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To compare the effectiveness and safety of flexible ureteroscopy and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal calculi 2 cm and perform subgroup analysis of stone length and age. Patients received mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy or flexible ureteroscopy in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from 2016.01 to 2021.03 with renal calculi 2 cm were retrospectively analyzed. Propensity score matching was performed to get comparable patients. The postoperative hospital days, operation time, complication rate, and stone free rate were compared. The age and stone length were analyzed by subgroup. 162 in 313 patients were finally included. Each group had 81 cases. Outcomes such as intraoperative transfusion, stone free rate show no difference either. Flexible ureteroscopy had shorter postoperative hospital days (3.2 days vs 7.2 days, P 0.001) and fewer complications (9, 11.1% vs 25, 30.9%, P = 0.002) compared to mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The postoperative hospital days, and complication of the flexible ureteroscopy were significantly lower than those in the mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal stones ≤ 2.5 cm; when the stone length 2.5 cm, the stone free rate of flexible ureteroscopy was lower than that of the mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy group, but not statistically significant. The complications of flexible ureteroscopy in the young group (18-39 years old) were significantly lower than those in the mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy group. For 2-2.5 cm renal stones, flexible ureteroscopy can achieve a similar stone free rate with shorter hospital stay, and lower complications. For larger stones, flexible ureteroscopy performed poorly. Flexible ureteroscopy may be a better option for younger patients with fewer complications.

Bladder cancer is the most common malignant urinary system tumor. Chemotherapy is frequently used as a treatment regimen for patients with bladder cancer, however, new and effective drugs for bladder cancer need to be developed. The present study examined the effects and mechanisms of Ag-SP-DNC, a silver and singly-protonated dehydronorcantharidin complex, on bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo. It was identified that Ag-SP-DNC suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in bladder cancer cells in vitro, a suppression associated with G0/G1 phase arrest and elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Furthermore, Ag-SP-DNC enhanced the cleaved caspase-3 levels, disrupted the mitochondrial transmembrane potential balance, and induced intracellular calcium overload. The Ag-SP-DNC-induced bladder cancer cell apoptosis was significantly decreased following treatment with a broad caspase inhibitor, zVAD-fmk. In addition, treatment of MB49 tumor-bearing mice with Ag-SP-DNC significantly inhibited tumor growth and decreased the anti-apoptosis and cell cycle promotion protein levels in the tumor. The results of the present study suggested that Ag-SP-DNC elicits a strong anticancer effect against bladder cancer, and can therefore be used as a promising treatment for bladder cancer.

High mortality is associated with exclusively metastasis within the peritoneal cavity among patients with epithelial ovarian cancer that is the most lethal gynecologic cancer. There is an unmet need to develop more effective therapies to prevent metastasis of peritoneal cancer. Multicellular spheroid formation, during which cancer cells migrate and adhere to tumor-associated macrophages, is a critical step of ovarian cancer metastasis. Here, we showed that vitamin C inhibited spheroid formation and metastasis in ID8 ovarian cancer-bearing mice. We further found that vitamin C treatment decreased the levels of M2 macrophages in tumor nodules and suppressed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In vitro studies revealed that vitamin C inhibited proliferation, arrested cell cycle, attenuated migration, and prevented the spheroid formation of ID8 ovarian cancer cells. Vitamin C induced apoptosis of ID8 cells, which was confirmed by membrane potential collapse, cytosolic calcium overload, ATP depletion, and caspase-3 activation in vitamin C-treated cells. Intriguingly, vitamin C treatment caused striking morphological change and apoptosis of macrophages. The presented proof of concept study strategically identifies new anticancer mechanisms of vitamin C.

Objectives To investigate the expression of amyloid precursor protein in bladder cancer, and to study its role in malignant bladder cancer cell behaviors. Methods Immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis were used to detect the amyloid precursor protein level in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. The effect of amyloid precursor protein on bladder cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle was evaluated by using small interfering ribonucleic acid. The levels of RAS, RAF, MEK, phosphorylated MEK, extracellular regulated protein kinases, phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinases, protein kinase B and phosphorylated protein kinase B were determined by western blot after amyloid precursor protein knockdown. The effect of amyloid precursor protein on the extracellular regulated protein kinases pathway was further evaluated using extracellular regulated protein kinases pathway agonist, ceramide C6. Results The expression of amyloid precursor protein was significantly increased in the human bladder cancer tissues compared with matched normal bladder tissues. The overexpression of amyloid precursor protein was significantly associated with tumor stage, tumor size, histological grade and lymph node metastasis. The proliferation, migration and invasion of human bladder cancer cells were significantly inhibited by the silencing of amyloid precursor protein. In addition, knockdown of amyloid precursor protein arrested the cell cycle progression of bladder cancer cells in the G2/M phase. Mechanistic analysis showed that knockdown of amyloid precursor protein significantly decreased the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases. Ceramide C6 could rescue the malignant bladder cancer cell behaviors inhibited by the silencing of amyloid precursor protein. Conclusions Amyloid precursor protein is upregulated in bladder cancer, and might be closely associated with bladder cancer cell growth and survival. Amyloid precursor protein could potentially be used as a therapeutic target for bladder cancer treatment.

The etiology of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is still unknown. Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been shown to play an important role in the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Here, we investigated the expression and function of GM-CSF in patients with CP/CPPS and in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP). GM-CSF mRNA levels were detected in expressed prostatic secretions samples from patients with CP/CPPS and in prostate tissue from a mouse model of EAP. The expression of GM-CSF receptor in mouse prostate and dorsal root ganglia were determined using PCR and immunohistochemistry. Behavioral testing and inflammation scoring were performed to evaluate the role of GM-CSF in disease development and symptom severity of EAP using GM-CSF knockout mice. mRNA levels of putative nociceptive and inflammatory markers were measured in the prostate after the induction of EAP. Elevated GM-CSF mRNA levels were observed in expressed prostatic secretions samples from patients with CP/CPPS compared with healthy volunteers. GM-CSF mRNA was also significantly increased in prostate tissue of the EAP mice model. The expression of GM-CSF receptors was confirmed in mouse prostate and dorsal root ganglia. GM-CSF knockout mice showed fewer Infiltrating leukocytes and pain symptoms after the induction of EAP. Deletion of GM-CSF significantly diminished EAP-induced increases of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3, and nerve growth factor mRNA expression. The results indicated that GM-CSF plays a functional role in the pathogenesis of EAP. GM-CSF may function as a signaling mediator for both inflammation and pain transduction in CP/CPPS.

Multiple primary cancer (MPC) is relatively rare. With the development of diagnostic and anti-cancer therapeutic techniques, the incidence of MPC is rising annually. However, the incidence of triple or quadruple cancers in a single patient remains low. In this report, the case of a 58-year-old male with triple malignant cancer is outlined. Synchronous sigmoid colon cancer and thyroid cancer were diagnosed in May 2015; on subsequent re-examination, metastasis to the liver and a malignant kidney tumor were also identified. The diagnosis was established via computed tomography (CT), Positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) and other laboratory examination results, including analysis of tumor markers and liver function, and was confirmed by pathological diagnosis. The patient underwent radical surgery and standardized chemotherapy. Through literature review, the definition, characteristics, classification, incidence, possible causes of and treatment strategies for MPC were more clearly understood. In addition, immunohistochemical staining of integrin αvβ6 was performed on patient tissue specimens, where integrin αvβ6 expression was confirmed in cancer of the colon, thyroid and liver, as a result of colonic metastasis. Therefore, the involvement of integrin αvβ6 in the malignant progression of MPC was hypothesized, which may aid the investigation of MPC etiology in the future.

There is controversy regarding the predicting value of preoperative urine culture for post-percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) infection. The purpose of our study was to re-evaluate the importance of preoperative urine culture for developing post-PCNL systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in China. A total of 303 patients undergone PCNL from March 2012 to January 2018 were recruited. Urine tests, urine cultures and the perioperative data were prospectively recorded and analyzed. 95 patients (31.4%) were identified with positive preoperative urine cultures. Female patients had significantly higher rate of urine cultures positivity than that in male patients (42.9% vs. 21.5%, p

Identifying diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers is crucial for improved guidance of the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Amyloid β precursor-like protein 2 (APLP2) has been determined to serve an important role in the progression of a number of cancer types. However, the expression and significance of APLP2 in RCC remains unknown. In the present study, it was determined that the expression of APLP2 protein (n=10) and mRNA (n=8) expression was significantly decreased in clear cell RCC (CCRCC) tissues compared with that in matched normal renal tissues. The expression level of APLP2 was significantly associated with high Fuhrman grade, high pT stage, and presence of distant metastasis and lymph node metastasis (P

Primary human keratinocytes isolated from fresh skin tissues and their expansion in vitro have been widely used for laboratory research and for clinical applications. The conventional isolation method of human keratinocytes involves a two-step sequential enzymatic digestion procedure, which has been proven to be inefficient in generating primary cells from adult tissues due to the low cell recovery rate and reduced cell viability. We recently reported an advanced method to isolate human primary epidermal progenitor cells from skin tissues that utilizes the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 in the medium. Compared with the traditional protocol, this new method is simpler, easier, and less time-consuming, and increases epithelial stem cell yield and enhances their stem cell characteristics. Moreover, the new methodology does not require the separation of the epidermis from the dermis, and, therefore, is suitable for isolating cells from different types of adult tissues. This new isolation method overcomes the major shortcomings of conventional methods and is more suitable for producing large numbers of epidermal cells with high potency both for laboratory and for clinical applications. Here, we describe the new method in detail.

Background Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) are rare disorders associated with malignant tumours, which are triggered by autoimmune reactions. Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is the PNS type most commonly associated with ovarian and breast cancer. Two bladder cancers manifesting in PCD were previously reported. However, the cancers in these cases had poor outcomes. Case presentation Here, we present a 68-year old man with history of high-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. The patient suffered from persistent cerebellar ataxia accompanied by bladder cancer recurrence five months after transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBt). Laboratory screening for the specific antibodies of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes revealed no positive results. Symptoms were not remitted after a 7-day-course of high-dose glucocorticoid therapy. To our surprise, the patient recovered fully after laparoscopic radical cystectomy. Postoperative pathology revealed that surgical specimens were urothelial carcinoma in situ (CIS) and squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder. The patient remained asymptomatic and there was no evidence of recurrence after the followup period of 11 months. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the third report of PCD in a patient with bladder cancer. This case showed that tumour resection cured the PCD. To assist clinical evaluation and management, literature regarding basic PNS characteristics and bladder cancers was reviewed.

Background and objectives The c-Met proto-oncogene pathway plays an important role in the progression of various cancers. However, the effect of the c-Met pathway on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains controversial. We decided to clarify the role of c-Met in prognosis and clinicopathology of RCC. Methods A total of 10 pairs of tumour and adjacent tissues were obtained from patients with primary RCC between 2013 and 2014 and tissue microarrays to assess c-Met expression in tumour tissues from 90 patients with RCC by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. We also presented a meta-analysis to explore the correlation between c-Met and pathological grade and stage of RCC. The two-tailed Pearson’s χ 2 and Fischer exact tests were used to compare categorical variables. Multivariate analysis was performed using the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Results C-Met protein levels were increased in 8 of 10 RCC tissue samples compared with their adjacent normal tissue and c-Met expression levels were positively associated with a high nuclear grade ( P = 0.008) and pT stage ( P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that a high expression of c-Met was an independent predictor of disease-specific survival ( P = 0.017). A meta-analysis found that increased c-Met expression in RCC tissues was closely correlated with high tumour grade ( P P = 0.001). Most importantly, c-Met expression was significantly correlated with disease-specific survival ( P Conclusions Because c-Met is strongly associated with pathological grade, stage and disease-specific survival, c-Met levels may have potential to predict patient prognosis and to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Objective Comparison of partial nephrectomy and radiofrequency ablation in small renal tumors Methods We searched through the major medical databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Science Citation Index, Web of Science and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI) and Database of Chinese Ministry of Science & Technology (Wanfang) for all published studies without any limit on language until May 2015. The following search terms were used: partial nephrectomy, radiofrequency ablation, renal cell carcinoma, small renal tumor or mass. Furthermore, additional related studies were manually searched in the reference lists of all published reviews and retrieved articles. Results In this meta-analysis, there are not statistically differences between groups in 5y-DFS, recurrence rate and complications between RFA and PN. However, RFA has a lower rate of percentage change of decease rate in GFR than PN in terms of short-mediate follow-up time. Ultimately, the role of RFA and PN for small renal tumor remains to be defined and, ideally, this novel approach should be compared with PN in a well-designed, large, prospective, randomized and matched study before gaining wider acceptance. Conclusions In this meta-analysis, there are not statistically differences between groups in 5y-DFS, recurrence rate and complications between RFA and PN. However, RFA has a lower rate of percentage change of decease rate in GFR than PN in terms of short-mediate follow-up time. Ultimately, the role of RFA and PN for small renal tumor remains to be defined and, ideally, this novel approach should be compared with PN in a well-designed, large, prospective, randomized and matched study before gaining wider acceptance.

Lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) is a prevalent sexual dysfunction among men, while its precise pathologic mechanisms have remained poorly understood.In our study, the correlation between excitability of bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR) to stimulation of the prostatic urethra and LPE was studied.Twenty normal potent male volunteers and 42 patients with LPE were studied by inserting a specially designed Foley catheter with two electrodes mounted on its distal surface (intraurethral catheter electrode) into bladder to evoke the BCR to stimulation of prostatic urethra. Also, sensitivity of glans penis to electrical stimulation was detected by two surface electrodes.Sensory thresholds of BCR to stimulation of prostatic urethra, thresholds to evoke stable BCR, latencies of BCR, and sensory thresholds of glans penis to electrical stimulation.The mean sensory thresholds of BCR to stimulation of prostatic urethra, thresholds to evoke stable BCR, latencies of BCR, and sensory thresholds of glans penis were 12.38±3.71 mA (0.2 ms in duration, 1 Hz), 23.81±5.55 mA (0.2 ms, 1 Hz), 70.48±6.33 ms, and 11.89±2.26 mA (0.04 ms in duration,3 Hz) in the patients with LPE, respectively, and were 18.20±2.68 mA (0.2 ms, 1 Hz), 34.76 ± 4.15 mA (0.2 ms, 1 Hz), 71.20±5.77 ms, and 14.16±1.94 mA (0.04 ms, 3 Hz) in the normal potent men, respectively (mean±SD). Statistically significant differences were seen regarding the sensory thresholds of BCR to stimulation of prostatic urethra, the thresholds to evoke stable BCR and the sensory thresholds of glans penis between the two groups (P0.001). No statistically significant differences were seen regarding the latencies of BCR between the two groups (P0.05).Patients with LPE might have hyperexcitable BCR to stimulation of prostatic urethra, which is probably one of the important factors for its etiology.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the process of tumor development and the possibility of MSCs differentiating into vascular endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment. Material and Methods: Twenty male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups: a test group and a control group. MSCs were isolated and cultured by bone marrow cell adherence. The bladder tumor models were built by embedding a VX2 mass in swelled bladder mucosa in all of the rabbits (n = 20). One week later, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole-labeling MSCs were transplanted into tumor tissue in the test group (n = 10). Culture medium was injected into the tumor tissue of the control group (n = 10). The maximum diameter of the tumor mass was measured by ultrasound at 2 and 4 weeks after the VX2 tumor mass was embedded. All animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks. The double labeling immunofluorescence for CD146 was performed to reveal whether engrafted cells can differentiate into vascular endothelial cells. Vascular density was compared between the 2 groups. Results: There was no significant difference in the maximum diameters of the tumor masses between the 2 groups at 2 weeks (test group 0.77 ± 0.15 cm vs. control group 0.71 ± 0.15 cm, p > 0.05). The maximum diameters appeared larger in the test group at 4 weeks (test group 3.82 ± 0.94 cm vs. control group 2.28 ± 0.54 cm, p < 0.05). Immunofluorescence studies revealed some engrafted MSCs expressing a vascular endothelial cell phenotype (CD146). Furthermore, vascular density was augmented in the test group in comparison to the control group (10.1 ± 0.70/0.2 mm2 vs. 8.24 ± 0.81/0.2 mm2, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Engrafted MSCs can differentiate into vascular endothelial cells and contribute to angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment, which may be the major pathway of promoting tumor growth.

Background MicroRNA-222 (miR-222) has been shown to play a potential oncogenic role in bladder cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of miR-222 in bladder cancer and its potential relevance to clinicopathological characteristics and patient survival. Methods Surgical specimens of cancer tissue and adjacent normal tissue were obtained from 97 patients with bladder cancer. The relative expression levels of miR-222 in the cancer and the normal adjacent tissue were measured by quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR. We analyzed their correlation with clinicopathological parameters and prognostic value. Results The expression level of miR-222 was significantly higher in tumor tissues than in corresponding non-cancerous tissues (5.46 ± 1.45 versus 1.92 ± 0.65, P