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To determine the association of vesico-urethral anastomosis location (VUAL) with early recovery of urinary continence (UC) after radical prostatectomy (RP). A retrospective analysis of 678 patients who underwent RP was carried out. Patients were divided into three groups based on the VUAL as determined by postoperative cystography: group I - VUAL above the upper margin of the symphysis pubis (SP), group II - between the upper margin and the middle of the SP, and group III - below the middle of the SP. Early recovery of UC was defined as using no pads or an occasional security pad within 3 months. Recovery rates were compared between the groups and factors predicting an early recovery of UC were investigated. Among all patients, 62.2% achieved an early recovery of UC. Patients in group I were younger, with a longer membranous urethra, greater percent of nerve sparing and shorter time to continence than those in groups II or III. Early recovery rates were 89.5%, 69.8% and 40.7% in group I, II and III, respectively ( P < 0.001). VUAL remained an independent predictor of early recovery of UC (OR 3.2 for group I vs II and 10.8 for group I vs III [ P < 0.001]) when adjusted for age, operative time, membranous urethral length and operation by surgeon with high surgical volume. VUAL represents an independent predictor of recovery of UC after RP. A higher VUAL is associated with a higher rate of early recovery of UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: • To investigate the impact of increased body mass index (BMI) on pathological features after radical prostatectomy (RP) in Korean patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • We reviewed the records of 1000 Korean patients who underwent RP for prostate cancer and assessed the differences in pathological outcomes and biochemical recurrence-free survival after RP according to BMI of subjects via univariate and multivariate analyses. • A multivariate logistics regression model, the performance of which was analysed from a receiver operator characteristics curve, was applied to assess the predictive capacity of variables shown to be significant predictors of adverse pathological outcome. RESULTS: #x2022; Among our subjects, only 17 (1.7%) men had BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2. After adjusting for various clinical variables, BMI (highest quartile vs others) was shown to be significantly associated with extracapsular extension of tumour ( P = 0.014) and positive surgical margin ( P = 0.019), but not with high pathological Gleason score ( P = 0.912) and seminal vesicle invasion ( P = 0.191). • Meanwhile, the addition of BMI to a multivariate model devised for preoperatively predicting extracapsular extension of tumour did not significantly increase predictive accuracy of the model ( P = 0.319). On multivariate analysis, BMI was not shown to be a significant predictor of biochemical recurrence-free survival ( P = 0.201). CONCLUSION: • Although higher BMI was significantly associated with extracapsular extension of tumour, BMI did not significantly enhance the ability to preoperatively predict extra capsular extension of tumour and was not significantly associated with PSA outcome or with other objective pathological outcomes in Korean men undergoing RP, who are generally leaner than their western counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Due to lack of tactile feedback, dissection of surgical planes during delicate procedures of nerve-sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) can be hampered more by postbiopsy hematomas or adhesions compared with open surgery. Thus, we investigated association between extent of postbiopsy hemorrhage observed via preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with surgical difficulty of RALRP. Methods: We reviewed records of 154 men who received prostate biopsy, MR imaging, and subsequently, nerve-sparing RALRP for clinically localized prostate cancer within 2 weeks of MR imaging. We scored degree of postbiopsy hemorrhage as shown on T1-weighted MR imaging (hemorrhage score) and analyzed potential association of hemorrhage score with variables representative of surgical difficulty (operative time, estimated blood loss, and margin positivity) and functional outcomes (urinary continence and erectile function). Results: Among our subjects, total hemorrhage score demonstrated no significant associations with interval from biopsy to MR imaging ( p = 0.210). In multivariate analyses, prostate volume and total hemorrhage score were observed to be significantly associated with operative time ( p = 0.004 and 0.039, respectively) and estimated blood loss ( p = 0.009 and 0.023, respectively). Patients' age and total hemorrhage score was observed to be independent predictor of the return of erectile function sufficient for vaginal intercourse at 6 months following RALRP ( p = 0.003 and 0.036, respectively). Conclusions: Degree of postbiopsy hemorrhage observed in preoperative MR imaging may be predictive of surgical difficulty for RALRP. Such findings provide concrete evidences that aftereffects of prostate biopsy have significant impact on performing RALRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Al(OH)3/acrylic copolymer latexes were synthesized through the emulsion polymerization of acrylic monomers, butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate in the presence of surface-functionalized Al(OH)3 filler particles. The polymerization was stabilized by polyoxyethylene (50) nonyl phenyl ether (NP-1050, nonionic surfactant) and ammonium (POE) alkyl aryl ether sulfate (EU-S133D, anionic surfactant) to produce stable composite latexes. The improved compatibility of Al(OH)3 surface with acrylic monomers was achieved by the modification with 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (γ-MPS). Transmission electron microscopy showed that nano-sized Al(OH)3 particles were slightly agglomerated in the copolymer latex. When pristine Al(OH)3 was used as a filler or γ-MPS-modified Al(OH)3 particles were added above 30 wt% with respect to monomers, unstable latexes were obtained, which were partially precipitated out on standing for prolonged time. The flame retardation effect was not apparent with the incorporation of Al(OH)3 in the latexes by 30 wt% as shown by LOI test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the difference between tumor sizes measured via preoperative computed tomography (CT) images and in surgical specimens during pathologic examinations in a contemporary cohort of patients who received extirpative surgery for renal tumors. We reviewed records of 467 patients who received radical or partial nephrectomy for renal lesions suspicious for malignancy. For our study, only patients who underwent preoperative CT within 4 weeks of surgery were included. In all patients, radiographic tumor size, defined as the largest diameter of tumor measured via CT images, and pathologic tumor size, the largest diameter of tumor measured in surgical specimen, were compared and analyzed by various factors. Among total subjects, mean radiographic and pathologic tumor size were 4.56 ± 2.99 and 4.49 ± 3.23 cm, respectively ( P = 0.399). When subjects were categorized according to radiographic tumor size (1-cm range), statistically significant difference (average of 2 mm) between radiographic and pathologic tumor size was observed only in the 4 to <5 cm range ( P = 0.046). Among those with clear cell renal cell carcinoma, mean radiographic tumor size was significantly larger than pathologic size, but by only 1.4 mm ( P = 0.012). Factors such as age, gender, body mass index, tumor stage, tumor grade, and tumor location were observed to have no significant impact on differences observed between radiographic and pathologic tumor size. Although actual size of renal mass can be generally overestimated by CT images, difference may be minimal and clinically insignificant in most cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-inorganic composites composed of electrically conducting poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (PEDOT/MWNT) were prepared by in-situ oxidative polymerization of ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) in the presence of MWNTs in supercritical carbon dioxide. Prior to the polymerization, MWNTs were surface modified with 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate in order to improve the dispersibility in CO2. This approach provides a facile way to develop solvent free composites with nanostructures and uniformity. The resulting composites were analyzed by FT-IR, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and UV-visible spectroscopy. In addition, the effect of the ratio of the MWNT to PEDOT on the polymerization was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of the stereocomplex formation between poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(D-lactide) (PDLA), the stereocomplexation-induced surface properties of enantimeric polylactide blends were inverstigated by electron spectrometer for chemical analysis (ESCA) and contact angle measurements as a function of a degree of complexation. The complexation of blends was controlled by using the stereochemical polylactides (stPLAs) with percent D repeat unit contents (optical purity) of 100, 98, 95, 90, and 85%. The PLLA-b-poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS)-b-PLLA triblock copolymer, instead of PLLA was used as a surface probe material because of the high surface segregation of PDMS blocks. From ESCA measurements, the surface segregation of PDMS of PLLA-b-PDMS-b-PLLA/stPLA blends with ≤10% optical impurity was rapidly decreased with a degree of complexation. However, the uncomplexed blends >10% optical impurity showed that the surface segregation of PDMS was nearly that of PLLA-b-PDMS-b-PLLA. Similar behaviors were observed in the contact angle measurements. These results indicate that 10% optical impurity is a critical value at which the complex formation and the surface properties of the PLLA-b-PDMS-b-PLLA/stPLA blends can be controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three series of waterborne polyurethane (WBPU)/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites were prepared, and their morphology and properties with various 2,2-dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA) and CNT contents were investigated. The CNTs were homogeneously dispersed up to the optimum content in WBPU/CNT nanocomposite films. The degree of homogeneous CNT dispersion increased with increasing DMPA content in WBPU/CNT nanocomposite films. The optimum CNT content showed maximum tensile strength, Young's modulus and adhesive strength of WBPU/CNT nanocomposite film. The optimum CNT contents for WBPU/CNT nanocomposite samples containing 3.61, 5.16 and 5.86 wt% DMPA were about 0.50, 1.00 and 1.50 wt%, respectively. The WBPU/CNT nanocomposite adhesive showed higher adhesive strength at moderately high temperatures (40/60/80/100°C) compared to conventional WBPU. The highest adhesive strength at moderately high temperatures was found with 5.86 wt% DMPA and 1.5 wt% CNT content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) adhesives were prepared with various ratios of polyol, poly(tetramethylene oxide glycol) (PTMG), and chain extender, ethylene diamine (EDA), at a fixed content of diisocyanate, 4,4-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (H12MDI) and hydrophilic agent, 2,2-dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA). WBPU adhesives were characterized by IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). It was found that the extent of hydrogen bonds between hard–hard segment (i.e., hydrogen bonds between the NH and carbonyl groups) increased with increasing chain extender content (decreasing polyol content). Moreover, the disordered hydrogen bond of carbonyl group (hydrogen bond of urethane groups in the interfacial region) increased with increasing chain extender content (decreasing polyol content). The cyclic urea and allophanate group, which are attributed to the side reaction and cross-linking reaction, respectively, were found above a molar ratio 0.17 of chain extender to diisocyanate. The adhesive strength was maximum with 0.95 wt% and 63.10 wt% chain extender and soft segment (PTMG), respectively (H2 sample) at room temperature for the WBPU adhesive. However, with increasing application temperature the adhesive strength decreased for all samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the stereocomplex-induced surface structure of enantiomeric poly(lactide) (PLA) blend films by differential scanning calorimeter, electron spectrometer for chemical analysis, and contact angle measurements. The design of the blend systems is based on principles of surface segregation of a modified component with a low surface energy, fluorocarbons (F), as an end group. The two blend systems, uncomplexed (F-l-PLA/l-PLA) and complexed (F-l-PLA/d-PLA), showed quite different surface structures: the surface segregation of fluorocarbon groups in the (F-l-PLA/l-PLA) blend film was observed while the surface structure of the (F-l-PLA/d-PLA) blend film was similar to its bulk one. This indicates that the interchain interaction to form stereocomplexes between l- and d-PLA is strong enough to overcome the driving force of fluorocarbon groups toward the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we discuss the relative efficiency of the organic electroluminescent devices (OELDs) utilizing various fluorine-containing polyimides in hole transporting layer (HTL) in terms of the structure of the polyimides (PI) by molecular dynamics estimation. Materials for polyimides investigated in this study are; 1,2,4,5-benzentetracarboxylic dianhydride (PMDA), 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphtalic anhydride (6FDA), 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA), and 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) dianiline (6FDAm). The devices used in this study consist of two organic layers, i.e. ITO-coated glass/TPD-dispersed polyimide/Alq3/Al devices. It was found that the EL efficiency of the OELDs is significantly affected by the molecular structure of polyimides as well as the contents of fluorine atoms in the PI. Molecular dynamics calculation proved that PMDA-6FDAm PI exhibits largest steric hindrance among the four PIs used in this work, due to the largest torsion of benzene rings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work is to preliminarily investigate the surface structure of poly(methacrylate)/poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)(SAN) blend thin films cast from tetrahydrofuran solution by contact angle measurements. The main questions investigated in this work are: (1) relation between the composition of the surface and the bulk, (2) the extent of surface enrichment of the lower surface free energy component, (3) the change of the surface composition corresponding to the change in the degree of mixing in the bulk, and (4) the effect of alkyl group on the surface structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The miscibility in binary polymer systems in 2-dimensional state at the air/water interface was investigated by the relationship between the mean molecular area at a constant surface pressure and the mole fraction of one component in the binary mixtures of poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA) and poly(vinyl acetate)(PVAc). Compatibilization of the immiscible PMMA/PVAc blend at the air/water interface was achieved by introducing carboxyl acid to either of the two component polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a negative impact on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, no study has examined yearly trends in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels after the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Here, we performed a retrospective analysis of HbA1c concentrations during the early period of the COVID-19 outbreak (COVID-19 cohort) and then compared the yearly trend in the mean HbA1c level, along with fluctuations in HbA1c levels, with those during previous years (non-COVID-19 cohorts). We observed that the mean HbA1c level in patients with T2DM increased during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 outbreak. After 6 months, HbA1c levels in the COVID-19 cohort returned to levels seen in the non-COVID-19 cohorts. The data suggest that vulnerable patients with T2DM should be monitored closely during the early period of a pandemic to ensure they receive appropriate care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of an elderly female patient with bilateral macular holes who developed circular retinal pigment epithelial atrophy at the fovea after macular hole surgery using indocyanine green in both eyes. She underwent complete pars plana vitrectomy with indocyanine green-assisted internal membrane peeling. Though the macular hole was closed one month following surgery, both eyes were observed to have underlying circular retinal pigment epithelial atrophy.

Background The Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) and new visceral adiposity index (NVAI) are novel indices of visceral adiposity used to predict metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in Asian populations. However, the relationships of CVAI and NVAI with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have not been investigated. We aimed to characterize the relationships of CVAI and NVAI with the prevalence of CKD in Korean adults. Methods A total of 14,068 participants in the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (6,182 men and 7,886 women) were included. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were employed to compare the associations between indices of adiposity and CKD, and a logistic regression model was used to characterize the relationships of CVAI and NVAI with CKD prevalence. Results The areas under the ROC curves for CVAI and NVAI were significantly larger than for the other indices, including the visceral adiposity index and lipid accumulation product, in both men and women (all P

In order to control the rate of corrosion, plasma gas discharge was applied to modify the surface of a polymer coated-steel sheet to be hydrophobic. Since the corrosion resistance of steel is strongly related to water permeation, the surface hydrophobicity of materials was introduced by CF 3 H plasma exposure. The corrosion property before and after the plasma treatment was investigated in a slat spray tester of 3.5% NaCl fog at 35°C. The results showed that the CF 3 H plasma-induced polymer exhibited significant retardation of corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospun nanofibers have been widely researched for their reinforcing ability in polymer composites because of their ultrafine size, high mechanical strength, and ultrahigh surface area. In this study, a vacuum infiltration technique was employed to fabricate electrospun nylon 6 nanofiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composites. It was found that the reinforcement of the epoxy matrices with nylon 6 nanofibers significantly improved the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites. The ultimate tensile strength of the N6/YD composite decreased compared to that of the reference YD epoxy resin; however, the N6/YDJR and N6/JR epoxy resin composites showed 29% and 500% improvement in the tensile strength, and Young's modulus was enhanced by 20.5%, 49%, and 1700% for the N6/YD, N6/YDJR, and N6/JR composites, respectively. Furthermore, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the nanocomposites were predicted and validated using the theoretical Halpin–Tsai and Takayangi models, while the results of numerical simulations agreed with the experimental measurements. Finally, a thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of the epoxy resin matrices was significantly improved after the incorporation of nylon 6 nanofibers.

Purpose: Several studies have shown that zinc has a significant influence on erectile function. However, no studies evaluating the cellular distribution of free zinc in penile erectile tissue have been performed. Therefore, this study aimed to test whether free zinc is present in penile tissue and whether it may be involved in the electrical stimulation (ES)-induced penile erection. Materials and Methods: The subjects for this study were 26 young (8-week-old) male C57BL/6J mice. After the cavernous nerve was exposed through a midline stomach incision, 14 mice received ES of the cavernous nerve (ES group), whereas 12 mice did not (control group). Intracavernous pressure (ICP) (consisting of 10 V at a duration of 1 min, frequency of 12 Hz and a pulse width of 1 m/s) was recorded during ES. Immediately after ICP was recorded, penile tissues were harvested for histological and biochemical analysis, including analysis of zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) and intracellular free zinc levels. Results: The expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) in penile tissue was significantly greater in the ES group than in the control group (p=0.036 and 0.016, respectively). And then, ZnT3 and intracellular free zinc were present in the penile tissue of both groups. However, ZnT3 immunofluorescence in the ES group was more intense in the dorsal nerve bundle (22% increase, p=0.032). The ES group also showed higher intensity N-(6-methoxy-8-quinolyl)-para-toluenesulfonamide (TSQ) fluorescence signals indicative of intracellular free zinc level in the penile tissue compared to the control group (49% increase in dorsal nerve bundle, p=0.001; 50% increase in corpus cavernosum, p=0.001). Conclusions: The results of the study supported the expression and distribution of free zinc in penile tissue and increased levels after penile erection. Therefore, this study provides anatomical evidence for the potential role of free zinc in penile erection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-high molecular weight polypropylene (UHMWPP), with a molecular weight of more than 106 g/mol, is expected to have superior properties, such as high mechanical strength, high thermal properties, high chemical resistance and outstanding tribological properties. However, UHMWPP has a very poor processability due to its high melt viscosity. Therefore, we aimed to improve processability of UHMWPP by blending it with a low molecular weight polypropylene (LMWPP). We attempted to improve the interfacial miscibility and intermolecular entanglement of the UHMWPP/LMWPP system by using a kneader machine. The addition of LMWPP tended to change the mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of the blend system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among biodegradable polymers, polylactides (PLAs) have attracted considerable interest because the monomer can be produced from renewable resources. Since their initial degradability strongly affects commercial application fields, it is necessary to manage the degradation properties of PLAs to make them more commercially attractive. To control their degradability, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) copolymers of glycolide and isomer lactides (LAs) were synthesized, and their enzymatic and alkaline degradation rates of PLGA monolayers as functions of glycolide acid (GA) composition were systematically investigated by the Langmuir technique. The results showed that the alkaline and enzymatic degradations of PLGA monolayers were faster than those of l-polylactide (l-PLA), even though proteinase K is selectively effective in the l-lactide (l-LA) unit. Alkaline hydrolysis was strongly affected by their hydrophilicity, while the surface pressure of monolayers for enzymatic degradations was a major factor.

A rapid method for obtaining group B streptococcus (GBS) screening results has been required in the obstetric field. We aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay is acceptable compared to the existing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The study involved 527 pregnant women aged 19 to 44 years. Rectovaginal swabs were collected between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation or prior to impending preterm births or term labor without GBS screening. We presented the diagnostic performance of the LAMP assay with a 95% confidence interval (CI) compared to the PCR and microbiological culture. In total, 115 (21.8%), 115 (21.8%) and 23 (4.4%) patients showed positive results using the LAMP, PCR assay and microbiological culture method, respectively. The LAMP assay showed 100% sensitivity (95% CI, 96.8–100.0), 100% specificity (95% CI, 99.1–100.0) and 100% diagnostic accuracy (95% CI, 99.3–100.0) with the reference being the PCR assay. Meanwhile, the LAMP assay showed 87.0% sensitivity (95% CI, 71.0–100.0), 81.2% specificity (95% CI, 77.6–84.7), and 81.4% diagnostic accuracy (95% CI, 78.0–84.8) with the microbiological culture as a reference. This study presented the LAMP assay as an acceptable method for GBS screening with a similar performance to the existing PCR method.

Investigates supramolecular honeycomb by self-assembly of molecular rods in rod-coil molecule. Creation of supramolecular architectures with well-defined shapes and functions; Self-organization of molecules through noncovalent forces including hydrophobic and hydrophilic effects, electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding.