Fecal microbiota transplantation versus glucocorticoids for the induction of remission in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.

Objective: To compare efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) with glucocorticoid as induction therapy in ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods: The patients with active mild to moderate UC were recruited into the single-center, prospective cohort study. The patients were treated with either FMT (FMT group) or glucocorticoids (GCs group).

3D digital image microscope system-assisted vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy in rats.

Optimal vision and ergonomics are essential factors contributing to the achievement of good results during microsurgery. The three-dimensional (3D) digital image microscope system with a better 3D depth of field can release strain on the surgeon's neck and back, which can improve outcomes in microsurgery. We report a randomized prospective study of vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy using a 3D digital image microscope system (3D-DIM) in rats.

Serum Pre-Albumin Predicts the Clinical Outcome in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Abiraterone.

To determine the prognostic utility of serum pre-albumin in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients treated with abiraterone (AA). 112 chemotherapy pretreated or chemotherapy-naive patients were scheduled for systemic treatment with AA. Serum pre-albumin levels were measured before and after 3 months of AA treatment.

Preparation of Monodisperse Hydrophilic Quantum Dots with Amphiphilic Polymers.

Monodisperse hydrophilic quantum dots (QDs) are promising labeling materials for biomedical applications. However, the controllable preparation of monodisperse hydrophilic QDs with amphiphilic polymers remains a challenge. Herein, the molecular structures of amphiphilic polymers assembled on different-sized QDs are investigated.

Smartphone-controlled optogenetically engineered cells enable semiautomatic glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice.

With the increasingly dominant role of smartphones in our lives, mobile health care systems integrating advanced point-of-care technologies to manage chronic diseases are gaining attention. Using a multidisciplinary design principle coupling electrical engineering, software development, and synthetic biology, we have engineered a technological infrastructure enabling the smartphone-assisted semiautomatic treatment of diabetes in mice. A custom-designed home server SmartController was programmed to process wireless signals, enabling a smartphone to regulate hormone production by optically engineered cells implanted in diabetic mice via a far-red light (FRL)-responsive optogenetic interface.

The 80-W KTP GreenLight laser vaporization of the prostate versus transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): adjusted analysis of 5-year results of a prospective non-randomized bi-center study.

This study aims to compare long-term results of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with an 80-W potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser and monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in terms of efficacy, durability, and safety in an adjusted patient population. This prospective, non-randomized bi-center study included 120 (PVP) and 68 (TURP) patients in each arm. Patients were evaluated at 60 months of follow-up.

GreenLight laser vs diode laser vaporization of the prostate: 3-year results of a prospective nonrandomized study.

Background And Objective: Laser vaporization of the prostate is one of the alternatives to transurethral resection of the prostate. Short-term studies report a comparable outcome after laser vaporization with the 532 nm 120-W GreenLight high-performance system (HPS) laser and the 980 nm 200 W high-intensity diode (diode) laser. In this study, we analyzed the intermediate-term results of both techniques.

Clinical observation on 2 micron laser for non-muscle-invasive bladder tumor treatment: single-center experience.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 2 micron continuous wave laser resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder tumor (NMIBT) compared with holmium laser resection of bladder tumor (HoLRBT) and standard transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).

Methods: Since April 2006 to August 2007, 97 patients with NMIBT were retrospectively collected in this study. All of them were classified into 3 groups, which were treated with 2 micron continuous wave laser resection, holmium laser resection and TURBT, respectively.