Multitract percutaneous nephrolithotomy in staghorn calculus.

Staghorn calculi are branched stones which occupy a majority portion of the pelvicaliceal system. An untreated staghorn calculus over time can damage the kidney and deteriorate its function and/or cause life threatening sepsis. Total stone clearance is an important goal in order to eradicate any infective focus, relieve obstruction, prevent recurrence and preserve the kidney function.

Long-term Quality of Life in Survivors of Brain Metastases: A Roller Coaster of Perspective.

Longevity in cancer patients with brain metastases is increasingly being observed. This raises discussions about how best to maintain a good quality of life for these patients. Recent data suggest that post-treatment quality of life (QoL) can be maintained using new treatment options, but little data exist regarding the QoL in long-term survivors.

Emission analysis of Tb -and Sm -ion-doped (Li O/Na O/K O) and (Li O + Na O/Li O + K O/K O + Na O)-modified borosilicate glasses.

Four series of borosilicate glasses modified by alkali oxides and doped with Tb and Sm ions were prepared using the conventional melt quenching technique, with the chemical composition 74.5B O + 10SiO + 5MgO + R + 0.5(Tb O /Sm O ) [where R = 10(Li O /Na O/K O) for series A and C, and R = 5(Li O + Na O/Li O + K O/K O + Na O) for series B and D].

Human brain metastatic stroma attracts breast cancer cells via chemokines CXCL16 and CXCL12.

The tumor microenvironment is composed of heterogeneous populations of cells, including cancer, immune, and stromal cells. Progression of tumor growth and initiation of metastasis is critically dependent on the reciprocal interactions between cancer cells and stroma. Through RNA-Seq and protein analyses, we found that cancer-associated fibroblasts derived from human breast cancer brain metastasis express significantly higher levels of chemokines CXCL12 and CXCL16 than fibroblasts from primary breast tumors or normal breast.