Local Interactions Governing the Performances of Lithium- and Manganese-Rich Cathodes.

The local structural and electronical transformations occurring along the first charge and discharge cycle of Li- and Mn-rich Li[LiNiMnCo]O cathode material have been characterized by X-ray absorption spectroscopy at several complementary edges. The irreversible spinel formation, occurring at the expenses of the cycling layered phase during the first charge, is quantified (about 10%) and spatially localized. The local strains induced by the Ni oxidation have been evaluated.

Co-Crosslinked Water-Soluble Biopolymers as a Binder for High-Voltage LiNi Mn O |Graphite Lithium-Ion Full Cells.

The use of water-soluble, abundant biopolymers as binders for lithium-ion positive electrodes is explored because it represents a great step forward towards environmentally benign battery processing. However, to date, most studies that employ, for instance, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a binder have focused on rather low electrode areal loadings with limited relevance for industrial needs. This study concerns the use of natural guar gum (GG) as a binding agent for cobalt-free, high-voltage LiNi Mn O (LNMO), which realizes electrodes with substantially increased areal loadings, low binder content, and greatly enhanced cycling stability.

Understanding the Electrode/Electrolyte Interface Layer on the Li-Rich Nickel Manganese Cobalt Layered Oxide Cathode by XPS.

Layered lithium-rich nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LR-NMC) represents one of the most promising cathode materials for application in high energy density lithium-ion batteries. The extraordinary capacity delivered derives from a combination of both cationic and anionic redox processes. However, the latter ones lead to oxygen evolution which triggers structural degradation and electrode/electrolyte interface (EEI) instability that hinders the use of LR-NMC in practical application.

Comparative Analysis of Aqueous Binders for High-Energy Li-Rich NMC as a Lithium-Ion Cathode and the Impact of Adding Phosphoric Acid.

Even though electrochemically inactive, the binding agent in lithium-ion electrodes substantially contributes to the performance metrics such as the achievable capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability. Herein, we present an in-depth comparative analysis of three different aqueous binding agents, allowing for the replacement of the toxic N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone as the processing solvent, for high-energy LiNiMnCoO (Li-rich NMC or LR-NMC) as a potential next-generation cathode material. The impact of the binding agents, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, and commercial TRD202A (TRD), and the related chemical reactions occurring during the electrode coating process on the electrode morphology and cycling performance is investigated.

Vitamin D and benign prostatic hyperplasia -- a review.

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a more common form of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). BPH is due to the excessive growth of both stromal and epithelial cells of the prostate. Fifty percent of men over the age of 50 will have this disease, along with the probability that 90% of men at the age of 80 will have an enlarged prostate.

Laser prostatectomy: holmium laser enucleation and photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate.

Historically, transurethral resection of the prostate has been the gold standard for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Laser technology has been used to treat BPH for > 15 years. Over the past decade, it has gained wide acceptance by experienced urologists.

Primary testicular leiomyosarcoma.

Primary testicular leiomyosarcoma is an extremely rare tumor, and, to the best of our knowledge, only 20 cases in adults have been reported in the literature to date. Herein, we present a case of a 68-year-old man who complained of left scrotal swelling for 2 months. Radiological examination revealed a left testicular tumor with no metastases to other organs.

Optimizing prostate biopsy.

Prostate biopsy (PBx) techniques have changed significantly since the original Hodge's scheme. Although the use of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided (PBx) is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (Pca), the strategies for initial and repeat biopsies remain controversial. Even with the widespread application of extended prostate biopsy (ePBx) protocols, the false negative rate remains substantial and early PCa detection remains limited.

Hormonal manipulation of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Purpose Of Review: We provide new viewpoints of hormonal control of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The latest treatment findings with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) finasteride and dutasteride, refined indications, efficacy, and safety are discussed and compared. We also discuss potential new 5-ARIs and other hormonal treatments.

Correlation between benign prostatic hyperplasia and inflammation.

Purpose Of Review: This review aims to evaluate the available evidence on the role of prostatic inflammation in the pathogenesis and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Recent Findings: Although there is still no evidence of a causal relation, accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation may contribute to the development of BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Inflammatory infiltrates are frequently observed in prostate tissue specimens from men with BPH and the presence or degree of inflammation has been found to be correlated with prostate volume and weight.

Imaging in benign prostatic hyperplasia: what is new?

Purpose Of Review: This article discusses the new imaging techniques in diagnosis and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia by reviewing the most recent publications.

Recent Findings: Imaging study for the evaluation of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms is not suggested by American Urology Association guidelines; however, European Association of Urology recommends the assessment of the upper urinary tract by modalities like ultrasound. Several new imaging indices like resistive index of capsular artery, presumed circle area ratio, prostatic urethral angle, intraprostatic protrusion, and detrusor wall thickness are used to find a noninvasive way for bladder outlet obstruction diagnosis.

Effect of combination treatment on patient-related outcome measures in benign prostatic hyperplasia: clinical utility of dutasteride and tamsulosin.

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia, the fourth most commonly diagnosed medical condition in the elderly, is a major underlying cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in men. Medical therapy is usually the first therapeutic option. Combination therapy is increasingly used for better symptom relief and outcome.

Evaluation of erectile function after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in a single center.

Introduction: To evaluate erectile function among men who had undergone laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and received postoperative medical therapy for erectile dysfunction.

Materials And Methods: We performed a prospective study in men who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy between September 2003 and November 2005 at our center and who received penile rehabilitation after surgery. All patients had antegrade interfascial dissection.

Blood loss during radical prostatectomy: impact on clinical, oncological and functional outcomes and complication rates.

Unlabelled: Study Type - Outcomes (cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? It is generally accepted in the medical community that total and intra-operative blood loss after RALP is significantly lower in comparison with ORRP. This has led to speculation that less bleeding results in better visualization of the operative field resulting in superior potency and continence. Blood loss (BL) during ORRP does not adversely impact clinical and functional outcomes irrespective of how BL is defined.

Testosterone in prostate cancer: the Bethesda consensus.

Objective: • Androgen stimulation of prostate cancer (PCa) cells has been extensively studied. The increasing trend of using serum testosterone as an absolute surrogate for castration state means that the diagnostic measurement of testosterone and the values potentially influencing prognosis must be better understood. This is especially important when PCa progresses from an endocrine to an intracrine status.

American Urological Association and European Association of Urology guidelines in the management of benign prostatic hypertrophy: revisited.

Purpose Of Review: The purpose of this review is to provide a complete revision of two of the most widely used clinical guidelines in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms induced by benign prostatic hyperplasia and their importance and compliance among urologists.

Recent Findings: Updates of the American Association of Urology and European Association of Urology clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) were reviewed and analyzed. Literature concerning compliance and application of these two CPGs in the different working scenarios of practicing has been evaluated.

α-Blockers for benign prostatic hyperplasia: the new era.

Purpose Of Review: α1-Adrenoceptor blockers are the most frequently prescribed medical therapy in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptom suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). The purpose of this review is to highlight the evolution of adrenoceptor blockers with emphasis on newly approved drugs.

Recent Findings: Over the past years new formulations of several α1-adrenoceptor blockers were introduced to the market.

Revival of thermotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Purpose Of Review: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has long been held as the gold standard for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); however, there has been significant innovation in other less invasive alternative treatments for BPH in recent years. BPH treatment guidelines now recommend minimally invasive therapy be considered as a treatment option alongside TURP and medical management. Our purpose is to review the current evidence supporting the safety, effectiveness, and durability of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) as a minimal invasive technique.

Immunotherapy in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is a complex disease, and treatment selection is informed by numerous variables depending on the stage of disease. Moreover, patient expectations and the impact of treatment-related adverse events may influence treatment choices. Available treatment options over the course of the disease have included surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.

Urinary continence after radical prostatectomy: the patient perspective.

Introduction: To compare the commonly used 0-1 pad definition of urinary continence for postoperative functional outcome after radical prostatectomy and the correlation with self-reported urinary continence and to determine whether a patient questionnaire can deliver more accurate continence status rates.

Material And Methods: We evaluated a cohort of 873 men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) at the General Hospital in Vienna between 1998 and 2006. Patients were surveyed with a questionnaire regarding their postoperative outcome and postoperative urinary incontinence.

New findings in localized and advanced prostate cancer: AUA 2011 review.

The 2011 American Urological Association (AUA) annual meeting took place in Washington, DC, USA, on May 14-19. It is the largest gathering of urologists in the world, providing unparalleled access to groundbreaking research, new guidelines and the latest advances in urologic medicine. The opportunity to exchange knowledge among urologists on a worldwide level was provided by participation of more than 80 countries in this scientific meeting.

Current status of pelvic lymph node dissection in prostate cancer: the New York PLND nomogram.

Introduction: Controversy persists concerning the role of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy. The aim of this review is to critically evaluate the current status on PLND in prostate cancer.

Methods: A review of the literature was performed concerning radical prostatectomy and PLND with respect to oncological outcome, associated complications, nodal yield, indications and minimal number of nodes required.