Lactiplantibacillus plantarum E51 protects against Clostridioides difficile-induced damages on Caco-2 intestinal barrier functions.

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum E51 (L.

Treating vaginitis with probiotics in non-pregnant females: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Vaginitis, also known as vulvovaginitis, is an inflammation of the vagina and vulva and a common disease in females. It is thought to be caused by vaginal dysbiosis and improved by probiotics. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) are the major types of vaginal infections.

Change in intraoperative rectal temperature influencing erectile dysfunction following transurethral resection of the prostate.

Background/purpose: In this study, we assessed the relationship between changes in intraoperative rectal temperature and erectile function in patients who have undergone transurethral resection of the prostate.

Methods: Eighty-six potential patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia-induced lower urinary tract symptoms were studied. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1-small prostates (<40 ml) and group 2-large prostates (≥ 40 ml), as determined by transrectal ultrasound measurement.

Species and antimicrobial resistance of uropathogens isolated from patients with urinary catheter.

A large number of hospitalized patients have an indwelling urinary tract catheter (IUC) placed at some time during their hospital stay and may suffer from catheter-associated urinary tract infections, the leading cause of nosocomial infections. Here we investigated the prevalence of uropathogens associated with catheter-associated urinary tract infections and assessed the resistances of these pathogens to commonly prescribed antibiotics. In total, 2,997 urine samples were examined at a regional hospital in Taipei, Taiwan in 2004: 1,948 (65%) samples from hospitalized patients and 1,049 (35%) samples from outpatients.

Age-specific prevalence rates of phimosis and circumcision in Taiwanese boys.

Background/purpose: To estimate the age-specific prevalence rates of phimosis and circumcision in an urban sample of Taiwanese boys.

Methods: A convenience sample of 1145 boys aged from 7 to 13 years was enrolled and cross-sectionally evaluated for preputial retractability and status of circumcision. Another convenience sample of 59 newborn male infants was enrolled from the infant room of a city municipal hospital.

Transurethral RollerLoop vapor resection of prostate for treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: a 2-year follow-up study.

Objective: We compared the 2-year safety and efficacy of two transurethral resection techniques-transurethral vapor resection of the prostate (TUVRP) and conventional loop transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)-in the surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Material And Methods: Between August 1997 and September 2002, 441 patients underwent transurethral prostatectomy, either TUVRP (n = 221) or TURP (n = 220). TUVRP was performed using a "RollerLoop" resection loop.