Taurine modulates neutrophil function but potentiates uropathogenic E. coli infection in the murine bladder.

Eradication of a urinary tract infection (UTI) appears to be related to a number of innate host defence mechanisms and their interactions with invading bacteria. Recurrent UTIs (rUTIs) pose a difficult problem in that these bacteria use both host and bacterial factors to evade elimination. Neutrophil bactericidal function is depressed, both systemically and in urine, in patients with a history of recurrent UTI.

Long-term quality-of-life outcome after mesh sacrocolpopexy for vaginal vault prolapse.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term outcome of mesh sacrocolpopexy (MSC, which aims to restore normal pelvic floor anatomy to alleviate prolapse related symptoms) and its effect on patient's quality of life, as women with vaginal vault prolapse commonly have various pelvic floor symptoms that can affect urinary, rectal and sexual function.

Patients And Methods: From January 2000 to June 2006, consecutive patients with confirmed stage 2-4 vaginal vault prolapse subsequently had a MSC. Detailed telephone interviews using the Cleveland Clinic Short Form-20 Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI) questionnaire, with Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI), Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI) and Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI) subscales was completed by all patients to assess symptoms before and after MSC, improvement in sexual function and overall satisfaction.

Avoidable iatrogenic complications of urethral catheterization and inadequate intern training in a tertiary-care teaching hospital.

Objective: To examine the magnitude of potentially avoidable iatrogenic complications of male urethral catheterization (UC) within a tertiary-care supra-regional teaching hospital, and to evaluate risk factors and subjective feeling of interns in our institution on the adequacy of training on UC.

Subjects And Methods: Male UC-related morbidities were retrospectively identified from our computerized inpatient urology consultation system over a 1-year period from July 2006 to June 2007. Relevant medical records were also reviewed.

Taurine protects against PMN dysfunction and death in urine.

The polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) is the primary pro-inflammatory cell in the host response to bacterial infection and, as the first line of defence, is the principal cell responsible for the recognition, phagocytosis and killing of bacteria. PMN function is known to be defective in the urine. High osmolarity is physiologic in the urine and this hypertonic environment has been shown to compromise neutrophil function.

Long-term protective effects of hypothermia on reperfusion injury post-testicular torsion.

Objective: As many as two-thirds of salvaged testes post-torsion will atrophy within 2 years. Subsequent testicular damage is due at least in part to an ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Thus we analysed the long-term protective effects of subjecting the ischaemic testis to hypothermia in an attempt to prevent or attenuate subsequent testicular damage.

Successful use of 6 antigen HLA mismatched kidneys for cadaveric renal transplantation.

Purpose: We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of transplantation with kidneys with 6 antigen HLA mismatches.

Materials And Methods: From October 1990 to September 2001, 1,270 cadaveric renal transplants were performed at our center, including 33 (2.59%) involving recipients of kidneys with 6 antigen HLA mismatches.

Long-term followup of cadaveric renal transplantation in patients with spina bifida.

Purpose: Access related problems in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are increased in cases of spina bifida due to vascular and body habitus limitations. Reports of renal transplantation in this patient group are exceedingly rare. We report long-term followup data on cadaveric renal transplantation for end stage renal failure in cases of spina bifida.