PbS Quantum Dots-Decorated BiVO Photoanodes for Highly Efficient Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production.

While metal oxides such as TiO, FeO, WO, and BiVO have been previously studied for their potential as photoanodes in photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production, their relatively wide band-gap limits their photocurrent, making them unsuitable for the efficient utilization of incident visible light. To overcome this limitation, we propose a new approach for highly efficient PEC hydrogen production based on a novel photoanode composed of BiVO/PbS quantum dots (QDs). Crystallized monoclinic BiVO films were prepared via a typical electrodeposition process, followed by the deposition of PbS QDs using a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method to form a p-n heterojunction.

Quantum Dots, Passivation Layer and Cocatalysts for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production.

Solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production is one potential pathway to establish a carbon-neutral society. Nowadays, quantum dots (QDs)-sensitized semiconductors have emerged as promising materials for PEC hydrogen production due to their tunable bandgap by size or morphology control, displaying excellent optical and electrical properties. Nevertheless, they still suffer from anodic corrosion during long-term cycling, offering poor stability.

Self-assessed goal achievement (SAGA) after Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP): Association with patients' postoperative satisfaction.

This study aimed to determine serial changes in self-assessed goal achievement (SAGA) and treatment satisfaction after HoLEP, to identify correlations between the two, and to compare them with results assessed by traditional outcome measures. For a total of 170 patients, outcomes were evaluated serially at postoperative 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months using IPSS, OABSS, SAGA questionnaires and uroflowmetry. The SAGA questionnaire consisted of five questions including one open-ended question (self-assessed goals and degree of SAGA) and another question regarding treatment satisfaction.

Clinical Nomograms to Predict Stone-Free Rates after Shock-Wave Lithotripsy: Development and Internal-Validation.

Purpose: Shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL) is accepted as the first line treatment modality for uncomplicated upper urinary tract stones; however, validated prediction models with regards to stone-free rates (SFRs) are still needed. We aimed to develop nomograms predicting SFRs after the first and within the third session of SWL. Computed tomography (CT) information was also modeled for constructing nomograms.

Impact of Detrusor Underactivity on Surgical Outcomes of Laser Prostatectomy: Comparison in Serial 12-Month Follow-Up Outcomes Between Potassium-Titanyl-Phosphate Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) and Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP).

Objective: To evaluate impacts of preoperative detrusor underactivity (DU) on outcomes of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia, and to compare them between the two surgeries.

Materials And Methods: A total of 1423 men, who underwent PVP (group A) or HoLEP (group B), were categorized into four groups: A1 (239 without DU), A2 (432 with DU), B1 (329 without DU), and B2 (423 with DU). DU was defined as bladder contractility index of <100.

Change in storage symptoms following laser prostatectomy: comparison between photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP).

Purpose: To compare serial changes of postoperative storage symptoms between PVP and HoLEP, and to identify the predictors influencing postoperative improvement of storage symptoms.

Methods: A total of 486 men (PVP group: 213 cases; HoLEP group: 273 cases), in whom 12-month follow-up data were available, were included in this retrospective study. Surgical outcomes were evaluated at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12 months postoperatively using the IPSS, uroflowmetry with post-void residual urine volume (PVR) and serum PSA levels.

Current status of renal biopsy for small renal masses.

Small renal masses (SRMs) are defined as radiologically enhancing renal masses of less than 4 cm in maximal diameter. The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has increased in recent years, which is mainly due to the rise in incidental detection of localized SRMs. However, the cancer-specific mortality rate is not increasing.

Serial Changes in Sexual Function Following Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: A Short-term Follow-up Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the serial changes in sexual function in the short-term period after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and to investigate whether a change in each domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is associated with improvement of micturition.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-eight potent men who underwent HoLEP and in whom complete 12-month follow-up data on the IIEF were available were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent a baseline evaluation for BPH.

Combined treatment with anticancer vaccine using genetically modified endothelial cells and imatinib in bladder cancer.

Purpose: We sought to maximize the antitumor effect of an anticancer vaccine based on genetically modified endothelial cells by combining it with the platelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibitor imatinib.

Materials And Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were infected with 10 MOI of Ad-CMV-mGMCSF to make anticancer vaccines. One million mouse bladder cancer cells (MBT-2) were subcutaneously inoculated in C3H mice.