36 isolates were found to have bacteriocin-producing abilities. These results suggest that various LAB are associated with banana fruits in Taiwan. This is the first report describing the distribution and varieties of LAB associated with banana fruits. In addition, one potential novel LAB species was also found in this study.

[New progress in precision diagnosis of prostate cancer].

The morbidity of prostate cancer presents an obvious ascending tendency. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. However, the methods widely used for its diagnosis mostly lack high specificity and sensitivity. This review introduces four methods for the detection of prostate cancer, which are PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG, the Kallikrein panel, MRGB, and the STHLM3 model, all based on molecular biology and superior to the traditional methods in both specificity and sensitivity. These methods are expected to contribute to the realization of precision diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Low 25(OH) D serum levels are related with hip fracture in postmenopausal women: a matched case-control study.

PURPOSE: There is limited information on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients diagnosed with hip fracture in the Chinese Han population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of change in the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) among postmenopausal women in North China with confirmed hip fracture. METHODS: This study was done from May 1, 2012 to April 30, 2014. Three hundred and forty-nine postmenopausal women who were diagnosed with first-ever hip fracture and 349 matched controls without fracture were used for this study. The 25(OH) D, iPTH, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and phosphorus levels were measured in fasting venous blood samples collected from the subjects. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect information on covariates for multivariate analyses to evaluate the hypothesized relationship between vitamin D deficiency and fracture risk. RESULTS: The serum 25(OH) D levels were found to be significantly (P < 0.0001) lower in hip fracture patients than in the controls [37.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 28.0-48.0) nmol/L vs. 41.3 (IQR 32.0-54.5) nmol/L; P < 0.0001], and the iPTH levels were significantly higher in the former group [10.2 (IQR 6.3-14.9) pmol/L vs. 5.8 (IQR 4.1-6.6) pmol/L; P < 0.0001]. Further, a 25(OH) D level ≤50 nmol/L was found to independently indicate the occurrence of hip fracture [odds ratio (OR), 3.023; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.154-4.298], as well as hip fracture with concomitant upper limb fracture (OR 4.473; 95 % CI 2.984-10.532). Similarly, a serum iPTH level ≥6.8 pmol/L independently indicated the development of hip fracture (OR 2.498; 95 % CI 1.764-3.942), as well as hip fracture with concomitant upper limb fracture (OR 3.254; 95 % CI 1.998-7.984). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D insufficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism were found to be common problems in the sample of postmenopausal women who had experienced hip fracture. Monitoring the alterations in the serum levels of 25(OH) D and iPTH could be applied clinically as independent risk factors for hip fracture.

Lactobacillus formosensis sp. nov., a lactic acid bacterium isolated from fermented soybean meal.

A Gram-reaction-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped lactic acid bacterium, designated strain S215(T), was isolated from fermented soybean meal. The organism produced d-lactic acid from glucose without gas formation. 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that strain S215(T) had 98.74-99.60 % sequence similarity to the type strains of three species of the genus Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus farciminis BCRC 14043(T), Lactobacillus futsaii BCRC 80278(T) and Lactobacillus crustorum JCM 15951(T)). A comparison of two housekeeping genes, rpoA and pheS, revealed that strain S215(T) was well separated from the reference strains of species of the genus Lactobacillus. DNA-DNA hybridization results indicated that strain S215(T) had DNA related to the three type strains of species of the genus Lactobacillus (33-66 % relatedness). The DNA G+C content of strain S215(T) was 36.2 mol%. The cell walls contained peptidoglycan of the d-meso-diaminopimelic acid type and the major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 0 and C19 : 0 cyclo ω10c/C19 : 1ω6c. Phenotypic and genotypic features demonstrated that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which the name Lactobacillus formosensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S215(T) ( = NBRC 109509(T) = BCRC 80582(T)).

[TURP plus endocrine therapy (ET) versus α1A-blockers plus ET for bladder outlet obstruction in advanced prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of transurethral resection of the prostate combined with endocrine therapy (TURP + ET) with that of αlA-blockers combined with ET ((αlA-b + ET) in the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa), and to investigate the safety of the TURP + ET for the treatment of PCa with BOO. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 63 cases of PCa with BOO, 28 treated by αlA-b + ET and the other 35 by TURP + ET. We obtained the residual urine volume (RV), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and quality of life score (QoL) before and after treatment along with the overall survival rate of the patients, followed by comparison of the parameters between the two methods. RESULTS: At 3 months after treatment, RV, IPSS, and QoL in the TURP + ET group were significantly decreased from (137.8 ± 27.6) ml, (22.3 ± 3.6), and (4.2 ± 0.8) to (29 ± 13.6) ml, (7.8 ± 2.1), and (1.6 ± 0.5) respectively (P < 0.05), while Qmax increased from (5.6 ± 2.1) ml/s to (17.6 ± 2.7) ml/s (P < 0.05); the former three parameters in the αlA-b + ET group decreased from (133.6 ± 24.9) ml, (21.5 ± 3.2), and (4.7 ± 1.1) to (42 ± 18.3) ml, (12.8 ± 2.6), and (2.5 ± 0.7) respectively (P < 0.05), while the latter one increased from (6.3 ± 2.4) ml/s to (11.7 ± 2.3) ml/s (P < 0.05), all with statistically significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05). The overall survival rate of the TURP + ET group was not significantly different from that of the αlA-b + ET group (51.4% vs 46.4% , P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: TURP + ET is preferable to αlA-b + ET for its advantage of relieving BOO symptoms in advanced PCa without affecting the overall survival rate of the patients.