Transcriptional profiling of mouse cavernous pericytes under high-glucose conditions: Implications for diabetic angiopathy.

Purpose: Penile erection requires integrative interactions between vascular endothelial cells, pericytes, smooth muscle cells, and autonomic nerves. Furthermore, the importance of the role played by pericytes in the pathogenesis of angiopathy has only recently been appreciated. However, global gene expression in pericytes in diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) remains unclear.

Contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound can reduce collection of unnecessary biopsies when diagnosing prostate cancer and is predictive of biochemical recurrence following a radical prostatectomy in patients with localized prostate cancer.

Background: To investigate the value of using contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound (CETRUS) to reduce unnecessary collection of biopsies during prostate cancer diagnosis and its utility in predicting biochemical recurrence in patients with localized prostate cancer.

Methods: This was a prospective study of suspected prostate cancer patients who were evaluated with CETRUS followed by a prostate biopsy. Prostate blood flow via CETRUS was graded using a 5-point scale.

Predictive value of single-nucleotide polymorphism signature for recurrence in localised renal cell carcinoma: a retrospective analysis and multicentre validation study.

Background: Identification of high-risk localised renal cell carcinoma is key for the selection of patients for adjuvant treatment who are at truly higher risk of reccurrence. We developed a classifier based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to improve the predictive accuracy for renal cell carcinoma recurrence and investigated whether intratumour heterogeneity affected the precision of the classifier.

Methods: In this retrospective analysis and multicentre validation study, we used paraffin-embedded specimens from the training set of 227 patients from Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, Guangdong, China) with localised clear cell renal cell carcinoma to examine 44 potential recurrence-associated SNPs, which were identified by exploratory bioinformatics analyses of a genome-wide association study from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC) dataset (n=114, 906 600 SNPs).

Evaluation of Multislice Spiral Computed Tomography Perfusion Imaging for the Efficacy of Preoperative Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Middle-aged and Elderly Patients with Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) perfusion imaging for the efficacy of preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in middle-aged and elderly patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC). MATERIAL AND METHODS One-hundred twenty-six middle-aged and elderly patients with LAGC were selected. MSCT was performed before and after CCRT to obtain perfusion parameters: blood flow volume (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT), and permeability surface (PS).

A CpG-methylation-based assay to predict survival in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs) display divergent clinical behaviours. Molecular markers might improve risk stratification of ccRCC. Here we use, based on genome-wide CpG methylation profiling, a LASSO model to develop a five-CpG-based assay for ccRCC prognosis that can be used with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens.

Initial Experience of Sorafenib Neoadjuvant Therapy Combined with Retroperitoneoscopy in Treating T2 Large Renal Carcinoma.

Objectives: To investigate the safety and feasibility of sorafenib neoadjuvant therapy combined with retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy (RRN) in treating T2 large renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods: Retrospectively analyzed 5 cases (2 males and 3 females, aged 52-73 years) of T2 stage large RCC who receive preoperative sorafenib targeted treatment (400 mg bid for 1-3 months) and RRN between March, 2013, and July, 2014. Patient information, therapeutic regimen, drug adverse effect, tumor changes before and after surgery, and perioperative parameters were recorded.

Minimally invasive treatment of renal transplant nephrolithiasis.

Purpose: Urolithiasis is a rare complication of renal transplantation, and there is limited evidence to guide treatment. Management of stones in the transplanted kidney can be challenging. We present our experience in treating upper urinary tract (UUT) allograft lithiasis using minimally invasive procedures, with the aim of demonstrating their efficacy and safety in renal transplant recipients.

Application of renal-rotation techniques in retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN) is one of the standard methods for treating T1-stage renal carcinoma, which has a narrow operational space and a difficult surgical procedure. The aim of this study was to examine the safety and feasibility of renal-rotation techniques in RPN. Between April 2012 and June 2014, the renal-rotation technique in RPN was performed in 22 male and 16 female patients, aged between 31 and 75 years (mean, 52 years), with stage T1N0M0 renal-cell carcinoma.

Initial experience of percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy in one-stage treatment of homolateral renal diseases.

This study investigated the feasibility of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) combined with retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy (LESS-PN) in one-stage treatment of homolateral renal calculi and tumors. Between October 2010 and July 2014 one-stage PCNL combined LESS-PN surgery was performed in 23 patients with homolateral renal calculi and tumors. Patients included 17 male and 8 female, ranged from 31 to 66 years old with a median age of 42.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the prostate adenocarcinoma rat R3327.

The prostate adenocarcinoma of the Copenhagen rat (R3327) is recognized as a suitable model for human prostate carcinoma. In this study, we sequenced its complete mitogenome and total length of the genome was 16,310 bp (GenBank Accession Number KM820831). It contains 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes.

Application of self-retaining bidirectional barbed absorbable suture in retroperito- neoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of self-retaining bidirectional barbed absorbable suture application in retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Materials And Methods: From Sep 2011 and Aug 2012, 76 cases of retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy were performed at our hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: self-retaining barbed suture (SRBS) group (n = 36) and non-SRBS group (n = 40).

Erectile dysfunction precedes other systemic vascular diseases due to incompetent cavernous endothelial cell-cell junctions.

Purpose: Erectile dysfunction is often a harbinger of cardiovascular disease. We sought to gain mechanistic insight at the cellular and molecular levels into why erectile dysfunction precedes the clinical consequences of cardiovascular disease.

Materials And Methods: Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection in 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice.

Inguinal incision as a successful route to extract the kidney during laparoscopic retroperitoneal live-donor nephrectomy.

Objectives: We sought to evaluate the advantages of an inguinal incision in extracting the kidney during retroperitoneal laparoscopic live-donor nephrectomy.

Materials And Methods: From May 2008 to June 2011, fifty-eight cases of retroperitoneal live-donor nephrectomy were performed at our hospital; all data were analyzed retrospectively. All donors were grouped in a test group (n=32, inguinal incision) or a control group (n=26, lumbar incision) according to the selected graft retrieval incision.

MicroRNA expression profile analysis reveals diagnostic biomarker for human prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is a highly prevalent disease in older men of the western world. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression via posttranscriptional inhibition of protein synthesis. To identify the diagnostic potential of miRNAs in prostate cancer, we downloaded the miRNA expression profile of prostate cancer from the GEO database and analysed the differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) in prostate cancerous tissue compared to non-cancerous tissue.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for native upper tract urothelial carcinoma in renal transplant recipients.

Purpose: To analyze the safety and clinical outcome of laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNUT) for native upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UC) in renal transplant (RT) recipients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 956 RT recipients from January 2003 to December 2010 to evaluate the benefit of LNUT for patients who were diagnosed with de novo UC after renal transplantation.

Results: Women predominated (10/11, 91 %) in the 11 patients with upper tract UC who underwent LNUT.

Comparison of the transperitoneal and a semi-open retroperitoneal approach for right-sided laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

Background: To investigate whether the retroperitoneal or transperitoneal approach is preferable for right-sided laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (R-LDN).

Material/methods: We retrospectively compared the donor and recipient outcomes of R-LDNs performed with a standard transperitoneal approach (n=21) or a semi-open retroperitoneal approach (n=32).

Results: Patient demographics were similar between groups.

Inguinal oblique incision as an alternative route to extract the kidney during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

Objectives: Evaluate the advantages of inguinal oblique incision in extracting the kidney during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

Materials And Methods: From April 2005 to June 2009, sixty-seven cases of transperitoneal laparoscopic live-donor nephrectomies were performed at our hospital, all data were analyzed retrospectively. All donors were grouped as a test group (n=37, inguinal oblique incision) and a control group (n=30, paramidline or subcostal incision) according to graft retrieval incision selection.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for T1a renal tumors is safe and feasible.

Background: Some patients with exophytic renal masses less than 4 cm and suboptimal renal function, or a solitary kidney and bilateral renal tumors are considered for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), which is feasible for early-stage renal tumors, although it is still considered technically difficult and time consuming. Shortening the time of the operation and renal warm ischemia are required urgently. In this study, we report our initial experiences of LPN, especially with some improved surgical techniques.

[Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for small renal tumors: report of 59 cases].

Objective: To report our initial experiences of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for small renal tumors.

Methods: From July 2005 to December 2008, 59 patients with small renal tumors were resected by laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Results: All operations were successfully accomplished.

Renal paratransplant hernia: a surgical complication of kidney transplantation.

Introduction: Renal paratransplant hernia is an uncommon and potentially fatal complication of renal transplantation. In this condition, bowel herniates through a defect in the peritoneum over the transplanted kidney and becomes trapped.

Case Report: Six cases have been reported previously, and we herein report three cases encountered in 668 kidney recipients.

[The safety analysis of living-related kidney donors in short term after transplantation].

Objective: To evaluate the safety of living related donors in short term after transplantation.

Methods: Two hundred and fifty-one cases of living related donor kidney transplantation from May 2000 to July 2007 were analysed retrospectively. There were 117 male and 134 female aged from 22 to 72 years old, with a mean of 46.

Small incision combined with laparoscopy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction: comparison with retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

Background: Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is technically feasible for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction although it is still challenged by its technical difficulty and time-consuming. In this study, we compared the initial results of retroperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty versus a combined laparoscopic dissection and open reconstruction through a small incision in the treatment of UPJ obstruction.

Methods: Sixty-four patients with primary UPJ obstruction underwent pyeloplasty: 32 patients underwent laparoscopic procedure and 32 patients underwent open assisted laparoscopic surgery including two steps, ie, laparoscopic dissection of the UPJ transperitoneally and then pyeloplasty via an extended small incision.

[Outcomes of renal transplantation with donor kidneys with multiple arteries].

Objective: To compare the outcomes of renal transplantation with donor kidneys with multi-branched renal arteries.

Methods: The data about operation time, volume of intra-operational blood loss, postoperative complications, and post-operational renal function status of 251 recipients of donor kidneys with single-branched renal artery (Group A), 12 recipients of donor kidneys with double-branched renal arteries the diameter of one of which was < 2 mm or the estimated blood supply areas of one of which were < 10% (Group B), and 35 recipients of donor kidneys with renal arteries with 2 or more than 2 branches (Group C).

Results: The operation time was (115 +/- 34) min in Group A and was (120 +/- 31) min in Group B, both shorter than that of Group C [(133 +/- 55) min], however, not significantly.