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Diphenylphosphine-chelated imidazo[1,5- a ]pyridin-3-ylidene (PPh₂-ImPy) nickel(0) catalysts were synthesized in-situ from imidazolium salts and various commercially available nickel(0) complexes using a base. These catalysts exhibited a highly planar and rigid structure, as confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Remarkably, the in-situ generated PPh₂-ImPy-Ni(0) catalyst demonstrated a turnover number (TON) of 570 while maintaining a high yield of 82 %, overcoming the typical trade-off between TON and yield often observed in acrylate synthesis reactions, where the use of excess base to achieve high TON typically results in lower product yields. Moreover, the ligand precursors (PPh₂-ImPy∙HCl salts) were stable under open-air conditions, making them easy to handle. The in-situ generation protocol using the ligand precursors and commercially available metal sources, eliminates the need for synthesizing sensitive Ni(0) catalysts. Furthermore, the sodium acrylate product was efficiently isolated from the reaction mixture through a straightforward extraction process. • In-situ generated PPh 2 -ImPy-Ni(0) catalysts demonstrated structural rigidity and stability. • The catalysts achieved a turnover number (TON) of 570 with 82% yield for the synthesis of acrylates from ethylene and CO 2. • The catalysts addressed the typical trade-off between TON and yield seen in previous studies, maintaining high efficiency and yield. • Sodium acrylate was successfully isolated via a simple extraction process, demonstrating practical applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the effect of barium silicate on the material properties of additively manufactured (AM) resins containing 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) for dental applications are lacking. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the mechanical properties, transmittance, and protein adsorption of MPC-containing AM resin incorporated with different barium silicate contents and to compare these findings with those of a commercially available unfilled AM resin marketed for definitive restorations. Resins incorporating 6 wt% MPC and 4 different concentrations of barium silicate (10 wt%, MB10; 20 wt%, MB20; 30 wt%, MB30; and 40 wt%, MB40) were prepared. An MPC-containing resin with no filler was also prepared (0 wt%, MBN). Surface roughness (n=15), Vickers hardness (n=15), flexural strength and modulus (n=15), fracture toughness (n=15), transmittance (n=15), and protein adsorption (n=3) of the filled resin specimens were measured and compared with those of commercially available unfilled resin specimens. All data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests (α=.05). All experimental resins had higher surface roughness than the unfilled resin (P ≤.048). MB40 had higher hardness, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and fracture toughness than most other groups (P ≤.047). MB10 had higher transmittance than most other groups (P ≤.012). All experimental resins had lower protein adsorption than the unfilled resin, regardless of the barium silicate content (P ≤.023). The experimental resin containing 6 wt% MPC and 40 wt% barium silicate showed better mechanical properties and lower protein adsorption than the resin with no MPC or ceramic fillers. Transmittance decreased with the increase of barium silicate in the resins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The family of pericytic tumors includes glomus tumors and variants, myopericytoma including myofibroma, and angioleiomyoma. • The renal pericytic tumor is extremely rare, and only few comprehensive discussions about this entity have been done. • We report the first documented case of renal pericytic tumor in a 58-year-old Korean male. A pericytic tumor is a group of mesenchymal neoplasm found in superficial tissues and only rarely described in viscera. The family of pericytic tumors includes glomus tumors and variants, myopericytoma including myofibroma, and angioleiomyoma etc. The renal pericytic tumor is extremely rare, and only few comprehensive discussions about this entity have been done. A 58-year-old man was transferred to our institute with suspicions of renal cell carcinoma. The kidney dynamic computed tomography scan showed a 3 cm sized solid mass in the upper pole of the right kidney. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed due to the deep-seated mass. Pathological result confirmed that the kidney mass was renal pericytic tumor. Although general biological behavior of published renal pericytic tumors is likely to be benign, the clinicopathologic experiences are very limited. Therefore, we should evaluate the malignant potential of the entity according to the parameters proposed for soft tissue tumors, including tumor location, tumor size, growth pattern, cellularity, cytological atypia, and mitotic figures with atypical forms. The current case shows several worrisome features, including an extremely rare tumor location, partially infiltrative growth, and a mildly increased proliferating index, which resulted in it being classified as an uncertain malignant potential. We described the first case of renal pericytic tumor, addressing uncertain malignant potential, in a Korean male, which would be a distinct mesenchymal neoplasm differentiating from other groups of perivascular tumor families based on histological and immunohistochemical features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction In 2016, traditional Korean medicine (TKM) treatment for traffic-related injuries comprised 27.7% of Korea’s total car insurance medical coverage, and that proportion has been increasing annually. However, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) that employ evidenced-based medicine (EBM) methodology for traffic-related injuries have not been established in TKM. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a CPG for the treatment of traffic-related injuries in TKM by conducting a systematic literature review following EBM. Methods First, a network of experts was established to develop the CPG. Then, a systematic search of TKM treatments for traffic-related injuries was conducted using the Patients/Populations–Intervention–Comparison–Outcome method. To measure the methodological quality of the systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the assessment of multiple systematic reviews was used. The Cochrane collaboration’s risk of bias tool was used to assess the randomised controlled trials. Results The CPG for the treatment of traffic-related injuries in TKM consisted of three parts: diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. In total, 13 recommendations were developed, with two regarding diagnosis, 10 regarding treatment, and one regarding prognosis. Conclusions This CPG was developed by conducting a systematic literature review of randomised controlled trials. Therefore, this CPG can be adapted to different clinical status for traffic-related injuries. Specifically, it can be useful reference for traditional Chinese medicine and Kampo medicine practitioners using the same or similar interventions. In addition, the CPG can serve as an EBM model for countries unfamiliar with the complementary and alternative medicine treatment of traffic-related injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkoxymagnesium halide is demonstrated as an effective catalyst for the carbonyl hydroboration of esters, aldehydes, and ketones. This study reports the smooth hydroboration of a variety of esters, aldehydes, and ketones with ethoxymagnesium chloride (EtOMgCl) and pinacolborane under mild reaction conditions (low catalyst loading 0.3 mol% for aldehydes and ketones, 5 mol% for esters, room temperature). Among the tested alkoxymagnesium chlorides, EtOMgCl was the optimum catalyst in terms of yield and selectivity for esters. Moreover, the designed protocol afforded the chemoselective hydroboration of esters in good yields with high selectivity. To create your abstract, type over the instructions in the template box below. Fonts or abstract dimensions sh ould not be changed or altered. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Renal interstitial fibrosis is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, which leads to end-stage renal failure.Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hylander ethanol extract (ECE) on renal interstitial fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).Study Design: After quantitative analysis of ECE using the high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) method, an in vitro study was performed to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of ECE, using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), respectively.Methods: For in vivo study, all male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (n=10/group), except for those in the control group, underwent UUO. The rats were orally treated with water (control), captopril (positive control, 200 mg/kg), and ECE (300 and 500 mg/kg) for 14 days.Results: In ECE, luteolin and rosmarinic acid were relatively abundant among the other flavonoids and phenolic acids. ECE treatment ameliorated LPS-induced overexpression of nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 and improved oxidative stress in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, ECE treatment suppressed TGF-ß-induced α-smooth muscle actin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression in human renal mesangial cells. In the UUO model, 14 consecutive days of ECE treatment improved UUO-induced renal damage and attenuated histopathological alterations and interstitial fibrosis. Moreover, the renal expression of TNF-α, TGF-ß, and Smad 3 were inhibited by ECE treatment.Conclusion: Taken together, the effects of ECE may be mediated by blocking the activation of TGF-ß and inflammatory cytokines, leading subsequently to degradation of the ECM accumulation pathway. Based on these findings, ECE might serve as an improved treatment strategy for renal fibrotic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study conducted a daylight evaluation of schools established in high-rise housing complexes in a Korean city. This was accomplished through a daylight simulation test and a questionnaire survey on students' perception of and satisfaction with daylight in their classrooms. The simulation test showed that the amount of daylight to which a school was exposed could be affected by the surrounding high-rise housing complex, and that the distance between the complex and the school had an influence on the amount of daylight seen in classrooms. When the total daylight hours numbered less than four, or when the number of continuous daylight hours was less than two, students' satisfaction with daylight was low. According to survey results, most students felt that daylight had an influence on their educational environment and learning performance. It is therefore deemed necessary to fully consider the surroundings when designing education facilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present work, we report fabrication and characterization of a low-cost MEMS based piezoresistive micro-force sensor with SU-8 tip using laboratory made silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. To prepare SOI wafer, silicon film (0.8µm thick) was deposited on an oxidized silicon wafer using RF magnetron sputtering technique. The films were deposited in argon (Ar) ambient without external substrate heating. The material characteristics of the sputtered deposited silicon film and silicon film annealed at different temperatures (400–1050°C) were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The residual stress of the films was measured as a function of annealing temperature. The stress of the as-deposited films was observed to be compressive and annealing the film above 1050°C resulted in a tensile stress. The stress of the film decreased gradually with increase in annealing temperature. The fabricated cantilevers were 130μm in length, 40μm wide and 1.0μm thick. A series of force–displacement curves were obtained using fabricated microcantilever with commercial AFM setup and the data were analyzed to get the spring constant and the sensitivity of the fabricated microcantilever. The measured spring constant and sensitivity of the sensor was 0.1488N/m and 2.7mV/N. The microcantilever force sensor was integrated with an electronic module that detects the change in resistance of the sensor with respect to the applied force and displays it on the computer screen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of nontransected ventral onlay-augmented urethroplasty using an autologous saphenous vein graft in a rabbit model of urethral stricture. Methods: Ten white male rabbits weighing 3.0-3.5 kg were selected, and a long tract urethral stricture was generated by excising an 0.8-cm wide and 2-cm long portion of the distal urethra. One month after the procedure, the rabbits were randomized into a urethral stricture group (n = 5) or urethroplasty with saphenous vein graft group (n = 5). Another 5 rabbits served as a normal control group. Retrograde urethrography was performed at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery in all groups, and the rabbits were killed at 12 weeks postoperatively for histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluation. Results: The mean operated urethral width of the normal, stricture, and vein graft group was 10.2 ± 0.84, 4.3 ± 0.97, and 10.04 ± 2.35 mm at 2 weeks postoperatively, respectively (P = .008). The 4-, 8-, and 12-week postoperative urethrograms revealed results similar to those of the 2-week postoperative urethrograms. Histologic analysis showed the neourethra was epithelialized with urothelium in the vein graft group. All the rabbits survived throughout the study period without fistula formation or infection. Conclusion: Nontransected ventral onlay-augmented urethroplasty using an autologous saphenous vein graft can be an effective and feasible procedure for the surgical management of long tract urethral stricture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new series of PHD (HIF prolyl 4-hydroxylase) inhibitors was designed based on the X-ray co-crystal structure of FG-2216. Using a lead generation process, a series of [(4-Hydroxyl-benzo[4,5]thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-3-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic acid derivatives was developed as potent PHD2 inhibitors. This class of compounds also showed the ability to stabilize HIF-α, to stimulate EPO secretion in in vitro studies, and to increase hematocrit, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin levels in an animal efficacy study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of the imidazopyridine analogs as novel GSK3β inhibitors for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus are described. Most of the analogs exhibited excellent inhibitory activities (IC50<44nM) against glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). The structure–activity relationship (SAR) of the imidazopyridine analogs and the binding mode of analog 23 in the catalytic domain of GSK3β, based on our X-ray crystallography study, are described. In particular, analog 28, which was selected as a potential drug candidate for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, exhibited excellent GSK3β inhibition, pharmacokinetic profiles and blood glucose lowering effect in mouse. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The interfacial reliability between hot-melt polyamides resin and textile is studied to investigate whether hot-melt polyamides resin is useful as an encapsulation material of wearable electronic devices. Four kinds of hot-melt polyamides resins and six kinds of textile fabrics are used, and the test sample is fabricated by molding polyamides resin on top of textile. To confirm the mechanical reliability between polyamides resin and textile under water washing and dry cleaning condition, the adhesion strength is measured by 90° peel test not only at initial state but also after exposing the sample to moisture and heat. As a result, it can be seen after high temperature and humidity test that peel strength is degraded and fracture mode can be changed from adhesive failure to cohesive failure according to textile fabric. Also, the optimal combination of polyamides resin and textile for better peel strength is obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A CO-tolerant PtRuxSny/C electrocatalyst, with an optimal x/y ratio of 0.8/0.2, was prepared by selectively depositing Sn on the metallic surface of PtRu0.8/C for use as the anode in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. The CO tolerance of the catalyst was greater when Sn was added by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) than by a conventional precipitation method because most of the Sn added by CVD was located in the vicinity of Pt and Ru surfaces, on which CO molecules were strongly adsorbed. Accordingly, the bi-functional mechanism of CO oxidation, which involved the migration of oxygenated species from the Sn to the adsorbed CO, was expected to be promoted to greater extents in the catalysts prepared by Sn-CVD than those prepared by Sn-precipitation. On the other hand, the ligand-effect mechanism of CO oxidation, which was facilitated by the Pt-Ru alloy formation, was not much affected by the added Sn because the Pt-Ru alloy remained unchanged, particularly when y ≤ 0.2. Among PtRuxSny/C catalysts prepared by Sn-CVD, one prepared by partially substituting Sn for Ru in the PtRu1.0/C catalyst, e.g., PtRu0.8Sn0.2/C, showed higher CO tolerance than one prepared by simply adding Sn to the PtRu1.0/C catalyst, e.g., PtRu1.0Sn0.2/C, which demonstrated the importance of an optimum x/y ratio in the design of the ternary PtRuxSny/C catalysts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sn-promoted Pt-based catalysts were prepared by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of Sn on commercial Pt/C and PtRu/C catalysts using Sn(CH3)4 as an Sn precursor. The prepared catalysts showed higher CO tolerance than those prepared by adding Sn using an impregnation (IMP) method. This result was obtained because Sn added by CVD was selectively deposited on the Pt and Ru surfaces, instead of on a carbon support, such that the interfacial contact between Pt and Sn was greater in the Sn-CVD catalyst than in the others, as confirmed by in-situ infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic observations of the catalysts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ru-promoted Pt/C catalysts with different Ru/Pt ratios are prepared by selective chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of Ru onto a Pt surface. The optimum PtRu/C (Ru/Pt=0.44) catalyst prepared using a CVD method shows improved performance as an anode for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell in the presence of CO, as compared with a commercial PtRu/C (Ru/Pt=1) catalyst and a PtRu/C (Ru/Pt=1) catalyst prepared using a conventional impregnation (IMP) method. This observation is confirmed by the results of half-cell and single-cell tests. The CVD catalyst shows an improved CO tolerance because Ru is preferentially deposited as nano-scale particles on the Pt surface and, consequently, the number of Pt particles that are in close contact with the added Ru is greater in the CVD catalyst. An increase in the interfacial area between the Ru and the Pt facilitates the transfer of the oxygen-containing species to the CO-poisoned Pt surface such that the oxidation of CO is promoted. The Pt surface is also modified electronically due to an interaction with the added Ru, which is stronger in the CVD catalyst than in the IMP catalyst, as demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: While nerve growth factor (NGF) activates various signaling cascades, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt pathway plays a pivotal role in controlling the survival of neurons, although this activity declines during the aging process. We investigated the effect of forced moderate-intensity treadmill exercise on the level of NGF and the PI3-K/Akt signaling pathway in the hippocampus of induced aging rats. Forty-five male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into the following three groups: (1) control group, in which aging was not induced (CON: n =15), (2) aging-control group, in which aging was induced but the rats were not subjected to exercise (ACON: n =15), and (3) the aging-exercise group, in which aging was induced and the rats were subjected to treadmill exercise (AEX: n =15). d-Galactose (50mg/kg) was injected into the abdominal cavity for 8 weeks to induce aging. Rats were subjected to treadmill exercise 5 days a week for 8 weeks, and the speed of the treadmill was gradually increased. The protein levels of NGF, P-PI3-K, and P-Akt were significantly high in the AEX group (p <0.01, p <0.01, and p <0.001, respectively). Tyrosine kinase A (Trk A) receptor level was significantly higher in the CON and AEX groups than in the ACON group (p <0.01). TUNEL assay showed a significant reduction in apoptosis in the AEX group (p <0.001). Caspase-3 activation was significantly decreased in the AEX and CON groups (p <0.05). These results show that forced moderate-intensity treadmill exercise increases the level of NGF and activates P-PI3-K to induce P-Akt in order to suppress apoptotic cell death in the hippocampus of induced aging rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two-step sintering method was employed to consolidate nano-size BaTiO3 powders. The two-step sintering method comprises the initial heating at relatively higher temperatures and the following low-temperature sintering for a long period of heating. Pressed green bodies of BaTiO3 were first heated to 1300 °C to achieve an intermediate density (>75% of theoretical density), then cooled down and held at 1100 °C for 0–20 h until they became fairly dense. Slight grain growth progressed during the second step, whereas the density significantly increased. The average grain size of dense ceramics was around 1 μm. The dielectric constant of BaTiO3 was much greater than that of the normal sintering method. Furthermore, Dy-doped BaTiO3 showed much smaller grain sizes than the undoped BaTiO3, which is comparable with the conventional sintering behavior of BaTiO3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary Background In children with antenatally detected hydronephrosis caused by ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) stenosis, the main challenge is preserving renal function by identifying children who require early surgical intervention from those for whom watchful waiting may be appropriate because of the potential for spontaneous resolution without a significant loss of renal function. Objective To assess the impact of initial cortical transit time (CTT) on technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycerine (MAG3) diuretic renogram on the need for surgery in children with antenatally detected unilateral hydronephrosis caused by UPJ stenosis. Study design We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 33 patients with antenatally detected unilateral hydronephrosis caused by UPJ stenosis who were managed at our institution between 2006 and 2014. Delayed CTT was defined as the absence of activity in the subcortical structures within 3 min of tracer injection on a MAG3 scan. The surgical indication includes symptomatic UPJ stenosis, seriously deteriorating hydronephrosis with parenchymal thinning on serial USG, split renal function <40%, or progressive deterioration of split renal function (>5%) on a MAG3 scan. This study analyzed and compared the initial level of Society for Fetal Urology grade, anteroposterior diameter (APD), split renal function, drainage pattern on a diuretic renogram, and CTT with the need for surgery. Results Of the 33 children, 16 were classified into the delayed CTT group and 17 were placed in the normal CTT group. During the follow-up period (mean 31.8 months), surgery was needed in 75.0% (12/16) of patients in the delayed CTT group and in 5.9% (1/17) of those in the normal CTT group. Multivariate analysis showed that delayed CTT on initial MAG3 scan and APD on initial ultrasonography were independent predictive factors of the need for surgery. Discussion In this era of conservative management of antenatally detected hydronephrosis caused by UPJ stenosis, it is critical to identify which measurement on an image study is the most reliable for predicting the need for surgery by reflecting functional deterioration. In this study, multivariate analysis revealed that CTT on the initial MAG3 scan was an independent predictive factor of the need for surgery. In addition, CTT showed high negative predictive value for surgical need in children with antenatally detected unilateral hydronephrosis caused by UPJ stenosis. Conclusion CTT on an initial MAG3 scan may be a useful predictor of the need for surgery in children with antenatally detected unilateral hydronephrosis caused by UPJ stenosis. Summary Figure Study population algorithm of 33 children with antenatally detected unilateral hydronephrosis caused by ureteropelvic junction stenosis. Summary Figure [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background The timing of reflux onset on VCUG (VUR timing) has been considered a predictive factor of spontaneous resolution in VUR children. While the voiding reflux is associated with a greater rate of spontaneous resolution, the filling reflux is more likely to require surgical intervention. However, the VUR timing in children with primary VUR has not been evaluated with regard to the prognostic value of endoscopic therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of VUR timing on the surgical outcome after endoscopic therapy for primary VUR. Method We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 94 primary VUR patients who underwent endoscopic injection for their initial surgical management. Radiologic success was defined as grade I or less on VCUG at 3–6 months following endoscopic therapy. We allocated patients to a filling reflux group or a voiding reflux group on the basis of their most recent preoperative VCUG. We evaluated the patients' demographics and outcomes after endoscopic therapy according to VUR timing. Predictive factors for radiologic success were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results Of the 94 children (136 ureters), 68 (101 ureters) were classified as the filling reflux group and 26 (35 ureters) were placed in the voiding reflux group. The preoperative VUR grade in the filling reflux group was significantly higher than that in the voiding reflux group ( p = 0.001). Radiologic success was observed in 56.44% (57/101 ureters) in the filling reflux group and in 88.57% (31/35 ureters) in the voiding reflux group ( p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that VUR grade and VUR timing on VCUG were predictive factors of radiologic success after endoscopic therapy ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.005). Conclusions Despite the clinical importance of VUR timing, no studies have investigated the prognostic value of VUR timing for endoscopic therapy in primary VUR children. In this study, multivariate analysis revealed that the VUR grade and VUR timing on preoperative VCUG were significant predictors of success after endoscopic injection. Although the VUR grade is the most well-known factor that can affect the success of the procedure, VUR timing was a newly identified predictive factor. While patients with a filling reflux have lower success rates, patients with a voiding reflux were observed to show higher resolution rates after endoscopic injection. VUR timing on preoperative VCUG was found to be an independent predictive factor of VUR resolution after endoscopic therapy. Figure Radiologic success rates according to VUR grade and VUR timing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Most children with grade IV renal injury are treated using a conservative approach with a high success rate. However, a small minority of patients with grade IV renal injury require urological intervention because of symptomatic urinomas. The challenge lies in predicting which of the patients receiving initial conservative treatment may require delayed interventional management because of urological complications. Objective To identify clinical factors and radiological features associated with the need for urological intervention in grade IV pediatric, blunt renal trauma patients who were initially treated with a conservative approach. Study design The medical records of consecutive 26 children presenting to our center between 1996 and 2014 with grade IV renal injury, were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical factors, radiological features on computed tomography (CT), use of urological intervention, and patient outcomes were analyzed. Results The population algorithm of this study is shown in the figure. The patients who required urological intervention had a higher transfusion rate and larger perinephric hematomas (>2.2 cm) than those who did not require intervention. The main laceration was located in the antero-medial portion of the kidney, and intravascular contrast extravasation was observed more often in patients who underwent urological intervention compared with patients with successful conservative management. Discussion The authors recommend the use of cautious observation and timely imaging studies for unresolved or expanding urinomas in children with grade IV renal trauma with predictive factors. Moreover, most patients received urological intervention 4–8 days after the trauma. Therefore, it is suggested that a follow-up image study for early detection of urological complications should be conducted 4–5 days after trauma in grade IV renal trauma children with predictive factors. If none of these factors are observed on the initial CT or during the clinical course, follow-up imaging study may be avoided during hospitalization. Conclusion The need for transfusion, and the presence of specific image features on initial CT, such as the main laceration location in the antero-medial portion of kidney, intravascular contrast extravasation, and a large perinephric hematoma, served as useful predictive factors for urological intervention in grade IV pediatric blunt renal trauma patients who were initially treated with a conservative approach. The findings indicate that early detection and appropriate intervention should be considered a priority in the conservative treatment of grade IV pediatric renal trauma with predictive factors. Figure Study population algorithm of grade IV renal injury after blunt trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether cells isolated from the upper urinary tract (UTCs) possess stem cell characteristics and could be an alternative cell source for patients with bladder cancer. Current tissue engineering approaches for urologic tissue regeneration require invasive tissue biopsies to obtain autologous cells, and these procedures are associated with potential complications, such as donor site morbidity. Recently, cells isolated from voided urine (VUCs) have been proposed as an alternative cell source for urologic tissue engineering. However, VUCs should not be used in patients with bladder cancer, because the voided urine sample could contain malignant cells. Methods: Urine samples were collected from the upper urinary tract of 4 male patients with bladder cancer using a ureteral catheter. The samples were centrifuged and the pellets plated for primary culture. The cells were analyzed for colony-forming unit, proliferation rate, cytogenetics, stem cell characterization, and tumorigenicity. The results were compared with those of VUCs collected from 3 healthy men. Results: The UTCs were able to form colonies, had a greater proliferation rate than the VUCs, and had a normal karyotype without any chromosomal aberrations. The UTCs possessed stem cell characteristics (expression of CD44+, CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, SSEA4+) and expressed several markers for urothelial, smooth muscle, and endothelial cell lineages. The UTCs did not form teratoma when implanted into the subcapsular space of a mouse kidney. Conclusion: The UTCs possessed stem cell characteristics and can potentially be an alternative cell source for urologic tissue regeneration in patients with bladder cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a hybrid multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (HMEA) that efficiently deals with multiobjective optimization problems (MOPs). The aim is to discover new nondominated solutions in the neighborhood of the most promising individuals in order to effectively push individuals toward the global Pareto front. It can be achieved by bringing the strength of an adaptive local search (ALS) to bear upon the evolutionary multiobjective optimization. The ALS is devised by combining a weighted fitness strategy and a knowledge-based local search which does not incur any significant computational cost. To be more exact, the highly converged and less crowded solutions selected in accordance with the weighted fitness values are improved by the local search, thereby helping multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MEAs) to economize on the search time and traverse the search space. Thus, the proposed HMEA that transplants the ALS to the framework of MEAs can achieve higher proximity and better diversity of nondominated solutions. To show the utility of HMEA, the ALS for multiobjective knapsack problems (MKPs) is developed by exploiting the problem’s knowledge. Experimental results on the MKPs have provided evidence for its effectiveness as regards the proximity and the diversity performances. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]